With week one in the books for the NFL, here’s a look at how some former A&M players did in their season debuts.
Johnny Manziel:
Seeing the field wasn’t expected for Manziel going into the Browns season opener against the Jets this past Sunday, but that’s exactly what happened. After starting quarterback Josh McCown went down late in the first quarter with a concussion attempting a head-first dive into the end zone, head coach Mike Pettine called on No. 2 to step in the game.
Hearing boos from the Jets faithful, Manziel started fast out of the gate, hitting speedy Travis Benjamin for a 54-yard touchdown catch that ended up being the Browns only touchdown of the game. Manziel finished the game 13-for-24 for 182 passing yards and a touchdown along with three costly turnovers. The Jets went on to dispatch the Browns 31-10 in Todd Bowles’ first victory as a head coach.
If Josh McCown cannot pass the mandated concussion protocol test by Friday, expect Manziel to get the start at home against last year’s Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee Titans.
Ryan Tannehill:
Tannehill and the Miami Dolphins got off to a good start for the 2015 season by coming from behind to beat the Redskins 17-10 on the road. A Jarvis Landry punt return for a touchdown put the Dolphins ahead for good, and Tannehill went 22-for-34 on the day with a touchdown to Rishard Matthews. The Dolphins will look to go 2-0 on the season when they host the struggling Jaguars in Miami Sunday.
Mike Evans:
Evans had to delay his opener as he was held out of the lineup with a hamstring strain in the Bucs 42-14 loss at home to the Titans. Evans will look to get back to action quickly to provide young rookie Jameis Winston another big receiver to link up with. The Bucs head to the Superdome to play Drew Brees and the Saints on Sunday.
Martellus Bennett:
The Bears tight end had a solid game against the Packers on Sunday, catching five balls for 55 yards and a touchdown in a 31-23 loss to Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Jay Cutler will look to find Martellus Bennett en route to the Bears first win of the season against Carson Palmer and the Cardinals at home.
