Stud: Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints
While Brees is certainly in no risk of losing his job, it was still great to see the 36-year-old shine on Saturday, with questions about his declining ability. He completed eight-of-10 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns, which doesn't even account for Brandon Coleman's dropped touchdown when the Saints were in the red zone. New Orleans should remain focused on running the ball more this season, which should take pressure off Brees and allow him to have a strong year.
Dud: Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett, Quarterbacks, Houston Texans
Bill O'Brien has not named a starting quarterback yet and for good reason, neither Mallett nor Hoyer have done anything positive in game action to prove they should be the Texans' starting quarterback in Week 1. On Saturday against the Denver Broncos, Hoyer completed seven-of-11 passes for 52 yards, 4.7 yards per attempt. When Hoyer left the field, Mallett took things a step further in the wrong direction, completing five-of-seven passes for 23 yards, an ugly 3.3 yards per attempt. Houston is already without star running back Arian Foster and if the quarterbacks continue to play at this level, it will be a five or six win season, no matter how good the defense is.
Dud: Cam Newton, Quarterback, Carolina Panthers
Newton finds himself on this list for two reasons, one of which is just to note his prognosis for the upcoming season. He completed just four-of-10 passes for 42 yards and an interception, often not having time to sort through his reads and not having very appealing, trusted receivers to throw to. Now with Ryan Kalil suffering a knee injury, though the severity isn't known, Newton is left with one of the worst offensive lines in football, the worst receiving corps and a coaching staff that hasn't done enough to scheme this offense around Newton. There seems little doubt that Newton will be labeled a "dud" all season, but in large part it will be because of the horrific circumstances around him.
Stud: David Johnson, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Bruce Arians described Johnson's play well, making sure to give the rookie some fair constructive criticism and praising what he did well. Johnson's first three carries combined for six yards, then we saw him unleash what made many so high on the rookie running back. Johnson's next eight carries went for 60 yards and he added 15 receiving yards for good measure. Johnson was already recognized for his third-down abilities but on Saturday he showed patience, a nice stiff arm and the ability to quickly find a lane and burst through it. We may quickly find that Chris Johnson's stay with the Cardinals is short and Arians will opt to run with Andre Ellington and Johnson.
Stud: Jeremy Langford, Running Back, Chicago Bears
After a disappointing preseason debut where he totaled just one rushing yard on four carries, Langford's vision was on display Saturday. The rookie out of Michigan State knew when to burst through the hole, ripping off into the second level and fighting off blocks. He finished with nine carries for 80 rushing yards and a touchdown, including a 46-yard run and punching it in from the goal line. While Matt Forte is the clear workhorse, Langford can use this time to show why he should have a major role beyond 2016.
Dud: LeGarrette Blount, Running Back, New England Patriots
After missing the preseason opener with a knee injury and facing a Week 1 suspension, Blount really could have used a strong start to give the Patriots confidence he could be their early-down running back this season. While he could very well still be shaking off the rust from missed reps and recovering from the knee injury, a 12-carry, 15-yard performance leaves a lot to be desired. His role on this team may be of little doubt and it's far too early to panic over one preseason game, but if the struggles linger into the season, New England could opt to throw a lot more on early downs.
Stud: Brandin Cooks, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
Profiled as a major fantasy breakout candidate weeks prior, the steam started to cool down on the Cooks' wagon as more moved on to lesser-known names and elevated their stock. Cooks stock has cooled a bit, but it will likely be on the rise again after a four-catch, 117-yard performance against the New England Patriots. Cooks had two short receptions, making the cut and separating from coverage. Working the short to intermediate game is huge for Cooks if he wants to become a reception monster, but he also beat the Patriots deep for a 46-yard touchdown and a 36-yard catch. His name will be on the rise again this week as a potential breakout player.