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Welcome to the first edition of “On the Rise, On the Fall.” Throughout the season, I will discuss players whose stock is rising and others who are not having the same luck. I will avoid naming the obvious studs – Drew Brees, Brian Westbrook, etc – and will keep to players whose performance was not as foreseeable. Keep in mind that there has only been one week of play and do not over exaggerate. It’s a long season. With that in mind, let’s review some players from Week 1:
On the Rise
Jake Delhomme, QB, Panthers
: No Steve Smith, no problem for Delhomme in Week 1. There were some questions regarding the health of Delhomme entering the season after he underwent surgery last year. He answered some of those questions Sunday, leading the Panthers to a hard-fought road victory in
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans
: This man was getting a lot of love in the preseason, but who expected this type of opener from the rookie against one of the toughest defenses in the league? He started the game and carried the ball 15 times for 93 yards. In addition, he caught three balls for 34 yards and a TD. As a guy drafted later in your draft, he could emerge as a starter for your team as the season continues. He faces the Bengals in Week 2 and that has to get your blood flowing.
Patrick Crayton, WR, Cowboys
: Not a big name, but he is the clear #2 WR in
Buffalo
Bills, D/ST
: The Bills went under the radar this offseason with #4 signing in