Last week, we highlighted four players that looked impressive on game tape during the season opener. Let's take a look at four more players we are excited to watch this week after catching our eye on Game Rewind in Week 2:
1. Jason Hatcher, Redskins: Listed atop several "worst contract" lists this offseason, Hatcher has keyed a turnaround for a Redskins defense that currently ranks No. 1 in Football Outsiders' metrics. Now that safety Bacarri Rambo has been cut after misplaying a pair of long scores, no player on the roster has allowed a touchdown this season.
The transition from 4-3 three-technique tackle to 3-4 defensive end doesn't always go smoothly, but Hatcher and Jurrell Casey of the Titans have been two of the most dominant defensive linemen in the league through two games. Already holding Chip Kelly's offense hostage for quarters at a time, Nick Foles will have his hands full against an improved 'Skins pass rush that sacked Chad Henne 10 times and hit him eight more.
2. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys: Fumbles aside, no running back has looked better than Murray through two weeks. Going back to the start of last season, he leads all starters in yards per carry.
3. Jonathan Stewart, Panthers: Stewart's paltry per-carry average of 2.4 yards is misleading. His 17 forced missed tackles are tied with Murray for the most in the NFL, per Pro Football Focus. They are both on pace for 50 more than Marshawn Lynch forced last season. Stewart's breakout game will come once the offensive line starts opening holes. That could happen Sunday against a 30th-ranked Steelers run defense.
4. Sammy Watkins, Bills: The hotshot rookie's Week 2 stat line of 8/117/1 could have easily been 10/172/3. Dolphins cornerback Brent Grimes barely got his hand on a perfectly thrown bomb that would have gone for a 45-yard touchdown. Later in the game, EJ Manuel missed an open Watkins on a post pattern for a potential 20-yard touchdown. If we're lucky, we'll see Watkins matched up against Chargers first-round rookie Jason Verrett who has been as billed so far.
The latest Around The League Podcast breaks down the latest on Adrian Peterson and continues the search for this year's "Team Of ATL."
