Buckeyes in the NFL, Week One: No Puedes Parar El Guapo

By Mike Young on September 8, 2014 at 10:10 am
Now NFL defenses know you can't stop Carlos Hyde
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When the 49ers drafted Carlos Hyde, the loaded San Francisco backfield became even more embarrassingly rich with talent.

Colin Kaepernick contributed over 500 yards rushing last season, while Frank Gore rushed for over 1,000. Hyde, selected in the second round, became the third 49ers back drafted within the last three seasons. The two other San Francisco picks at the position, LaMichael James (UPDATE: the 49ers released James today) and Marcus Lattimore, aren't consistent contributors – Lattimore's injuries being the main reason he isn't.

With the steady Gore, an explosive quarterback in Kaepernick and a trio of young, talented running backs – not even including the injured Kendall Hunter – carries aren't easy to find in that backfield. Still, Hyde found a way to crack his way into their rotation.

His seven carries for 50 yards, Sunday, culminated in this:

Carlos Hyde's first NFL touchdown.

At one point during the telecast, FOX analyst Troy Aikman said he talked to 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and asked him, "Is there any situation where you're not comfortable using Carlos Hyde?" Roman's response: "Not one." ¡Vivo El Guapo!

Boone Held Out of Starting Lineup

One man who didn't clear the way for Hyde, Sunday, was guard Alex Boone.

The former Buckeye tackle sat out all of training camp while attempting to renegotiate his contract. Boone ended his holdout last weekend and placed on the active roster, Saturday. Apparently, Michigan Man Jim Harbaugh didn't feel like Boone was prepared enough to start in their opener against the Cowboys. 

Joe Looney started at right guard in his place, while Boone was shamed by the team's official Twitter account when he took part of what was, essentially, a victory formation:

Meanwhile, CBS' Jason LaCanfora reported Boone offered to end his holdout and play next season for $1. Unless someone is trolling LaCanfora, it was, apparently, a serious offer.

Instead, Boone will earn $6 million for the remaining two seasons left on his deal.

"IronHands" Heyward

Browns right tackle Mitchell Schwartz isn't necessarily known for his pass protection prowess – quite the opposite, especially at the beginning of each of his first two seasons in the NFL.

Pittsburgh's Cameron Heyward erupted towards the end of last season and didn't slow down in Week One. Craig "Ironhead" Heyward's son had two tackles for losses, one sack and took advantage of a glitch in Schwartz's blocking: 

Play of the Week

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has this annoying habit of rallying his team from a huge deficit. The most notable occurrence was in last season's wild card win over the Chiefs. 

Sunday, up seven with under two minutes left, Bradley Roby ensured Denver did not end up on this ridiculous list of Luck's double-digit comeback victories by breaking up this fourth down pass:

Just Bradley Roby winning NFL games.

How They Fared in Week One

Player team position stats/Notes
Mike Adams Pittsburgh Steelers OT Listed as the backup right tackle and this is not a compliment
Will Allen Pittsburgh Steelers S Backup free safety, contributed on special teams in win over Browns
Alex Boone San Francisco 49ers OL Did not start in win over Cowboys
Philly Brown Carolina Panthers WR/KR/PR 3 punt returns, 36 yards, 1 tackle on special teams in win over Bucs
Chimdi Chekwa Oakland Raiders CB Inactive in loss to Jets
Kurt Coleman Kansas City Chiefs S Inactive in loss to Titans
Nate Ebner New England Patriots DB/ST 1 tackle and saw more than special teams action in loss to Dolphins
Ted Ginn Jr. Arizona Cardinals WR Plays tonight vs Chargers
Johnathan Hankins New York Giants DT Plays tonight at Lions
Brian Hartline Miami Dolphins WR 2 receptions, 26 yards in win over Patriots
A.J. Hawk Green Bay Packers LB 8 tackles in loss to Seahawks, Thursday
Boom Herron  Indianapolis Colts RB Active and on special teams for loss to Broncos
Cameron Heyward Pittsburgh Steelers DE 4 tackles, 1 sack, 2 tackles for loss in win over Browns
Santonio Holmes Chicago Bears WR 2 receptions, 21 yards in OT loss to Bills, as Bears WR injuries pile up
Carlos Hyde San Francisco 49ers RB 7 carries, 50 yards, 1 touchdown in win over Cowboys
Malcolm Jenkins Philadelphia Eagles S 4 tackles in win over Jaguars and Eagles fans like him. For now.
James Laurinaitis St. Louis Rams LB 5 tackles in an "embarrassing loss" in front of his dad
Corey Linsley Green Bay Packers C His play was one of few positives for Packers in loss to Seahawks
Nick Mangold New York Jets C Jets ran for 212 yards in win over Raiders
Jake McQuaide St. Louis Rams LS Blowout loss to Vikings, but is pleased by the Cincinnati Elder reunion
Jack Mewhort Indianapolis Colts OL Started at left guard, deemed "effective" by Cris Collinsworth
Andrew Norwell Carolina Panthers OL Inactive in win over Bucs
Mike Nugent Cincinnati Bengals K Fueled Bengals victory over Ravens with 5 field goals
DeVier Posey Houston Texans WR Inactive for game, but valuable in preparation for Redskins
Bradley Roby Denver Broncos CB 7 tackles, 3 passes defended in win over Colts
Dane Sanzenbacher Cincinnati Bengals WR Active, but no receptions in win over Ravens
Ryan Shazier Pittsburgh Steelers LB 6 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended in win over Browns
Rob Sims Detroit Lions OG Plays tonight vs Giants
Donte Whitner Cleveland Browns S Led Browns with 13 tackles in loss to Steelers
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