Bengals running back Cedric Benson exploded through the right side of the offensive line scoring on a 39-yard touchdown run giving the Bengals a 10-point lead over Cleveland with 1:49 left in the final quarter. Though Benson's 121 yards rushing and touchdown weren't enough to nominate him for the FedEx Ground Player of the Week, that play was one of three nominated for the GMC Never Say Never Moment of week one.
Unfortunately since Tom Brady threw the football the equivalent of the entire country during the New England Patriot's season opener on Monday Night Football, Benson virtually had no chance to win the AFC Player of the Week award for week one. However he was a nomination, along with Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, Titans receiver Kenny Britt, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, Raiders running back Darren McFadden, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, Chargers running back Mike Tolbert, Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne and Patriots receiver Wes Welker.
Here's this week's players of the week in the NFL.
Offense | Defense | Special Teams | |
AFC | QB Tom Brady | LB Terrell Suggs | K Sebastian Janikowski |
NFC | QB Aaron Rodgers | LB Brian Urlacher | KR-PR Ted Ginn Jr. |