Matt Forte
Matt Forte The NFL announced the finalists for Rookie of the week honors for games played September 4th through the 8th. Among the nominees were; Joe Flacco, QB, Baltimore Ravens, Matt Forte, RB, Chicago Bears, Eddie Royal, WR, Denver Broncos, Chris Johnson, RB, Tennessee Titans and Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons.

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco went 15-for-29 for 129 yards in Baltimore's 17-10 victory over division rival Cincinnati Bengals. Flacco did not throw for a touchdown, but he did run for a 38-yard score in the third quarter. Most importantly to coaches he did not turn the ball over and played mistake-free football in his debut.

Chicago's second round pick Matt Forte rushed for 123 yards on 23 carries in the Bears win over the Colts on Sunday night in front of a national audience. Forte scored a rushing touchdown and also catch three passes for 18 yards, spoiling
the Colt's first game at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson had 93 yards rushing and 34 more yards receiving along with one touchdown. The 24th overall pick in this years draft was the Titans leading rusher in their upset win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Atlanta Falcons new quarterback Matt Ryan did not put up great numbers, but he managed the game well throwing for 161 yards on 9 completions in the Falcons 34-21 victory over the Lions. Ryan became the first NFL QB in eight years to throw his first pass for a touchdown. Michael Jenkins caught a 62-yard strike from Ryan in the first quarter.

With Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall suspended for the opener, Eddie Royal seized his opportunity to play. Royal hauled in a 26-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler in the first quarter. The Broncos second round pick caught 9 passes for 146 yards in Denver's blow-out win over the Raiders.