Tennessee football Week 1 NFL recap: Derek Barnett, Ja’Wuan James out for year, Cordarrelle Patterson, Cam Sutton shine

Sep 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James (71) is driven off the field after an injury during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ja'Wuan James (71) is driven off the field after an injury during the first half against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs against New Orleans Saints cornerback Bradley Roby (21) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs against New Orleans Saints cornerback Bradley Roby (21) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Stars of the week

Cordarrelle Patterson – RB – Atlanta Falcons

Ever since joining the Atlanta Falcons, Cordarrelle Patterson, ever the utility player, seemed to be placing a greater emphasis on running the ball. After what he did Sunday, he is officially a running back until further notice. Ironically we go to Tennessee football’s most recent first-round pick after Ja’Wuan James and Derek Barnett here.

Patterson had 22 carries for 120 yards and a touchdown as the Falcons lost 27-26 to the New Orleans Saints. He also had three catches for 16 yards. This was a career high for him in rushing yards and just his third 100-yard game in history. Doing that 10 years in is incredibly impressive and easily makes him a star of the week.

Cameron Sutton – DB – Pittsburgh Steelers

Last year, Cam Sutton emerged as a starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That was after staying with the franchise for four years and mostly riding the bench. He entered this year as a projected starter for the first time in history, and at least through one game, he’s lived up to the hype.

In his team’s 23-20 overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Sutton came away with a key interception. Okay, he was one of four Steelers to get a pick on the day, but it still mattered, and he had two pass deflections and three tackles, two of which were solo.