NFL Week 2: Sammy Watkins, 5 rookies to watch

By Evan Massey | Sep 13, 2014

Sep 7, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (13) reacts and smiles after he catches the ball for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Carolina Panthers defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 7, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Terrance West (28) runs the ball past Pittsburgh Steelers defenders during the second half at Heinz Field. Pittsburgh won the game, 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Terrance West, Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns signed former Houston Texans’ running back Ben Tate this past offseason to be their featured back, but he suffered an injury last week that will keep him out for a few weeks. Rookie Terrance West will step into the starting job in his absence, and showed last week that he is more than capable of making a big difference. West was one of the more underrated selection in the draft, but the Browns knew that they were getting a special piece.

West carried the football 16 times for 100 yards in the Browns’ furious comeback attempt that came up just short against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1. He showed the ability to get free and wreak havoc in the open field, and also was a power back at times. The Browns will be relying heavily on West to take pressure off of the passing game, but he will be facing a very tough New Orleans Saints defense.

Expect to see another good outing from West, and for him to solidify his name among the NFL’s most intriguing rookies. He is playing for more than just statistics while Tate is hurt, and is trying to steal the starting spot away from him. Cleveland is going to establish the ground game early and often, and West will have every opportunity to come through with a big game once again.

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