2016 NFL Season: Five Week 2 Breakout Players

Week one might not have gone as planned for some of these players, but they could be poised for breakouts in week two of this 2016 NFL season.

Jeremy Langford vs. Eagles

The Bears had really hoped to run the ball more than 20 times in Houston but a variety of factors prevented than from happening. Rest assured they’ll work to do that on Monday Night and the Eagles defense may be a generous bunch in that regard. Though they won last week, their poor effort stopping the run was glossed over. Cleveland averaged a healthy 5.7 yards per carry against them. That bodes well for Jeremy Langford who found little room in Houston.

Coby Fleener vs. Giants

While things were improved from a year ago for the Giants defense, they once again showed a certain vulnerability in the middle of the field against tight ends. Jason Witten caught nine passes against them for 66 yards with a rookie quarterback. Coby Fleener must be anxious to hear that after a very quiet debut in week one with just one catch for six yards. Expect the Saints and Drew Brees to get him involved early.

Andre Johnson vs. Lions

The Detroit Lions defense is a well-coached unit, but this isn’t the talented bunch they had a few years ago. Holes have begun to appear, particularly in the secondary. Andrew Luck proved that in week one (385 yards, four TDs). Marcus Mariota played a tough Vikings team his first week back, but this is a chance to get things going and a veteran receiver like Andre Johnson is just the man to provide the spark. He may not be the player he was, but Johnson has enough gas in the tank to torch a weak pass defense.

Rashad Jennings vs. Saints

While Fleener may be anxious to face the Giants defense, veteran Giants running back Rashad Jennings can say the same about the Saints defense. They allowed 167 yards on the ground against Oakland for a whopping 6.4 yards per carry. Everybody knew New Orleans was iffy on defense but that’s bad. Jennings had a solid game in Dallas. New York tried the aerial circus last time and still lost. Maybe this time they’ll try controlling the clock.

Jacksonville Jaguars defense vs. Chargers

Facing Aaron Rodgers in the first game of the year is never the best way to test how good a completely revamped defense is. The Jacksonville Jaguars know they have a very young unit with heaps of talent but need more time to gel. They could take advantage of a situation in San Diego where the Chargers just lost their best offensive weapon in receiver Keenan Allen. It presents a major opportunity for a young unit to gain a big confidence boost.

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