Week 1 Donruss Highlight Reel
September 09, 2008

Each week, Donruss.com will highlight the breakout performances of the NFL weekend, recapping who's hot to help you decide whose cardboard to collect.

Donruss.com IS your one-stop shop for collecting tips and rookie statistics. Check out the Playoff Contenders Rookie Leaderboard - the only place to see full statistics of this year's NFL Draft class. This year, the Leaderboard is brought to you by Playoff Contenders - "The Home of the Autographed Rookie Card!"

LEGENDARY CONTENDERS

DONOVAN McNABB, QB - Philadelphia Eagles (361 Passing Yards, 3 Touchdowns)
Card to Grab - 1999 Playoff Contenders #153

The Eagles just might be the ones to challenge the Cowboys for the NFC title. Sports Illustrated picked them to win the Super Bowl and after a dominate 38-3 win over the Rams, more might be jumping on the bandwagon. McNabb lead the way, hitting three different receivers for over 100 yards, the first Eagle to do so since the '60s.

MICHAEL TURNER, RB - Atlanta Falcons (220 Rushing Yards, 2 Touchdowns)
Card to Grab - 2004 Playoff Contenders #160

Matt Ryan wasn't the only one making his Falcons debut, so was the newly acquired Michael Turner. The former Chargers running back lead the charge with over 200 yards rushing, as Atlanta took down the Lions 34-21.

ROOKIE ROLL CALL

MATT FORTE, RB - Chicago Bears (123 Rushing Yards, 1 Touchdown)
Cards to Grab - Playoff Prestige #178, Donruss Elite #125, Donruss Classics #224, Score Select #365, Donruss Threads #261, Playoff Absolute #278

Forte was given the starting running back role right out of the gate and took full advantage of it against the Colts. On just his fourth NFL touch, he rushed for a 50-yard touchdown, giving the Bears a 7-3 lead. The former Tulane runner finished the day with 123 yards and the Bears finished with a 29-13 upset.

EDDIE ROYAL, WR - Denver Broncos (146 Receiving Yards, 1 Touchdown)
Cards to Grab - Playoff Prestige #136, Donruss Elite #157, Donruss Classics #191, Score Select #364, Donruss Threads #255, Playoff Absolute #277

The Broncos rookie wideout played like a veteran on Monday Night Football. With Brandon Marshall out, Royal saw some extra playing time and on the opening drive, caught the games first TD, a 26-yard strike from Jay Cutler. Royal finished the game with nine catches for 146 yards.

ONES TO WATCH

MATT CASSEL, QB - New England Patriots
Cards to Grab - 2005 Playoff Contenders Rookie Ticket #190

With Tom Brady on the shelf for the year, the Patriots turn to Matt Cassel to lead the charge. With targets like Moss and Welker, he has the chance to answer the call and become, well, the next Tom Brady.

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