Week 1 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars
Tight End: Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons
Austin Hooper, TE, Atlanta Falcons
2 Receptions, 128 Yards, 2 Targets, 2 Touchdowns
Performance: 93, NEP: +11.89
No position underperformed in Week 1 like the tight ends, with notable duds from top-end guys like Rob Gronkowski, Jordan Reed, Greg Olsen, Travis Kelce and Jimmy Graham. But popular breakout candidate Austin Hooper was terrific in his limited role for the defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons, catching both of his targets for 128 yards and a touchdown. His Performance Rating of 93 led all tight ends, with Zach Ertz being the closest to him at just 75.
He posted a Receiving NEP of 11.89 and practically saved the Falcons from an embarrassing loss to the Chicago Bears with his heroic effort. Granted, he was completely wide open on both of his catches, but he demonstrated perhaps the most violent stiff arm in the league yesterday, fighting his way through defenders to get in the end zone on his 88-yard touchdown reception.
That Austin Hooper stiff arm though. 😱😱😱pic.twitter.com/jrpnhReyQ6
— Faux NFL Network™ (@FauxNFLnetwork) September 10, 2017
While his overall volume of just two targets and the nature of those plays (busted coverages) make this performance a bit of fool's gold, the impact he made on his teams chances to win were impressive. And perhaps his success earns him a larger role in the offense moving forward. If he can find his way to increased targets in what was one of the best offenses in NFL history a year ago, he could have the breakout season so many were hoping for.
Best of the Rest
| Tight Ends | Rec | Rec Yards | Tgts | Rec TDs | Performance | Total NEP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Ertz | 8 | 93 | 8 | 0 | 75 | 8.52 |
| Jesse James | 6 | 41 | 8 | 2 | 63 | 8.08 |
| Delanie Walker | 7 | 76 | 9 | 0 | 45 | 6.50 |
| Coby Fleener | 5 | 54 | 6 | 1 | 51 | 5.41 |
| Charles Clay | 4 | 53 | 9 | 1 | 50 | 5.36 |
