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SALT LAKE CITY — Former University of Utah star and current NFL rookie, Devontae Booker didn’t impress in the season opener against Carolina.
Things started off rough for Booker from his first NFL carry. He followed his blockers and made it one yard before getting hit hard by Panther’s Luke Kuechly, a linebacker who’s considered one of the best in the league. Kuechly and veteran defensive end Charles Johnson both went for the ball and ripped it out, causing Booker’s first carry in the NFL to end in a fumble.
Booker had another carry that ended in a one-yard gain with another hit from Kuechly. Booker also found some life in a solid six-yard carry. However, the fumble likely contributed to Booker only receiving three carries all game.
Booker was likely kept sidelined because of the terrific show starter C.J. Anderson put on. Anderson had 20 carries for 92 yards and added four receptions for 47 yards, scoring two of the Broncos’ three touchdowns. Anderson looked like a star Thursday night, consistently breaking off big plays and averaging 4.6 yards per carry.
Fellow rookie Andy Janovich, fullback from Nebraska, only received one carry during the game, but it went for a touchdown after Panther’s Bene' Benwikere ran right past Janovich, giving him a huge hole and an easy touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, Star Lotulelei, another former Utah player, made his mark on the game. Lotulelei didn’t have any tackles, but he did tip a screen pass that his teammate Thomas Davis intercepted. It was the first of two interceptions the Panthers would get during the game.
Other former Utah players in the game were Paul Soliai and Jared Norris for Caroline. Soliai saw the field but didn’t record any stats. Norris was active, but got no playing time. Former Utah State player Tyler Larsen was also active for the Panther, but like Norris did not see the field.
Booker may have had a rough start to his NFL career, but the Panthers were the fourth best team against the run last season. The Broncos next opponent, the Indianapolis Colts, were ranked 25th in that same category last season. The arrow is still pointing up for the Utah product, even if the beginning of the road was a rocky one.
