The Rookie Report: Week 5
by Luke Paul Chandler
The Texans’ Steve Slaton and Duane Brown have made a big impact on the Texans running attack in 2008; also, see which NFC East rookie defensive backs stood out.
The season is starting to gain some life, and trends are appearing. While some rookies were hot early, some others are starting to show that their slow starts were just a warmup. The hot story early on was the running backs, but the best have started to slow. New names such as Tim Hightower are starting to make noise as backups. Each week brings new names, and there is still two-thirds of the season left to go.
Last Week’s Matchups
Dexter Jackson, WR, Buccaneers vs Brett Kern, P, Broncos - Jackson was a non-factor as a punt return specialist this week. He had a total of four returns for 19 yards. Jackson is not playing naturally, and he has struggled against pro coverage units.
Keith Rivers, OLB, Bengals vs Dallas Cowboys Offense - On a day where the lead bounced around, Rivers played sound football. He was strong against the run and took on the Cowboys’ Marion Barber, who never gained solid yardage against Rivers. Rivers was also able to force a fumble and intercept a Tony Romo pass intended for Jason Witten. That interception was eventually converted into a Bengals field goal that brought the game within one point. He limited his mistakes against a complex Cowboys passing attack and started to show the playmaking flair he had at Southern California.
Brian Witherspoon, DB, Jaguars, vs Pittsburgh Steelers Special Teams - The Jaguars undrafted gem had a solid day against the Steelers, including taking some kicks that easily could have been fair catches in the end zone. He had a long return of 40 yards, but the team’s sluggish offense was unable to capitalize on his returns.
16 carries, 93 yards, 2 TD; 1 reception, 3 yards
In what is a star-studded group of running backs, Slaton is becoming the elite big-play back. His two-touchdown performance against the Colts showed his ability to break a big play and to be a dangerous all-purpose weapon. Slaton’s vision and footwork have stood out in the Texans’ zone-based running scheme. He has shown good patience and trust in his blockers. Slaton’s value as a blocker is starting to show also
Best of the Rest
2. Duane Brown, OT, Texans - Both of Slaton’s touchdown runs were to the left side, where Brown was doing a solid job all day against a weaker Colts defensive line. His one blemish was allowing a sack to Dwight Freeney.
3. Tim Hightower, RB, Cardinals - The best short-yardage back in the league right now is Hightower. He racked up two more rushing touchdowns against the Bills, giving him a total of five on the year. The question is whether the Cardinals will start to give him the ball more, or will they keep him in a limited role?
Defensive Rookie of the Week - Kenny Phillips, Chris Horton, Orlando Scandrick, Quentin Groves,
The active Horton has quietly been the biggest steal of the draft so far, coming in the seventh round from UCLA. He has started the past two games in place of the injured Reed Doughty, and he should continue to hold on to that role once Doughty returns. Horton plays both the run and the pass well. He can quickly assess passing plays, and he has the range to cover either the deep middle or to attack the line of scrimmage. In particular, Horton does a good job covering the flat, and he was able to stop the Eagles quick-strike passing offense from producing much yardage after the catch.
Best of the Rest
2. Orlando Scandrick, CB, Cowboys - Stepping in for a beaten up secondary, Scandrick played steady ball. He was quick to react and near the ball.
3. Kenny Phillips, FS, Giants - While currently a second-team player, Phillips is getting extensive action in the Giants base defense. He has responded well and played the run well against the Seahawks. He can be slow to react, like on Julius Jones’ 13-yard reception in the second quarter, but once he commits to the ball carrier, he takes few false steps.
Special Teams Rookie of the Week -DeSean Jackson, Maurice Leggett, Jolonn Dunbar, Erin Henderson
The only word that can describe Jackson’s 68-yard punt return for a touchdown this week is “electrifying.” On a play where he looked to have nothing, Jackson was able to cut back across the grain and find a crease in the coverage unit and take it to the house. Jackson’s ability to change direction and reverse the field so quickly makes him a dangerous weapon on plays where he is given room to run. With this return, he was able to gain so much speed when cutting back across the field, once he dedicated himself to a running lane he was gone.
Best of the Rest
2. Erin Henderson, OLB, Vikings - Henderson played well on coverage units, totaling three special teams tackles against the dangerous Saints ground game. Henderson has the speed and quickness to be an effective force on kick coverage.
3. Maurice Leggett, CB, Chiefs - As the Chiefs continue to explore their rookie options in the return game, Leggett stepped up against the Panthers and had a nice 30-yard return. Leggett has a small frame and average speed, but he showed good awareness on his return. He could be another Kansas City rookie to watch for in the coming weeks.
Philip Merling, RDE, Dolphins vs Duane Brown, OLT, Texans
While the two may only face each other on passing downs this week, it should make for a solid matchup. Brown has been slow to pick up rushers so far in Houston, and he has a tendency to get to high in his stance, then lunge at the defender. Merling has started to take reps away from Vonnie Holliday on passing downs, and he has earned the praise of head coach Tony Sparano. Merling is learning new pass rush techniques and moves, and he should be able to get after Texans quarterback Matt Schaub with ease.
Tough Assignment
Quentin Groves, LDE, Jaguars vs Denver Broncos Offensive line
Groves has played sparingly in the season, but he is starting to get more snaps on passing downs. He is going up against a tough Denver offensive line which features the outstanding tackle play of rookie Ryan Clady on the left and second-year veteran Ryan Harris on the right. They are giving quarterback Jay Cutler ample amounts of time in the pocket. If Groves stays at his natural left end spot, he will have a difficult matchup with Harris, who’s an athletic pass protector with good wingspan. Groves is quick off the snap, but he can be neutralized once the blocker engages him.
Notes
Two third-round receivers saw their first live game action this week, the Giants’ Mario Manningham and Cardinals’ Early Doucet. Manningham had one catch for six yards, while Doucet averaged six yards per catch on seven catches … Saints rookie cornerback Tracy Porter is out for the year after dislocating his wrist against the Vikings on Monday night. Porter had an up-and-down rookie year but was starting to look more comfortable … Keep an eye on Carl Nicks’ development in New Orleans, he could end up keeping the starting left guard job when Jamar Nesbit returns from suspension … Has Eddie Royal hit the wall in Denver? He lit up two bad secondaries in Oakland and Kansas City for 100-yard games but struggled against zone coverage teams such as the Buccaneers … Kevin Smith needs to get moving, and taking on the vaunted Minnesota run defense this week isn’t the place to get started … Jerod Mayo is the linebacker on everyone’s mind in New England, but watch for Gary Guyton, who is getting more reps inside with Mayo.
Contact Luke at Luke@newerascouting.com.