The Rookie Report: Week 9
by Dave Gardner
Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco led an impressive group of offensive rookies in Week 9.
Rookie quarterbacks were in the spotlight this week. Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco both led their teams to victories on Sunday, and they each threw a pair of touchdowns along the way. Ryan has looked like an All-Pro since the first pass of his NFL career (which was a touchdown to Roddy White), but Flacco has progressed more slowly. He has cut down on interceptions and shown more mobility in the pocket, though, and he looks like he is ready to lead the Ravens into the postseason hunt during the second half of the season. Ryan and the Falcons are in the thick of the NFC South Division Title, but it will be difficult to beat out the Buccaneers and the Panthers. Regardless of playoff appearances, both quarterbacks have given their teams ample hope for the future.
Offensive Rookie of Week
Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons
17-22, 220 yards, 2 touchdown, 0 interceptions
The rookie sensation proved that he is better in his first year than last year’s top pick, JaMarcus Russell is in his second year. Ryan topped 100 in the passer rating category for the fourth time this season, finishing with a near-perfect 138.4. This game was especially important for Ryan because he has struggled with accuracy, completing just 58 percent of his throws. It’s the only glaring weakness in his solid game so far, as he has shown the ability to fit the ball into tight windows, a nice touch on deep passes, and a great ability to lead receivers.
Best of the Rest
2. Ray Rice, RB, Ravens – The Browns were leading this game in the third quarter, but the Ravens never abandoned their ground game: Rice had 97 of his 154 yards in the second half. Rice’s ability to grind out the clock at the end of the game made it easy on fellow rookie quarterback, Joe Flacco.
3. Joe Flacco, QB, Ravens. The Browns secondary isn’t one of the best ones in the league, and Joe Flacco took advantage. After a rough first five games of his career, Flacco has turned a corner in his last three. He hasn’t thrown an interception, and he looks much more comfortable in the pocket.
Defensive Rookie of the Week
Jerod Mayo, LB, Patriots
8 tackles, 5 solo
Jerod Mayo was part of a fantastic losing effort on defense, leading the team in tackles. He and his fellow linebackers were able to hold the Colts’ backs in check with just a 2.2 yards per carry average. Mayo has excellent speed, which is not a luxury that Belichick has had in previous years. He makes quick reads and attacks the ball aggressively.
Best of the Rest
2. Curtis Lofton, LB, Falcons – Lofton, who looked like the best linebacker in the draft class before Mayo exploded, is continuing his impressive performances against the run. He is a sound tackler and is shows outstanding gap discipline for a rookie.
3. Antonio Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Cardinals – The Cardinals only allowed one big play in the passing game Sunday, and that was opposite of Rodgers-Cromartie. He is reacting quickly to receivers and has been willing and capable in run support.
Special Teams Rookie of the Week
Dan Carptenter, K, Miami Dolphins
Carpenter, who beat out veteran Jay Feely in the preseason, had an impressive game Sunday. He connected on all four of his field goals, including a 47-yarder, and had two touchbacks. Carpenter doesn’t have the strongest leg in the league, but he is accurate and reliable.
Rookie on Rookie
Donnie Avery, WR, Rams vs. Dwight Lowery, CB, Jets
Many cornerbacks in the league might be aware of the name Donnie Avery, but the ones who have played him this season have seen it on the back of his jersey as he streaks by them. He is averaging 15.8 yards a reception, and he has really improved in his route running during the last few weeks. Lowery, who wasn’t expected to be a starter for the Jets in the preseason, has started every game. He has played well, but he doesn’t get his hands on the ball nearly enough and can’t play on an island. It’s likely that the Jets will roll a safety over the speedy Avery, but he should be able to take advantage of this matchup during much of the game.
Tough Assignment
Branden Albert, LT, Chiefs vs. Julius Peppers, RDE, Panthers
Albert has played remarkably well at left tackle for the Chiefs. He was projected as a guard by many, but he has had no trouble fitting in on the outside in the NFL. Unfortunately for him, he is playing against one of the premier pass rushers in the league Sunday, Julius Peppers. Albert generally plays better by using force rather than defending speed, but Peppers is the complete package at defensive end. He should show Albert a few things he hasn’t seen before and get the better end of this mismatch.
Got a question or comment? Contact Dave and theconstantgardner@newerascouting.com