The first week of the NFL season is in the books and it's always interesting to see if and how well rookies adjust and do in their first true professional games. During the weekend we had quite a few first year players stand out and helping their team with outstanding performances, not only putting a smile on the GM's face but also hope in the eyes of their fans. Here's a list of some of the top rookie performers in week one. Others played well, too, of course but these guys clearly stood out in their professional debuts.
Tracy Porter (CB, Saints) - It was an emotional game once again for the Saints and in the end Reggie Bush proved to be the hero with a long TD reception. But quietly the former Indiana standout Tracy Porter had an exceptional game at cornerback, breaking up three passes and looking more than ready for the professional game. He was matched up with the bigger Antonio Bryant for most of the day and did a great job of limiting Tampa Bay's free agent aquisition. Porter was solid in run support and he kept pace with his assignments, leading to some impressive plays in coverage. He might be a shot in the arm for the notoriously bad Saints' secondary.
Matt Forte (RB, Bears) - Many considered Forte to be a rather solid pick for Chicago and rather unspectacular. His performance in the Bears' upset against the Indiananapolis Colts was far from that though. A star at Tulane, the second round pick sliced through the speedy Colts' defense for 123 yards on 23 carries, including an impressive 50 yard touchdown run to get the night started on the right track for his team. Forte showed nifty feet, a strong forward push and the speed to hit the hole hard. He also couldn't be thrown off by a hard hit of Colts' safety Bob Sanders, showing a great deal of toughness for a rookie runner. After Cedric Benson's departure, the Bears appear to have found their running back of the future.
Dwight Lowery (CB, Jets) - The fourth rounder got plugged into Gang Green's starting lineup against Miami due to the injury to Justin Miller and it appears that he found a home right there. The San Jose State product showed great awareness all day long, being aggressive in run support and strong in coverage. He broke up two crucial Chad Pennington passes on third and fourth down to key a big stop for the much improved Jets defense. Lowery never really looked like a rookie out on the field despite numerous tries by the Dolphins to pick on the 22-year old. Lowery looks to be an absolute steal for New York in the fourth round and actually appears to be the solution for the number two cornerback spot opposite Darrelle Revis.
Eddie Royal (WR, Broncos) - Brandon Marshall out? No problem for Mike Shanahan's team. In their opening day massacre of the Oakland Raiders, the former Hokie Eddie Royal displayed an impressive arsenal of moves and routes on his way to a formidable rookie debut. Royal, a second round pick, exploded for 146 yards on nine catches, including the Denver's first touchdown of the season with a 26 yard grab early in the first quarter. The speedy Royal showed great chemistry with his quarterback Jay Cutler and was impressive changing directions and finding holes in the Oakland secondary. Quick off the snap, elusive and with a great pair of hands - Royal looks like a perfect fit for Shanahan's offense.
Ryan Clady (OT, Broncos) - This isnt Boise State anymore, big fella, and you won't face the Hawaiis and other WAC competition anymore. Ok, the Raiders might also have trouble in any college conference right now but nonetheless, Ryan Clady had a very impressive debut for the Broncos. The 6-6, 325 pound Clady started at left tackle for the Broncos and did an outstanding job in both pass protection and run blocking. He looked quick on his feet, featured a solid push up front and basically never had his name called during the game, which is the ultimate compliment for an offensive lineman. Mike Shanahan though will know what he has in Clady, the 12th overall pick in the draft. If Clady can keep this up and develop, the Broncos might look at their franchise tackle for the next decade.
Chris Johnson (RB, Titans) - The story in Tennessee was the quarterback controversy surrounding the once again awful Vince Young, who now is sidelined for about four weeks and fearing to lose his job to Kerry Collins. Almost forgotten in the Titans' opening win against the injury-depleted Jacksonville Jaguars was the tremendous performance of first year runner Chris Johnson. The freakish athlete with his 4.2 speed didn't wait long to show the NFL how dangerous a weapon he can be, rushing for 93 yards on only 15 carries and adding 34 yards and a TD through the air. With their QB situation in shambles, the Titans will rely on the spectacular Johnson even more in the upcoming weeks as they look to make a serious push to the top of the division.
Antoine Cason (CB, Chargers) - Just like his cornerback buddies Porter and Lowery, Cason had an impressive first showing on the big stage, looking like anything but a deer in the headlights. The former Arizona All American came up with 6 tackles, defended a pass and forced a fumble for San Diego, who lost on a last second TD toss by Jake Delhomme. For a contender like the Chargers, a seasoned and experienced rookie like Cason can prove to be gold on their long way to the Super Bowl.
Jerod Mayo (LB, Patriots) - It wasn't a good day for New England Patriots fans on Sunday. As we all know, superstar quarterback Tom Brady injured his knee against the Kansas City Chiefs and is out for the season. Despite that gigantic loss, the Patriots appear to have found a young stud to strengthen their aging linebacker corps. Mayo, the 7th pick out of Tennessee, showed good closing burst, moved well around the field and was aggressive up the field. He finished with six solo tackles and looks to be counted on even heavier in the near future as the Patriots have to make sure to find other ways to win.
DeSean Jackson (WR, Eagles) - Too small, weak frame, only a specialist... whatever was said about DeSean Jackson before the draft, the speedy receiver out of California did everything to shut his critics up in week one. Connecting with Donovan McNabb for 6 receptions and 106 yards, the former Cal Bear had an impressive debut for the Eagles in their rout of the terrible St. Louis Rams. Jackson's speed is out of this world and he looks a lot more polished as a receiver as many thought before the draft.
Tracy Porter (CB, Saints) - It was an emotional game once again for the Saints and in the end Reggie Bush proved to be the hero with a long TD reception. But quietly the former Indiana standout Tracy Porter had an exceptional game at cornerback, breaking up three passes and looking more than ready for the professional game. He was matched up with the bigger Antonio Bryant for most of the day and did a great job of limiting Tampa Bay's free agent aquisition. Porter was solid in run support and he kept pace with his assignments, leading to some impressive plays in coverage. He might be a shot in the arm for the notoriously bad Saints' secondary.
Matt Forte (RB, Bears) - Many considered Forte to be a rather solid pick for Chicago and rather unspectacular. His performance in the Bears' upset against the Indiananapolis Colts was far from that though. A star at Tulane, the second round pick sliced through the speedy Colts' defense for 123 yards on 23 carries, including an impressive 50 yard touchdown run to get the night started on the right track for his team. Forte showed nifty feet, a strong forward push and the speed to hit the hole hard. He also couldn't be thrown off by a hard hit of Colts' safety Bob Sanders, showing a great deal of toughness for a rookie runner. After Cedric Benson's departure, the Bears appear to have found their running back of the future.
Dwight Lowery (CB, Jets) - The fourth rounder got plugged into Gang Green's starting lineup against Miami due to the injury to Justin Miller and it appears that he found a home right there. The San Jose State product showed great awareness all day long, being aggressive in run support and strong in coverage. He broke up two crucial Chad Pennington passes on third and fourth down to key a big stop for the much improved Jets defense. Lowery never really looked like a rookie out on the field despite numerous tries by the Dolphins to pick on the 22-year old. Lowery looks to be an absolute steal for New York in the fourth round and actually appears to be the solution for the number two cornerback spot opposite Darrelle Revis.
Eddie Royal (WR, Broncos) - Brandon Marshall out? No problem for Mike Shanahan's team. In their opening day massacre of the Oakland Raiders, the former Hokie Eddie Royal displayed an impressive arsenal of moves and routes on his way to a formidable rookie debut. Royal, a second round pick, exploded for 146 yards on nine catches, including the Denver's first touchdown of the season with a 26 yard grab early in the first quarter. The speedy Royal showed great chemistry with his quarterback Jay Cutler and was impressive changing directions and finding holes in the Oakland secondary. Quick off the snap, elusive and with a great pair of hands - Royal looks like a perfect fit for Shanahan's offense.
Ryan Clady (OT, Broncos) - This isnt Boise State anymore, big fella, and you won't face the Hawaiis and other WAC competition anymore. Ok, the Raiders might also have trouble in any college conference right now but nonetheless, Ryan Clady had a very impressive debut for the Broncos. The 6-6, 325 pound Clady started at left tackle for the Broncos and did an outstanding job in both pass protection and run blocking. He looked quick on his feet, featured a solid push up front and basically never had his name called during the game, which is the ultimate compliment for an offensive lineman. Mike Shanahan though will know what he has in Clady, the 12th overall pick in the draft. If Clady can keep this up and develop, the Broncos might look at their franchise tackle for the next decade.
Chris Johnson (RB, Titans) - The story in Tennessee was the quarterback controversy surrounding the once again awful Vince Young, who now is sidelined for about four weeks and fearing to lose his job to Kerry Collins. Almost forgotten in the Titans' opening win against the injury-depleted Jacksonville Jaguars was the tremendous performance of first year runner Chris Johnson. The freakish athlete with his 4.2 speed didn't wait long to show the NFL how dangerous a weapon he can be, rushing for 93 yards on only 15 carries and adding 34 yards and a TD through the air. With their QB situation in shambles, the Titans will rely on the spectacular Johnson even more in the upcoming weeks as they look to make a serious push to the top of the division.
Antoine Cason (CB, Chargers) - Just like his cornerback buddies Porter and Lowery, Cason had an impressive first showing on the big stage, looking like anything but a deer in the headlights. The former Arizona All American came up with 6 tackles, defended a pass and forced a fumble for San Diego, who lost on a last second TD toss by Jake Delhomme. For a contender like the Chargers, a seasoned and experienced rookie like Cason can prove to be gold on their long way to the Super Bowl.
Jerod Mayo (LB, Patriots) - It wasn't a good day for New England Patriots fans on Sunday. As we all know, superstar quarterback Tom Brady injured his knee against the Kansas City Chiefs and is out for the season. Despite that gigantic loss, the Patriots appear to have found a young stud to strengthen their aging linebacker corps. Mayo, the 7th pick out of Tennessee, showed good closing burst, moved well around the field and was aggressive up the field. He finished with six solo tackles and looks to be counted on even heavier in the near future as the Patriots have to make sure to find other ways to win.
DeSean Jackson (WR, Eagles) - Too small, weak frame, only a specialist... whatever was said about DeSean Jackson before the draft, the speedy receiver out of California did everything to shut his critics up in week one. Connecting with Donovan McNabb for 6 receptions and 106 yards, the former Cal Bear had an impressive debut for the Eagles in their rout of the terrible St. Louis Rams. Jackson's speed is out of this world and he looks a lot more polished as a receiver as many thought before the draft.
No comments:
Post a Comment