NFL Rookie Report Week 2

The NFL season continues and the first year players continue to make an impression on the big stage. Some more, some less. Let's take a look at some of the best rookie performances this weekend and what it might mean for their future roles.

PASS RUSHERS:
Some of the highly touted pass rushers have taken a step forward this weekend and don't have to wait for their first NFL sack anymore. Quentin Groves had a good showing for the Jacksonville Jaguars as he recorded 3 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. It looks like the speedy Groves can give the Jaguars' defensive line another much needed dimension. Even though Chris Long might have the same potential for the Rams, what does it matter?! The St. Louis defense is so bad that even good performances by Long tend to get overlooked. He also recorded his first professional sack and added 3 tackles against the New York Giants. Up in Seattle former USC star Lawrence Jackson is making a name for himself. Even though his Seahawks have a boatload of problems early on, Jackson looks like the solution at DE opposite of Patrick Kerney. He enjoys single coverage opposite the pro bowler and turned it into 2 sacks and 4 tackles on Sunday. Other notable rookie pass rushers like Vernon Gholston (Jets) or Derrick Harvey (Jaguars) are struggling to find their place right now. Both though entered the Draft after their junior year and have time to develop.

RUNNING BACKS:
The game? Ugly as hell. The teams? Not what you would call NFL elite. Darren McFadden's performance? Spectacular! McFadden rushed 21 times for 164 yards and a TD. D-Mac shows an incredible burst when he hits the hole or bounces runs to the outside. He also fumbled which should be watched closely in the upcoming weeks as ball security was a problem for him at Arkansas. In Tennessee the Titans officials have found their own explosive runner in Chris Johnson. He is showing tremendous vision and balance paired with an out of this world speed. Johnson torched a miserable Bengals defense for 109 yards on 19 carries. Jonathan Stewart for the Panthers managed to impress with even fewer carries. He rushed 14 times for 77 yards but the numbers don't tell the whole story. He was the sparkplug in Carolina's comeback win against the Chicago Bears. The bulky Stewart hammered right into the heart of the Bears defense and scored two crucial touchdowns. He will earn more carries as the season goes on, there's no doubt about it.


Matt Forte already has secured his heavy dose of carries for Chicago. Though overshadowed by Stewart's heroics, he was very solid once again, finishing with 93 yards on 23 carries. He also added 3 receptions for 21 yards, showing off his versatility and balance in the open field.
Dallas rookie Felix Jones managed to impress in an area other than rushing behind the offensive line. Though drafted as a running back, the speedy Jones made his presence felt on Monday NIght in the return game. Almost 250 return yards including a sparkling 98 yard touchdown return gave Jones his role in the offensive spectacle between the Cowboys and the Eagles.

RECEIVERS:
Even though he made a boneheaded play at the goal... ehh one yard line, DeSean Jackson continues to shut up critics who questioned his size and his pro potential. Blessed with outstanding speed, nifty moves and the arm of Donovan McNabb, Jackson cracked the 100-yard plateau for the second time in as many games. Not as flashy and not quite as impressive numbers-wise was tight end John Carlson. With 6 recpetions for 78 yards, Carlson has finally filled the long vacated tight end spot in Seattle and he should stay a big part of the Seahawks offense in the upcoming weeks.
After his tremendous showing on Monday Night last week, you almost had to be dissapointed with the Broncos' Eddie Royal. The tiny receiver collected "only" 37 yards on 5 recpetions, but didn't fail to take a crack at the hero's role once again. After a questionable call to set up Denver's last minute touchdown, Jay Cutler found Royal in the endzone for the successful two point conversion. Gutsy call by coach Mike Shanahan, but such plays seem to become business as usual for his rookie Royal. Highly touted tight end Dustin Keller had his first reception for the New York Jets and should see more playing time in the upcoming weeks. He could be a shot in the arm for the Jets receiving corps as he gives them a different dimension with his size and athletic ability.

LINEBACKERS & DEFENSIVE BACKS:
Even though they both aren't playing for tremendous defensive teams, Curtis Lofton (Falcons) and Keith Rivers (Bengals) are making their presence felt early on. Lofton is a quick and speedy tackling maschine and excels in flying to the ball. Against Tampa Bay he finished with 5 solo tackles and 3 assists. Keith Rivers showed his solid technique and his versatility on Sunday on his way to 4 tackles and 4 assists against Tennessee. He will have many more chances to show his tackling prowess given the overall shaky Cincinnati defense. Philipp Wheeler for the Colts didn't have a spectacular game with 2 tackles and one assist, but he helped to tighten up the middle in the second half for Indianapolis against Minnesota. As a quick and mobile linebacker, Wheeler figures to see more and more playing time to keep the Colts' undersized linebacking corps fresh throughout the game. Jerod Mayo led New England in tackles at the Meadowlands, giving the aging Patriots' linebackers a much needed blend of youth. He will have to continue his performances to keep this group at the top of their game.
It has been a terrible start for the San Diego Chargers, yet rookie cornerback Antoine Cason doesn't deserve any of the blame. He is very active and is slowly but surely becoming a big playmaker for the Bolts. Against Denver he had 1 interception and defended 2 passes and he looks like a vital part of a strong San Diego cornerback group. Even though he will struggle with playing time next to Nnamdi Asomugha and DeAngelo Hall, rookie corner Tyvon Branch looks like a good pickup for the Raiders. Always around the ball, he had an interception and a pass defended in Oakland's win at Arrowhead Stadium. Last week's top performers, the Jets' Dwight Lowery and New Orleans' Tracy Porter, started once again. Lowery was solid and while Porter finished with 8 tackles, he struggled with the Redskins' experienced receiving corps. In the same game another star might have been born in Redskins' safety Chris Horton. The former UCLA Bruin intercepted two passes and recovered a fumble in Washington's home opener. He deservingly got the NFC Defensive Player Of The Week Award. Not bad for your first NFL start...