1. Cam Newton – Newton silenced all critics Week 1 of the season with a 422 yard 3 touchdown performance. Not too shabby for this rookie’s NFL debut especially when many people questioned if he even had the tools to be a passer in this league. Since then we’ve only been witnessing what many are speculating to be the best rookie season from a QB ever. He has made the Panthers competitive and has looked good doing it. He gets it done through the air but can also hurt you with his legs. Newton has earned the top spot on my list.
2. Andy Dalton – Another rookie quarterback with a great Rookie of the Year campaign. Dalton has revitalized and brought hope back to Cincinnati. Dalton has led the Bengals to a 6-3 start while in the AFC North, one of the toughest divisions in football. He has thrown for over 1,800 yards, and has 14 touchdowns with just 9 interceptions earning him a rating of 82.6. Not bad for a rookie taken in the second round!
3. DeMarco Murray – Steal of the draft without question. The 7th selection in the 3rd round has exploded onto the scene and been the key ingredient in the Cowboys turnaround. He has rushed for 674 yards while averaging 6.7 yards per attempt. His good vision combined with speed reminds me a lot of the Arian Foster mold.
4. A.J. Green – Ochocinco who? A.J. Green has made Bengal fans forget about Ochocino. He is the best rookie WR of the draft. He is leading rookie receivers in all categories with 41 receptions, 6 touchdowns, and 635 yards. He is the favorite target for fellow rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and a big reason the Bengals have turned it around.
5. Patrick Peterson – He has been an absolute game changer and is flat out electrifying. He has returned 3 punts for touchdowns in 9 games. He has pulled down 2 interceptions, deflected 8 passes, and racked up 38 tackles.
Von Miller needs to be in this discussion especially after last night. Every year we see guys coming out of college that are this hybrid speed rushing linebacker type that cannot adjust to the NFL (Maybin, Hughes, Gholdson). Miller has more than just adjusted. He is playing every down and is not only seventh in the league in sacks but he only trails Woodley and Ware in sacks by linebackers.
ReplyDeleteHe is having a very good season and I can understand the argument for more recognition especially after last night. This is his official Honorable Mention!
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with Mark about Von Miller. He needs to be on this list. I guess you should eventually separate offensive and defensive rookies. And, IMO, even though I understand QBS are what they are, I would rank AJ Green over (or tied with) Andy Dalton. He is having the best rookie wide receiver season I've seen since Randy Moss. No Green = No Dalton the way I see it.
ReplyDeleteAll your analysis is def on point though.
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