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ROOKIE REPORT
RANKING THE ROOKIES: WEEK 2
BY JOSH NORRIS
September 18, 2019,
1. CARDINALS QB KYLER MURRAY
2019 stats: 57.4 comp % | 657 yards | 2 TDs | 1 INT | 17 rush yards | 100% snaps
Bear with me as I take this section to complain about Kliff Kingsbury. This game was there for the Cardinals to win if the head coach shifted his mentality near the goal line. He was passive, verging on puny. From a coach who wants to be aggressive in the numbers of plays he runs, Kingsbury elected to kick field goals as a massive underdog rather than rely on his quarterback to convert plays in a condensed field.
To drive that home even more, Murray converted two 4th downs at other points in the game... with the composure of a veteran. The first was a keeper off tackle, first down, yet it was called back due to Kingsbury calling a timeout. No problem. On the field, the Ravens showed an all-out blitz. With Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald turning towards their quarterback in apparent confusion, Murray stayed calm and hit Damiere Byrd on the backside for the conversion.
The next step for the team is to eliminate drive destroying snaps. Missed snap counts. Poor communication. Missed play calls. Pointless penalities. Broken plays. These mistakes on early downs kill a drive before they even begin. I know Kyler Murray racked up rushing yards in college, but it does not seem to be a focus in the NFL. He is moving to pass, not running to pick up yards.
2. RAVENS WR MARQUISE BROWN
2019 stats: 18 targets | 12 rec | 233 yards | 2 TDs | 42% snaps
After playing just 14 snaps in a bizarre week one game script, Brown is now entrenched as a full time player to the tune of 13 targets, eight receptions and 86 yards. His speed and style made an impact immediately. On the Ravens’ third snap, Lamar Jackson hit Brown over the middle; gain of 18. Fifth snap was a sprint out on the left side. The next play was a quick screen, basically an extended handoff, from the right slot. The drive ended in a touchdown throw with Brown acting as the misdirection. That’s three different alignments on the first drive. Five targets in the opening two series.
And in a pivotal moment of the Ravens’ win, 3rd & 10, up by six with three minutes remaining, Brown once again was the target Jackson trusted in. With a corner in his left hip pocket, Brown hauled in a bucket catch for a 41-yard gain. Tight coverage, big play, Ravens win. Brown is already among the most electric receivers in the NFL.
3. RAIDERS RB JOSH JACOBS UP 1
2019 stats: 35 carries | 184 yards | 2 TDs | 1 rec | 28 yards | 58% snaps
It’s not a surprise to see Jon Gruden use Josh Jacobs almost exclusively as a single back or behind a fullback with Derek Carr under center. Easily his most memorable play was a 51-yard romp. Jacobs loves to press at his tackle then cut upfield. The blocking on this run was great, as Jacobs first felt contact from an extended defender five yards downfield. He clears it, then ruins the safeties’ angle and also beats that extended tackle attempt. Many backs would settle for the 41-yard run and tiptoe out of bounds. Not Jacobs, as he plows back inside and into the cornerbacks attempting the tackle and carries him for an extra 10 yards.
Through two games it is clear that in order to bring down Josh Jacobs, you need to tackle him flush. He will often create against arm or extended tackles. And while his week 1 highlight catch and run was a bright spot, he was not targeted in the passing game this week.
4. REDSKINS WR TERRY MCLAURIN UP 6
2019 stats: 16 targets | 10 rec | 187 yards | 2 TDs | 91% snaps
Last week I highlighted McLaurin winning small (creating separation and sustaining it) and big (catches through contact with corners in his pocket or at the top of routes). He carried that trait into week 2 and is already emerging as Washington’s best receiver.
Byron Jones shadowed McLaurin, if that’s any indication of the Cowboys respect for the rookie receiver. In that matchup, McLaurin hauled in gains of 20 and 27 yards. He added a 4th & 4 conversion near the goal line and a short field touchdown in garbage time. It’s all extremely impressive.
5. SEAHAWKS WR DK METCALF UP 2
2019 stats: 13 targets | 7 rec | 150 yards | 1 TD | 85% snaps
The Seahawks are using Metcalf exactly how he was used in college: glued to the left side with everything built off the vertical threat. This allows Metcalf wo focus on the same releases. The same routes. The same footwork over and over again.
Most of Metcalf’s targets were of the back shoulder or jump ball variety, which again makes sense; you’re counting on a rare athlete to out-athlete the cornerback. It showed up on his opening target, as Metcalf adjusted at full extension off his back shoulder with the ball nearly skimming the ground. Few humans can make that play.
The Seahawks added a wrinkle, with tight end Will Dissly lining up wide left, shifting Metcalf to the slot. This affords Metcalf more space to operate and perhaps more natural separation. More importantly, vertical shots from the slot are widely underused in the NFL. Metcalf’s 28-yard touchdown actually landed from this alignment.
RANKING THE ROOKIES: WEEK 2
BY JOSH NORRIS
September 18, 2019,
1. CARDINALS QB KYLER MURRAY
2019 stats: 57.4 comp % | 657 yards | 2 TDs | 1 INT | 17 rush yards | 100% snaps
Bear with me as I take this section to complain about Kliff Kingsbury. This game was there for the Cardinals to win if the head coach shifted his mentality near the goal line. He was passive, verging on puny. From a coach who wants to be aggressive in the numbers of plays he runs, Kingsbury elected to kick field goals as a massive underdog rather than rely on his quarterback to convert plays in a condensed field.
To drive that home even more, Murray converted two 4th downs at other points in the game... with the composure of a veteran. The first was a keeper off tackle, first down, yet it was called back due to Kingsbury calling a timeout. No problem. On the field, the Ravens showed an all-out blitz. With Christian Kirk and Larry Fitzgerald turning towards their quarterback in apparent confusion, Murray stayed calm and hit Damiere Byrd on the backside for the conversion.
The next step for the team is to eliminate drive destroying snaps. Missed snap counts. Poor communication. Missed play calls. Pointless penalities. Broken plays. These mistakes on early downs kill a drive before they even begin. I know Kyler Murray racked up rushing yards in college, but it does not seem to be a focus in the NFL. He is moving to pass, not running to pick up yards.
2. RAVENS WR MARQUISE BROWN
2019 stats: 18 targets | 12 rec | 233 yards | 2 TDs | 42% snaps
After playing just 14 snaps in a bizarre week one game script, Brown is now entrenched as a full time player to the tune of 13 targets, eight receptions and 86 yards. His speed and style made an impact immediately. On the Ravens’ third snap, Lamar Jackson hit Brown over the middle; gain of 18. Fifth snap was a sprint out on the left side. The next play was a quick screen, basically an extended handoff, from the right slot. The drive ended in a touchdown throw with Brown acting as the misdirection. That’s three different alignments on the first drive. Five targets in the opening two series.
And in a pivotal moment of the Ravens’ win, 3rd & 10, up by six with three minutes remaining, Brown once again was the target Jackson trusted in. With a corner in his left hip pocket, Brown hauled in a bucket catch for a 41-yard gain. Tight coverage, big play, Ravens win. Brown is already among the most electric receivers in the NFL.
3. RAIDERS RB JOSH JACOBS UP 1
2019 stats: 35 carries | 184 yards | 2 TDs | 1 rec | 28 yards | 58% snaps
It’s not a surprise to see Jon Gruden use Josh Jacobs almost exclusively as a single back or behind a fullback with Derek Carr under center. Easily his most memorable play was a 51-yard romp. Jacobs loves to press at his tackle then cut upfield. The blocking on this run was great, as Jacobs first felt contact from an extended defender five yards downfield. He clears it, then ruins the safeties’ angle and also beats that extended tackle attempt. Many backs would settle for the 41-yard run and tiptoe out of bounds. Not Jacobs, as he plows back inside and into the cornerbacks attempting the tackle and carries him for an extra 10 yards.
Through two games it is clear that in order to bring down Josh Jacobs, you need to tackle him flush. He will often create against arm or extended tackles. And while his week 1 highlight catch and run was a bright spot, he was not targeted in the passing game this week.
4. REDSKINS WR TERRY MCLAURIN UP 6
2019 stats: 16 targets | 10 rec | 187 yards | 2 TDs | 91% snaps
Last week I highlighted McLaurin winning small (creating separation and sustaining it) and big (catches through contact with corners in his pocket or at the top of routes). He carried that trait into week 2 and is already emerging as Washington’s best receiver.
Byron Jones shadowed McLaurin, if that’s any indication of the Cowboys respect for the rookie receiver. In that matchup, McLaurin hauled in gains of 20 and 27 yards. He added a 4th & 4 conversion near the goal line and a short field touchdown in garbage time. It’s all extremely impressive.
5. SEAHAWKS WR DK METCALF UP 2
2019 stats: 13 targets | 7 rec | 150 yards | 1 TD | 85% snaps
The Seahawks are using Metcalf exactly how he was used in college: glued to the left side with everything built off the vertical threat. This allows Metcalf wo focus on the same releases. The same routes. The same footwork over and over again.
Most of Metcalf’s targets were of the back shoulder or jump ball variety, which again makes sense; you’re counting on a rare athlete to out-athlete the cornerback. It showed up on his opening target, as Metcalf adjusted at full extension off his back shoulder with the ball nearly skimming the ground. Few humans can make that play.
The Seahawks added a wrinkle, with tight end Will Dissly lining up wide left, shifting Metcalf to the slot. This affords Metcalf more space to operate and perhaps more natural separation. More importantly, vertical shots from the slot are widely underused in the NFL. Metcalf’s 28-yard touchdown actually landed from this alignment.
6. LIONS TE T.J. HOCKENSON DOWN 3
2019 stats: 12 targets | 7 rec | 138 yards | 1 TD | 74% snaps
Hockeson dropped from nine targets to three targets in the second game of the season. While not totally his fault, it is fair to wonder if week 1’s game against the Cardinals will be Hockenson’s easiest and most favorable of the season. Despite being a rookie, Hock apparently went to Matthew Stafford on the sideline and stated “I can beat him, come to me.” Bold, rookie. I love it.
7. BEARS RB DAVID MONTGOMERY UP 4
2019 stats: 24 carries | 80 yards | 1 TD | 2 rec | 33 yards | 41% snaps
Nice hesitation cuts at the line of scrimmage to create on his own. Presses, forces edge to work in, then jump cuts out.
After seeing fewer snaps in Week 1 than Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis, David Montgomery led the team in backfield touches with 19. It was a clear objective by the coaching staff: get Montgomery more involved. The chunk gains were not there, as Montgomery was often limited to three or five yard gains. Yet even on those short runs, he is creating on his own. He loves the jump cut, pressing inside, even against unblocked edge players, then pushed it outside in a flash. Plus, he has five carries inside of the 10-yard line through two games. More touchdowns are on the way. Matt Nagy wants his backs to feel comfortable with one route, and so far it’s vertical for Montgomery. Two such targets in two games.
8. JAGUARS QB GARDNER MINSHEW
2019 stats: 77.6 comp % | 488 yards | 3 TDs | 1 INT | 62 rush yards | 91% snaps
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Minshew, a sixth-round rookie who got little run during the draft process, thrust into the starting job in the season opener. With all of that in mind, Minshew is play outstanding football. The issue: there are peaks and valleys in each game. You can see Minshew thinking on the field. He’ll make multiple pumps, changing his mind on the fly, which leads to holding the football for too long and limited play success. Yet when his back is against the wall, Minshew shines. In that hurry up, panicky pace, Minshew led the team down the field with only a two-point conversion standing in their way for a victory. It was a mix of throws and scrambles. He’s entertaining, and sometimes that’s all supporters can ask for.
9. CHIEFS WR MECOLE HARDMAN UP 2
2019 stats: 7 targets | 4 rec | 61 yards | 1 TD | 76% snaps
The Chiefs continue to replace Tyreek Hill with surprising ease. Hardman played the majority of week 1 without the production to show for it. The Chiefs tried to get him involved much earlier against the Raiders, first with an outside breaking route downfield from a tight alignment. That was followed by a tunnel screen, a manufactured touch, later in the first quarter. Then the second quarter struck. From a slot alignment, Hardman split the safety and corner for a 42-yard touchdown. Easy speed, perfect throw. Then in the third quarter from a similar alignment, Hardman scores a 72-yard score, this one called back for a holding penalty.
One was a 3rd & 20. One was a 3rd & 14. If there is a miscommunication by the secondary, Hardman and Mahomes can capitalize.
10. BILLS RB DEVIN SINGLETARY DOWN 5
2019 stats: 10 carries | 127 yards | 1 TD | 5 rec | 28 yards | 50% snaps
Singletary’s usage dipped in this game and he also suffered a left hamstring injury that could keep him out for a bit of time. Still, in limited opportunities, Singletary showcased his fluid movement and hit an impressive back juke against Jabrill Peppers in the open the field, the kind we all tried in Madden as a kid.
Honorable Mention: 49ers WR Deebo Samuel, Eagles RB Miles Sanders, Vikings RB Alexander Mattison, Titans WR A.J. Brown, Cowboys RB Tony Pollard.
2019 stats: 12 targets | 7 rec | 138 yards | 1 TD | 74% snaps
Hockeson dropped from nine targets to three targets in the second game of the season. While not totally his fault, it is fair to wonder if week 1’s game against the Cardinals will be Hockenson’s easiest and most favorable of the season. Despite being a rookie, Hock apparently went to Matthew Stafford on the sideline and stated “I can beat him, come to me.” Bold, rookie. I love it.
7. BEARS RB DAVID MONTGOMERY UP 4
2019 stats: 24 carries | 80 yards | 1 TD | 2 rec | 33 yards | 41% snaps
Nice hesitation cuts at the line of scrimmage to create on his own. Presses, forces edge to work in, then jump cuts out.
After seeing fewer snaps in Week 1 than Tarik Cohen and Mike Davis, David Montgomery led the team in backfield touches with 19. It was a clear objective by the coaching staff: get Montgomery more involved. The chunk gains were not there, as Montgomery was often limited to three or five yard gains. Yet even on those short runs, he is creating on his own. He loves the jump cut, pressing inside, even against unblocked edge players, then pushed it outside in a flash. Plus, he has five carries inside of the 10-yard line through two games. More touchdowns are on the way. Matt Nagy wants his backs to feel comfortable with one route, and so far it’s vertical for Montgomery. Two such targets in two games.
8. JAGUARS QB GARDNER MINSHEW
2019 stats: 77.6 comp % | 488 yards | 3 TDs | 1 INT | 62 rush yards | 91% snaps
Let’s take a moment to appreciate Minshew, a sixth-round rookie who got little run during the draft process, thrust into the starting job in the season opener. With all of that in mind, Minshew is play outstanding football. The issue: there are peaks and valleys in each game. You can see Minshew thinking on the field. He’ll make multiple pumps, changing his mind on the fly, which leads to holding the football for too long and limited play success. Yet when his back is against the wall, Minshew shines. In that hurry up, panicky pace, Minshew led the team down the field with only a two-point conversion standing in their way for a victory. It was a mix of throws and scrambles. He’s entertaining, and sometimes that’s all supporters can ask for.
9. CHIEFS WR MECOLE HARDMAN UP 2
2019 stats: 7 targets | 4 rec | 61 yards | 1 TD | 76% snaps
The Chiefs continue to replace Tyreek Hill with surprising ease. Hardman played the majority of week 1 without the production to show for it. The Chiefs tried to get him involved much earlier against the Raiders, first with an outside breaking route downfield from a tight alignment. That was followed by a tunnel screen, a manufactured touch, later in the first quarter. Then the second quarter struck. From a slot alignment, Hardman split the safety and corner for a 42-yard touchdown. Easy speed, perfect throw. Then in the third quarter from a similar alignment, Hardman scores a 72-yard score, this one called back for a holding penalty.
One was a 3rd & 20. One was a 3rd & 14. If there is a miscommunication by the secondary, Hardman and Mahomes can capitalize.
10. BILLS RB DEVIN SINGLETARY DOWN 5
2019 stats: 10 carries | 127 yards | 1 TD | 5 rec | 28 yards | 50% snaps
Singletary’s usage dipped in this game and he also suffered a left hamstring injury that could keep him out for a bit of time. Still, in limited opportunities, Singletary showcased his fluid movement and hit an impressive back juke against Jabrill Peppers in the open the field, the kind we all tried in Madden as a kid.
Honorable Mention: 49ers WR Deebo Samuel, Eagles RB Miles Sanders, Vikings RB Alexander Mattison, Titans WR A.J. Brown, Cowboys RB Tony Pollard.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/nf...e/news-story/a726a7e4f59704836a22a0c34b73ee0f
Meanwhile, some other notable Week 2 considerations
— Green Bay’s defence is legit, and no one is happier than Aaron Rodgers.
— Both the Baltmore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys look like genuine contenders.
— Indianapolis are going to be tough to beat, even without Luck.
— The 49ers are 2-0, but is anyone buying it?
— Confirmed: Patrick Mahomes is still a freak.
— Oh, and Odell Beckham Jr. reminded those that needed reminding — literally only Gregg Williams — just how dynamic of a playmaker he is, as the Browns got their first win of the season.
And some things to look for in Week 3
— Is Antonio Brown cleared to play?
— Baltimore takes on Kansas City. I shouldn’t need to tell you why that’ll be fun.
— Daniel Jones is starting. How good.
— Things don’t get any easier for the Dolphins as they host the Cowboys.
— Things get a whole lot easier for the Cowboys as they play the Dolphins.
— The Patriots have conceded three points to date, and are due to play the Luke Falk-led Jets on Monday. Odds on it still being three points next week?
— Buffalo could go to 3-0 if they beat Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals. Yep.
Meanwhile, some other notable Week 2 considerations
— Green Bay’s defence is legit, and no one is happier than Aaron Rodgers.
— Both the Baltmore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys look like genuine contenders.
— Indianapolis are going to be tough to beat, even without Luck.
— The 49ers are 2-0, but is anyone buying it?
— Confirmed: Patrick Mahomes is still a freak.
— Oh, and Odell Beckham Jr. reminded those that needed reminding — literally only Gregg Williams — just how dynamic of a playmaker he is, as the Browns got their first win of the season.
And some things to look for in Week 3
— Is Antonio Brown cleared to play?
— Baltimore takes on Kansas City. I shouldn’t need to tell you why that’ll be fun.
— Daniel Jones is starting. How good.
— Things don’t get any easier for the Dolphins as they host the Cowboys.
— Things get a whole lot easier for the Cowboys as they play the Dolphins.
— The Patriots have conceded three points to date, and are due to play the Luke Falk-led Jets on Monday. Odds on it still being three points next week?
— Buffalo could go to 3-0 if they beat Andy Dalton and the Cincinnati Bengals. Yep.
Glad he's not in my team 
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/nf...s/news-story/bb0462a21ba05fa2a7afe03075bdf0eb
Antonio Brown’s former doctor says the football star repeatedly farted in his face and laughed about it during a consultation where he showed up three hours late — and claims the receiver still owes him $11,000 in unpaid fees, according to a new report.
Dr. Victor Prisk said he was wary of signing the then-Pittsburgh Steeler because he had a reputation for being “flighty” and not paying his bills, but agreed to take him on as a client anyway, Sports Illustrated said Monday.
One of Brown’s acolytes took video of the noxious meeting in August 2018, obtained by TMZ, in which the footballer can be heard farting and laughing about it as Prisk tests his body fat......
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/nf...s/news-story/02dd16094b401dac02495b1eed663c30
A second woman has accused Antonio Brown of sexual misconduct, saying he inappropriately propositioned her at his Pittsburgh home in 2017 — standing behind her fully naked, holding a small towel over his genitalia, while she painted, according to a new report.
The unnamed woman said the New England Patriots wide receiver came on to her after hiring her to paint a mural for him when he was playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers — and that their professional relationship soured when she rejected his advances,........
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/nf...s/news-story/bb0462a21ba05fa2a7afe03075bdf0eb
Antonio Brown’s former doctor says the football star repeatedly farted in his face and laughed about it during a consultation where he showed up three hours late — and claims the receiver still owes him $11,000 in unpaid fees, according to a new report.
Dr. Victor Prisk said he was wary of signing the then-Pittsburgh Steeler because he had a reputation for being “flighty” and not paying his bills, but agreed to take him on as a client anyway, Sports Illustrated said Monday.
One of Brown’s acolytes took video of the noxious meeting in August 2018, obtained by TMZ, in which the footballer can be heard farting and laughing about it as Prisk tests his body fat......
https://www.foxsports.com.au/nfl/nf...s/news-story/02dd16094b401dac02495b1eed663c30
A second woman has accused Antonio Brown of sexual misconduct, saying he inappropriately propositioned her at his Pittsburgh home in 2017 — standing behind her fully naked, holding a small towel over his genitalia, while she painted, according to a new report.
The unnamed woman said the New England Patriots wide receiver came on to her after hiring her to paint a mural for him when he was playing with the Pittsburgh Steelers — and that their professional relationship soured when she rejected his advances,........
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Feels like it's too much of a sideways trade because JuJu still might be a keeper. However, it could also allow me to upgrade Miles Sanders to Dalvin Cook the following week if that looks like the right thing to do, or just save the money (Jacobs at RB4 look decent as well so not sure). I probably won't make the move but because I'm not taking this game as seriously as SuperCoach maybe I should just go for it.
Just my opinion and by no means advice but I faded Jacobs for a reason (could bite me in the behind though) ...
- Game 1 he scored very well early on with 2 TD's in an "ambush" situation but his running game wasn't anything to write home about and he faded as the game wore on ...
- Game 2 no TD's and his score was boosted by one good run ...
Don't get me wrong I like the young fella but he aint the calibre of previous RB rookies even if he has the role ...
So IMO if you have him then ride the BE's and look for an upgrade because I can't see many downgrade options looming ...
- Game 1 he scored very well early on with 2 TD's in an "ambush" situation but his running game wasn't anything to write home about and he faded as the game wore on ...
- Game 2 no TD's and his score was boosted by one good run ...
Don't get me wrong I like the young fella but he aint the calibre of previous RB rookies even if he has the role ...
So IMO if you have him then ride the BE's and look for an upgrade because I can't see many downgrade options looming ...
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