TC56 PRESENTS: THE ROOKIE REPORT – WEEK 3

TOP 5 ROOKIE PERFORMANCES WEEK 3

This week was difficult one, as there wasn’t a ton of standout games from the 2021 rookie class. The UCLA Bruins had a solid week with two players on the list. As the season goes on and injuries happen we will see more rookies being put in important positions on there teams. The quarterback class has been slow to get going with 1 player being on these lists in the first 3 weeks. Heading into week 4, players should be settled into their roles and ready to have some breakout games in 2021.

DALLAS COWBOYS

DL – Osa Odighizuwa – 6’2” 280 – UCLA – 3^rd round pick (75^th overall) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (W, 41-21)

Game Day Stats: 4 total tackles / 1.5 sacks / 1 tackle for loss / 2 qb hits

In 2020 Dallas was in desperate need of some pass rushers. They were middle of the pack in sacks last season and needed an injection of youth on the defensive line. Osa Odighizuwa could be just what the doctor ordered. The UCLA product terrorized the Eagles offensive line, getting constant pressure, and lining up both on the inside and outside. His array of pass rush moves could make him a vital cog in Dallas’s success this season. Sam Darnold better not be seeing ghost come Sunday.

Performance Rating: 4.25

Next Game: vs. Carolina Panthers 1:00pm Sunday

CINCINNATI BENGALS

WR- Ja’Marr Chase – 6’0” 208 – LSU – 1st round pick (5th Overall) vs. Pittsburgh (W, 24-10)

Game Day Stats: 4 receptions / 65 receiving yards / 2 touchdowns

Don’t look now but Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals are on the verge of blowing up offensively. Ja’Marr Chase is going to be a huge part of that maturation process. Chase scored two more touchdowns on Sunday to bring his total up to 4 in his first 3 games. His first touchdown was an excellent grab getting separation from the defender and grabbing the ball with his fingertips. The combination of Chase, Higgins, and Boyd catching passes from Joe Burrow can prove to be electric as long as the offensive line can protect. Thursday night could be a coming out party against the struggling Jaguars who just sent one of their young defensive backs to Carolina. Look for Chase to find the end zone again Thursday night.

Performance Rating: 4.00

Next Game: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars 8:20pm Thursday

CAROLINA PANTHERS

RB – Chuba Hubbard – 6’1” 210 – Oklahoma State – 4^thround pick (126^th overall) vs. Houston Texans (W, 24-9)

Game day Stats: 11 carries / 52 rushing yards / 3 receptions / 27 receiving yards

In 2019 Hubbard was well on his way to the Heisman trophy, 1^st round draft selection, and being the next superstar running back coming out of college. With 2,094 rushing yards and 21touchdown his sophomore year, sky was the limit for Chuba. However, 2020 never really got off the ground due to injuries and ineffectiveness. He finished with 600 plus yards which is well below his standard. Hubbard declared for the draft, was selected in the 4^th round, and was chosen as the backup for Christian McCaffery. Thursday night, opportunity came knocking for the young running back. Christian McCaffery was injured and Hubbard stepped in. Two big moments for Chuba came with his 30 rushing yards on the drive that led to a score. On the final drive Chuba two 6 yard runs to finish the game for a Panthers win. Hubbard still needs to improve his receiving skills but he will certainly has the opportunity to prove himself in the next month.

Performance Rating: 3.85

Next Game: at Dallas Cowboys 1:00pm Sunday

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

RB– Najee Harris – 6’1” 232 – Alabama – 1^st round pick (24^th overall) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (L, 24-10)

Game Day Stats: 14 carries / 40 rushing yards / 14 receptions / 104 receiving yards /

19 targets

Najee Harris had close to 30 touches in a disappointing loss to the Bengals. Najee’s numbers would have been even better with several of his runs being called back due to penalties. Most of his 14 catches were just long handoffs on swing and out routes. If Pittsburgh could find some consistency up front Harris could really explode in the coming weeks. A trip to Green Bay will be tough but Harris has played in more than his fair share of big games coming from Alabama. Look for Harris to go over the century mark rushing this week.

Performance Rating: 3.75

Next Game: at Green Bay Packers 4:25pm Sunday

HOUSTON TEXANS

QB – Davis Mills –6’4” 225 – Stanford – 3^rdround (67^th Overall) vs. Carolina Panthers (L, 24-9)

Game day Stats: 19-28 completions / 168 passing yard / 1 touchdown pass / 0 interceptions

The Texans have been a dysfunctional organization over the past 2 season with coaching issues, bad trades, and quarterback off the field troubles. The season had zero expectations. Davis Mills stepped in on prime time television and played an extremely efficient football game. Mills ran an excellent 2 minute drill at the end of the first half, going 5-6 for 60 yards and a touchdown, to tie the game for the Texans. Davis certainly has the size, ability, and smarts to play in this league. However, with most quarterbacks the supporting cast upfront will determine his survival.

Performance Rating: 3.75

Next Game: at Buffalo Bills 1:00pm Sunday

SLEEPER 6

CLEVELAND BROWNS

RB – Demetric Felton- 5’9” 189 – UCLA – 6^thround pick (211^th overall) vs. Chicago Bears (W, 26-6)

Game day Stats: 7 punt returns / 104 punt return yards / 2 carries / 13 rushing yards

When looking for a sleeper this week I was looking for someone who contributed in an underappreciated spot. Felton had a solid college career but nothing about his numbers was eye opening. As a sixth round pick you have to bring something extra to the table to make the team out of camp. Special teams are usually the ticket. Felton showed a flash of his ability in week 2 when he took a screen against the Texans 33 yards for touchdown. He followed his blocks, hit a spin move, and sprinted to the end zone. The score put the Browns ahead midway through the third quarter. He followed up his highlight play the next week with an excellent punt return performance. Felton leads the league in punt return yards and I would expect the Browns to find creative ways to get the ball to the talented rookie.

Performance Rating: 3.50

Next Game: at Minnesota Vikings 1:00pm Sunday

Week 3 2021 Draft Class Match ups results:

Buffalo Bills DE – Gregory Rousseau vs. Washington OT Samuel Cosmi

This is an interesting result. The Bills dominating throughout the game. The Bills however only got to the quarterback once in 54 offensive plays. To the victor goes the spoils. Winner: Greg Rousseau

Week 4 2021 Draft Class Match up:

New York Giants WR – Kadarius Toney vs. New Orleans Saints CB – Paulson Adebo

Toney has been disappointing so far in his rookie campaign, catching only 4 passes in the first 3 games. On the contrary Paulsen Adebo has been a solid contributor for the Saints with 15 tackles and 1 interception. They will definitely meet each other, probably in the slot, during the course of the game several times.

Week 3 Throwback Draft Class Match up results:

2017 Draft Running Back dual

Seattle Seahawks RB Chris Carson vs. Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook

This matchup ended up being a dud with Cook being out for the game. Carson had a solid ball game with 80 yards rushing and a touchdown. Despite missing Cook the Vikings found a way to win with a 2019 3^rd round pick Alexander Mattison stepping up with 26 carries for 112 yards. Winner: no decision

Week 4 Throwback Draft Class Match up:

Battle of the ’20 and ’21 Number #1 Picks

Cincinnati Bengals QB – Joe Burrow vs. Jacksonville Jaguars QB – Trevor Lawrence

A rematch of the 2020 National Championship game, which was won by the Burrow and the Tigers. There are nine players combined on these rosters from that game. Burrow has a lot of weapons and Lawrence is still looking for his footing. A prime time match up should be a fun watch.

The Drafted legend vs. Legend who drafted him

Tampa Bay Bucs QB – Tom Brady vs. New England Patriots Coach – Bill Belichick

In coach speak I am sure they will say it the Tampa Bay Buc vs. the New England Patriots however, we know this means more. For the first time Brady will be looking across the sideline at Coach Belichick as a visitor in Foxboro. The stadium should be raucous Sunday night. Brady will be ready and we know Belichick will have a tight game plan. Must see TV!

Notes:

Giant’s linebacker Azeez Ojulari notched his 3^rd sack in 3 games. Becoming the 1^st player in New York Giants history to do so.
Jaycee Horn, rookie corner for the Carolina Panthers, broke his foot Thursday night and will miss 2-3 months. Carolina traded for top rookie corner from last season CJ Henderson of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Steelers’ rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth scored his 1^st touchdown in a loss to the Bengals Sunday.
Chargers rookie corner Asante Samuel Jr. pulled in his second interception in as many games with a diving catch off a tipped ball.