Grading the NFL Rookies in their Week 1 Debut - Mparas1432's Blog

Arena Blog Dynasty Scores Sign Up ☰

Mparas1432's Blog

Grading the NFL Rookies in their Week 1 Debut Stuck

Posted on September 10, 2012 at 07:08 PM.

(3)

For the first time in NFL history, a total of five rookies started under center.

Originally in September of 2011, the upcoming quarterback class appeared to be the best group of prospects since 1983. However, USC quarterback Matt Barkley and Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones staying in school killed any buzz that draft class had. The discussion went quickly from �1983� to �Manning vs Leaf 2.0� by the time the draft rolled around.

However, after dazzling in training camp and the preseason, three other rookies found themselves suiting up for week one. Suddenly, the QB class of 2012 had life again.

Now after their first week of playing professional football, it�s time to grade how each rookie did in their debut.

Andrew Luck

Grade: C

Stat Line: 23-45 for 309 yards passing, 51.1%, 1 TD, 3 INTs, 52.9 QB rating. Rushed for 9 yards on two attempts.

Explanation

On paper, Andrew Luck didn�t have a very good game. He struggled completing his passes and turned the ball over four times. However, it�s worth noting that he went up against potentially one of the best defenses in the league when they played the Chicago Bears. It also didn�t help that Donald Brown dropped a lot of easy passes too.

While Colts fans may be wishing for Peyton Manning back after seeing Manning tear about the Steelers, there is one important fact to note. In Peyton Manning�s first game as a Colt, Manning threw for 302 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.

Luck may have not been the best rookie in week one, but it�d be absolutely foolish to dismiss him.

Robert Griffin III

Grade: A+

Stat Line: 19-26 for 320 yards, 73.1%, 2 TDs, 139.9 QB rating. Rushed for 42 yards on ten attempts.

Explanation

Holy cow!

Not only did the Redskins manage to upset the Saints, Robert Griffin looked great on the way to do so. He had one of the most impressive debuts in NFL history with throwing for 320 yards and two touchdowns. Perhaps what�s most impressive is that he completed 73 percent of his passes.

Griffin stayed composed as a rookie and played the part as a starter. Even with the Saints marching from behind, every time the Redskins regained the ball they remained calm. Under Griffin, they didn�t turn the ball over once.

Huge upset in week one and an even better performance by Griffin.

Ryan Tannehill

Grade: C-

Stat line: 20-36 for 219 yards, 55.6%, 3 INTs, 39 QB rating

Explanation

In his Miami debut, Ryan Tannehill came unhinged in the second quarter. Facing one of the best defenses in the NFL, he threw three interceptions within the span of six minutes. The rookie, who only had a year of starting experience at Texas A&M, seemed hurried and lacked in the decision making department.

If there was an encouraging sign, it was Tannehill�s drives later in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins found the redzone multiple times. However, the offense stalled and failed to convert a single time. It could be because Tannehill doesn�t have anyone to throw to as well.

Brandon Weeden

Grade: F

Stat Line: 12-35 for 118 yards, 34.3%, 4 INT, 5.1 QB rating

This was the man that was supposed over take Colt McCoy?

Brandon Weeden�s rookie debut was awful. The Browns offense failed to move the ball and sustain any type of rhythm. What�s even worse for Browns fans is that their defense kept them in the game the whole time.

Weeden had a chance to redeem himself on a potential game winning drive after Philly went ahead 17-16. Instead, Weeden threw his fourth INT to Kurt Coleman, clinching the loss.

Russell Wilson

Grade: C+

Stat Line: 18-34 for 153 yards, 52.9%, 1 TD, 1 INT, 62.5 QB rating. Rushed for 20 yards on 8 attempts.

Explanation

The most polarizing quarterback of this draft class didn�t look as good in his debut as he did in the preseason. However, the Seahawks were in the game the whole time with Wilson under center.

Wilson, like Weeden, had a chance to come from behind on a game winning drive. Instead of throwing an interception right away, Wilson and the Seahawks marched down the field into Arizona�s redzone. However, Wilson failed to convert on a fourth down to Braylon Edwards which ended the game.

Still, there�s no reason to be demanding for Matt Flynn after just one week. His composure on that final drive, and much throughout the game, was impressive.

The Seahawks will always have Matt in their pocket, but for now Wilson still seems like the best option to have.

Comments

# 1 Bmore Irish @ Sep 10

all i can say is RGIII...wow. talk about a rookie debut. i know everyone said luck was a more nfl ready QB coming into the league, and i agreed with that to an extent, but im also one of the ppl who believes Griffin has a higher ceiling and could potentially have a better career. no im not saying this because of one game, hes just an explosive and dynamic player, and that was shown in the skins upset victory. rgIII wont match cams stats from last year, but hell have a better overall season, cuz in the end wins matter more than stats. hell mess up a few times, but having such poise in the superdome in new orleans of all places, expectations have gotten even higher if thats even possible.

# 2 Joobieo @ Sep 10

I think that RG3 may have a better season than newton not start wise but wins wise .

# 3 Sidion @ Sep 11

RGIII was the only one who looked ready. I think grading Tannehill under Luck is also unfair (Everyone on the web seems to be doing it too.)

They both played just as bad. Both are also rated too highly. I have to give the nod to Tannehill in truth though. The Texans were the #1 defense last season, and seemed to pick up right where they left off. The bears did look good, but didn't seem as dominant or quick as the Texans did.

Wilson was pretty interesting though. I don't think he's ready to start, but he was really calm.