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Race For Rookie of the Year, Week 9

So you could say Week 9 was a good week for the rookies in the NFL.

Doug Martin and Andrew Luck smashed records as they inspired victories, while Russell Wilson led his Seahawks to victory. With the Washington Redskins struggling could they close the gap or even surpass Robert Griffin III?

Let’s see.

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS (+23.6)

It’s not going quite as well for RG3 now is it? Still you can apportion a lot of the blame to his receivers, who are struggling to catch the ball, and a fair amount to Tyler Polumbus who followed up his impressive game against the Steelers with a woeful one against Carolina.

2. Russell Wilson, QB, SEA (+15.0)

While other rookies got all the press this week, the performance of Wilson was shamefully overlooked. He was near flawless against the Vikings and makes mockery of not just where he was drafted, but of his rookie status.

3. Chandler Jones, DE, NE (+14.3)

This is what happens when you have a bye week. Others play so well you find yourself dropping down through no fault of your own. The impressive Jones will look to reclaim his spot against Buffalo next week.

4. Doug Martin, RB, TB (+9.0)

The new darling of the NFL, Martin has taken the league by storm in recent weeks. He now has the fourth-highest rushing grade of all backs and leads the league with 38 forced missed tackles in rushing situations.

5. Kevin Zeitler, RG, CIN (+12.6)

Gave up only his second sack of the year against the Broncos but outside of that rarely put a foot wrong. Exactly what they Bengals had hoped they got when they drafted him.

6. Alfred Morris, RB, WAS (+8.1)

We’ve seen him play better and not end up with as good a statline as the one he did against Carolina. Still ranked seventh overall in our running back rankings.

7. Matt Kalil, LT, MIN (+10.3)

It wasn’t a surprise that Kalil was perfect in pass protection, but that was the best he looked in the run game against Seattle. Has given up just 11 quarterback disruptions in his nine games.

8. Andrew Luck, QB, IND (+9.0)

He’s flashed talent throughout the opening eight weeks of the season, but Luck hadn’t put it together like that before. Does he build on that? Or will his roller coaster year continue? Let’s see where he ranks next week.

9. Casey Hayward, CB, GB (+12.9)

That’s the first negative grade Hayward has earned this year as he gave up 6-of-10 balls into his coverage for 99 yards. The demands of more playing time could be catching up with him.

10. Trent Richardson, RB, CLV (+5.1)

He broke tackles against the Ravens but he also put the ball on the ground. He continues to tease, exciting one week and disappointing the next.

Dropping Out

Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA: With the competition stiffening, Tannehill needs to do more to stay in the race.

Five To Watch

Bobby Wagner, MLB, SEA: Didn’t distinguish himself against the Vikings.

Dwayne Allen, TE, IND: Has played well but struggled with his run blocking against the Dolphins.

Cordy Glenn, LT, BUF: Glenn lost his spot in the top ten because of injury. He came back against the Texans with a decent effort. Building on that will see him challenging.

Lavonte David, LB, TB: Our 15th-ranked outside linebacker has been a huge part of the Bucs improving defense.

Bruce Irvin, DE, SEA: Our ninth-ranked pass rushing 4-3 defensive end continues to pick up pressure.

 

Follow Khaled on Twitter: @PFF_Khaled

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