I know there’s a great debate going on. Three rookie quarterbacks putting their team on track to make the playoffs.
But really when you watch the tape, and you watch all 60 minutes of a game, it isn’t close. That’s not to discredit the achievements of two men, but rather to put into perspective how outstanding one man has been (and how his coaches have played to his strengths).
It’s why this Race for a Rookie of the Year is near enough done. I’m calling it now as a Race for the Runner-Up spot. Let’s see who the challengers are.
1. Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS (+28.3)
He’s already pretty special right? That wasn’t his finest performance as a Redskin, but he got the job done once again. Continues to amaze in what will surely go down as one of the greatest rookie years of all time.
2. Russell Wilson, QB, SEA (+23.1)
Lost in all the debate about RG3 and Luck is just how well Wilson has been playing. His late-game heroics against Chicago should change that. He’s currently our seventh ranked quarterback on the year.
3. Andrew Luck, QB, IND (+4.8)
I’m a little bored of all the talk of his winning record as the complete measure of a quarterback. It’s too simplistic a view to break down individual performance. You can spin it however you want, but Luck was terrible for most of the game against Detroit. Against better teams that won’t do.
4. Matt Kalil, LT, MIN (+15.2)
After a tough outing against Chicago Kalil rebounded with a dominant display in Green Bay. He didn’t give up a single hurry and moved to eighth in our left tackle rankings.
5. Casey Hayward, CB, GB (+20.1)
The Packers got him on the field against Minnesota after he managed just 22 snaps versus the Giants. He responded as he often does, with a pass defense on the only ball into his coverage.
6. Kevin Zeitler, RG, CIN (+15.1)
He had some bad moments against San Diego, especially early on, but came back strong to continue his solid season. A real keeper.
7. Doug Martin, RB, TB (+10.0)
The Buccaneers offensive line struggles have made life a lot harder for Martin, but he’s still making things happen when he gets the ball in his hands.
8. Alfred Morris, RB, WAS (+7.5)
And there’s your 1,000 yard season, and on a day when he picked up 124 yards as well. Only issue is the fumble which is now three for the year. Got to be careful with that.
9. Chandler Jones, DE, NE (+11.0)
Another week out injured, it seems a long time ago when Jones was standing out from the crowd.
10. Mitchell Schwartz, RT, CLV (+7.8)
His quietly excellent year keeps on going, as Schwartz is already proving himself worth the second-round pick invested in him. Has graded positively in eight of his last nine contests.
Dropping Out
Bobby Wagner, MLB, SEA: Had his worst game of the year against Chicago.
Five To Watch
Lavonte David, LB, TB: Has impressed with his knack for finding the ball carrier and finds himself agonizingly close to cracking the Top 10.
Cordy Glenn, LT, BUF: It’s only the time that he’s missed that has kept him off this list. Adapted real well to life in the NFL.
Dwayne Allen, TE, IND: They don’t make tight ends like Allen all that much. Looks like he has it in him to be a complete every-down player for years to come.
Trent Richardson, RB, CLV: Looked to find some form against Oakland. A real shame injuries have slowed him down this year.
Akiem Hicks, DT, NO: The Saints are getting some instant production in the run game out of their raw rookie. That bodes well.
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