OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Bucky Irving – RB / TB
For the first time this season, we have a back to back repeat Offensive Rookie of the Week. This weekly award has been spread out among different players all season which will make Offensive Rookie of the Year voting interesting after the season. Irving, the top rookie back in the league by far, took it upon himself to make that change. Not only did he lead all first year backs, but he finished atop the entire NFL with 148 yards on a season-high 24 carries.
Tampa Bay was down three at halftime. Irving at the time had just 32 yards rushing. He put the team on his back in their comeback effort, gaining 116 yards on just 15 carries with a touchdown in the second half plus overtime. There was not a single back league wide that hit that mark over an entire game. He added four missed tackles forced to his season total, also leading the league with 98 yards after contact. Oh and by the way, he caught three passes for another 33 yards and gained 9 first downs. Irving has caught three or more passes in six straight games.
DEFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE WEEK
Tarheeb Still – CB / LAC
To think the Chargers moved on from Defensive Head Coach Bradon Staley last season. Over the three seasons he was calling the shots, the Chargers allowed the fourth, tenth, and fifth most points league wide respectively. Not once were they top ten in interceptions. Well, all it took was a coaching change and a couple of personnel additions to reverse course completely. The Chargers have allowed the least amount of points and they rank fourth in the NFL in interceptions.
They did not make any wholesale changes, but they did bring in a couple of veterans on discount deals. That wasn’t enough. Something must be in the water in Los Angeles because just like their crosstown rivals, the defensive rookies are making the difference. Still was the only defender to pick off two passes in the NFL week 13. Both of which came while Los Angeles was trailing and one of which resulted in a pick six. He added three tackles and had one the best pure hustle plays of the day. Still, a fifth rounder who tested out very average athletically, has started seven times and appears to already be the most instinctive corner on this top shelf defense.
QB
Drake Maye / NE (Round 1)
Maye continues to make strides with his arm. He passed for 238 yards and a season-high 7.9 yards per attempt. He added 59 yards on the ground displaying his underrated athleticism. The mechanics
Honorable Mention: Jayden Daniels / WAS
RB
Bucky Irving / TB (Round 4)
See above.
Honorable Mention: Ray Davis (BUF)
WR
Ladd McConkey / LAC (Round 2)
The only receiver to eclipse 100 yards, McConkey caught a season-high nine passes for 117 yards. It was the third time McConkey went for 100+ and he is second in the NFL in yards over the last three games.
Honorable Mention: Brian Thomas / JAX
TE
Brock Bowers / LV (Round 1)
McConkey did not lead all rookies in yards or catches, however. You always have to give the tight ends a look because of this dude right here, a credible candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Bowers caught 10 passes for 140 yards and a touchdown.
Honorable Mention: Theo Johnson / NYG
OT
Olu Fashanu / NYJ (Round 1)
In his second start at left tackle, the position he was drafted to play, Fashanu played his best game yet against Seattle. He pitched a shutout on 45 pass plays, showing balanced movement and the ability to recover. Keep him at guard, keep him away from the interior. Forever.
Honorable Mention:
OG/OC
Cooper Beebe / DAL (Round 3)
Beebe put on a show in front of a national audience. With potential All-Pro Dexter Lawrence across the line, he paved the path for Rico Dowdle’s first career 100+ rushing performance.
Honorable Mention: Graham Barton / TB
ED
Jared Verse / LAR (Round 1)
Verse once again led the rookies in pressures with six and QB hits with three. He added another five tackles, three of which were defensive stops, as he continues to build his case for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Honorable Mention: Laiatu Latu / IND
DT
T’Vondre Sweat / TEN (Round 2)
He led all defensive tackles with three pressures and that isn’t even the most impressive component of the film. Sweat is turning into an immovable object inside for the Titans defense.
Honorable Mention:
LB
Tyrice Knight / SEA (Round 4)
Knight had five tackles and recovered a fumble in their win over the Seahawks as he becomes a mainstay in the middle of that defense.
Honorable Mention: Omar Speight (LAR)
CB
Tarheeb Still / LAC (Round 5)
See above.
Honorable Mention: Terrion Arnold (DET)
S
Cooper DeJean / PHI (Round 2)
The surge in Philadelphia wins have come on the back of their defense. Rookies have been a key cog in that area and maybe nobody more than the versatile DeJean. He had five tackles, including a physical solo takedown of Derrick Henry, in addition to a pass break up.
Honorable Mention: Tyler Nubin / NYG