NFL: Rookie Watch Week 3

By Rory Daniels

Rookie Watch returns for Week 3 as we take a look at the big performances from the youngest players in the league. There were some noteworthy individual plays in a wild weekend, and also some prolonged action for rookies. Let’s dig in.

Skattebo set for larger role in Giants offense

A shoulder dislocation for Giants’ starting running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. will give rookie Cam Skattebo a much larger role in the offense. That began on Sunday, with the Arizona State graduate running for 60 yards and a touchdown, as well as having 61 receiving yards. It was ultimately a losing effort, but Skattebo was the bright spot. He brought his brand of physicality to the backfield, thumping forward at every point, proving difficult to slow down. The Giants currently rank 21st in EPA/rush; it will be interesting to see if that improves with Skattebo taking more snaps.

Burden shines in Bears impressive win

Before his last year at college Luther Burden was a consensus top 10 draft selection in mocks. Even though he ended up dropping to the second round, he displayed that signature dynamism against the Cowboys. Although the trick play may not have been quite as smooth as Ben Johnson would have imagined, Burden was so far open it ceased to matter. A 29-yard reception later proved Burden could hang in the more traditional offense as well. It was a tantalising glimpse of the offensive talent the Bears are stocked with.

Chargers Offense relying on Rookie Duo

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It was expected that the LA Chargers’ running game would go through Omarion Hampton, and that continued on Sunday. Hampton had 129 all-purpose yards and a rushing touchdown, even if he did cough up a fumble. Fellow rookie, tight end, Oronde Gadsden II was targeted five times by Justin Herbert and moved the chains on three of those. Gadsden has only played one game, but already has more targets than the Chargers’ more experienced TEs Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin. The two rookies have clearly already earned the respect of the QB and the Head Coach alike.

Special Team standouts shine with big plays

If you weren’t drafted in the first couple of rounds in the NFL Draft, then one way to see more playing time is to throw yourself into special teams. Two rookie wide receivers made a big impression this weekend on kick returns. Commanders’ Jaylin Lane had a fantastic 90-yard punt return for a touchdown, hitting a top speed above 20mph. While there was a dropped touchdown opportunity on offense, Lane can feel like he had a successful day. It was a similar story for Seahawks wideout Tory Horton. The fifth-rounder had a receiving touchdown as well as a 95-yard punt return for a TD, not bad for a day 3 pickup, eh?!

Best defensive rookies of Week 3

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Playing against the Arizona Cardinals, it can be difficult to fill the stat sheet for defensive linemen. The elusivity of Kyler Murray means sacks can be tricky to obtain. That was the case for 49ers defensive end Mykel Williams, but he did manage five pressures, including a QB hit. He had the highest pass-rush win rate of rookies who had 10+ pass rush snaps this week.

Teammate Upton Stout allowed four receptions on seven targets against the Cards, although for short gains each time it was a tough outing. That was until the last two minutes of the fourth quarter. Stout had the pivotal pass breakup against Zay Jones, which forced the Cards to punt and gave the 49ers the ball back to make the game-winning field goal.

Our final shout-out goes to Browns linebacker Carson Schwesinger, who has played a pivotal role in all three games so far this season but was instrumental in holding Green Bay to 10 points in arguably the biggest shock of the weekend. He had two pressures, including a sack, as well as six defensive stops, helping restrict the Packers’ rushing attack to under 100 yards.

Rory-Joe Daniels

NFL & Cfb contributor

AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.

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