Rookies not acting their age
Ken Woods
Issue date: 10/15/08 Section: Sports
The 2008 NFL draft class has not been acting or playing their age throughout the early part of the season.
This crop of rookies has made the transition from the collegiate level to the pros look easy. There are several standout young guns performing beyond expectations.
QB Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
With all the controversy surrounding the organization, Ryan has come in and made this team better already. This youngster has showed veteran-like poise and leadership in the huddle.
Ryan has passed for 1,164 yards and five touchdowns so far this season. He is just what the Falcons needed to get over the Michael Vick situation. In addition to leading his team, he made Bears fans sick when he led the Birds to an amazing victory in literally 11 seconds. The future looks bright for the 3rd overall pick.
RB Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
The Bears have decided to build the offense around their second round pick. Forte has carried the load for the offense and has responded in great fashion.
Forte currently leads all rookie running backs in rushing yards (459), rushing attempts (127), yards per game (76.5) and first downs (20). He has also recorded three touchdowns on the ground this season.
Not only has Forte been an integral part in the rushing attack, he has also been a reliable pass catcher for the Bears. The back is third amongst rookies in receiving yards (206) and receptions (27). There isn't much this guy can't do on the football field.
WR DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
Jackson may be one of the most explosive players in the NFL in his first season. The Eagles took Jackson in the second round after several teams passed on the 5-foot-10-inch, 170-pound receiver. He has proven he should have been taken higher.
Jackson leads all rookie receivers in yards (433), yards per game (72.2), first downs (17) and has caught 10 passes for gains of more than 20 yards. His big play ability is unmatched by any other rookie, though he has only one receiving touchdown and he showed his true rookie colors when he dropped the ball before crossing the end zone against Dallas - not even Pop Warner players do that.
Jackson has contributed on special teams as well. He leads all rookies in punt return yardage (253) and has scored on one return. The scouts said he wasn't big enough, but his game speaks volumes.
The rest of the first-year standouts have made significant contributions to their respective teams as well. Wide receiver Eddie Royal of the Denver Broncos is a sleeper. He and quarterback Jay Cutler would make Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel jealous of the chemistry they have on the field. Royal leads all rookies with 30 receptions. Felix Jones, (now injured) Johnathan Stewart and Darren McFadden are a few others who have impressed in their rookie season as well.
This crop of rookies has made the transition from the collegiate level to the pros look easy. There are several standout young guns performing beyond expectations.
QB Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
With all the controversy surrounding the organization, Ryan has come in and made this team better already. This youngster has showed veteran-like poise and leadership in the huddle.
Ryan has passed for 1,164 yards and five touchdowns so far this season. He is just what the Falcons needed to get over the Michael Vick situation. In addition to leading his team, he made Bears fans sick when he led the Birds to an amazing victory in literally 11 seconds. The future looks bright for the 3rd overall pick.
RB Matt Forte, Chicago Bears
The Bears have decided to build the offense around their second round pick. Forte has carried the load for the offense and has responded in great fashion.
Forte currently leads all rookie running backs in rushing yards (459), rushing attempts (127), yards per game (76.5) and first downs (20). He has also recorded three touchdowns on the ground this season.
Not only has Forte been an integral part in the rushing attack, he has also been a reliable pass catcher for the Bears. The back is third amongst rookies in receiving yards (206) and receptions (27). There isn't much this guy can't do on the football field.
WR DeSean Jackson, Philadelphia Eagles
Jackson may be one of the most explosive players in the NFL in his first season. The Eagles took Jackson in the second round after several teams passed on the 5-foot-10-inch, 170-pound receiver. He has proven he should have been taken higher.
Jackson leads all rookie receivers in yards (433), yards per game (72.2), first downs (17) and has caught 10 passes for gains of more than 20 yards. His big play ability is unmatched by any other rookie, though he has only one receiving touchdown and he showed his true rookie colors when he dropped the ball before crossing the end zone against Dallas - not even Pop Warner players do that.
Jackson has contributed on special teams as well. He leads all rookies in punt return yardage (253) and has scored on one return. The scouts said he wasn't big enough, but his game speaks volumes.
The rest of the first-year standouts have made significant contributions to their respective teams as well. Wide receiver Eddie Royal of the Denver Broncos is a sleeper. He and quarterback Jay Cutler would make Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel jealous of the chemistry they have on the field. Royal leads all rookies with 30 receptions. Felix Jones, (now injured) Johnathan Stewart and Darren McFadden are a few others who have impressed in their rookie season as well.
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jessica freeman
posted 10/30/08 @ 4:11 PM CST
Hello
I really enjoyed reading your blog..Let me start by saying that I am an acting nut. What that means is that for the past 5 years I have tried to figure out the best way to do this thing. (Continued…)
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