It’s a marathon not a sprint.
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That’s the message in our Race for the Rookie of the Year contest, with some performers falling by the way side after a tough Week 3.
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It’s not completely surprising as veterans tend to be finding their feet more, and the extra tape on rookies make their weaknesses all the easier to exploit. Something that makes the achievements of the guys still performing exceptionally well that much more impressive.
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But if you’re a regular reader of this column, you aren’t here to listen to me build it up. You’re here for the Top 10, so, without further ado …
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1. [Previous Ranking: 1] Von Miller, OLB, Denver Broncos, +12.6 (183 snaps)
I received some ridicule for having Miller at the top of this race, and it’s understandable when you compare the base stats he has to the man below him, but Miller is better than what the stat sheet says. Already one of the best linebackers in the league, he now tops our 4-3 OLB rankings, and is doing it on the back of his work in the run game, not rushing the passer.
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2. [2] Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers, +5.9 (217 snaps)
He picked up his first win of the year, but had real difficulty compared with his previous two outings. Despite having time to throw, and open receivers, he consistently missed his targets in a multitude of ways, but predominantly high. There will be games like that, and it should serve to temper expectations in terms of how much one rookie can do.
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3. [6] Jabaal Sheard, DE, Cleveland Browns, +8.9 (197 snaps)
Would likely win this contest if he played Marc Colombo every week. Beat him like a drum all day and showed incredible savvy to set the veteran up early for the inside move later. Great find for the Browns.
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4. [4] Mike Pouncey, C, Miami Dolphins, +5.1 (215 snaps)
Keeps hold of his fourth place after an unspectacular display against the Browns. His least-convincing display to date in the run game, but possibly most impressive in pass protection. Finding his feet very nicely in NFL.
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5. [3] Phil Taylor, DT, Cleveland Browns, +4.9 (141 snaps)
After starting his NFL career on fire, had some issues with Dolphins reserve right guard John Jerry. Didn’t help himself with needless penalty that could have cost dearly.
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6. [10] Denarius Moore, WR, Oakland Raiders, +4.8 (128 snaps)
Just 11 touches of the ball on offense and you get the feeling he could be special. Is eighth in our receiver ranking, in part due to his work when he is given the ball as a rusher. Two touches for 48 yards and a touchdown. Playmaker.
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7. [NE] Karl Klug, DT, Tennessee Titans, +6.3 (102 snaps)
Has already totaled one sack, three QB hits and a further three hurries. Not bad for a rotational player who is knocking on the door for more playing time.
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8. [7] J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans, +4.0 (169 snaps)
Picked up a sack and a couple of pressures, but not much else against the Saints. Good for a lot of snaps with his relentless motor, but often not the most noticeable player on the field.
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9. [8] Tyron Smith, RT, Dallas Cowboys, +1.5 (209 snaps)
Buckled a bit under the glare of Monday Night Football. After previously giving up two pressures in two games, gave up four to the Redskins.
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10. [NE] Adrian Clayborn, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, +3.3 (123 snaps)
Found the perfect opponent to aid in a break-out in turnstile tackle Sam Baker. Picked up first career sack along with another hit and three pressures in making life tough for Matt Ryan. More of the same the Bucs fans demand.
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On The Outside Looking In (and what they need to crack the list)
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Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks: Got more playing time, now he needs more targets. Real asset with downfield blocking.
A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals: False start penalties from a receiver? He’s not playing well enough to get away with that. Cut them out.
Nate Solder, RT, New England Patriots: Good in spots, but needs to do it over whole game.
Kyle Rudolph, TE, Minnesota Vikings: More playing time will give us a chance to see if he can be a threat in passing game.
Roy Helu, RB, Washington Redskins: Looks dynamic but has to get his hands on the ball more.
Akeem Ayers, OLB, Tennessee Titans: Strong start but has been so-so since Week 1.
Ryan Kerrigan, OLB, Washington Redskins: If you’re on the field for every snap, you have to make a bigger contribution. Ultimately that's why he lost out to Clayborn for last spot
Jurrell Casey, DT, Tennessee Titans: Keep doing what he’s doing
Robert Quinn, DE, St Louis Rams: Getting pressure but needs more opportunities to build on nine total pressures
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