The moment many had been fearing finally occurred when Robert Griffin III, our leader from Day One in our Race for Rookie of the Year, took a huge hit from Sean Weatherspoon and left the game concussed.
How his season pans out from here is anybody’s guess, but it’s shaken up a race that looked to be heading in only one direction.
Could Chandler Jones bring him down? Could Andrew Luck comeback like his Colts did? The Race is well and truly on.
1. Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS (+12.2)
The gap is closing and it could be completely gone by the next time he suits up. With the Falcons controlling the ball we hadn’t seen an awful lot from Griffin before he had to leave the game.
2. Chandler Jones, DE, NE (+11.6)
After a couple of so-so games, Jones bounced back with a couple of hits and three hurries against the Broncos. He is putting the rest of the defensive competition to shame.
3. Trent Richardson, RB, CLV (+6.4)
I wrote last week that I hadn’t been wowed by Richardson and he responded by making me eat those words with a tremendous display. Showing elusiveness in the open field and an ability to drag defenders for extra yardage, the Browns will need more of the same from him going forward.
4. Alfred Morris, RB, WAS (+5.4)
Carved his way through the Falcons' defense to the tune of 115 yards as he continues to look anything but a sixth-round rookie.
5. Harrison Smith, S, MIN (+6.5)
Only managed 19 snaps against the Titans, but recorded a fumble recovery and a pair of stops prior to his ejection after being forcibly removed from some post-play jawing by an official. Slips a little here but don’t take that as a sign of his performance doing so.
6. Cordy Glenn, LT, BUF (+5.9)
Missing the drubbing from San Francisco due to an ankle sprain made Glenn one of the few Bills to walk away from that game with any credit. We're holding his spot in our top 10 after a solid first month of the season.
7. Kevin Zeitler, G, CIN (+6.2)
You’re not hearing much about Zeitler, but if he keeps playing in such a solid manner that shouldn’t be the case for long. He has looked the part since Day One so he will be disappointed to have surrendered three hurries against the Dolphins in his latest outing.
8. Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA (+4.4)
The biggest surprise of all the rookie quarterbacks, Tannehill is 17th overall in our quarterback rankings and is coming off two of his most assured performances. A highly encouraging start.
9. Andrew Luck, QB, IND (+2.4)
It hasn’t always been pretty with Luck, but a signature win against the Packers was something to behold. The rookie hasn’t always been the most reliable throwing the ball, but his athleticism is getting him out of some situations.
10. Mike Martin, DT, TEN (+7.0)
With the Titans season going nowhere there’s little attention paid the way of Martin who has really made the most of his limited snaps. This week saw him notch a sack and four defensive stops in the run game.
Dropping Out
Mychal Kendricks, LB, PHI: When you miss six tackles in one game you’re due for a fall.
Dont’a Hightower, LB, NE: Fading before an injury forced him to miss action, Hightower has failed to leave a lasting impression.
Jerron McMillan, S, GB: After a hot start to the season McMillan is starting to get exposed at times.
Five To Watch:
Matt Kalil, LT, MIN: What do you want in a left tackle? If all you care about is pass protection Kalil is your man, performing well in this area. His work in the run game? Well, it gives us a reason to keep him off a competitive list.
Russell Wilson, QB, SEA: That was a lot more like it from Wilson. Now, can he keep it up?
Bruce Irvin, DE, SEA: Owns our ninth-highest pass rushing grade for 4-3 defensive ends, but his sample size is holding him back.
Bobby Wagner, LB, SEA: The two-down player has looked tremendous on early downs, and looks to be a real find for the Seahawks.
Casey Hayward, CB, GB: With slot cornerbacks being more and more important, the Packers could have found themselves a steal here.
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