Sometimes the talent around you catches up. Maybe that’s what happened to RG3 this week as his team's case of the dropsies relayed to some less-than-stellar play on his part.
The result? The Race for Rookie of the Year is back on, with a number of other rookies putting in commanding performances. Sure, they haven’t caught Griffin yet, but there’s hope as the season goes on.
Let’s look at the Top 10.
1. Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS (+20.4)
Hurt himself with a fumble and couldn’t get much going against a savvy veteran defense in Pittsburgh. Hitting the wall? More a blip on the radar, given how he’s played so far.
2. Chandler Jones, DE, NE (+14.3)
He’s always there or thereabouts, ready to pounce whenever RG3 disappoints even the slightest. This week, in London, he was able to pick up a sack, two hits and three more hurries to rebound from his disappointing Week 7.
3. Kevin Zeitler, RG, CIN (+11.1)
He had nothing to worry about here as he enjoyed his bye week safe in the knowledge only some herculean performances would send him plummeting. They didn’t happen and he stays third.
4. Alfred Morris, RB, WAS (+8.1)
You can’t blame him, and his 4.5 yards per carry against the Steelers, for his team’s offensive troubles. Continues to take more than his line gives him.
5. Casey Hayward, CB, GB (+14.1)
Rarely seems out of position, always seems on the hip of a receiver. Did a tremendous job against Jacksonville of not allowing yardage after the catch.
6. Russell Wilson, QB, SEA (+11.4)
Despite the defeat, continues to look assured and never afraid to challenge defenses. Has already surpassed expectations and now the onus is on him to kick on.
7. Trent Richardson, RB, CLV (+6.9)
Bounced back this week, and in tricky conditions made Chargers defenders miss tackles on his way to earning the PFF Game Ball for his efforts. Only injury has slowed him down, and he looks to have got the better of that.
8. Matt Kalil, LT, MIN (+6.1)
He gave up a sack on Thursday Night Football and looked a bit confused at times by the Bucs' blitzing strategy. A learning experience for sure.
9. Doug Martin, RB, TB (+5.0)
A first appearance for Martin who is such a good runner at times that you forget all the dropped passes. Has really found his rhythm as an NFL runner recently.
10. Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA (+4.3)
Before injury ended his game in New York, he was looking like having one of his off days. Is just about hanging onto a spot in the top 10.
Dropping Out
Bobby Wagner, MLB, SEA: Not because Wagner did anything wrong, but because room had to be made for Doug Martin. Still a fine year.
Mike Martin, DT, TEN: Gave up two penalties and was moved at will in the run game. His worst performance to date.
Five To Watch
Dwayne Allen, TE, IND: May never put up great receiving numbers, but has to be encouraging to see how well he’s adapted to the less glamorous aspects of tight end play.
Andrew Luck, QB, IND: More of the same please. Luck took a step forward against Tennessee, but all too often he’s followed that up with a step back.
Dont’a Hightower, LB, NE: A decent enough day at Wembley, but one where he rarely impacted the game in his 37 snaps.
Morris Claiborne, CB, DAL: Starting to really show his worth. Seems to be getting better game by game.
Akiem Hicks, DT, NO: Has only managed 179 snaps, but has looked the best player on the Saints' front seven. Needs more playing time.
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