Last week it looked like the pack were catching up to a concussed RG3. So how does he respond? With a dazzling performance that means he’ll remain firmly entrenched as the leader of the Race for Rookie of the year for at least another week.
That’s not to say the competition didn’t make some compelling cases of their owns. We’ve got pass rushers getting sacks, defensive tackles dominating and don’t be thinking Griffin is the only quarterback shaking things up.
Let’s see how the top 10 unfolds.
1. Robert Griffin III, QB, WAS (+17.3)
Still at the top of the charts, RG3 bounced back from his concussion with his finest performance to date. Crisp with his passing and devastating with his rushing, his rookie season continues to amaze. More than just hype and highlights, RG3 already looks like the real deal.
2. Chandler Jones, DE, NE (+13.4)
Another strong outing from Jones who has taken his quarterback disruptions total up to 26, while still managing a positive grade in the run game. Jones has looked like a star since day one.
3. Kevin Zeitler, RG, CIN (+9.2)
The star offensive lineman of the 2012 class to date, Zeitler is holding strong in fifth place in our right guard rankings. He even made the Team of the Week for the past slate of games. He’s coming along quickly.
4. Alfred Morris, RB, WAS (+5.9)
Not his finest game against a stout Vikings defense but he didn’t really put a foot wrong in taking his forced missed tackle total to 20 with an additional three.
5. Mike Martin, DT, TEN (+10.4)
Saw a lot of the field against Pittsburgh when Jurrell Casey went down injured and responded with his best showing to date. Martin is now up to fifth in our defensive tackle rankings, showing early signs of being a terrific every down player.
6. Russell Wilson, QB, SEA (+6.9)
After a slow start to life in the NFL Wilson is really starting to find his feet, with his display against New England something to behold. Did anyone see this happening when he was selected with the 75th pick of the 2012 draft?
7. Ryan Tannehill, QB, MIA (+6.1)
Not quite as impressive this week, that didn’t stop Tannehill producing his third consecutive grade in the green. He has been extremely effective against the blitz, completing 61.7% of passes at 8.9 yards per attempt.
8. Trent Richardson, RB, CLV (+5.5)
Failed to get much going against the Bengals and gave up a sack to boot. A disappointing week after such a strong performance against the Giants and his rib injury will be something to monitor.
9. Matt Kalil, LT, MIN (+4.4)
Another fine performance from Kalil who through six games has only given up two quarterback hits and seven hurries. He doesn’t offer much in the run game but eventually you just have to appreciate the pass protection.
10. Bobby Wagner, MLB, SEA (+9.7)
Played every down against the Patriots and looked the part as well. The only thing keeping him off this list was playing time, and now we can fully wax lyrical about what an excellent pick up he’s been for Seattle.
Dropping Out
Andrew Luck, QB, IND: Displayed some iffy accuracy and decision making at key points against the Jets. A rookie year of learning on the job.
Cordy Glenn, LT, BUF: In a competitive field missing as much time as Glenn has recently was always going to have consequences.
Harrison Smith, S, MIN: Such a competitive race that his below par performance, featuring two missed tackles, costs him a spot in the top 10.
Five To Watch
Bruce Irvin, DE, SEA: He failed to shine against New England where he was limited to just a hit and a hurry in his weakest display to date.
Vontaze Burflict, LB, CIN: One of the more sensational stories in the league, the undrafted free agent has fallen into a starting spot and now looks to have made it his own with a series of performance that have made a mockery of what many have said about him.
Casey Hayward, CB, GB: Is limited to a role in the slot (for the most part) but showed he could do more against the Texans with his best performance of the season. Currently isn’t another rookie out there who looks as good at the cornerback spot.
Mitchell Schwartz, RT, CLV: A third positive game in a row from Schwartz who has become part of a Cleveland offensive line which is a lot better than it is given credit for.
Mark Barron, S, TB: Starting to find his feet at the NFL level and it’s showing on a play to play basis.
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