Rookie Report Cards for the 1st Quarter
The Broncos look to have swung and knocked it out of the park with their selection of Texas A&M defensive end Von Miller. Miller came into the league as an undersized pass rusher that was in the mold of a Derrick Thomas, whom he modeled his game after. Miller was selected by the Broncos to play linebacker, despite transitioning away from a 3-4 defense where he was expected to play. Instead the Broncos made him a pass rushing OLB in a 4-3 scheme and it is paying early dividends. Miller has already recorded 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 passes defensed and 13 solo tackles.
Andy Dalton & A.J. Green are the nucleus that the Bengals will build around for years to come. Dalton has been playing excellent for a rookie, but no one seems to notice because of what Cam Newton is doing. But that should take nothing away from the fact that Dalton has 868 yards at 58.1% and 4 TDs. Not bad for a quarterback that many people felt was a reach in the second round. Fortunately for Dalton he has fellow rookie A.J. Green to help him out. The 6’4 blue chip receiver out of Georgia has had limited opportunities, but he has been able to shine in those spots. 19 receptions for 312 yards and 2 scores is a pretty awesome start for a rookie.
Julio Jones probably had the biggest expectations of any rookie, due to the fact that the Falcons traded away so much to obtain him. Jones has not let the weight of the expectations slow him down. He has already gained 342 yards on 24 receptions, 15 of which are first downs! Jones was expected to have a big rookie year, but the fact that he is nearly on pace break the rookie record of 101 receptions by Anquan Boldin is absurd.
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