Rookie Reviews: Week 3

By Will Spencer
September 28th, 2009 at 1:41 am

The final scores are in the books and Draft Breakdown is here to update you on how some of the top rookies in the 2009 draft performed in week 3 of the NFL season.


Matthew Stafford – QB – Lions
The stats weren’t phenomenal, but Stafford helped the Lions get a much more important stat; a win. The Lions broke a 19 game losing streak at home vs. the Washington Redskins, and Stafford led the way. The former Georgia signal-caller finished the game 21 of 36 for 241 yards and a touchdown, and added 2 rushes for 23 yards in their first win of the season.


Mark Sanchez – QB – Jets
For the 3rd week in a row, Sanchez makes our list. While he had some struggles in this game (1 int and 2 fumbles), he maintained his cool. Sanchez finished 17 of 30 for 171 yards, 2 TDs and 1 INT, plus a rushing TD. Sanchez also became the first rookie QB in NFL history to win his first three games as a starter.


Mike Wallace – WR – Steelers
Even in the close loss, Wallace became a new favorite target for Ben Roethlisberger. Wallace caught 7 passes for 102 yards, which included a long pass of 51 yards.


Knowshon Moreno – RB – Broncos
The Broncos are now 3-0 and in first place in the AFC West, in part to a strong running game. Today, the Broncos first round pick carried the ball 21 times for 90 yards and a touchdown in their division win over the Raiders.


Percy Harvin – WR – Vikings
The Vikings squeaked out a win on the arm of Brett Favre, but Harvin played a major role. Harvin caught 4 passes for 51 yards, but his main highlight came on a 101 yard kickoff return for a touchdown.


Brian Orakpo – OLB – Redskins
While the Redskins appeared to have troubles on defense, Orakpo recorded his first sack of his career as well as 4 tackles in the loss to the Lions.


LeSean McCoy – RB – Eagles
The former Pitt Panther took advantage of a starting spot while Brian Westbrook was out with injury this week. McCoy ran the ball 20 times for 84 yards and a touchdown, adding a 9 yard catch to his stats as the Eagles rolled over the Chiefs.


Eugene Monroe and Eben Britton – OTs – Jaguars
The Jags took a big risk this season by starting two rookies at both tackle spots. This week, those rookies came up big. The Jags offensive line did not allow a single sack and helped the offense rack up 398 yards of total offense, 184 of which came from rushing plays. The big men up front also plowed the road for 4 rushing touchdowns in the win over Houston.


Aaron Curry – LB – Seahawks
Seattle should be pleased with the performance of former Wake Forest standout Aaron Curry this week. Curry racked up 7 total tackles, a sack and a forced fumble in the loss to the Bears.

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