The second week of the NFL is officially in the books. This week, we had a rookie lead their respective team in Pro Football Focus grades and another rookie show up in the top three players for their team. This will be an ongoing series throughout the regular season that will recognize the top performing rookies on offense and defense.
By Kevin Knight
Matt Jones explodes on Rams’ Defense
Matt Jones was the 95th overall pick of this past draft by the Washington Redskins. The University of Florida RB stands at 6’2” and 231 pounds and the Redskins believe that he was a steal in the third round of the draft. Jones dealt with some injuries in college, such as a torn meniscus his sophomore year. Many believe that his injury history could have resulted in his drop in the draft.
This past Sunday against the St. Louis Rams, Jones split time with starter Alfred Morris. Jones exploded on the NFL scene in this game with 123 rushing yards and 2 TDs on 19 carries. He also had 3 catches for 23 yards.
His first touchdown of the game came in the first quarter on a handoff out of the singleback formation for 39 yards.
Jones stays patient through the play after his blocks. As Jones gets to the second level of the defense, he sees that the safety is in his way if he goes straight ahead. He then cuts left behind the block of Center Kory Lichtensteiger, which makes the safety run into his block on the cornerback. This allows Jones to sprint towards the end zone for an untouched TD. For running a 4.61 40 yard dash at the combine, Jones plays quicker than it on film.
Jones also showed his value in the passing game in the second quarter as he took what the defense gave him.
Jones follows through on a play action and is able to recognize that the LBs are bailing to cover the middle third of the field. This causes Jones to break off his route to the left since he is completely uncovered in the flat. He then proceeds for easy yards after the catch until he is brought down for an 18 yard gain.
Jones only played 3 less snaps than Morris over the course of the game, which means the backfield is getting closer to a 50-50 timeshare. If Jones keeps playing at this high of a level and continues to surpass Morris in the passing game, he could take over the starter position in Washington.
Vic Beasley’s quickness dominates Giants O-line
Vic Beasley was the eighth overall pick in the 1st round by the Atlanta Falcons in the past draft. Beasley was a dominant pass rusher for the Clemson Tigers during his college career and his explosive first step was too much for most teams to handle. He finished as a consensus All-American in 2013 and 2014. The Falcons’ Head Coach, Dan Quinn, chose Beasley to play the Leo position in his 4-3 defense that he ran as the defensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. This position requires a quick pass rusher in order to be successful.
Beasley dominated the line of scrimmage against the New York Giants. He finished the game with three tackles, one sack, and a forced fumble. The stats don’t tell the whole story though, as PFF graded him as the best player on either team at +5.3. The Giants had to adjust their passing game to quick passes because Eli didn’t have enough time for deep throws. Beasley continuously harassed the Giants’ left tackles throughout the game.
Here is a play where Beasley, wearing #44, shows off his quickness against LT Ereck Flowers.
Beasley just shoots off the line using his elite first step. He catches Flowers flat footed and it was too late for him to get good hand placement on Beasley. Beasley bends the corner with ease for what should be an easy sack on Manning until Flowers held Beasley back, allowing Manning to throw the ball away.
Beasley finally gets his sack in the fourth quarter along with a forced fumble.
The Giants eventually switch OT Justin Pugh to the left side to stop Beasley. This change has no effect on Beasley, as his elite first step allows him to blow by Pugh. Pugh holds Beasley but it proves to be ineffective when Beasley punches the ball out of Manning’s hand for a strip sack.
Beasley displayed the talent that made him a high pick in this past draft. He showed in this game that he can be an impact pass rusher even if the end result isn’t a sack. Look for him to continue to wreck havoc on the passing game throughout the course of the season.
Marcus Peters shows up against talented Broncos’ Receivers
Marcus Peters was the 18th overall pick in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs in this past draft. He was viewed as an impact cornerback at the University of Washington. He would’ve gone higher in the draft if not for character concerns surrounding an incident that led to him getting kicked off the team during his junior year.
This last Thursday, the Chiefs faced the high powered Broncos’ offense. Peters had to line up against the likes of All Pro Demaryious Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. He more than held his own and he ended the game with 5 tackles and 4 passes deflections. Peters also returned an interception for a 55 yard TD. He finished the game as the third best player on the Chiefs according to PFF with a grade of +3.4.
Wearing #22, Peters got his first career TD on an interception by Manning.
Lined up in Man Coverage with Thomas, he reads Thomas’ movement. Peters then recognizes that Thomas is running an out route and he cuts the route underneath. By this point Manning has released the ball and targets Thomas. Peters jumps up and picks it off for the easy six points.
Another play where Peters showed his instincts was on a WR screen to open the fourth quarter.
Peters, in man coverage, lines up tight against Thomas. Thomas takes a quick step out then cuts towards Manning for the screen pass. Peters recognizes this and evades the block from the slot receiver to swat the ball out of Thomas’ hands for the incompletion.
Peters has the talent to be an impact CB in the NFL. If he can keep his attitude in check, he will be a dominant player in the Chiefs secondary for years to come.
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