Many players’ dreams came true in the NFL season opener as they recorded the first of many stats in their young career. As the games went on, rookies on both sides of the ball continued to impress many around the league, including their competition. Aaron Rodgers chimed in on rookie Quarterback (QB) for the NY Jets Zach Wilsons’ first game. “That kid can throw the heck out of that ball and that was a nice one down the right sideline at the end of the first. I’m so excited for what he can do in this league,” said Rodgers. As I previously stated, there were many impressive NFL debuts, but today I will tell you who had the top 3 performances.
3. Ja’Marr Chase
At number three is Cincinnati Bengals Wide Receiver (WR) Ja’Marr Chase. There were reports that Chase was having trouble catching the ball before his rookie debut. Chase said his trouble derives from the NFL football being different from the football widely used in college. Some differences he noted were the size of the Football and that he doesn’t have the white stripes around the nose of the football to aid him in locating the ball during its flight to him.
Despite Chase’s concerns during the preseason, he finished week 1 with the 2nd most receiving yards amongst rookies. Chase’s first game in the NFL was against the Minnesota Vikings defense that is known for its defense. Chase led the team in receiving yards with 101 receiving yards on five catches and scoring one touchdown.
After the game, Chase was asked how he was able to channel the noise about the multiple dropped passes he had in the preseason. Chase said it is just trash talk. He just blocked out the noise and just catches passes like he is supposed to do.
2. Mac Jones
At Number two is New England Patriots Quarterback(QB) Mac Jones. There were a lot of questions concerning head coach Bill Belichicks’ decision to release Cam Newton and have Mac Jones as the starter. I knew that Cam Newton was going to lose his starting position at some point in the season, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.
If you remember, after Tom Brady left the Patriots to join the Buccaneers every sports media outlet proposed the question of who should have more credit for the Patriots dynasty. Many sports analysts across every network either advocated for Tom Brady or Bill Belichick. Some say it’s because Brady saved his coach career and was the one on the field throwing the football. Others say Belichick because he drafted and developed Brady into who he is today.
Now, if you don’t think that either one doesn’t think they don’t deserve more of the credit, then ask yourself why are they not together today? Brady felt unappreciated, he’s alluded to it multiple times during his tenure in New England. Belichick wants to prove that he developed Brady and wants credit for one having a defense that offensive coordinators lose sleep over. What’s the best way for Belichick to prove his point? Draft and Develop another quarterback. Mac Jones was destined to be Belichick’s way to buy time since he fell to the Patriots.
In Jones NFL debut that went down to the wire against the Miami Dolphins, he threw for 281 yards completing 29 of 39 passes and throwing one touchdown. Down one point with 2:50 left on the clock, Mac Jones drove the team all the way to Miami’s 11-yard line before Damien harris fumbled the football. As of week one, Mac Jone is 13th in total yards thrown(281), Eighth in QBR (75.1), and 12th in passer rating(102.6).
1. Trevor Lawrence
At number 1, not only did he have the most impressive day out every rookie in week 1, but had one of the top performances of week 1. That player is Trevor Lawrence. Trevor Lawrence was the number 1 overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft and showed why in his debut as he threw for 332 on 28 of 51 passes ranking seventh amongst QB. Lawrence also had three touchdowns and three interceptions.
Now, you may be thinking why he is number one on my list with three interceptions. Well, you have to take into account where a player lands. I talked about this exact scenario on Episode 26 of JWALSports. Lawrence is in a position where he did more with less compared to other rookie QBs in his draft class. Between the three starting rookies, Trevor Lawrence has the least amount of weapons at his disposal. Mac jones is surrounded by veterans. All he has to worry about is getting the ball to his targets. Lawrence and Wilson have to worry about protection will also getting the ball to their intended targets. Zach Wilson is aided but a veteran NFL coach in Robert Saleh, who was the defensive coordinator for the 49ers during their Super Bowl. Trevor Lawerence and his coach Urban Myer are both new to the NFL, and have to learn and make adjustments to the game together.
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