The NFL’s Week 14 showcased emerging talent as rookies made significant impacts on their teams. In a surprising turn of events, the New Orleans Saints defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24-20, largely thanks to rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, who delivered an impressive performance. This week marked a critical point in the season, with all teams having completed their bye weeks, intensifying the playoff race.
As the stakes rise, rookies are beginning to find their footing in the league, demonstrating their capabilities as they face the challenges of December football. Here’s a closer look at the standout rookies from Week 14, each of whom played a minimum of 10 snaps.
Quarterbacks and Skill Positions Shine
Leading the quarterback category, Tyler Shough earned an overall PFF grade of 83.7. In the victory over Tampa Bay, Shough completed 15 of 22 passes for 157 yards, with one interception resulting from a miscommunication with his receiver. His performance suggests that the Saints might reconsider their strategy of selecting a quarterback in the upcoming draft.
At running back, Jacory Croskey-Merritt of the Washington Commanders achieved an impressive PFF grade of 87.9. He carried the ball seven times for 32 yards, forcing two missed tackles, with 21 of those yards gained after contact. This solid showing highlights his potential impact on the team.
Wide receivers also made their mark, including Luther Burden III of the Chicago Bears, who recorded four receptions for 67 yards, all resulting in first downs. Meanwhile, rookie Tai Felton from the Minnesota Vikings caught one pass for 10 yards, showcasing his potential in limited opportunities. Chimere Dike of the Tennessee Titans contributed with two touchdowns, helping his team secure a much-needed win.
Standout Performances in the Trenches
The offensive line saw significant contributions from rookies like Kelvin Banks Jr. of the New Orleans Saints, who recorded a PFF grade of 79.9. Against a formidable Buccaneers pass rush, Banks allowed only two pressures on 26 pass-blocking snaps and excelled in run blocking.
On the defensive front, Josaiah Stewart from the Los Angeles Rams had a standout game, posting a pass-rush win rate of 29.4% and earning a PFF pass-rush grade of 82.7. This performance was crucial in the Rams’ victory over the Arizona Cardinals.
The interior defensive line also featured impressive performances, with Tyleik Williams of the Detroit Lions achieving a grade of 79.6 in a bounce-back win against the Cowboys. Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins of the Minnesota Vikings contributed to a shutout against the Washington Commanders, registering a career-best run defense grade.
Linebackers like Carson Schwesinger from the Cleveland Browns and Danny Stutsman of the Saints also stood out. Schwesinger earned an 81.7 grade, demonstrating a strong all-around performance despite the Browns’ loss.
In the secondary, Marcus Harris of the Tennessee Titans maintained solid coverage, allowing just one reception in three targets while achieving a 76.5 grade. Rookie Nohl Williams of the Kansas City Chiefs also impressed, showcasing promise in limited snaps.
This week highlighted the depth of rookie talent across the NFL, with many players stepping up in critical moments. As the playoff picture begins to take shape, the contributions of these young athletes will be vital in the weeks to come. The performances not only reflect their growing roles in their respective teams but also hint at the future of the NFL landscape as the season approaches its climax.
