Rookie Report: Howard, Floyd star in Bears' victory over 49ers
Each week, Rookie Report provides a running look at first-year standouts, surprises, and Rookie of the Year candidates.
Offense
Jordan Howard, RB, Chicago Bears
There hasn't been much to celebrate about the Bears' season, but at least the franchise found a worthy successor to Matt Forte. Howard pummeled the 49ers in the snow, rushing for 117 yards and three touchdowns in a 26-6 victory over the 49ers. The fifth-round pick is on pace to go well over 1,000 yards in his rookie season, and the Bears found a vital piece of their offense as they continue to rebuild this winter.
Paul Turner, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles' wide receiver group has become a punchline, but Turner emerged as one of the few bright spots in Sunday's 32-14 loss to the Bengals. Turner caught six passes for a team-high 80 yards, quickly becoming one of Carson Wentz's most reliable targets. The 23-year-old went undrafted out of Louisiana Tech and will vie for a larger role in what's been an abysmal wide receiver rotation this year.
Tyler Boyd, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Boyd is carving a larger role for himself in the Bengals' passing game, with A.J. Green sidelined. The second-round pick caught four passes for 66 yards and acted as an excellent complimentary option alongside Brandon LaFell, as the duo posed problems for the Eagles' secondary all game. If Boyd continues to flourish as the team's No. 2 option, it'll be compelling to see if his role increases next season.
Defense
Leonard Floyd, LB, Chicago Bears
Floyd alleviated any concerns over the lingering effects of a concussion by submitting a dominant performance against the 49ers, recording four tackles, two sacks, and a safety. With seven sacks through nine games, Floyd is establishing himself as a leading candidate in the Defensive Player of the Year race, and it's not hard to conceive that he'd be the anchor of the defense come next year. The Bears can at least rest easy knowing they nailed their first-round pick.
Joey Bosa, DE, San Diego Chargers
Bosa is being mentioned among the best pass rushers in the league, recording another sack during Sunday's 28-21 loss to the Buccaneers. The 21-year-old repeatedly flies through opposing offensive lines, and will likely command double teams for the rest of his career. It's easy to forget that Bosa only made his debut on Oct. 9, with the third overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft exceeding expectations to date.
Artie Burns, CB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Burns is showing continual improvement throughout his rookie year, and led the Steelers with seven tackles in a 24-14 victory over the Giants. Known for his blazing straight-line speed, Burns is able to keep pace with the NFL's fastest receivers while rounding out his overall ability in coverage. With the Steelers actively fighting for the AFC North title, the young dynamo's speed will be put to the test in numerous ways.
Awards Watch
Offensive Rookie of the Year
- Ezekiel Elliott
- Dak Prescott
- Michael Thomas
Honorable mention: Tyreek Hill, Sterling Shepard
Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Joey Bosa
- Leonard Floyd
- Yannick Ngakoue
Honorable mention: Noah Spence, Jalen Ramsey