Rookie Report: Mariota sets record in return; Coleman steps up for Patriots
The Rookie Report provides a running look at first-year standouts, surprises, and Rookie of the Year candidates.
Offense
Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans
Returning after a two-week absence due to an MCL injury, Mariota led the Titans to their second win of the season and set an impressive record in the process, becoming the first rookie in NFL history to throw for at least 350 yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions in a single game.
The effort earned Mariota his second AFC Player of the Week nod, making him the second rookie quarterback to win the award twice in a season since it started in 1984 (Robert Griffin III was the first).
Jeremy Langford, RB, Chicago Bears
Langford came through for the Bears in a big way with injured running back Matt Forte out, racking up 142 all-purpose yards, a touchdown, and a crucial two-point conversion in a 22-19 victory over the San Diego Chargers.
While Ka'Deem Carey technically started the game, it was Langford who saw the bulk of the action. With Forte set to become a free agent after this season, Langford's breakout performance could offer a glimpse of the future of the Bears' backfield.
Karlos Williams, RB, Buffalo Bills
LeSean McCoy has struggled to stay healthy this season, but fortunately for the Bills, they have a more than capable backup. When McCoy went down with a shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of Buffalo's 33-17 victory over the Miami Dolphins, Williams was there to carry the load, scoring on a 38-yard run.
The fifth-round pick finished with 110 yards rushing and two touchdowns on nine carries. He kept the momentum going in Week 10, carrying the ball seven times for 24 yards and adding a 26-yard touchdown catch, becoming the second player in NFL history with a TD in each of his first six games.
Defense
Justin Coleman, CB, New England Patriots
Coleman racked up a lot of air miles over the summer, going from Minnesota to New England to Seattle and back to New England, where he's managed to carve out a role for himself as the No. 3 cornerback behind Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan.
In a game that saw the Patriots lose running back Dion Lewis to a torn ACL and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer to a concussion, the undrafted rookie notched three tackles and allowed three catches on five targets for 29 yards with two pass breakups.
Jordan Hicks, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
Hicks had another impressive showing against the Dallas Cowboys, notching seven tackles and returning an interception 67 yards for a touchdown. Unfortunately, it was also the last outing of the season for the Eagles' third-round pick, as he has been placed on injured reserve with a torn pectoral.
Considering the impact Hicks had in a limited number of games (43 tackles, one sack, two interceptions), he could still find himself in the running for Rookie of the Year honors at season's end.
Quick Hits
- Carolina Panthers wide receiver Devin Funchess appears to have hit his stride after a slow start to the season.
- Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi could receive a bigger role against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday after rushing for 41 yards in his debut.
- Week 9 was all about firsts for Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jesse James, who saw his first action of the season and caught the first touchdown pass of his career.
- David Irving, an undrafted defensive lineman out of Iowa State, is starting to make a name for himself in Dallas.
- NFL Media's Gil Brandt lists his top 10 rookie Pro Bowl candidates.