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Rookie Report: Winston, Mariota one-up each other; Peters makes triumphant return home

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

The Rookie Report provides a running look at first-year standouts, surprises, and Rookie of the Year candidates.​

Offense

Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Week 13 marked the first time this season Winston and Marcus Mariota both came away victorious on the same day.

The Buccaneers quarterback earned his win in dramatic fashion, scrambling 20 yards up the middle on third-and-19 to extend the decisive drive and keep Tampa Bay's playoff hopes alive. He finished the game 18-of-27 for 227 yards with one touchdown and an interception, adding another 15 yards and a score on the ground.

Typical @atlantafalcons #winston #AtlvsTB #bucs #falcons

"He seems to, I guess, surprise us daily with some of the things that he can do," head coach Lovie Smith said afterward. "... Tell me a better running quarterback in the league than Jameis Winston right now."

Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans

Mariota might have something to say about Lovie Smith's statement after the 87-yard rushing touchdown he recorded in the Titans' 42-39 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. It was the NFL's longest run of the season, and the third longest by a quarterback since 1960.

87-yard rushing TD for Marcus #Mariota #JAXvsTEN

The Oregon product continued his red-zone magic, too, throwing for another two touchdowns. He now has 15 touchdowns, zero interceptions, and a passer rating of 120.1 in the red zone this season.

David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals

It's Johnson's time to shine in Arizona with veteran running back Chris Johnson sidelined with a fractured tibia, and he did exactly that in Week 13, rushing for 99 yards on 22 carries and adding two catches for 21 yards and a touchdown.

The veteran Johnson could return for the Super Bowl, should the Cardinals make it that far, but the rookie is proving to be a viable replacement. He racked up another 123 yards from scrimmage in Thursday's win over the Minnesota Vikings.

Defense

Marcus Peters, CB, Kansas City Chiefs

Facing the team he grew up cheering for, in his hometown, made for one emotional afternoon for Peters. The Oakland native got off to a shaky start - even throwing up on the sideline at one point - but he finished with six tackles, two passes defensed, and an interception in the Chiefs' 34-20 victory over the Raiders.

"The whole city of Oakland came out and I appreciate the love and support I get from here," Peters said after the game. "I can't stop shaking - that's how much love I felt."

Stephone Anthony, LB, New Orleans Saints

Anthony lit up the stat sheet in Week 13, tallying 10 tackles, returning a forced fumble 31 yards for a touchdown, and becoming the first NFL player to return a blocked extra-point kick for a defensive two-point conversion since the rule was changed this season.

Chris Clark on Twitter

For all the woes the Saints have experienced on defense this season, they have a lot to be pleased with when it comes to the development of their rookie linebackers. Anthony and Hau'oli Kikaha have accounted for a combined 140 tackles, five sacks, one interception, and four forced fumbles.

Eddie Goldman, NT, Chicago Bears

Goldman, drafted 39th overall out of Florida State, is turning out to be quite the steal for the Bears, looking better and better with each passing week. He had his strongest performance of the season in an overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers, recording three tackles, two sacks, and a blocked extra-point attempt.

Teammate Jarvis Jenkins paid Goldman the ultimate compliment afterward, telling reporters he "will be a Pro Bowler within the next two years."

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