Rookie Report: Allen rebounds after benching; Smith turns in first multi-sack performance

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

Offense

Javorius Allen, RB, Baltimore Ravens

Fumbling issues saw Allen relegated to the sideline in Week 15, but the fourth-round pick responded with one of his best efforts of the season and helped the Ravens pull off a 20-17 upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Allen went fumble-free in the win, carrying the ball 17 times for 77 yards and a touchdown, and adding five catches for 35 yards. Head coach John Harbaugh described the performance as "another great story about bouncing back."

Todd Gurley, RB, St. Louis Rams

A leading candidate for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, Gurley rushed for 83 yards and a crucial fourth-quarter touchdown on 19 carries to help the Rams sweep their season series with Seattle.

Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett described Gurley as "average" afterwards, although the rookie's 1,106 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns (which rank third and second in the NFL, respectively) would beg to differ.

Tyler Kroft, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

Kroft didn't put up huge numbers against the Denver Broncos, but he did set career highs in both receptions (four) and receiving yards (46) while starting in place of the injured Tyler Eifert for the second straight week.

The third-round pick has emerged as the standout of the Bengals' 2015 rookie class, catching 11 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown in 15 games. Based on the progress he's shown in recent weeks, he could make an impact for Cincinnati in the playoffs.

Defense

Preston Smith, LB, Washington Redskins

Smith had a career day in the Redskins' 38-24 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles, racking up three sacks and four tackles to help Washington clinch the NFC East title and a playoff berth. He did so with a heavy heart, too, learning earlier that morning that his cousin, Donna Champion, had lost her battle with cancer.

This was the first multi-sack performance for the Mississippi State product, and the most in a game by a Redskins rookie since Brian Orakpo had four in 2013. He leads all rookies with seven sacks through 15 games.

Vic Beasley, DE, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons pulled off a stunning upset of the previously undefeated Carolina Panthers in Week 16, a win that was preserved by Beasley's late strip sack of quarterback Cam Newton. He also contributed four tackles in the game.

Beasley has 26 tackles, four sacks, an interception, and two forced fumbles, despite playing with a torn labrum all season.

Harold Jones-Quartey, S, Chicago Bears

The Bears got contributions from several undrafted rookies in their win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, most notably Jones-Quartey, who made arguably the biggest play of the game.

With the Bucs leading 14-13 in the third quarter, Jones-Quartey intercepted a Jameis Winston pass intended for running back Charles Sims at the goal line and returned it 23 yards to the Chicago 24. He also had four tackles, a forced fumble, and two passes defensed.

Quick Hits

• A look back at the accomplishments made by Tenneesee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota in his rookie season.
• Houston Texans head coach Bill O'Brien singled out undrafted offensive lineman Kendall Lamm as one of the team's standout players this season.
  
• New Orleans Saints first-round pick Andrus Peat performed well in his first start at right tackle.
• He may be biased, but Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter thinks Jameis Winston is a "no-brainer" for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
• Ameer Abdullah, the NFL's leading kick returner, has put together a solid rookie season for the Detroit Lions.