Category: Rookie Notes

Kirk Cousins makes strong case for backup job

Redskins, Rookie Notes
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If anyone was still looking to fabricate for a quarterback controversy for he Washington Redskins, then Kirk Cousins provided plenty of ammo on Saturday night.

Cousins turned in one of the most impressive performances of the preseason, completing 18 of 23 passes for 264 yards and three touchdowns against the Chicago Bears. It won’t be enough to push Robert Griffin for the starting job, but it could have given him an edge over Rex Grossman for backup duties.

Griffin will likely see significant playing time in the Redskins next preseason game, but the final game could be another chance for Cousins to shine.

Philbin less than enthusiastic about Jonathan Martin

Dolphins, Rookie Notes
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Miami Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin wasn’t exactly supportive of 2nd-round pick Jonathan Martin after the rookie struggled against the Panthers:

“He wasn’t God awful. Wasn’t like he got beat right off the bat. He had a bad holding call. A really bad holding call, and I thought he maybe could have got called for another one later.”

Martin allowed two sacks and was called for a false start and holding (and apparently should have been called for another holding). It was a rough day to say the least and Philbin’s comments certainly don’t bode well for his future in the starting lineup.

Unfortunately the Dolphins don’t have many other options. Veteran Lydon Murtha or undrafted rookie Andrew McDonald would likely be next in line to replace Martin if Philbin believes he isn’t ready for opening weekend.

Alshon Jeffery makes strong impression vs Redskins

Bears, Rookie Notes
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Chicago Bears 2nd-round pick Alshon Jeffery made his case for a starting job on Saturday with three catches for 62 yards in the Bears second preseason game.

Jeffery should be one of Cutler's favorite targets

Jeffery caught a 16-yard pass from Jay Cutler in the 1st quarter. He then caught passes from Jason Campbell on consecutive plays – a 12-yard reception (despite defensive pass interference) followed up by a 42-yard play.

I was skeptical of Jeffery during the draft process primarily because of his poor conditioning and occasional lack of effort, but he’s made a strong impression so far with the Bears. He will definitely crack the 53-man roster, but the only question remaining is how much action he will see. Physically, he’s similar to Brandon Marshall, which could limit his role in the Bears offense.

Kellen Moore improves, sort of

Lions, Rookie Notes
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The Detroit Lions already have a backup quarterback (Shaun Hill) so the interest in Kellen Moore is purely based on his impressive college career. But, nonetheless, people are interested, so here’s the update.

After a dismal showing against the Cleveland Browns, Moore completed 10 of 15 passes against the Ravens on Friday night. At first glance the stats seem to be encouraging, but Moore ran a very conservative version of the Lions offense, rarely throwing the ball more than few yards downfield. He netted just 96 yards through the air, good for a 6.4 yards per attempt rate.

Through his two preseason games, Moore is averaging just 4.69 yards per attempt, a rate which would have ranked dead last in the NFL in 2011 (even Blaine Gabbert averaged 5.36).

Bernard Pierce makes debut for Ravens

Ravens, Rookie Notes
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When the Baltimore Ravens selected Bernard Pierce in the 3rd round many assumed he would enter the season as Ray Rice’s backup. But after missing the Ravens first preseason game and a sub-par showing in his debut on Friday, suddenly the job is up for grabs.

Pierce carried the ball four times for just one yard, however he did a lot more running than his stats indicate. Piece initially ripped of runs of six and seven yards, but later managed to lose 14 yards when he tried to turn the corner and ended up deep in the backfield in an effort to escape the collapsing defense.

Fellow rookie Bobby Rainey and second-year back Anthony Allen are Pierce’s closest competition. John Harbaugh acknowledged that he has yet to decide on a backup for Rice.