It’s that time again, where we take a look at the performances of this year’s NFL rookie quarterbacks and hand out grades accordingly. Week three is in the books, so let’s get going.
Andrew Luck, Indianapolis. Final grade: B
The Colts fell to 1-2 this week following a loss to the Jaguars, but rookie Luck had a pretty good game. He completed just under half of his throws for 313 yards. He connected on two touchdowns, but also threw one pick. Luck also demonstrated his athletic ability, rushing for 50 yards on four carries.
It has been mentioned before in this column, but it’s worth saying again. Andrew Luck is the real deal, and barring any disasters, the Colts have a good chance of rebuilding their team around him.
Robert Griffin III, Washington. Final grade: B-
Just slightly behind Luck this week, but not by much. Griffin and his team lost 38-31 to the Bengals this week, but the QB produced some good numbers. He threw for 221 yards on 21 completions with one touchdown and no interceptions, leaving him with a 90.4 passer rating.
Like Luck, he showed off his rushing ability, gaining an impressive 85 yards on the ground. There wasn’t much to choose between Griffin and Luck heading into this year’s draft, and they are both playing at a high standard for rookie QBs.
Russel Wilson, Seattle. Final grade: C-
Wilson was part of one of the most controversial finishes to end a game in recent years. His hail mary pass was ruled complete to Golden Tate for the winning touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. Putting that controversy aside, Wilson threw two touchdowns and didn’t turn the ball over. However, he only threw for 130 yards, with a lot of that coming on the last play.
He still remains the right choice over Matt Flynn at quarterback, but his production might have to get better if he wants higher grades from this writer.
Brandon Weeden, Cleveland. Final grade: D
Weeden and the Browns lost to the Bills this week, and the rookie quarterback did his best to give his team a chance to win. He threw a lot, attempting 43 passes and completing 27 of them for 237 yards, with one touchdown, but two costly interceptions.
Weeden spread the ball around, completing passes to nine different players. But perhaps that is part of the problem; the Browns really do need their version of Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald at wide receiver. If rookie RB, Trent Richardson continues to struggle, Weeden is going to find himself throwing the ball more and more as the season continues.
Ryan Tannehill. Miami. Final grade: E
Not a very good week for Tannehill and the Dolphins as they lost a close one to a Jets team who aren’t exactly blessed with offensive fire power.
Weeden completed 16 out of 36 for 196 yards, one interception and no touchdowns. Like the Browns, stand out receivers are lacking for a Dolphins team that seems to be relying on running back Reggie Bush to get the job done.
It’s a tough league, and Tannehill has only thrown one touchdown all season. That will have to improve if he wants to find himself anywhere near the top of the class this season.
