Grading The NFL Rookie Quarterbacks: Week Six

Robert Griffin III returned to action this week after suffering a concussion in a week five loss to the Falcons, and Colts QB Andrew Luck looked to build upon his team’s heroic win against the Packers last week.

Let’s take a look at how the NFL rookie quarterbacks performed this week and who is top of the class this time round.

Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks. Final grade: A

Wilson hasn’t fared too well this year, but he certainly turned things round last Sunday as his Seahawks team beat the New England Patriots.

Wilson completed 16 of 27 for 293 yards, he connected on three touchdown passes and didn’t throw a single interception. He finished the game with an impressive 133.7 passer rating, second only to Aaron Rodgers.

Everyone knows Seattle has a great defense, but with Wilson’s latest performance, teams need to stand up and take notice. The Seahawks are for real, and rookie Wilson is leading the way.

Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins. Final grade: B+

Tannehill was very efficient as the Dolphins beat the St. Louis Rams, 17-14. He showed good accuracy by completing 21 of his 29 pass attempts, including two touchdowns. Tannehill is improving, and while there is no doubting his arm strength, his decision-making can at times leave much to be desired. Overall, a good showing from the Dolphins rookie.

Robert Griffin III, Washington Redskins. Final grade: B

The Redskins beat the Minnesota Vikings last week in a high scoring affair, and Griffin showed no signs of the concussion that saw him leave last week’s game against Atlanta.

Griffin threw one touchdown and one interception on his way to 182 passing yards. However, it was on the ground that he really excelled, rushing for 138 yards and two touchdowns. Only Shonn Greene (surprisingly) ran for more yards last Sunday.

The rookie out of Baylor demonstrated what an athlete he is, and why Washington moved heaven and earth to draft him.

Brandon Weeden, Cleveland Browns. Final grade: B-

The not so young rookie had a decent enough game as his Browns team knocked off the Bengals, 34-24. Weeden contributed two touchdown passes and 231 passing yards to finish with an above average 92.7 passer rating. His accuracy needs to improve however he does what he can with the limited receiver depth they have in Cleveland.

He looks to have pretty much solidified his place in the middle of the pack in terms of the rookie quarterbacks. Perhaps on a different team we would see a different Weeden.

Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts. Final grade: D

For the first time this year, Luck finds himself at the bottom of the class.

After a huge win against the Packers, the Colts inexplicably lost 35-9 against a Jets team not known for the offensive firepower. Luck completed just half of his passes and threw two interceptions and no touchdowns. His passer rating at the end of the day was just 51.3. Like all quarterbacks, he is going to have good days and bad days. Let’s just say this was one of the bad days.

The Colts face the Browns next week, in a game which should see him able to bounce back.