2012 Rookies

[Southern9er]

Was Trenton Robinson this good:

"Sixth-round pick Trenton Robinson had a huge hit in the fourth quarter to break up a pass. Robinson has the best chance of all the Niners’ 2012 draft picks to suit up for the season opener in Green Bay."

--DISCLAIMER...this was from Grant Cohn...who is still learning to tie his own shoes and graduate from velcro...

Did not watch the game only read about it...Looks like Tolzien, Swain, Owusu were a bigger surprises.

 

[mem49er]

Was Trenton Robinson this good:

"Sixth-round pick Trenton Robinson had a huge hit in the fourth quarter to break up a pass. Robinson has the best chance of all the Niners’ 2012 draft picks to suit up for the season opener in Green Bay."

--DISCLAIMER...this was from Grant Cohn...who is still learning to tie his own shoes and graduate from velcro...

Did not watch the game only read about it...Looks like Tolzien, Swain, Owusu were a bigger surprises.

Trent did well for a late round rookie but he was not phenomenal or anything. I thing this is just Grunt Cohn's attempt to take a shot at AJ. I would think LaMichael James is just at likely to suit up.

 

[BINGO]

Nerves show as Pead makes Rams debut : Stltoday

 

[BINGO]

St. Louis Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts - Recap - August 12, 2012 - ESPN

 

[BINGO]

Ballard leads Colts in rushing: Colts rookie running back Vick Ballard had a nice first game as a professional on Sunday in preseason action against the Rams. Ballard finished the game leading the Colts in rushing with 28 yards on six attempts. His long carry went for 13 yards and Ballard added one grab for 11 yards. Ballard is down the depth chart behind the likes of Donald Brown, Delone Carter and Mewelde Moore.
(Updated 08/12/2012)

 

[BINGO]

Turbin stumbles in first game: With Marshawn Lynch inactive, the Seahawks turned to rookie running back Robert Turbin in Saturday’s preseason opener against the Titans, and the returns were less-than promising. The 22-year-old out of Utah State rushed for just 24 yards on 10 carries, while catching three balls for nine yards, as the Seahawks won, 27-17.
(Updated 08/12/2012)

 

[BINGO]

Wilson shines in do-it-all debut: Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson outplayed Matt Flynn in the first game of the preseason Saturday, as he passed for one touchdown and ran for another while playing the entire second half in a 27-17 win over the Titans. Wilson was less accurate as a passer than Flynn, but he still finished the game 12 of 16 for 124 yards through the air, with the touchdown coming on a 39-yard go route to Braylon Edwards at the beginning of the third quarter. The rookie showed his two-way talents in the game as well, rushing three times for 59 yards, including a 32-yard touchdown run, to finish with 183 yards and two touchdowns overall. He did throw one interception in the game, a costly turnover in the red zone in the fourth quarter.
(Updated 08/12/2012)

 

[BINGO]

Wright impresses in debut: Titans receiver Kendall Wright made an impressive debut during Saturday's preseason opener against the Seahawks. Wright made his mark with Jake Locker in the second quarter and caught all three of his passes for 47 yards receiving, averaging 15.7 yards a catch. All three of the rookie's catches went for 14 yards or more during his debut. His last catch of the night proved to be his longest gain of the game as Locker found him for an 18-yard gain late in the first half.
(Updated 08/12/2012)

 

[BINGO]

Tannehill impressive in debut: Dolphins rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill was impressive in his debut Friday night in the preseason opener against Tampa Bay. And he may have given himself a chance to start as the No. 1 quarterback. With David Garrard expected to undergo knee surgery and be out at least two weeks, Matt Moore started against Tampa Bay. He completed 7 of 12 passes for 79 yards and an interception. The problem for Moore was that Tannehill outplayed him. Tannehill completed 14 of 21 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown. Tannehill also had what appeared to be a second touchdown called back by replay. He also added one carry for 5 yards and looked poised in the pocket.
(Updated 08/10/2012)

 

[BINGO]

Burfict's shot
9:37AM ET
Cincinnati Bengals

After beginning the season as one of the most touted LB prospects in all of college football, Arizona St. product Vontaze Burfict was flamed out during the pre-draft process, ultimately going unselected. However, seeing some talent to be mined, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Burfict in the days following the draft.

With starting MLB Rey Maualuga out of commission with a knee injury, Burfict filled in on the first-team for the USC product during Sunday's practice, according to Joe Reedy of the Cincinnati Enquirer. Reedy adds that Maualuga is "probably going to be held out" of the club's next preseason game, which opens the door for Burfict.

Burfict had an INT in the club's preseason opener against the Jets, and a big night on Thursday will certainly be of benefit as he tries to carve out a spot on the team.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Tannehill starting this week?
7:50AM ET
Ryan Tannehill | Dolphins

With veteran QB David Garrard on the shelf for a few weeks following knee surgery, this has opened the door for either Matt Moore or rookie Ryan Tannehill to stake a lead as the Miami Dolphins' starting QB. Tannehill looked rather impressive in the club's first preseason game, though his stats were certainly padded by playing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' lower depth on defense.

Now, however, it appears that Tannehill could be thrown in as the starter for Friday's tilt. Asked this weekend if that could be the case, Dolphins HC Joe Philbin responded, "I wouldn't rule that out," per the Palm Beach Post.

So it appears that the week of practice will be the determining factor as to which of the Dolphins' two QBs left standing will get the nod first on Friday (and in subsequent contests). Stay tuned.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Shanahan on RG3
11:04AM ET
Robert Griffin | Jets

We already knew that Robert Griffin III was locked in as the starting QB for the Washington Redskins, but it's good to find out that his coach is encouraged by the No. 2 pick's first game performance in a Redskins jersey.

After reviewing game tape, Mike Shanahan had this to say about RG3's effort against the Buffalo Bills on Thursday: "I thought he was cool, calm and collected. I thought he did what he had to do. You're hoping your quarterback does play like that in his first game, but many times, it doesn't happen that way, especially in game situations. I was pleased, and hopefully we can keep on growing."

The game wasn't exactly a barnburner at 7-6 in favor of the Skins, but Griffin got his pro career off to a nice start, completing four of his six attempts for 70 yards and a touchdown to Pierre Garcon.

A game in August should not be seen as a litmus test, but with so much on the line for Griffin and the Redskins franchise, this has to be seen as an encouraging sign.

- Jason Catania​

 

[BINGO]

Wilson shines in preseason debut
1:20PM ET
David Wilson | Giants

He'd seen him shine in practice, so New York Giants' running backs coach Jerald Ingram was excited to see rookie David Wilson in "real" action. As he told the Daily News before Friday's tilt with the Jacksonville Jaguars, "The challenge of a game, we're looking forward to it, to see what he can do."

Wilson certainly made a statement, rushing seven times for 43 yards, including one 26-yard burst and he also added a 48-yard kickoff return. Wilson likely is already starting to give the defensive coordinators of the NFC East a headache as they now have one more weapon to plan for in the Giants huddle.

Ahmad Bradshaw is the clear starter, but the loss of Brandon Jacobs opened the door for a new change-of-pace option. Wilson is perfect for that role and adding an explosive element to the traditionally more-methodical Giants' offense certainly bodes well for the defending Super Bowl champions.

- AJ Mass​

Ohm Youngmisuk
Giants RB Wilson setting lofty goals

"But Wilson ultimately is the guy the Giants drafted to become Bradshaw's backup and eventual successor in future years. Wilson's speed and playmaking potential will be hard to keep off the field."

 

[BINGO]

Tate makes most of first shot
9:12AM ET
Brandon Tate | Bengals

Brandon Tate got the nod in Friday's preseason game to work with the first-team offense opposite A.J. Green, and the wide receiver made a solid showing. Tate caught two passes for 24 yards, keeping pace with both Armon Binns and Marvin Jones who each also caught two passes on the night.

Of course, perhaps the most intriguing candidate for the No. 2 job, Mohamed Sanu, spent most of the week emulating Tim Tebow in practice, so while he proved himself to be incredibly valuable to his team, he did not fit into the wide receiver rotation this week. Expect Sanu to get a chance to strut his stuff in Cincinnati's next game.

This competition is just getting started.

- AJ Mass​

 

[BINGO]

Mike Adams' rough start
11:45AM ET
Pittsburgh Steelers

The learning curve for NFL rookies is quite steep, and for some it takes a few games under their belt before really getting a handle on the uptick in speed and competition level. Pittsburgh Steelers rookie OT Mike Adams -- the favorite to be the Week 1 starter at LT -- certainly looked like a newbie on Thursday night, surrendering two sacks, including one that caused a fumble by Byron Leftwich. Soon thereafter, he was out of the game with a knee injury.

The extent of the injury remains to be divulged. The team re-signed Max Starks to serve as a swing OT backup, though he was placed on PUP to start camp. In order for Adams to get up to speed by the time the regular season kicks off, he'll need as much work as possible these next few weeks, and if he's unable to get that work, Starks could get the nod early on in this campaign.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Morris Claiborne: No problem with injury comments - NFL.com

 

[BINGO]

Martin produces in opener: With Andre Johnson out, Texans receiver Keshawn Martin took advantage of the extra time with the first-team offense during Saturday's preseason opener. Matt Schaub found Martin deep for a 21-yard reception during the second offensive play of the game. He also took an end-around play for 12 yards late in the first quarter. Martin was targeted three times and finished with two catches for 24 yards.
(Updated 08/12/2012)

 

[BINGO]

49ers.com | Gameday Story: The Forty Niner Way

 

[BINGO]

Who's left at WR for the Jets?
3:17PM ET
New York Jets

The New York Jets have hinted that they'll be returning to more of a "ground 'n' pound" rushing attack on offense this year, and the way that their WRs are dropping like flies this preseason, that may be their only option.

We already know about the rib injury to Santonio Holmes, and it's been determined that No. 10 will not play in this weekend's preseason tilt against the New York Giants, per ESPNNewYork.com. On Tuesday afternoon, rookie WR Stephen Hill suffered an injury to his finger. Though a source has revealed to Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com that it's not believed that the digit is broken, there could be some tendon damage.

The Jets are currently experimenting with having CB Antonio Cromartie play some WR, but they've also been rumored to be interested in signing a free agent, possibly Greg Camarillo. If another pass-catcher goes down in the next several days, they might just be forced to do so.

- Tim Kavanagh​

 

[BINGO]

Poe a third-stringer?
1:20PM ET
Kansas City Chiefs

Kansas City Chiefs GM Scott Pioli has been looking for his version of Vince Wilfork ever since taking over in his position in 2009. There was hope that the club's first-round pick this season -- Dontari Poe -- could be that guy, but the early returns are not so good for the Memphis product.

Previously, we made note of the fact that Poe was working as the No. 2 NT behind Anthony Toribio, But according to the latest buzz from Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star, the draft's No. 11 overall pick is actually working as the No. 3 NT, while Toribio battles with Jerrell Powe for the starting spot.

"Toribio made some plays, which we liked," Chiefs HC Romeo Crennel noted regarding the club's preseason opener. "The young Poe, he's still learning, and he gave good effort. He's trying to learn to do the things the way we want them. He's not there yet.

"And P-O-W-E ... he got in there, he made a play. He's improved from where he was last year. The competition is still a competition. It's not a bad thing to have a couple or three guys to play the position, if they can do it."

Well, when one of them just signed a four-year deal with around $11.3 million of it guaranteed, it kind of is a bad thing when he's behind an undrafted player and a sixth-rounder. It'll be interesting to see whether this slow start in camp drifts into Poe's rookie campaign.

Meanwhile, over on the ESPN AFC West blog, Bill Williamson writes that tales of Poe's struggles may be a bit overblown:

- Tim Kavanagh



Bill Williamson
Chiefs feel good about Poe

"Crennel's theme when asked about Poe's progress is that he has a lot to work to do. It's true. He is a rookie. Rookies have a lot to work to do. Remember, Crennel is an old-school coach. He comes from the Bill Parcells-Bill Belichick mold. These guys have never been known to pump up players just to do so. Rookies have to earn praise. That's the approach Crennel has always taken. He always will. But the key to Crennel's words about Poe is that he is working hard and he wants to improve. For a player who was questioned about his motivation, that is a positive sign. We don't know if Poe will be a good player or not. It's only August 14. But rest assured, the Chiefs have zero buyer's remorse on Poe. They think he is on pace to become a productive player."