Week 4 was highly eventful for the rookie class, including a pair of quarterbacks seeing significant action. The Steelers benched the struggling Mitch Trubisky in favor of first-round pick Kenny Pickett, and the Patriots turned to third-string rookie Bailey Zappe following Brian Hoyer‘s concussion early in the game. Both quarterbacks showed promising flashes, and it remains to be seen if they will be named starters for the first time in Week 5. Across the rest of the league, many rookies performed well, especially the cornerbacks, as you will see in our selection of the rookies of the week!
Offensive Rookie of the Week: Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans
Texans rookie RB Dameon Pierce has more rushing yards (313) this season than:
• Derrick Henry
• Dalvin Cook
• Christian McCaffrey
• D’Andre Swift
• Ezekiel Elliot
• Leonard Fournette
• James Robinson
• Joe Mixon pic.twitter.com/ZpoqnagZ7J— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) October 4, 2022
Dameon Pierce built off his solid Week 3 performance with an even stronger showing in Week 4. Pierce’s performance was headlined by a 75-yard touchdown run in which he displayed great speed, as he ran directly through the Chargers’ defense. Pierce compiled 131 rushing yards while also displaying reliable hands, catching the ball six times out of the backfield. Pierce has made the most of his opportunity after being drafted at the start of Day 3; he has cemented himself as the clear RB1 for the Texans while being the most consistent rookie running back to start the season.
Runners-Up:
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
Hall looked good running the ball behind a very depleted Jets offensive line against a tough Steelers defense, recording 78 total yards and the game-winning touchdown to seal the come-from-behind victory for the Jets.
Jamaree Salyer, OT, Los Angeles Chargers
Salyer made his first start at tackle much earlier than expected for the Chargers after being drafted in the 6th round. He had a near-perfect game in his first start, tallying 41 pass-blocking snaps while not allowing a sack, pressure, or hurry.
Defensive Rookie of the Week: Jack Jones, CB, New England Patriots
Pats rookie Jack Jones PICK-SIX on Aaron Rodgers 👀
(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/l03xbUonW4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 2, 2022
Despite having to turn to third-string fourth-round rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe, the Patriots brought Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers down to the wire in a close overtime loss. A large part of that was because of rookie fourth-rounder Jack Jones, who was solid in coverage and made two game-changing plays in his first NFL start. On Green Bay’s first offensive drive, Jones forced a fumble of fellow rookie Romeo Doubs and recovered it, allowing his team to take an early lead. The Patriots later went into halftime with the lead thanks to Jones’ interception returned for a touchdown. Asked about the play in the post-game conference, Jones responded that it was disrespectful to target him with an out-route. The rookie oozes confidence and playmaking ability.
Runners-Up:
Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, New York Jets
Gardner was once again excellent in man-coverage on Sunday against the Steelers, allowing just two catches for nine yards and a passer rating of 39.6 on seven targets while also making 3 tackles and recording a pass breakup.
Tariq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Woolen entered the NFL as a raw prospect with elite tools yet has acclimated to the league remarkably quickly, showcasing his playmaking ability against Detroit with a crucial pick-six in Seattle’s win.
