Week 14 was one for the late-round draft picks and undrafted free agents, as all three of our selected offensive rookies for this week’s honors did not hear their names called in the first six rounds of the 2022 NFL Draft! It’s that time of the season in which injuries or poor play have opened the door for these rookies to showcase their talents, offering them opportunities that they have seized. On the defensive side, a player with a unique skillset earns the top honor, while familiar names are selected for the runner-ups. Let’s dive into Week 14’s Rookies of the Week!
Offensive Rookie of the Week: Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
He made it look so easy. 49ers QB Brock Purdy 16/21 185yds 2 TD no turnovers. Niners beat Tampa Bay 35-7. That's 6 straight wins. @KPIXtv @49ers @Buccaneers pic.twitter.com/RfUUocSDL9
— vernkpix (@vernKPIX) December 12, 2022
In his first NFL start, the last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, nicknamed ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ as a result, defeated Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 35-7. It may sound incredible, yet that is exactly what former Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy did. Purdy completed 16 of 21 passes for 185 yards and two touchdowns, while not turning the ball over. Purdy exuded remarkable confidence and poise that is rarely seen from a rookie quarterback, let alone a late-rounder thrust into action due to injuries to the first two quarterbacks on the depth chart this season. While many were quick to assume the 49ers’ Super Bowl hopes were derailed once Jimmy Garoppolo suffered a season-ending injury in Week 13, it looks like the 49ers will keep rolling, as they remain contenders if Purdy can continue his solid play.
Runners-Up:
Zonovan Knight, RB, New York Jets
In an unlikely turn of events, undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight is now the clear lead running back for the New York Jets, impressively tallying 71 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries in a 12-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Isiah Pacheco, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
Seventh-round rookie Isiah Pacheco continues to provide solid play for the Chiefs as their starting running back, totaling 93 yards combined rushing and receiving in a 34-28 win over the Denver Broncos in which he averaged a stellar 5.4 yards per carry.
Defensive Rookie of the Week: Marcus Jones, CB, New England Patriots
Here's that hit from Marcus Jones.
My goodness. pic.twitter.com/kVdUA79rID
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) December 13, 2022
With the Patriots suffering injuries at the cornerback position to both Jalen Mills and Jack Jones, rookie third-rounder Marcus Jones stepped up to the plate this week, playing 89 percent of the defensive snaps in a win against the Arizona Cardinals. Jones recorded eight total tackles, seven of which were solo tackles, and also tallied two passes defended and an interception which was crucial in giving the Patriots a firm advantage in the second half of their win. It is also worth noting that Jones did also record a 12-yard catch on offense, as well as a couple of impressive returns on special teams. For the first time this season, Jones provided stellar defensive play in addition to splash plays on special teams and offense, making him a rare three-way player that Bill Belichick is clearly falling in love with.
Runners-Up:
Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Detroit Lions
Hutchinson has been coming into his own recently, proving why he was the second overall pick in the draft, recording two tackles for loss, one sack, and two quarterback hits this week in an impressive victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner, CB, New York Jets
In yet another stellar performance against the powerful Buffalo Bills offense, ‘Sauce’ was only targeted twice and allowed just one reception for six yards while recording a pass breakup on the other target.
