The NFL regular season is winding down, but the football being played on the gridiron is getting more exciting as we approach the playoffs. Week 15 featured the largest comeback in NFL history, as the Minnesota Vikings rallied back from a 0-33 halftime deficit to defeat the Indianapolis Colts and a bizarre ending that cost the New England Patriots the game against the Las Vegas Raiders. In addition to these exciting endings, Week 15 gave us stellar play from rookies across the league. A few new names are honored today in our weekly picks.
Offensive Rookie of the Week: Tyler Allgeier, RB, Atlanta Falcons
100+ yards and a score for Tyler Allgeier… former @BYUfootball star one of the few bright spots for ATL pic.twitter.com/kjWqz9z0m0
— Porter Larsen (@Larsen_ESPN) December 18, 2022
Tyler Allgeier had his best game as a pro this Sunday, as he rushed for 139 yards, a touchdown, and a 2-point conversion on 17 attempts for an impressive 8.2 yards per attempt against a stingy New Orleans Saints defense. This was Allgeier’s first 100-yard rushing game of his career and the most all-purpose yards he has recorded in a game. The rookie back has been productive all season when given the opportunities to carry the ball for a Falcons offense that has been looking for an undisputed quality starting running back for quite a while. Allgeier showed that he is a tough runner to tackle and looks to be the Falcons’ RB1 moving forward.
Runners Up:
Brock Purdy, QB, San Francisco 49ers
Purdy continued to impress on Thursday Night against the rival Seattle Seahawks, as he looked poised once again, throwing for 217 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions while leading the 49ers to a third-straight victory.
Jahan Dotson, WR, Washington Commanders
Despite the loss to the New York Giants on Sunday Night, Dotson showed why he was drafted in the first round, catching four passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, including a big 61-yard reception.
Defensive Rookie of the Week: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, New York Giants
Kayvon Thibodeaux is BALLIN pic.twitter.com/OMS1T31bT8
— Bussin' With The Boys 🐺 (@BussinWTB) December 19, 2022
Thibodeaux turned in one of the most dominant performances by a rookie this season in a 20-12 win over the Washington Commanders, which could prove crucial in the hunt to clinch a playoff berth. Thibodeaux totaled 12 tackles, including three tackles for loss and a strip-sack, which he recovered and returned for a touchdown. He demonstrated a dangerous ability to convert speed to power on the game-changing play. Throughout the game, Thibodeaux showed his ability to get off blocks and make a tackle, as well as to track down ball carriers in the open field. His technique, play diagnosis, and general awareness were impeccable. Thibodeaux is coming into his own and looks to continue to ascend as the Giants make a playoff push. For those who criticized his motor in the pre-draft process, look no further than this performance to see that Thibodeaux is a fantastic player who plays hard on every snap.
Runners-Up:
Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens may have fallen short to the Cleveland Browns in a 3-13 loss, but the defense shined once again. Hamilton’s stellar play was front and center, as he totaled seven tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, and one pass breakup.
Christian Harris, LB, Houston Texans
Harris stuffed the stat sheet in a narrow loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, recording 14 tackles, including three tackles for loss. He demonstrated impressive range, play diagnosis, and tackling technique.
