A Rookie Rampage
I’ve been watching NFL football for a long time. I’ve seen Rookie sensations before. I’ll never forget Anquan Boldin’s rookie record breaking performance in his first game as an Arizona Cardinal. Terrell Davis had a great rookie season, and just kept getting better. Randy Moss put all his doubters to shame, and proved the Minnesota Vikings right for picking him. Year after year another star is born. This year, this Season just feels a little bit different.
Kareem Hunt
Deshaun Watson
Leonard Fournette
Dalvin Cook
Christian McCaffrey
Alvin Kamara
David Njoku
and the list goes on.
Why are so many rookies succeeding?
Are the colleges doing a better job of coaching them? Has changes to the Game allowed them to shine? Has modern science helped develop superior athletes? I believe that all three play a part. There has been a recent shift towards a more pass oriented NFL. One of the reasons for this is the implementation of stricter rules governing contact, and tackling of Wide Receivers. Stricter rules implemented to protect Quarterbacks have contributed to the passing game as well. When the rules allowed for linebackers to take full powered headshots on Quarterbacks. The Running Game was of an even greater importance to keep Quarterbacks healthy. As a result of this change to a more pass happy game. Opportunities have been created for rookie Wide Receivers who might have been limited to far fewer targets a decade ago. My list of breakout rookies has five Running Backs on it though. What isn’t obvious at first but makes perfect sense is that a pass happy offence creates additional room to run. Defences have shifted from single or two safety formations to three safety plus drop back linebackers to shut down passing lanes. This can allow Running Backs to get to the second level of the Defence far more easily. Even though Running Backs get far fewer touches per game on average. Their likelihood of breaking free for a big gain is increased.
There’s no doubt that Players keep getting bigger, faster, and stronger. Pay attention to the Scouting combine. Records are getting broken by the new crop of Rookies every year. Modern science has made an impact. Couple that with a League that has placed a far greater emphasis on protecting the health of their Players. What used to be a very difficult transition for many Rookies to make, and stay healthy has become a relatively easy transition to the professional game. Of course injuries can still happen. As evidenced by Dalvin Cook this year. Still fewer carries for Running Backs means greater longevity. Rules to protect Quarterbacks means rookies will have more time to acclimate to the NFL before they become shell shocked, or seriously injured. Penalizing Safeties for making powerful hits on defenceless Receivers will allow Rookies to learn their routes without being worried about getting knocked out of the game.
In regards to how well the College programs are preparing their Players for the NFL. I don’t think that the College programs have necessarily improved. What I believe is that the NFL has become more like the College Game. Mobile Quarterbacks, a greater percentage of option plays, and multiple Receiver sets are what the College Game has been all about for years. You are now beginning to see similar offences in the NFL. The Carolina Panthers are a great example. When their Offence is clicking, it’s like watching a College Game.
Is it here to stay?
I truly believe that it is. The more rules that are implemented to protect Quarterbacks and Receivers. The more likely a pass first motion Offence will thrive. A part of me misses the hard nosed football of days past. When my favourite Player of all time Steve Atwater would literally run full speed, and time the snap count perfectly to destroy the Quarterback or Running Back on a blitz behind the line of scrimmage. When going across the middle, and stretching out to catch a ball meant you risked getting killed by Ronnie Lott. Now as a Fantasy Football Fanatic I can appreciate that my roster of Players have a very good chance of finishing the Season. What I can’t accept as easily is the records that are being broken in this era should have an asterisk attached. Especially when it concerns Quarterback statistics.
