Five standout rookie performers from Week Three
Jalen Pitre – Safety, Houston Texans
Stats: 8 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, 1 sack, 2 passes defended, 2 interceptions
A simply absurd performance from the rookie. He was everywhere against the Bears and the stats show this too. He was one of the best players in the entire NFL on Sunday, the Texans have a real gem on their hands.
Pitre’s performances was Troy Polamalu-esque as he was seemingly everywhere on the defence at the same time.
Devin Lloyd – Linebacker, Jacksonville Jaguars
Stats: 7 tackles, 3 passes defended, 1 interception
Another week and another appearance on this list from the Jags’ linebacker. Lloyd is quickly becoming one of the better linebackers in the NFL; this is to the delight of Jags fans everywhere. His play has been one of the reasons the Jags defence has been so good lately. They have allowed just 10 combined points in their last 2 games.
Chris Olave – Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
Stats: 9 catches, 147 yards
Olave has consistently been improving each week and his week 3 performance was as good as they come. He was Jameis Winston’s favourite target and made some spectacular catches. On a team with Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry it is very impressive that the rookie shined the most. His performance only could have been topped with a touchdown.
Romeo Doubs – Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers
Stats: 8 catches, 73 yards, 1 touchdown
A young receiver finally stepped up for Aaron Rodgers. Doubs was Rodgers’ favourite target on Sunday as he was targeted 8 times and caught all 8 passes. This is very impressive for a rookie receiver.
Players must earn the trust of Rodgers and this is definitely one way to do it. Doubs could potentially end up as the WR1 for the Packers moving forward.
Sauce Gardner – Cornerback, New York Jets
Sauce Gardner brought his A-game against the Bengals. He had touch matchups against a strong Bengals receiving core but played well. Gardner recorded multiple pass breakups which showed off his ball skills.
His best play came as he was left 1-on-1 with Ja’Marr Chase and was perfectly positioned to stop Chase from making a catch.
Jets fans are very happy with Gardner’s play to say the least.