offGrid NFL - Standout rookies from Week Five

Breece Hall – RB, New York Jets

Stats: 97 rushing yards, 100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown

It was a real breakout game for Hall as he put up elite numbers as the Jets cruised to a win. Hall was a threat on the ground and in the receiving game. This dual-threat ability will make him a valuable asset for the young Jets offense moving forward.

The rookie RB has slowly been getting more involved with the offense since his debut. After his week 5 performance he may become the star of the Jets’ offense moving forward.

During Week Five, Rookie RB Breece Hall became one of four rookies in the NFL since 1970 to record at least 100 receiving yards, 80 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown in a game. He joins Alvin Kamara, Joey Galloway, and Herschel Walker as the only four to do so. pic.twitter.com/HA7t6BiigC
— NYJ Communications (@NYJetsPR) October 10, 2022

Ikem Ekwonu – OT, Carolina Panthers

Stats: 0 sacks allowed, 1 pressure allowed

According to PFF, Ekwonu had the best performance of any OT in the league this season. His outing against the 49ers was very encouraging for Panthers fans. Especially after his struggles in the first few weeks.

This game showed signs of what the rookie is capable of in the future. With the Panthers changing their head coach we may see Ekwonu blossom even more if guided correctly.

Ikem Ekwonu: 98.0 run blocking grade against SF on Sunday

Highest grade EVER for a rookie OL in a single game in the PFF era🤯 pic.twitter.com/GCy40IScMW
— PFF College (@PFF_College) October 10, 2022

Dameon Pierce – RB, Houston Texans

Stats: 99 rushing yards, 1 touchdown

Pierce has solidified himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL after just 5 weeks. Every game he plays he produces highlight worthy clips. His domination against the Jags helped lead the Texans to their first win of the year.

97 out of the 99 rushing yards from Pierce came after contact. These are numbers that we used to see from Marshawn Lynch. Pierce also broke an NFL record in impressive fashion. He forced 17 missed tackles from the Jags defence which is the most in NFL history.

Dameon Pierce’s last three games:
Week 3: 20 rushes, 80 yards, TD
Week 4: 14 rushes, 131 yards, TD
Week 5: 26 rushes, 99 yards, TD

Pierce is now 4th in the NFL in rushing yards and this run ruled.

(🎥: @HoustonTexans) pic.twitter.com/pIF7zCoZrb
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 10, 2022

Sauce Gardner – CB, New York Jets

Stats: 1 pass defended, 1 interception, 1 forced safety

Gardner has been outstanding week after week for the Jets, and he was phenomenal against the Dolphins. Gardner is likely to be a weekly feature on this list moving forward.

There are not enough superlatives to describe Gardner anymore, he is simply an elite cornerback.

Opposing quarterbacks will learn sooner or later not to throw his way.

Sauce Gardner allowed a passer rating of 34.2 against the Dolphins.

The Dolphins QB would have had a better passer rating if he threw the ball into the ground every play (39.6).

DON’T THROW AT SAUCE 🗣 pic.twitter.com/ETw1uMhze7
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) October 11, 2022

Zion Johnson – OG, Los Angeles Chargers

Stats: 0 pressures allowed, 0 sacks allowed

Johnson was able to keep his QB clean for the entire game against the Browns. Chargers fans are grateful for his play after having years of a lacklustre O-line. The rookie also played a big role in the running game as RB Austin Ekeler ran for 173 yards.

Johnson has mostly gone under the radar this season as offensive guards don’t tend to have flashy plays. He has quietly been a fantastic pick and is appreciated by the fans who recognise good O-line play.