Matty's Rookie of the Week

Hello everyone and welcome to the special divisional playoff weekend edition of Matty's Rookie of the Week. The divisional playoff weekend was just absolutely ridiculous with 3 of the bottom seeded teams getting victories over the top teams in each division with the help of some tremendous rookies. So, without further delay, lets get into the trenches and find out who I have as my rookies of the week!

Matty's Rookie of the Week:

Domininque Rodgers-Cromartie, CB
6'2" 182 lbs
Tennessee State
1st round pick, 16th overall
1 int

Joe Flacco, QB
6'6" 230 lbs
Delaware
1st round pick, 18th overall
11/22 for 161 yards and 1 TD

I could not just have one rookie of the week this week as both Joe Flacco and DRC were integral in getting their teams past the divisional round and into the conference championship. DRC was an absolute animal against the Carolina Panthers, he picked off one pass in the end zone, tipped another pass that turned into an interception and points and kept one of the leagues best receivers under 45 yards with stellar coverage that forced Jake Delhomme to make careless decisions. DRC has really turned it on in the latter half of the season, especially in the playoffs and is looking to be even more talented than his cousin in San Diego.

I also had to give the nod to the Flaccinator himself, he has been absolutely monumental in Ravens rise from last year. He has given them stability at QB and a presence that is not even deterred by playoff pressure, he's as cool as they come and is one of the main reasons the Ravens are heading to the conference championship. He doesn't make bad decisions, he doesn't let pressure get to him and he can make the all the necessary throws when it counts. He's an absolute stud and it's a real shame that the AP Rookie of the Year award has already been given out because as it currently stands, Joe Flacco is the only offensive nominee still playing on Sunday.

So congrats to both Flacco and Rodgers-Cromartie and check back next week for the conference championship ROTW!

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Hello everyone and welcome to the special playoff wild card weekend edition of Matty's Rookie of the Week. Wild Card weekend was just like its namesake; wild, as all but 1 top seeded team was over taken and it was good to see how some of this years top rookies were able to handle the added pressure of playing in a playoff game so without further delay, lets get into the trenches and find out who I have as my rookie of the week!

Matty's Rookie of the Week:

Domininque Rodgers-Cromartie, CB
6'2" 182 lbs
Tennessee State
1st round pick, 16th overall
10 tackles, int

For the wild card weekend, my rookie of the week is DRC who has really come on in the latter half of the season. He's been a ball hawk and shown up in run support as well and was a reason as to why the Cardinals were able to surpass the Falcons this week in a stunning upset that very few can still fathom considering how Arizona limped into the playoffs. DRC was lined up against Roddy White and did a very good job with him considering he is Matt Ryan's favourite target and a superstar and DRC did a great job in keeping the other Atlanta receivers limited as well. Of all the corners drafted, he has shown that talent doesn't discriminate against small schools. Congrats DRC, a job well done.

Be sure to stay tuned next week for the divisional playoff round ROTW.

Matty's Rookie of the Week

Hello everyone and welcome back to Matty's Rookie of the Week, the week 14 edition. We saw a lot of great games from some really talented rookies this week on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. So without further delay, lets get into the trenches and find out who I have as my rookie of the week!

Matty's Rookie of the Week:

Jonathan Stewart, RB
5'10" 235 lbs
Oregon
1st round pick, 13th overall
15 rushes, 115 yards and 2 TDs

There he is folks, Matty's Rookie of the Week for week 14, the trucking back from Carolina, Mr. Jonathan Stewart. It is amazing how well a team can do when they find perfect balance in their backfield and that is exactly what has happened in Carolina with the two headed monster of Stewart and Williams. Earlier this season, the Panthers were blown out by the Bucs when they posted a lackluster 40 yards and 20 carries. However, this past Monday night they exploded for over 300 yards and 3 TDs and have now taken control of the NFC South from the Bucs, the main reason for that is right here, Jonathan Stewart gives the Panthers a quality back who can not only make the first guy miss, but pound him into the ground so he's hesitant the next time a run play is called to his side, then it allows DeAngelo Williams to fly by which leads to some big gains and points. Now, there were plenty of other candidates for this award but Jonathan Stewart, congrats, it goes to you.

Runner Ups:

Offense

Davone Bess, WR
5'10" 190 lbs
Hawaii
Undrafted
9 receptions, 74 yards

Defense

Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
6'2" 182 lbs
Tennessee State
1st round pick, 16th overall
5 tackles, 2 pass def, 1 int for TD

Be sure to check back next week for the Week 15 ROTW!