The Rookie Report: Week 3 Sep 24, 2008 | More

Welcome everyone to the third regular season installment to the 2008 Rookie Report. Each week during the regular season, the report will cover trends, news items and analysis of notable performances by the NFL’s 2008 Rookie Class to assist in your pursuit of dynasty championship gold.

The Texans premature bye week delayed RB Steve Slaton’s first start as a professional. Against the Titans tough run defense, Slaton had a breakout performance with 18 carries for 116 rushing yards, four catches for eight receiving yards and a touchdown. Slaton showcased his shifty and elusive running around the edge as well as in traffic between the tackles. With this performance, it is clear that Slaton has taken the starting job for the Texans and is running with it.

On the other side of the ball, Titans RB Chris Johnson had a quiet performance against the Texans with 18 touches for 79 total yards. Again, Chris Johnson continues to receive an equal split of carries with LenDale White as they complement each other in the Titans backfield.

For the Raiders, Darren McFadden shook off the turf toe injury; however, he has largely ineffective with 17 touches for 48 total yards. His situation continues to be one that needs to be monitored as toe injuries have a tendency to linger.

Chicago Bears RB Matt Forte had a tough time grinding out yards in the running game with 27 carries for 89 rushing yards; however, the Bears utilized Forte as a receiver as he finished with seven catches for 66 yards and a receiving touchdown. Forte continues to be the main weapon of the Bears offense, and this is likely to continue for the rest of the season.

Patriots LB Jerod Mayo continues to plug away in the middle for the Patriots defense. Mayo is turning out to be a tackling machine despite the Patriots scheme with eight solo tackles and four assists this week. Mayo continues to lead the rookie IDP’s in tackles week after week and is in the early lead for defensive rookie of the year.

Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles relieved Larry Johnson and played on passing downs in this week’s game. Charles total seven carries for 38 rushing yards and three catches for 24 receiving yards against the Falcons. Over the past two weeks, Herm Edwards reiterated the need to get Charles more involved in the offense and it appears his role will be as the third-down back.

Chiefs’ rookie CB Brandon Carr started this week and racked up nine solo tackles for the game to lead the Chiefs. DT Glenn Dorsey also had a decent game with four solo tackles and one assist.

Falcons QB Matt Ryan continues to put up efficient numbers at quarterback this year with 12-for-18 passing for 192 yards and a 70-yard touchdown strike to Roddy White. The other notable rookie for the Falcons was LB Curtis Lofton totaling three solo tackles and two assists.

Panthers RB Jonathan Stewart was ineffective this week totaling seven carries for 15 yards, but he managed to find the end zone this week to help fantasy owners. He continues to get all of the goal-line work and split carries with DeAngelo Williams. Reports out of local Carolina papers indicate the only thing keeping Stewart from the starting job is that he needs to improve his pass protection.

In other news from the Panthers this week, it appears that LB Dan Connor severely injured his knee on special teams in this week’s game against the Vikings. While the severity is unknown at this time, the injury appears to be serious and potentially could end his season. Although no one in their right mind was expecting quality fantasy production from Connor in 2008, many fantasy owners took him in their dynasty drafts and must be aware that Connor’s speed upon his recovery might have just got a little slower if that is even possible.

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