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| Sunday, September 29 Updated: October 2, 9:33 AM ET Linemen lead the way for Tomlinson By James C. Black ESPN.com |
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Chargers second-year running back LaDainian Tomlinson announced "we shook up the world" after San Diego's win over previously unbeaten New England on Sunday. However, the more shocking fact is that the Chargers pounded New England on the ground by running behind a pair of rookie linemen. Center Jason Ball and right guard Toniu Fonoti are among the handful of rookies who played a significant role in the team's 21-14 which improved San Diego to 4-0.
The Chargers were able to meet that immediate goal by implementing a long-term plan that has seemingly fallen into place. Fonoti, a second-round pick from Nebraska, was projected early on to start for San Diego. Coach Marty Schottenheimer's desire to focus his offense around Tomlinson's abilities made Fonoti a natural fit in the scheme considering his background from a run-oriented offense in college. And side from sitting out in Week 2 because of a shoulder injury, Fonoti has lived up to expectations. The same could be said for the 6-foot-2, 301-pound Ball. Veteran Cory Raymer came over from Washington with Schottenheimer to start at center. However, he blew out his Achilles tendon in a Week 3 win over the Cardinals, prompting San Diego to play their undrafted free agent from New Hampshire. "He's not the biggest guy, the strongest guy out there," Chargers right tackle Vaughn Parker said in the North County Times of Ball. "But he is pretty tenacious and plays with leverage and tries to finish people." In part because of Fonoti and Ball's successful transitions, the Chargers are No. 1 in the NFL with 182 rushing yards a game. Each Tuesday from now until the end of the regular season, ESPN.com will review rookie performances. Here are some others who had a significant impact (or not so great outings) this past week:
The second-round pick from Louisville did his best to imitate Troy Brown, who he replaced in the starting lineup. A week after Brown (sidelined with a knee injury) made 16 grabs, Branch had 13 for 128 yards in the loss to San Diego.
With the injuries to linemen Phillip Daniels and Ted Washington, the Bears are forced to see what their fourth-round pick from Florida will provide. In his most extending playing time of the season, Brown was in on three tackles during the loss to Buffalo. However, he had Drew Beldsoe in his grasp, but wasn't able to finish the sack on the game's final play when Travis Henry converted a short pass into a touchdown in overtime.
Buchanon was involved in so many plays he must have thought he was back at Miami. The Raiders' first pick, starting in place of the injured Charles Woodson, nearly came up with an interception on Tennessee's first drive. He made up for the shortcoming by returning the Titans' first punt for an 83-yard touchdown to give Oakland a 14-0 en route to the romp. On Tennessee's very next punt, Buchanon fielded the punt and pitched it to Terry Kirby, who scored on a 79-yard return. And as if that wasn't enough, he managed to pick off Steve McNair in the fourth quarter. By the way, Buchanon also finished with seven tackles.
The sixth-round pick from Southern Cal was incorperated into the starting lineup in Week 3 because of an injury to veteran Eric Davis and already finds himself as the team's second-leading tackler. Cash was involved in a team-high 13 tackles as the Lions contained the Saints receivers during Sunday's victory. "They're growing up really fast," Lions veteran corner Todd Lyght said of Cash and fellow rookie Andre' Goodman. "And the best thing about these young kids is, they listen." Goodman finished the game with five tackles.
The man who has conceivably punctuated the Rams fall. Okay, okay! Obviously, we don't want to over blow the impact of Cundiff's 48-yard field goal as time expired in Dallas' 13-10 win. However, the Edwards Jones Dome, or whatever they're calling that stadium these days, was mighty silent after Cundiff delivered the kick that dropped the "Greatest Show on Turf" to 0-4. "It's fun to watch young guys grow up in this league," running back Emmitt Smith told The Dallas Morning News. "That's what makes the game fun. You play for that moment. Billy had that moment, and he made the most of it." The free agent from Drake, two-for-two in field goal attempts against St. Louis, has made all but one of his kicks this season. He has converted five of six field goal attempts and and all six PATs.
Quarterback David Carr isn't the only Texans rookie having a hard time getting on track. Gaffney, projected to be a featured target, epitomizes the anemic Houston offense. Gaffney, with five catches for 49 yards against the Eagles, had just 10 grabs for 91 yards in the first three contests.
Two weeks into his starter's role, Harrington already has Lions fans hearing sweet music and it's not just from his piano playing. Harrington, who put Detroit in position to win their home opener in Week 3 despite a shaky outing, was incredible in the win over New Orleans. The third overall pick from Oregon was 20-of-35 passing for 267 yards with one touchdown as Detroit got its first win of the year. Most importantly, he wasn't sacked or intercepted. "He basically has the total package," veteran receiver Az-Zahir Hakim said. "He's a real leader, a vocal leader, and he shows it. He's an unbelievable quarterback."
To say that Hayneworth's play so far is symbolic of the whole Titans defensive line wouldn't be too harsh. For most of the first four games, Tennessee's line -- without Jevon Kearse since the season's opening quarter -- has essentially been ineffective in the pass rush. And Haynesworth, the team's first-round pick from Tennessee, has registered six tackles and no sacks. The Titans have allowed 274 passing yards per game, the second-most in the AFC.
James C. Black is the assistant NFL editor for ESPN.com. |
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