Its been a rough start to the 2022 season. A lot of injuries, and some players off to disappointing starts.
There are some players who are playing at a high level, but were expected to do so (Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, for example).
Four players, however, jump out at me as having exceeded expectations thus far, so I thought they deserved a nod:
A.J. Jackson
He is a singular bright spot on an OL that has been decimated by injuries and has had a disastrous start. After filling in at OG, he's now being counted on to replace Joe Noteboom at LT. He looked the part last Sunday, so hopefully he can solidify that key spot. Not bad for an undrafted player.
Ben Skowronek
He has achieved a bit of a folk hero status by playing the FB spot and throwing some noteworthy blocks. He has also registered 23 receptions on 29 targets (79.3% catch rate - 3rd highest among NFL WRs this year) and a TD run. With Van Jefferson returning, he may not see as many targets going forward, but he deserves credit for his contributions thus far.
Derion Kendrick
The Rams have had some injuries at CB too, and Kendrick got his turn as the "next man up." He may stay up even when some of the others return. He has played with a lot of confidence (a must for the position) and has put up some impressive numbers, including a completion percentage allowed of 53.1%, a passer rating allowed of 84.5, and a missed tackle rate of only 5.3%. Definitely good value from a Day 3 draft pick.
Marquise Copeland
With Bobby Brown, who was supposed to be in the DT rotation, suspended, and Greg Gaines fighting a shoulder injury, Copeland has had to step up (he has 82 snaps so far, compared to 108 all of last season). He's done a nice job, helping the Rams stay strong against the run. Like Skowronek, his role might diminish as the season goes on and players (Brown) return. He's played his role, though, and could fight to stay on the field.
There are some players who are playing at a high level, but were expected to do so (Cooper Kupp, Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey, for example).
Four players, however, jump out at me as having exceeded expectations thus far, so I thought they deserved a nod:
A.J. Jackson
He is a singular bright spot on an OL that has been decimated by injuries and has had a disastrous start. After filling in at OG, he's now being counted on to replace Joe Noteboom at LT. He looked the part last Sunday, so hopefully he can solidify that key spot. Not bad for an undrafted player.
Ben Skowronek
He has achieved a bit of a folk hero status by playing the FB spot and throwing some noteworthy blocks. He has also registered 23 receptions on 29 targets (79.3% catch rate - 3rd highest among NFL WRs this year) and a TD run. With Van Jefferson returning, he may not see as many targets going forward, but he deserves credit for his contributions thus far.
Derion Kendrick
The Rams have had some injuries at CB too, and Kendrick got his turn as the "next man up." He may stay up even when some of the others return. He has played with a lot of confidence (a must for the position) and has put up some impressive numbers, including a completion percentage allowed of 53.1%, a passer rating allowed of 84.5, and a missed tackle rate of only 5.3%. Definitely good value from a Day 3 draft pick.
Marquise Copeland
With Bobby Brown, who was supposed to be in the DT rotation, suspended, and Greg Gaines fighting a shoulder injury, Copeland has had to step up (he has 82 snaps so far, compared to 108 all of last season). He's done a nice job, helping the Rams stay strong against the run. Like Skowronek, his role might diminish as the season goes on and players (Brown) return. He's played his role, though, and could fight to stay on the field.
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