Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans (40-20 win over OAK)
6 carries, 7 yards (1.2 avg), 1 TD
Not his strongest showing yet, but still an NFL TD.

Marcel Dareus, DT, BUF (35-32 win over JAC)
1 tackle
Maybe Dareus’ only opportunity to experience a win this season. Let’s face it, this isn’t the late 80’s in Buffalo.

Julio Jones, WR, ATL (34-16 loss to PIT)
5 catches for 59 yds (22-long)
Another strong showing making some believe he’s on his way to a rookie of the year candidacy.

James Carpenter, OL, SEA
Carpenter still making strides to contribute and possibly start in the big league.

Greg McElroy, QB, NYJ (17-3 win over NYG)
4-5 passing, 59 yards (7.8 yd avg), 1 TD
Amazingly, surprising even the most staunch Bama homer, most think McElroy has solidified himself as stable NFL back-up quarterback. He couldn’t have had a better rookie preseason.

Other Bama players of note:
• Rolondo McClain, LB, OAK (20-40 loss to NO) 5 tackles (3 solo), 2 pass deflections, 1 QB hit
• Rashaad Johnson, DB, ARI (34-31 loss to SD) 4 solo tackles
• Javier Arenas, DB, KC (14-10 loss to STL) 4 solo tackles
• Mark Anderson, DE, NE (34-10 loss to DET) 2 solo tackles
• Roman Harper, DB, NO (27-14 loss to HOU) 1 tackle

In other news, Brody Croyle’s once left-for-dead NFL career apparently has a new home in Arizona. He did not play in the Cardinal’s last outing, but continues to get an NFL paycheck. Now whether he’ll ever record an NFL win…

Cam Newton went a paltry 6-19 against Cincinatti, a middle of the pack defense in 2010, for a QB rating of 44.8. More alarming for those footing his bill in Carolina, Newton has completed just four passes to wide receivers this preseason.

Said one NFL scout after his last outing (source CBS Sports):

“If this weren’t Cam Newton,” said the scout, “you’d say this guy has no business being on the field.” Newton was predictably more comfortable running the ball than throwing it, completing 6-of-19 passes (1-of-8 to Steve Smith) but leading Carolina with 49 rushing yards and a touchdown. One assistant coach told CBS Sports that the Panthers should simplify their offense and allow Newton to freelance more, scrambling whenever he sees an opportunity.


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3 thoughts on “Bama NFL Rookies, week 3 (preseason)”

  1. Many thought McElroy was even gonna get into the NFL but look at him now. Everything that glitters ain’t always gold. I’m proud to see him doing well and I am sure he is gonna do big things in the future. ROLL TIDE ROLL!

  2. bwahahaa. Welcome to the NFL Newton! Your going to get beat up every week.. What is sad is that Carolina has a good O-line and Smith is one of the better receivers in the division. If he cant win with them then he has no business in the NFL. Bigger bust than Russell. Mark it down. He will not get a contract extension because he can’t read the defense, learn a playbook, or get along with his teammates. His premadonna attitude isn’t flying with the adults and he’s just a big fat baby.

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