In a weekend dominated by records in the NFC South only one belonged to a rookie. Against the Bucs Cam Newton broke Peyton Manning's rookie passing record, and with a game in hand has the opportunity to throw for over 4,000 yards, the first rookie quarterback to do so. Therefore it should go without surprise that...
Cam Newton- NFC South rookie of the week
Contributing over 250 totals yards and 4 touchdowns Cam Newton was unbelievable against the Buccaneers on Christmas eve. Tampa Bay had no answer for the rookie who passed and ran all over the Bucs defense and was benched early for his trouble.
A truly amazing season was capped off with another rookie of the week award from the NFL, and therefore he gets honored again too. The NFC South will be a nightmare in short time with the upstart Panthers being added to an already crowded mix.
Julio Jones
On any other week an 8 reception, 128 yard game would be enough to win rookie of the week honors, but with Newton's play it wasn't possible this week. Sitting at 883 yards it's a shame that Jones missed a few games due to injury, because he deserves every part of a 1,000 yard season and a possible pro-bowl birth.
While the Saints are left wondering if they decision to trade up for Mark Ingram was worth it, there's no buyer's remorse from the Falcons who got the player they hoped Jones would be when they selected him. It will be fun to see how this talented WR grows in his second year as he forges an even greater rapport with Matt Ryan.
Adrian Clayborn
Playing against a stout Panthers OL and dealing with a mobile QB like Newton wasn't a recipe for success for Adrian Clayborn. While he was lively off the edge, for the most part he wasn't able to impact the game much at all as he finished with 4 tackles on the day. Nevertheless, Clayborn has truly had a great rookie season at an under appreciated position, on an under covered team. The future is very bright for this emerging defensive star.
Mark Ingram
Ingram has missed almost a month due to injury, and this doesn't show signs of stopping anytime soon as he deals with a toe injury.