Last week, we saw another rookie won the rookie of the week award for multiple weeks. Chicago Bears #6 QB Alex Smith with his 3 TDs performance beat San Francisco 49ers K Shaun Suisham in the voting by collecting 47% of the votes while Suisham only managed to collect 33%. That was Smith's second time being named rookie of the week as he also gained the same honor in the first week of the season. How about for week 8? Will we see new faces making the nomination? Or will we get another familiar face again to win it this week? So, without further ado, here are the five nominees for SFL 2005 Week 8 Rookie of the Week!
MLB Odell Thurman (STL) 6 TKL 2 TFL 1 INT 1 CTHA Won 27-21 vs. Jaguars Thurman was drafted as the 10th overall pick in 2005 SFL Draft. The University of Georgia graduate is actually a little bit undersized for an inside linebacker. But with a good performance in the scouting combine, he ended up making the top ten pick. This is his third time being nominated for rookie of the week award. He previously made the top 5 nominees in week 2 and won the award in week 4. Since day 1 in Saint Louis, he has been being a disruptive force for opposing teams in the middle field of the Rams defense. This week he led the Rams defense the previously unbeaten Jaguars team by keeping Eli Manning under pressure throughout the game. With Drew Brees seems like finding his true self in Saint Louis and Thurman consistent playmaking ability on defense, the Rams are on their way to rule the NFC West again.
WR Braylon Edwards (DET) 3 REC 118 YDS 1 TD Won 27-20 vs. Bears Edwards was drafted as the 4th overall pick of the 2005 SFL Draft. The Michigan University graduate has got an ideal size and stature for a wide receiver at 6'3" 209 lbs. He is also quite athletic and fast. No wonder the Lions did not let him slip past them in the draft. This is his second time being nominated for rookie of the week. He previously was also nominated in week 4. He has become the second most favorite target for Michael Vick in Detroit behind veteran Derrick Mason. He has also become the reliable hands for the Lions. Up until this week, he has not dropped a single ball thrown to him. He is probably the only starting rookie WR to do so. This week he showcased his big plays ability in a win against the Bears even with only 3 catches.
FS Brodney Pool (ARZ) 4 TKL 1 TFL 1 INT 1 DFL 0 CTHA Won 31-20 at Cowboys Pool was drafted as the 21st overall pick in 2005 SFL Draft. The 6'1" 201 free safety is an alumnus of Oklahoma University. He is quite fast for a free safety in the league. With his quick feet and long range, he is set to become one of the best safeties in the league for years to come. This week with his impactful performance, he helped the Cardinals to beat the Cowboys on their own turf and brought home another victory back to the desert. With Pool and many other talented youngsters, the Cardinals are going in all cylinders to get to the playoffs this season for the first time under their first round pick collector GM.
SS Jerome Carter (KC) 4 TKL 1 INT 1 DFL 0 CTHA Won 24-17 at Chargers Carter was drafted with the 2nd pick in the third round of 2005 SFL Draft. The 5'11" alumnus of Florida State University is actually a little bit undersized for a safety but he has bulky posture with his 219 lbs of weight. That can help him in making powerful tackle especially when going up against bigger opponent. This week he helped the Chiefs to surprise the Chargers in their division rivalry game and gave the Chiefs their second win of the season. It looks like the new GM in charge in Kansas has found a way to win and it could be a threat for the 2 front runners in the AFC West especially if Carter can perform like this week in and week out.
LT Marcus Johnson (NO) 10 PANCAKES 0 SACK ALLOWED Lost 27-30 vs. Dolphins Johnson was drafted as the 11th overall pick in 2005 SFL Draft. The big lineman was the oldest player in the 2005 draft class. But he was also one of the biggest at 6'6" 320 lbs. With his size and stature, he is an ideal player to man the LT position especially with his quite swift and nimble movement. Up until this week, he has recorded 38 pancake blocks while never allowed a single sack came from his blocking side. This week he made double digit pancakes. Even though the Saints still lost to the Dolphins, his impressive individual performance is still worth to be recognized.
Those are the five nominees for SFL 2005 Week 8 Rookie of the Week. As usual, the voting will be open for 1x24 hours. So, please participate here by casting your vote before 7:30 AM EST tomorrow. If you have any thoughts, comments, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to leave those below. Thanks in advance for your participation. GO ROOKIE...GO!!!
AWARDEE: LT Marcus Johnson (NO)
New Orleans Saints #71 offensive tackle Marcus Johnson has won the SFL 2005 Rookie of the Week Award for his Week 8 performance against the Miami Dolphins. The LT becomes the first rookie lineman to win the award. Johnson only got 33% of the votes from the league members but that is enough for him to win the voting from other nominees, especially Cardinals FS Brodney Pool who gained 27% of the votes. Even though the Saints still lost to the Dolphins in that game, a double digit pancakes from a rookie lineman is undeniably something rare and special. Thus he deserves to be named our rookie of the week. Johnson's achievement winning this award could be a positive sign for the Saints who are still fighting to get their first win this season. Congrats and keep fighting for that W, Nathan!
