Gridiron Digest: Rookie Quarterback Extravaganza | Bleacher Report



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We can not let the rookie quarterbacks have fun, can we? Here's a look at some players at other positions who stood out over the weekend.

Tony Pollard, running back, Cowboys

Pollard was heavily featured with the Cowboys starters against the Rams on Saturday night, rushing five times for 42 yards with one 14-yard touchdown, a nine-yard reception and an impressive, no-nonsense, low-center-of -gravity running style.

When asked about Ezekiel Elliott's Pro Bowl Holdout after Pollard's performance, Jerry Jones quipped "Who? Now Zeke Who?" Jones quickly added that he was "having some fun, not at [Elliott’s] "LOL.yeah Jerrah, yukking about an employee's expendability during dicey contract negotiations is hysterical." Elliott must be laughing his head off as he digs his heels further into the sand in Cabo.

The cowboys owner / roastmaster did not notice that it was a very bad place to have a good time. Maybe Jerrah has found the solution to two financial problems at once. Ha ha, it's funny because the Cowboys could get their frankness quarterback injured if not-quite-ready Pollard is forced to play because of Elliott's holdout!

Chase Winovich, edge-rusher, Patriots

The second-round pick of Michigan followed by Lions last week with a sack, a near-sack (Ryan Tannehill ejected the ball while Winovich dragged him to the ground) and a tackle for a loss against the Titans.

Winovich has posted bend, initial quickness and overall athleticism in his preseason appearances, but Bill Belichick mentioned his "high motor," so all of the stories about Winovich mention his high motor in the headline. Like, all of the stories. Guys, can we stop doing this? Please?

Winovich also posted some Shakespeare quotes about humility on his Instagram. Tom Brady responded by telling him to study his playbook. "Yes dad right away!" Winovich wisely responded.

Let's hope Jerry Jones never figures out Instagram.

Andre Dillard, tackle offense, Eagles

Cody Kessler out of the game and Josh McCown out of retirement. But as this breakdown by NFL lineman Geoff Schwartz illustrates, Dillard was actually handling his assignment properly.

Dillard, the Eagles' first-round pick and heir apparent to Jason Peters, have been solid in camp and in games, so the Eagles are now loaded with depth at tackle. The Texans general managers should call them. No, not all at once! Now you've gone straight to voicemail, and no one checks voicemail anymore. No wonder the Texans can not get anything done.

Josh Jacobs, running back, Raiders

Jacobs rushed four times for 21 yards in the opening series against the Cardinals. He looked for a little bit of ruggedness during those four times, which is about half of his typical weekly college workload.

Christian Wilkins, defensive line, Dolphins

Wilkins recorded his first sack of the preseason against the Buccaneers and has all the defensive line in early action. But Dolphins coach Brian Flores may be trying to send Wilkins a subtle message:

"He's got to play with better pad level, for sure," said Flores, for Kyle Crabbs of Dolphins Wire. "I hope he reads this somebody make sure that he reads that.

Er, Coach, the message-through-the-media stuff is usually for those who are not trying hard enough. If you want to talk to a rookie It's literally your job to tell him things like that personally.

Tune in next week when Flores remembers what Bill Belichick taught him and just starts mumbling incoherently.

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