10-22-2014, 06:01 AM
Quote:Hold on there a second.
In the case of those Cowboys, you often couldn't tell if they were hitting the wall or not.
In his rookie year, Aikman was injured, Daryl Johnston was a FB who rarely touched the ball, and Stepnoski was a C.
Emmitt Smith wasn't utilized much until late in the season, which is one of the reasons Shula was fired as OC.
In 1991, generally considered the best draft class of the JJ era, the four rookie starters from that class-Russell Maryland, Alvin Harper, Dixon Edwards, and Erik Williams-did not become starters until after the midway point of the season.
The one rookie you MIGHT be able to make that case for is LB Robert Jones, who started immediately and played most of the season. Kevin Smith and Darren Woodson were not even immediate rookie starters for that team.
If there is a rookie who is starting opening day, the chances are good he will hit the proverbial rookie wall and you can see it.
If there is a rookie who does not start or get much playing time until much later in the season, they may not hit the proverbial rookie wall-or if they do it may not be readily noticeable- because you don't have much of a baseline with which to compare his late season performance.
Don't throw logic/truth at him Bullseye... he will only dodge/duck it because it doesn't fit his agenda...