NFL rookies played well on Championship Sunday

Here’s a look at the NFL rookies who played well on Championship Sunday as we prepare for SBLVII next weekend.

Zay Flowers

 

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens rookie Zay Flowers was exceptional versus the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.  Flowers had five catches for 115 yards and one touchdown. Flowers had a crucial fumble in the game but should hang his hat on having a terrific rookie season.

Jamhyr Gibbs

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Jahmyr Gibbs #26 of the Detroit Lions runs the ball against Ji’Ayir Brown #27 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs is very difficult to tackle. Versus a San Francisco 49ers defense that ranked No. 3 in rush yards allowed, Gibbs had 45 of the Lions 182 rush yards, and one touchdown in the NFC Championship.

⚡️⚡️⚡️ @Jahmyr_Gibbs1#DETvsSF on FOX | #AllGrit pic.twitter.com/e5BwETiJUa

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 29, 2024

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Rashee Rice

 

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the first half of the AFC Championship NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2024, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Rashee Rice had 8 catches for 46 yards in the AFC Championship. Rice is catching stride right on queue for quarterback Patrick Mahomes as the Chiefs prepare for Super Bowl LVIII.

Sam LaPorta

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions is unable to make a catch during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta was prepared to be physical with the 49ers all-pro linebacker crew in the NFC Championship. Using his frame to get into space, LaPorta had nine catches for 97 yards. LaPorta talked with veteran niners tight-end George Kittle after the loss yet should be optimistic about his ability to play at the NFL Level.

Jake Moody

 

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Jake Moody #4 of the San Francisco 49ers looks on after kicking a field goal during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Jake Moody was 4-for-4 on point after attempts and 1-2 on field goals in the NFC Championship. Moody will need to be perfect versus the Chiefs in the Super Bowl.

Brian Branch

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball against Brian Branch #32 of the Detroit Lions during the second half in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch had a task on his hands tackling 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey in the NFC Championship. Branch did however finish with a  total tackle count of four. He will be a huge asset to the Lions moving forward.