Amidst the endless controversies of what qualifies as a catch http://www.oaklandraidersteamonline.com/isaiah-johnson-jersey , social issues, and long-term injuries to big-name players, the 2017 season had at least one positive to focus on: a tremendous rookie class. Whether you were a fantasy owner cashing in on the performances of first-year studs or just a lover of the game excited to see some fresh faces, last year’s class surely didn’t disappoint. Rookies are the lifeblood of the NFL. As the pro bowl stars we’ve come to know and love get older and slow down, talented rookies come in to keep the NFL vibrant. Despite the excitement new players bring to the league every year, their inaugural outing does not paint the complete picture.No matter how well or how poor a player performed their rookie year, one season does not dictate a career. For every amazing first season, there are some that fail to meet expectations. For NFL players, it’s the second year that begins to truly define them. The bright lights of the league no longer dazzle them http://www.oaklandraidersteamonline.com/hunter-renfrow-jersey , and the speed and strength of players don’t overwhelm them.For all the unknown players that became household names and players that didn’t quite live up to their expectations, the 2018 season looks to be the stage where all the narratives from last year can be flipped. Today, we are looking at the most likely rookies headed for a sophomore slump along with the names that will emerge into the spotlight after a slow start. ATLANTA (AP) — Coach Dan Quinn isn’t dwelling on how desperate the Atlanta Falcons are to avoid a 6-10 record.It might not sound like much of an accomplishment after winning an NFC title and advancing to the second round of the playoffs in the last two seasons, but Quinn said the Falcons still have goals to attain.After watching his team beat Carolina and Arizona in consecutive weeks, Quinn is proud that the defense created seven takeaways and the offense piled up 64 points. He said the wins were a result of players not quitting on each other during a five-game losing streak that ruined their wild-card chances.“It’s been a difficult time, man,” Quinn said in a conference call with reporters Monday. “No question about it in terms of not taking our opportunities when they were there, but to see the fight and resolve, that means a lot. I know we’ll fight our ass off again this week.”The Falcons will return to practice Wednesday to prepare for the season finale at Tampa Bay. It’s their third straight game against a non-playoff opponent http://www.seattleseahawksteamonline.com/marquise-blair-jersey , but Quinn isn’t concerned so much about the matchup. His focus is on details like turnover margin, pass rush and establishing and stopping the run.The defense has been energized with the return of middle linebacker Deion Jones, who has 27 solo tackles, one forced fumble, three pass breakups and an interception he ran back for a long touchdown since coming back four games ago from a foot injury.Jones has what Quinn calls the “intent and speed” to make everyone around him better.“Over that time, our turnover attempt has been better as well,” Quinn said. “I think we had a couple against Baltimore. We didn’t recover them. We had a couple of opportunities at Green Bay. We didn’t catch ’em.“In these last two games, we had more chances and we had more production. I keep track every game of how many shots on the ball we’ve had, and for the last four games those shots have gone up each game. That’s a good sign that we’re tracking in the right direction.”Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett has three sacks http://www.seattleseahawksteamonline.com/cody-barton-jersey , five quarterback hits and a forced fumble since Jones’ return. Nickel cornerback Brian Poole has one sack, two interceptions, two pass breakups and two fumble recoveries just in the last two weeks.Offensively, despite stars like Matt Ryan, the 2016 NFL MVP, and six-time Pro Bowl receiver Julio Jones, the Falcons have been a disaster running the ball. But after entering the Arizona game last in the NFL in rushing, they have racked up 409 yards averaged 8.5 yards per carry in two straight games.Tevin Coleman, the team’s leading rusher since former Pro Bowl back Devonta Freeman was lost to season-ending injuries http://www.seattleseahawksteamonline.com/phil-haynes-jersey , is questionable this week because of sore groin. Quinn believes he will be able to play, but the Falcons will lean on Brian Hill regardless. Hill finished with 115 yards on eight carries at Carolina, getting the chance to play when third-stringer Ito Smith was lost for the season to an injury after the Arizona game.It’s another example Quinn cites of the next man stepping up when a teammate goes down. The Falcons never recovered after losing starting guards Andy Levitre and Brandon Fusco and starting safeties Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen, but the good news is that offensive linemen Ty Sambrailo and Zane Beadles and defensive backs Damontae Kazee and Isaiah Oliver carved out important roles.“What I’ve told all of them is that this will serve a higher purpose in the end,” Quinn said. “Through the years I’ve seen when that’s not the case, and it’s tough to get it back, but this team fights. We’ve never backed off the culture in the locker room they’ve created.“I’m sure in the next year so I’ll reflect back on some of these moments and the lessons learned and the leaders that were developed.”