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Most surprising rookie performances in NFL playoff history
#3 – Ben Roethlisberger
Ben Roethlisberger had arguably the greatest rookie season for a QB in NFL history. He carried that into the postseason.
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Most fans and analysts alike expected the 2004 first-overall pick Eli Manning to steal the spotlight. But it was Big Ben and the Pittsburgh Steelers who marched to a 13-0 start on their way to securing the 1st seed in the AFC.
After their bye-week, Roethlisberger helped Pittsburgh beat the New York Jets 20-17. Big Ben threw a game-tying touchdown pass late in the game. The next week wasn’t quite so fruitful. Tom Brady and the Patriots beat them 41-27 to give them their first loss of the season. Roethlisberger still had two touchdown passes and threw for 226 yards.
#2 – Mark Sanchez
Much to the shock of the NFL world, Mark Sanchez made it to the playoffs in his debut campaign and was excellent.
The New York Jets signal-caller overcame both the Cincinnati Bengals and San Diego Chargers on the road. The 5th seed Jets made it to the AFC Championship game.
Despite leading at halftime, they would succumb to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts. Even in defeat, Sanchez had an excellent game. He threw for two touchdowns. Sanchez finished the postseason with four passing touchdowns and only one interception.
#1 – Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy was selected 256th overall in this year’s NFL draft. He is now just one game away from leading the San Francisco 49ers to the Super Bowl.
Purdy rose to the occasion following injuries to both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo. He hasn’t looked out of place in the NFL, both in the regular season and postseason.
Since taking over as the starter, Purdy has remained undefeated. He's won five regular-season games and a pair of playoff games.
In his playoff debut, Purdy had three passing touchdowns and one rushing touchdown in a blowout 41-23 win over the Seattle Seahawks. This was another record-breaking game for Purdy. His four touchdowns were the most by a rookie in the playoffs in league history.
He also led them through a tough divisional game against the Dallas Cowboys. The 49ers will have their hands full against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game.
