Grading the NFL Rookie QBs of 2011

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More so than in any year in recent memory, 2011 seems to have been the year of the rookie quarterback, with first-year signal callers such as Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals and Cam Newton of the Carolina Panthers starting under center since the season began, while no fewer than three others have seen significant playing time this year.

So, with all due to respect to players such as Jake Locker of the Tennessee Titans and Colin Kaepernick of the San Francisco 49ers, who have seen the field only briefly in 2011, here's a look at the report cards of the NFL's newest quarterbacks so far this season.

5. Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars

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2011 Stats: 147 of 297, 1,566 Yards, 8 touchdowns, 7 interceptions

Big things were expected of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blaine Gabbert when he left Missouri, but in his 10 starts, Gabbert has looked very much a rookie, with his 2011 struggles already leaving some Jaguars fans grumbling that a first-round pick was "wasted."

GRADE: C-

4. T.J. Yates, Houston Texans

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2011 Stats: 20 of 40, 258 yards, 1 touchdown

The Houston Texans didn't expect their fifth-round draft pick to play this season, but after injuries forced starting quarterback Matt Schaub and backup Matt Leinart to the sideline, Yates was pressed into action and has performed surprisingly well, leading the Texans to wins in both games in which he's played.

GRADE: B-

3. Christian Ponder, Minnesota Vikings

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2011 Stats: 121 of 216, 1,522 yards, 9 touchdowns, 8 interceptions

The 2011 season has been very disappointing for the Minnesota Vikings, and the Donovan McNabb experiment at quarterback was an absolute debacle, but Christian Ponder has shown enough scrambling ability and presence in the pocket since his insertion into the starting lineup to at least give Vikings fans some hope for the future.

GRADE: B

2. Cam Newton: QB, Carolina Panthers

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2011 Stats: 251 of 413, 3.297 yards, 13 touchdowns, 14 interceptions, 518 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns

The first overall selection in last April's draft exploded onto the NFL scene with 422 passing yards in his season debut.

While Cam Newton's gaudy stats haven't translated to wins, and his decision-making with the ball has been shaky at times, his dual-threat ability has undoubtedly electrified both the Panthers offense and NFL fans.

GRADE: A-

1. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

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2011 Stats: 229 of 387, 2,644 Yards, 17 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 1 rushing touchdown

Not a whole lot was expected of the Cincinnati Bengals or rookie quarterback Andy Dalton in 2011, but the former TCU star has shown the pocket presence of a seasoned veteran and developed an outstanding rapport with fellow rookie A.J. Green.

He has led the surprising Bengals to a 7-5 mark and playoff contention in the AFC.

GRADE: A