Tim Tebow Scores First Career TD: NFL Week 6’s Top Rookie Performances

Tim Tebow, arguably the most talked-about player in the 2010 draft, finally made an impact for the Denver Broncos against arguably the best defense in the league in the New York Jets.

The draft class of 2010 is looking to be a promising one through the first six weeks of the NFL season. Many of the proposed superstars of the draft class played major roles in keeping their teams in each game or leading their team to a win.

No. 1 and No. 2 overall picks Sam Bradford and Ndamukong Suh once again played very good football.

There was even a surprise rookie who helped led his team to an upset home victory.

These youngbloods will look to carry their Week 6 performances into Week 7 as they continue to take the league by storm.

Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos

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DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Denver Broncos celebrates his touchdown run in the first half against the New York Jets at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Tim Tebow has finally made an impact for the Denver Broncos.

Oddly enough, the Broncos ran the ball fairly well against the stout New York Jets defense.

Tebow didn’t attempt a pass, but Head Coach Josh McDaniels made great use of Tebow’s ability to run the ball. Although Tebow isn’t as powerful against NFL athletes as he was in college, he was effective in short yardage situations and more importantly, inside the red zone.

Tebow scored the Broncos’ first touchdown of the day to tie the game in the first quarter on a five-yard run. In total, Tebow rushed for 23 yards on six carries.

McDaniels is a creative coach and will certainly continue to make great use of Tebow’s exceptional versatility. Tebow stated his case for more playing time and he will surely get it.

Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos

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DENVER - OCTOBER 17: Wide receiver Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos makes a reception for a touchdown against cornerback Darrelle Revis #24 the New York Jets at INVESCO Field at Mile High on October 17, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Just

Demaryius Thomas has been up and down to start his career due to several nagging injuries. Thomas came in to Week 6 banged up again, but played an important role in the near upset of the New York Jets.

Eddie Royal left the game with a groin injury and it was up to Thomas to step up in his place, and he did.

Thomas beat Darrelle Revis for a 17-yard touchdown on his lone catch of the day to give the Broncos the lead in the third quarter.

Thomas is a big target for Kyle Orton. If Eddie Royal is forced to miss time, Thomas is going to have to be the man to step up for the Broncos. In his limited playing time over the first six weeks, it seems he has the ability to do so when healthy.

Aaron Hernandez, New England Patriots

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19: Aaron Hernandez of the New England Patriots in action against the New York Jets during their game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Image

Hernandez has become a major threat in the Patriots offense and is possibly their best deep threat on the team. It seems Hernandez has made a big play for the team every week since the preseason began.

Hernandez is a big target and although he had a few drops Week 6, he has reliable hands for the most part.

Now that Deion Branch looks to be back to form, Hernandez should continue to make big plays with the defense aiming to stop Branch and Wes Welker.

He caught four balls for 61 yards but could have had a bigger day. Still, he had a 30-yard reception, the longest of anybody on the team. He’ll continue to be a staple in this offense.

Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: Joe Haden #23 of the Cleveland Browns runs after intercepting a pass from Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham

First-round pick Joe Haden finally made the biggest impact of his young, promising career.

He picked off Ben Roethlisberger in the red zone in the first quarter. He ran it back 62 yards, making would-be tacklers miss left and right. This led to a Phil Dawson field goal and a Browns lead to open the game.

Haden also recorded two tackles in the contest.

Teammate Eric Wright has been abused through the first six weeks of the season, which means Haden could be taking his place sooner than later. One of the best cornerbacks out of the 2010 draft, Haden’s future shines bright.

Colt McCoy, Cleveland Browns

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PITTSBURGH - OCTOBER 17: Colt McCoy #12 of the Cleveland Browns makes a pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the game on October 17, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)

One of my favorite quarterbacks in the class of 2010, Colt McCoy looked surprisingly comfortable in his first start on the road against one of the best defenses in the league.

McCoy lost two of his best playmakers in this game to concussions in Joshua Cribbs and Mohamed Massaquoi.

Still, McCoy was efficient and effective for the most part despite throwing two interceptions. He was 23 for 33 (69.7 completion percentage) for 281 yards. He also completed a nice touchdown to tight end Benjamin Watson in the fourth quarter.

McCoy kept the Browns in it for most of the game but Ben Roethlisberger’s offense proved to be too much for the Browns defense. Still, the future looks rather promising for the Browns with McCoy behind center.

Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 17: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes against the San Diego Chargers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Chargers 20-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Sam Bradford continues to prove me wrong. He has been absolutely excellent for the St. Louis Rams.

Bradford continues to work well under pressure and has displayed amazing accuracy to open his career. Bradford was roughed up a bit in this game, getting sacked three times, but continued to come back strong against the Chargers.

He was not as effective as he has been in past games. He completed 18 of 31 attempted passes (58.1 completion percentage) for just 198 yards.

Still, Bradford completed passes to nine different receivers.

He also completed a great touchdown to fellow rookie Denario Alexander to give the Rams a 10-point lead, which the team never lost.

Bradford has led the Rams to triple last year’s win total as they stand at 3-3. Bradford’s Rams are in contention for the division lead. More importantly, he is giving his teammates and Rams fans hope for the future.

Danario Alexander, St. Louis Rams

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ST. LOUIS - OCTOBER 17: Danario Alexander #84 of the St. Louis Rams attempts to catch a pass against Antoine Cason #20 of the San Diego Chargers at the Edward Jones Dome on October 17, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Chargers 20-17. (Phot

Coming out of nowhere to replace injured Mark Clayton, Danario Alexander led the team Week 6 with four receptions for 72 yards and a superb diving 38-yard touchdown.

Sam Bradford and Alexander displayed great chemistry during this game.

Bradford made Clayton and Danny Amendola look very good to open the season. If Danario Alexander continues to make plays for the Rams, he will quickly become Bradford’s favorite target.

Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

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MINNEAPOLIS - OCTOBER 17: Wide receiver Dez Bryant #88 of the Dallas Cowboys catches a pass for a touchdown as Lito Sheppard #29 of the Minnesota Vikings misses the tackle during the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field on October 17, 2010 in Minneapo

Bryant entered the week nursing rib and ankle injuries. Bryant was still explosive for the Cowboys in their devastating 24-21 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

Bryant only made one reception, but it was a fantastic 31-yard touchdown up the sideline at the right pile on.

Bryant looked good on punt returns. He made a great 32-yard return in the fourth quarter, but it was called back due to penalty.

Despite nursing injuries, Bryant is proving to be an immediate impact player for the Dallas Cowboys in all facets of the game. He will continue to play a major role for the team. Already considered a steal with the 24th overall pick, Bryant has superstar written all over him.

Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - OCTOBER 17: Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants is sacked by Ndamukong Suh #90 of the Detroit Lions at New Meadowlands Stadium on October 17, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

Suh has been an absolute beast for the Lions. He has been everything everyone said he was, which is why I believed he should have went No. 1 overall to the St. Louis Rams. However, Sam Bradford has proved me wrong and it seems both teams got exactly what they hoped.

Suh was once again dominant against the New York Giants.

He recorded 1.5 sacks against the declining Giants offensive line. Although the Lions lost to New York, they held their own for most of the game.

With five sacks and an interception in the first six weeks, Suh is easily my Defensive Rookie of the Year thus far.