Best effort

History Published on : 9/20/2010

Detroit Lions rookie running back Jahvid Best had a day to remember in Week 2 as he accomplished a feat that had not been done in the National Football League in nearly 30 years.

Best, one of the Lions two first round picks in last April's draft, rushed for 78 yards, had 154 yards receiving on nine catches and scored three touchdowns. His receiving yardage was the most by a rookie running back in the Super Bowl era.

His three scores on Sunday against the Eagles added to the pair he scored in his debut during Kickoff Weekend are the most by a rookie in his first two career games since another Lions first-year running back, Billy Sims in 1980.

Best's offensive output also made him the first rookie to rush for at least 75 yards, have 150 receiving yards and score three touchdowns in the same game. He is also the first of any player to accomplish that feat since Joe Cribbs of the Buffalo Bills did so in his second season in 1981.

Best's NFL start

Sept. 12 – at Chicago Bears (L, 14-19)
Rushing: 14 carries for 20 yards, 2 TDs (7, 14)
Receiving: 5 catches for 16 yards, 0 TDs
Sept. 19 – vs. Philadelphia Eagles (L, 32-35)
Rushing: 17 carries for 78 yards, 2 TDs (14, 2)
Receiving: 9 catches for 154 yards, 1 TD (75)

 

Joe Cribbs vs. Cleveland Browns Billy Sims First Two Career Games (1980)
Nov. 1, 1981 (W, 22-13)
Rushing: 23 carries for 85 yards, 0 TDs
Receiving: 5 catches for 163 yards, 3 TDs (58, 15, 60)

Sept. 7 – at Los Angeles Rams (W, 41-20)
Rushing: 22 carries for 153 yards, 3 TDs (10, 1, 41)
Receiving: 2 catches for 64 yards, 0 TDs
   
  Sept. 14 – at Green Bay Packers (W, 29-7)
Rushing: 20 carries for 134 yards, 1 TD (1)
Receiving: 2 catches for 94 yards, 1 TD (87)