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Each week, players seem to come from nowhere for an outstanding performance. Sometimes they're new stars, or solid contributors who become important parts of their teams. Other times they fade back into obscurity whence they came. Telling the difference takes looking at their history, their talent level and discerning just how they achieved their breakthrough performance.

Several high-profile rookies finally had their first big game of the season on Sunday. They took advantage of good matchups and had the type of game that their teams dreamed of back on draft day. The question now is whether these youngsters will use this as a stepping stone to more consistent strong performances or if they still have a lot of growing pains to go through and Sunday was a mere glimpse of their potential.

Jeremy Shockey, TE, Giants
Sunday's performance: 11 receptions for 111 yards and 0 touchdowns.

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