Roll up one and all, for it’s that magical time of the week where those standouts from NFL action over the past seven days are about to get their due.
You see, we like to break down performance so we can give you our perspective on what went right and what went wrong. This week that means looking at what might have been for Chicago, a number of rookie studs, and one interesting comeback story.
But if you’re favorite player doesn’t full into that category then don’t worry. 33 players make it onto our Team of the Week, so there’s every chance for a free agent guard come good, or veteran linebacker to make it. But enough spoilers, let’s get to this thing.
OFFENSE
Quarterback: Jay Cutler, CHI (+8.6)
What a horrible time to pick up an injury with Cutler coming off one of his best performances as a Bear. The 58.1 completion percentage really doesn’t tell the whole story with Cutler turning his 32 drop backs into our highest grade of the week at the QB spot.
Running Back: Kevin Smith, DET (+3.8)
A braver man than I would have pointed out that Smith looked decent enough in limited carries against the Bears, so against a far more lax defense he could really do something. Alas, I didn’t, so no smugness from me. Instead, let’s just bask in a true comeback story that saw Smith pick up 201 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns.
Fullback: Charles Clay, MIA (+2.3)
Clay isn’t just a weapon when lining up at fullback or tight end, though he did have an impressive 69 yards on four receptions (with one a touchdown). He also did some good work with blocking against Buffalo and looks an intriguing find for Miami.
Tight End: Kellen Winslow, TB (+1.0)
I’m selling out and going for a TE who picked up 132 yards in a valiant losing effort. The Packers couldn’t match up with the athletic Winslow who may have let himself down with his usual poor run blocking, but more than made up for that with his receiving.
Wide Receivers: Jordy Nelson, GB (+3.8) and Nate Washington, TEN (+3.7)
Both men have done well to keep Jerome Simpson and Torrey Smith out, with a combined four touchdowns and 238 yards. Nelson was superb in his ability to get separation and make big plays, while Washington did some fine work after the catch in addition to catching all nine balls that came his way.
Tackles: Joe Staley, SF (+4.5) and Tyson Clabo, ATL (+3.2)
Great day for Staley who gave up just the solitary pressure and was imposing with his run blocking. Clabo wasn’t quite as dominant, but can be extremely happy to have surrendered just two hurries while earning his fourth positive grade for run blocking in five games.
Guards: Evan Mathis, PHI (+2.6) and Shawn Lauvao, CLV (+3.4)
No left guard really stood out with their run blocking this week so the perfect game in pass protection just about pushed Mathis into this team ahead of T.J. Lang. Lauvao gave up a sack and a penalty but had his best game as a pro by some distance as he got the best of Tyson Alualu.
Center: Dominic Raiola, DET (+3.1)
Struggling with your work in the run game? Well fate can play a helping hand sometimes by putting the Carolina defensive interior in front of you. It did for Raiola and he responded with his best game of the season despite giving up a sack.
DEFENSE
4-3 Defensive Front
Defensive Ends: Jason Babin, PHI (+4.8) and Red Bryant, SEA (+4.0)
With Babin generating pressure off the edge (one sack and six hurries) and Bryant holding up against the run (+2.6 grade) what more could you want from a defensive end duo?
Defensive Tackle: Jonathan Babineaux, ATL (+7.2) and Brodrick Bunkley, DEN (+6.5)
Two of my favorite performances from the week. Babineaux had his mother in the stands and really showed off with constant penetration. Bunkley did things to Nick Mangold I didn’t think were possible. The worst performance of Mangold’s career? Very possibly.
Linebackers: Von Miller, DEN (+8.7), James Laurinaitis, SL (+5.5) and Leroy Hill, SEA (+3.4)
It’s been a quiet return to the starting lineup for Hill, but he looked back to his best against the Rams. Von Miller has been anything but quiet and continued to make some noise with a two-sack, two-hit and three-pressure display. He seems to have a place reserved in this team on a weekly basis. Credit to Laurinaitis who showed up big in a losing effort with eight defensive stops as he kept on attacking the ball carrier.
3-4 Defensive Front
Defensive Line: Jason Hatcher, DAL (+3.0), Sione Pouha, NYJ (+4.2) and Jared Odrick, MIA (+2.4)
Hatcher did most of his good work rushing the passer with a sack, two hits and another pressure. That was one more hit that Odrick who wasn’t quite as quick at generating pressure, but did add two stops in the run game to his stat sheet. Is it time to crown Sione Pouha the best nose tackle in the NFL?
Outside Linebackers: Cameron Wake, MIA (+5.3) and DeMarcus Ware, DAL (+2.4)
Maybe Miami winning will get Wake the attention he deserves? The former CFL star is playing lights out at the moment and picked up a hit and five pressures against Buffalo. Ware added another sack to his tally along with four pressures. He’s probably not playing as well as the stats suggests or as he has in the past, yet he’s still one of the top four outside linebackers in the league.
Inside Linebackers: London Fletcher-Baker, WAS (+5.4) and Patrick Willis, SF (+4.2)
LFB still has plenty left in the tank if this is anything to go by. Six times he was thrown at and 28 yards were the result. That along with one sack and an eight-stop display earned him a spot on this team. Willis continues to beat out NaVorro Bowman for a place here as the two make the best duo of inside linebackers in the league. His interception and pass deflection, combined with his usual excellent work in run defense make his selection a no-brainer.
Cornerbacks: Brent Grimes, ATL (+3.6) and Richard Sherman, SEA (+2.6)
More people need to be talking about Grimes who was thrown at four times, allowed no receptions, and broke up two passes against the Titans. For Seattle, Richard Sherman has been a revelation. Sure he gave up a touchdown but breaking up two passes and allowing just 55.6% of passes thrown your way complete when you’re up against Brandon Lloyd? Excellent.
Safeties: Da’Norris Searcy, BUF (+3.1) and Edward Reed, BAL (+2.8)
No George Wilson, no problem. Searcy played like a man desperate to prove himself, and prove himself he did as he upstaged all his more experienced colleagues. Reed didn’t allow a ball thrown at him and walked away with an interception and a pass deflection. Think Andy Dalton has realized you’re better off throwing away from Reed yet?
SPECIAL TEAMS
Good day for Brandon Myers who forced a fumble against the Vikings … Not a great day for kicking so credit to Dan Bailey for nailing an overtime winner … Steve Weatherford gave his team plenty of time to chase balls down the field … Brandon Banks caused some havoc for the Cowboys with his punt returning.
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