So with over half of the season gone players should be hitting their stride right?
It certainly seems that way at a number of spots, where the competition to make our Team of the Week was as fierce as you'd expect it to be. Then, and perhaps this is done to the weak not being quite so weak, you have certain positions which sent representatives that didn't exactly stand out in a week filled with close games.
As usual we have an assortment of All Pros, should be All Pros and regular All No's, as the mantra of any given Sunday gives usual duds the chance to look like studs (if only for one week). Without further ado here's some recognition of some excellent performances.
OFFENCE
Quarterback: Joe Flacco, Bal (+8.2)
That drive to win the game against the Steelers? Yeah that was pretty special. Time to build on that now.
Running Backs: Arian Foster (+5.0) and Ben Tate (+3.5), Hou
Narrowly beating out the duo from New Orleans, I simply had to give it to a tandem outfit this week. Tate and Foster combined for 239 and did so on just 31 rushes. Making it look easy.
Full Back: Marcel Reece, Oak (+2.4)
There was a noticeable difference when Reece was in the game compared to Manase Tonga. Oh, and that touchdown grab was pretty special.
Tight End: Anthony Fasano, Mia (+2.8)
Two receptions, two touchdowns, too good. That was Anthony Fasano who was also perfect in pass pro, and stellar with his run blocking.
Wide Receivers: Earl Bennett, Chi (+2.9) and Julio Jones, Atl (+3.2)
Bennett caught all five balls thrown his way, picking up a touchdown in the process and forcing three missed tackles. He’s a difference maker for the Bears offense, much like Julio Jones. A couple of runs whet the appetite but the meat of his performance was on two catches that went for big touchdowns. Explosive.
Tackles: Michael Roos, Ten (+5.1) and Tyson Calbo, Atl (+3.3)
This is the Michael Roos that has been missing the past two years. Assured in pass protection and dominant at the point of attack. May not be a tackle playing as well on the left side right now. Clabo was ‘only’ playing Indianapolis, but then he ‘only’ shut out Robert Mathis.
Guards: Carl Nicks, NO (+3.1) and Marshal Yanda, Bal (+3.3)
Another case put forward by Yanda as to why he is the best right guard in the league. Josh Sitton, you have been served notice. Similarly while Logan Mankins continues a so-so season, Carl Nicks may actually have done enough to earn himself that title on the left side. Another good display against Tampa Bay only enhanced that growing feeling.
Center: Chris Myers, Hou (+6.9)
There isn’t a center playing as well as Myers is right now. No player not named Aaron or Darrelle is dominating their position as much as the Texan is.
DEFENCE
Defensive Front 4-3
Defensive Ends: Chris Long (+6.1) and James Hall (+2.6) SL
It wasn’t a stellar week for 4-3 defensive ends that’s for sure. Given that you can add Robert Quinn to the rotation you have to wonder how much of this is down to the Rams, and how much belongs to the terribleness of the Cardinals offensive line. Still, you beat what is in front of you, and those three Rams combined for three sacks, one hit and 11 hurries.
Defensive Tackle: John Henderson, Oak (+4.9) and Jonathan Babineaux, Atl (+4.3)
It may seem weird to have John Henderson on this team given how many yards the Raiders gave up. But watch where the runs went (away from him) and watch how disruptive he was at the line of scrimmage. Too strong for the Broncos line on his 32 snaps on the field. Falcon Babineaux relished life against the Colts, picking up a sack, hit and two hurries and almost causing a safety at the goalline.
Linebackers: Von Miller, Den (+6.5), Curtis Lofton, Atl (+2.7) and Sean Weatherspoon, Atl (+2.5)
That Miller kid is pretty good. Whether he was beating Khalif Barnes at the point of attack, or simply knocking Carson Palmer to the turf (seven times in one game) he was a force. Weatherspoon gets the nod as the WILL, adding some range and ability to close on the ball and receiver in coverage. No player has made a big a jump from the 2010 rookie class. He’s joined by his Falcon teammate Curtis Lofton who, though he has never reached the heights of 2008 and 2009, was looking something like his best against the Colts.
Defensive Front 3-4
Defensive Line: Calais Campbell, Ari (+4.0), Sione Pouha, NYJ (+3.0) and Kendall Langford, Mia (+3.7)
I keep telling people this but the best defensive end in Arizona isn’t Darnell Dockett, but rather Calais Campbell. The big man added two sacks, a hit and two pressures along with three defensive stops in the run game against St Louis. Langford hasn’t had the best of years but turned it up as Miami picked up win number one. His five pressures made life tough for Matt Cassel. In the middle of them two it has to be Pouha and his three defensive stops on 27 snaps. That guy is better than even people who think he’s underrated credit him as being.
Outside Linebackers: James Harrison, Pit (+5.5) and Anthony Spencer, Dal (+4.7)
Spencer was this week’s contestant on the ‘Let’s take advantage of James Carpenter’ show. His stat sheet appreciates the sack and four pressures. Harrison had a trickier opponent and a better performance, with three sacks, three hits and three hurries. Oh and four more defensive stops. Harrison is without doubt the best 3-4 OLB in the NFL.
Inside Linebackers: Daryl Washington, Ari (+6.2) and Patrick Willis, SF (+3.7)
Superb day for Washington who had five defensive stops, only allowed 14 yards on the four balls thrown at him, and broke up two passes. Usual stuff from Patrick Willis who continues to demonstrate why he is the best LB in the game.
Cornerbacks: Cortland Finnegan, Ten (+5.2) and Kareem Jackson, Hou (+3.0)
It wasn’t just allowing only one reception on four balls thrown his way for three yards that earns Finnegan a spot on this team. It was some great work in run defense to go along with those two pass breaks. A career day for Jackson who looks like he’s getting it, though that could just be playing against Colt McCoy.
Safeties: Dashon Goldson, SF (+2.3) and Eric Smith, NYJ (+1.8)
Your eyes do not deceive you, I am indeed writing something positive about Dashon Goldson. The 49er had an INT, and gave up just 24 yards despite being targeted in primary coverage on five occasions. I’ve gone for Smith because I wanted a safety to make a positive impact closer to the line of scrimmage. He played a solid game in a week full of disappointing displays.
Special Teams
Browns kicked Phil Dawson knocked in two kicks from 50 plus … Donnie Jones of the Rams was booming punts all day long …Cardinal Patrick Peterson had that return … Charger Darrell Stuckey was a force on kick offs.
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