Name: LaDainian Tomlinson
Position: Running back
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: New York 23, Detroit 20
Stats: 15 carries, 55 rushing yards, 6 receptions, 47 receiving yards
Analysis: The Jets had to come from behind, as they trailed 20-10 early in the fourth quarter. Tomlinson played a key role in the comeback on the game-tying drive as he came up with three clutch catches totaling about 30 yards. On his third and final catch of the drive, Tomlinson was hit out of bounds by a defender, and a late hit penalty was applied. The offense gained an extra 15 yards and moved into field goal range. Three plays later, Jets kicker Nick Folk kicked a 36-yard field goal to send the game into overtime. The Jets then scored on a 30-yard field goal in overtime, winning the game.
Next Week: The Jets take on the Cleveland Browns who, despite their 3-5 record, have been stout against the run, allowing only 105 rushing yards per game. However, its pass defense has been atrocious, so look for the Jets to pass the ball early and often next week, since the Browns defense allows more than 240 yards per game, which ranks 24th in the league.
Name: Drew Coleman
Position: Cornerback
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: New York 23, Detroit 20
Stats: 3 tackles
Analysis: Coleman has solidified himself as the third cornerback on the depth chart and has excelled at shutting down slot receivers. Detroit’s slot receivers were targeted five times in the game, but combined for a total of just one catch for seven yards. He completely shut down opposing receivers and forced Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to pass elsewhere, limiting Stafford’s options throughout the game.
Next Week: Although the Browns have found new life in the passing game with rookie quarterback Colt McCoy, they do not have the weapons on offense to match up with the Jets’ defense. The Browns have also found a great young running back in Peyton Hillis, and I expect the Browns to keep handing him the ball. Coleman should continue to be the third cornerback on the roster and will shut down any receiver he faces against the Browns.
Name: Daryl Washington
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Arizona Cardinals
Outcome of game: Minnesota 27, Arizona 24
Stats: 1 tackle
Analysis: Washington was a non-factor, as he only had one tackle during the game. Washington is a piece Arizona can build around, but the entire defense has not played particularly well this season and the defense allowed more than 500 yards against a struggling Vikings team, with 427 of those yards coming through the air. The plus to this is that the defense limited Adrian Peterson to a mere 81 yards when he has been averaging more than 100 yards per game.
Next Week: Washington and the Cardinals take on the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks have been awful on offense, as they average 177 passing yards and 83 rushing yards, both 29th in the NFL. Neither team has really played well this year, and it will be up to the defenses to control and win the game.
Name: David Hawthorne
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Seattle Seahawks
Outcome of game: New York Giants 41, Seattle 7
Stats: 12 tackles
Analysis: Hawthorne was an absolute freak this week against the Giants, as he was in on 12 tackles, the most of any Seahawks defender. The game, however, was over from the start, as the Giants were able to easily score 21 points in the first quarter. The Seahawks could do nothing to stop the Giants, as New York passed for 290 yards and rushed for another 197. It was a nightmare for the Seahawks’ defense, as the Giants put up 41 straight points and made it look easy.
Next Week: Hawthorne and the Seahawks take on the Cardinals in an NFC West match-up that could help decide the outcome of the division. The NFC West is one of the weakest divisions in the NFL, and if one of these teams can capitalize, win this game and build upon that win, that team could end up winning the division. It will be up to the defenses to win the game, however, as both teams’ offenses are dismal.
Name: Jerry Hughes
Position: Defensive end
Current Team: Indianapolis Colts
Outcome of game: Philadelphia Eagles 26, Indianapolis 24
Analysis: Jerry Hughes has only recorded one tackle in the past two weeks, but he is starting to see some playing time and has played reasonably well. He has been able to apply pressure to opposing quarterbacks and should continue to do so if he keeps getting opportunities. If he continues to progress, he could end up being the replacement for either Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis in the future.
Judge Howell is a sophomore broadcast journalism major from Plano.
