Hey guys, what's up. I apologize for not doing week 5 picks. I was really busy last week, but I will try not to miss anymore. I went 11-3 last week, much improved from the 7-8 the week before. That brings my overall record to 18-11. Now let's look into the results of this past weekend's games.
Bills (2-3) 24 Browns (3-2) 37
MVP: Browns Punt Returner Travis Benjamin-Benjamin broke a Browns franchise record 179 punt return yards, 79 of them on a game-changing touchdown in the 2nd quarter.
Other Candidates: Browns D (INT return for TD, 5 sacks)
Unsung Hero: Browns QB Brandon Weeden-Weeden stepped in for injured quarterback Brian Hoyer in the first quarter and performed pretty well considering he only had one day of practice coming into the game. He finished with 197 yards, one touchdown, and 0 interceptions. He allowed the Browns defense and special teams to win the game.
Story of the Game: QB Injuries-Early in the game, Browns starting quarterback Brian Hoyer slid alwardly and was helped off the field with a knee injury. It was later revealed he has a torn ACL, and is out for the season. Brandon Weeden took over for him and was unspectacular but solid. Later E.J. Manuel took a hard hot to the knee and left with an LCL sprain. He'll be out for 4-8 weeks. Jeff Tuel took over for him and struggled.
Saints (5-0) 26 Bears (3-2) 18
MVP: Saints TE Jimmy Graham-I thought about going with Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery, even in a losing effort, because he broke a Bears franchise record with 218 receiving yards. But Jimmy Graham tied an NFL record for tight ends with his fourth consecutive game of 100+ yards receiving (135 yards on 10 receptions)
Other Candidates: Jeffery (218 yards on 10 receptions), Saints QB Drew Brees (29-35, 288 yards, 2 TD)
Unsung Hero: Saints D-The Saints defense allowed Drew Brees and the offense to get off to an early lead, sacking Jay Cutler twice and only allowing 18 points
Story of the Game: Recieving Records-Both Saints tight end Jimmy Graham and Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery either broke or tied receiving records Sunday. Graham tied an NFL record for tight ends with his fourth straight 100+ yard receiving game, and Jeffery had a Bears franchise-record 218 receiving yards.
Patriots (4-1) 6 Bengals (3-2) 13
MVP: Bengals D-The Bengals defense held Tom Brady an the Patriots to two field goals, snapping Brady's streak of 52 straight games with a touchdown pass. The Bengals had 4 sacks, 1 interception, and a big goal line stand in the fourth quarter
Other Candidates: Bengals Kicker Mike Nugent (2-2 on FG)
Unsung Hero: Bengals RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis-Green-Ellis, like everyone on both offenses Sunday, wasn't insanely productive, finishing with 67 yards on 19 carries, but with electrifying rookie Gio Bernard taking carries from him, and on his way to taking his job, Green-Ellis ran hard and had the only touchdown of the game on a fourth down run.
Story of the Game: Brady's TD Streak Snapped-As was mentioned earlier, the Bengals ended Tom Brady's streak of 52 consecutive games with a touchdown pass, falling two short of Drew Brees's NFL record 54.
Lions (3-2) 9 Packers (2-2) 22
MVP: Packers WR James Jones-Jones finished with 4 receptions for 127 yards and a TD, the one touchdown being a 83-yard spark in the third quarter.
Other Candidates: Aaron Rodgers (20-30, 274 yards, 1 TD), Packers D (5 sacks, 9 pts. Allowed), Packers K Mason Crosby (5-5 on FG)
Unsung Hero: Packers RB Eddie Lacy-The rookie had 99 yards on 23 carries in his return from a concussion, helping the offensive cause. The running game is key for the Packers, and Eddie Lacy was productive.
Story of the Game: Megatron Out-Lions star wide receiver Calvin Johnson did not play due to a knee injury, and that significantly hampered Detroit's offense. Without Johnson, the leading receiver for the Lions was tight end Brandon Pettigrew, who had 59 yards. It also allowed Green Bay to focus more on running back Reggie Bush, who had only 44 yards.
Chiefs (5-0) 26 Titans (3-2) 17
MVP: Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles-Charles continued his impressive season and helped the Chiefs continue their impressive season by rushing for 108 yards and a touchdown while also adding 37 yards on five receptions.
Other Candidates: Chiefs D (3 turnovers, 2 sacks, TD)
Unsung Hero: Chiefs K Ryan Succop-Last week was a good week for kickers, including Succop, who was 4-4 on field goals of 29, 24, 33, and 48 yards. He out-kicked counterpart Rob Bironas, who missed a 39-yarder late. Without his leg the Chiefs would have lost this game.
Story of the Game: Turnovers-Coming into this game, these two teams were tied atop the league in turnover margin (plus-9), and there were five turnovers in the game. Kansas City scored 13 points off 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery for a touchdown, and Tennessee scores a touchdown off an interception and fumble recovery.
Seahawks (4-1) 28 Colts (4-1) 34
MVP: Andrew Luck-Luck continued leading the Colts' ascent to a top team against Seattle. He was 16-29 for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns. An argument could be made for receiver T.Y. Hilton, who had 140 yards and two touchdowns, but Luck is the backbone of this offense.
Other Candidates: T.Y. Hilton (5 receptions, 140 yards, 2 TD)
Unsung Hero: Colts D-Looking at the stats, it doesn't look like the Colts defense stopped Seattle from producing. They scored 28 points and 423 total yards. But Indy had a blocked field goal that Delano Howell returned 61 yards for a touchdown, and they picked off Seahawks QB Russell Wilson on the final drie to seal the win.
Story of the Game: Playing from Behind-The Colts trailed for most of this game before winning it. The Seahawks jumped out to a 12-0 lead in the first quarter, then the Colts led 14-12 in the second before Seattle scores twice to make it 19-17 at half. The Seahawks held the lead until the fourth quarter, when Indy took the lead for good.
Jaguars (0-5) 20 Rams (2-3) 34
MVP: Rams QB Sam Bradford-There weren't many worthy MVPs from this game between two bad teams, but Bradford went 19-34 for 222 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Other Candidates: Jaguars WR Justin Blackmon (5 receptions, 136 yards, TD), Rams D (2 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 2 INT, TD)
Unsung Hero: Rams RB Zac Stacy-Again, hard to find someone really worthy from this game. Stacy, the rookie running back who shared carries with Daryl Richardson, gained 78 yards on 14 carries, and might see more carries with Richardson only gaining 48 yards on 13 carries.
Story of the Game: Blackmon Returns-The Jaguar offense was more productive than it has been in a long time (though still not very productive), scoring 20 points. That was partly thanks to the return of second-year #1 receiver Justin Blackmon from a four game suspension for substance abuse. He had 136 yards on 5 receptions and a touchdown. And that was with Blaine Gabbert throwing to him.
Ravens (3-2) 26 Dolphins (3-2) 23
MVP: Ravens RB Ray Rice-The Ravens rediscovered their running game vs. the Dolphins, totaling 133 yards on the ground, led by Rice, who had 74 yards and two touchdowns. He also had six receptions for 28 yards.
Other Candidates: Ravens WR Torrey Smith (6 receptions, 121 yards)
Unsung Hero: Ravens D-The Ravens defense played decent all game, but they really came up big on the last drive. After the Dolphins mounted a furious comeback to come within three, they had the ball in field goal range with about a minute to go, and Elvis Dumervil sacked Ryan Tannehill to put Miami further back. It was one of the six sacks the Ravens had on the day. Two plays later, Dolphins kicker Caleb Sturgis missed a 57-yard field goal.
Story of the Game: Dolphins Drop 2nd Straight Since Starting 3-0-After an impressive 3-0 start to the season, the Dolphins have lost the past two weeks. That can partly be blamed on the offensive line, who has allowed an NFL-leading 24 sacks.
Eagles (2-3) 36 Giants (0-5) 21
MVP: Eagles QB Nick Foles-Foles came in for the injured Michael Vick late in the second quarter and led the Eagles to the win. He went 16-25 for 197 yards and two touchdowns, performing admirely.
Other Candidates: Eagles WR DeSean Jackson (7 receptions, 132 yards, TD)
Unsung Hero: Eagles K Alex Henery-Henery kicked a career-high five field goals, going 5-5 (40, 27, 29, 36, and 41 yards) and scoring half of the Eagles' 36 points. I also started him on my fantasy team last week.
Story of the Game: Vick Injured (Suprise, Suprise)-Eagles quarterback Michael Vick injured his hamstring on a run in the second quarter. Nick Foles came in and played well, and it looks like Nick Foles might have to lead them again this week, with Michael Vick unlikely to play.
Panthers (1-3) 6 Cardinals (3-2) 22
MVP: Cardinals D-The Cards D held Cam Newton and the Panthers to two field goals and 353 total yards. Thy also picked Newton off three times, and sacked him seven times, one of those being from defensive end Calais Campbell for a safety. They also had a fumble recovery.
Other Candidates: Panthers D (2 sacks, 3 INT, 250 total yards allowed)
Unsung Hero: Cardinals LB Daryl Washington-Washington heavily contributed to Arizona's defensive effort in his return from a four-game suspension for substance abuse. He had two sacks and an interception, making a good defense even scarier.
Story of the Game: Defense, Defense, and... More Defense-This was definitely a defensive game. Total between both teams, there were 31 points, 603 total yards, 7 turnovers, nine sacks, and a safety.
Broncos (5-0) 51 Cowboys (2-3) 48
MVP: Broncos QB Peyton Manning-If the Cowboys would have won, this spot would have easily been filled by Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, who broke a Cowboys franchise record with 506 yards passing. But Peyton was really really good too, going 33-42 for 414 yards and four passing touchdowns, although he also through his first interception if the season. Heck, Manning even rushed for a touchdown Sunday. PEYTON MANNING IS A GOD.
Other Candidates: Cowboys QB Tony Romo (25-36, 506 yards, 5 TD, INT), Broncos TE Julius Thomas (9 receptions, 122 yards, 2 TD), Cowboys WR Terrance Williams (4 receptions, 151 yards, TD), Cowboys WR Dez Bryant (6 receptions, 141 yards, 2 TD)
Unsung Hero: Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno-This game was a shootout, with both quarterbacks putting up big numbers through the air, but Moreno contributed too. He had 19 carries for 93 yards and a touchdown, as well as five receptions for 57 yards.
Story of the Game: Offense, Offense, and... More Offense-How about some gaudy stats: Between the two teams, there were 1,093 total yards of offense, 884 passing yards, 99 points, and 58 first downs. How about a fun fact: The 51 points the Broncos scored Sunday are as much as their next opponent, the Jaguars, have scored all season. Next week is going to be ugly.
Texans (2-3) 3 49ers (3-2) 34
MVP: 49ers D-The 49ers tenacious D was at its best Sunday night, allowing only three points and four turnovers, one an interception returned for a touchdown. They gave the Texans and struggling quarterback Matt Schaub fits all night.
Other Candidates: 49ers RB Frank Gore (17 carries, 83 yards, TD)
Unsung Hero: 49ers CB Tramaine Brock-Brock was part of that tea axioms 49ers defense Sunday night. He had two of the Niners three interceptions, including one he returned 18 yards for a touchdown, an he almost had a third pick.
Story of the Game: Schaub's Pick-Six Struggles-Matt Schaub threw another pick-six in this game, making it four straight game he's thrown an interception returned for a touchdown. He has struggled in three straight Texans' losses, causing some to call for his benching.
Charger (2-3) 17 Raiders (2-3) 27
MVP: Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor-Pryor led the Raiders to the win in "Monday Morning Football", finishing 18-23 with 221 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also added 31 yards on the ground, including a scramble on a broken play late that led to a field goal and helped Oakland seal the game.
Other Candidates: Raiders D (4 sacks, 3 INT, 2 fumble recoveries, TD)
Unsung Hero: Raiders CB Charles Woodson-Woodson, type former All-Pro corner, had an interception and a fumble recovery, which he returned for a touchdown. With that touchdown, Woodson tied the NFL record for most career defensive touchdowns, with 13.
Story if the Game: " Monday Morning Football"-The San Diego at Oakland game started at 11:35 pm (8:35 in Oakland) because the Oakland A's has a playoff game Sunday afternoon, and if you didn't already know, the Raiders and A's share O.co Colliseum.
Jets (3-2) 30 Falcons (1-4) 28
MVP: Jets QB Geno Smith-The rookie once again led the Jets to a come-from-behind victory, finishing 16-20 for 199 yards and three touchdowns, and engineering the final drive that ended in a game-winning field goal. Thus far this season he has shown great veteran-like poise.
Other Candidates: Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (10 receptions, 97 yards; became only second person in NFL history to catch a pass in 200 consecutive games)
Unsung Hero: Jets K Nick Folk-Smith may have engineered TE game-winning drive, but it was Folk who kicked the game-winning 46 yard field goal as time expired. He also kicked a 22 yarder and 36 yarder, going 3-3 on the night.
Story of the Game: Julio Out for Season-The Falcons suffered a big blow after their loss to the Jets when it was announced Tuesday that star receiver Julio Jones could be out for the season with a foot injury he sustained Monday night.
G-Rex's Week 5 Observations:
•Welcome Back-Some key players returned from four-game suspensions for substance abuse last week, including Jaguars wide receiver Justin Blackmon and Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington, who mad very noticeable impacts in their returns.
•Field Goal Frenzy-Maybe it was just me, but it seemed like Week five was a big week for kickers. Every game had at least one field goal, and most had multiple field goals. Four kickers made three field goals, four made four field goals, and three kickers made five field goals.
Week 5 Highs and Lows:
Most Points-Broncos, 51
Least Points-Patriots and Texans, 3
Most Passing Yards-Cowboys Tony Romo, 506
Least Passing Yards (QB with min. 20 pass attempts)-Bills E.J. Manuel, 129
Most Rushing Yards-Chiefs Jamaal Charles, 108
Least Rushing Yards (RB with min. 10 carries)-Raiders Rashad Jennings, 41
Most Receiving Yards-Bears Alshon Jeffery, 218
Least Receiving Yards (WR\TE with min. 5 receptions)-Packers Jermichael Finley, 32
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