NFL Week Seven Star Performers
One player does not maketh a team. At least it doesn’t in the case of Christian McCaffrey as he saw his debut for the 49er at Levi Stadium ignominiously overshadowed by Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs who, coincidentally, showed us once again that the baby GOAT is the exception that proves the rule with some stellar quarterback play. Where else did we see gold? Read on, reader! Read on!
Joe Burrow
QB, Cincinnati Bengals, W 35-17 vs Falcons
Joe Burrow lighting up oppositions is becoming a common sight in the NFL this season now the Zac Taylor offence has warmed up. He finished with 481 passing yards on 34 completions.
However, the real damage was done before half time with 196 of his yards coming in the first quarter, setting a team record. He went on to compound this, setting a first half record throwing a total of 344 inside the first two quarters.
Atlanta have been a solid opposition, but the former LSU superstar swept them away and will have the lacklustre defence of the Cleveland Browns to have a slash and a stab at next week when they take on the in-division rivals on Monday Night Football. I smell a mauling for these tigers.
Jaelan Phillips
LB, Miami Dolphins, W 16-10 vs Steelers
Honourable mention to Chris Jones at Kansas City this week after a stunning performance against (probably) more stout opposition but my plaudits go out to Phillips who made the shambling O-Line of Pittsburgh creep and crumble over the course of a remarkably close game.
Finishing up with eight tackles (four solo) with one and a half sacks, two tackles for loss and a further two QB hits, you’d think he was starting most snaps in the Steeler’s backfield. The 2021 Miami first-rounder showed us why he was such a prized asset from last year the Dolphins head to Detroit to play the moribund Lions next week and it could be back-to-back hot performances for the ‘phins star.
Kenneth Walker III
RB, Seattle Seahawks, W 37-23 @ Chargers
I said a few weeks ago when Rashaad Penny went down for the year that the 2022 First-Rounder would have to step up and what a place to do it. I’m being consistently surprised by both sides of late, for opposite reasons.
Geno Smith and Pete Carroll appear to be making the most out of what they have got with a haul of picks in the next few years following Russell Wilson’s blockbuster trade to Denver whilst the Chargers D which, on paper, really should be standing up to greater scrutiny.
Walker showed off his raw pace with his 74-yard-long touchdown run and picked up another earlier with a 12 yard play. Racking up a totals of 168 on 23 attempts – those are elite numbers. The Seahawks next take on NFC East surprise package the 6-1 Giants. The Giants sit at 29th in Football Outsiders Defensive DVOA chart. Could we see some more from the Arlington youngster?
A week to forget for… Tom Brady
QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, L 3 -21 @ Panthers
I almost plumped for the other elder statesman to have a shocker this week when Green Bay were upset by The Commanders but I’ve slapped this on Tom.
Brady failed to make the all-important walk-through earlier in the week which has apparently been a bit of a recurring issue of late. It showed. Tampa were ill-prepared for a Panthers team who started former XFL QB, P.J. Walker, traded their superstar RB to San Francisco and, seemingly, were about ready to hit the reset button on 2022. He wasn’t awful but as The Greatest, you’ve got to be better than mediocre.
Even on your off days. You are the man who leads that offence, if it’s not working you’ve got to contribute to make it better. Especially when you’ve seen TWENTY PLUS seasons of play! Don’t go out on a whimper, TB12. You owe yourself better.
