Week 6 has wrapped up, and TRO is reflecting on all that transpired, breaking down major headlines, and handing out its weekly superlatives. Check out our thoughts following Week 6's action:
via Jacksonville Jaguars
Another week gone, another wild slate of games. TRO is launching its rapid reactions following the conclusion of the games from the Week prior. With Week 6 in the books, it's time to fire off TRO's immediate reactions following all of the action. We're here, again, to elaborate on the biggest headlines that stuck with us, and to hand out superlatives. Look for TRO to award the Game of the Week to the most exciting matchup, and the Surprise Performance of the Week to the most deserving team, in addition to individual player superlatives. Players whose team won their game will be eligible to be selected in the following categories: Passer of the Week, Pass Catcher of the Week, Tailback of the Week, Defensive Lineman of the Week, Linebacker of the Week, Defensive Back of the Week, and Special Teamer of the Week.
1) RAPID FIRE - WEEK SIX HEADLINES:
via Scott Galvin / USA TODAY Sports
Another Success Across the Pond
Back to back weeks with games in London, both featuring not so marquee matchups, but both times the games were entertaining. This week, the Jaguars notched their first win in their last 20 games, after hitting a walk-off field goal with their newly found kicker. Only fitting a win in Wembley ended on a kick.
The Ravens are More than Lamar Jackson
The Ravens had been winning games against top notch opponents almost solely because of Lamar Jackson's heroics. We previously noted that the Ravens will go as far as Jackson will carry them (which is typically very far). This week, however, Jackson had his worst game of the season with only 167 yards passing, 1 touchdown to 2 interceptions, a quarterback rating of 68, and 52 yards on the ground. Usually this would mean the Ravens lost, especially against a very good opponent like the Chargers. However, the Ravens dominated the Bolts, winning 34-6. Baltimore's defense was outstanding, forcing Justin Herbert to his worst performance of the season, and all of their newly acquired running backs notched scores. Welcome back Le'Veon Bell, Devonta Freeman, and Latavius Murray! This squad has proven that it is near the top of the League because it is a complete football team and not just because of their star quarterback.
It's time to Acknowledge Derrick Henry as the Best Running Back in the League
We have been pretty firm that Christian McCaffrey is the best back in the business, followed by Dalvin Cook, leaving Derrick Henry to third. Henry's dominance can't be ignored any longer. He may not be the threat in the passing game CMC (or even Cook) is, but he doesn't have to be. Teams can't stop him from picking up first downs, ripping off huge runs, and straight up willing his team to win games. The way he destroyed Buffalo was unbelievable. He's on pace to shatter long-standing records, and what separates him from the pack is his availability and his ability to wear defenses down and then kick it into an extra gear late in games. CMC is still one of the best athletes and specimens we've seen in a long time, but right now the best rusher is King Henry until further notice.
Resilient Raiders
This team was surprisingly focused and efficient following the early-week resignation of head coach Jon Gruden. Derek Carr is still playing at a very high level, and seems to have a firm control over this locker room. Las Vegas didn't miss a beat despite the coaching change as they comfortably handled a Broncos team on the road, notching an important division win.
Dominance in the Dog Pound
The Cardinals continue to defy odds, remaining undefeated. We thought Cleveland would hand them their first loss, but they went into the Dog Pound and handed out a beating over a tough Browns squad. Cleveland is dealing with and did picked up some additional injuries, but Arizona kept their foot on the gas, looking like the best team in the League, as indicated by their record.
2) GAME OF THE WEEK: Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans
via Mark Zaleski / AP Photo
Another primetime thriller. The last time these two teams met, Derrick Henry stiff-armed Josh Norman into another continent. Monday night was almost equally as memorable as the underdog Titans ran all over Buffalo in a thrilling game that resulted in a 7 lead changes to ultimately be decided by a failed 4th down attempt by Buffalo opting to go for the win instead of playing for overtime as time expired. We don't fault Sean McDermott in his decision-making: his team had driven down the field to be stopped 1 yard short of the line to gain; Josh Allen laid it all on the line to try to convert on the play before; the Bills were on the road in an electric Nashville stadium; and Buffalo's defense could not stop Derrick Henry no matter what they tried, so overtime would have likely come down to the coin toss. The Titans earned this win, stuffing Josh Allen on 4th and 1, and clicking offensively despite AJ Brown playing through a bad bout of food poisoning.
3) SURPRISE PERFORMANCE OF THE WEEK: The Baltimore Ravens
via the Baltimore Sun
It's not the fact that the Ravens won that is surprising (even though we were on the Chargers), but it's how the Ravens won this game. They flat out dominated Los Angeles and made their potent offense look absolutely incompetent. As we stated above, Baltimore was able to accomplish this while Lamar Jackson was having a tough time with the solid Chargers defense. This was a big win in a huge fashion for the Ravens.
4) PLAYER SUPERLATIVES
PASSER OF THE WEEK: Kirk Cousins - Minnesota Vikings
via Bob Donnan / USA Today Sports
Kirk Cousins makes his first appearance on this list, finally earning some recognition for the quietly amazing season he's been having. Cousins played a flawless game on the road against a fierce Panthers defense. He racked up 373 passing yards and 3 touchdowns while completing 33 of his 48 pass attempts. He was cool, calm, and collected in overtime, leading his team down the field and capping the drive off with a game winning touchdown to prevent the Panthers from having a shot at the ball.
PASS CATCHER OF THE WEEK: CeeDee Lamb - Dallas Cowboys
via Maddie Meyer / Getty Images
CeeDee Lamb was instrumental in the Cowboys' exciting win in New England. Lamb piled on 149 receiving yards on 9 catches and notched 2 touchdowns, one of which was the game winner in overtime.
TAILBACK OF THE WEEK: Derrick Henry - Tennessee Titans
via TitansWire / USA Today
Derrick Henry is back again for the 3rd time (Week 2 and Week 5). Not only is he the first player in TRO history to earn a weekly superlative 3 times, he's also the first to earn the nod in back to back weeks. Henry amassed 143 yards on 20 carries, averaging 7.2 yards per carry! He also scored 3 touchdowns, carrying the Titans to an upset victory over the Bills.
DEFENSIVE LINEMEN OF THE WEEK: T.J. Watt - Pittsburgh Steelers
via Don Wright / AP Photo
T.J. Watt got to show the world why he's one of the best defensive players in all of football on Sunday night. He had his fingerprints all over this game totaling 7 tackles, 2 sacks, and forcing the clutch fumble on Geno Smith in overtime to propel the Steelers to victory.
LINEBACKER OF THE WEEK: Darius Leonard - Indianapolis Colts
via the Athletic
One of the best in the business, Darius Leonard did everything in his power to help the Colts blow out their division rival - the Houston Texans. Leonard had 7 tackles, 1 quarterback hit, 1 interception, pass defended, and 1 forced fumble. He was flying around the field causing nightmares for Davis Mills and the rest of the Texans' offense.
DEFENSIVE BACK OF THE WEEK: Trevon Diggs - Dallas Cowboys
via David Butler / USA Today Sports
Trevon Diggs continues his ridiculous season, and is back again, earning this honor for the second time (Week 4). Diggs notched his 7th interception on the season, returning it for his second touchdown of the season, while also grabbing 4 tackles. His interception helped give Dallas an extra, much needed score, as they were able to force overtime and pull away in a nail-biter.
SPECIAL TEAMER OF THE WEEK: Matthew Wright - Jacksonville Jaguars
via Sports Illustrated
Last month, Matthew Wright was designing software. He was recently signed by Jacksonville to put some pressure on Pro-Bowl kicker Josh Lambo, who had some struggles after a return from injury. Not only did Wright gain an advantage, kicking for the Jags in London, but Sunday morning he drilled 3 field goals and notched 2 extra points. His first field goal was from 54 yards to tie the game for Jacksonville with less than 4 minutes to play in 4th quarter. He followed that up by hitting a 53 yard game winner as time expired. Earlier this week Jacksonville released Lambo, giving Wright the full-time job.
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