Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell stepped up in the absence of fellow star linebacker Aidan Hutchinson, logging five solo tackles, two assisted tackles, one sack, and one quarterback hit in the 31-29 win over the Minnesota Vikings this week.
With the Iowa football team known across the NFL for its defensive production, former Hawkeye defenders continued to stand out this week.
Safety Geno Stone contributed to the Cincinnati Bengals’ 21-14 win over the Cleveland Browns tallying three solo tackles, four assisted tackles, and one deflected pass. The Denver Broncos took down the New Orleans Saints, 33-10, with the help of cornerback Riley Moss’ four solo tackles and six assisted tackles.
Rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean did his part in a dominant Philadelphia Eagles defensive performance, logging four solo tackles and one tackle for loss in the 28-3 win over the New York Giants. Meanwhile, Safety Dane Belton notched one solo tackle for the Giants.
The Buffalo Bills’ 34-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans featured an all-around performance of two solo tackles, one assisted tackle, one sack, one tackle for loss, one deflected pass, and one quarterback hit by defensive end AJ Epenesa.
On the flip side, Titans safety Armani Hooker finished with a fairly similar stat line to Epenesa with two solo tackles, one assisted tackle, and one tackle for loss. Green Bay Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness logged one solo and assisted tackle each along with one tackle for loss in the 24-22 win over the Houston Texans.
The Baltimore Ravens took down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 41-31, in the Monday Night Football matchup. Linebacker Anthony Nelson logged one solo and assisted tackle each for the Bucs in the loss.
But Carolina Panthers linebacker Josey Jewell missed his third-straight game with hamstring and groin injuries. And former Broncos linebacker Kristian Welch was signed to the Ravens’ 53-man roster last week but didn’t see any game action.
Offensive weapons
With Johnathan Taylor out due to injury, Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Goodson made the most of his expanded role after floating around the cut-line with the organization the last few years, this time logging 14 carries for 51 yards and one touchdown in the 16-10 win over the Miami Dolphins.
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle failed to secure his fifth-straight game with a touchdown but reeled in six catches for 92 yards in the 28-18 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tight end Noah Fant put up another efficient performance, catching all four passes for 65 yards in the Seattle Seahawks’ 34-14 blowout win over the Atlanta Falcons.
But Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta’s underwhelming campaign continued as he caught just one 25-yard pass in the 31-29 crucial win over NFC North opponent Minnesota Vikings. Rookie tight end Erick All Jr. failed to catch his only target in the Bengals’ win. This marks the first game he’s played in where he’s failed to reel in a catch this year.
And after suffering a season-ending ACL tear late last season, Minnesota Vikings tight end TJ Hockenson is trending in the right direction as he can possibly make his return to the gridiron in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Rams.
Dominant run games
The Ravens-Bucs matchup saw both teams combine for 1,020 total yards in what was a high-scoring game.
Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum was the key blocker on several extended runs from Derrick Henry, Justice Hill, and Lamar Jackson, leading to 244 yards on the ground in the win.
And offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs led an offensive line that aided 370 passing yards and 125 rushing yards in the loss.
Guard Brandon Scherff continues to be the Jacksonville Jaguars’ best offensive lineman, allowing no pressures as the team’s 171 rushing yards was the highest mark of the season in the 32-16 win over the New England Patriots in London.
And the Los Angeles Rams’ 20-15 win over the Las Vegas Raiders was made possible by the team’s two rushing touchdowns from former Notre Dame star Kyren Williams. Offensive tackle Alaric Jackson created a great hole on one of Williams’ rushing touchdowns.