In the “dream-team” of the 8th day, Jordan Love and James Cook lead the charge in attack. And on the defensive side, teams like New England and Tampa Bay are well represented.
Attack
Quarterback
Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
- Stats : 29/37, 360 yards, 3 TD
Opposed to his predecessor at the Packers, Aaron Rodgers, Love won his duel brilliantly. Thanks to his superb game, including a franchise record of 20 consecutive successful passes, the QB led Green Bay to its first victory in Pittsburgh since 1970…
Replacement: Tua Tagovailoa (MIA)
Running-back
James Cook (Buffalo Bills)
- Stats : 19 courses, 216 yards, 2 TD
More discreet in recent weeks, James Cook returned to the forefront with an XXL match against the Panthers. Unsustainable, he totaled 216 yards on the ground and signed a double. He joins his brother, Dalvin Cook, on the list of RBs with performances over 200 yards.
Republicating: Brittany (NYJ)
Catchers
Michael Pittman Jr (Indianapolis Colts)
- Stats : 8 réceptions, 95 yards, 1 TD
Everything is going well for the Colts attack, efficient and balanced. Against the Titans, Michael Pittman Jr won with nearly 100 yards and 1 touchdown.
Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins)
- Stats : 5 réceptions, 99 yards, 1 TD
In the absence of Tyreek Hill, Waddle assumes the number 1 role. His electric side offers solutions to Tua Tagovailoa.
Troy Franklin (Denver Broncos)
- Stats : 6 réceptions, 89 yards, 2 TD
For his second season in the NFL, Franklin is gaining strength. Last weekend, he had one of his best matches, including a double.
Substitutes: Rome Odunze (CHI), Khalil Shakir (BUF), Tetairoa McMillan (CAR)
Tight-end
Tucker Kraft (Green Bay Packers)
- Stats : 7 réceptions, 143 yards, 2 TD
While the unofficial “Tight End Day” was celebrated in the NFL, several TEs stood out. Tucker Kraft particularly stood out with a huge game against the Steelers, where he gained 143 yards and scored 2 touchdowns.
Substitute: Travis Kelce (KC)
Ligne offensive
LT – Olumuyiwa Fashanu (New York Jets)
LG – Quenton Nelson (Indianapolis Colts)
OC – Tanor Bortoloni (Indianapolis Colts)
RG – Joe Tippmann (New York Jets)
RT – Darnell Wright (Chicago Bears)
Several OLs were very solid during Week 8. Those of the Jets and Colts are particularly well represented here, with 2 players.
Republicans: Garett Bolles (LT – DEN), Peter Skoronski (LG – TEN), Drew Dalman (OC – CHI), Quinn Meinerz (RG – DEN), Browns Spencer (RT – BUF)
Defense
Defensive line
Jalen Redmond (Minnesota Vikings)
- Stats: 9 pressures, 2 tackles, 1 pass blocked
Very big pass-rush activity for Redmond from inside the line, as he finished with a total of 9 pressures.
Jordan Davis (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Stats: 2 pressures (including 1 sack), 2 tackles
The stats sheet does not live up to the impact of Davis, who signed 1 sack, but who constantly hampered opposing attacks.
Substitutes: Cameron Heyward (PIT), Milton Williams (NE)
Edges
Anthony Nelson (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Stats: 5 pressures (including 2 sacks), 4 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 interception, 1 TD
The Bucs defense dominated against the Saints, and Anthony Nelson had a game that will be remembered. He thus became the 4th player since 1982 (date when sacks became official) to total 2 sacks, 1 pick-6 and 1 fumble.
Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns)
- Stats; 7 pressures (including 5 sacks), 6 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Generally, when a defender dominates like Myles Garrett did last weekend, his team wins. But despite the historic performance and the 5 sacks of the star pass-rusher, the Browns lost again…
Remplaçants : George Karlaftis (KC), Rashan Gary (GB)
Linebackers
Robert Spillane (New England Patriots)
- Stats: 2 pressures, 14 tackles, 1 INT
Complete match for the Pats LB, impacting all phases. Author of 14 tackles in total, Spillane also signed an important interception in the 3rd quarter, which allowed his team to make the break in stride.
Jordyn Brooks (Miami Dolphins)
- Stats: 3 pressures (including 1 sack), 10 tackles
Very big game for the Miami defense last weekend, which notably managed to contain Bijan Robinson. In the middle of the defense, Jordyn Brooks shines, as he is currently by far the best tackler in the NFL (85 after Week 8).
Substitutes: Alex Singleton (DEN), Payton Wilson (PIT)
Cornerbacks
Cam Hart (Los Angeles Chargers)
- Stats: 1 pressure, 4 tackles, 3 deflected passes
Very solid match in coverage for Hart. The Bolts CB saw 5 passes coming towards him, he conceded 2 receptions for only 12 yards, and deflected the other 3.
Zyon McCollum (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Stats: 6 tackles, 3 passes deflected
Great overall performance for the Bucs, and for a McCollum involved. Targeted directly 10 times, he only conceded 3 receptions for 21 yards, and deflected 3 passes.
Christian Gonzalez (New England Patriots)
- Stats: 3 tackles, 2 passes deflected
Gonzalez didn’t give up much against the Browns. Out of 7 passes thrown towards him, only 2 arrived, and the CB only conceded 3 small yards in total.
Remplaçants : Jamel Dean (TB), Kamari Lassiter (HOU), Kool-Aid McKinstry (NO)
Safeties
Jaylinn Hawkins (New England Patriots)
- Stats: 5 tackles, 1 INT
Another prominent defender for the Patriots, Hawkins also signed an important interception in the 3rd quarter, which allowed his team to fold. Overall very serious in coverage, he only conceded 4 small yards.
Antoine Winfield Jr (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Stats: 2 pressures, 6 tackles, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT
Still as active and opportunistic, Antoine Winfield Jr is in the mix on 2 of Tampa Bay’s ball recoveries. He first recovered a ball on a fumble forced by CB Jamel Dean, then gave himself an interception in the 2nd half.
Substitutes: Justin Reid (KC), Amani Hooker (TEN)
Special teams
Kicker
Chase McLaughlin (Tampa Bay Buccaners)
Perfect match for the Bucs kicker, who was particularly precise from afar. His 3 field goals were scored from more than 50 yards.
Punter
Bryan Anger (Dallas Cowboys)
- Stats : 5 punts, 252 yards, 50.4 YPA
An average of more than 50 yards per clearance, 3 kicks arriving within the opposing 20 yards. A nice copy for the Cowboys punter.
Returner
Isaiah Williams (New York Jets)
- Stats : 5 KR, 132 yards
In addition to gaining 132 yards on returns, the Jets WR added 3 receptions for 31 yards and 1 run for 25 yards.
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