Name: LaDainian Tomlinson
Position: Running back
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: New York 38 Buffalo 14
Stats:
Rushing Attempts: 19
Rushing Yards: 133
Rushing Touchdowns: Two
Receptions: Three
Receiving yards: 22
Analysis: A 5-yard run to end the first period may not seem significant, but those yards put Tomlinson into seventh in career rushing yards in NFL history. LT also had 155 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns, helping to lead the Jets to victory. It has been nearly two years since Tomlinson has had a 100-yard rushing performance. To add to this impressive accomplishment, he averaged seven yards per carry and is averaging over six yards per carry for the season. Let me remind you that Tomlinson is 31 years old, which is old for a professional football running back.
Next Week: Next week the Jets take on the struggling 1-2 Minnesota Vikings. Although this team has not gotten off to the hot start many were expecting, the Vikings have been stout against the run, only giving up 87.3 yards a game. This will be a tough match-up for Tomlinson and the Jets, as this is one of the toughest defenses in the league. Lucky for LT, he has been getting more carries than expected and should be the most productive running back on the Jets.
Name: Drew Coleman
Position: Cornerback
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: New York 38 Buffalo 14
Stats:
Tackles: Two
Analysis: Because of an injury to Darrelle Revis and struggling first-round draft pick Kyle Wilson, Drew Coleman started Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. Although this wasn’t a huge statistical game by Coleman, he helped keep the Bills’ passing game in check as they were only able to manage 109 yards through the air.
Next Week: When the Jets take on the Vikings next Sunday, Coleman will be used primarily as a third down defensive player. This will work to his favor, as the Vikings have struggled passing the ball, especially on third downs.
Name: David Hawthorne
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Seattle Seahawks
Outcome of game: Saint Louis 20 Seattle 3
Stats:
Tackles: Two
Analysis: Sunday was a long day for Hawthorne and the Seattle Seahawks as the Saint Louis Rams were able to move the ball at will. The Seahawks pass defense looked especially bad as Oklahoma product, Sam Bradford and the Rams offense passed for over 260-yards and two touchdowns through the air.
Next Week: A match-up against the Chicago Bears will not help the Seahawks as Chicago has earned just under 300 yards per game and have been able to move the ball at will against opposing defenses with the new Mike Martz offense.
Name: Daryl Washington
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Arizona Cardinals
Outcome of game: San Diego 41 Arizona 10
Stats:
Tackles: Four
Analysis: Although Daryl Washington had four tackles on the day, the Arizona Cardinals defense looked bad in every possible way against the San Diego Chargers Sunday. The Chargers put up 419-total yards (239 passing and 180 rushing) and they were not going to be stopped.
Next Week: The Cardinals take on the New Orleans Saints, one of the highest powered offenses in the NFL. New Orleans has been able to run a hot passing attack so far this season, which does not bode well for the Cardinals.
Name: Aaron Brown
Position: Running back
Current Team: Detroit Lions
Outcome of game: Green Bay 28 Detroit 26
Stats: –
Analysis: Due to a hand injury, Aaron Brown did not practice Wednesday and is expected to miss at least the next couple of weeks. Brown’s absence along with the turf toe injury sustained by Jahvid Best in Sunday’s game likely opens the door for Kevin Smith to suit up next week.
Next Week: Due to Brown’s injury, he will probably not see much time next week against the Saint Louis Rams. However Best is still the starter in Detroit, so much playing time for Brown is not to be expected even if he is healthy.
Judge Howell is a sophomore broadcast journalism major from Plano.
