Name: LaDainian Tomlinson
Position: Running back
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: Green Bay 9, New York 0
Stats: 54 rushing yards, five catches for 37 yards, one fumble
Analysis: This week the Jets offense didn’t look too bad as it was able to pass for 241 yards and rush for another 119. Turnovers and fumbles doomed the team throughout the game despite the fact that New York was able to move the ball. Tomlinson had a fairly productive day with 91 all-purpose yards. Tomlinson’s fumble, however, the second by New York, seemed to slow him down as he did not look strong running the ball the rest of the game.
Next Week: The Jets and the Detroit Lions meet next week, and the Jets offense should roll, as Detroit has given up an average of 349 yards per game 8212; 219 passing and 130 rushing. Detroit has not looked good at all on defense this season and the trend should continue as Tomlinson and the Jets rushing attack ranks third in the NFL by gaining an average 153 yards per game.
Name: Drew Coleman
Position: Cornerback
Current Team: New York Jets
Outcome of game: Green Bay 9, New York 0
Stats: Three tackles
Analysis: Coleman and the Jets defense slowed down the Packers offense enough in this game to provide a chance to win, but the Jets offense could not score any points. The defense was able to hold Green Bay offense that averages 238 passing yards and 97 rushing yards per game to a mere 156 passing yards and 81 yards on the ground.
Next Week: Not known for its passing attack in recent years, Detroit has been able to throw the ball this season, averaging more than 250 yards per game and ranking seventh in the NFL. With Matthew Stafford back from a shoulder injury, the Lions passing attack should continue to flourish.
Name: Daryl Washington
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Arizona Cardinals
Outcome of game: Tampa Bay 38, Arizona 35
Stats: Three tackles
Analysis: Neither defense looked particularly good in this game, giving up a combined 803 yards of offense. Arizona’s defense was particularly bad, as it gave up more than 250 passing yards and 154 rushing yards. With three tackles, Washington was not a factor. He and the rest of the defense could not stop Tampa Bay throughout the game.
Next Week: Arizona takes on Minnesota in a must-win battle for both teams. The Vikings had high hopes going into the season but have fallen to 2-5. They look to rebound against the Cardinals, but it will be up to Washington and the defense to contain the NFL’s leading rusher, Adrian Peterson, and force Brett Favre to make a play and beat them through the air.
Name: David Hawthorne
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Seattle Seahawks
Outcome of game: Oakland 33, Seattle 3
Stats: Five tackles, one tackle for loss
Analysis: Despite not having a true starting quarterback in Oakland, the Raiders have found a way to move the ball and had a field day against Seattle’s defense. Oakland racked up 306 passing yards and 239 rushing yards as it crushed the Seahawks 33-3. Hawthorne and the defense had no answer for the Raiders offense, especially late in the game. In the fourth quarter, Oakland scored 20 points and easily put the game away.
Next Week: Seattle takes on the red-hot New York Giants, winners of four straight. The Giants have one of the most balanced teams in the NFL 8212; they are able to run and pass the ball effectively while stopping opposing offenses. They rank eighth in passing yards, fourth in rushing yards, second in defending the pass and third in stopping the run. Seattle will have its hands full stopping New York’s balanced offense, which averages 25 points per game.
Name: Jason Phillips
Position: Linebacker
Current Team: Baltimore Ravens
Outcome of game: Bye week, no stats
Judge Howell is a sophomore broadcast journalism major from Plano.