This season of NFL has begun in a strange way. Many teams we would have expected to have won by now have been stalling. We will be looking at six of them. How worried should teams be with only two weeks of the season gone? Look at the facts:
Baltimore Ravens
W1: Loss at Broncos 19-13
W2: Loss at Raiders 37-33
What's going on?
The Ravens have yet to play a home game this season. This, plus the long trip in the west could have a reason for the halt of the Ravens' progress. They are keeping the games close, only losing by less than a score in each contest.
If we want to see the other big problem, just look at their defense. Suggs and Elam are both out for the year and there are not many veteran players on their team. The team will begin to look to seven-year player Lardarius Webb to lead this team back to prominence.
Should we worry?
Maybe a little bit.
Indianapolis Colts
W1: Loss at Bills 27-14
W2: Loss against Jets 20-7
What's going on?
Andrew Luck is getting hit too many times for the average quarterback to be seeing. Earlier on Mike and Mike this morning, they stated that Luck had been hit 67 more times than the average quarterback. This is due to a poor offensive line. The last time the Colts took an O-Lineman in the first round was in 2011. Since then, only three out of eight total drafted linemen have remained with the team to date.
There is also the problem with a defense that has been lacking in talent for years. Vonte Davis, I believe to be their best defensive player, was carted off the field on Monday night. He will play against the Titans. With only one interception and one sack in two games, this does not bode well for Colts fans.
Should we worry?
For out of division opponents, yes.
Houston Texans
W1: Loss against Chiefs 27-20
W2: Loss at Panthers 24-17
What's going on?
The Texans are swapping quarterbacks like no one's business. Hoyer was announced as the starter in August, but did not even play the full first game due to being pulled for Ryan Mallett. How is an offense supposed to get into a rhythm if they are not getting used to how a quarterback plays?
Then you have the run game. With Arian Foster still inactive, Houston has had to rely on Polk and Blue for the ground game. Neither has reached 100 yards yet in two games played.
Finally, the defense. A group widely talked about being one of the best in the league. But in their two games, they have been outmatched in almost every statistic except for tackles and blocked kicks. with only two takeaways, O'Brien needs to pump up this defense to make some stops.
Should we worry?
Not just yet.
New York Giants
W1: Loss at Cowboys 27-26
W2: Loss against Falcons 24-20
What's going on?
Outside of Odell Beckham Jr.? Pretty much everything. Manning has been doing well, not throwing an interception in two games against teams that have gotten better on defense since last season. But there are still many flaws.
There is still no run game. With Jennings, Williams, and Vereen in the backfield, surely something must be happening. The three have combine for 43 attempts for 154 yards. While 3.6 yards per carry sounds good, Williams' longest run accumulated more than half of his current yards. Jennings' longest run accumulated 42% of his current yards. Those stats do not look as promising now.
As for the defense, they seem to give up in the fourth quarter. Now allowing a game-winning drive in back-to-back games, it seems as though they stall out. Outside of DRC, there is no difference maker. In an earlier post, I had determined that Landon Collins would be the X-factor in close late-game situations. Boy was I wrong.
Should we worry?
Yes, definitely.
Philadelphia Eagles
W1: Loss at Falcons 26-24
W2: Loss against Cowboys 20-10
What's going on?
NO RUN GAME. The Eagles traded away LeSean McCoy in the offseason and also released Pro-Bowl lineman Evan Mathis. They, in turn, signed running backs Ryan Matthews and DeMarco Murray, the 2014 OPOY. In two games, they combine have 15 yards for 25 attempts. That is pathetic for what the team payed the two players.
The other problem seems to be Byron Maxwell. He allowed Julio Jones to catch nine passes for over 140 yards and two touchdowns win week one. He was much better in week two against the Cowboys, but he was covering a number two receiver trying to be a number one.
Along with the current injuries sustained by Mychal Kendricks and Kiko Alonso, this team could be in trouble.
Should we worry?
Worry, yes. Panic, maybe in two weeks.
Seattle Seahawks
W1: Loss at Rams in OT 34-31
W2: Loss at Packers 27-17
What's going on?
Seattle has one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL right now. This is why Lynch is not able to go Beast Mode and Russel Wilson is always leaving the pocket. Making a complete pass while running away from defenders is not exactly easy. With only one run by Lynch for over 20 yards, teams have shown that they can shut down the run by taking away Lynch's lateral movement before getting to the line of scrimmage.
On defense, they have not been nearly as effective. Losing Maxwell and McDaniels over the offseason seemed to have taken more of a tole than originally thought. The Legion of Boom has given up almost three more yards per pass than Seattle is making per play as well.
On the bright side, Safety Kam Chancellor has decided to end his holdout and return to the team.
Should we worry?
Now that Kam is back, probably not.
Wednesday, September 23, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
This Weekend! Big Match-up!
This is the first real weekend in college football where we will see some big match-ups between conference teams! I am looking to three different college games that could change the landscape of not only who will be conference champion, but also "who's in?" Will the Rebels be able to upset the Crimson Tide? Can USC continue on their quest for the PAC-12 title over in-state rival, Stanford?
15 Ole Miss vs 2 Alabama, 9:15 PM ESPN
Last year, the Rebels were able to beat the Tide at Ole Miss. Now it is back to Tuscaloosa for the showdown in the SEC West. The "Land Shark" defense took care of business last year by intercepting Alabama Quarterback, Blake Sims, with 0:37 left in the game. Now, Alabama is without Sims, Cooper, Yeldon, and Collins to face the Rebels.
So far, Alabama has taken care of their own business this year. The Tide currently average 36 ppg which includes a win over Wisconsin 35-17. With Coker at quarterback, the Tide are currently averaging more than nine yards per pass. While Jacob Coker is a good passer, with a 63.8% completion rate, the Tide are lead by Junior Running Back, Derrick Henry. Averaging 7.8 ypc, this 6' 3" 242-pounder will punish any defender that comes into contact with him.
Defensively, the Tide had three sacks and one interception against Wisconsin. These would be considered decent statistics, if Wisconsin was not hurting from the loss of Heisman Finalist, Melvin Gordon, in their first game since his departure for the NFL.
As for the Rebels, they are another story. Having not faced a true contender yet, Ole Miss has averaged 74.5 points in their last two games. This team is ready for a challenge.
Chad Kelly, Junior, is the new quarterback for Ole Miss after Bo Wallace left last year. He currently averages over 13 yards per play, due to his top core of receivers. This core being led by the now healthy Laquon Tredwell. Tredwell's 6' 2" frame and impressive speed is sure to make him the top wide out come the 2016 draft.
As for this Ole Miss defense, they are led by DT Robert Nkemdiche. Nkemdiche is currently ranked as the fourth best player in this upcoming draft class by Mel Kiper Jr. In the secondary, the Rebels have S Tony Conner, Junior. Conner is also on Kiper's Big Board as #20. In Dave Wommack's defense, it seems like it is a farming system for great defensive players.
Will these players be able to contend with Derrick Henry?
My Pick: Ole Miss 31-Bama 24
Stanford vs 7 USC, 8:00 PM ABC
Over the past five years, this game has been a one score game by the end of the fourth quarter. The last two have been decided by three points.
For Stanford, the offense looks like a two person show right now. Kevin Hogan is currently passing under 60%, which is never good for a team that is in the PAC-12. The upside to this is that Hogan has been able to spread the ball around to different receivers, making defense cover each receiver one-on-one instead of loading up on the top wide out. This tactic could be favorable come later in the season.
The other guy to worry about is Running Back Christian McCaffrey. He averages just under four ypc and is also a threat in the passing game, already averaging nine ypr. But will he be able to get past the Trojan's line?
USC has not been the team we expect them to be in year's past. Losing games they should not and also getting injured too easily. But they have been recruiting well and I believe that this could be their year. Behind Cody Kessler, a possible first round pick, USC is a very well balanced team. Kessler has already thrown seven touchdowns in two games. Granted, these teams are not Power 5 teams, but he is also passing at 78.9%. While the Cardinal has only given up 16 points to Northwestern and 7 to UCF, Kessler's offense will chop down the Stanford defense.
Yet to allow a touchdown, the Trojan defense is hungry for some real competition from a Power 5 offense. On Kiper's Big Board, he has Su'a Cravens, Safety, ranked at 24. He has been compared to being "the Kam Chancellor of college football" (Kiper). Need I say more?
Can USC remain dominate?
My Pick: USC 45-Stanford 13
14 Georgia Tech vs 8 Notre Dame 3:30 PM NBC
Now this is a story: the likely winner of the ACC Coastal verses a team that will have a new quarterback. Notre Dame's season could come down to what happens in this game. With Malik Zaire out for the rest of the season, DeShone Kizer will be starting for the rest of the season.
As of right now, Kizer is riding high off of his last second touchdown pass to ice Virginia last weekend. But come this weekend, we will see how he will do against a top-15 team while playing the entire game.
The Yellow Jackets have only allowed 141 passing yards so far this season. But they have yet to face a top team, only seeing Alcorn State and Tulane this season. The main fights with each team will be if Notre Dame can stop Georgia Tech's triple option play book and if Kizer can produce.
Last year, Georgia Tech could basically run the ball any way they wanted to due to the triple option. In two games, the Yellow Jackets have rushed 108 times. How many yards?
An unbelievable 915 yards!
This attack only opens up the passing game more. Georgia Tech has only thrown 15 passes and has completed 12 of them. They also have four touchdowns passing. Notre Dame will have a problem stopping this offense.
Kizer will need to be patient in the pocket to possibly pull out a win. He benefited off of misdirection against Virginia which can also help against a traditional defense.
Will Kizer do it?
My Pick: Georgia Tech 49-Notre Dame 10
15 Ole Miss vs 2 Alabama, 9:15 PM ESPN
Last year, the Rebels were able to beat the Tide at Ole Miss. Now it is back to Tuscaloosa for the showdown in the SEC West. The "Land Shark" defense took care of business last year by intercepting Alabama Quarterback, Blake Sims, with 0:37 left in the game. Now, Alabama is without Sims, Cooper, Yeldon, and Collins to face the Rebels.
So far, Alabama has taken care of their own business this year. The Tide currently average 36 ppg which includes a win over Wisconsin 35-17. With Coker at quarterback, the Tide are currently averaging more than nine yards per pass. While Jacob Coker is a good passer, with a 63.8% completion rate, the Tide are lead by Junior Running Back, Derrick Henry. Averaging 7.8 ypc, this 6' 3" 242-pounder will punish any defender that comes into contact with him.
Defensively, the Tide had three sacks and one interception against Wisconsin. These would be considered decent statistics, if Wisconsin was not hurting from the loss of Heisman Finalist, Melvin Gordon, in their first game since his departure for the NFL.
As for the Rebels, they are another story. Having not faced a true contender yet, Ole Miss has averaged 74.5 points in their last two games. This team is ready for a challenge.
Chad Kelly, Junior, is the new quarterback for Ole Miss after Bo Wallace left last year. He currently averages over 13 yards per play, due to his top core of receivers. This core being led by the now healthy Laquon Tredwell. Tredwell's 6' 2" frame and impressive speed is sure to make him the top wide out come the 2016 draft.
As for this Ole Miss defense, they are led by DT Robert Nkemdiche. Nkemdiche is currently ranked as the fourth best player in this upcoming draft class by Mel Kiper Jr. In the secondary, the Rebels have S Tony Conner, Junior. Conner is also on Kiper's Big Board as #20. In Dave Wommack's defense, it seems like it is a farming system for great defensive players.
Will these players be able to contend with Derrick Henry?
My Pick: Ole Miss 31-Bama 24
Stanford vs 7 USC, 8:00 PM ABC
Over the past five years, this game has been a one score game by the end of the fourth quarter. The last two have been decided by three points.
For Stanford, the offense looks like a two person show right now. Kevin Hogan is currently passing under 60%, which is never good for a team that is in the PAC-12. The upside to this is that Hogan has been able to spread the ball around to different receivers, making defense cover each receiver one-on-one instead of loading up on the top wide out. This tactic could be favorable come later in the season.
The other guy to worry about is Running Back Christian McCaffrey. He averages just under four ypc and is also a threat in the passing game, already averaging nine ypr. But will he be able to get past the Trojan's line?
USC has not been the team we expect them to be in year's past. Losing games they should not and also getting injured too easily. But they have been recruiting well and I believe that this could be their year. Behind Cody Kessler, a possible first round pick, USC is a very well balanced team. Kessler has already thrown seven touchdowns in two games. Granted, these teams are not Power 5 teams, but he is also passing at 78.9%. While the Cardinal has only given up 16 points to Northwestern and 7 to UCF, Kessler's offense will chop down the Stanford defense.
Yet to allow a touchdown, the Trojan defense is hungry for some real competition from a Power 5 offense. On Kiper's Big Board, he has Su'a Cravens, Safety, ranked at 24. He has been compared to being "the Kam Chancellor of college football" (Kiper). Need I say more?
Can USC remain dominate?
My Pick: USC 45-Stanford 13
14 Georgia Tech vs 8 Notre Dame 3:30 PM NBC
Now this is a story: the likely winner of the ACC Coastal verses a team that will have a new quarterback. Notre Dame's season could come down to what happens in this game. With Malik Zaire out for the rest of the season, DeShone Kizer will be starting for the rest of the season.
As of right now, Kizer is riding high off of his last second touchdown pass to ice Virginia last weekend. But come this weekend, we will see how he will do against a top-15 team while playing the entire game.
The Yellow Jackets have only allowed 141 passing yards so far this season. But they have yet to face a top team, only seeing Alcorn State and Tulane this season. The main fights with each team will be if Notre Dame can stop Georgia Tech's triple option play book and if Kizer can produce.
Last year, Georgia Tech could basically run the ball any way they wanted to due to the triple option. In two games, the Yellow Jackets have rushed 108 times. How many yards?
An unbelievable 915 yards!
This attack only opens up the passing game more. Georgia Tech has only thrown 15 passes and has completed 12 of them. They also have four touchdowns passing. Notre Dame will have a problem stopping this offense.
Kizer will need to be patient in the pocket to possibly pull out a win. He benefited off of misdirection against Virginia which can also help against a traditional defense.
Will Kizer do it?
My Pick: Georgia Tech 49-Notre Dame 10
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Rising Workloads
This past weekend, we saw many players get injured during their games in the NFL. Whether it be a broken bone or dislocated finger, these will affect playing time for most of these players. This can also greatly affect team's chances of making it to the playoffs depending on how long the players may be ruled out.
Here are some of the players or groups that will need to step-up in order to keep their teams afloat until their players return to full form:
Dallas Cowboy's Receivers
The loss of Dez Bryant for the next 4-12 weeks will be a huge burden to place on Tony Romo. Without Dez, there is no true outside threat to stop the defense from attack the running backs. The responsibility is now placed on a group of young wide outs and one veteran tight end, Jason Witten. While Romo did lead the Cowboys on their game-winning drive last weekend over the Giants without Dez Bryant, this was against a team that was ranked 29 in total defense in 2014 and was without it's best player, Jason Paul-Pierre.
The Cowboys' next games are at the Eagles, Falcons, at Saints, Patriots. For this schedule, it could be likely to see Dallas go either 4-0 or 0-4.
Jason Babin, LB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost their Pro-Bowl Linebacker, Terrell Suggs, to a torn achilles this past weekend against the Broncos. With injuries at every position for the Ravens, they signed the 11-year veteran Jason Babin to fill Suggs' role.
The Ravens have always been known for having a stout defense due to the leadership of Ray Lewis for the better part of Baltimore's history. After his departure after the 2013 Super Bowl win, the leadership defaulted to Suggs and Ngata. With Ngata now in Detroit and Suggs on the sideline, this vet needs to come in and be the new face of fear in the Ravens' defense.
Chris Johnson and David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Andre Ellington was injured this past weekend against the Saints and will now be out for the next four weeks. This is the perfect time for the Cardinals to get a look at two new commodities in their offense's run game.
Chris Johnson has been looking for his second wind ever since leaving Tennessee in 2013. A former 2,000 yard-rusher in his second year, Johnson saw over 1,000 yards every other season in Tennessee. After his one year stay with the Jets, Johnson was released. This past April, Johnson was injured in a drive-by shooting in Orlando. Johnson is ready to show that he is still the running back he used to be.
David Johnson on the other hand is looking for a chance to showcase what he is all about. In recent fantasy posts, Matthew Berry has said that David Johnson will likely have the starting job by the end of the season in Arizona. While most people who were thinking that would mean during the middle of the season, that plan has now changed. Will this Northern Iowa product replace Ellington and Chris Johnson?
Donte Moncrief, WR, Indianapolis Colts
TY Hilton was injured this past weekend when the Colts took on the Bills. Hilton has a "bruise on his knee" and day-to-day. He is likely to sit out this week against the Jets. Enter Moncrief. Last year, Moncrief became a reliable WR3 for Andrew Luck towards the end of the season. He is small and fast, much like Hilton.
With Andre Johnson on the outside and a double tight end set with Fleener and Allen, look for Moncrief to play the slot and get many targets in the middle of the field until Hilton is back at top form.
Here are some of the players or groups that will need to step-up in order to keep their teams afloat until their players return to full form:
Dallas Cowboy's Receivers
The loss of Dez Bryant for the next 4-12 weeks will be a huge burden to place on Tony Romo. Without Dez, there is no true outside threat to stop the defense from attack the running backs. The responsibility is now placed on a group of young wide outs and one veteran tight end, Jason Witten. While Romo did lead the Cowboys on their game-winning drive last weekend over the Giants without Dez Bryant, this was against a team that was ranked 29 in total defense in 2014 and was without it's best player, Jason Paul-Pierre.
The Cowboys' next games are at the Eagles, Falcons, at Saints, Patriots. For this schedule, it could be likely to see Dallas go either 4-0 or 0-4.
Jason Babin, LB, Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens lost their Pro-Bowl Linebacker, Terrell Suggs, to a torn achilles this past weekend against the Broncos. With injuries at every position for the Ravens, they signed the 11-year veteran Jason Babin to fill Suggs' role.
The Ravens have always been known for having a stout defense due to the leadership of Ray Lewis for the better part of Baltimore's history. After his departure after the 2013 Super Bowl win, the leadership defaulted to Suggs and Ngata. With Ngata now in Detroit and Suggs on the sideline, this vet needs to come in and be the new face of fear in the Ravens' defense.
Chris Johnson and David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals
Andre Ellington was injured this past weekend against the Saints and will now be out for the next four weeks. This is the perfect time for the Cardinals to get a look at two new commodities in their offense's run game.
Chris Johnson has been looking for his second wind ever since leaving Tennessee in 2013. A former 2,000 yard-rusher in his second year, Johnson saw over 1,000 yards every other season in Tennessee. After his one year stay with the Jets, Johnson was released. This past April, Johnson was injured in a drive-by shooting in Orlando. Johnson is ready to show that he is still the running back he used to be.
David Johnson on the other hand is looking for a chance to showcase what he is all about. In recent fantasy posts, Matthew Berry has said that David Johnson will likely have the starting job by the end of the season in Arizona. While most people who were thinking that would mean during the middle of the season, that plan has now changed. Will this Northern Iowa product replace Ellington and Chris Johnson?
Donte Moncrief, WR, Indianapolis Colts
TY Hilton was injured this past weekend when the Colts took on the Bills. Hilton has a "bruise on his knee" and day-to-day. He is likely to sit out this week against the Jets. Enter Moncrief. Last year, Moncrief became a reliable WR3 for Andrew Luck towards the end of the season. He is small and fast, much like Hilton.
With Andre Johnson on the outside and a double tight end set with Fleener and Allen, look for Moncrief to play the slot and get many targets in the middle of the field until Hilton is back at top form.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Stars of the Weekend
Football is officially back underway everyone! From now to the Super Bowl, every Monday, I will be posting my top five stars of the weekend from college and the NFL.
With all of football back in full swing, many teams came to play and did not disappoint. While some teams suffered crushing blows, others were lifted higher into our view. Let's just see who made the top five!
Remember, these are in no particular order:
1. Dalvin Cook, Running Back, FSU
This past weekend, the Seminoles took on the South Florida at Doak Campbell Stadium. The last time the Noles played the Bulls in Tallahassee, USF was able to sneak away with a victory. While it may have looked like that at the beginning of the game, Cook took over.
Cook rushed for a carrier day with 30 carries for 266 yards and three touchdowns. All highs for the true sophomore. With other Heisman contending running backs running for three scores as well (OSU E. Elliot, UA D. Henry, LSU L. Fornette), Cook would be the only one to have over 200 yards.
This is also the first time since 1988 that a FSU running back has rushed for 200 yards in a single game.
2. DeShone Kizer, Quarterback, Notre Dame
Kizer is looking to now become a household name due to the season-ending injury to ND starting quarterback, Malik Zaire.
Kizer would start his day with a shovel passing TD on a fake-field goal attempt by the Fighting Irish to go up 6-0 on the first drive of the game. But Kizer never realized his day would not end there. Zaire went down with a broken leg and is now out for the year. Enter Kizer. With the clock ticking down and the Irish down by seven to Virginia, Kizer would lead a game-winning touchdown drive, leaving only 12 seconds on the clock. A 39-yard bomb to Will Fuller would be the play of the game made by Kizer in order to ice the Cavs.
3. Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
No longer can people say that Tony Romo is not clutch. After last night's win over the divisional rival Giants, Tony Romo now leads the league in game-winning drives with 28 since 2006.
After a play call by the Giants that would stop the clock with 1:43 left in the fourth, the Giants would kick a field goal to go up by six. Romo would take over on the Cowboys' 28. Romo would send the ball to tailback Lance Dunbar on back-to-back plays to pick up 56 yards. The drive would end with :07 left when Romo would pass to Jason Witten for the 11-yard go-ahead touchdown.
4. Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
In his first outing as an NFL player, Mariota looked as though he had been playing for years under the Titans' offense. Passing for four touchdown in a single half of football is close to being unheard of by people. Even more so due to the fact that it was his first game.
Mariota would end the day going 13/16 with 209 yards and four touchdowns. He is only owned in 35.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues as of right now. That will be changed come wavier wire pick-up times on Wednesday.
5. Eli Jenkins, Quarterback, Jacksonville State
Who? This guy should be known as "The Guy Who Beat Auburn." Sure, Auburn won the game, but they did not win the war. Jenkins showed amazing patience against one of the SEC powerhouses and, at the time, #6 team in the NCAA. Passing for 277 yards and a touchdown, Jenkins made many Tigers scared towards the end of the game.
To Eli Jenkins, we say good job. Not many teams can take it to Auburn all four quarters, especially against a Will Muschamp defense. Because of their fight, Auburn has dropped to #18 from #6. One of the biggest drops in college history after starting 2-0.
With all of football back in full swing, many teams came to play and did not disappoint. While some teams suffered crushing blows, others were lifted higher into our view. Let's just see who made the top five!
Remember, these are in no particular order:
1. Dalvin Cook, Running Back, FSU
This past weekend, the Seminoles took on the South Florida at Doak Campbell Stadium. The last time the Noles played the Bulls in Tallahassee, USF was able to sneak away with a victory. While it may have looked like that at the beginning of the game, Cook took over.
Cook rushed for a carrier day with 30 carries for 266 yards and three touchdowns. All highs for the true sophomore. With other Heisman contending running backs running for three scores as well (OSU E. Elliot, UA D. Henry, LSU L. Fornette), Cook would be the only one to have over 200 yards.
This is also the first time since 1988 that a FSU running back has rushed for 200 yards in a single game.
2. DeShone Kizer, Quarterback, Notre Dame
Kizer is looking to now become a household name due to the season-ending injury to ND starting quarterback, Malik Zaire.
Kizer would start his day with a shovel passing TD on a fake-field goal attempt by the Fighting Irish to go up 6-0 on the first drive of the game. But Kizer never realized his day would not end there. Zaire went down with a broken leg and is now out for the year. Enter Kizer. With the clock ticking down and the Irish down by seven to Virginia, Kizer would lead a game-winning touchdown drive, leaving only 12 seconds on the clock. A 39-yard bomb to Will Fuller would be the play of the game made by Kizer in order to ice the Cavs.
3. Tony Romo, Quarterback, Dallas Cowboys
No longer can people say that Tony Romo is not clutch. After last night's win over the divisional rival Giants, Tony Romo now leads the league in game-winning drives with 28 since 2006.
After a play call by the Giants that would stop the clock with 1:43 left in the fourth, the Giants would kick a field goal to go up by six. Romo would take over on the Cowboys' 28. Romo would send the ball to tailback Lance Dunbar on back-to-back plays to pick up 56 yards. The drive would end with :07 left when Romo would pass to Jason Witten for the 11-yard go-ahead touchdown.
4. Marcus Mariota, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
In his first outing as an NFL player, Mariota looked as though he had been playing for years under the Titans' offense. Passing for four touchdown in a single half of football is close to being unheard of by people. Even more so due to the fact that it was his first game.
Mariota would end the day going 13/16 with 209 yards and four touchdowns. He is only owned in 35.7% of ESPN Fantasy Football Leagues as of right now. That will be changed come wavier wire pick-up times on Wednesday.
5. Eli Jenkins, Quarterback, Jacksonville State
Who? This guy should be known as "The Guy Who Beat Auburn." Sure, Auburn won the game, but they did not win the war. Jenkins showed amazing patience against one of the SEC powerhouses and, at the time, #6 team in the NCAA. Passing for 277 yards and a touchdown, Jenkins made many Tigers scared towards the end of the game.
To Eli Jenkins, we say good job. Not many teams can take it to Auburn all four quarters, especially against a Will Muschamp defense. Because of their fight, Auburn has dropped to #18 from #6. One of the biggest drops in college history after starting 2-0.
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