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Several of A&M's NFL contingent enjoyed a brief respite this week, but the stars still came out to shine. Von Miller had huge game, one worthy of the comparisons of his game to the late Derrick Thomas. Ryan Tannehill also continued to demonstrate a grasp of the Dolphins offense and the ability to manage the game that is on par with his more heralded rookie brethren.
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS
Ryan Tannehill – Starting QB, Dolphins
Week 5 vs. Cincinnati: 17/26 for 223 yards
YTD: 97/169, 57.4% completion percentage, 2 TD 6 INT, 54.0 QBR, 70.4 Rating
As I predicted last week, Tannehill had a solid game against the Bengals, completing clutch passes and not committing any turnovers while leading the Dolphins to another win. When he was drafted after starting only 17 games as a quarterback for Texas A&M, most assumed he would be a developmental project. However, Tannehill has defied those expectations, demonstrating that he is growing up fast and well ahead of any developmental schedule. The Dolphins are now 2-3 and are two narrow overtime defeats from being a previously unthinkable 4-1. It bears mentioning that for all the grief Mike Sherman has gotten (and deserves), he was able to craft a produce A&M’s first real legitimate NFL quarterback.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Ryan Tannehill is the first rookie in NFL history to pass for 1,250+ yards and record at least two wins in his team’s 1st 5 games.</p>— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) <a href="https://twitter.com/caplannfl/status/255106552535588864" data-datetime="2012-10-08T00:45:16+00:00">October 8, 2012</a></blockquote>
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OUTLOOK FOR WEEK 6: The Dolphins get the improved Rams at home next week, which is another very winnable game. I expect the Dolphins to go the ground more, with Reggie Bush returning to a larger role. Tannehill’s focus should again be on limiting turnovers, but I’m going to predict that this is the week that Devon Bess finally gets a touchdown from him.
Prediction: 15/28 250 yards 1 TD 0 INT Dolphins 24 Rams 21
Martellus Bennett – Starting Tight End, Giants
Week 5 vs. Cleveland: 4 targets, 3 receptions, 30 yards
YTD: 30 targets, 19 receptions, 217 yards, 3 TD
An average week for Marty. Still, he got 4 looks from Eli this week in a game where Victor Cruz went crazy and the Giants demonstrated a desire to stick to the run game with Ahmad Bradshaw gaining 200 yards on 30 carries.
Jorvorskie Lane – Shutdown Fullback, Miami
Week 5 vs. Cincinnati: 2 receptions for 20 yards, long of 15, 2 carries for -5 yards
YTD: 11 carries for 13 yards, 2 TD, 4 receptions for 45 yards
Jorvorskie continues to fill a nice niche in Miami. He has good hands and demonstrated that with a nice 15 yard play on Sunday.
Cyrus Gray – backup RB, Kansas City
Week 5 vs. Baltimore: 4 carries for 20 yards, 1 reception for 11 yards
YTD: 4 carries for 20 yards, 1 reception for 11 yards
Cyrus The Virus received his first NFL action on Sunday. Despite being limited by injuries throughout the preseason, the CHEFS kept Gray on the roster as a 4th running back. With Peyton Hillis out against the Ravens, Cyrus got some work as the 3rd running back and flashed some potential, taking advantage of his limited looks. Welcome to The League, Mr. Gray!
DEFENSIVE PLAYERS
Von Miller – Starting Linebacker, Broncos
Week 5 vs. New England: BEAST MODE ENGAGED 8 tackles, 7 solo, 5 TFL, 2 sacks, 2 QB hits, 1 forced fumble, 1 pass deflection
YTD: 23 tackles, 18 solo, 12 TFL, 5 sacks, 9 QB hits, 1 FF, 1 PD
Its games like these that make Von one of the most feared defenders in the NFL. Von had a tremendous game against the Patriots, despite their plan to neutralize the Broncos’ pass rush by keeping the ball on the ground (54 carries for 251 yards). He racked up an incredible 5 tackles for loss including this sack. This game puts him back on All-Pro pace. Von now leads the NFL with 12 TFL (although J.J. Watt who has 10, is playing tonight)
Ron Edwards – starting nose tackle, Panthers
Week 5 vs. Seattle: 3 assisted tackles
YTD: 7 tackles, 4 solo, 1 sack, 1 QB hit
Red Bryant – Starting Defensive End, Seahawks
Week 5 vs. Carolina: No stats
YTD: 9 tackles, 6 solo, 1 pass deflection
No stats, but still listed as the starter on the depth chart. Not listed on the team’s injury report. My guess: Cam Newton is scared of Red Bryant.
BYE WEEKS AND INJURED PLAYERS
Michael Bennett – starting defensive end, Bucs
Week 5 vs. BYE
YTD: 9 tackles, 7 solo, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 QB hits
Shane Lechler – Starting Punter, Raiders
Week 5 vs. BYE
YTD: 21 punts for 1037 yards, 49.4 average, net average of 4
Michael Goodson – backup RB, Raiders
Week 5 vs. BYE
YTD: 7 carries for 30 yards, 6 receptions for 78 yards and 1 TD, 3 KO returns for 71 yards
Rocky Bernard – starting defensive tackle, Giants
Week 5 vs. Cleveland: No stats (injured)
YTD: 13 tackles, 8 solo, 1 sack
Rocky was held out with a quadriceps injury. Get well soon, big guy.