Week 6 might not have been the most exciting week of NFL football, but there were some standout performances that EA should consider while adjusting player ratings.
Derrick and Derek:
Derrick Henry dominated the Buffalo Bills on the ground running for 143 yards and three touchdowns. The 247 pound running back seemingly defied physics during his 76 yard touchdown run, reaching a top speed of 21.80 miles per hour. That was the fastest speed any ball carrier has reached this season. EA should certainly consider upgrading Henry’s speed and acceleration from 92 and 89 respectively.
The other Derek of the weekend, Derek Carr, had a masterful performance against the Vic Fangio led Denver Broncos Defense. The quarterback, less than a week after his former coach John Gruden resigned in disgrace, tore up the Denver secondary with tight-window throws to Kenyon Drake and Darren Waller. Carr is once again showing why he is a pro bowl caliber player. Look for a boost to come in Carr’s deep and medium throw accuracy.
Ja’Marr Chase:
The rookie wide receiver continued his fantastic rookie season with the Cincinnati Bengals. Outside of one drop in the first half that led to an interception, the rookie was nearly perfect. Chase’s deep route ability continued to shine as he ended the day with four receptions for 97 yards, but it was actually a block that was the star receiver’s best play of Sunday. On a fourth down and one, quarterback Joe Burrow faked the run and rolled out to his right to hit his running back with a pass in the short flats. Joe Mixon, who may also get a ratings boost, took the ball down the sideline. Chase led the way with a devastating block on a Lions defensive back that allowed Mixon to stroll into the endzone. Don’t be surprised if Ja’Marr Chase gets an increase in run blocking and deep route running after this week.
Najee Harris:
Harris, another rookie, has already taken the reins as the most important offensive player on the Pittsburgh Steelers. He led the team in rushing yards while also catching a touchdown. Even though Ben Roethlisberger looks to be declining faster than most people imagined, Harris was able to knife his way through the Seattle Seahawks defense multiple times on Sunday night. Look for an increase in awareness and agility for the young star.
Randy Gregory:
The defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys made his impact felt during the first half of their game against the New England Patriots. Gregory had a quick get-off the line of scrimmage and immediately hit Patriots rookie quarterback Mac Jones, forcing a fumble. This fumble came at a great time for the Cowboys because the Patriots had been moving the ball at will and had actually had a touchdown called back the play before Gregory forced the fumble. This was a critical play in allowing the Cowboys to win a close, overtime game in Foxborough. Gregory is only a 78 overall, so maybe his performance will push him to the 80 threshold.
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