Duckett is a big, bruising back that was brought in to a system with a coach who has voiced his disdain for “goal-line” and “short-yardage” backs. That didn’t look good for Duckett.
But now, Duckett leads the Seahawks in rushing touchdowns and has established himself as their short-yardage and goal-line back.
When you can make a coach like Mike Holmgren change his coaching philosophy for you, you had better be a damn good player.
St. Louis Rams: Donnie Avery, WR
Stats: 25 receptions, 392 yards, 2 TDs. 6 carries, 61 yards, TD
Donnie Avery was the first receiver taken in a draft that included guys like Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas, James Hardy, and DeSean Jackson.
Now, we’re starting to see why.
Avery’s blazing speed is proving to be a great asset and is the main reason why he has more receiving yards on the year than teammate Torry Holt.
Yes, I’ll repeat that: Donnie Avery has more receiving yards than perennial Pro-Bowler Torry Holt.
If that doesn’t impress you, I have nothing else to say.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Antonio Bryant, WR
Stats: 45 receptions, 566 yards, 2 TDs
Welcome back, Antonio.
Bryant hadn’t been a relevant player since 2005 when he recorded his only thousand-yard season of his career with the Browns. He was out of football for all of 2007 as well.
This year, Bryant is on pace to grab 1,006 yards through the air, only three shy of his career-high.
He has been rejuvenated playing for the Bucs, and should earn himself a nice new contract come season’s end.
Tennessee Titans: Kerry Collins, QB
Stats: 147/248 (59.3%), 1525 yards, 5 TDs, 3 INTs. 20 carries, 34 yards
After Vince Young went down, Titans fans weren’t panicking the same way Patriots fans were, but they certainly weren’t happy.
Nine straight wins later, the Titans are sitting pretty and Kerry Collins has a legitimate shot to be named MVP at season’s end.
His numbers aren’t eye-popping, but when you have Chris Johnson and LenDale White in the backfield, they don’t have to be.
He also proved in week ten that he can win a game with his arm, throwing a season-high 41 attempts (completing 73% of them) for 289 yards and a pair of TDs, also season-highs.
He’s doing everything right for the league’s only remaining undefeated team.
Washington Redskins: Chris Horton, SS
Stats: 42 tackles, 1.0 sack, 5 passes defended, 3 INTs
Also my pick for defensive rookie of the year, please see my NFL's Midseason Award Winners for analysis.
Well, there you go.
Fans of good teams, these were easy to pick.
Fans of lousy teams, take solace in the fact that even the darkest of nights have a dawn.
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