Chris Simms' All-22 Team for NFL Week 8

Josh McDaniels tried everything he could to get his team its swagger back.

Meeting times changed. Playbooks changed. Hell, our team cafeteria probably started serving different meals.

Then McDaniels faced the facts. The 2009 Denver Broncos weren’t doomed by a string of tough opponents or a rash of key injuries. We were doomed by the bye week—seven days off that interrupted every ounce of momentum we’d built from a 6-0 start.

Our leaders? Guys such as Champ Bailey and Brian Dawkins were dejected. Our coaches? McDaniels and his staff looked progressively more shocked after each of the four consecutive post-bye losses. I fear the Minnesota Vikings—a team whose talent landed often on this weekly All-22 list—are going through the same thing.

I know the feeling, and it’s not a great one.

QB: Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

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The NFL’s rundown of weekly passing leaders reads like a box score from a Madden game.

That’s what makes Marcus Mariota’s performance so refreshing. Tennessee’s run-heavy attack can’t disparage what the second-year pro did to Jacksonville’s defense—on only 22 passing attempts.

Mariota didn’t need to air it out like a Tom Brady or a Derek Carr. His work was over at halftime (354 yards of offense!). One look at this 36-yard loft to Kendall Wright should tell you that total wasn’t all DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry’s doing. The former Heisman Trophy winner toyed with Jacksonville’s talented defense to the point he was pulled midway through the fourth quarter.

By then, Tennessee had scored on six straight possessions. We’d call that a clinic for any other quarterback, and it’s time to recognize Mariota’s unique mastery of this Titans offense.

RB: Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

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Hamstring injury?

What hamstring injury?

Jonathan Stewart looks like his old self in the Panthers backfield. His return gives an edge to every call offensive coordinator Mike Shula makes.

Stewart found plenty of success on 25 carries in Week 8—particularly off right tackle, where both of his short-yardage touchdowns came. The threat of those runs also opened up running lanes for Cam Newton (43 yards on seven carries) in the read-option game. Next week, they’ll open up sweep or reverse opportunities for Ted Ginn Jr. or Corey Brown.

Carolina’s offense beats opponents by showing eight different run-game looks. Stewart is a linchpin of that attack and makes the offense a different animal.

RB: Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers

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He might go down as the guy who sent Wade Phillips to the hospital this week.

That’s a damn shame, because Melvin Gordon turned in his finest rushing performance as a San Diego Charger in Week 8. Phillips is fine, but the defense he coordinates wasn’t when No. 28 carried the football.

Remember the last running back to crack the 100-yard mark against Denver’s defense? It was Jamaal Charles in last season’s wild Monday Night Football fiasco. Gordon put an end to that streak with 111 yards on just 23 carries. That amounts to 4.8 yards per carry versus the league’s stingiest defense on its home turf.

Only the Chargers could spoil a game like that. Gordon received a grand total of zero goal-to-go carries when a touchdown could’ve forced overtime. I still don’t understand coach Mike McCoy for it.

RB: Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears

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He’s a rookie.

He’s the most complete ball-carrier on his team.

And he just needed to wait his turn.

It’s official: Jordan Howard is this season’s David Johnson. The Indiana product showcased patience, speed and hands (all three of Johnson’s top traits, mind you) in a total 60-minute drubbing of the NFL’s top-ranked defense.

Remember: Chicago’s offensive line was down three starters. Its quarterback was just returning from a month-long injury. But Howard set the tone when he juked past a diving Chad Greenway on his third offensive play. Xavier Rhodes had to chase him down almost 70 yards later. That play gained more rushing yards than any other back had amassed in a full game against the Vikings. Howard added a 34-yard pickup on a shovel pass later on.

I’m thoroughly impressed with the way he closed out Chicago’s win in a grinding four-minute offense. Minnesota’s defensive line knew he was coming and still surrendered five yards a pop.

WR: Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders

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The Raiders will live with a big drop or two from their star receiver.

Everything else Amari Cooper did in Tampa Bay—from his route running to his ability to drag his feet in bounds—was flawless. Cooper’s hands kept him from a 300-yard day, but they’re so much better than last year.

I’m constantly impressed at A) how fast Cooper breaks on a route and B) how he changes his speeds like a pitcher changes his fastball. That second trait is one that some of the veteran wideouts I played with never mastered. Cooper already knows he can use varying levels of acceleration to his benefit, and he sped by Vernon Hargreaves III on a few simple routes.

Cooper out-Mike Evans’d Mike Evans on a few high balls. His head fake is out of this world. We’re watching something special here, folks.

WR: Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

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Fourteen of Dak Prescott’s throws were aimed at Dez Bryant on Sunday.

Only four of them got there. But each consecutive grab confirmed what defensive coordinators league-wide feared: That No. 88 guy is back to his game-breaking self.

Consider two factors when weighing this case of All-22 worthiness: Prescott’s accuracy and Bryant’s rust. The first factor kept Dallas’ top target from turning in a 200-yard evening. The second didn’t hold Bryant back at all, somehow. Bryant hadn’t suited up since Week 3 and still put on a show.

The highlight of that show? A 22-yard touchdown snag that knotted the game up following the extra point. Bryant wasn’t in perfect position, but he outjumped Philadelphia’s Nolan Carroll with three minutes, four seconds to play in regulation.

What a beast.

TE: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

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I’d rather have Rob Gronkowski or Jordan Reed if I’m starting a team from scratch.

But if I’m handed the Chiefs' current roster? Give me Travis Kelce every time. He’s the perfect fit for what Kansas City does offensively, and he’s not far behind the first two in terms of flat-out talent.

That much was evident when Kelce adjusted to an airmailed post pattern from Nick Foles. The fourth-year pro turned the pass into a basketball rebound; he boxed a safety out and high-pointed the damn thing. Tony Gonzalez would’ve been proud.

No Chiefs tight end was better than old Tony G at exposing a defense off play action. Kelce might have something to say about that by the time he hangs his cleats up. He’s the perfect tall target for this run-first team.

OL: Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans

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By now, even the most casual football fan knows how good Tennessee’s left tackle is.

I’ll take it a step further: Taylor Lewan isn’t just good, he’s the best. No left tackle has surpassed his level of play through half a season. He should’ve made his All-22 debut weeks ago.

Instead, he’s making it after a give-me-your-lunch-money kind of outing last Thursday night. Lewan is a bully at the point of attack; Jaguars such as Dante Fowler Jr. or Yannick Ngakoue would’ve been better served on the sidelines than crashing his corner.

He’s also sneaky mobile for a 315-pound guy. Tennessee used him like a fullback on several toss sweeps in Week 8. Except Lewan played lead blocker for Murray by pulling from left tackle, not by lining up in the backfield. That’s a huge advantage the Titans hold over opponents.

OL: Ted Larsen, Chicago Bears

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Think about the odds Ted Larsen was up against.

His last start came with the Cardinals in 2015. The entire interior of Chicago’s offensive line was missing or injured. And he was tasked with blocking the best statistical defense in football.

Larsen was unfazed against Minnesota’s big monsters. In fact, he moved a few of them aside to help spring fellow All-22er Howard’s big runs. He also was a force when the play called for him to pull and trap a defensive end. Just ask future Pro Bowler Everson Griffen.

Three cheers for a journeyman guard who succeeded in almost impossible circumstances.

OL: Max Unger, New Orleans Saints

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There’s a reason why New Orleans gave up its top touchdown-maker to acquire Max Unger.

Unger’s former team learned that lesson Sunday. Over and over and over again.

The All-Pro line anchor handled guys such as Tony McDaniel, Jarran Reed and Ahtyba Rubin at the point of attack. He also showcased his quick feet on zone-blocking plays, working down the line to help younger players such as Andrus Peat seal their man off.

He did both on what eventually became Tim Hightower’s biggest run of the day. Unger helped Peat block down on his man before inching to the second level. Then, he sealed off Seahawks linebacker K.J. Wright just as Hightower passed by.

It could’ve gone for six yards. Unger made sure that run went for 28.

OL: Kelechi Osemele, Oakland Raiders

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Oakland built a wall when it imported Kelechi Osemele. On Sunday, Tampa Bay paid for it.

Consider Carr’s mammoth day as a referendum on Osemele’s arrival. For starters, Carr went 40-of-59 for 513 yards and four touchdowns. Those numbers aren’t possible without a player of Osemele’s caliber keeping the pocket clean.

Want another number to remember? Two. That’s how many sacks Osemele and the Raiders surrendered in almost 60 dropbacks. That’s absurd.

Throw in some tough blocking to spring first-down runs, and you have a complete day for Oakland’s prized free-agent pickup.

DL: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders

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Trick-or-treaters should stay away from a Khalil Mack costume for next Halloween.

It’s too scary for anyone to process, particularly if you play left tackle for the Buccaneers and your name happens to be Donovan Smith.

No. 52 roasted Smith seven different ways in Week 8. My two favorites? A spin move that would make Dwight Freeney proud and an unbelievable inside arm-over. Mack used the second of those two moves to stand two tight ends up and knock them down on Jameis Winston’s first pass.

Meanwhile, Mack was Oakland’s best run-stuffer. Two of his six tackles took place in the Buccaneers backfield, after all. This guy can do it all.

DL: Nick Fairley, New Orleans Saints

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Nick Fairley is that rare, do-it-all kind of defensive tackle you don’t find on the free-agent market.

That no one pursued him after a limited but impressive role with the then-St. Louis Rams is team-building malpractice. The guy put an array of techniques to use to make Russell Wilson’s pocket a jumbled mess.

Take Fairley’s outstanding inside stiff-arm. He bopped rookie guard Germain Ifedi with it on several occasions. On a few more, he lined up on Ifedi’s outside shoulder and made a reach-back block—which forces a defender inside and behind a play—impossible.

He’s that quick and strong.

DL: Mike Daniels, Green Bay Packers

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Mike Daniels would win the NFL’s first-ever Strongest Man Competition.

There’s not a blocker in football who can manage his devastating bull rush, including Falcons guards Chris Chester and Andy Levitre. Both tried to keep him at bay and failed miserably in Week 8.

In fact, Daniels used either Chester or Levitre as a Trojan horse-type weapon to collapse Matt Ryan’s pocket. He'd establish his footing, drive one of them straight back with all his might and raid the backfield with a blocker in front of him. I’ve never seen anything quite like it.

DL: Star Lotulelei, Carolina Panthers

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Earl Watford must be hungry after Week 8, because Star Lotulelei ate his lunch all afternoon.

There was no point in running David Johnson behind Watford. When Bruce Arians tried, Lotulelei knifed in behind the guard and nearly took the handoff himself.

With that run-game advantage all but eliminated, Lotulelei and pals could pin their ears back and pass rush. Carolina got to a Super Bowl by playing that brand of defense. It must be nice knowing it still can, and that Lotulelei can lead the charge.

LB: Dee Ford, Kansas City Chiefs

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Dee Ford suffered a knee injury at the tail end of his collegiate career.

It derailed his pass-rushing prowess…until now. The third-year pro has regained the first step that made him so dangerous at Auburn. He pops every time I throw on a Kansas City game tape.

To be blunt, Ford outclassed Indianapolis’ tackles by a mile. His ability to turn the corner on slower tackles such as Anthony Castonzo and Joe Haeg was impressive. When they adjusted, he turned that corner-grabbing ability into a power move that Andrew Luck wasn’t ready for.

By game’s end, the mere threat of Ford’s speed rush opened up lanes for other Chiefs defenders.

LB: Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys

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Lots of screens?

Over-the-middle throws?

Sounds like a job for Sean Lee. The Cowboys ’backer dominated in Week 8 like no other defender.

He should thank the Eagles; Philly’s horizontal offense is perfectly tailored for Lee’s sideline-to-sideline speed. Case in point: a toss sweep to Darren Sproles that Lee blew up for a six-yard loss in the fourth quarter. It was arguably Dallas’ biggest defensive play.

Lee also limited Philadelphia’s yards after the catch. He was immediately there for any Carson Wentz throw between the hashmarks. An instant tackle meant no extra yards for Wentz to tack on.

That’s just a taste of what a healthy Lee can do. Maybe this is the season his health holds up for America’s Team.

LB: Deion Jones, Atlanta Falcons

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Ask Aaron Rodgers about Deion Jones.

He’ll probably tell you he should’ve tested another Falcons linebacker. And he’ll admit he should’ve steered clear of the rookie out of LSU.

Jones had a career day against an all-time quarterback. He got his head around in time to deflect an end-zone throw from Rodgers to Jordy Nelson. Later on, he destroyed a screen pass heading for fullback Aaron Ripkowski.

Also, he made more sound tackles than Atlanta’s entire defensive backfield. Everything comes up clean for the kid.

DB: T.J. Ward, Denver Broncos

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Hey, T.J.! Can you cover Hunter Henry over the middle?

Hey, T.J.! Can you move down and play pseudo-slot cornerback against a Tyrell Williams crossing route?

T.J. Ward’s answer to both is yes. My feelings on Denver’s star safety aren’t a secret. He’s saddled with more defensive responsibilities than 99 percent of defenders, let alone defensive backs. 

Ward threw in an interception, a sack and a team-high 10 tackles for good measure. Carve out a perpetual spot for him on this All-22 roster.

DB: Leonard Johnson, Carolina Panthers

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Carolina’s defense places a premium on slot cornerback play.

It’s not just a third cornerback position. It’s also crucial in setting an edge in the run game and turning up heat on quarterbacks against the pass.

Leonard Johnson handled both roles Sunday. He came flying off the edge for one Carson Palmer sack and should’ve had another. He tallied eight tackles overall. Plus, the Iowa State product broke up a huge two-point conversion attempt that kept Arizona two scores away in the fourth quarter.

Remember how far he had to come just to make such an impact. He spent all season on the non-football injury list with an Achilles tear, which is usually a death knell for cornerbacks. I’m impressed.

DB: Brandon Carr, Dallas Cowboys

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The big knock on Brandon Carr’s game just got dispelled in a big way.

Carr wasn’t soft. He didn’t avoid contact. The big-money Cowboys cornerback just went about his job, even if it meant going through Eagles receivers to get there.

Did it help that Philly’s pass-catchers don’t have the speed to distance themselves from Carr? Sure. I still saw No. 39 leave his feet to tip a few throws away. That’s all effort and technique, not straight-line speed.

Every one of his seven tackles was necessary Sunday night. Orlando Scandrick still isn’t 100 percent. Both Morris Claiborne and Barry Church were forced into early exits. Carr held tough.

DB: Phillip Gaines, Kansas City Chiefs

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Defensive coordinator Bob Sutton already has one impact cover man in Marcus Peters.

Now he has two. Phillip Gaines is the missing piece to catapult this Chiefs defense to elite status. His play opposite Peters makes it tough for any quarterback to complete throws.

Gaines took on Colts receivers every which way. He’s long and big enough to defend the line of scrimmage but fast enough to stick on speedsters the whole way downfield.

He’s also smart. The Rice product hauled in his first career interception by anticipating a Luck favorite: the out route. He broke on a ball intended for Donte Moncrief and snatched it away.

But wait…there’s more! Gaines’ continued play lets Kansas City’s other defenders settle into more natural positions. Steven Nelson can play slot corner, for example. Ron Parker can play more safety too. It all comes back to a big day for Gaines.

Full All-22 Team for Week 8

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QB: Marcus Mariota, Tennessee Titans

RB: Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

RB: Melvin Gordon, San Diego Chargers

RB: Jordan Howard, Chicago Bears

WR: Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders

WR: Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys

TE: Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

OL: Taylor Lewan, Tennessee Titans

OL: Ted Larsen, Chicago Bears

OL: Max Unger, New Orleans Saints

OL: Kelechi Osemele, Oakland Raiders

DL: Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders

DL: Nick Fairley, New Orleans Saints 

DL: Mike Daniels, Green Bay Packers

DL: Star Lotulelei, Carolina Panthers

LB: Dee Ford, Kansas City Chiefs

LB: Sean Lee, Dallas Cowboys

LB: Deion Jones, Atlanta Falcons

DB: T.J. Ward, Denver Broncos

DB: Leonard Johnson, Carolina Panthers

DB: Brandon Carr, Dallas Cowboys

DB: Phillip Gaines, Kansas City Chiefs