The rematch of Super Bowl LI turned out to be a dud as the New England Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons 24-7. But the week in the NFL will be remembered for the great defensive performances. Both Los Angeles teams won in shut out fashion as the Chargers blanked the Broncos and the Rams knocked off the woeful Cardinals. But, it was one rookie in the midwest that had an afternoon to remember in the Windy City.
Eddie Jackson (1 fumble return TD/1 INT return TD) – This time last year, Eddie Jackson broke his leg while playing for Alabama against Texas A&M. On the anniversary of the injury, Jackson made history returning a 75-yard fumble return touchdown and a 76-yard interception for a touchdown. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, he becomes the first player to have two 75-plus-yard defensive touchdowns in one game.
God Is Real Just Never Lose Faith…🙏🏾 https://t.co/iN9f94slBp
— Eddie Jackson (@BoJack4) October 22, 2017
Derek Carr (29-52, 417 yards, 3 TDs) – What a game it was last Thursday! The Oakland Raiders beat the Kansa City Chiefs 31-30 on Carr’s 2-yard toss to Michael Crabtree with no time remaining. The win brought the Raiders back into the thick of the AFC West at 3-4. Most importantly, the win was in Carr’s second game back after suffering a transverse process fracture in his back on October 3rd against Denver.
In a postgame interview on NFL Network, Carr was asked by Michael Irvin about the pain and how he was able to overcome the injury and come back so quickly.
“The only I can tell you is that it was God,” Carr said to Irvin. “I got down and I prayed. and I said the only way I’m going to be able to come back is if you come and help me. And within a couple of days, I could do absolutely everything and I was able to play.”
"It was a tough month… We bounced back."@derekcarrqb on practicing the final play, Marshawn Lynch & the road ahead ⬇️
📺: @NFLGameDay https://t.co/CFLnBUORlm
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) October 20, 2017
Jacksonville Jaguars Defense (10 sacks) – The Jags defense simply feasted on the Colts offense. Jacksonville racked up 10 sacks and held Indianapolis to 232 total yards in the 27-0 road win.
Los Angeles Defenses – Both Los Angeles defenses had banner days. The Chargers shut out the Broncos 21-0, sacking Trevor Siemian five times and forcing three turnovers. It was the first time Denver was shut out in 25 years.
Across the pond, the Rams held Arizona to 193 total yards and forced two turnovers in the 33-0 win. The Rams go into the bye week at 5-2 and lead the NFC West by a half game over Seattle.
Ezekiel Elliott (26 carries, 147 yards, 2 TDs/1 reception, 72 yards, TD) – Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot helped carry Dallas to a 40-10 blowout victory over the San Francisco 49ers. Elliott rushed for 147 yards with two touchdowns and took a screen pass 72 yards to the end zone. The Cowboys improve to 3-3 and hit the road next Sunday to face division rival Washington.
Play of the Week: Carson Wentz’s escape
CARSON WENTZ IS A MAGICIAN.#FlyEaglesFly #WASvsPHI https://t.co/77KkAcp0TK
— NFL (@NFL) October 24, 2017
My motivation comes from above! Striving to make HIS great name famous! #JESUS #AO1
— Carson Wentz (@cj_wentz) October 21, 2017
