This weekly segment highlights the best performances of the week in the NFL. Every position and player is eligible, all it requires is a truly epic showing. It’s not always stat driven, or analytics grade driven, though those things help you get on this list.
1. James White, RB, New England Patriots
Brady himself said that White deserved the MVP and I agree with him. White broke a Super Bowl record for points (20) and catches (14). He had a walk off game winning touchdown, had 6 carries for 29 yards (4.8 per) and 2 touchdowns, and 14 catches for 110 yards and 1 touchdown. He also took in a direct snap for a 2 point conversion.
2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots
While he was awarded the MVP award, he was off his game until he went “god mode” in the 4th quarter. He had some drops but he also had misses to wide open players he normally never makes. He was a bit rattled by the hits early and his pick six really should have been a back breaker. Once he caught fire, though, there was no stopping him. He finished 43 of 62 for 466 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. He also had an impressive 15 yard scramble.
3. Grady Jarrett, DT, Atlanta Falcons
He was a constant disruptive force up the middle and the Patriots struggle tremendously to block him. He finished with 5 tackles and 3 sacks. Amazing, considering he only had 3 sacks all season.
4. Trey Flowers, DE, New England Patriots
He led the Patriots with 6 tackles, 2.5 of which were sacks. Lost in the shuffle of the Patriots amazing point out-pour in the comeback is just how solid he was defensively.
5. Robert Alford, CB, Atlanta Falcons
The Patriots went after him all game and he held Julian Edelman to 5 catches for 87 yards on 13 targets. He did an excellent job containing the star receiver. He finished with 11 tackles, 3 defended passes and a pick six.
Previous entries:
Conference Championships: (M. Ryan, J. Jones, T. Brady, C. Hogan, J. Edelman)
Divisional Playoffs: (L. Bell, M. Ryan, M. Crosby, L. Ryan, C. Boswell)
Wild Card Playoffs: (R.Cobb, J. Harrison, T. Rawls, L. Timmons, L. Bell)
Week 17 (M. Ryan, A. Rodgers, B. Grimes, M. Thomas, J. Edelman)
Week 16 (A. Thielen, J. Ajayi, A. Rodgers, T. Kelce, D. Bryant)
Week 15 (B. Cooks, T. Montgomery, L. McCoy, D. Brees, E. Elliott)
Week 14 (L. Bell, V. Beasley, T. Brady, C. Hyde, J. Jenkins)
Week 13 (E. Berry, J. Flacco, T. Kelce, A. Hicks, A. Luck)
Week 12 (K. Mack, J. Houston, D. Brees, M. Ingram, V. Miller)
Week 11 (T. Brady, X. Rhodes, R. Kelley, L. Bell, K. Cousins)
Week 10 (D. Stewart, E. Elliott, R. Wilson, D. Walker, B. Roethlisberger)
Week 9 (M. Gordon, M. Ryan, K. Mack, M. Ingram, J. Graham)
Week 8 (D. Carr, K. Mack, J. Howard, T. Brady, T. Eifert)
Week 7 (J. Ajayi, A. Green, A. Luck, J. Hill, D. Adams)
Week 6 (D. Brees, O. Beckham, J. Ajayi, L. McCoy, T. Brady)
Week 5 (T. Brady, B. Roethlisberger, E. Elliott, V. Beasley, T. Hilton)
Week 4 (J. Jones, L. Bell, M. Ryan, C. Heyward, A. Talib)
Week 3 (D. Freeman, T. Siemien, M. Jones, T. Pryor, D. Amerson)
Week 2 (V. Miller, S. Diggs, C. Newton, M. Peters, M. Forte)
Week 1 (A. Green, D. Brees, S. Ware, D. Williams, L. Williams)
