Best Crimson Tide Performances from NFL Week Six
As we draw closer to the halfway point of the NFL season, many teams begin to find their footing and establish their identities. As is the same for players, and this week was yet another example of former Crimson Tide stars finding their hold in the vigorous league that is the NFL.
From Anthony Averett helping his team hold one of the league's most potent offenses to just six points, to Najee Harris coming up big in primetime, here is your week six breakdown of Crimson Tide action!
Tua Tagovailoa, QB Miami Dolphins
Returning from injury this week, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins made the dreaded trip to London and ultimately came up short against the Jaguars off of a questionable 4th down attempt with under two minutes left near midfield. Despite losing the game, Tagovailoa played extremely well, finishing the day 37-of-47 for 329 yards and two touchdowns. The second-year quarterback's lone glaring mistake of the day came on an ill-advised throw to Jaylen Waddle in the third quarter, which was easily picked off, but Tagovailoa is continuing to improve weekly.
Mac Jones, QB New England Patriots
Mac Jones put up another solid performance in week six, nearly leading his team to victory against a very strong Cowboys team. The rookie quarterback finished the night 15-of-21 for 219 yards and two touchdowns. Although Jones played well, he was unable to escape Trevon Diggs, as a tipped pass late in the fourth quarter was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, giving Dallas a late lead. Jones immediately bounced back; however, regaining the lead with minutes to play on a 75 yard strike to Kendrick Bourne. Dallas tied the game and sent it to overtime, ultimately escaping with a victory, but the Patriots continue to play good teams extremely close, and Jones is looking more comfortable each week.
Jaylen Waddle, WR Miami Dolphins
Jaylen Waddle finally had his breakout game as a Dolphin, hauling in 10 passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns in a close loss to the Jaguars. The first year wideout now leads the NFL in receptions by a rookie with 37 on the season, and is solidifying himself as the primary option for Miami. With a healthy quarterback, and an emerging star wide receiver, the Dolphins could be due for a late season playoff push.
Trevon Diggs, CB Dallas Cowboys
It seems as if Trevon Diggs picking off an opposing quarterback each week is almost automatic at this point, but how he continues to play at such a high level is absolutely mind blowing. Diggs was all over the field for Dallas against the Patriots, finishing the game with five tackles, a pass deflection and a pick six, giving him seven interceptions on the season and two touchdowns. The Cowboys take on the Vikings next who will likely test Diggs frequently with star wideout Justin Jefferson, but Vikings quarterback, Kirk Cousins, has thrown just two interceptions this season; will Diggs keep the streak alive in week seven?
Damien Harris, RB New England Patriots
Damien Harris, despite a tough loss, had another very solid outing as the feature back for New England. The third year back appears to finally be finally be settling in, putting up his second 100-plus yard performance of the season on Sunday. Harris finished the game with 18 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown, also adding a single reception for seven yards. Although the Patriots lost, New England appears to be right on the cusp of winning with Harris and Jones leading the offense.
Derrick Henry, RB Tennessee Titans
King Henry did it again. The Tennessee Titans hosted the 5-1 Buffalo Bills on Monday night football, only for Henry to completely impose his will on a very good Bills defense. On just 20 carries, "El Tractorcito" finished with 143 yards and 3 touchdowns, lifting his team to a potential season-altering victory over the Bills. Going into Monday night, Tennessee had struggled in recent weeks, most notably losing to the Jets in week four, but looked like a brand new team against Buffalo. Although many decided consecutive 2,000 yard seasons for Henry was out of the question prior to the year even starting, the sixth-year back is currently on pace to break last season's pace.
Anthony Averett, CB Baltimore Ravens
Anthony Averett continues to make up one of the league's most feared secondary units and played excellent on Sunday. The fourth year corner bounced back from a tough week five showing against the Colts, finishing with six tackles and a pass deflection. As usual, Averett made many plays that won't show up in the box score. The Ravens secondary held the Chargers, one of the most high powered offenses in the NFL, to just 183 passing yards and six points, and Averett locked down everyone lined up across from him. Baltimore's dominating victory over the Chargers places them as one of the top teams in the AFC.
Henry Ruggs III, WR Las Vegas Raiders
Henry Ruggs had another big day for the Raiders, nearly picking up 100 receiving yards on just three receptions. The second year wideout finished with 3 catches for 97 yards and a touchdown, displaying his well known speed on a long bomb from Derek Carr in the first quarter. Ruggs has displayed many of the traits he showed at Alabama this year, and appears to be adjusting to the NFL in his second season.
Najee Harris, RB Pittsburgh Steelers
In a much needed win for the Steelers, Najee Harris came up huge against the Seahawks. The rookie running back continues to be the backbone of Pittsburgh's offense, being a reliable target in both the pass and run game. Harris finished the game with 24 carries for 81 yards but was also extremely effecting in the passing game, catching six passes for 46 yards and a touchdown. in a game where the Steelers needed a late surge to secure a win, Harris came up huge for his team, picking up key first downs late in the game.
Kenyan Drake, RB Las Vegas Raiders
Kenyan Drake, though not typically a large part of the Raiders offense, was a major contributor on Sunday. The sixth-year back only carried the ball four times and caught two passes, but was responsible for two crucial touchdowns, putting his team in place to win. Drake continues to play well in his limited role for Las Vegas, and could maybe see an increase in touches following more strong performances like Sunday's.