What We Learned This Week
The Arizona Cardinals played a terrific game in Tennessee on Sunday. The defensive unit held Derrick Henry in check and pestered Ryan Tannehill all day long. In total, defenders racked up six sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception against a strong offense on the road. Arizona must be considered a strong option at DST after such an excellent performance. Top players include Chandler Jones (see below), Isaiah Simmons, and Budda Baker.
Pittsburgh made a statement Sunday in Buffalo. The Steelers DST scored a touchdown on a punt block in the fourth quarter to seal the deal against the Bills. The defense also produced a fumble recovery and three sacks against Josh Allen. If you invested in Pittsburgh, you are feeling great today. Top contributors were Cameron Heyward, Devin Bush, and T.J. Watt.
The Saints’ defense dismantled the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers on Sunday afternoon. The New Orleans squad produced two interceptions, a fumble recovery, two sacks while holding Green Bay to three points. I expect New Orleans to continue to be strong, all season long. The pacesetters for the defense were Marcus Davenport, Tanoh Kpassagnon, and Paulson Adebo.
Top Player Performances
Chandler Jones – LB – ARIZONA CARDINALS
Jones played a masterful game in week one of 2021, racking up an amazing five sacks, six tackles, four TFLs, and two forced fumbles on the day. After Jones’ 2020 was cut short due to injury last October, it was nice to see the star linebacker back in proper form Sunday. Look for another attempt to take down the season-long sack record by Jones in 2021.
Maxx Crosby – DE – LAS VEGAS RAIDERS
Crosby’s motor was on full display during Monday Night Football in week one. The 24-year-old edge rusher was disruptive all night, producing six total tackles, two TFLs, and two sacks in the win against Baltimore. When he is healthy, Crosby is a league winner in IDP lineups.
Shaq Thompson – LB – CAROLINA PANTHERS
Talk about filling the stat sheet! Thompson filled plenty of boxes with his 10 tackles, one TFL, one sack, and three passes defensed performance. Thompson’s usage will be exhaustive this year, so look for more elite production throughout the season. Finally, Shaq excelled against the Jets offense… Keep that in mind when other elite defenders play New York’s offense as the Jet’s struggle through Zach Wilson’s rookie campaign.
Notable Injuries
Jeff Okudah – CB – DETROIT LIONS
The Detroit cornerback was injured in week one against San Francisco. After the game, Dan Campbell feared that Okudah suffered an Achilles injury. On Monday, an MRI confirmed Okudah ruptured his. The second-year stud will miss the remainder of the 2021 season. Rookie Ifeatu Melifonwu will likely step into the starting role.
Dre Greenlaw – LB – SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS
Greenlaw registered six tackles and a pick-six before leaving Sunday’s contest with a groin injury. The second-year linebacker is currently listed as day-to-day. If Greenlaw were to miss week two, expect Marcell Harris to see extended snaps.
Vincent Taylor – DT – HOUSTON TEXANS
Taylor left week one with an ankle injury. The bid defensive tackle will undergo ankle surgery this week that will keep him sidelined for six to eight weeks. DeMarcus Walker should step into a starting role while Taylor is sidelined.
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