What We Learned This Week
The New England defense continues to be a force every Sunday. This week they plastered the Carolina Panthers offense for a Week 9 win. The defensive unit created three interceptions, a sack, and scored a touchdown against the hapless Panthers’ offense. J.C. Jackson, Matt Judon, Jamie Collins, and Adrian Phillips led the IDP scoring for the Patriots. Â
Cleveland fans are celebrating a mighty fine defensive performance this week against in-state rivals Cincinnati. The Browns dominated Joe Burrow’s Bengals offense on the road. In total, Browns defenders snatched two interceptions, corralled five sacks, recovered a fumble, and scored a touchdown on Sunday. The players of note were Anthony Walker, Denzel Ward, and Troy Hill.
The Dolphins vs. Texans game was an IDP carnival. Combined, the defenses collected nine sacks and nine turnovers in Week 9. Be sure to start many IDP players against either team going forward, as both offenses struggle to control the football. Studs in this fiasco of a game were Emmanuel Ogbah, Jerome Baker, Eric Murray, and Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Top Player Performances
Josh Allen – DE – JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Allen, who was just mentioned in this section, is back with an even better week this time around. In a battle with the AFC East-leading Bills, Allen compiled eight solo tackles, two TFLs, recovered a fumble, defended a pass, recorded a sack, and intercepted a pass in the win against his namesake rival, Buffalo’s quarterback Josh Allen. In his third year out of Kentucky, Allen could be the top IDP edge-rushing asset in football for the next few years.Â
Xavier McKinney – S – NEW YORK GIANTS
Surprisingly, this is McKinney’s first mention in the top performer’s portion of the article so far this year. The second-year star, who missed much of his rookie season on IR, has put together a tremendous campaign so far in 2021. In Week 9, McKinney accrued seven total tackles, two interceptions, two passes defended, and scored a touchdown to lead the Giants against Las Vegas. On the season, the former Alabama alum has 46 tackles and four interceptions under his belt.Â
Micah Parsons – LB – DALLAS COWBOYS
Parsons has emerged as an absolute game-changer in his rookie crusade for Dallas this year. This weekend, the first-round pick did everything he could to help his team against the Broncos. In the loss, Parson had a line of 10 total tackles, three TFLs, and 2.5 sacks from his off-ball linebacker spot. If you used your high-end draft capital on Parsons this offseason, you are living the dream at this point in his young career.
Notable Injuries
Brian Burns – DE – CAROLINA PANTHERS
Burns left early in Sunday’s matchup against the Patriots and never returned to action. Dealing with an ankle injury (as of the time of writing), Burns was also unable to practice on Wednesday, and will likely be a game-time decision in Week 10. If Burns is unable to suit up against Arizona, it would leave a big hole in the Panthers’ defensive line. Marquis Haynes would likely get extra snaps in his wake.
C.J. Gardner-Johnson – LB – NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints’ backup strong safety and nickel corner left Week 9 with a turf toe injury. He walked off the field and was carted to the locker room with his cleat off. If Gardner-Johnson’s injury requires missing time, P.J. Williams and Bradley Roby could see an uptick in production.
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