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Devonta Freeman
Freeman took advantage of the Panthers run defense for one of his best games of the year. He tallied 84 yards on 17 carries and a touchdown.
Out for much of last year with injury, and struggling as a runner behind a banged up offensive line this year, it was amazingly Freeman’s first rushing touchdown since 2017:
.@devontafreeman’s 15th carry of the game results in a 13-yard rushing touchdown! #InBrotherhood #CARvsATL
— NFL (@NFL) December 8, 2019
: FOX
: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app
Watch free on mobile: https://t.co/D5AfU98qAh pic.twitter.com/nL2K5S9uFV
Devonta Freeman washed narratives getting smacked around today when you see offensive linemen sustaining blocks to reward Freeman’s ability to create second and third chances. pic.twitter.com/pXmarfqx0h
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) December 8, 2019
Brian Burns
It was a tumultuous week for Brian Burns as the Panthers became the first NFL team to fire a head coach this season, parting ways with Ron Rivera and things wouldn’t get any better on Sunday as Carolina was routed by the 4-9 Falcons. Burns had 2 tackles(1 solo) and a QB hit in the game.
On a positive note, Burns was able to rock his My Cause cleats supporting his Route 53 Dawg Rescue Foundation:
This is Apollo "Pollo" Burns. He likes to play tug-of-war with his dad @Fire_Burns99. He's gonna grow-up to be a big doggo. 13/10 pic.twitter.com/mjiOgn7lOn
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) December 8, 2019
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Jameis Winston
Winston put up a career best in passing yards while steering the Bucs to an exciting 4th quarter comeback for their third win in a row.
He threw for 456 yards and accounted for 5 total touchdowns (4 passing, 1 rushing). He also threw 3 interceptions including his first pass of the game—so your typical Jameis Winston stateline.
At one point, Winston left the game and was replaced for a series after a hand injury:
#Bucs coach Bruce Arians told reporters that QB Jameis Winston got X-Rays and tests showed a tiny fracture. He was having trouble gripping the ball after halftime, but slowly gained his strength back.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 8, 2019
Despite the diagnosis, Winston toughed it out and threw two more touchdowns to complete the comeback:
#Buccaneers QB Jameis Winston comes back into the game and finds WR Justin Watson for the TD pic.twitter.com/Ao7ut7nNhg
— Pigskin Snitches (@PigskinSnitches) December 8, 2019
FIRE THOSE CANNONS!
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 8, 2019
Jameis hits Breshad from 12 yards out for the score. pic.twitter.com/icX1lYBDtZ
Dalvin Cook
Cook was injured on Monday Night Football and was held out of the rest of the game precautionary measure, but he was back in action this Sunday against the Lions:
Vikings’ RB Dalvin Cook is not listed on the team’s injury report for Sunday’s game against Detroit, despite aggravating his shoulder injury Monday night. As Cook predicted, he’s a go.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 6, 2019
While he was considered a full-go and still still led the team in carries, he more or less split time with his back up Alexander Mattihnson. Cook finished with 18 carries for 62 yards and a touchdown, plus another 13 yards on two catches.
It wouldn't be a #Vikings game without a @dalvincook touchdown.#ProBowlVote pic.twitter.com/MchmAbICsu
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 8, 2019
Nick O’Leary
After being cut by the Dolphins earlier this year, O’Leary found a home in Jacksonville and found the back of the end zone for on Sunday, albeit in garbage time:
Jaguars QB Gardner Minshew somehow escapes the sack and finds a wide open TE Nick O’Leary in the end zone for the TD pic.twitter.com/kEQgLkxAq7
— Main Team (@MainTeamSports) December 8, 2019
Auden Tate
Unfortunately Tate left Sunday’s match up with a knee injury:
Injury Update: WR Auden Tate is doubtful to return with a knee injury.
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 8, 2019
But please enjoy this compilation of some of the ridiculous catches Tate has made this year:
60 seconds of ridiculous Auden Tate catches pic.twitter.com/GOY5Yh1KtR
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) December 2, 2019
Derwin James:
It didn’t take long for Derwin James to get back in the swing of things after returning to the field last week. He was back to his usual disruptive self with 6 tackles (4 solo) a TFL and a pass defended:
Derwin James... #Chargers #Jaguars #NFL
— Christopher Reiss (@NFL_ChrisReiss) December 8, 2019
pic.twitter.com/BrHhtt4lRT
Other Notable Statlines
Vince Williams, Pittsburgh Steelers: Had 4 tackles (2 solo) a TFL and a sack.
Mario Edwards Jr, New Orleans Saints: Came away with just one tackle, but he made it count as it was a sack of 49er QB Jimmy Garropolo.
P.J. Williams, New Orleans Saints: Had 3 solo tackles.
Christian Jones, Detroit Lions: Had 4 tackles (2 solo).
DeMarcus Walker, Denver Broncos: Walker had a solo tackle in his team’s dominant defensive performance.
Derrick Nnadi, Kansas City Chiefs: Had 2 tackles (1 solo) as his team clinched the AFC West with a win over the Patriots.
Terrence Brooks: Had 2 tackles (1 solo).