Top 5 QB Performances of Week 5
The NFL’s laundry list of talented quarterbacks were at it again this week, as we witnessed a dominant display through the ground and air from the always-efficient Russell Wilson, a big-time bounce-back performance from Tom Brady, and several other impressive performances that just missed the cut. All five of the names on this list are familiar ones, and they are among the game’s most highly-regarded QBs.
Seattle Seahawks QB Russell Wilson
As a general rule of thumb, quarterbacks crack this list when they face the Washington Redskins defense, but Russell Wilson completely deserves his spot on the list despite stiff competition from the likes of Eli Manning and Cam Newton. Wilson threw just six incomplete passes, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt with two touchdowns and no picks, and he also became MNF’s all-time leader in QB rushing yards after carrying the rock 11 times for a whopping 122 yards and one touchdown. He and Marshawn Lynch tore the Redskins to bits on the ground, as the opposition clearly didn’t gameplan well enough for Wilson’s elite rushing ability.
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San Diego Chargers QB Philip Rivers
Another week, another appearance for Philip Rivers, who is building a second MVP-caliber season in as many tries under head coach Mike McCoy. The Chargers shut out the New York Jets drowning offense, while Rivers had no trouble moving the chains on a secondary that is also in dire straits. He finished Sunday’s game with a 20-28 passing line, complete with three touchdowns and an average of 10.3 yards per attempt. At this rate, I wouldn’t be surprised if Rivers never misses this weekly top five list from here on out, because he is the model of consistency with his accurate playing style and ability to sense pressure wherever it may be.
Green Bay Packers QB Aaron Rodgers
The Minnesota Vikings were horrible on both sides of the ball in their Thursday Night Football blowout loss at the hands of the Packers, and Aaron Rodgers only needed 17 passes to pile up three touchdowns and 9.2 yards per attempt. It was an easy outing for him, as he faced a weak defense and had excellent field position throughout the night. That said, Rodgers was his usual, impeccable self when he did drop back, and that was enough to sneak him onto this list.
New England Patriots QB Tom Brady
With much better blocking (everyone besides Wallace Gilberry was neutralized) in front of him and strong performances from his tight ends, Tom Brady looked rejuvenated, and the fiery competitor turned things around in unprecedented fashion. Brady took the national spotlight and the criticism, and he turned it into a 43-point outburst with two touchdown tosses and 292 yards to his credit. Even when he plays well, Brady has a couple of bad misfires, but the incomplete passes don’t mean anything in the face of 8.3 yards per attempt and a blowout victory over a deep defense. The Patriots embarrassed the Bengals after being embarrassed in front of a national audience the week before, and the circumstances of this victory clearly makes Brady’s performance the most impressive one of Week 5.
Denver Broncos QB Peyton Manning
Manning, who benefited from Calais Campbell‘s injury after a dirty block from Julius Thomas, did what he does best, and that’s pile up yards and help burn CBs. Demaryius Thomas was the one with the coming-out party, but Manning also impressed with 479 passing yards, including 18 first downs. He averaged 10.2 yards per attempt with four touchdowns, overcoming two interceptions in the process. The Broncos turned what could have been a marquee matchup into a showcase of offensive force, as all of this year’s “Four Horsemen” shined.