NFL Week 4 awards: The Todd Gurley era begins in earnest

Offensive Player of the Week

Chris Ivory, RB New York Jets

While many of you were sleeping on Sunday morning, Chris Ivory was in London working hard. The bruising running back carried the rock 29 times in a 27-14 victory over the Miami Dolphins, and ground out a highly productive average (5.7 yards per carry) on the way to 166 yards and a touchdown. Ivory has picked up the “injury prone” label in the minds of some given his propensity to miss games in recent years, but when he’s on the field, he punishes the opposition with a physical running style. He certainly pounded the Dolphins into submission this week.

Runner-up: Devonta Freeman, RB Atlanta Falcons

Defensive Player of the Week

Josh Norman, CB Carolina Panthers

Josh Norman might be the best defensive player in the NFL that you don’t know. In fairness, you may have heard Norman’s name this season, and if it didn’t happen before Week 4, it certainly should have been as a result of his performance against Tampa Bay. Norman victimized Jameis Winston with two interceptions, bringing his NFL-leading total to four on the season. Beyond that, his cover skills continue to be absolutely elite on a weekly basis. It isn’t common to see a former fifth-round pick from Coastal Carolina operating as an All-Pro player in the NFL, but that is where Josh Norman is right now, and he was the best defensive player in Week 4.

Runner-up: D’Qwell Jackson, LB Indianapolis Colts

Next: Week 4 MVP