NFL Week 6 awards: Cam Newton won’t let the Panthers lose
By Brad Rowland
Week 6 presented yet another wild slate in the NFL, and between unlikely results on the scoreboard and strong individual performances across the board, professional football was must-see TV on Thursday, Sunday and (maybe even) Monday. With that as the backdrop, let’s take a look at some individuals who stood out above the rest when it comes to handing out award hardware.
Offensive Rookie of the Week
Stefon Diggs, WR Minnesota Vikings
Football diehards have known the name of Stefon Diggs for a long time. The former Maryland Terrapins standout was a top-20 recruit nationally out of high school, and despite the fact that he fell to the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft, there is real talent present with Diggs. He flashed that in a big way on Sunday, helping to lead the Vikings to an important 16-10 victory. Diggs caught seven passes for 129 yards, comfortably leading the team in both categories, and while he didn’t cross the goal line, his performance helped to set Minnesota up in favorable positions offensively.
Runner-up: Ameer Abdullah, RB Detroit Lions
Defensive Rookie of the Week
Ramik Wilson, LB Kansas City Chiefs
A year ago, Ramik Wilson was a tackling machine for the Georgia Bulldogs. Now, he is trying to pick up where he left off with solid play at the NFL level. Wilson was thrust into heavy action beginning in a Week 4 loss to the Bengals, and ever since, he has been a prominent member of Kansas City’s linebacking corps. While the Chiefs suffered a 16-10 defeat at the hands of the Vikings this week, Wilson flashed the acumen that made him a quality sleeper in the NFL Draft with nine tackles on the day. It wasn’t a flashy performance because that isn’t the type of player Wilson has proven to be, but sometimes, solid play is all you need, especially from a rookie.
Runner-up: Hau’oli Kikaha, LB New Orleans Saints
Next: Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week