Fansided

NFL Week 9 awards: Marcus Mariota looks the part

By Brad Rowland

Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) celebrates after throwing a game winning touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during overtime of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Titans defeated the Saints 34-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) celebrates after throwing a game winning touchdown pass against the New Orleans Saints during overtime of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Titans defeated the Saints 34-28 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 3
Next
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a catch against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Player of the Week

Antonio Brown, WR Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers defeated the Oakland Raiders on Sunday afternoon, and a lot of that had to do with Antonio Brown. The talented receiver absolutely dominated throughout the day, catching 17 (yes, 17) passes for 284 (yes, 284) yards and repeatedly punishing every member of the Oakland secondary.

It seems insane to imagine that Brown did all of this without actually scoring a touchdown, but in this case, it would be foolish to hold that hiccup against him. After a few weeks without Ben Roethlisberger, many people appeared to forget about Brown as a fixture in the “best wide receiver in the NFL discussion,” but this type of effort should serve as a reminder to everyone that he is an incredible performer.

Runner-up: Sammy Watkins, WR Buffalo Bills

Defensive Player of the Week

Linval Joseph, DT Minnesota Vikings

It isn’t a regular occurrence to see a run-stuffing defensive tackle take home public glory, but Joseph was out of his mind on Sunday. The 330-pound nose tackle garnered the single highest grade of any player in Week 9 according to Pro Football Focus, and Joseph plugged the middle to the tune of 10 tackles, including seven of the solo variety.

That is an obscenely high number for a one-tech player, and for good measure, Joseph added a half-sack while helping to lead the Vikings to closely contested win over the St. Louis Rams. Big men never receive full credit for their efforts along the defensive front, but Joseph was dominant in this spot.

Runner-up: Johnathan Cyprien, SS Jacksonville Jaguars

Next: Week 9 MVP

Home/Carolina Panthers