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NFL Week 11 awards: Jameis Winston, Doug Martin shine for Tampa Bay

By Brad Rowland

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) signs autographs as he walks off the field after a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Buccaneers won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) signs autographs as he walks off the field after a victory against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Buccaneers won 45-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) is introduced to the crowd prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at the Edward Jones Dome. The Bears won the game 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports
St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald (99) is introduced to the crowd prior to a game against the Chicago Bears at the Edward Jones Dome. The Bears won the game 37-13. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /

Offensive Player of the Week

Doug Martin, RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It is absolutely wild to consider that a running back in 2015 could earn this honor without crossing the goal line even once, but Martin was that good in this game. The powerful running back racked up 235 yards on just 27 carries (8.7 yards per attempt) in Tampa Bay’s blowout win over Philadelphia, but with his quarterback compiling five touchdown throws there was nothing left for Martin when it came to finding pay dirt.

This was “only” the second-best game of Martin’s career – he rushed for 251 yards and four scores in a 2012 contest against the Oakland Raiders – but that didn’t stop him from threatening some interesting records. Martin became only the 10th player in NFL history to rush for more than 200 yards without scoring a touchdown, and his 235-yard effort is the second-most in league history without tallying on the scoreboard.

Averaging nearly nine yards per carry on this type of volume is very difficult, and even on a (very) weird day at the office for Doug Martin, he is highly deserving of this honor.

Runner-up: DeAndre Hopkins, WR Houston Texans

Defensive Player of the Week

Aaron Donald, DT St. Louis Rams

Donald did not lead the NFL in any single statistical category during a 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, but he terrorized the opposition throughout the day.

The talented and versatile defensive tackle accumulated 10 tackles (four solo, six assisted) during the game, and that is a staggering number for an interior presence. Beyond that, he also picked up a sack and two QB hits for his trouble. And while the Rams fell victim on the scoreboard, their defense was certainly not to blame, as they held Baltimore in check for the great majority of the day.

At this point, it does not seem like a stretch to think that Aaron Donald is the best defensive tackle in the NFL, and given his age that is remarkable. At the very least, he played like it on Sunday.

Runner-up: Tamba Hali, DE/LB Kansas City Chiefs

Next: Week 11 MVP

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