What started with the Helmet Doink Heard ‘Round the Internet and ended with a repetitive masterclass in how much higher Estadio Azteca is than Mile High, Week 11 in the NFL provided a continuous flux of double-take moments.
While the Myles Garrett-Mason Rudolph Storm was eventually downgraded to a social-media depression, the Arizona Cardinals nearly made it a two-game losing streak for the San Francisco 49ers. The Denver Broncos brought back reflections of Bills-Oilers 1993. Ezekiel Elliott introduced his best Dak Prescott-pregame impression. Tom Brady was happy with the win over the Eagles—but not, like, happy-happy. And, you guys, what exactly is pass interference?
Cut through the confusion, the entertainment and debacles, and there were also some top-level offensive line performances. A near “Yeah Billy Bob, we got the six” moment, with an exceptional celebration topped the list in Week 11—maybe for all Pigskin Eternity—and a few others also didn’t disappoint.
Here were the top 5 from Week 11.
5. Atlanta Falcons
What in the world has gotten into the 2019 Atlanta Falcons?! Suddenly, they are trendy. A real matchup nightmare. The Dirty Birds of Yesteryear. (Gillette is probably scrambling to re-release those Matt Ryan ads.) And yes, they are certainly this week’s Oliver Stone Award winner—Any Given Sunday.
They lined up across the ball from the Carolina Panthers in Week 11 and, for the second consecutive week, pummeled an NFC South opponent. The Falcons’ air attack was effective. Going up against a pass defense ranked in the top half of the league, Matt Ryan finishing the day 21-of-31 for 311 and one touchdown. The O-line held off a sturdy edge assault from Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin, limiting the pressure and allowing Ryan time to find his targets. Although the run game wasn’t anything monumental, the 30th-ranked rushing attack did just enough to keep things somewhat balanced.
Alex Mack, Jamon Brown, James Carpenter, Jake Matthews, and Kaleb McGary: Your performance—considering it was the first not under a roof this season—was truly “Great Outdoors.”
5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st
4. Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys rolled into Detroit for their Week 11 matchup with more than a few questions from the previous week’s loss to the Vikings—at this point, each player may turn around to see if Jason Garrett is still there. And although the Lions aren’t precisely defensive wizards, it was undoubtedly one of those “Huh. Didn’t see that happening!” type of scenarios.
The Cowboys didn’t play the victims of their own undoing, though. Dak Prescott kept the passing attack progressing from Week 10, and Zeke helped exploit an evident Lions weakness in the run game.
Dak did face a bit of pressure from the edge, with Trey Flowers and Devon Kennard zeroing in on the Cowboys QB at times, but it wasn’t enough to be considered disruptive. And yes, even though sacks don’t make or break the offensive lines’ overall grade, that’s not to say you shouldn’t celebrate the fact the Cowboys squad only surrendered one all game.
Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, Cameron Fleming, Zack Martin, Xavier Su’a-Filo, and Travis Frederick: Solid effort, guys! And let me save you the neck turn—he’s still your coach.
5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st
3. Oakland Raiders
To not give some shine to the Raiders’ offensive line because the Week 11 show was against the Bengals would be a shameful snub—even though Cincy’s defense would probably struggle against Jerome Bettis in a game of flag football, too.
But remember this: those are tax-paying professionals underneath those helmets and sulked mannerisms—not cardboard cutouts of Angry Sam Wyche.
The Raiders O-line—much like the rest of the team—has been surprisingly effective. Even with injury issues from week to week, the front has done a great job creating a pocket for Derek Carr, and they have been one of the best running groups in the NFL.
The Bengals managed to get pressure—the right side of Geno Atkins and Carl Lawson more than the left—but it wasn’t any kind of earth-suffocating collapse where you’d expect to see Tom Cruise atop the smoldering rubble. Carr finished the day an accurate 25-of-29 for 292 and one touchdown.
The running game stayed consistent, led by Josh Jacobs’ 112-yard performance. And in a game that ended so close—17-10 is basically a tie against the Bengals—the touchdown scamper by Carr was definitely the cheese on an otherwise broccoli of a game.
Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, Trent Brown, Kolton Miller, and Richie Incognito: Whether they are ranked first in the NFL, or last in the intramural league, you still have to block ’em. Job well done, guys!
5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st
2. Cleveland Browns
Lost in all of the drama from the final moments of Browns-Steelers game was a solid effort from the Browns offensive line. Coming into Week 11, the ups and downs of Cleveland’s offense left many wondering if a loss to their longtime AFC North foe would be the beginning of the end for 2019. If it was the wrong “Baker” in Freddie’s “Kitchen,” and perhaps time to reset the table for “Tua.”
The Browns didn’t let the puns get to them, however, and they played a decent game. The Steelers’ strong front and edge rush were kept in check, while the Browns opened lanes in the run game. And that…that’s not typically something that has occurred during past meetings.
Mayfield was an average 17-of-32 for 193 yards and two touchdowns. No interceptions, and he was only pressured a handful times. And the run game went over the century mark, taking advantage of the Steelers’ ineffective (and injured) offense by owning the time of possession game.
Was it perfect? Nope.
But it was a big win—the first over the Steelers in five years, and the offensive line deserves some credit.
Joel Bitonio, Greg Robinson, Chris Hubbard, Wyatt Teller, and J.C. Tretter: The Browns are 2-0 since Swagger’s son took over Tunnel Leader duties. But the Browns are also 2-0 partly because of some tremendous offensive line work!
5th :: 4th :: 3rd :: 2nd :: 1st
1. Indianapolis Colts
The Colts entered Week 11 on a two-game skid, with their quarterback Jacoby Brissett making his first start since suffering a knee injury, and they were facing a formidable Jaguars’ defense ranked in the top 10 against the pass.
So, what do you do if you’re Indy? You get behind that offensive line, and you run the ball like you’re Army. Run. Run. Run! And against a Jags’ run defense that is ranked in the bottom half of the NFL, well, good things were bound to happen—and they did.
The Colts gained 264 yards on 36 carries. Three touchdowns! Both Marlon Mack and Jonathan Williams had over 100 yards rushing. It was a remarkable performance, one that was capped off with a level of excellence rarely seen in the wild—an offensive lineman rushing touchdown…with an offensive lineman post-rushing touchdown celebration.
Sure, the touchdown was called back. But the celebration lives on forever—history! Worthy of its own yellow coat and nook in Canton.
Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith, Anthony Castonzo, Mark Glowinski, and Ryan Kelly: Keep the keg stand celebrations flowing; you’re the Week 11 Champions of the Choppy Steps!
