Apologies on my tardiness with this. I felt we needed a firm update on Jack Campbell before going forward with anything. We got a positive update from Campbell himself yesterday, so let's go through a somber Week 8 in the NFL.
Jack Campbell, TJ Hockenson, and Sam LaPorta
Sunday started so well. We had a reunion in Detroit with two of the best tight ends the Hawks have produced in the last ten years plus an All-Pro in Campbell. Hockenson found the end zone again, his third touchdown of the year, in a 4-reception, 58-yard day. LaPorta finished with 1 carry for 2 yards plus 3 receptions for 33 yards as Detroit handed Minnesota their first loss of the season, 19-15.
None of that matters at all, as Campbell was left severely injured in the fourth quarter trying to tackle Hockenson. I won't link to the tackle. No need. You probably all saw it once and you don't need to see it again. Campbell was motionless on the field for over 10 minutes, leaving his teammates clearly affected and in tears.
Then led to the speculation and fear phase of this. No one knew what was going on with Campbell. Forget his playing career – will he be able to lead a normal life? That's all that matters here. News was sparse and updates from the Lions were uncertain. Then we heard from Campbell himself and WHEW…some positive news!
That's about as good an update as we can get. Again, I don't care about his playing career. If Campbell plays again, it's a bonus. That is a great update and it sounds like he'll be ok. We'll keep an eye out for more updates on Campbell as they're provided.
Amani Hooker
The big standout this week was Hooker. He's stuck with this bad 1-7 Tennessee team (to their credit, they've shown proof of life at times this season.) And going to Cincinnati, that felt like a blow out was on the schedule for the Titans. They hung and lost in overtime, 43-36, and they hung in part due to Hooker. He finished with 6 tackles and 3 passes defended. He intercepted all 3 passes he defended.
Those picks were worth a little scratch for Hooker. Nice bonus! And we still have a lot of football left this year. Can he get to six picks?
Drew Stevens
A little love for Stevens this week, who's finding a nice groove now in his rookie year. Stevens made 4 of 5 field goals in Washington's win over Philadelphia Sunday night (can we get the NFC East out of primetime? Thanks…) That included this 56-yard bomb.
Lukas Van Ness
Another good week at the office for Hercules, as the Packers defensive end started Week 8 last Thursday with 6 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 tackle for loss in a 27-19 win over Carolina. Van Ness is now at 4.5 sacks on the season, which is a career-high.
Tristan Wirfs
We'll finish with the big man. Did anyone watch this game? Tampa Bay defeated Atlanta, 16-0, in a rain-soaked day in Tampa. Tampa completed zero passes in the game, the first time an NFL team has won a game without completing a pass since 1974. Wirfs was instrumental in the run game, as the Bucs rushed for 324 yards in the win. Wirfs earned a PFF run block grade of 85.9.
To the comments!
