Breaking down the best and worst from Week 7 in the NFL: 5. Best debut: Christian Ponder?»
The Vikings got their first real look at the quarterback they selected with the 12th pick in the draft and almost got a win in the process. Aaron Rodgers and the undefeated Packers were too good, but Ponder (13-for-32, 219 yards, two TDs) kept Minnesota in the game.
4. Worst beating: Colts »
Think Indianapolis is missing Peyton Manning? The Saints set a franchise record for points, obliterating the Colts 62-7 behind a near perfect performance from Drew Brees (31-for-35, 325 yards, five TDs in three quarters). The Saints’ point total tied for the most in a game by any team since 1970.
3. Best groundwork: DeMarco Murray »
The third-round pick holds the new Cowboys record for rushing yards in a game (previously held by Emmitt Smith). The rookie running back bulldozed through the Rams’ abysmal rush defense for 253 yards, the most by anyone this season and the second most ever by a rookie.
2. Worst quarterback combo: Raiders » Starter Kyle Boller (7-for-14, 61 yards) was bad. And newly acquired quarterback Carson Palmer (8-for-21, 116 yards) wasn’t much better. Both quarterbacks threw three interceptions, allowing the Chiefs to blank the Raiders 28-0. The six interceptions were Oakland’s most in a game since 1998.
1. Best late-game performer: Tim Tebow »
For 57 minutes, Tebow proved why some analysts believe he shouldn’t be an NFL starter. With 5:23 left against the Dolphins, he was 4-for-14 for 40 yards. In the game’s final 2:44, though, Tebow did what he does best: win. He fueled touchdown drives of 80 and 56 yards to force overtime and finished 13-for-27 for 161 yards and two scores.
– Scott Gleeson
