PFF Team of Week 13

Every week we analyze every player on every play of every game. So when we put forward our Team of the Week it’s more than just looking at which guys compiled the prettiest numbers.

It takes into account which quarterbacks made plays and which ones let their receivers do all the work. Which defensive tackles stood up offensive linemen to redirect runners. Which cornerbacks were bailed out by dropped passes.

So with that in mind enjoy our Team of Week 13.

Offense

Quarterback: Russell Wilson, SEA (+4.9)

Well that was quite special. Other rookies tried to steal his thunder this week, but the way Wilson led the Seahawks to two big-time touchdown drives to pull off a statement win was quite breathtaking. Special mention to Tony Romo who was fantastic against Philadelphia.

Running Back: Adrian Peterson, MIN (+2.6)

He was at his best against the Packers, reeling off 8.9 yards per attempt on his way to his first 200-yard plus rushing game of the year. More games like this and his claim for MVP will grow.

Full Back: Vonta Leach, BLT (+4.0)

His work in the pass game was good, but his lead blocking was why Leach was able to stand out this week. Punishing.

Tight End: Jacob Tamme, DEN (+3.9)

Tamme was a big part of the Broncos' plan against the Bucs, catching 9 of 13 targets for 89 yards (with 31 coming after the catch). Throw in some good blocking and he just edges out Brandon Myers.

Wide Receivers: Calvin Johnson, DET (+4.0) and Dez Bryant, DAL (+4.1)

So the ‘Madden Curse' is officially dead, right? Another huge game for Johnson who saw 21 targets and turned them into 171 yards and a touchdown. That was the good from Bryant who had a big day in catching all six balls thrown his way for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

Tackles: D’Brickashaw Ferguson, NYJ (+6.5) and Andre Smith, CIN (+7.0)

Our duo of former first-round tackles got the nod because they were perfectly acceptable in pass protection, but were dominant in the run game, winning their battles with ease.

Guards: Ben Grubbs, NO (+5.6) and Brandon Moore, NYJ (+4.4)

Performances like that are why the Saints were able to let Carl Nicks go and spend considerably less on Grubbs. Moore put the bum fumble behind him with one of his best displays in recent memory.

Center: Brian De La Puente, NO (+5.0)

That was a big game from ‘BDP', who has done a fantastic job since coming into the Saints lineup in 2011. His play warrants more praise than it receives.

Defense

Defensive Front 4-3

Defensive Ends: Mario Williams, BUF (+5.8) and John Abraham, ATL (+4.7)

That’s the kind of performance Buffalo were expecting from Williams when they snapped him up. Abraham continues to produce, walking away from Thursday Night Football with a sack, two hits and six hurries.

Defensive Tackle: Ndamukong Suh, DET (+8.1) and Henry Melton, CHI (+5.1)

Can we start talking about how well Suh has played these past two games? He was all over the Colts to the tune of a sack, four hits and five hurries. Melton wasn’t quite as disruptive but worked over John Moffit and ended his day with a hit and five hurries.

Linebackers: Von Miller, DEN (+7.1), Jo Lonn Dunbar, SL (+4.7) and James Laurinaitis, SL (+3.3)

How about that Miller? He added five more quarterback disruptions to his season tally, took an interception back for six and added some fine work in the run game. All in a day’s work. Dunbar did most of his good work in the run game, and ended the day with 10 tackles and seven defensive stops. Joining him is his Rams teammate who also had a big tackling day with 10 defensive stops. They were both all over the field.

Defensive Front 3-4

Defensive Line: J.J. Watt, HST (+6.5), Muhammad Wilkerson, NYJ (+3.7) and Antonio Johnson, IND (+1.5)

After a slow start, Watt took over the Titans game, walking away with a sack, two hits and three hurries along with two batted passes and four more defensive stops. Wilkerson himself had four defensive stops, a sack and a hit, and is firmly entrenched in our rankings as our No. 2 ranked 3-4 end on the year. In the middle, Johnson wasn’t out of this world but made some plays (three defensive stops) in the run game.

Outside Linebackers: Dwight Freeney, IND (+5.0) and Anthony Spencer, DAL (+4.5)

We haven’t written a lot about Freeney this year as he’s had some adjustment issues with the Colts switch to a 3-4. Against Detroit that wasn’t a problem as the six quarterback disruptions show. Joining him is Spencer who has surprisingly lived up to (and surpassed) the franchise tag billing and is earning himself a pretty penny come free agency.

Inside Linebackers: Bart Scott, NYJ (+3.3) and Tim Dobbins, HST (+2.9)

That was Scott at his best. Sure, he didn’t have a lot of tackles but when he attacks blockers the way he can there are few who compare. Dobbins isn’t an every-down player and saved his best for his work in coverage, walking away with an interception and two defensive stops.

Cornerbacks: Chris Harris, DEN (+4.8) and Sheldon Brown, CLV (+3.4)

More people need to be talking about Chris Harris from the Broncos, he’s turning into a fine corner. Not for the first time this year Brown makes this team, helped by his pick and three pass deflections.

Safeties: Kerry Rhodes, ARZ (+6.9) and William Moore, ATL (+3.8)

That can’t have been fun for Rex Ryan watching Rhodes pick off two balls and force a fumble. He had a point to prove and he made it. Moore picked off two balls of Drew Brees at crucial times in addition to 10 tackles. Big day.

Special Teams

Kicker:  Shaun Suisham, PIT

Punter: Donnie Jones, HST

Returner: Trindon Holliday, DEN

Special Teamer: Jerry Hughes, IND

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