Cameron Dicker, Los Angeles Chargers
In the Chargers’ 17-15 loss to the Cardinals last week, kicker Cameron Dicker had one of the best performances of his career. Dicker single-handedly gave the Cardinals every point they scored in the game, converting all five of his field-goal attempts.
Dicker also set a new personal record and tied for the team record, nailing a kick from 59 yards to give the Chargers a 3-0 lead at the beginning of the game.
Byron Murphy II, Seattle Seahawks
First-round draft pick Byron Murphy II helped end the Seahawks’ three-game losing streak last week with a 34-14 win against the Atlanta Falcons. The Seahawks are now 4-3 and reclaimed first place in the NFC West.
As a rookie, Murphy has had a tremendous impact on the Seahawks. In last week’s game, Murphy recorded four tackles, with one for loss. However, his impact extends further than just making good plays.
So far, the Seahawks are 4–0 when Murphy plays and 0–3 when he doesn’t. While attributing the Seahawks’ success purely to Murphy’s performance is an oversimplification, Murphy does significantly help with their run defense. When Murphy was out, the Seahawks defense gave up the fifth-most rushing yards and the fourth-highest yards-per-carry average.
Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
Heading into week eight, first-round draft pick wide receiver Xavier Worthy has helped the Kansas City Chiefs keep an undefeated record so far this season. Worthy saw a team high of eight targets last week in the Chiefs’ 28-18 win against the San Francisco 49ers, securing three receptions for 19 yards.
Although Worthy was unable to make a big play in the game, he will continue to have chances on the field, especially with Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice out for the rest of the season.
Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers
As a rookie, fourth-round pick tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders was a bright spot on a floundering team this past week. The Panthers lost to Washington 40-7, a common occurrence this season.
Despite the loss, Sanders performed well, catching all six of his targets for 61 yards, adding to a total of 151 yards this season.
Sanders was on track to continue improving this season, but his good performance in week seven came with a price. At practice on Wednesday, Sanders was limited due to a pair of injuries, which will make next week’s game against a tough Denver defense even harder.
Other former Longhorns, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Jordan Whittington and Tennessee Titans defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat, are also out with injuries.
