The NFL announced Friday that quarterback Matthew Stafford of the Detroit Lions and running back Fred Jackson of the Buffalo Bills are the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week for games played on Sept. 18-19.
Stafford completed 23 of 39 passes for 294 yards, one touchdown and one interception in the Lions' 48-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 45-point margin of victory is the largest in Detroit team history. Combined with his three Week 1 touchdown passes, Stafford's four-score performance helped him tie a 1962 Lions team record for most touchdown passes in the season's first two games.
Jackson had two touchdowns and 117 yards on just 15 carries to help the Bills overcome the Oakland Raiders, 38-35. His 7.8 yards per carry average was the highest among backs with more than 10 carries.
Making the right plays on the field takes talent, perseverance, focus and a whole lot of hard work. At FedEx, we know the same skills that make the FedEx Air & Ground nominees and winners successful on the football field are what delivers success in every field. That's why we're proud to recognize three small businesses each week that have what it takes and play to win. Just like the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Week, each of these businesses delivers when the pressure is on. Take a minute to deliver your vote for the players and the business you think had the best plays this week.
FEDEX AIR -- QUARTERBACK NOMINEES
Tom Brady, New England Patriots
Brady completed 31 of 40 passes for 423 yards and three touchdowns in the Patriots' 35-21 win over the San Diego Chargers. After passing for 517 yards in Week 1, Brady is now the only player in NFL history to post a 400-yard passing performance immediately following a 500-yard game. His 135.7 quarterback rating was the highest of any quarterback on the weekend.
Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
Romo completed 20 of 33 passes for 345 yards and two touchdowns in the Cowboys' 27-24 overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers. Romo was forced to leave the contest early in the game, but returned late in the third quarter to lead Dallas to 13 unanswered points and a comeback victory. His 77-yard pass to WR Jesse Holley on the Cowboys' first offensive play of overtime set Dallas up for a 19-yard field goal for the win.
Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Stafford completed 23 of 39 passes for 294 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in the Lions' 48-3 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. The 45-point margin of victory is the largest in Detroit team history. Combined with his three Week 1 touchdown passes, Stafford's four score performance helped him tie a 1962 Lions team record for most touchdown passes in the season's first two games.
FEDEX GROUND -- RUNNING BACK NOMINEES
LeGarrette Blount, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Blount tallied 13 carries for 71 yards and two touchdowns in the Bucs' 24-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. His two scores came in the second half as Tampa Bay rallied to win after an early 17-point deficit. His four-yard touchdown run with 31 seconds left secured the Bucs' victory.
Fred Jackson, Buffalo Bills
Jackson had two touchdowns and 117 yards on just 15 carries to help the Bills overcome the Oakland Raiders, 38-35. His 7.8 yards-per-carry average was the highest among backs with more than 10 carries.
Michael Turner, Atlanta Falcons
Turner rushed for 114 yards and a score on 21 carries in the Falcons' 35-31 win over the Philadelphia Eagles. With Atlanta trailing in the fourth quarter, Turner broke off a 61 yard run to put the Falcons deep into Eagles' territory. Five plays later, he scored the go-ahead and game-winning touchdown.
As the Official Delivery Service Sponsor of the NFL, Super Bowl and Pro Bowl, FedEx created the Air & Ground program to highlight superior on-field performance among the league's top-performing quarterbacks and running backs, while providing business solutions that matter off-the-field. Follow FedEx on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter @FedExDelivers.