Sunday's games are in the books for Week 12. What plays will we remember? Marc Sessler chooses the five runs that defined the action.
Note to the faithful reader: Many are shouting, "Where's the Ray Rice play?" That, friends, was a reception -- and a thing of beauty. But on to the runs ...
BenJarvus Green-Ellis isn't known around the NFL as a breakaway back. The Cincinnati Bengals runner has averaged 3.8 yards a carry during his first season in Cincinnati and a pedestrian 3.9 during his five-year career. In four of those five campaigns, Law Firm's longest run is only 20 yards. He played against type in Sunday's 34-10 win over the Oakland Raiders, blasting for a 49-yard gain on the team's opening scoring drive before this 39-yard burst sealed the blowout.
The Pittsburgh Steelers boast a stable of backs that have successfully plowed over teams in recent weeks. No such luck in Sunday's 20-14 loss to the Cleveland Browns. This Rashard Mendenhall fumble was one of four on the day for Pittsburgh's backfield. An ill match, indeed, when you sprinkle in the ineffective play of ancient Charlie Batch under center.
Let's dial it back to Turkey Day and the artistry of Redskins back Alfred Morris, who piled up 113 yards and a touchdown in Washington's 38-31 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Morris has been sensational in Year One, giving the Redskins their first true foundation back in years. His contributions are too often overlooked when people (rightfully) gush over the success of Robert Griffin III.
The San Francisco 49ers love what quarterback Colin Kaepernick accomplishes when he takes off with the ball. Check out this 7-yard touchdown scamper in Sunday's 31-21 win over the New Orleans Saints. Love it or hate it, Kaepernick's creativity and athleticism are why Jim Harbaugh rolled the dice and sat Alex Smith.
Miami Dolphins running back Reggie Bush has been a regular around these parts. Why? Because his flair for the big play has been a nearly weekly occurrence this season. Check out the spin move at the end of this 21-yard touchdown burst in Sunday's 24-21 win over the Seattle Seahawks.
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