One of the biggest surprises of the 2015 season has been the emergence of the Oakland Raiders' offense.
Though Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree have received more than their fair share of the spotlight, the Raiders have benefited from the development of a bevy of offensive weapons. On Sunday, it was running back Taiwan Jones who made a big play against the New York Jets in a 34-20 win that topped Week 8's top "Performance Moments of the Week," presented by Bridgestone.
Up 21-6 in the third quarter, the Raiders had a first-and-10 from their own 41-yard line. Carr felt immediate pressure and dumped it off to Jones, who was lined up in the backfield. In what should have been a play that resulted in little-to-no gain, Jones made four different Jets defenders miss tackles as he took it 59 yards to the end zone.
Jets linebacker Demario Davis nearly had Jones tripped up, but Jones kept his momentum moving forward. A sidestep forced a missed tackle by cornerback Marcus Williams and another one by safety Marcus Gilchrist. Those two missed tackles allowed Jones to break free for a back-breaking touchdown against one of the league's most stout defensive units.
This week's runner-up was one of the only defensive stops made by the Giants against the Saints in a wild 52-49 loss in New Orleans.
Midway through the fourth quarter in a tie game, Willie Snead caught a pass from Drew Brees that would have moved the chains -- if it weren't for a devastating hit by Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The hit jarred the ball lose, right into the hands of Trumaine McBride, who took itl to the house for a go-ahead touchdown. The Giants' lead wouldn't hold but it was one of the more impressive plays of the weekend.
Rounding out the top three "Performance Moments of the Week" was an incredible touchdown catch late in the first half of Sunday's game against the Vikings by Bears wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. If there's any indication that the offense has missed Jeffery while he was dealing with injuries all season, it was this play.
Jay Cutler dropped back from his own 21-yard line and heaved the ball into double coverage the way he's prone to do. This time, however, the dependable Jeffery leaped into the air and came down with the pass.
Also making the cut, Todd Gurley's latest big carry in what likely will be an endless parade of long touchdown runs. The Rams have a future first-round fantasy football pick in the rookie. Keenan Allen's season might be over, but it didn't end before making one last incredible catch ... Cam Newton's touchdown throw to an ascending Greg Olsen on Monday night gave Carolina a 10-point lead late in the third quarter and was just what the doctor ordered.
