Around the NFL

Titans RB Derrick Henry, Vikings QB Kirk Cousins among Players of the Week

Published: Jan 06, 2021 at 08:30 AM

Grant Gordon

Digital Content Editor

As the NFL regular season rolled to its finish, the Tennessee Titans' one-man locomotive led the way.

Derrick Henry became the eighth player in NFL history to rush for more than 2,000 yards in a season thanks to his 250-yard effort on Sunday.

Henry's last regular-season show of dominance and brilliance garnered him AFC Offensive Player of the Week as the NFL's weekly honors were released on Wednesday morning for the last time this season.

Henry carried the Titans to an AFC South-clinching 41-38 victory over the Houston Texans. Henry's career-high 250 yards rushing came on 34 attempts, as he averaged 7.4 yards per carry and had two rushing touchdowns.

The NFC Offensive Player of the Week honor went to Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins. In a back-and-forth 37-35 win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Cousins threw for 405 yards and three touchdowns. Cousins had four touchdowns in total, adding one on the ground. Through the air, the Vikes signal-caller completed 28 of his 40 attempts (70%), had no interceptions and tallied a 127.6 rating.

The Indianapolis Colts earned a playoff spot thanks to a 28-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, keyed by the performance of the AFC Defensive Player of the Week, Shaquille Leonard. Leonard piled up 10 tackles, a sack, two passes defended and a forced fumble.

Another defensive standout, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. In the Raiders' close season-ending 32-31 win over the Denver Broncos, Crosby blocked two field goals.

New York Giants defensive lineman Leonard Williams concluded a great season with a stellar outing on Sunday in Big Blue's 23-19 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Williams had seven tackles, three sacks and a pass defended in the win to garner NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Heading into the playoffs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers kicker Ryan Succop was perfect and hauled in NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Succop made all eight of his kicks in the Bucs' 44-27 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Succop tallied 15 points on five extra points and three field goals.

Related Content

news

Joe Schoen: Darius Slayton's absence from voluntary workouts 'doesn't change anything' about Giants' draft plans

Giants general manager Joe Schoen acknowledged WR Darius Slayton's desire to snag a new deal but dismissed the wideout's absence, noting that workouts at this stage are voluntary.

news

Dan Campbell pushed for Lions' black alternate jerseys to return

Lions team president Rod Wood told reporters Thursday night that head coach Dan Campbell lobbied for the black jerseys to return, fulfilling a deal he they made after winning the NFC North in 2024.

news

Mack Brown on QB Drake Maye's competitive nature: 'He had to fight to get a chicken leg at the table'

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown believes QB Drake Maye has the type of intangibles that will benefit him as he proceeds to the next level in next week's 2024 NFL Draft.

news

Dave Canales on improving Panthers: 'It's about building a great team, and then Bryce (Young) can just do his part'

The Carolina Panthers know they need to improve the situation around Bryce Young, but coach Dave Canales wants to build a team around the quarterback, not for the quarterback. "I think it's not about surrounding Bryce (Young) with great players; it's about building a great team," Canales said.

news

Chargers GM Joe Hortiz doesn't want 'fair trade' to deal No. 5 pick: 'They have to make it attractive for us'

With the draft now only a week away from kicking off in Detroit, front of mind for Joe Hortiz in his first season as general manager of the Los Angeles Chargers is how to best utilize the team's No. 5 overall pick, and the negotiation power that comes with that high-value selection.

news

New-look Lions: Reigning NFC North champions unveil fresh uniforms, including all-black alternates

The Detroit Lions unveiled their re-designed uniforms for the 2024 season on Thursday evening, including a new black-and-blue color rush look and three helmet shells.

news

Longtime NFL senior VP of officiating Walt Anderson transitioning to new role

Longtime NFL senior vice president of officiating Walt Anderson is transitioning to a new role as NFL rules analyst and club communications liaison, the league announced Thursday.

news

Browns GM Andrew Berry anticipating 'next time that Nick Chubb runs out of that tunnel'

Browns general manager Andrew Berry expressed gratitude for Nick Chubb's recent contract restructure, along with anticipation for the recovering running back running back onto the field.

news

Broncos general manager George Paton: 'Our first pick, we have to hit on'

Quarterback or not, there's plenty of pressure for Denver general manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton to hit a home run with their first-round pick next week. "Our first pick, we have to hit on," Paton said Thursday.

news

Commanders GM Adam Peters not looking to trade out of second overall pick: 'We feel great about staying at No. 2'

Speaking with reporters a week before the 2024 NFL Draft, Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters says the team "feels great" about holding the No. 2 overall pick.

news

NFL reinstates five players who were suspended indefinitely for violation of gambling policy

Five NFL players who were suspended indefinitely for violating the league's gambling policy in 2023 have been reinstated, NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero reported Thursday.

news

Bills QB Josh Allen on Stefon Diggs trade: 'I don't get paid to make changes on the team'

Bills QB Josh Allen gave his thoughts on the Stefon Diggs trade to Houston, which percieves to open up a glaring need at wide receiver, however, GM Brandon Beane said he likes the corps already in place ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.