Week 1 NFC Players of the Week announced
Los Angeles Rams debutant Matthew Stafford claimed offensive honours, Chandler Jones’ dominant performance earned him DPOW while Bradley Pinion’s punting scooped up the special teams gong.
After a wild start to the 2021 NFL season, three players were selected as a class above the rest in the National Football Conference.
Los Angeles Rams debutant Matthew Stafford claimed honours on the offensive side of the ball, Chandler Jones’ dominant performance earned him Defensive Player of the Week while Bradley Pinion’s perfect punting scooped up the special teams gong.
Under the bright lights of Sunday Night Football, Matthew Stafford shone brighter than any of his peers, completing 20 of 26 pass attempts for 321 yards and three touchdowns. Stafford was near-flawless with no interceptions and a passer rating of 156.1 in the Rams’ comprehensive 34-14 drubbing of the Chicago Bears. The former Georgia quarterback is the first bulldog signal-caller to win the award multiple times.
Two-time Arizona All-Pro stood tall above all of his NFL brethren in Week 1, putting in the most prepotent performance across all sixteen games. The 31-year-old linebacker registered an incredible five sacks, six tackles — four of those for loss, and two forced fumbles. In one of the most historic displays in recent memory, Jones became just the third player since 1982 to record at least five sacks in Week 1.
The former Patriot takes his Player of the Week tally to five — four of which are with Arizona, tying Adrian Wilson for the all-time Defensive Player of the Week record for a Cardinal. Jones also joints fellow pass rusher Dwight Freeney (six-time winner) as the only former Syracuse players to earn Defensive Player of the Week five times.
Last but most certainly not least, Tampa Bay punter Bradley Pinion picked up the NFC’s Special Teams Player of the Week after four phenomenal punts.
Pinion was critical to the overall result, pinning the Cowboys inside the 10-yard line on three of four punts. The former Clemson product averaged 49.3 yards per punt and is the second time he was won a Player of the Week award.
Chandler Jones wants out of Arizona - Here’s why
All-Pro pass rusher Chandler Jones has officially handed in a trade request, it’s been revealed. The addition of fellow quarterback destroyer J.J. Watt hasn’t been enough to convince Jones to stay in the desert.
All-Pro pass rusher Chandler Jones has officially handed in a trade request, it’s been revealed. The addition of fellow quarterback destroyer J.J. Watt hasn’t been enough to convince Jones to stay in the desert.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported today, Jones lodged an official trade demand sometime this offseason. Despite his unhappiness with the situation, the three-time Pro Bowler is expected to report to Arizona’s training camp, which begins — for veterans — on Tuesday.
Jones’ motive for wanting out is said to revolve around his current contract. The former Patriot is believed to be upset with the current terms. Since being traded from Foxboro, Jones has established himself as one one of the league’s most prominent sack masters.
Only Aaron Donald has more quarterback hits and sacks across the past five seasons. Yet Jones’ performance and salary remain worlds apart, hence his frustration with the Cardinals organization.
Currently, his five-year, $82.5 million deal has one more year to run. Jones’ AAV (Average Annual Value) is 14th among edge rushers which would most certainly be the issue of contention.
Edge Rushers with a greater AAV than Chandler Jones:
Joey Bosa
Myles Garrett
Khalil Mack
DeMarcus Lawrence
Leonard Williams
Frank Clark
Fred Warner
Von Miller
Trey Flowers
Cam Jordan
Dee Ford
Arik Armstead
Shaq Barrett
By no means is the Cardinals-Jones situation untenable. It’s obvious Jones wants a new — if not restructured — contract. Whether Arizona decides to appease their best player remains to be seen.
One to watch for sure.