Sunday's games are in the books for Week 9. What plays will we remember? Marc Sessler chooses the five runs that defined this weekend's action.
Eight games into his rookie campaign, Doug Martin is torching the record books. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back barreled for 251 yards and four touchdowns in Sunday's 42-32 win over the Oakland Raiders, setting a franchise record for ground yardage and rushing touchdowns in a single game. Martin rattled off touchdown runs of 45, 67 and 70 yards (the longest of the three is posted for your viewing pleasure below). Martin uses his 5-foot-9, 215-pound stature to smash through defenses, but he also can turn it on in the open field, something the Raiders learned Sunday.
Is there a tougher football player than Adrian Peterson? The Minnesota Vikings running back enjoyed another big week in Sunday's 30-20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. This 74-yard run in the first quarter anchored Peterson's 182-yard outing. Let's review: Nobody knew if he'd be back this season. When that was confirmed, whispers suggested it would take months for Peterson to regain his old burst. Even when that happened, his breakaway speed was in doubt. Uh-huh. A.P. 1, Everyone Else 0.
The Detroit Lions haven't made headlines on the ground this season, but that's what the Jacksonville Jaguars are for. Mikel Leshoure's 70 yards on 16 carries didn't even lead the Lions -- Joique Bell had 73 -- but his three touchdowns paved the way for Detroit's fourth win of the season. Here's a collection of his handiwork below. It's a step forward for the Lions, who have struggled all season to find balance on offense. They found it against the flailing Jaguars in their 31-14 victory. Most do.
The Miami Dolphins lost a tight one, 23-20, to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday, but let's not forget about this gem from running back Reggie Bush. His 18-yard touchdown gallop has become a nearly weekly sight in a Dolphins offense that leans heavily on Reggie's gifts. People snickered when Bush arrived in Miami and talked about (a) leading the team in rushing, and (b) leading the Dolphins to the playoffs. (a) is certain; (b) remains a distinct possibility.
The Chicago Bears were a highlight machine in Sunday's 51-20 wipeout of the Tennessee Titans. Offense, defense and special teams came together to dismantle the opponent and lift the Bears to 7-1 on the season. Matt Forte's solid afternoon was almost lost in the frenzy, but this 8-yard touchdown was a classic. Pure will. Big uglies from both sides with Forte somewhere in the mix. One of the grittiest runs of the day.
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