Each week on "Master Level Plays," we highlight some of the best performances and moments from the previous Sunday.
There's a reason why the Carolina Panthers are the toughest team in the NFL to stop on third and fourth down, especially in short-yardage situations. The Panthers have a top-10 quarterback and the best short-yardage back in the league, all rolled into one. All hail Cam. (And Riverboat Ron.)
This column is called "Master Level Plays," not "Master Level Players." And that was an incredible effort by New England Patriots fullback James Develin. (We also could have included this great catch by Rob Gronkowski, but he gets enough love.)
Fred Jackson might just be the most underrated running back of his generation. He's had a better career than Reggie Bush, with a fraction of the attention. We awarded him our inaugural "Clown Suit of the Week" award on the "Around The League Podcast" for this destruction of Atlanta Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant.
Peyton Manning has racked up insane numbers all season, but a lot of his best plays came out of great decisions, not necessarily great throws. Sunday was a huge exception. Manning dropped a handful of gorgeous passes in the bucket in Kansas City, often into tight windows. This was one of those performances we'll reference when we remember this inevitable MVP season.
Chip Kelly noted Monday how satisfying it has been to see rookie tight end Zach Ertz's development. Ertz is now making plays that he missed earlier in the season. The Eagles could use another receiving threat for their playoff run, and Ertz could inspire Kelly to play more double tight end sets.
It's rare that the Jacksonville Jaguars get national attention, but they deserve it after winning their third game in four tries since the bye week. Coach Gus Bradley has had his team playing hard all season, and it's finally paying off. Vive le Chad Henne!
*The latest "Around the League Podcast" recapped every Week 13 game. *
