Of Sunday's 12 contests, the visiting squad won six. You know what? One out of two's not bad, especially in some games where weather played a prominent role.
Sure, the Packers and the Chiefs -- and even the Bears -- handled their business at home. But the Texans deserve a shout-out for storming into Cleveland with a quarterback making his first career start to upend the Browns, who were still flying high after crushing the Bengals10 days prior. It had been about three weeks since Ohio sports experienced a reality check, so this was overdue.
The Falcons have been all over the place this season, so volatile that neither a blowout win nor an embarrassing loss would surprise on a week-to-week basis. It's mostly been a season coach Mike Smith would like to forget, as he tries to build a case as to why he should return to the ATL next season.
But give respect where it's due -- and that's due to the foot of one Matt Bryant, who knocked in four field goals on as many attempts, including the game-winning boot in Charlotte against the Panthers. He accounted for 13 of Atlanta's 19 points -- that seems like a lot for a kicker (no offense, any special teams folks out there). The Dirty Birds lead the NFC South because of Bryant. Seriously. See for yourself.
However, since kickers can only receive so much love, Greatness on the Road will look elsewhere to give props. Who paced the road performers in Week 11?
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Greatest on the Road ...
Jonas Gray, New England Patriots
His name is Jonas, and the rookie carried the wheel for the Patriots' offense on Sunday night. Up to the Colts tilt, Gray had 32 carries for 131 yards and zero touchdowns in his early career. In 60 minutes, the runner piled up 201 yards, four touchdowns on 37 totes in Indianapolis.
He scored not one, not two, not three, but four times. And gained 201 yards. On 37 carries. This is not a drill.
It wasn't merely the amount of touches that impressed; Gray plowed through and dominated Indy's front seven. The Colts never stopped him behind the line of scrimmage. New England manhandled Indianapolis in the house that Peyton Manning built and the one that Andrew Luck took over the lease.
Tom Brady wasn't his usually terrific self, requiring someone to step up and seize primary production duties for the offense, and the compact 5-foot-10, 225-pound runner did just that.
Though the performance may not truly qualify as a road one, as Lucas Oil Stadium is 150 some-odd miles from Gray's alma mater of Notre Dame, no other player this week boasted the voluminous workload while remaining anything near his efficient 5.2 yards per pop.
As is coach Bill Belichick's backfield modus operandi, Gray could see just five touches next week. But for now? Bask in the low, cold sun, Jonas.
Also considered ...
J.J. Watt, Houston Texans
As if his usual defensive shenanigans weren't enough -- a "so good it's boring" line of one sack, three tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery -- the former Wisconsin Badger decided, "Oh, let me grab one of Sunday's best touchdowns while I'm at it."
Sure, J.J. Just keeping doing you. He's visited the end zone more often this season than Andre Johnson, which is in the running for "Weirdest Stat of 2014."
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers notched a dominant road win over Robert Griffin III and his underperforming Redskins teammates behind rookie Mike Evans' breakout game. The Buccaneers! Say hello to the people, Mike. You've earned a marquee spot on this prestigious list.
Evans' first season has been up and down amid Tampa Bay's mostly down campaign. In Week 2, he took a big hit on a fourth-quarter drive that injured him with eight seconds left. Since the Bucs had no remaining timeouts, the clock was run down 10 seconds, resulting in a loss. Ouch.
In the two weeks prior to the Washington bout, Evans justified his status as the No. 7 overall pick in this year's draft, racking up a combined 249 yards, 14 catches and three scores. But he topped himself on Sunday, grabbing seven passes and two touchdowns while running through Washington's defense to the tune of 209 yards.
The Redskins' secondary had no answer for him. At all.
