Each week on "Only the Best," we highlight some of the best plays, performances and moments from the previous Sunday.
The Washington Redskins would not have won on Sunday if not for receiver Pierre Garcon. (Although Chargers coach Mike McCoy's play-calling helped.) Garcon made the routine and the sensational. He made plays after the catch, and he made tough catches in close coverage. He often did it on third downs, extending drives.
It took nine weeks, but the New England Patriots' offense of old showed up in Foxborough on Sunday. Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola were keys, not to mention Tom Brady's improved accuracy. Don't overlook the coaching decision to deactivate Kenbrell Thompkins, which allowed Aaron Dobson to play a bigger role.
Brady trusts Dobson more than Thompkins, who was unpredictable in his route running. This back shoulder score is an example of Brady and Dobson's improved chemistry.
The Carolina Panthers have proven they can win the games they are supposed to win. Cam Newton's ridiculous escape skills are one big reason why. We can't wait to see the Panthers face the 49ers and Patriots, respectively, over the next two weeks.
The Houston Texans lost in the most crushing way possible on Sunday night, but not all was lost. They have found something in quarterback Case Keenum.
This is a play Matt Schaub would never have made. Keenum had pressure approaching, and he let it fly deep. I don't think this team is out of the wild-card race just yet.
While we're doling out credit to young quarterbacks who lost on Sunday, let's give Buccaneers quarterback Mike Glennon a little love. He's played far better than people realize this season, producing plays like this.
Miami's victory on Thursday now is a distant memory, especially because of what's happening off the field. Ryan Tannehill's terrific throws on Miami's game-winning drive are worth remembering. It felt like a season-stabilizing win.
My wife saw the play below and sent me an instant message: "Peterson is a monster." I can't remember any other play in NFL history inspiring such awe from her.
Jason Campbell is a fourth-down God. His toss to Davone Bess on the goal line gave the Cleveland Browns an early lead, and his throw while scrambling in the fourth quarter helped put the Baltimore Ravens away with the game on the line. Campbell has played far better in the last two weeks than we ever imagined possible. Even the immortal Brian Hoyer might not have pulled this off.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" recapped every Week 9 game on Sunday. Click here to listen and subscribe.
