My favorite players of the week are…

Jake Browning Bengals quarterback

In 2016, Browning finished 6^th in the Heisman vote Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson, Baker Mayfield, but ahead of Christian McCaffrey, & Dalvin Cook. He was just a sophomore! It seemed like he had a good NFL career ahead of him.  Instead, he was an undrafted free agent in 2019 who signed with Vikings.  He was on & off the practice squad for the Vikings until he was signed by the Bengals in September of 2021.  He was waived by the Bengals but returned to their practice squad, eventually beating out Trevor Siemian to be the backup to Joe Burrow.  With Joe Burrow’s season ending injury, Browning is finally getting a chance to start in the NFL.  In his second start he was impressive, he hit 32-of-37 passing for 354 yards a touchdown and no interceptions, earning a passer rating of 115.5. The 27-year-old also rushed for one touchdown. He is one of 6 players to complete 85% of their passes & throw for 350+ yards in a game over the last 20 years.

Brock Purdy 49’ers quarterback

I almost didn’t go with this one since Purdy has done better in other games & this is almost a routine game for him.  However, it is hard to ignore the fact that this was against the Eagles defense.  Purdy completed 19/27 passes for 314 yards, 4 touchdowns, & a 148.8 rating.  He’s not the flashiest quarterback in the league, but he’s playing like one of the best.

Mike Evans Buccaneers receiver

7 catches for 162 yards with a long of 75 yards for a touchdown.  That’s a very good day.  It also brought Evans up to 1,012 yards for the season.  He is the only player in NFL history to begin his career with 10 straight years over 1,000.  Only one player has more consecutive seasons over 1,0000 yards & that’s Jerry Rice with 11.  Evans has managed this despite changing quarterbacks multiple times during his career.  He just continues to dominate.

Nico Collins Texans receiver

With amazing rookie receiver Tank Dell & safety blanket tight end Dalton Schultz injured, Nico Collins had to take over for the Texans & he responded with 9 catches for 191 yards including a 52 yard touchdown.

Tyreek Hill Dolphins receiver

On the one hand, he only caught 5 passes.  On the other hand, he took those 5 passes for 157 yards with 2 dynamic touchdowns of 78 & 60 yards. His ability to turn on the afterburners & run away from elite athletes is amazing.

Derek Stingley Jr. Texans cornerback

The Texans are one of the most surprising teams of the year.  Their game against the Seahawks was much more important than anyone expected when the schedule was released early this year.  Both are contending for a playoff spot & the Texans needed this one.  Stingley picked off Russel Wilson twice in a 7-minute span.  That might have been the difference in the game.

Andrew Van Ginkel Dolphins linebacker

Fantastic interception of Sam Howell on the line that he returned for 33 yards & a touchdown.  He also had 2 quarterback hits & another pass defended.  This guy is sneaky good…unless you’re trying to block him, in which case he’s awesome.

My favorite wine of the week was…

Domaine Yves Cuilleron “Madinière” Côte-Rôtie 2020 $75

97% Syrah & 3% Viognier 13% ABV  18 months in 50% new French oak.

This wine manages to be both fruity & earthy at the same time, which doesn’t happen too frequently.  The wine has a beautiful perfume to it.  It has black & blue fruit (black cherry, blackberry, & blueberry) along with mineral notes & a meaty/umami flavor that grows as it sits in the glass.  There is also a bit of the classic peppery note that you often get in Syrah.  The oak provides additional structure & a nice sandalwood note.

The wine needs a bit of time in the glass to come around.  When I first tried it, it seemed a bit harsh & the tannins jumped out of the glass.  After 45 minutes it came around & after an hour it showed its best.  The good news about that is that it tastes great now if you decant it & it will taste better in 10 years as the tannins integrate.