Wilhelm is having a breakout yearWeek 14's Buckeye NFLer of the Week is Matt Wilhelm of the San Diego Chargers. Matt chipped in with 10 tackles (7 solo) and also picked off Vince Young in the 2nd half as the Chargers came back from being down 14 points in the 4th quarter to beat the Tennessee Titans 23-17 in OT.
This is the 2nd time this season Wilhelm was given the 11W Buckeye NFLer of the Week. 2007 has become a breakout year for the 5th year pro. After missing 2 games to injury, Matt is 2nd on the Chargers in tackles. He has also registered 2 interceptions so far this year.
Anthony Gonzalez of the Indianapolis Colts was a close runner-up. Gonzo had 6 catches for 134 yards, including TD catches of 57 and 44 yards as the Colts routed the Baltimore Ravens 44-20.
The importance of the Chargers' victory in the standings gave Wilhelm's Week 14 effort the edge.
Comments
Wilhelm's nasty. He's still one of my favorite former Buckeyes.
I loved a comment I heard during Sunday night's Colts game vis-a-vis Gonzo. Madden said something about the Colts drafting Gonzo to play that third receiver role, but have moved him into the "one" slot in consideration of Harrison's injury. For Dungy to feel keen enough about Gonzo to move him into Harrison's slot - all the while keeping Reggie Wayne where he is - says a lot about how Gonzo is playing and progressing in the NFL. The Colts do have other options at wideout.
Nonetheless, someone should call or write Dungy and let him know that he's making a terrible error playing a slow-footed, stiff-legged Big T(elev)en player in a league full of former SEC standout speed demons. I'm surprised the Colts have won a single game surrendering that kind of speed at wideout.
I have an autographed Wilhelm picture hanging up at home, and I'm thrilled to see him doing well this year, but Gonzo deserved the award this week.
What about giving Troy Smith some props for his vicious touch down run during Colts Raven game?
Yeah... I know Indy was up big and it was mostly second team defense, but Troy Smith looked damn good on that drive he had. Quick with sharp, accurate throws and the run at the end was great.
I agree with Rick, though. Gonzo deserves player of the week.
Rick, you're right that Gonzo arguably deserved it this week. But I didn't want this award to only go to offensive players with huge fantasy stats. When I wrote this, I felt that Wilhelm's contribution to the Chargers victory probably meant more than Gonzo's contribution to the Colts blowout victory. I could've probably worded that better in the story. Both games had huge playoff implications though.
Block O, if it would've been a "down" week for Buckeye NFLers, I would've gave the award to Troy for making an appearance. I almost did the same thing for Pittman a few weeks back.
I was actually cheering on the Ravens (well, just Troy). I thought the world had gone mad. Just good to see him get a chance and punch one in. I don't care if it was garbage time. Good to see him on the field.
Madden was high on Troy the entire time he was in there. I believed he said the Ravens should take a chance on Troy and start him, what do the have to lose. Everything he has seen from Troy Smith (preseason, practice, etc) he liked.
If Billick was smart, he might take this route, but perhaps Troy still has a likin' for strip clubs.
Yeah, good stuff all around!
As for Troy, he looked decent and showed promise even though it was late in the game. Smith showed what Boller lacks: pocket awareness.
Troy deserves the opportunity to play, but with Billick calling the plays instead of Neuheisel, that remains to be seen. Plus, GM Ozzie Newsome is a firm believer in Smith and believes Troy can develop into a quality quarterback if given the time to develop and not rushed into action the way Boller was.
I hope it works out well Troy!
That fool in Baltimore if fighting for his job, so don't look for Smith to start, especially against 0-13 Miami.
I got no problem with Wilhelm as this week's choice. I think it should be a defensive player every week.