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Digging Deeper unlocks some of the more underrated performances by lesser-known players in the NFL each week. This article won’t be decided solely on sacks, interceptions, touchdowns or any other general hyped-up statistics — we do, after all, want to “dig deeper”. Please note: regular elite players will not be featured.

Defensive Heroes

• Sammie Lee Hill (DT – Detroit Lions)  - The man with the extrodinary name came up big off only 29 snaps on defense. He managed to get a total of 4 QB hurries and one really nice hit on Jaguars QB Blaine Gabbert. This man is in line for some more snaps.
• Justin Hickman (ROLB – Indionapolis Colts) – Hickman Rushed the quarterback only nine times yet recorded two QB hits on Ryan Tannehill. Hickman was also recorded as being stout in the run game to go along with his one stop for a loss. Totalling 18 snaps for the game the Colts should walk away pretty impressed.
• Dannell Ellerbe (LILB – Baltimore Ravens) – Ellerbe is the Ravens most versatile linebacker and proved it on Sunday against the Browns after playing all 72 snaps. Ellerbe remarkably only rushed Brandon Weedon seven times and record one sack, two QB hits and two QB hurries. Ellerbe also recorded five Stops in the run game and gave up no yards in pass coverage off 37 snaps.
• Cameron Jordan (LE – New Orleans Saints) – I never thought I would see the day a Saint would make this article for defence but Cam Jordan just abused the Eagles shoddy O-line. Jordan accounted for three sacks, two QB hits and hurried the QB four times. Jordan also recorded a great six stops. MVP of the Saints defense this game.
• Donald Butler (RILB – San Diego Chargers) – Butler was very very solid all night for the Chargers. He recorded 10 tackles including six stops in the run game. On 29 drop backs into pass coverage Butler only gave up two passes for 27 yards. Superb stuff D-Man.

Offensive Heroes

• Chris Ivory (RB – New Orleans Saints) – Chris Ivory stepped in for the Saints to record his first carries for the year. (It’s about time in my book, I have been rallying for this on twitter for quite some time!) Ivory had 10 carries for 44 yards including a 22 yard touchdown run to help spark the Saints. Ivory also made two tacklers miss.
• Joique Bell (RB – Detroit Lions) – Bell only received a lousy 27 snaps against the Jaguars. Mikel Leshoure stole the show with a three touchdown day but Bell was the real hero for the Lions. Bell caught three of his four targets from Matthew Stafford and converted them for 40 yards after the catch for a total of 36 yards. Oh by the way, Bell also made a name on the ground with 13 carries at 5.6 YPC for 73 yards and a touchdown. Bell is the real hero for the baby Lions..
• Trent Williams (LT – Washington Redskins) – RGIII had all day on the left hand side of the line against the Panthers (opposed to the 11 total disruptions against Redskins RT Tyler Polumbus). Trent Williams did not record a single disruption on the day.
• Marcel Reece (FB – Oakland Raiders) – Ladies and gentlemen Reece might be the most consistent pass catching back in the NFL. since the start of last season Reece has caught 53 of 70 targets thrown his way. On Sunday against the Bucs Reece had a breakout game catching eight receptions from nine balls thrown his way for 95 yards with a touchdown. Not bad for a fullback eh?.
• Matt Kalil (LT – Minnesota Vikings) – Against the underrated Seahawks pass rush Kalil lived up to his 3rd pick in the draft status. Kalil did not record a disruption all game and helped Adrian Peterson to 182 yards on the ground including a RIDICULOUS average of 21YPC behind Matt Kalil. This loss was definitely on Ponder.

Dud Of The Week

• Christian Ponder (QB – Minnesota Vikings) – The Purple Pistol had yet another terrible game to waste a great game by the rest of his offence  Ponder only completed one pass over 10 yards for the entire game and more then half of his dismal 63 passing yards were yards after the catch. Yo Favre! …..Another comeback?

Some Interesting Stats Heading Into Week 10

• There are two rookie quarterbacks with more passing yards then Robert Griffin III one is of course Andrew Luck and the other? none other then Cleveland’s finest, Brandon Weedon. Robert Griffin III of course has 500 rushing yards however.
• Buffalo are a bad team for many reasons but here is one. Why run Fred Jackson when CJ Spiller is averaging 7.2 yards per carry for the season? This is 1.5 more YPC then any other back over 50 carries.
• Calvin Johnson still does not have a passing touchdown from Matt Stafford. He has however been stopped four times at the one yard line.
• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers who last season struggled in the deep passing game lead the NFL with 10 plays of 40 plus yards. Seven more then the Patriots, Redskins, Colts, Texans and Steelers.
• The Eagles, Carolina and Dallas all have less points per game then the Cleveland Browns. The Eagles even have less then Kansas City.
• Ndamukong Suh has only recorded 12 tackles this season. and only assisted on one.
• Peyton Manning after being criticized before this season for lacking arm strength has the best deep passing accuracy in the NFL. He has also completed the 4th most in the NFL with 17.

What are your thoughts? Was there someone you thought helped your team win who didn’t get the credit they deserve?