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Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley wins National Team alumni honors for third time

By Adam Wire | Posted 12/12/2017

(photo via sbnation.com)

Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley has enjoyed a breakout season. It might be even better than most observers realize.

According to Pro Football Focus, the 2012 U-19 U.S. National Team alum is the NFL’s No.2-ranked running back, trailing only the New Orleans’ Saints’ Alvin Kamara. He’s second in the league in yards from scrimmage, behind the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell, and his 13 combined rushing and receiving touchdowns lead the league.

Gurley had a rather pedestrian game by his standards Sunday, but still managed 135 all-purpose yards in the Rams’ 43-35 shootout home loss to the 11-2 Philadelphia Eagles.

He rushed for 96 yards on just 13 carries, a 7.4-yard average, and two touchdowns, and caught three passes for 39 yards. Pro Football Focus gave him a 93.2 overall grade for his efforts, the best of any player on either team in the game.

For his efforts, Gurley earned USA Football’s U.S. National Team Alumni NFL Player of the Week honors. Gurley also won the honor Nov. 7 and Sept. 26.

Here’s a look at how other National Team alums fared over the weekend, presented by Upper Deck:

Devin Funchess

The Carolina Panthers wide receiver and 2012 National Team alum, had three receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown, the latter of which proved to be the difference in the Panthers’ 31-24 home win Sunday over the NFC North-leading Minnesota Vikings.

Funchess, in his third season, is enjoying by far his best season. He’s played in all 13 games for the Panthers, with 57 catches for 762 yards and 13 touchdowns for the 9-4 Panthers.

Tyrann Mathieu

Two weeks after winning National Team Player of the Week honors, Mathieu had another strong game Sunday. He collected three tackles and a pass defensed in the Arizona Cardinals’ 12-7 home win over the Tennessee Titans, who entered the game atop the AFC South with an 8-4 record.

This season, Mathieu has collected 61 tackles, seven passes defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble for the Cardinals, who are 6-7.

Corey Coleman

It’s been a tough season for Coleman and the Browns, and Sunday’s 27-24 overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers dropped Cleveland to 0-13. But Coleman, a 2012 National Team alum, has contributed when he’s been healthy. Despite missing seven games with a broken hand, he’s still managed to 20 receptions for 268 yards and two touchdowns. One of those TDs came yesterday, and it was one of five catches for Coleman on the day (62 yards).

Jameis Winston

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback and 2012 National Team alum completed 26 of 38 passes for 285 yards and two touchdowns in the Bucs’ 24-21 home loss to the Detroit Lions. He also, however, threw two interceptions and lost a fumble.

Overall this season, Winston, despite missing three games with injuries, has thrown for 2,475 yards and 14 touchdowns for the 4-9 Bucs.

TagsBlog NFL National Team Fan/enthusiast
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