With the NFL season at half time, a newcomer to the Africa Zone neighborhood is our player of the week, making 2018 his redemption season.
Player of the Week
Germain Ifedi (Seattle Seahawks Right Tackle # 65)
Rewind a month and a half to week one of the season and Nigerian-American Germain Ifedi was shouldering a major portion of the Seahawks fans' wrath for the poor play of the offensive line.
But on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, Ifedi continued to surprise his haters with his revelation as a very good pro right tackle. Pancaking opposing defensive ends in the second quarter, and in the process allowing QB Russell Wilson some time to throw a touchdown to Ed Dickson, was possibly the highlight of the win for Ifedi.
Known for his propensity to rack up false start penalties, Ifedi hasn't allowed any pressure on Wilson since week four and the false starts have been significantly reduced, much to the satisfaction of his offensive line coach Mike Solari and head coach Pete Carroll.
Notable Performances
Yannick Ngakoue (Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive End #91)
YannGetsSacks is back at it as he took his talents to Wembley Stadium in London for the Jaguars' game against the Philadelphia Eagles. In the 24-18 loss, Ngakoue had two tackles, one sack, one tackle for a loss and a ridiculous five QB hits on Eagles QB Carson Wentz.
Ngakoue had his way with the Eagles left and right tackles and started the game off with terrific effort as he ran down Wentz from behind as the Philly QB sought a first down.
Despite the poor play of the Jaguars team overall, Ngakoue is showing why he is one of the top young defensive ends in the league as he already has five sacks on the season to go along with his 35 QB pressures.
Romeo Okwara (Detroit Lions Defensive End #95)
Undoubtedly having his best season so far in his young career, defensive end Romeo Okwara is one of three former New York Giants playing on the Detroit Lions defensive line (with Devon Kennard and Damon "Snacks" Harrison) and all are flourishing in their new home.
Despite losing on Sunday to the Seahawks, Okwara had another bright performance as he tallied four tackles, one sack and two QB hits in the game, taking him to five sacks on the season.
Okwara won't miss the mess currently going on in New York with his former team, while Giants fans will miss having a young, talented defensive end adept at getting to the quarterback.
Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints Running Back #41)
The Liberian-American had a productive night (especially in the redzone) for the Saints on Sunday against the Vikings.
In the 30-20 win at Minnesota, Kamara carried the ball 13 times for 45 yards and scored a touchdown, while also catching seven passes on eight targets for 31 yards and one receiving touchdown.
Now tied with the Los Angeles Rams' Todd Gurley for the most games with a rushing and receiving touchdown this season, Kamara and the Saints will try to end the Rams unbeaten record next week at the Superdome.
Players to Watch in Week 9
Prince Amukamara (Chicago Bears Cornerback)
Playing the hapless Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Amukamara and his fellow defensive backs should be primed to feast on whichever quarterback the Bills put out there to conduct their struggling offense.
Derrick Nnadi (Kansas City Chiefs Defensive Tackle)
Following the productive day Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Stephon Tuitt had against the Browns on Sunday, Nigerian-American rookie Nnadi might just be in line to have his best game of the season against a Browns team that sacked head coach Hue Jackson and offensive coordinator Todd Haley on Monday.
Ndamukong Suh (Los Angeles Rams Defensive Tackle)
The 8-0 Rams head to New Orleans on Sunday to take on QB Drew Brees and his multiple weapons including the backfield duo of Kamara and Mark Ingram.
Cameroonian-American Suh will be called on to disrupt the Saints backfield and limit the running game, and if Suh and his interior defensive line partner Aaron Donald get into the Saints backfield, it will be a rough outing for the hosts.