Finders Keepers

Look what I found!

Tennessee's receiver didn't want to catch the ball, but when it bounced to Houston defensive back Brice McCain he knew what to do with it. He zigged and zagged his way through a crowd en route to a 38 yard INT return for a TD to cap the Texans' 41-7 victory over the Titans. The win gave Houston first place in the AFC South, and the play gave Brice McCain his first ProUte of the Week Award!

McCain wasn't the only ProUte to snag an interception this week - Eric Weddle also made a pick at the goal line against the Jets. Weddle had more tackles than McCain (6 to 3), and his pick prevented points, but McCain converted his INT into six points. Each of them also had a PDef. Dolphins' DB Sean Smith did not have an INT or a PDef this week, but he did have 7 tackles against the Broncos. Seven was the number for S. Smith in Week 7, as Steve Smith had 7 catches for 143 yards (and one carry for six more).

Hit the Sack

Koa Misi bringing down Tom Brady last season.

Koa Misi's second season with the Miami Dolphins (0-5) has not started as well as his rookie season did. The former second round pick has been in a sack slump, according to this article by Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald. That changed on Monday, when Misi sacked Mark Sanchez. It's a bit of stretch to name him the ProUte of the Week for his three tackles, one sack in a 24-6 loss to the Jets, but any hit on Sanchez is worth mentioning.

The article by Jackson also mentions the struggles of Sean Smith, another second round pick now in his third season. He did not break out of his slump against the Jets, but Paul Soliai contributed three tackles for his franchise tag.

This week the Dolphins will host Tim Tebow on "Gator Day," no less. Hopefully he will receive a warm welcome from Koa and crew.

Back It Up

A late hit after Steve Smith crossed the goal line led to a scuffle.

Even after Alex Smith led the 49ers to a comeback victory over the Eagles, not everyone was sold on his performance. At least one detractor predicted he would follow it up with a 3 INT game the next week. Instead Alex turned in the most proficient performance by an NFL quarterback this season, posting a rating of 127.2 and a total QBR of 98.2. Granted he only threw for 170 yards, but that was because San Francisco got out to an early lead. Alex opened the game 6-of-7 and finished 11-of-19 with 3 TDs and no turnovers. He has been a stud in back-to-back weeks and has earned back-to-back ProUte of the Week awards. Alex has earned two awards in each of the past three seasons, but this is the first time he has won it back-to-back.

Honorable mention goes to Steve Smith for his three catches, 79 yards, and a TD, and to the O-Line: Caleb Schlauderaff (first start with the Jets), Jordan Gross (162 yards rushing, 1 sack, 58% conversion on third down), and Zane Beadles (162 yards rushing, 0 sacks). Chris Kemoeatu did not play in one of the better performances by Pittsburgh's o-line (174 yards rushing, 1 sack, 58% 3rd down conversions).

Samsung Sings Smith's Praises

Samsung named Alex Smith their Next Level Player of the Week after he posted a season high 98.2 Total QBR against Tampa Bay. That's season high as in tops in the NFL this season high, not just a personal best. Watch the video and see the other candidates on ESPN.com.

Back from the Brink

Alex Smith brought the 49ers - and his career? - back from the brink against the Eagles, leading his team to a 24-23 victory in Philadelphia. After falling behind 23-3, Smith kept his composure and played like a seasoned veteran, completing 13 of 17 passes for 201 yards and 2 TDs in the second half. He got plenty of help from his running back, his defense, and Philly's rookie kicker, but Alex played a fine game. Smith finished 21-33 for 291 yards and 2 TDs, with 2 fumbles (one lost). His QB rating for the game was 112.1; through the first four games of the season his rating is 97.7. For his performance under pressure Alex earned the ProUte of the Week Award over some stiff competition. Eric Weddle had 8 tackles, a PDef, and an INT, Sione Pouha had 8 tackles and recovered a fumble, and Steve Smith caught 8 passes for 181 yards.

Take it Outback

With the NBA lockout dragging on and threatening the 2011-12 season many players are beginning to look overseas for opportunities to play. It makes sense then that Andrew Bogut would return to his native Australia to play, but alas, his deal with the Sydney Kings has been scuttled by a lack of insurance. Bogut's agent David Bauman told ESPN.com that Bogut's remaining contract with the Bucks will prevent him from playing back home.