Misi Me?

Koa Misi re-introduced himself to Tim Tebow on Sunday. When they met in the Senior Bowl Misi forced Tebow to fumble. They met again when Tebow was in Denver, and now that he's in New York they will meet up twice a year.

Misi made 8 tackles against the Jets and is our ProUte of Week 3. It was all defense in the third week, with Misi's 8 topping Weddle's 5, Kruger's 3, and Pouha's 3.

Alex Smith and the 49ers faltered at Minnesota, as his streak of consecutive passes without an interception came to an end (it wasn't Brandon Burton who picked it off). Smith also lost a fumble.

Steve Smith caught four balls for 86 yards, then went after his quarterback for sulking after throwing multiple interceptions.

Heavy Weight Bout

Not even an open cut on the bridge of his nose could rattle Alex Smith as he drove his team down the field for the game-clinching touchdown. Smith got cut when he scrambled down field ("just like he did in college" according to one commentator) for a gain that was nullified by a holding penalty. Smith took a forearm to the face at the end of his slide, but no flag was thrown for targeting his head. He was cut on the play, but he wasn't flustered. With blood running down his nose Alex lined up and methodically moved his team into scoring position. He hit Vernon Davis with another touchdown pass, and that was game. Alex Smith knows how to roll with the punches, so taking the ProUte of the Week Award away from him isn't going to be easy!

There were some heavy weights who gave it a shot: Ma'ake Kemoeatu, Paul Soliai, and Sione Pouha all recorded a PDef this week. Sean Smith had two, but he's a cornerback. These three are defensive tackles, and they all notched a PDef in the same week! Pouha had the best overall performance in his return to action, with two tackles, a sack, and the PDef.

Steve Smith needed only 3 receptions to get 104 yards, with his longest being good for 66 yards.

Eric Weddle wasn't the only ProUte safety wearing #32 in San Diego on Sunday. Robert Johnson got the start again for Tennessee. He struggled to cover the tight end in the end zone, but he did record three tackles for a loss (four total). Weddle had three tackles and an interception of Jake Locker's errant pass.

#1 in Week One

Alex Smith outplayed Aaron Rodgers in Week One, earning our first ProUte of the Week Award in 2012. In terms of career Rodgers has gotten the better of Smith, but the former #1 overall pick won this round. In a potential playoff preview, San Francisco traveled to Green Bay. Playing at Lambeau didn't faze Smith, who went 20/26 for 211 yards and 2 TDs. Rodgers had more completions and yards, but it took him a lot more attempts to get there. Playing from behind, the Packers QB threw 44 times, completing 30, for 303 yards and 2 TDs. He also threw a costly pick in the rally effort. Granted, Smith has the better defense on his side, but there is another stat worth noting: average yards per pass play. Alex was good for 6.4, while Aaron hit 5.9. The ProUte also broke a former Cougar's franchise record for most consecutive passes without an interception. Still think he's just a game manager? Then ask Aaron Rodgers why he's wearing an Alex Smith jersey!

Koa Misi posted 11 tackles to lead Miami, Eric Weddle had 7, and Steve Smith caught 7 passes for 106 yards. Robert Johnson got his first start for Tennessee and finished with 5 tackles. Peyton Manning won his first start in Denver, but he had plenty of help. Demaryius Thomas did most of the work on this 71 yard TD, but look who's out there clearing the way: big Zane Beadles!

Aye Aye, Captain

Carolina has a cornerback named Captain Munnerlyn, but he isn't one of the team's captains. That distinction goes to Steve Smith and Jordan Gross on offense, Jon Beason and Thomas Davis on defense, and Jordan Senn for special teams. Cam Newton may get all the attention, but ProUtes Smith and Gross get the respect!

Alex Smith is a captain once again with the 49ers, along with Frank Gore, Justin Smith, and Patrick Willis. Previously Alex Smith was appointed captain by the coaching staff, but this year he was elected by his teammates, a marked difference.

Eric Weddle will repeat as defensive captain of the Chargers, along with Takeo Spikes. Philip Rivers, Nick Hardwick, and Antonio Gates are the offensive captains, with Darrell Stuckey taking over on special teams.