What NFC teams have the most first downs in 2011?  An intelligent answer would be one of the NFC Division contenders, like the Green Bay Packers (7-0), San Francisco 49ers (6-1), Detroit Lions (6-2) or New York Giants (5-2). But in fact, none of them are in the top 3 NFC teams with the most first downs heading into Week 9 of the NFL season.

The top 3 NFC teams with the most first downs are the New Orleans Saints (5-3), Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) and the Carolina Panthers (2-6). The Saints have accumulated 202 first downs so far in 2011, 51 rushing and 140 passing.  The Eagles are next with 170 first downs, 74 on the ground and 92 in the air.  Surprising, the Carolina Panthers have the third most first downs in the NFC with a total of 177, 65 rushing and 99 passing.

The Saints also hold the distinction of leading the NFC in 3rd down efficiency, successfully converting a 1st down 56.3% of the time.

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Heading into Week 8 there definitely seemed to a losing trend for NFL teams coming off a bye week. But after NFL action this week, that trend seems to have been reversed. Prior to Week 8, teams coming off a bye had a combined record of 3-9. In Week 8 action, bye week teams posted a 5-1 record.

The five teams coming off a bye that won in Week 8 include the Buffalo Bills (beat Redskins 23-0), Cincinnati Bengals (beat Seahawks 34-12), New York Giants (beat Dolphins 20-17), Philadelphia Eagles (beat Cowboys 34-7) and San Francisco 49ers (beat Browns 20-10). The New England Patriots were the lone loser (loss to Steelers 17-25).
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For the second time in 4 seasons, New England Patriot quarterback Tom Brady won the Associated Press NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Brady set an NFL record of 355 consecutive passes without an interception. He received 21 of the 50 votes from a nationwide group of media members who covered the NFL.

In other NFL news this week…

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