Minnesota Vikings TE Kyle Rudolph had two receptions for 17 yards in Week 8; however, he was essentially a non-factor other than a 12-yard reception on a third-down play in which he was covered by Tampa Bay Buccaneers DE Michael Bennett. QB Christian Ponder didn’t throw Rudolph’s way again until a quick out for five yards on the final drive as the Buccaneers used safeties to match up when Rudolph was detached from formation and ran linebackers underneath him in zone. Ponder appears to be increasingly skittish about throwing Rudolph the ball when he’s covered.
Vikings | Christian Ponder shying away from Kyle Rudolph?

Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden had 108 of his 114 yards rushing in Week 8 on runs inside the tackles. He had carries of 28 and 21 yards on inside runs after having just one 20-plus-yard run inside the tackles this season.
Raiders | Darren McFadden successful between the tackles

Green Bay Packers TE Jermichael Finley was not particularly happy with the way the team played in Week 8, saying the Packers played down to their level of competition in the Jacksonville Jaguars. ‘We need to come out and put teams like this away. Of course it’s disappointing,’ Finley said. ‘With the ability we got and with the guys we got on this team, it kills us. If the defense is looking at us, that’s why they’re mad at us if we go three-and-out, because they know what we can do. And we’re pissed off at them when teams like Jacksonville drive the ball down the field.’
Packers | Jermichael Finley disappointed with Week 8 win

New York Giants WR Victor Cruz said contract talks with the team are ‘moving in the right direction.’ Cruz is hoping for a new deal by the end of this season. ‘I was excited to hear this weekend that contract talks are moving in the right direction,’ Cruz said. ‘I heard there was some progress on the structure.’ He will be a restricted free agent after the season unless both sides work out a new deal.
Giants | Victor Cruz happy with contract talks

Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill (knee, thigh) is determined to play in Week 9 after suffering a hyperextended left knee and deep thigh bruise in Week 8. Tannehill is scheduled for an MRI Monday, Oct. 29. ‘I was optimistic about getting back in the game, and I’m optimistic about getting ready to go next week,’ Tannehill said. ‘I could’ve gone if it was an emergency situation. (I) was trying to get it loose so I could be good to go, (but) we were up big and (backup quarterback) Matt (Moore) was doing a good job.’
Dolphins | Ryan Tannehill optimistic for Week 9

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said he is hopeful RB DeMarco Murray (foot) can return for Week 9. ‘I talked to him a little before the game and I am encouraged that he has a chance to be back,’ Jones said following Week 8. The Cowboys have rushed for just 104 yards on 48 carries in the last two games.
Cowboys | Owner hopeful for DeMarco Murray’s return

Buffalo Bills DE Mario Williams (wrist) has rejoined the team and expects to play in Week 9 following a ‘procedure’ on his sprained left wrist, according to a person with direct knowledge of the defensive end’s plans.
Bills | Mario Williams plans to play in Week 9