Gardner Minshew, Bucky Irving/Kenneth Gainwell, and Ty’Ron Hopper are the NFC’s Week 8 Secret Superstars
Superstars may lead the discussion when it comes to success in the NFL, but more often than not, it’s the guys you barely know who will make the plays needed when they’re needed. Such players can be underrated for all kinds of reasons. Perhaps they’re playing in a smaller market, and the media isn’t appropriately […]
Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season revealed some hidden gems, as the NFC brought forth secret superstars who made significant impacts in their respective games. In Arlington, Texas, Gardner Minshew stepped in as a relief quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals when their starter, Jacoby Brissett, struggled mightily. Minshew responded with a stellar performance, completing 17 of 23 passes for 188 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions, leading his team to a 33-30 overtime victory against the Dallas Cowboys.
Following the game, Minshew was reportedly promoted to the starting role for the Cardinals. Meanwhile, on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' side, running backs Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell dominated the game against the Atlanta Falcons. Despite having a formidable defensive line, the Buccaneers' ground game went off without a hitch, as Irving rushed for 170 yards and a touchdown while Gainwell added 140 yards and nine forced missed tackles.
Together, they became the first pair of teammates in 50 seasons to each amass at least 20 rushing attempts and 125 rushing yards in a single game, showcasing their remarkable skill and contribution to their team's success.
Written by urgent.news from SB Nation's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
