The NFL has a variety of sponsored awards that are amusing publicity, but don't mean a whole lot in the grand scheme of things. That being said, a little publicity for the struggling San Francisco 49ers is always a plus. This year's newest award is the Castrol Edge Clutch Performer of the Week Award (I should demand payment from Castrol). And 49ers quarterback Blaine Gabbert is a nominee!
Gabbert is nominated along with Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, Jameis Winston, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Normally I'd say Rodgers probably wins it due to name value and the crazy finish to that game, but it was on Thursday, so people might be quicker to overlook it. My guess is Cam Newton wins the award following his five touchdown performance against the Saints.
Gabbert deserves to be in the mix though given his late game play. The 49ers benefited from Bears mistakes, but Gabbert made huge plays to tie the game up, and get the win. Aside from a ten yard pass to Anquan Boldin, Gabbert's legs were the difference on the game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter. Add in the 71-yard touchdown pass, and his performance was pretty clutch, if you are inclined to use that word, of course.
There are still four games remaining, and Gabbert is under contract into 2016, but to some extent, it feels like the 49ers are playing with house money with Gabbert.