Top NFL performances of area standouts from Week 12

Vance Walker, Denver: Walker, a Fort Mill standout, made one tackle and a sack as the Broncos knocked New England from the ranks of the unbeaten with a 30-24 win Sunday night. Walker’s sack was one of 13 hits the Denver defense piled on Tom Brady during the snowy win.

Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo: South Pointe grad Gilmore made five tackles and defended a pass during Buffalo’s 30-22 loss to Kansas City on Sunday. Gilmore’s 21 passes defended is tied for the NFL lead with his teammate, rookie cornerback Ronald Darby.

Johnathan Joseph, Houston: Joseph had a team-high seven tackles during the Texans’ 24-6 win over New Orleans on Sunday. Joseph made five solo stops and a tackle-for-loss, and also defended a pass. He helped the Texans’ defense hold the Saints without an offensive touchdown for the first game since 2005. Joseph earned another postive grade from Pro Football Focus, a plus-3.2, which was third-highest for the Texans from Sunday’s contest.

Jadeveon Clowney, Houston: The South Pointe grad Clowney made two tackles during the Texans’ win over the Saints.

Benjamin Watson, New Orleans: Watson caught four of the nine passes thrown his way against Houston, for 53 yards. The Saints’ offense struggled, though, in a 24-6 loss to Houston.

This story was originally published December 1, 2015 at 6:20 PM with the headline "Top NFL performances of area standouts from Week 12."