Despite the absence of some of this season’s earlier high-yardage passing showcases, Week 8 offered a number of winning efforts by Quarterbacks and teams that needed to reverse negative team or personal trends. A look at some of this week’s notable Quarterback performances:

Ryan Fitzpatrick - Buffalo

Fitzpatrick’s season just keeps getting better. He signed a $59 million contract during the week, led his team to a convincing victory over Washington, and is a big reason the Bills can see themselves in the playoffs for the first time since 1999. On Sunday, the Bills’ Quarterback made few errors, completing nearly 80% of his passes, and needed only 27 pass attempts for his 267 passing yards.

Cam Newton - Carolina

There has to be a time when Newton’s outstanding individual efforts will finally translate to Panther wins. That time is not 2011. Newton, once again, carried Carolina with an effort that included 3 TD passes and no interceptions. That said, any day an NFL QB leads his team in passing AND rushing yards, it usually means a loss. The Panthers have been within one score of a win in five of their six losses, and Newton’s early successes have Carolina hopeful of the long-term potential of this team.

Ben Roethlisberger - Pittsburgh

There are big wins, and there are VERY big wins for an NFL Quarterback and team. Sunday fits the latter description for Roethlisberger and the Steelers. Recent history vs. the Patriots had not been good for Pittsburgh, but Roethlisberger led the Steelers to a victory in their latest matchup vs. New England via a very un-Steeler-like strategy. Using a “pass-as-run” kind of approach, Roethlisberger delivered the ball most often to shallow crossers and underneath routes with great success – completing 36-50 passes. Pittsburgh’s newfound assuredness vs. New England may make for an exciting playoff matchup in a couple of months.

Matt Stafford - Detroit

Just when critics started to wonder if the shine was off of the Detroit Lions in 2011, Stafford provided a reminder of this team’s ability. Playing with a sprained right ankle, the Lions’ QB found success throwing deep passes again – something missing over the Lions’ two consecutive losses – and averaged nearly 9 yards per passing attempt. Also back was Stafford’s sound decision-making, as he made no truly “risky” throws, and instead took what the Broncos secondary was allowing him to complete.

Christian Ponder - Minnesota

On the other side of Cam Newton’s great individual effort on Sunday was a first look at Christian Ponder’s NFL potential. Ponder won the battle of rookies vs. Newton with a more understated - but not less effective - performance. Many of Ponder’s best throws came in pressure 3^rd down scenarios, as he threw the ball to the right target on most occasions. The Minnesota QB also showed a willingness to check down to Adrian Peterson as a second or third option for big yardage, as well.