Hi guys! This is the first installment of NFL weekly roundup, where I discuss the outcomes of all of the games throughout the week, as well as discuss what the takeaways were. Let’s get started…
Thursday Night Football: Packers 35 Bears 14
Aaron Rodgers once again proved to be the best QB in this league en route to throwing 179 yds and 4 TDs, on this mediocre Bears squad. Aaron Jones, a rookie third string running back, had a good debut game with 49 rushing yds and 1 TD in about a quarter of playing time, as well. On the Bears side, it was announced after this game, that rookie Mitchell Trubisky will be starting next week, after Mike Glennon’s horrid start of the season. Bears fan will anxiously wait and see if their 1st round pick will pan out.
Sunday games:
Saints 20 Dolphins 0
As a diehard Miami Dolphins fan, this one hurts. From the horrible play calling and inconsistent run game, this offense wasn’t able to score a single point on Sunday on the worst passing defense in the NFL. The lack of a true secondary on the defensive end, proved to be a gaping wound against the likes of Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, and rookie Alvin Kamara. The Saints seem to be finally breaking away from their losing ways and trying to make a name for themselves this year as a contender.
Panthers 33 Patriots 30
Man this was a great game. A back and forth offensive shootout, where both sides seemed to have each other’s numbers. It lasted until the final play, where Graham Gano nailed the game winning field goal, to win the game for the Panthers. Are the Panthers back to success after a season-long slumber? Wins like this make the answer to this question more evident.
Jets 23 Jaguars 20
Two bad teams battling out, who else wouldn’t want to watch this! This back and forth game was finally concluded in the closing minutes of overtime, with a Chandler Catanzaro field goal. Just in case you didn’t realize it, but the Jets and Patriots both have a 2-2 record so far…
Texans 57 Titans 14
Deshawn Watson proved to the world that he was legit, when he threw for 4 TDs and run for 1. He almost had his team score 60 points against a respectable opponent in Tennessee, which sent shivers down the rest of their division’s necks. Marcus Mariota suffered a hamstring injury and had to be replaced by Matt Cassel for the better part of the second half. Titans fans and Mariota fantasy owners will be hoping for a speedy recovery for the 3rd year player out of Oregon.
Steelers 26 Ravens 9
This much anticipated clash between division rivals ended up being a one sided affair. The Steelers were scoring at their will on offensive, while the Ravens couldn’t muster anything. This is a statement win for Pittsburgh who want to reclaim their place, as one of the elite teams in the NFL, after an embarrassing loss to the Chicago Bears the week before.
Bengals 31 Browns 7
Finally! The city of Cincinnati rejoice for your horrid football team has finally gotten themselves a win! Andy Dalton played like a starting caliber QB, as he threw for 4 TDs and no interception against the questionable Cleveland Browns secondary. The Browns are looking as good as the Browns of last season, but they can still manage a 6-10 record (which I had predicted during the preseason) if they step it up.
Lions 14 Vikings 7
The Lions offense continued to play extremely well. It was a relatively back and forth game and backup QB Case Keenum played solid. Vikings fans are waiting for the return for Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater nonetheless. Either one of them were on the field, this would most likely be a different result.
Rams 35 Cowboys 30
How about the LA Rams under first year head coach Sean McVay! They finally look like they have a high scoring offense, which was a weak point last season. The Rams defense under the respected Wade Phillips played as solid as ever. Are the Rams legitimate playoff contenders this year? That is the question in everyone’s mind after a win like this.
Bills 23 Falcons 17
The Buffalo Bills are atop the AFC East since 2008 (cough cough the year the Dolphins won the division). They went to Atlanta and outplayed last year’s Super Bowl runner ups. The much improved Bills defense, especially secondary, played extremely well, as well as their electric offense with Tyrod Taylor at the helm. I’m sure Atlanta will bounce back from this game and continue to dominate this year, though.
Eagles 26 Chargers 24
This one was a nail biter, as the Eagles got the narrow win over a Los Angeles side that is trying to figure out what’s missing from their team. Carson Wentz is continuing to impress, while the stout Philly defensive line was dominant as usual. Will the Chargers find their winning ways this season? Let’s see as the year goes on.
Cardinals 18 49ers 15
Another close call against a horrible team, for an aging Cardinals team. Larry Fitzgerald caught the game winning TD in overtime to give his team the win. There are plenty of questions that came out of this narrow win for both sides though… Is Carson Palmer finished? How are the Cardinals going to continue to pan out without David Johnson? Will the 49ers win a game this year?
Buccaneers 25 Giants 23
This was looking like the week the Giants were going to get out of their losing streak. Their outstanding offense played up to their potential, but it wasn’t enough against a Bucs team that is trying to reach the postseason and compete. The Giants are an O-line away from winning games, but have yet to truly address the issue.
Broncos 16 Raiders 10
Derek Carr hurt again! This time with back problems and he’s looking to be out a month to 6 weeks! How will the Raiders play with E.J. Manuel as the starting QB? They could still make some noise, but it won’t be easy. On the Denver side, they are looking like a true contender this year. Their defense is playing as well as ever and Trevor Siemian is proving to be a good fit for their offense. I fully expect them to be playing playoff football.
Seahawks 46 Colts 18
Don’t let the final score deceive you. The Colts were in this game throughout the first half, while the Seahawks were struggling to get points on the board, as usual. Come second half, this offense played to their potential and their defense was as stout as ever.
Monday Night Football: Chiefs 29 Redskins 20
The Chiefs solidified their place as the best team in the NFL, as of now. QB Alex Smith has really upped his play this year and finally throwing the ball deep, while guys like Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill prove to be great. The most complete team in football is looking to stay this sharp throughout the year. Washington played well this game, but need to address the many injuries their defense suffered this game, as the season goes on.