Week 6 is in the books and believe it or not, we are already a third of the way through the NFL regular season. As this first trimester of the season closes, we are seeing a clearer picture of who’s a pretender and who’s a contender.
Vikings vs Panthers:
This was a tough one to watch for all Carolina Panthers fans. The offense was awful for 58 minutes of the game. The first play was a clear indication of how this game would go, as Sam Darnold had plenty of time in the pocket and scrambled out just to throw an interception. Darnold clearly struggled and when he did find receivers, they dropped eight passes. The only reason the game was within striking distance was special teams blocked a punt for a touchdown and the Vikings failed on two 2-point conversion attempts, and missed two field goals. Despite their struggles the Panthers found themselves down eight with around two minutes to go. Darnold was able to convert a 4th and 10 throw to Ian Thomas to put the Panthers in business and the Panthers would tie the game up. The Vikings would get the ball first in overtime and drove right down the field and scored a TD to win the game. The Panthers’ defense was clearly gassed by the end of the game as Cousins threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns and Dalvin Cook ran for 148 yards and a touchdown. All the excitement from the Panthers 3-0 start is gone after losing two straight at home.
Side Note: I am tired of seeing fans complain about other teams’ fans taking over Bank of America Stadium! If you want fans to consistently show up and support the team then it’s up to the team to have a consistent winning product that people want to see.
Chargers vs Ravens:
This was a classic example of a west coast team flying across the country to play a one o’clock game eastern time – 10 A.M. out west and sleep walking early in the game. The Ravens’ defense kept the Chargers offense scoreless on its first five possessions. Justin Herbert’s quarterback rating for the game was a putrid 18.6. The Ravens’ offense controlled the game on the ground as their offense generated 187 yards rushing. Baltimore has won five straight games, despite numerous injuries, and is in first place in the AFC North.
Arizona vs Cleveland:
Coming into this game many prognosticators believed that the Cleveland Browns would be the more physical team. After this game it was clear that the Arizona Cardinals would dominate in the physicality department and the game. Kyler Murray continued his MVP push, throwing for four touchdowns as Arizona would dominate the Browns without its head coach Kliff Kingsbury and Chandler Jones. Arizona scored the game’s first 20 points and never looked back. The Browns came out of this game beat up, as Kareem Hunt would be carted off and Baker Mayfield aggravated a shoulder injury (Mayfield was seen in a sling after the game). Arizona is the last undefeated team in the NFL and has won four of their six wins on the road.
Buffalo vs Tennesseee:
In a wild game that featured seven lead changes, the Titans were able to make one more play to outlast the Buffalo Bills, 34-31. Derrick Henry ran for 140 yards and three touchdowns – continuing his run as the best running back in the game. The Titans’ defense was able to stop Josh Allen deep in its own territory on 4th and inches, as it appeared Allen lost his footing on the quarterback sneak. This win didn’t come without a price, as Taylor Lewan would leave the game for the Titans with a concussion. Lewan is a 3-time pro-bowler and a key figure on the Titans roster. The Titans and Bills are both 4-2 and have separation in their divisions. I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw these two teams duke it out in the playoffs.
Quick Notes:
- Aaron Rodgers told Bears fans he owns them and it’s the truth. Rodgers is 22-5 vs Chicago.
- Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have all the tools for a deep playoff run, but questionable decisions by their head coach, Mike McCarthy, could be their undoing.
- Cam Newton has talked to a few teams about a possible return, with Seattle being a team that’s mentioned.
- The Washington Football Team retiring Sean Taylor’s jersey was nothing but a PR stunt and a money grab to put fans in the stands – with many people calling for all the emails in the investigation into their team to be released. It also should be noted that Washington is at the bottom of the NFL in attendance, averaging 51,082 fans with 62% of the stadium full. Don’t be fooled, they could’ve retired Taylor’s jersey years ago.
Week 7 Games to Watch:
- Kansas City (3-3) vs Tennessee (4-2)
- Cincinnati (4-2) vs Baltimore (5-1)