Sometimes when we witness the changing of the guard, we can see it coming. Other times it happens suddenly and we can’t predict it. This is what is going on with Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers. Both have been the golden boys of the NFL for a long time and have had exceptional careers, but this is about as bad as we’ve seen both of these future Hall of Fame quarterbacks play. Fortunately for Brady and Rodgers the NFC isn’t strong and there still may be time to turn things around, but something feels different this time. Let’s take a deeper dive into what happened for these two quarterbacks and other action from week seven in the NFL
Brady’s Bucs Get Routed by the Panthers:
Despite Tampa’s struggles, they were heavy favorites coming into their matchup against Carolina…and they should’ve been. The Panthers so far this season are on their third-string quarterback, have fired their head coach and defensive coordinator, traded their best player on offense in Christian McCaffery, and parted way with another starter in Robbie Anderson – who got kicked off the field a week before. All the signs were there for a Buccaneers “get right” game versus the Panthers, but what happened was the opposite. Mike Evans dropped a wide-open touchdown on the opening drive and that pretty summed up the Buccaneers’ day. Tampa Bay’s rushing attack was nonexistent – only gaining 46 yards on 16 carries. The Panthers were able to accumulate 173 yards rushing and PJ Walker made timely throws to lead Carolina to a 21-3 win. How often do you see a Tom Brady-led offense not score a single touchdown? Things are not good in Tampa.
Rodgers and the Packers Drop 3 Straight:
I’m sure the Packers wish they could’ve brought back Devante Adams. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers lost – again – this time to a Washington team that was struggling and had some of their fans calling for their coach’s job. The Packers running game couldn’t get going, their receivers can’t create separation and when they have gotten open, they’ve dropped passes. Rodgers’ 40.5 QBR so far this season would easily be the lowest of his career. To make things worse, the Packers must play Buffalo next week – arguably the NFL’s best team right now. The Packers don’t even look like a playoff team at this point in the season.
Chiefs Bounce Back in Big Way:
The Kansas Chiefs, fresh off their tough loss to Buffalo, bounced back in a big way on the road in the bay area. The Chiefs stomped the 49ers 44-23 and their offense was a big reason why. Patrick Mahomes threw for 423 yards and three touchdowns, and the Chiefs’ rushing attack chipped in 112 yards on the ground on 5.1 yards per carry. The Chiefs spoiled Christian McCaffery’s debut with the 49ers. San Francisco started the game off well – jumping out to a 10-0 lead after a Mahomes interception, but once the Chiefs’ offense got into gear the 49ers ran into a well-oiled machine and couldn’t keep pace.
Are the Bengals Rounding into Form?
Are the Bengals rounding into form? Their performance versus Atlanta was the best they’ve looked all season. Joe Burrow threw for 481 yards and three touchdowns, Ja’Marr Chase was hitting the Griddy and the Bengals are now in a tie with the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the AFC North (with the Ravens coming to Cincinnati in the rematch). It will be interesting to see if the Bengals are finding their groove or was this game an anomaly.
Week 8 Games to Watch:
- Ravens (-1.5) vs Buccaneers:
Can the Bucs turn things around coming off a disappointing loss to the Panthers? It will be a tough task versus Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. - 49ers (-1.5) vs Rams:
Both teams need a win to keep place with the first place Seahawks. - Giants vs Seahawks (-3):
Despite being 6-1, the Giants are underdogs on the road versus a Seahawks team who’s in first place despite letting Russell Wilson go. - Packers vs Bills (-10.5):
The Packers will have a tough go at it in Buffalo against arguably the best team in the NFL. Vegas agrees, as Buffalo opens up as 10.5-point favorites.