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It’s Week 7 of the 2022 NFL season, and listed below are our weekly sport takeaways.
On Thursday evening, the Arizona Cardinals’ offense got here alive at house in opposition to the New Orleans Saints. Sunday got here with just a few surprises: Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offense struggled in opposition to a Carolina Panthers crew doubtlessly within the midst of a rebuild, and the Green Bay Packers misplaced for the third week in row, this time to the Washington Commanders — who began Taylor Heinicke at QB.
Dak Prescott returned to guide the Dallas Cowboys over the Detroit Lions, the New York Giants survived a late push from the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tennessee Titans stayed atop the AFC South with one other win over the Indianapolis Colts, and the Ravens’ protection held off the Cleveland Browns in Baltimore. Four groups — the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles — had a bye and can return in Week 8.
The surprises continued within the late-afternoon window, because the Seattle Seahawks vaulted to the highest of the NFC West with a win over the Los Angeles Chargers coupled with a San Francisco 49ers loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. The New York Jets continued their shocking begin, shifting to 5-2 with a win over the Denver Broncos.
Our NFL Nation reporters react with the most important takeaways and lingering questions popping out of this week’s matchups and sit up for what’s subsequent. Let’s get to it.
Jump to a matchup:
NO-ARI | ATL-CIN | DET-DAL | IND-TEN
GB-WSH | TB-CAR | NYG-JAX | CLE-BAL
HOU-LV | KC-SF | NYJ-DEN | SEA-LAC | PIT-MIA
Dolphins
What to know: Tua Tagovailoa is again, however he has some rust to knock off earlier than this offense can really say the identical. The Dolphins led the NFL in factors per drive via three weeks to begin the season, and displayed that very same effectivity with a landing and two subject objectives of their first three drives Sunday evening. Their offense sputtered from there, and Tagovailoa performed like somebody who hasn’t performed in 24 days. At least 4 of his passes have been dropped by Steelers defenders, and his timing along with his receivers was hit and miss all through the ultimate three quarters. It’s nothing to be overly involved about — though you need to ponder whether Mike McDaniel will remind him to slip after he completed a few runs by decreasing his shoulder right into a defender. The Lions’ NFL-worst protection looks like an opportune opponent in Week 8.
Will the Dolphins’ move rush please get up? The Dolphins have generated the fourth-fewest quarterback pressures within the NFL via 7 weeks — regardless of proudly owning the NFL’s fifth-best move rush win charge. Even extra regarding is the truth that Miami blitzes on the Tenth-highest charge within the league but ranks twenty fourth in sack charge. Defense is complementary, which means protection and rush assist each other. But with the accidents the Dolphins’ secondary is going through, their move rush should carry extra of the load till their counterparts get wholesome. Their 9 blitzes Sunday evening generated only one stress — that merely will not lower it shifting ahead. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Next sport: at Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Steelers
What to know: After surrendering an enormous first quarter, the Steelers’ protection dampened Tua Tagovailoa’s return on Sunday evening. The defensive backs simply barely missed 4 would-be picks, and after giving up 13 factors within the first quarter, the Steelers held the Dolphins to simply three factors over the ultimate three — together with a shutout within the second half. The protection gave up massive performs in spots to Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, however within the second half, the Steelers held the Dolphins on fourth-and-3 and compelled 4 consecutive punts — together with two three-and-outs. While the offense struggled, the protection performed soundly within the second half, giving up solely 127 yards after surrendering 246 within the first half. It’s the second sturdy efficiency — together with essential halftime changes — by the protection after beating Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers every week earlier. With T.J. Watt nearing his return from a Week 1 pectoral tear, the Steelers’ protection is shaping as much as be a a lot stronger unit than it appeared within the first month of the season.
Can the Steelers’ offense discover consistency? Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett was inserted at halftime of the Jets sport to present the Steelers’ offense a spark. In two begins since, the offense glints just like the flame of a lighter operating out of butane. Occasionally, all the pieces clicks — just like the second-quarter drive wherein George Pickens hauled in 4 targets and scored his first NFL landing. But different instances, it rapidly fizzles out, like the 2 would-be game-winning fourth-quarter drives that ended as a substitute with purple zone picks. Pickett’s offense is undeniably a work-in-progress, however the Steelers have struggled to maintain drives as a rule with conservative playcalls and expensive, premature errors, and playmakers like Pickens disappear for lengthy stretches. The items are there, however the Steelers have not been capable of persistently put them collectively. More time collectively might assist the offensive cohesion, however partly due to the midseason quarterback swap, it has been a slow-developing course of. — Brooke Pryor
Next sport: at Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Seahawks
What to know: With an offense that is nonetheless rolling and a protection that has lastly caught up, the Seahawks appear to be professional contenders, however DK Metcalf’s knee harm is a trigger for concern. The Seahawks at the moment are in sole possession of first place within the NFC West at 4-3 after an entire efficiency of their win over the Chargers. Their offense bought one other environment friendly outing from quarterback Geno Smith and a pair of speeding touchdowns from rookie operating again Kenneth Walker III, together with a 74-yarder. With three sacks and two takeaways, their protection seems to be prefer it has turned itself round after one other depressing begin.
Can the offense maintain this up if Metcalf misses time? Metcalf was carted off the sector within the first half and rapidly dominated out. The Seahawks have the posh of primarily having two No. 1 receivers in Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, however Metcalf makes so many issues occur along with his potential to make contested catches, stretch defenses and liberate teammates by taking on double-teams. Marquise Goodwin stepped up on this sport with a pair of landing catches. Seattle will want Dee Eskridge to do the identical if Metcalf’s harm is severe. — Brady Henderson
Next sport: vs. Giants (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Chargers
What to know: The Chargers managed a few ugly wins in a three-game win streak however failed to point out up Sunday and suffered one very ugly loss to the Seahawks. Squandering a chance to enhance to 5-2 and earn their first four-game win streak since 2018, they as a substitute drop to 4-3 and go right into a bye week with an pressing have to do some soul looking out in regard to who they’re and the place they need to go.
How do the Chargers handle their accidents? It has been a season marked by accidents, and now they will add two extra important questions after cornerback J.C. Jackson left the sector on a cart due to a proper knee harm and extensive receiver Mike Williams suffered a proper ankle harm. — Lindsey Thiry
Next sport: at Falcons (Sunday, Nov. 6, 1 p.m. ET)
Jets
What to know: The Jets are 5-2 for the primary time since 2010, their final playoff season, and have adopted the identical type of play: improbable protection, low-mistake offense. It’s not fairly, nevertheless it’s working for the Jets. They had no turnovers for the third straight sport — they hadn’t achieved that since 2010 — letting their protection win the field-position sport. They pissed off Denver backup QB Brett Rypien with glorious move protection, highlighted by a Lamarcus Joyner interception and three move breakups by Sauce Gardner. Say this for the Jets: They now boast a 4-0 street file. They have not achieved that since … you guessed it, 2010.
Can the Jets’ offense handle with out Breece Hall? This was a pricey sport for the Jets, as they misplaced rookie standout operating again Hall to a knee harm within the second quarter. It can be devastating if it is a long-term harm. Hall, who scored on a 62-yard landing run, is the face of the offense. He helps take the stress off quarterback Zach Wilson, who struggled for the second week in a row. Michael Carter is a strong RB2, however he would not have Hall’s house run velocity. — Rich Cimini
Next sport: vs. Patriots (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Broncos
What to know: There was optimism in current days the Broncos might discover their rhythm on offense with backup quarterback Brett Rypien within the lineup. File that away as a result of the Broncos had their sixth sport of the season with 16 or fewer factors and their third with 11 or fewer. Despite Denver’s protection conserving the Jets to below 300 yards, it did not matter.
What can the Broncos’ offense do to seek out some factors? The Broncos have been higher Sunday after they bulked up on offense — formations with two or three tight ends and two backs. They moved the ball higher Sunday after they have been in these groupings and misplaced their means, once more, after they bought in catch-up mode and leaned on their three-wide receiver units. They merely have to simply accept that they can not play how they need to proper now and should play the way in which they should. — Jeff Legwold
Next sport: at Jaguars (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Chiefs
What to know: There is life within the Chiefs’ move rush past defensive deal with Chris Jones, in spite of everything. The Chiefs began slowly with their stress in opposition to 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo however bought their rush going, and it was productive — notably in key moments of the sport. Their protection shall be tough to take care of if they will proceed this sort of stress.
Can the Chiefs afford to proceed utilizing rookie Skyy Moore to return punts? No Super Bowl contender might afford to do this. Moore is studying on the job. He did not return punts in faculty and had his second fumbled return of the season in opposition to the 49ers. The first one helped the Chiefs lose a sport in opposition to the Colts in Week 3. This one did not, however the Chiefs want to present him a while to study his new craft on the observe subject as a substitute of in sport motion. — Adam Teicher
Next sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, Nov. 6, 8:20 p.m. ET)
49ers
What to know: Much was fabricated from the 49ers’ addition of operating again Christian McCaffrey, however basic supervisor John Lynch warned final week that McCaffrey is not a magic treatment for what ails the Niners. That was readily obvious Sunday, because the protection bought torched by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the offense did not sustain, settling for subject objectives when touchdowns have been wanted. McCaffrey can and can assist, however at 3-4, the Niners are going to want loads of enchancment elsewhere.
What’s fallacious with the 49ers’ protection? The Niners’ protection has come crashing again to Earth. That was to be anticipated because the opponents bought higher and accidents piled up, however Sunday was a impolite awakening. The Niners had Kansas City in third-and-20 and third-and-12 within the second half with an opportunity to get off the sector. They gave up a mixed 91 yards on these two performs. Injuries apart, there’s sufficient expertise right here to forestall these forms of issues from taking place. — Nick Wagoner
Next sport: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Raiders
What to know: The Raiders are able to go on a post-bye run. While they have been 1-4 coming into Sunday, simply 3-16 after the bye since 2003 and had misplaced their previous 5 such video games by a mean of 17.8 factors, their expertise urged they have been higher. Much higher. And after beating Houston, the schedule lightens up significantly, with none of their subsequent 5 opponents boasting a profitable file getting into this weekend. In reality, ESPN’s Football Power Index favors Las Vegas to win 9 of its final 11 video games.
Is Josh Jacobs the Raiders’ MVP? Yes. Jacobs, who had his fifth-year possibility declined by the brand new regime, is enjoying for a contract. Davante Adams could be extra explosive, and Derek Carr is on the controls. But Jacobs — who turned the primary participant in franchise historical past with three straight video games of 100 speeding yards and a speeding TD and joined Marcus Allen along with his fifth profession sport gaining 100 speeding yards and scoring a number of TDs — saved the offense afloat once more. He completed with 143 yards and three TDs on 20 carries, turning into simply the third again in franchise historical past with a number of video games with three speeding touchdowns, together with Allen and Pete Banaszak. — Paul Gutierrez
Next sport: at Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Texans
What to know: Quarterback Davis Mills performed his finest sport of the season. Prior to the bye, Mills appeared shaky, finishing 62.7% of his passes for 5 landing passes with 4 interceptions. But in opposition to the Raiders, he was significantly better. He accomplished 68% of his passes, threw two landing passes and logged a season-high 302 yards. Mills was additionally cash on third downs, throwing each of his TD passes on that down. However, he did throw a pick-six late within the fourth quarter, which blew the sport open.
What’s happening with the Texans’ run protection? The Texans have allowed the third-most speeding yards within the NFL (989), and their points stopping the run value them a possible win in a sport they led 20-17 early within the fourth quarter. Jacobs rushed for 143 yards and three touchdowns, two coming within the fourth quarter, in opposition to the Texans as Houston’s run woes appeared eerily much like the Week 3 loss to the Bears, when it allowed 281 speeding yards. The Texans should determine issues out — quick. — DJ Bien-Aime
Next sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Panthers
What to know: The remainder of the NFL may need declared the Panthers (2-5) in tank mode after they traded star operating again Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, however interim coach Steve Wilks and his gamers aren’t going there, as they promised all week. They put collectively their most full sport of the season, lastly getting sufficient offense to again one more strong defensive efficiency. They confirmed they nonetheless have the battle to stay within the race for the NFC South, shifting inside a sport of Tampa Bay (3-4) and Atlanta (3-4) with the Falcons subsequent on the schedule. And quarterback PJ Walker confirmed he ought to stay the starter even when Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold return from ankle accidents. And, oh, that McCaffrey fellow. The Panthers bought virtually 200 yards speeding out of their new duo of D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard.
Should PJ Walker stay the starter subsequent week in opposition to Atlanta even when Baker Mayfield is able to return from an ankle harm? Absolutely. Walker was allowed to do what he does finest on Sunday by way of getting the ball downfield, and he responded with two touchdowns on an environment friendly 16-of-22 passing. He’s now 3-1 as an NFL starter, 1-1 this season. Mayfield will not prefer it, however this would possibly sign the tip for him at Carolina. It felt prefer it was the tip even earlier than as we speak, given the league-low numbers Mayfield was placing up. — David Newton
Next sport: at Falcons (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers
What to know: For the second week in a row, Tom Brady and the Bucs have been favored by 9.5 factors, and as soon as once more, they stunk it up, this time in opposition to a crew that fired its head coach and just lately traded away two offensive stars. The Bucs’ offense appeared completely dreadful with an abundance of dropped passes, miscues, questionable playcalling and, in fact, safety points, mustering three measly factors. Perhaps the one optimistic: The Falcons misplaced too, which means that at 3-4, the Bucs are nonetheless tied for first place. But what comfort is that after they’ve now misplaced 4 of their previous 5?
What went fallacious this time? More like, what did not go fallacious? Mike Evans dropped what may need been essentially the most wide-open landing move of his profession on the opening drive. The Bucs have been stonewalled as soon as once more briefly yardage with Leonard Fournette going nowhere on third-and-1 and fourth-and-1. And Brady failed to attach with Evans, Chris Godwin and Russell Gage in the long run zone on three straight incomplete passes from the 8-yard line. Defensively, they could not cease the run — surrendering 173 yards, together with a 60-yarder from D’Onta Foreman. Hosting the Baltimore Ravens in 4 days, they will additionally now possible be with out Antoine Winfield Jr., who left Sunday’s sport with a concussion. — Jenna Laine
Next sport: vs. Ravens (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
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D’Onta Foreman breaks free for a 60-yard run, and Chuba Hubbard runs in a 17-yard landing on the subsequent play.
Cowboys
What to know: If there was a doubt — and by now there should not be — the protection will carry the Cowboys to success. Not even quarterback Dak Prescott’s return after a five-game absence might get the Cowboys’ offense rolling. But the protection got here via. Again. After permitting two touchdowns final week versus Philadelphia for the primary time this season, the protection didn’t enable a landing in opposition to a Lions offense that got here in averaging 28 factors a sport. The protection modified the momentum of the sport with 5 takeaways within the second half that the offense become 21 factors: a Trevon Diggs’ interception, an Anthony Barr fumble restoration on the Dallas 1, a Jourdan Lewis interception within the fourth quarter, a Sam Williams’ sack/fumble and a DeMarcus Lawrence fumble restoration to finish the sport.
Will the Cowboys ever determine their third-down woes on offense? If they do not, they won’t be a severe menace. They entered the sport changing simply 32% of their third-down tries, and issues have been purported to be higher upon Prescott’s return. They have been 3-of-9 on third down. Through three quarters, Prescott was 0-for-1 with two sacks on third down. In the opener in opposition to Tampa Bay, he was 3-of-9 with an interception on third down. In the fourth quarter, they have been stopped on third-and-1 when the Lions snuffed out a toss play to Tony Pollard. — Todd Archer
Next sport: vs. Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Lions
What to know: Turnovers completely harm the Lions in vital moments. Quarterback Jared Goff threw two interceptions — and added two fumbles within the fourth. Also, operating again Jamaal Williams fumbled twice — together with one on the aim line to begin the fourth. Detroit was already going through an uphill battle after shedding extensive receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown to a concussion through the first quarter. And the Lions have been enjoying with out receiver DJ Chark (ankle) — who was just lately positioned on injured reserve — and operating again D’Andre Swift (shoulder/ankle), who has missed the previous three video games. So these errors proved to be pricey whereas Detroit was undermanned.
Will the Lions’ protection enhance from this efficiency shifting ahead? This season it has been powerful to get the offense and protection on the identical web page. Entering this sport, Detroit’s protection was permitting a league-high 34 factors per sport, however through the bye, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn made some modifications, notably having No. 2 total choose Aidan Hutchinson work with each the linebackers and defensive linemen to place him higher for achievement. It labored in Dallas, as he racked up 1.5 sacks. Plus, Texas product Jeff Okudah performed impressed soccer with a career-high 15 complete tackles. So, yeah, the Lions actually cannot do any worse than the primary 4 video games, when the protection was horrendous. On a vibrant observe, they allowed a season-low 24 factors to the Cowboys — however a loss is a loss. — Eric Woodyard
Next sport: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
What to know: The Titans accomplished a sweep of the Colts to strengthen their lead atop the AFC South. The Titans’ defensive entrance dominated the trenches, harassing Colts quarterback Matt Ryan for many of the day. Denico Autry continued his revenge tour in opposition to his former crew with a sack. Bud Dupree and Jeffery Simmons additionally had sacks. Pressure from Dupree led to 2 interceptions for the Titans. One of the interceptions was returned 76 yards for a landing by security Andrew Adams. Tennessee has 4 extra video games inside the division and now has a 4-2 file, because of a four-game profitable streak.
Can the Titans proceed to win video games in such an unpleasant method? Although it counts as a win, the Titans’ victory wasn’t fairly. Tennessee gained totally on the energy of its protection with two interceptions, together with the pick-six by Adams. The Titans do not ship many explosive performs, as a substitute counting on lengthy drives to get onto the scoreboard, as evidenced by their 31-minute time of possession on Sunday. Derrick Henry has three 100-yard speeding performances in Tennessee’s 4 wins. Simply put, this crew finds a solution to win. However, issues will get powerful for the Titans over the subsequent 5 weeks, with matchups in opposition to the Chiefs, Packers and Bengals on the docket. — Turron Davenport
Next sport: at Texans (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Colts
What to know: The Colts thought they’d discovered a viable path on offense with their finest exhibiting in Week 6 in opposition to Jacksonville. But the heavy passing assault did not work as successfully in opposition to Tennessee, because the Titans harassed quarterback Matt Ryan all through and dominated the Colts’ offensive line. Ryan threw two interceptions — together with one which was returned for a TD — and now has 12 turnovers for the season. The return of operating backs Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines from accidents did not change the end result for the Colts, who’re operating out of time to salvage their floundering offense.
Can the Colts repair their offense? Against groups that do not have dominant defensive fronts, the Colts possible have sufficient firepower to make issues powerful on opponents. But after they fail to win up entrance, as they did on Sunday, it is simpler for a protection to neutralize receivers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and Parris Campbell. Their issues are elementary: an offensive line that’s enjoying at an unacceptable stage and a quarterback who’s shrinking within the face of the ensuing move rush. How do you repair that? — Stephen Holder
Next sport: vs. Commanders (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Bengals
What to know: Earlier within the week, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow mentioned a three-game stretch in opposition to the Falcons, Browns and Panthers was going to outline Cincinnati’s season. It represented three alternatives to financial institution victories in a good AFC North race heading into the crew’s bye in Week 10. Behind a record-breaking day from Burrow, who turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to have 5 video games of 400 or extra passing yards in his first three seasons, the Bengals began out with a win.
Buy or promote WR Tyler Boyd’s efficiency? Buy. Boyd had a career-high 155 receiving yards, with the majority of that coming within the first quarter. Even with an offense that options Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Boyd confirmed why coach Zac Taylor considers him among the best slot receivers within the league. — Ben Baby
Next sport: at Browns (Monday, Oct. 31, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Falcons
What to know: On an unpleasant day throughout, particularly for a protection left short-handed by A.J. Terrell’s hamstring harm, there would possibly but be excellent news for the Falcons: Not many offenses are as explosive as that of the Bengals. And with a stretch that features video games in opposition to the Bears, Commanders and Steelers and two in opposition to the Panthers arising, the Falcons should hope this was a nasty matchup as a substitute of an indication of issues to return.
Can Atlanta’s offense maintain when it will get right into a gap? Based off what we have seen this season, it is nonetheless a bit unclear. But Sunday didn’t present a lot confidence. Trailing by 18 factors within the fourth quarter, the Falcons appeared to remain of their similar run-based offense. It labored in close to comebacks in opposition to the Buccaneers and Rams, however in opposition to a extra explosive offense in Cincinnati, and with the crew’s secondary decimated by harm, it did not work. This goes to be one thing to concentrate to going ahead however is not an enormous concern. Yet. — Michael Rothstein
Next sport: vs. Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
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Ja’Marr Chase goes 41 yards into the tip zone for an additional Bengals landing.
Ravens
What to know: The Ravens nonetheless have fourth-quarter points however lastly bought some success on the finish. It appeared like Baltimore was about to present away one other double-digit lead after operating again Justice Hill fumbled with 3:12 left within the sport. But Malik Harrison blocked a possible game-tying 61-yard subject aim. Then Ravens security Geno Stone compelled a fumble on the Browns’ remaining possession as the sport ended. The Ravens averted turning into simply the third crew prior to now decade to lose 4 instances within the first seven weeks in video games wherein they held double-digit leads.
What’s happening with Lamar Jackson throwing the ball? Defenses have turned up the warmth with blitzes, and Jackson has not been sharp or decisive with the ball. On Sunday, he completed with 120 yards passing, the sixth fewest of his five-year profession. Two completions — a 31-yard move to Devin Duvernay and a 19-yard dump-off to fullback Patrick Ricard — accounted for 50 of these yards. Jackson mentioned this week that the Ravens have to cease overthinking and simply play. But Baltimore’s points go deeper than that. Over the previous 4 video games, Jackson has thrown three TDs and 4 INTs. — Jamison Hensley
Next sport: at Buccaneers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Browns
What to know: Cleveland performed arguably its finest sport of the season in Baltimore. But too many errors on a possible game-winning drive sank the Browns, giving them their fourth straight loss. An offensive move interference name on Amari Cooper negated his go-ahead TD reception. Then a false begin on a game-tying subject aim compelled Cade York to try a 60-yard attempt. The kick was blocked, sealing the victory for Baltimore.
Can Cleveland get better from 4 straight losses? The Browns desperately wanted this victory to hold round within the AFC North race. Now, at 2-5 with arguably the league’s hardest remaining schedule, Cleveland’s season is formally on life assist. A loss to Cincinnati subsequent week on “Monday Night Football” would successfully be the dying knell — earlier than the Browns even attain their midseason bye. — Jake Trotter
Next sport: vs. Bengals (Monday, Oct. 31, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Commanders
What to know: Quarterback Taylor Heinicke’s sport will not win any magnificence pageants, however he excels at ignoring the aesthetics and competes. It’s why he can have a brutal begin — with a first-half pick-six and quite a few ugly incompletions early — and later lead a win. It helped that Washington ran the ball for 167 yards, and receiver Terry McLaurin got here via with an enormous second half with a landing catch and key completions on the ultimate drive. But Heinicke’s grit permits him to disregard performs that would smash different quarterbacks coming off the bench. It’s why Washington has gained two in a row.
Has the protection turned it round? The Commanders have benefited from going through struggling offenses the previous two video games in Chicago and Green Bay. But they’ve performed higher largely due to their potential to cease the run; they’ve allowed solely 3.67 yards per carry prior to now 5 video games — fourth finest within the NFL. Also, with cornerback William Jackson III sidelined, they have been extra constant in protection, particularly in zone. With Chase Young presumably again inside two weeks, the protection might be the rationale for a resurgence. — John Keim
Next sport: at Colts (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Packers
What to know: If the Packers cannot beat the New York Giants, New York Jets and Washington Commanders, think about what the Buffalo Bills are going to do to them subsequent Sunday in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills have essentially the most explosive offense within the NFL. They lead the league in yards per sport and rank second in factors. Their protection leads the league in fewest factors allowed and ranks second in yards. Oh, yeah, and the Bills have been on their bye this weekend and play the Packers at house in a prime-time sport. This was purported to be a get-back-on-track sport after two straight losses. Instead, the Packers have their first three-game shedding streak since 2018.
Now will the Packers get one other receiver? Yes, it is the identical query as final week after the loss to the Jets. The commerce deadline is a bit more than every week away, and and not using a important addition, it is laborious to see how their passing sport will enhance. The return of Sammy Watkins, who missed 4 weeks due to a hamstring harm, did not instantly assist. Aaron Rodgers had not tried a move that traveled greater than 10 yards within the air till the ultimate two minutes of the primary half on Sunday, and when he lastly did, Watkins wasn’t quick sufficient to run below it. It was thus far off that flags for move interference have been picked up as a result of the ball was deemed uncatchable. Their quickest receiver, rookie Christian Watson, missed a second straight sport due to a hamstring harm. — Rob Demovsky
Next sport: at Bills (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Giants
What to know: The Giants maintain discovering methods to win, even when it is simply by 1 yard. Trevor Lawrence and the Jags’ offense have been on the doorstep late within the sport, however Lawrence’s move to Christian Kirk was stuffed on the 1-yard line as time expired. The Giants leaned for many of three quarters on the arm — and legs — of quarterback Daniel Jones, with Jacksonville concentrating on limiting Saquon Barkley (72 of his 110 speeding yards got here within the fourth quarter). Jones threw for 202 yards and a landing and ran for 107 yards and one other rating. It’s what they wanted in opposition to a Jaguars protection that has been sturdy in stopping the run. This was the type of sport that confirmed Jones (regardless of 5 dropped passes) has the power to not solely handle video games however win them. He led his fourth fourth-quarter comeback this season.
Just how dangerous are the accidents? Rookie proper deal with Evan Neal (knee), tight finish Daniel Bellinger (eye) and left guard Ben Bredeson (knee) all left the sport within the first half. Those are three starters. Early indications are Neal and Bredeson averted severe harm, based on sources. That’s a optimistic. Bellinger was taken to a neighborhood hospital for additional analysis. The Giants’ offense was already restricted getting into Sunday. It cannot afford for any of those accidents to be long run. The injured trio from Sunday has began each sport this season — Jordan Raanan
Next sport: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
What to know: Travis Etienne Jr. has taken over because the Jaguars’ high again. He began for the second consecutive week and had the breakout sport that many have been anticipating (114 yards speeding). Etienne averaged 8.1 yards per carry and scored his first NFL landing on a 7-yard run. James Robinson, who had began the primary 5 video games this season and 32 total, did not have a carry or a reception in a sport wherein he has performed for the primary time in his profession. He was focused simply as soon as, on a move that Trevor Lawrence overthrew in the long run zone.
Where is the move rush? The Jaguars’ move rush appeared formidable after placing up seven sacks within the first two video games, nevertheless it has managed simply six since — and solely two prior to now two video games (only one in opposition to Daniel Jones). Head coach Doug Pederson mentioned groups are devising sport plans to cease No. 1 total choose Travon Walker by chipping him or double-teaming him. But which means Josh Allen needs to be attending to the QB extra. He did enter the week with 25 QB pressures, per NFL Next Gen Stats, however he hasn’t had a sack since Week 4 and has simply three this season. Those two should be extra productive. — Mike DiRocco
Next sport: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)
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Daniel Jones pushes his means via to the tip zone to place the Giants forward late within the fourth quarter.
Thursday
Cardinals
What to know: The Cardinals’ offense is not out of the woods but. Yes, it performed in addition to it has performed all season throughout Thursday’s win over the Saints, however Kyler Murray mentioned there’s issues that the offense nonetheless must work on. And he isn’t fallacious. The Cardinals have been saved by the protection, which returned two interceptions for touchdowns. Take these away, and the Cardinals would’ve misplaced. Next week in Minnesota would be the true gauge for this offense to see if it is making strides or nonetheless caught within the mud. Having 9 days between video games will give guys resembling DeAndre Hopkins and Robbie Anderson an opportunity to get acclimated extra, and gamers resembling James Conner and Rodney Hudson an opportunity to get wholesome.
Was Thursday evening the spark the Cardinals’ wanted to show across the season? It’ll assist, little question, however the win was considerably constructed on false pretenses as a result of the Saints have been right down to their high two corners and high two receivers. If Arizona performs nicely and might beat the Vikings convincingly subsequent week, then sure, the Cardinals shall be on their solution to turning across the season. — Josh Weinfuss
Next sport: at Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Saints
What to know: The Saints are a large number on each side of the ball, however none of those issues are new. Turnovers, missed tackles and penalties have outlined the Saints’ identification this season, and even extensive receiver Tre’Quan Smith mentioned self-inflicted wounds are killing the crew. Smith mentioned that Alvin Kamara informed the crew after the sport: “We’ve got to really police ourselves, hold our own selves accountable, hold our teammates accountable.”
How does the teaching employees repair the crew’s issues with a number of accidents? Saints coach Dennis Allen mentioned the issue begins with him, and when requested how the coaches make modifications going ahead, he mentioned it is about “getting the right people in the right spots.” Allen admitted that may be a powerful factor to do, particularly contemplating the well being of the crew is his greatest concern. With the Saints down three cornerbacks and several other gamers on offense, there won’t be many choices for the Saints to show to. — Katherine Terrell
Next sport: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
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