NFL WEEK 7
It’s still early in the season and there are still plenty of weeks left for football, but this might have been the best week yet. It’s hard to argue against NFL Week 7 as the best week, many last-minute or even last-second victories were witnessed. We also watched more than enough games come down to the one score or one play that ultimately decided who would win. Needless to say, it was an exciting week to relive and would give us plenty to look forward to.
Steelers-Titans
Before the week started, we knew this was going to be an epic game. Both teams entered the game 5-0 and something had to give. The Steelers came out of the gate with an almost perfect first half. They controlled the clock entirely and were hitting on all facets of the offense. The second half was the opposite story, as the Steelers lazily turned over the ball on offense while the Titans fought their way back into the game. In a battle of two juggernauts, the game ultimately came down to a field goal. The Titans missing the kick almost reminds us of the potential doom that spells this team for the season. The Titans lost 27-24 but they have been playing in many close games this season and it was only a matter of time before a missed kick cost them a game.
Washington-Cowboys
There are many embarrassing truths from the result of this game and they all point to the issues in Dallas. The first noticeable thing when watching this game is how bad, like extraordinary bad the Cowboys defense is. The Cowboys defense surrendered 20 points in the first half in 6 of the 7 games they have played this season, this time against a team that is a hot mess on offense. The next issue just has to be acknowledged, Mike McCarthy is a terrible coach and needs to be fired. This hiring was beyond a mistake as we watch the stone age tactics of McCarthy in a modern NFL.
The final issue is a minor one but it must be considered with Andy Dalton getting knocked out of the game. I know the NFL has been out of the headlines and doesn’t want to make any big moves, but the Cowboys should consider signing Colin Kaepernick. This is a team that must make the playoffs this season and the disappointment will only be amplified if they don’t, they honestly should consider bringing Kap in.
Packers-Texans
The last time Aaron Rodgers was in Houston for a game, he threw six touchdown passes in one of his greatest career games. The Texans are a mess with many roster flaws and the Packers are a borderline Super Bowl team, the writing was on the wall. Rodgers led the Packers offense with the help of Davante Adams catching 2 touchdowns and 196 receiving yards to an early comfortable lead. The Texans tried to come back but the deficit was far too great and the Packers defense is built to preserve leads. The Packers are now 5-1 after the 38-10 drubbing and back on pace to be the top team in the NFC.
Jets-Bills
I don’t know who should feel more embarrassed about this game, the Bills or Jets. The fact that the Bills couldn’t score a touchdown and only beat the Jets by 8 points should be more than embarrassing. The Bills may have won this game but this game could not have felt more like a loss. Meanwhile, the Jets have to be more than ashamed for themselves with the game they played. The Jets didn’t score in the second half and the offense essentially was flat. This was a team that lost to a Bills squad that played a half effort. I don’t know how many times I have to ask for Adam Gase to be fired.
Bengals-Browns
The battle for Ohio became surprisingly exciting. The Bengals are built to have their games become exciting when you consider the voids on their defense with the maturing ability of Joe Burrow. In a back and forth battle, we saw the great play of Baker Mayfield who completed 21 straight passes at one point. The last-minute convinced many that Joe Burrow made his mark as a rookie with the game-winner in the last minute. The problem was that Baker Mayfield marched the Browns down the field on a weak Bengals defense to win the game 37-34 while accumulating 400 passing yards.
The Browns are now 5-0 against teams not from Pittsburgh and Baltimore. This would indicate that this is the year to believe in Cleveland. At the same time, the Browns will likely be the third-best team in the division, which can easily knock them out of the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bengals see the future, the future is Joe Burrow. Cincinnati just needs to provide him an O-line and a strong defense.
Panthers-Saints
Whenever I watch the Panthers, I am struck with this odd admiration for them. Matt Rhule has managed to bring Carolina to a competitive state as they are in every game they play (the only loss that was more than 2 scores was the week two 31-17 defeat to Tampa Bay). The game against a stacked Saints roster was tied in the 4th quarter and could have swung their way with a few big plays. The Saints still possess the complete roster that forces us to consider them the best team in the NFC South. The field goal victory allows them to stay on pace in the two-team race with the Buccaneers at the top of the division.
Lions-Falcons
This game lived up to the hype as the Blown Lead Bowl. Both the Lions and Falcons have given us the unique characteristics of blowing leads in the craziest ways possible. The Falcons were the team with the ball late and the opportunity was there. Todd Gurley took the handoff and fell into the endzone to set up the choke. The Lions drove down the field and scored as the game clock expired to win 23-22. The Falcons have now blown four leads this season in which the probability of them winning was greater than 95%. I actually think that this loss will ultimately benefit the Falcons. The only way Atlanta can fully recover from the 28-3 disaster is by landing the top pick.
Meanwhile after Week 7, the Lions, with much shock, now have 3 wins. I don’t think there should be much enthusiasm from the Lions fans. With the win, the roster has to feel good about their job security which becomes a little safer (Matt Patricia may last the whole year).
Patriots-49ers
This game is where you start to become concerned with the state of the Patriots. Since the 2-1 start, the Patriots have looked like a genuinely bad football team. The roster has many voids and there is only that much that good coaching can do. The 49ers offense ripped apart an injured and star-depleted defense while Cam Newton threw 3 interceptions. It’s hard to say if Cam Newton’s time is running out in New England. But, the Patriots are going to have to figure out how to stay competitive in a tough NFL season. The 33-6 pummeling doesn’t convince many people that the 49ers are back to Super Bowl form, especially in only Week 7. Rather, it just shows how much the Patriots miss the stability and competitive nature of Tom Brady (who is doing well in Tampa Bay right now).
Jaguars-Chargers
This game should not fool anyone into believing the Chargers are suddenly a good team. Both teams are terrible and one could see the obvious flaws on both defenses. Both Minshew and Herbert were constantly gashing the depleted defenses. Justin Herbert had one of his best days in his young career with the Chargers, showing LA the hopeful future in a lost season that is this one. The Jaguars on the other hand have resumed their path of trying to be the worst team in the NFL. This is a team that you can bet will lose every game for the remainder of the season. I remember the Texans in 2013 winning their first two games, only to lose the next 14. The Jaguars are coming for you Houston.
Buccaneers-Raiders
When watching Tampa Bay, you must always contrast their season to the New England Patriots. It’s weeks like these that you start to see the regret of letting Tom Brady, the greatest quarterback of all-time go and sign with Tampa Bay. The Raiders aren’t a joke and proved that they are in the playoff discussion for this season, yet the Bucs made this game look rather one-sided.
The Tampa defense looks better than I anticipated as they appear to have found the formula even without Vita Vea. The Bucs defense may allow 20 points to the Raiders, but stars like Ndamukong Suh, Devin White, and Lavonte David have proven that they can create turnovers and make big plays. The 45-20 Week 7 victory makes many fans wonder if the Bucs are Super Bowl favorites at the moment. I would say that they are close but still behind the Packers and Seahawks for NFC supremacy.
Chiefs-Broncos
Our first snow game of the year! It feels weird and great at the same time. A snow game implies a lower score and also implies that offenses will be stymied. This game went on course with the Chiefs offense carving up the Broncos injury-plagued defense. The only addition was the display of the Chiefs’ great defensive play. Few fans give the Chiefs defense much credit but they proved on Sunday that they have a championship-caliber defense. The Chiefs once again made us wonder if they are the best team in the NFL with a Week 7 blowout. A win against the Broncos shouldn’t convince anyone but the complete victory has to be incredibly persuasive.
Seahawks-Arizona
This game looked to be a classic Seattle route as they rolled to an early 20-7 lead. Yet, we were reminded of one noticeable error in the Seahawks campaign to win a Super Bowl. This team does not have a defense and most importantly, doesn’t have a pass defense. The Cardinals fought all the way back to tie this game at 34 and send it to overtime. The Cardinals pulled off the upset with the second field goal opportunity in overtime. Of all the games, Sunday night gave us the upset of Week 7. The Seahawks more than ever need Jamal Adams back to win the Super Bowl. They need the game-changer and someone who can help the historically atrocious pass defense.
Bears-Rams
This game was two teams that we as fans are still wondering why and how they are good. I for one don’t understand how the Bears have 5 wins. The Rams have the talent but it is surprising to see how well they have done this year. The game itself once again exposed the Bears as frauds. Nick Foles is not the answer and there is a low bar on the offense. Like the game against the Colts, we saw a team that has a good defense and can claw away with victories against a weak schedule. The Rams are an interesting team to follow after the 24-10 win to give them a 5-2 record. The rams finally beat a team outside of the NFC East (which frankly isn’t a challenge).
