The lessons that Week 5 taught us
A. Bears ended their 14-game losing streak with a great performance by Justin Fields. Still, I would sell him high if you are going to have the first pick in the draft. DJ. Moore humiliated the commanders’ secondary. Chicago’s defense limited the running game and had 5 sacks.
B. Washington’s defense is one of the big disappointments of the season. They have scored more than 30 points in each game and bad innings are common. I didn’t understand Ron Rivera’s decision to kick a field goal when he was down by 16 points. Painful defeat.
C. I like the Jaguars’ defense more and more every day, which has limited the Bills and Chiefs to a combined 37 points; Darious Williams played a great game. On offense, the Jaguars’ offensive line continues to be a problem, but Travis Etienne and Calvin Ridley were differential.
D. The trip to London seemed to affect the Bills, who played without energy. A.J Epenesa was everywhere, but the Bills continue to lose important soldiers on defense; Matt Milano and DaQuon Jones were injured. Buffalo committed 11 penalties and was never able to execute #nflxespn.
E. Aidan Hutchinson is a star with a capital E. He faced two men during the horrible game and recorded six pressures, a sack and an interception. David Montgomery shone again and Sam LaPorta is being one of the steals of the draft for the Lions.
F. The Panthers are going to have to be patient with Bryce Young, whose turnovers and bad reads continue to pile up early in his career. Miles Sanders has been a disappointment for Carolina and when veteran Adam Thielen is your best receiver, you have a problem.
G. I have criticized it quite a bit, but nobility obliges. Desmond Ridder had his best game as a professional, and that included guiding the Falcons’ winning season. Finally, Kyle Pitts was part of the equation and Drake London was the protagonist in a more vertical attack.
H. The Texans’ offense did not have its most productive day, although when it mattered most, C.J. Stroud led a series of touchdowns; He has yet to throw interceptions. The defense’s work, for its part, was very disappointing and gave freedom to an anemic aerial attack.
I. Tua Tagovailoa didn’t have the best game out of him and threw two INTs. The defense still looks vulnerable, despite the 7 sacks. But Miami’s offense is so explosive that they have room for error, especially now that they run effectively with De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert #nflxespn.
J. It was going to be an uphill battle for the Giants with all the injuries, and now Daniel Jones joins them with his neck issue. The offensive line is still a big problem. At least the defense generated three turnovers, and next week they would have Saquon Barkley.
K. True to Pittsburgh style this year, the offense was a disaster during the horrible game, and the defense and special teams gave them a chance to win. Jaylen Warren remains the light at the end of the tunnel, and Joey Porter Jr. had a vital INT, which was the first of his career.
L. The Ravens let this game slip away in incredible fashion, with three losses. Baltimore had only one first down in the fourth quarter and failed when it mattered most, wasting countless opportunities; They dropped a lot of passes.
M. The Saints defense dominated New England from start to finish in the shutout. Carl Granderson is having a great season and forced three losses; an INT returned for a TD by Tyrann Mathieu. New Orleans’ offense looked better playing with the lead.
N. Bailey Zappe replaced Mac Jones for the second consecutive week. Jones is not playing well and has scored three points in the last two games. But when you lose the last two games by a combined 69 points, you have more problems than your QB. An era is ending for the Patriots.
O. The bad news for the Colts is that Anthony Richardson injured his shoulder, although it wouldn’t be that serious. The good news is that Indianapolis is stronger than we thought. Zack Moss shined even with the return of Jonathan Taylor and the offensive line looked good.
Q. Although DeAndre Hopkins surpassed 100 passing yards for the first time since he has been with the Titans, the offense was once again inefficient in the red zone. Tennessee’s run defense had its worst day in a long time, allowing 193 yards that way.
Q. Ja’Marr Chase broke a franchise record with 15 receptions, and went along with 193 yards and 3 TDs. Even more important is the fact that Joe Burrow showed greater mobility. The defense forced three turnovers and the Bengals earned a victory vital to their aspirations.
A. The defensive cushion the Cardinals secondary gave the Bengals receivers was consistently desperate. This team doesn’t have enough talent to overcome three losses. James Conner was injured although Emari Demercado left a good taste in the mouth.
S. Jalen Hurts played a great game, shining both on the ground and in the air for the Eagles. A.J. Brown surpassed 120 passing yards for the third consecutive game, and Dallas Goedert was once again the protagonist. Philadelphia’s air defense continues to leave me with some questions.
T. Cooper Kupp returned and received many goals from the beginning, although Puka Nacua continued to mark his presence. However, the offense petered out in the second half and Sean McVay was visibly frustrated. Aaron Donald was a non-factor for the Rams.
U. This was the Super Bowl for Nathaniel Hackett, who received a ball after the game in the locker room. Breece Hall is a star when he is healthy and had a phenomenal day. Quincy Williams had two sacks and forced a fumble, which led to a Bryce Hall touchdown.
V. The fish dies from Sean Payton’s mouth. The Broncos defense allowed 234 yards on the ground and the offense disappeared as the second half began. Rookie Jaleel McLaughin needs more touches, as he has the explosiveness this offense so desperately needs.
W. More than a few hearts stopped when Travis Kelce severely sprained his ankle, but then he recovered and caught the final touchdown, proving his worth against the Chiefs. Unlike other games, the WRs were up to the task; Rashee Rice and Justin Watson had big catches.
X. Alarm bells go off in Minnesota after Justin Jefferson injured his hamstring. The offense managed to move the ball thanks to Jordan Addison, who has been a successful pick, but they still can’t run. It’s getting late for the Vikings.
Y. It’s time to stop saying that Brock Purdy is a product of Kyle Shanahan. Purdy played another fantastic game and deserves much more credit for his surgical precision and correct reads. The 49ers offensive line shined and Fred Warner showed why he is the elite at the LB position.
Z. The Cowboys are still a step below the NFC contenders. Dak Prescott once came up short, and the pressure and criticism will only increase from here. Dallas’ defense was also not a factor when their team needed it. They weren’t physical enough.