NFL Week 9 Takeaways: Lamar Jackson Shines, Cowboys Staring Down Lost Season and More
Week 9 marked the final slate of the first half of the 2024 NFL season—and we experienced no shortage of excitement, disappointment and surprises.
The New York Jets had been the last two, and they kicked off Week 9 trying to end a five-game skid against a banged-up Houston Texans team. Said skid was ended by a big second half from the Jets, which raises a question...
How many injuries are too many for Houston to bear?
The Kansas City Chiefs finished the week with a thrilling overtime victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Chiefs remain undefeated, and they may be getting more dangerous thanks to their newest offensive playmaker.
Sunday's slate brought plenty of pivotal developments as well.
The Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens appear to be back on track, while the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins find themselves on the brink of lost seasons. The Indianapolis Colts appeared to have made a baffling decision to start quarterback Joe Flacco, and QB questions remain for the Las Vegas Raiders.
Bleacher Report NFL Analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski answered multiple questions and more—with game-by-game breakdowns of the biggest takeaways from Week 9.
Kansas City Chiefs 30, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24
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Chiefs Have Their New No. 1 Receiver in DeAndre Hopkins
The Chiefs won it in overtime with a walk-off touchdown run by Kareem Hunt. What stood out the most on Monday night, though, was just how much new receiver DeAndre Hopkins made a difference.
Acquiring Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans only cost Kansas City a conditional fifth-round pick. That deal landed the Chiefs their new No. 1 wideout, at least for the remainder of the season.
Only two games into his Chiefs tenure, Hopkins has shown that he's a receiver that Patrick Mahomes trusts. That became evident in the second quarter, when Mahomes fired a pass downfield to Hopkins with multiple defenders in the area.
Hopkins made a tough contested catch for 35 yards—more than he had in all of last week's debut. That reception helped set up a goal-to-go situation and the first of Hopkins' two receiving touchdowns. He finished with seven catches, 71 yards and the two scores.
Hopkins isn't the shifty, speedy receiver that former No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice (knee, out for season) is. Even at 32 years old, though, he can be a reliable top target in other ways. He has sure hands, a large frame (6'1", 212 lbs) and an ability to turn a small amount of separation into a large receiving window.
Along with tight end Travis Kelce, Hopkins gives the Chiefs two dangerous possession receivers who can create mismatches and generate plays down the field. He can also help Kansas City fare better in the red zone.
The Chiefs came into Week 9 with the 9th-lowest red-zone touchdown rate (51.9 percent).
Hopkins may not have a multi-year tenure in Kansas City, but he'll be a huge asset during the Chiefs' pursuit of a third consecutive championship.
Buccaneers Could Lose Their Offensive Coordinator For the Second Straight Year
Tampa fell short in overtime, but taking the defending champs to overtime was impressive, especially given the holes the Buccaneers have on offense because of injuries. Tampa might have stolen a win if head coach Todd Bowles had opted to go for two following the final score in regulation, and that will undoubtedly be discussed throughout the week.
The Bucs got to overtime thanks to a gritty performance by quarterback Baker Mayfield (23-of-31 for 199 yards, 2 TDs) and some masterful play-calling by offensive coordinator Liam Coen.
Mayfield, who didn't touch the ball in overtime, continues to look like Tampa's long-term answer at quarterback. Coen looks like a coach who could be at the helm of another team in 2025.
This past offseason, the Buccaneers lost offensive coordinator Dave Canales when he took the head coaching job with the Carolina Panthers. Tampa replaced him with Coen, who was the Kentucky Wildcats OC in 2023 but served as the Los Angeles Rams coordinator under Sean McVay the previous year.
Tampa was dealt a major blow two weeks ago when receivers Mike Evans (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (ankle, out for season) were injured. Coen has found ways to adjust by involving running backs, utilizing tight end Cade Otton and using pre-snap motion and creative blocking schemes to keep defenses off-balance.
His creativity was on full display against Kansas City, even if the offense didn't produce gaudy numbers (284 total yards). Tampa was also without rookie receiver Jalen McMillan (hamstring) and still managed to keep pace with Kansas City against one of the better defenses in the NFL.
The Chiefs entered Week 9 ranked fifth in total defense and third in points allowed.
The Buccaneers have a chance to get back into the playoff picture due in large part to Coen's play calling. Keeping him beyond this season might be the bigger challenge.
Los Angeles Chargers 27, Cleveland Browns 10
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Quentin Johnston Poised to Make Major Impact for Chargers' Playoff Push
Make no mistake, the Los Angeles Chargers defense was the catalyst of Sunday's win over the Cleveland Browns.
Los Angeles consistently pressured the quarterback, stood tall on third downs and snagged a trio of interceptions—one in the end zone that likely took a Cleveland touchdown off the board.
Of course, teams have to score points to win games, and the Chargers were able to do that, thanks largely to broken coverages and some free-running receivers. The Chargers broke things open in the second quarter when Quentin Johnston found a soft spot in the defense and then raced to the end zone for a 66-yard touchdown.
Johnston's return was a very welcome one for the Chargers. The budding second-year star missed the last two games with an ankle injury, but he was fully healthy against the Browns and helped spark L.A.'s highest-scoring game of the season.
The Chargers offense is a different animal with Johnston (4 catches, 118 yards, 1 TD) and Ladd McConkey (5 catches, 64 yards) both healthy. While Los Angeles may still look to add a receiver at Tuesday's trade deadline—it has been linked to Jets receiver Mike Williams—Johnston is poised to play a huge role for the Chargers over the second half of the season.
It's Time for Browns to Pack It In, Prepare for Future
Last week, the Browns pulled off one of the most shocking upsets of the year. Jameis Winston provided an offensive spark, and Cleveland found a way to outlast the Baltimore Ravens because of it.
Unfortunately, it was back to bad football against the Chargers. Winston couldn't find the same magic he had against Baltimore, and Jim Schwartz's defense was gashed repeatedly, often because of blown coverage.
The loss was a stark reminder that this is a team in need of a rebuild and, ideally, a new quarterback of the future. Deshaun Watson is under contract for two more years, but if Cleveland continues to commit to him as the starter, it isn't actively trying to win. Winning shouldn't be the priority for the rest of 2024.
The rest of the season must be spent evaluating younger talent and identifying the biggest needs. The Browns have begun the evaluation process, giving second-year tackle Dwand Jones an opportunity to start on the left side.
The next 48 hours will likely be spent trying to sell off pieces and stockpile draft capital. Pass-rusher Za'Darius Smith might be the first veteran to follow Amari Cooper out of Cleveland.
"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the current expectation is that Smith will be traded to Detroit tonight or tomorrow," Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk wrote on Sunday.
The win over Baltimore gave fans something to cheer about, and so should Sunday's loss. At 2-7, Cleveland is firmly in the mix for one of the top QB prospects in the 2025 draft.
Atlanta Falcons 27, Dallas Cowboys 21
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Drake London Injury Bears Watching, but Falcons Have Depth to Overcome
The Atlanta Falcons rumbled over, around and through the Dallas Cowboys for most of Sunday. Arguably the only real negative for the 6-3 Falcons is the fact that standout receiver Drake London suffered a hip injury and did not return.
It's a situation that must be monitored, as Atlanta must still face the rival New Orleans Saints and the Denver Broncos before getting to the Week 12 bye.
London caught two passes for 27 yards and a touchdown before exiting, and he's now up to 50 receptions, 552 yards and six touchdowns on the season. He's established himself as one of Kirk Cousins' favorite targets and a focal point of Atlanta's passing attack.
Fortunately, the Falcons offense didn't suddenly stall with London out of the lineup. Atlanta leaned on Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and its running game, while Cousins made plenty of positive plays in the passing game.
Wideouts Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud III both caught touchdown passes. Cousins finished 19-of-24 for 222 yards and three touchdowns.
Granted, Atlanta's latest impressive performance came against a bad and banged-up Cowboys defense, but it's proof that the Falcons don't need to rush London back onto the field.
The Saints shouldn't serve as a stiffer test than the Cowboys did. The Falcons have a great chance to get to at least seven wins by their bye, even if they play it safe with their top receiver.
Dak Prescott Injury, More Bad Defense Should Have Cowboys Looking to Sell at Trade Deadline
The headline coming out of Sunday's loss will likely involve quarterback Dak Prescott and the hamstring injury that knocked him out of the game.
Prescott (18-of-24 for 133 yards, 1 TD), has been one of the few bright spots for the Cowboys this season. His injury, along with Dallas' lackluster defense and a 3-5 record, should have Dallas thinking about moving pieces at the trade deadline.
The defense on Sunday was nowhere near good enough. It held Atlanta to 311 yards and a 4-of-13 third-down conversion rate, but it also allowed busted plays to turn into a big second-half deficit.
Yes, key defenders like DeMarcus Lawrence, Micah Parsons and DaRon Bland were sidelined on Sunday. However, Dallas' defense has struggled all season in Year 1 under coordinator Mike Zimmer.
The Cowboys came into Week 9 ranked 26th in total defense and 31st in points allowed. Heading into a brutal three-game slate against the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans and Washington Commanders, Dallas shouldn't be thinking about adding talent—something executive vice president Stephen Jones hinted at recently.
"If the right deal pops itself up, then we'll certainly look at that," Jones said, per The Athletic's Jon Machota.
The Cowboys aren't winning anything of note this season. It's time to see what they can get for impending 2025 free agents like Lawrence, Eric Kendricks and cornerback Jourdan Lewis.
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Buffalo Bills 30, Miami Dolphins 27
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Bills All But Wrap Up AFC East But Must Address Run Defense
Sunday's AFC East showdown between the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins was a pivotal one for both teams. Miami was desperate to get its third win of the season, and it showed. Buffalo, meanwhile, was looking to take a commanding lead in the divisional race.
The Bills did just that, thanks to a last-second 61-yard field goal by Tyler Bass. The 30-27 victory wasn't decisive, but it allowed Buffalo to open up a huge lead in the divisional race.
At 7-2, Buffalo's biggest competition for a division title may come from the 3-6 Jets. The Bills haven't slammed the door shut on the Jets, Dolphins and Patriots, but it would take an epic collapse to cede the AFC East crown.
The Bills should be thinking bigger picture and about what lies ahead in the postseason. Specifically, they should be thinking of ways to improve a run defense that once again underwhelmed on Sunday.
The Dolphins rushed for 149 yards, while De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert both averaged more than five yards per carry. The game continued a troubling trend for Buffalo, which entered Week 9 ranked 27th in yards per carry allowed.
It's concerning because Buffalo is likely to face teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and the Texans in the playoffs—teams that can move the ball on the ground. During the Bills' Week 4 blowout loss to the Ravens, they surrendered 271 yards on the ground.
With only $2.5 million in cap space available, Buffalo may not be a major player at Tuesday's trade deadline. However, the Bills would be wise to try adding another run defender to their defense.
Dolphins' Drive Will Be Tested Over Second Half of Season
The Dolphins haven't been mathematically eliminated yet, but it sure felt like Miami was playing for its season on Sunday.
In a sense, it was. After dropping winnable games in Weeks 7 and 8, the Dolphins were essentially in a must-win situation. Losing to the Bills leaves Miami at 2-6 and on the wrong side of a season sweep against Buffalo.
Miami must now scramble just to stay in the wild-card mix, and the late-season schedule isn't ideal. Three of the Dolphins' final four games will come against the San Francisco 49ers, the Houston Texans and the Jets.
It'll be interesting to see if Miami considers moving a veteran or two at the trade deadline. According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, teams have called the Dolphins to "check in on" edge-rusher Calais Campbell.
The Dolphins are in an unfamiliar position. After making the playoffs in the first two years under head coach Mike McDaniel, the postseason is a long shot halfway through the year.
Players will say publicly that they still believe in this team. We'll find out if that's really true over the next nine weeks. It was easy to dismiss Miami's poor record when Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) was on injured reserve, but he's healthy now, and it hasn't made enough of a difference.
Tagovailoa, for what it's worth, has led his team to a late fourth-quarter lead or tie in back-to-back weeks, only to watch the Dolphins lose on a walk-off field goal.
Miami fought hard on Sunday. If they don't continue to fight while knowing that they're probably making the playoffs, Miami may have to consider making a few changes in the offseason.
Baltimore Ravens 41, Denver Broncos 10
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WR Zay Flowers Makes Baltimore Ravens Offense Truly Dangerous
Every defensive coordinator facing the Baltimore Ravens knows they have to solve a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma when it comes to slowing down the superstar backfield of quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. However, the Ravens have seriously lacked a consistent threat at wide receiver throughout Jackson's tenure as the franchise's starting quarterback.
Zay Flowers season is now in full bloom. He's truly blossomed during his second season, including 127 receiving yards Sunday during the Ravens' dominant 41-10 victory over the Denver Broncos. It's the third time in the last four games Flowers has contributed 111 or more receiving yards.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken explained the difference in the second-year target:
"The first year for a rookie—everything's different. Where you live is different, [the] food is different, the coaching is different, the system is different, [and] the stage you're on is different for a lot of players. Some not as much, but for others it is. Having to deal with everything that comes with being a professional player; social media, how do you handle that part of it? How do you handle the length of a season? I mean, holy cow, [look at] how long our season is. I think it's just the comfort of already going through it like all of us. When you go through something, I think it's easier the second time around."
Marquise Brown is the only 1,000-yard wide receiver that has played alongside Jackson. He never produced three 100-yard efforts in four games. When Flowers is added to Jackson, Henry and tight end Mark Andrews, the Ravens feature a complete offense that's nearly impossible to stop.
Denver Broncos Lose Identity Against Baltimore Ravens, Which Shows They Must Stay Aggressive
At 5-4, the Broncos experienced a reality check against the Ravens. Denver isn't counted among the AFC's best squads. However, Sean Payton's squad can still make the postseason and possibly surprise an opponent or two if it adheres to its strengths, instead of going away from them as it did against Baltimore.
Entering the contest, the Broncos featured the league's most aggressive defense. They blitzed more often than any other team, ranked second in sacks and produced the league's most quarterback hits, as Underdog Fantasy's James Palmer noted.
The Ravens didn't face that same approach, though.
Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph throttled down against Jackson, who has destroyed blitzing opponents all season. A more conservative approach didn't work for Denver, either. Joseph and Co. blitzed only 29 percent of the time in the first half, according to Locked on Broncos' Sayre Bedinger. Jackson and the Ravens established a 14-point lead with a pair of touchdown passes going into the intermission. The lesson here is simple: Go with what got you there.
If the Broncos want to attack opponents by being ultra-aggressive, they need to remain that way no matter who they're playing. It's better to lose being true to oneself than trying something different only to be blown out by a superior opponent.
Carolina Panthers 23, New Orleans Saints 22
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Carolina Panthers' Bryce Young Gets Another Chance to Prove Himself and Helps Case
The idea that Bryce Young will get a fair shake to regain his status as the face of the Carolina Panthers may be farfetched. The organization looked well on its way toward moving on from the 2023 No. 1 overall pick. Young is still trying to make the best out of a bad situation.
Fate intervened.
Andy Dalton's injury during an unfortunate car wreck led to Young's reinsertion into the Panthers lineup. The Denver Broncos played extremely well last weekend, but Young didn't play horribly during that contest.
Fast forward a week, and Young led the Panthers to their second victory of the season with a game-winning, late-fourth-quarter drive against the rival New Orleans Saints. The 23-year-old signal-caller wasn't spectacular by any means, though. He completed 16-of-26 passes for 171 yards and a touchdown. The credited interception happened to be a perfectly thrown pass that was ripped out of Xavier Legette's arms.
Head coach Dave Canales wasn't willing to name Young the starter for Carolina's next game, a meeting with the New York Giants in Munich.
The second-year quarterback may not get a legitimate shot to earn his spot back. But for one afternoon, the downtrodden franchise and quarterback showed a spark of promise.
Enough May Be Enough for New Orleans Saints' Dennis Allen, Derek Carr
The Saints are now legitimately one of the NFL's worst teams.
After a strong start, New Orleans experienced a three-game losing skid. Then, starting quarterback Derek Carr suffered an oblique injury. So, an extended losing streak wasn't entirely unexpected, especially with fifth-round rookie Spencer Rattler in the lineup. However, Carr's return didn't change the outcome with Sunday's 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers, who many view as the league's most dysfunctional franchise.
At 2-7, Dennis Allen's seat must be in flames. The Saints are now 18-25 during his tenure as head coach and only getting worse.
Carr hasn't proven anything as a long-term solution at center, either. The Saints can release the veteran quarterback next offseason and save $30 million with a post-June 1 designation.
The issues with Carr came to a head when he threw a pass that led wide receiver Chris Olave into coverage. The ensuing hit created a scary scene where Olave was carted off the field and sent to a local hospital. The receiver is currently in the league's concussion protocol. Former Saints wide receiver Mike Thomas saw the play and buried Carr publicly for his performance and lack of leadership.
When things aren't going well, everything starts to pile up. Well, these current Saints look like a mountainous garbage heap with everything going wrong.
"This one, this one hurts," Carr told reporters after the contest. "If I were our fans, I'd be pissed right now, because we are too. It baffles us to come in here and get a loss like that. That hurts too."
Tennessee Titans 20, New England Patriots 17
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Running Back Tony Pollard Shines as Focal Point of Tennessee Titans Offense
The Tennessee Titans have lingering questions about the quarterback position. A strong run game can help offset concerns about who is taking the snaps. Tony Pollard has become the catalyst for the entire Titans roster. Pollard ran the ball 28 times for 128 yards during the Titans' 20-17 overtime victory over the New England Patriots.
"He's everything our locker room is about," head coach Brian Callahan told reporters after the game. "Proud as s--t of him."
Over the last two contests, Pollard carried the ball 48 times for 222 yards. Obviously, the Titans have deficiencies elsewhere. However, the organization's investment in their starting running back is paying dividends. Whether Mason Rudolph or Will Levis is behind center, they can lean on the running game to at least make the Titans competitive.
Drake Maye Puts on a One-Man Show for New England Patriots
Everything seen from Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye indicates he's the future of the franchise. Unfortunately, he's being asked to do too much right now, which is leading to poor decisions and mistakes.
Between those points, something special is emerging.
Maye's late-game heroics against the Patriots showed how much of a playmaker he really is. Time had expired after New England's final snap in regulation. The Patriots trailed by seven. Maye forced a defender to miss in the pocket. While being dragged down by two other defenders, the rookie somehow found running back Rhamondre Stevenson in the end zone for the game-tying touchdown.
Maye threw for 206 yards and also led the Patriots with 95 rushing yards. Watching him make something out of nothing only amplifies the fact New England's supporting cast is atrocious. Outside of tight end Hunter Henry, no one truly threatens an opposing defense.
The Patriots should have two goals for the rest of the season and moving into the offseason. The first should be to make sure Maye makes it healthy through the second half of the campaign. The second is trying to find weapons to place around the talented, young signal-caller.
Washington Commanders 27, New York Giants 22
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Giants Must Operate Run-First Offense to Make Most Out of Daniel Jones' Starts
The New York Giants started out with a run-first game plan against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, but they fell behind 21-7 by halftime, forcing them to throw in the second half.
Somehow, Daniel Jones completed four of six pass attempts for zero yards and a touchdown by halftime. On the flip side, the Giants rushed for 142 yards through two quarters, with Jones contributing 50 yards.
Big Blue battled to keep the score close but fell short of a comeback. The club finished with 164 rushing yards, with Jones contributing 54 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
Obviously, the Giants cannot heavily rely on the run while down multiple scores. That said, assuming head coach Brian Daboll continues to back Jones as his starting quarterback, the coaching staff should simplify the game plan and emphasize Jones' involvement on the ground along with Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary to help open up the passing game.
With that approach, the Giants offense could finish the season on a solid note.
Commanders Should Be Aggressive in Addressing Needs at Trade Deadline
At 7-2, the Commanders are one of the best teams in the NFL, though they have clear needs at wide receiver and cornerback.
Ahead of Tuesday's deadline, Washington should target a reliable No. 2 wide receiver who can complement Terry McLaurin and an experienced starting veteran cornerback to shore up a defense that ranks 22nd in net yards allowed per pass attempt.
Washington can inquire about New York Jets wideout Mike Williams and New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne for help on offense. New Orleans Saints' Marshon Lattimore should be atop their list of cornerback targets.
Cincinnati Bengals 41, Las Vegas Raiders 24
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QB Desmond Ridder Will Start Multiple Games for the Raiders
For the third time this season, the Las Vegas Raiders benched quarterback Gardner Minshew, and he may have started the last game with the team this season.
After Aidan O'Connell broke his thumb two weeks ago, the Raiders placed him on injured reserve, and they signed quarterback Desmond Ridder. According to Adam Schefter, O'Connell could miss up to six weeks of action.
Ridder took over for Minshew in the third quarter, and though he didn't provide much of a spark, the Raiders may need his athleticism under center behind a banged-up offensive line.
On Sunday, the Raiders lost three offensive linemen to injuries. Kolton Miller, Cody Whitehair and Andrus Peat left the game and didn't return.
Miller is the only consistent starter among the trio, but the Raiders will find it difficult to protect their quarterback or open up running lanes with backup offensive linemen and a couple of rookies, Jackson Powers-Johnson and DJ Glaze, in the starting five-man group.
Ridder can use his legs to mask some of the issues the Raiders could face in pass protection. He's not their long-term answer at quarterback, but the third-year signal-caller can add a new dimension to the team's struggling 31st-ranked rushing attack.
If Bengals Get Tee Higgins Back, Don't Count Them Out of the AFC Playoff Race
On Sunday, Cincinnati recorded its first home victory of the season, blowing out the Raiders 41-24. Though that isn't a quality win, the Bengals improved to 4-5, and they're in the thick of the AFC playoff race, only two spots out of the picture.
This season, Cincinnati is 1-3 when wideout Tee Higgins doesn't suit up.
The Bengals can beat a 2-7 Raiders team without him, but they need their No. 2 wideout back in action with three playoff-caliber teams next up on the schedule—the Baltimore Ravens (6-3), Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) and Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) after a Week 12 bye.
Cincinnati didn't place Higgins (quadricep) on injured reserve, so the club expects him back on the field sooner than later. The Bengals would close the gap on the Ravens with a win next week to avoid a season series sweep.
Arizona Cardinals 29, Chicago Bears 9
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Cardinals are Finding an Identity and Can Make a Run at an NFC West Title
Should we overreact to the Arizona Cardinals' 29-9 win over the Chicago Bears? No, but it's not an overreaction to suggest that Arizona really might end up being the best team in the NFC West this season.
Everything was clicking for the Cards against Chicago. The ground game rolled behind the hard running of James Conner (107 rushing yards) and Emari Demercado (59 yards, 1 TD). Kyler Murray didn't do much more than play smart, efficient football, but he didn't have to do any more than that.
Arizona's defense had the sort of aggressive, physical performance we saw from Jonathan Gannon's unit when he was the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator.
The Cardinals hired Gannon two years ago to help turn around one of the league's worst defenses. It feels like Gannon is starting to put his stamp on that side of the ball. And after some inconsistent performances early in the season, it feels like the Cardinals have finally found an offensive identity as a run-first team.
Arizona racked up 213 rushing yards against Chicago.
Having an identity is big, because teams that know their strengths well usually have a game plan for the second half of the season. Arizona enters it with a 2-0 record in its division and the confidence that comes with a three-game winning streak.
Perhaps most importantly, the Cardinals sit at the top of a division in which every other team appears vulnerable.
Bears Should Officially Have Matt Eberflus on the Hot Seat
Only a couple of weeks ago, the Bears were one of the bigger feel-good stories in the NFL. Chicago has spent years trying to find a legitimate franchise quarterback and finally appeared to have its QB in Caleb Williams.
Williams was playing well, the Bears were 4-2, and Chicago's two losses had come by a combined 11 points.
While Williams still has every chance to become Chicago's QB of the future, nothing has felt good about these past two weeks. Coming off a last-second loss on a Commanders Hail Mary, the Bears responded with their worst game of the season thus far.
Both losses fall on the shoulders of head coach Matt Eberflus.
Against Washington, Eberflus' inability to properly prepare for a desperation end-zone heave was disastrous. His decision to essentially give the Commanders a free 13 yards on the previous play—yards that allowed Jayden Daniels' final pass to even reach the end zone—was inexplicable.
"It was unbelievable," safety Kevin Byard said, per Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. "I've never been a part of a loss like that."
On Sunday, Byard and the Bears were part of a complete embarrassment of a performance. Chicago's vaunted defense had no answers for Arizona's offense. Its offense spun its wheels far more than a unit with its talent should.
The outcome, of course, shouldn't have come as a surprise. The Bears are now 3-18 on the road under Eberflus. None of those wins have come on a Sunday.
The Bears weren't prepared enough and didn't appear motivated enough to even make things competitive with Arizona. That's a coaching problem, one that might not be remedied with Eberflus still running the show.
And why the heck was Williams out there taking hits on a meaningless final drive? The Bears might be willing to fire Eberflus for that transgression alone.
Philadelphia Eagles 28, Jacksonville Jaguars 23
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Jaguars Should Consider More Trades for Draft Capital
The Jacksonville Jaguars have already traded defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris and left tackle Cam Robinson to the Seattle Seahawks and Minnesota Vikings, respectively.
At the bottom of the standings with the two wins, the Jaguars can start to think about rebuilding for 2025 if general manager Trent Baalke has job security.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, guard Brandon Scherff has come up in trade discussions.
The Jaguars may also consider moving Travis Etienne as his running mate, Tank Bigsby, emerges in the backfield.
Jacksonville's roster needs a makeover. So, the front office should focus on developing younger players and offer up veteran talent in exchange for early-to-middle-round draft picks.
Eagles Must Do More to Prove They Are Playoff Contenders
The Philadelphia Eagles have won four consecutive games, but they're not yet a league heavyweight or an NFC juggernaut.
The Eagles have beaten four consecutive opponents that have losing records.
On Sunday, the Eagles led the Jaguars 22-0, but the Jaguars scored 16 unanswered points and nearly put together a game-winning drive to scare the home crowd at Philadelphia.
Keep in mind that Philadelphia lost wideout A.J. Brown who suffered a knee injury in the third quarter and didn't return to the game.
Looking ahead, the Eagles won't face a formidable opponent with a winning record until Week 11, when they host a matchup with the Washington Commanders, which may be for first place in the NFC East. Then, they will go on the road to play the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Ravens.
Don't get too excited about this Eagles squad until it plays against playoff-caliber opposition in mid-to-late November.
Detroit Lions 24, Green Bay Packers 14
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Detroit Lions Are NFL's Best Team, but They Can Be Even Better
The Detroit Lions were 35 seconds away from starting this season with an 8-0 record. But that last-minute Baker Mayfield game-winning scramble in Week 2 is ancient history in NFL time. Detroit has now won six in a row. It's done so in relatively dominant fashion, too.
Imagine if the Lions add another piece or four for their second-half run.
During the aforementioned winning streak, Detroit won those contests by a combined 108-point differential. In other words, the Lions are beating their opponents on average by three scores per game. The Green Bay Packers added to the latest tally by losing 24-14.
As good as the Lions are, they have a chance to be even better, starting at defensive end.
Aidan Hutchinson was the team's defensive centerpiece. Unfortunately, Hutchinson broke his tibia and fibula during Detroit's Week 6 contest against the Dallas Cowboys. The injury may not be completely season-ending, but the Lions will need to go on a long playoff run for any return to even be plausible.
In his stead, the Lions can add another quality pass-rusher. Help may be coming in the form of current Cleveland Browns defensive end Za'Darius Smith.
"Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the current expectation is that Smith will be traded to Detroit tonight or tomorrow," Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported.
Smith's five sacks would automatically make him the top rusher on the Lions roster (not including Hutchinson's previous total).
Both defensive end Josh Paschal and linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez are expected back even though they were inactive for Sunday's contest. Wide receiver Jameson Williams, who provides a significant vertical threat as a true speedster, will return to the lineup next weekend against the Houston Texans after serving a two-game suspension for violating the NFL's Performance-Enhancing Substances policy.
As good as the Lions already are, they're going to be even more difficult to beat as the weeks progress.
Jordan Love's Injury Exacerbates Issues with Green Bay Packers Quarterback
Everything regarding Sunday's setting was less-than-ideal for the Green Bay Packers and quarterback Jordan Love. Other than playing at home, the Pack had to face the NFC's best team, while dealing with a rainstorm and trying to do so with a quarterback who was less than 100 percent entering the game.
Love continues to deal with a lingering groin injury. He clearly didn't move as well as he normally does. Case in point, the Packers quarterback tried to evade pressure as halftime neared only to compound issues by making one of his worst decisions this season.
The Packers ultimately lost by 10 points. When that pick-6, plus a missed field goal, are factored into the equation, Sunday's contest could have looked significantly different.
Green Bay could lean on running back Josh Jacobs. A week ago, Jacobs carried the ball 25 times for 127 yards in a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, the Packers found themselves behind against the Lions and began to go away from their workhorse. Jacobs' 13 carries were the third-fewest this season so far.
If the Packers need to lean on their quarterback to win games, Love isn't that guy at the moment. He can be again once he's fully healthy. But soft-tissue injuries tend to linger. Ironically, with Green Bay trailing Detroit by two games in the division, more pressure will be placed on Love to do more.
Los Angeles Rams 26, Seattle Seahawks 20
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Matthew Stafford Is Still Old Reliable in Rams' Playoff Race
This season, the Los Angeles Rams have dealt with wide receiver injuries, and their young defense can be inconsistent at times, but the club has a constant in quarterback Matthew Stafford, who's in his age-36 term.
On Sunday, the Rams pulled out an overtime win over the Seattle Seahawks thanks to Stafford's touchdown throw to wideout Demarcus Robinson.
Late in the game, Stafford didn't have wideout Puka Nacua on the field because he threw a punch that resulted in an ejection during the second quarter. The Rams defense allowed a fourth-quarter score, which extended the contest into overtime.
Nonetheless, Stafford threw a 39-yard dart to Robinson in the extra frame for the victory.
As long as Stafford is healthy, the Rams can make a midseason run for the playoffs, regardless of who's on the field at wide receiver or even if the defense has a letdown in a critical moment.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba Has Star Potential When Utilized as a Downfield Threat
Without big-play wide receiver DK Metcalf over the past two weeks, Jaxon Smith-Njigba has led the Seahawks in catches and receiving yards. On Sunday against the Rams, he racked up a career-high 180 yards on six catches and recorded his first two-touchdown performance.
Coming into Week 9, Smith-Njigba had a low average depth of target at 7.6, which ranked fifth among Seahawks pass-catchers. On Sunday, quarterback Geno Smith targeted Smith-Njigba downfield, and the wideout hauled in multiple passes for 22-plus yards.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider saw the potential for Smith-Njigba to be a lead receiver, picking him in the first round of the 2023 draft, and the second-year pro looked the part in a loss to the Rams.
Head coach Mike Macdonald has "expressed optimism" that Metcalf will be ready to play after the team's Week 10 bye.
Even with Metcalf's imminent return, Smith-Njigba should see more targets downfield to stretch defenses in the second half of the season after his stellar Week 9 outing.
Minnesota Vikings 21, Indianapolis Colts 13
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Minnesota Vikings Cast Good Enough to Overcome Any Issues at QB
Sam Darnold exceeded expectations during the early portions of this season. But there were points during Sunday's meeting with the Indianapolis Colts where multiple "same old Sam Darnold" comments appeared on social media.
Darnold threw two bad interceptions, and his fumble after being blasted by defensive tackle Grover Stewart led to the Colts' only touchdown of the evening.
Let's rewind a moment.
Everyone knew the Vikings were looking for a quarterback this offseason. The primary reason why Minnesota became such an appealing landing spot had to do with the team's supporting cast.
Any rookie walking into that locker room had the benefit of throwing to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and tight end T.J. Hockenson, as well as running back Aaron Jones sharing a backfield.
Unfortunately, J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury before he even got a chance to play as a rookie. Even so, Darnold flourished. It looked like he finally found a home after bouncing between three other franchises.
When the quarterback isn't playing particularly well, all of those previously mentioned names are good enough to pick up the team. Jefferson and Addison combined for 179 yards and a touchdown.
Defensively, the Vikings were relentless.
A short, two-game slide had some questioning Minnesota's trajectory. The talent is still there. Darnold isn't a complete regression candidate. The 6-2 Vikings are right in the mix, sitting one game behind the Detroit Lions in the NFC North.
Indianapolis Colts Make Massive Mistake By Naming Joe Flacco Their Starting QB
Colts head coach Shane Steichen is getting used to eating his own words.
A week ago, he was forced to answer questions as to why the team benched starting quarterback Anthony Richardson after giving him an earlier vote of confidence. Steichen will now have to atone for his comments now that the decision to make the switch was made.
"And, again, I think [Flacco] gives us the best chance right now going forward," Steichen said.
Did he, though?
The Colts lost a winnable game during Sunday Night Football. A standout defensive performance by Indianapolis eventually caved under the weight of an inept offense led by Flacco. The Colts' offense managed all of six points and three of those came on a short field after a Sam Darnold interception. The unit managed all of two yards on four plays during that drive.
Indianapolis produced 227 offensive yards. Minnesota held a huge 13-plus-minute edge in time of possession. Flacco threw an interception, missed reads and barely threatened Minnesota's defense. Furthermore, the run game stalled, and the quarterback couldn't provide anything as a runner.
If the Colts are going to lose, those outcomes would be far more beneficial with Richardson in the backfield.
New York Jets 21, Houston Texans 13
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After Second-Half Eruption vs. Texans, Will the Real New York Jets Please Stand Up?
If ever there was a game that was a tale of two halves, it was the Jets' 21-13 win over Houston at MetLife Stadium.
Over the first 30 minutes, the Jets offense was, well, offensive. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was 7-of-14 for 32 yards. The Jets had fewer than 70 yards of offense, less than 10 minutes of possession and five first downs. They fumbled a ball out of Houston's end zone for a touchback on their best drive.
It's the dumbest rule in the NFL. But that's a conversation for another day.
Everything that has been wrong with New York during its 2-6 start was on full display. Jets gotta Jet. The team was fortunate to only be down 7-0.
Then, in the second half, a completely different squad took the field—especially on offense.
Rodgers followed that dismal first half with a precise second that included three touchdown passes—two to Garrett Wilson and one to Davante Adams. The team's star wideouts combined for 16 catches, 181 yards and those three scores.
One of Wilson's was the type you'll be seeing a lot of in the days and weeks to come.
Running back Breece Hall topped 80 total yards. The defense stiffened, allowing just a pair of field goals after intermission.
It was a truly Halloween-ish display of Jekyll and Hyde football.
When the Jets play like they did after halftime, New York looks like the team the fans were excited about before the season. Yes, the Texans have been hit hard by injuries. But they were still a two-loss first-place team.
If the Jets could actually put together a couple of 60-minute efforts like that second half, they might just be able to get a floundering 2024 campaign back on track.
But after nine games, it's optimistic bordering on delusional to expect that to happen.
C.J. Stroud's Week 9 Implosion Shows He Can't Carry Texans Offense
The Houston Texans have been blasted by injuries. Wide receiver Nico Collins is on injured reserve with a hamstring setback. Fellow wideout Stefon Diggs is done for the year after tearing his ACL last week. No. 1 linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has missed multiple games with a knee injury.
All the injuries have ramped up the pressure on second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud to carry the team—at least for a while. Last week, Houston was able to sneak past the Indianapolis Colts.
But Thursday night at MetLife Stadium, Stroud buckled.
His passing numbers against the Jets were...not good. Just 11 completions in 30 attempts for 191 yards. 126 of those yards went to wide receiver Tank Dell, who is the proverbial last man standing at his position.
Against the Jets, Stroud looked less like the star so many expect him to be and more like a second-year player unsure what to do. There were errant throws. Forced ones. Stroud held the ball far too long far too often—the Texans allowed a whopping eight sacks, including a strip-sack turnover deep in Jets territory.
Houston is going to have to learn how to live without Diggs. At best, Collins will be back next week. But if he's not ready to go, the Texans have no chance against the soaring Detroit Lions with the game plan we saw Thursday.
Until they get right at wideout, the Texans have to lean on running back Joe Mixon, who had yet another 100-yard game with a touchdown. Dial things back. Grind wins out.
Because it was painfully evident in Week 9 that for all his talent, Stroud can't carry the offense. Not yet.
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