Week 5 Reflections: A Thrilling Landscape of NFL 2024

Week 5 Recap: Surprises and Triumphs

In the fifth week of the 2024 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons managed to secure an unexpected overtime victory against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a Thursday night. This thrilling start to the week was followed by a victorious Sunday morning for the Minnesota Vikings, who remained unbeaten after their clash with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. Rodgers made NFL history, becoming the ninth quarterback to achieve 60,000 yards.

Adding to the excitement, the Baltimore Ravens triumphed in a nail-biting overtime match against the Cincinnati Bengals, while the Jacksonville Jaguars celebrated their first win of the season against the Indianapolis Colts. The New York Giants also ended their game against the Seattle Seahawks with a victory, improving their record to 2-3.

New York Giants 29, Seattle Seahawks 20

The Turning Point for the Giants?

The Giants, a team filled with youthful talent, appear to be making steady improvements week after week. Their recent victory was achieved on challenging terrain in Seattle without the assistance of star wide receiver Malik Nabers (concussion) and starting running back Devin Singletary (groin). The team’s performance continues to improve under the leadership of quarterback Daniel Jones, with the offensive and defensive lines delivering standout performances.

Notable Statistic: Jones managed to score two passing touchdowns against the blitz for just the second time in his career. He remained unfazed by Seattle’s pressure, completing 9-of-11 against an extra rusher. Midway through the third quarter, he was 7-of-7 for 88 yards and two touchdowns.

Surprising Performance: Deonte Banks vs. DK Metcalf

Deonte Banks, criticized by his position coach for his lackluster performance against CeeDee Lamb in the previous week, made a strong comeback. Banks forced a fumble tackling Metcalf and limited him to two catches on five targets for 24 yards throughout the first three quarters.

Seahawks: A Questionable Start

The legitimacy of the Seahawks’ 3-0 start came under scrutiny after they faced three below-average quarterbacks. Losing to the Lions in Week 4 was understandable given the absence of half their defense against a championship-level team. However, their performance in the following week left room for criticism. They competed at home against the 1-3 Giants team with a relatively healthier defense, yet their performance fell short.

NFL Game Analysis: Seahawks, Packers and Rams

Seahawks Game Review: An Unbalanced Offense

The Seahawks faced a formidable challenge, missing two of their top offensive players. Their schedule isn’t getting any easier, with the 49ers up next on Thursday night. The major flaw in their strategy: their failure to integrate running back Kenneth Walker III more effectively. The first half saw 15 of the Seahawks’ 17 offensive plays as Geno Smith dropbacks. Despite scoring three touchdowns in his previous game post an oblique injury, Walker only managed five carries for 19 yards (and 57 yards from seven catches). While a pass-heavy strategy worked against Detroit, it fell short this Sunday.

Defensive Lapses

In a surprising turn of events, the Seahawks allowed 175 rushing yards to the Giants, a team that had been averaging just over 85 per game (ranked 30th in the NFL). Even without Devin Singletary, backup Tyrone Tracy put up 129 yards from just 18 carries. Seattle’s vulnerability against the run persists.

Upcoming Game: vs. 49ers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Green Bay 24, L.A. Rams 19: Packers’ Stellar Defense

How many interceptions will Xavier McKinney secure? If he continues like this, he could surpass the NFL single-season record of 14. McKinney has intercepted a pass in each of his five games with the Packers, becoming only the third NFL player since 1940 to achieve this in his first five games with a new team.

Record-Breaking Performance

One set before the interception, McKinney recovered a fumble. The Packers now have 14 takeaways, surpassing any team’s five-game total since the 2021 Bills (15).

Romeo Who? Jayden Reed Steps Up

Following Romeo Doubs’ suspension for detrimental conduct, Jayden Reed took center stage with four catches for 78 yards and two runs for 19 yards, becoming only the sixth player in NFL history to achieve 400 receiving yards and 100 rushing yards in the first five games of a season.

Impressive Stat: Tucker Kraft’s Record-Breaking Touchdown

Tucker Kraft’s 66-yard catch-and-run touchdown set a season record for any NFL tight end and was the longest score by a Packers tight end since Tom Crabtree’s 72-yarder in 2012. Kraft reached a top speed of 19.7 mph, the fastest by a tight end on a touchdown play this season.

Upcoming Game: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Rams: Looking Forward After a Tough Loss

The Rams find themselves in a precarious position with a 1-4 record going into their bye week after a loss to the Packers. This mirrors their struggle from last year where they were 3-6 at their bye week. They managed to win seven of their last eight games to make the playoffs then, but repeating such a feat seems daunting this season. The Rams’ offense, ranked 17th in DVOA, has been lackluster without wide receivers Cooper Kupp (ankle) and Puka Nacua (knee). There’s hope for Kupp’s return by Week 7, but it might be too late.

The Playoffs Hope for Los Angeles and the Challenges Ahead

A late surge in the Los Angeles’ playoff hopes showed a 14.8% possibility.

Controlling Explosive Plays

Chris Shula, the Defensive coordinator, highlighted the Packers’ ability to dictate the run while choosing their moments for explosive actions. This strategy was evident during two of Green Bay’s scoring drives, featuring a 53-yard catch by Jayden Reed leading to a touchdown and a 66-yard touchdown catch by Tucker Kraft.

Unexpected Performance: Blake Corum

In an unexpected twist, running back Blake Corum stole the spotlight. Despite Coach Sean McVay repeatedly mentioning during the training camp that the Rams intended to provide relief to Kyren Williams with third-round pick Corum, the rookie had only participated in eight offensive snaps in the first four games. However, in the match against the Packers, Corum was involved in 11 snaps, with five carries for 25 yards and an 8-yard catch.

What’s Next?

Los Angeles is set to face the Raiders on October 20th at 4:05 pm ET.

Denver’s Triumph Over Las Vegas and the Road Ahead

Denver managed to score their highest points in a game since 2021 and first victory over the Raiders since 2019, making Sunday a day of celebration. However, the battered offensive line of the Broncos might require some innovative strategies and hard work to maintain their winning streak. The team is facing challenges with right tackle Mike McGlinchey on injured reserve, and his replacement, Alex Palczewski, forced out of Sunday’s game due to an ankle injury. Similar concerns surround center Luke Wattenberg. The team had a close call when left tackle Garett Bolles limped off the pitch for a snap in the third quarter.

Impressive Performance: Javonte Williams

Williams, who seemed to be struggling after returning from a severe knee injury in 2022, surprised everyone with his comeback. Williams, who had previously averaged 2.2 yards per carry in the first three matches, managed to cover 77 yards on 16 carries in Denver’s Week 4 match against the Jets. In the recent game, he covered 40 yards in his first seven carries post-intermission.

Looking Forward

Next up, the Broncos will face the Chargers on Sunday at 4:05 pm ET. The Chargers are likely to target inside linebackers Cody Barton and Justin Strnad. Despite their excellent performance, the Raiders managed to find success between the guards with 110 yards rushing by halftime. However, the Broncos managed to restrict them to only five rushing yards in the second half. Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh will likely employ a similar strategy, considering his team’s No. 11 position in the rushing offense entering Week 4.

Match Recap: The Raiders’ Winning Streak Collapses; Cardinals Overcome 49ers

Raiders Stumble, Ending Winning Streak

A game-defining interception by Minshew II tied the score at 10-10, reversing the Raiders’ impending lead of 17-3. Minshew, who had been on a roll with his first nine passes, lost his momentum after the interception. His game stats ended with 12-of-17 for 137 yards. O’Connell, still rusty from his time off, gave a 10-of-20 performance for 94 yards, including an interception. This resulted in the termination of the Raiders’ eight-game winning streak.

The Raiders’ Collapse

The Raiders’ game could be summed up in two words: Meltdown High. Akin to a precarious House of Cards, their structure crumbled spectacularly after Minshew’s interception. Since Antonio Pierce assumed the role of interim coach on November 1, 2023, the Raiders had been a paradigm of disciplined play, marked by a low penalty count. However, on this Sunday, discipline was thrown to the wind as they racked up 11 penalties, their highest since the 13 they received against the Patriots in the 15th week of the 2022 season.

Highlight of the Game

The standout stat of the game came from rookie Brock Bowers, who managed an impressive 31 yards after the catch on his 57-yard touchdown. This was the highest achievement by a tight end this season and the longest receiving TD by a Raiders TE since 2009. It was also the longest by a rookie since 2019.

Cardinals Triumph Over 49ers

Building on Victory

The Cardinals’ victory over the 49ers on the first weekend of October could be a turning point for them. This win demonstrated that they can still come out on top even when the going gets tough. Their defense was exceptional in the red zone, holding off the 49ers four times, and their offense finally came alive in the fourth quarter under QB Kyler Murray’s leadership. Starting the season with a 2-3 record marks a significant improvement from last year’s 1-4 beginning.

Unexpected Performance

Marvin Harrison Jr. was surprisingly underutilized. Despite being targeted seven times throughout the game, he only managed to secure two catches in the first quarter. Miscommunications contributed to his limited performance, with only two targets in the second half.

Game Summary

In two words, the game was a series of Defensive Holds. Despite some lapses and big plays given up, the Cardinals’ defense stepped up when it mattered most. They stopped the 49ers four times at or within the 10-yard line, forcing three field goals and a fumble on these drives.

2023 Season: A Tough Road Ahead for the 49ers

The 49ers’ journey to the top seems to be more challenging this year. With a stark contrast from their 2023 unstoppable run, the team has already fallen 0-2 in the NFC West and 0-3 in the NFC. As potential tiebreakers draw nearer towards the season’s end, the Niners, with their imminent short-week trip to Seattle, are under pressure to secure their third successive NFC West title.

Finding Solutions for the Biggest Weakness

The 49ers’ offensive game plan took a hit with RB Christian McCaffrey sidelined due to Achilles tendonitis. Expectedly, this has caused a decline in their ability to finish drives with touchdowns. Despite making six trips to the red zone, the team could only score one touchdown. This is a significant issue that needs addressing for a team that was the NFL’s most efficient in the red zone in 2023.

Unexpected Performance from the Special Teams

While the team has been struggling, the Niners’ special teams surprisingly came through. During the second quarter, Deommodore Lenoir turned a field goal block by defensive tackle Jordan Elliott into a 61-yard touchdown run. This was the first time the 49ers had turned a blocked field goal attempt into a touchdown since 2009. Although the injury to kicker Jake Moody was a setback, the special teams’ contribution provided a much-needed boost.

Ravens’ Thrilling Comeback Win

The Ravens’ comeback victory was nothing short of epic. Down 10 points in the fourth quarter, QB Lamar Jackson led the team to an incredible overtime win, cementing their third straight victory. This triumph may have spelled the end for the rival Bengals, who now stand at 1-4. Despite some rough edges, like Jackson’s overtime fumble, the Ravens emerged as a formidable opponent in the AFC.

Game Highlight: Unwavering Resolve

The Ravens displayed resilience after allowing five touchdown passes, managing to secure a critical turnover. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey’s interception at the Ravens’ 28-yard line set the stage for a game-tying opportunity with just over three minutes left in regulation time. Tucker, who had hit only one 50-yard field goal since 2023, successfully delivered a 56-yard field goal. He then secured the win with a 24-yard field goal in overtime.

Record-Breaking Rushing Stats

The Ravens’ rushing game was exceptional. After securing 175 yards against the Bengals, the team has out-rushed their opponents by at least 100 yards in all of their five games this season. According to Elias, this is the longest streak by any team since the start of a season since 1933 when yardages were fully tracked. The Ravens have now out-rushed their opponents by a total of 754 yards this season.

Assessing Cincinnati’s Defense and the Texans’ Offensive Survival

Unraveling Cincinnati’s Defensive Performance

Cincinnati’s defense left much to be desired. Despite their efforts to revamp the secondary for better pass defense, the results have not been as impactful. Lamar Jackson’s 348-yard, four-touchdown spree in Baltimore’s victory is an evident case in point. The Bengals managed to hold their ground even without their starting slot cornerback, Mike Hilton, but their performance was far from optimal. The onus now lies on defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo to find solutions that could potentially rescue Cincinnati’s season.

Game Recap in Brief: A Disheartening Loss

The importance of this first AFC North win and initial home victory of the season was not lost on the Bengals. They maintained command for the majority of the game, only to let a 10-point lead slip through their fingers, resulting in a 0-3 home record for the season.

Major Game Plan Flaw:

Jackson had an easy time connecting with his tight ends. Charlie Kolar and Mark Andrews contributed significantly to the offense, accumulating 119 receiving yards and a touchdown. Both made at least one catch exceeding 25 yards.

Texas Offense: Surviving without Nico Collins

The Texas offense seemed to be headed for a dominant day, thanks to Collins, who scored a 67-yard touchdown in the first quarter, leading the Texans to a 14-3 lead. Unfortunately, Collins sustained a hamstring injury during the play and sat out for the remainder of the game. The offense subsequently managed a mere nine points, allowing the Bills to recover from a 20-3 deficit and tie the game at 20-20.

Staggering Stat:

When the Texans put pressure on Bills quarterback Josh Allen, his completion rate was a dismal 1-for-14. Allen ended the game with the poorest completion percentage (30%) in a game with a minimum of 30 pass attempts in the past three decades. His first-half performance under duress was particularly poor, with a 0-for-6 record.

Game Summary in Brief: Struggles in the Endgame

The Texans have had trouble closing games comfortably, with the exception of their first game against the Colts wherein they scored 17 points in the second half. In the final two quarters of their other four games, they’ve only managed to score 23 points, a testament to their struggle in the late game.

Buffalo’s Offense: Seeking a Stronger Start

The Bills’ offense struggled in the first half, with most of their points coming from runs by James Cook. Quarterback Josh Allen’s first-half completion rate was a mere 33.3%, his lowest since 2019. The receivers were unable to get open and seemed out of sync. Even in the absence of Khalil Shakir (ankle), Allen’s favorite target, the Bills must devise strategies for more effective early drives and getting more receivers open downfield. Overcoming early deficits in future games is crucial.

Costly Games Due to Defensive Lapses and Offensive Errors

The Bills’ Game Against the Texans

The game plan of the Bills suffered a significant setback, with the most glaring issue being the third-down defense. The Texans manipulated this weakness to extend their drives, with 8-of-16 successful third down and 5-of-9 on third-and-long. Despite the fact that Buffalo’s defense made two crucial turnovers in the fourth quarter, they permitted Houston to consume valuable time off the clock. In two words, the game was littered with ‘Offensive mistakes’. Allen’s game performance consisted of 9-of-30 for 131 yards, a touchdown, and a sack. Numerous miscommunications with receivers and drops were seen in almost every drive, especially the last one where they failed to progress the ball or use up the clock. The next game for the Bills is the Jets (Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET).

Miami’s Game Against New England

Uncertainty with Dolphins’ Quarterback

The question of whether the Dolphins will continue with quarterback Tyler Huntley is looming. His recent performances have left much to be desired, and he doesn’t seem entirely at ease with the Dolphins’ offense. Nevertheless, during Week 5, he showed a willingness to push the ball downfield, indicating a glimmer of hope for the team’s offense. With the Week 6 bye approaching, it’s crucial for Miami to use this time to get Huntley on track.

Surprise Performance

Following a concussion that sidelined running back De’Von Achane, rookie Jaylen Wright commanded the Dolphins with 86 rushing yards on 13 attempts. Having shown his potential during training camp and the preseason, this game was undoubtedly his breakthrough. The team finished with a season-high of 193 rushing yards, shedding light on their physical strength despite being the NFL’s 24th-ranked rushing offense prior to Week 5.

Special Teams Struggles

One of the most glaring issues for the Dolphins this season has been the league-leading 11 penalties on special teams, with another one added during their recent game. This, coupled with a field goal fumble in the first half, highlights the areas the team needs to improve on to avoid a rough start. Their next game is against the Colts (Oct. 20, 1 p.m. ET).

New England Patriots’ Struggles

The question of how close the Patriots are to starting rookie QB Drake Maye is pertinent. Their passing game has been relatively stagnant, only picking up momentum during their final drive. The Patriots’ coach, Jerod Mayo, previously stated that their current offensive playstyle was “unsustainable” for winning games. It’s now up to him to decide if Maye could bring a significant change. The Patriots’ inconsistent pass protection, which had been a major concern, seemed to improve against the Dolphins, shifting the focus to Jacoby Brissett’s struggles. The game can be summed up in two words: ‘Rock bottom’. The Patriots’ defense held up until the end but their offense lacked vitality and they were penalized 12 times for 104 yards. This current state is reminiscent of the Patriots team from the early 1990s, known for their lackluster offensive play and being perennial favorites for the first overall pick. The most notable issue in their game plan lay in the clock management.

Game Review: Patriots Vs Dolphins, Washington Vs Cleveland

Patriots’ Blunders

Once again, Alex Van Pelt, the offensive coordinator, and Brissett faltered towards the end of the second quarter, echoing the Week 2 defeat to the Seahawks. Having the ball at their own 5-yard line and 1:43 left on the clock, Rhamondre Stevenson made a promising 8-yard run on the first down. However, rather than capitalizing on the clock or putting pressure on the Dolphins to utilize their timeouts, the Patriots made two consecutive incomplete passes. This could have resulted in a Dolphins’ halftime field goal if not for an unfortunate bad snap.

Upcoming Game: Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Ja’Lynn Polk nearly scored a last-second touchdown, which could have put the Patriots ahead of the Dolphins. However, after review, the pass was deemed incomplete.

Washington 34, Cleveland 13 Commanders: Is Washington’s Offense the NFL’s Best?

Over the last four games, no team has outshone the Commanders in terms of power. During this period, they’ve averaged an impressive 33.8 points and 409 yards per game, outperforming the top-ranked New Orleans scoring offense. Despite a rocky start, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels finished with 238 yards, with an additional 82 yards run.

Key Stat: Eight Plays, 298 Yards

Washington managed to rack up 298 out of 434 total yards in just eight plays. Their explosive plays kept Cleveland on the back foot throughout the game, with Daniels producing passes of 66 and 41 yards.

Surprising Performer: Linebacker Frankie Luvu

Despite being active throughout the season, Luvu shone on Sunday, with 2.5 sacks and a fumble recovery under his belt. He also facilitated another sack by pushing Cleveland’s running back back several yards, creating an opening for Bobby Wagner.

Next Game: Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Browns: A Tough Start to the Season

Despite beginning the season with high hopes of a deep playoff run, the 1-4 Browns seem more likely to secure a top-five pick at this point. Their revamped offense has been disappointing, lacking identity and cohesiveness. The Browns have not scored more than 18 points in a single game, and their defense is a far cry from the dominating force it was in 2023.

Distressing Stat: Zero Third-Down Conversions

The Browns, who entered Week 5 with the NFL’s worst third-down offense, did not manage a single third-down conversion with QB Deshaun Watson. This was against a Commanders defense that was ranked as the third-worst EPA in the league.

Early Prediction for Next Week: Eagles Rushing Yards

In the upcoming game, it is predicted that the Browns will surrender at least 175 rushing yards to the Eagles.

Cleveland’s Defense Struggles and Williams’ Stellar Performance

Week 6 Review: Cleveland’s Defensive Dilemma

There’s a growing concern over Cleveland’s defense, which has now conceded more than 150 rushing yards in back-to-back games. The Eagles, ranking fourth in the league for rushing yards per game (153.8), are next in line.

The upcoming match: Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET.

Chicago’s Victory Over Carolina

The Bears clinched a 36-10 win against the Panthers, with Caleb Williams, the rookie quarterback, displaying impressive improvement in his deep ball accuracy.

Williams’ Remarkable Development

In the first four weeks, Williams displayed a 17% success rate with his deep balls, completing just 5 of 29 attempts and throwing three interceptions on passes covering 15 air yards or more. Such stats placed him at the NFL’s lower end among qualified quarterbacks. However, in the game against the Panthers, Williams demonstrated significant improvement, completing all his four deep pass attempts for 108 yards and two touchdowns. He connected excellently with Cole Kmet, Keenan Allen, Gerald Everett, and DJ Moore, resulting in explosive plays.

Game Synopsis: Moore Dominance

Williams’ connection with his primary receiver, Moore, finally bore fruit against Moore’s former team. In Week 4, they had expressed their frustration over missed opportunities against the Rams, but on Sunday, Moore caught five passes, covering 105 yards, and scored two touchdowns.

Defensive Pressures: A New High for The Bears

An intriguing statistic from the game was the Bears’ defense pressuring QB Andy Dalton on nearly half of his dropbacks (20 out of 41, or 48.8%). This was their highest pressure rate in a game. Under pressure, Dalton completed just 8 of 12 passes for 73 yards, with three sacks and an interception.

The Bears’ next game: Jaguars, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET.

Williams and Moore’s TD Connection

Williams connected with Moore for a touchdown, his second of the game, to extend the Bears’ lead before halftime.

Carolina’s Struggles and Future Prospects

With the Panthers trailing 36-10 and only 4:15 left in the game, QB Bryce Young, who hadn’t played since being benched at 0-2, was brought in. Despite Young’s decent performance and Andy Dalton’s recent consecutive losses, the Panthers still believe Young has a promising future. Their next game: Falcons, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET.

Jacksonville’s Triumph Over Indianapolis

In an exciting game, the Jaguars defeated the Colts 37-34. Did this match signal an end to QB Trevor Lawrence’s slump? Lawrence, who hadn’t won a game since Nov. 26, 2023, and had suffered nine straight losses, threw for 371 yards and 2 touchdowns. This was by far his…

An Unforgettable Performance by the Offense: A New Dawn for the Jaguars

Not every play was a touchdown, however, the Jaguars’ offense put up a commendable performance that’s arguably one of their finest since the previous season. It’s worth mentioning Trevor Lawrence’s easily intercepted pass, but he made up for it by connecting perfectly with Brian Thomas Jr. and Christian Kirk on two deep throws. This comes after he failed to score three potential long touchdowns the previous week. Such a performance is pivotal in boosting Lawrence’s confidence as the Jaguars set their sights on back-to-back games in London.

Following the NFL: A Season Full of Surprises

The NFL season has been a roller coaster, from team standings and schedules to player injuries and transactions. Among the surprises that stood out was running back Tank Bigsby’s performance. Initially playing a supporting role to Travis Etienne Jr., Bigsby took center stage with a career-high 101 yards from 13 carries against the Colts. This feat included a remarkable 65-yard touchdown in the final quarter.

Astonishing Statistics: Brian Thomas Jr. in the Spotlight

Rookie receiver Brian Thomas Jr. clocked a remarkable 4.33 seconds in the 40-yard dash during the February combine. It was therefore unsurprising when he outran the Colts’ defensive backs to score an 85-yard touchdown. What’s more impressive, however, is that he hit a top speed of 22.15 mph during the play, according to NFL Next Gen stats – the fastest speed for any ball carrier this season and the second-fastest in the past four years.

A Struggling Colts Offense

The Colts’ offensive prowess seemed to have dwindled. Despite a promising start, their offense turned lackluster with Joe Flacco at the helm. Replacing the injured Anthony Richardson, Flacco displayed accuracy and coordination. However, he couldn’t replicate Richardson’s knack for creating chunk plays.

A Gap in the Game Plan: Colts Under Pressure

The Colts’ strategy of a four-man rush fell short, with the absence of their top pass rushers – DeForest Buckner, Kwity Paye, and Tyquan Lewis. The remaining personnel found it challenging to generate pressure, resulting in a failure to produce a sack and giving Trevor Lawrence a chance to outperform the Colts’ secondary.

Two Words to Describe the Game: Predictably Disappointing

The Colts extended their losing streak to 10 consecutive road games against Jacksonville. The games have been a mixed bag of highs and lows. From a devastating 51-16 loss in 2015 where they were outscored 42-3 in the second half to a 2021 game where they battled to beat the one-win Jaguars.

Colts Experience Never-Ending Excitement in the Final Season Week

The concluding week of the season saw the Colts gearing up for a playoff spot, but unfortunately, they lost. Duval never fails to offer a thrill when the Colts step into the field.

Upcoming game: Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Minnesota Vikings: A Flawless Kickoff

The Vikings have commenced their journey in the most promising way, despite the tension that filled the second half. With a flawless record, they are about to enter their Week 6 bye, which is only two wins away from their projected victory total of 6.8. Their performance in London demonstrated their capability of turning a game around, a crucial skill for any team with aspirations of a deep playoff run.

Defensive Touchdown and Three Pickoffs

Despite the worst game of Sam Darnold’s brief stint with Minnesota and the loss of running back Aaron Jones due to a hip injury in the first half, the Vikings managed to score a defensive touchdown. They also picked off Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers thrice, matching his single-game career record.

Game Overview: A Rollercoaster Day

The rookie place kicker, Will Reichard, had an exceptional day, proving to be a game changer for the special teams. The Vikings couldn’t have bagged the win if it weren’t for Reichard’s successful conversions from 54, 53 and 41 yards. He boasts an impressive season record of 9-for-9 on field goals and 16-for-16 on extra points.

Surprising Performance: Sam Darnold

Darnold’s performance was a surprising low point since joining the Vikings this offseason. He missed several open receivers and had more incomplete passes (17) than complete ones (14) for the first time in 2024. However, he made crucial fourth-quarter throws, hitting receiver Justin Jefferson for 25 yards and tight end Johnny Mundt for 20, setting up the Vikings’ final field goal.

Upcoming game: Lions, Oct. 20, 1 p.m. ET

Can the Jets Turn Their Season Around with Davante Adams?

A trade for WR Davante Adams could potentially salvage the Jets’ season. This move could not only please Aaron Rodgers but also provide a worthy partner for Garrett Wilson on the perimeter. Despite Wilson’s initially slow start, Rodgers didn’t receive sufficient support from Allen Lazard (who had three drops) or Mike Williams (who made two catches for 25 yards).

Rodgers’ Struggles and Lack of Rushing Attack

Rodgers needs to up his game as he threw three interceptions, including two in the first quarter, leading to a 17-0 deficit for the Jets. The pass protection was unreliable and Rodgers took a beating throughout the game. In addition, the team’s rushing attack was non-existent. Breece Hall, who is currently in a slump, was limited to 23 yards on nine carries, meaning he has only achieved 27 yards on 19 carries in the last two games.

There appears to be a lack of creativity in offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett’s rushing scheme, making it predictable and placing pressure on Rodgers and the passing attack. The original strategy was to have Hall drive the offense, but the current situation suggests otherwise.

Game Analysis: Jets Versus Vikings and Falcons Versus Buccaneers

Reversal of Fortune: Jets’ Defense

The Jets’ defense had a poor start, leaving much to be desired in the initial quarter. However, they managed to turn things around dramatically. Despite missing Michael Carter due to a pre-game hamstring injury and Sauce Gardner for a quarter, the Jets succeeded in limiting the Vikings to merely two field goals in the latter half of the game. The inconsistency of the offense was balanced by a strong defensive performance. Does this sound familiar?

Upcoming Match: Jets vs. Bills (Monday, 8:25 p.m. ET)

During a 23-17 defeat by the Vikings in London, the Jets suffered as Aaron Rodgers threw three interceptions, including a pick-six, pushing the Jets to a 2-3 standing.

Atlanta Triumphs Over Tampa Bay

Can Atlanta sustain the level of offensive success seen in their match against Tampa Bay? While it’s unlikely they can maintain the same level of success, they could come close. The absence of All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. from the Bucs made a significant difference, particularly with deep plays in the passing game. Quarterback Kirk Cousins appears in good form, and his increasing anticipation on throws suggests a developing rhythm with Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and others. The more this chemistry develops, the more fluid the offense should become, leading to more games like their recent victory.

Describing the Game in Two Sentences: Shifting Momentum.

Had the Falcons lost, which seemed likely with only 22 seconds remaining and a 93% win probability for Tampa Bay, they would have fallen to a 2-3 standing and potentially lagged two games behind Tampa due to tiebreakers. However, the tide turned, and the Falcons now lead the division due to the tiebreaker, instilling faith in what their offense can accomplish after a 550-yard day.

The match exposed Atlanta’s inability to reach quarterbacks, with only one sack and it being their single quarterback hit of the game. The Falcons are tied for the least number of sacks this season in the NFL, and according to Pro Football Reference, they rank second last in pressure percentage entering Sunday, surpassing only Carolina. Their hurry percentage (3.4) is only better than that of Arizona and Cincinnati.

Next Match: Falcons vs. Panthers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Buccaneers: Growing Injury Concerns

The Buccaneers are dealing with a growing list of injuries, with 14 players reported last week. Antoine Winfield Jr. returned to practice on Friday but was limited. His presence would enable the Bucs to use more dime packages and increase their speed. The return dates for right tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion) and defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (calf) remain uncertain. Goedeke participated fully two weeks ago but has been limited since, while Kancey is yet to practice. The severity of safety Jordan Whitehead’s groin injury is also unclear, and he’s one of their best communicators.

Highlight of the Game: Lost Chances.

With the Bucs leading 30-27, Tavierre Thomas of the Buccaneers blocked a field goal attempt with 6:37 left in the fourth quarter. However, Bucky Irving fumbled in the following possession. With 1:52 left, Tampa’s Lavonte David intercepted a pass but was ruled down by contact.

Buccaneers Struggle Against Falcons: A Detailed Overview

A Missed Opportunity: The Bucs’ Unsuccessful Drive

The Buccaneers found themselves with an advantage, securing a pass that placed them on the Falcons’ 28-yard line. However, they struggled to capitalize on this opportunity. The following drive was marked by a loss of 14 yards, ultimately leading to an unavoidable punt.

Eye-Opening Statistic: Yards Surrendered After First Contact

One glaring statistic from the game was the Buccaneers’ surrendering of 121 yards after initial contact, a key indicator of missed tackles. This marks one of their highest tallies since 2020, coming in as the fifth-highest in terms of yards allowed post first contact.

Comparing to Previous Matches

For context, it’s worth noting that the Buccaneers gave up a slightly higher figure of 122 yards after first contact during their Week 3 encounter with the Broncos.

Looking Ahead: Next Game Against the Saints

The Buccaneers now turn their focus to their next game, which is slated against the Saints on the upcoming Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.