UPS
Detroit’s offense (defense to be determined)
“There’s a big question mark for the Detroit Lions, whether their mid-major defense can survive the loss of its best player, Aidan Hutchinson,” I wrote in my patient diary two weeks ago. While the hobbled defense gets the most out of it, the offense has shown it matters little in the Lions’ relentless march to the postseason.
At 6-1, the Lions should aim for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Ben Johnson’s offense operates with very aggressive efficiency – the Lions’ six touchdown drives against the Titans on Sunday averaged just under 90 seconds, causing whiplash – ’85 Bears in their prime It’s possible that Jared Goff and others will still find a way through them.
Back to reality, Detroit’s defense relied on dramatic playmaking against the Titans to get the job done. The Lions scored three touchdowns on short fields from two interceptions and one fumble, giving the offense a great view of the Titans’ end zone from an average starting position on the 50-yard line. But without Hutchinson, the pass rush didn’t exist. Tennessee’s beige backup QB Mason Rudolph threw 23 times in the first half for 220 yards, and was hit four times. Meanwhile, Goff received four hits in eight pitches in the first half. One sack came from Rudolph’s 38 pass attempts.
These numbers should raise expectations for Green Bay in this week’s big showdown with the NFC North and indicate that Jordan Love could make the most of his comfortable pocket. It also sets expectations for a competitive shootout unless the Lions can find a way to generate pressure. Trading pass rusher Maxx Crosby won’t hurt their chances.
Battle for the NFC West
The Cream is climbing to the top of the league overall as the top contenders are starting to emerge. That is, everywhere except the NFC West. After last week’s shakedown with the Vikings, the Los Angeles Rams are in last place with a 3-4 record, and their divisional rivals are both 4-4. So after eight weeks, you’re basically back to square one.
The Seattle Seahawks may be the weakest link in this division. After a hot start, Mike McDonald’s defense melted away. In Sunday’s blowout loss to the Bills, Buffalo had 14 first downs, twice the league average this season. Seattle’s next opponent is the Rams. Sean McVay’s team has been revitalized by the return of Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp. Beating the mighty Vikings could be a huge turning point, with McVay relying on the big threat of his receiving tandem to not only make key plays but also create space for running back Kyren Williams. It becomes like this. His return couldn’t have come at a better time to exploit Seattle’s weaknesses. The pressure on both teams to win could be the deciding factor, with teams likely needing a winning record in the stacked NFC to earn a wild-card spot.
Meanwhile, spirits will be high in Arizona after the Cardinals overcame another nerve-wracking matchup to upset Tua Tagovailoa’s return to Miami. Two of Arizona’s four wins this season were by one point and the other by just two points. Kicker Chad Ryland stole the show, making game-winning field goals late in all three of those heartbreaking wins. Their ability to continue to find a way to win while holding a key divisional record of 2-0 is a huge boost. The head coach is certainly confident. “See you Wednesday,” Jonathan Gannon told his team after beating the Dolphins. The extra rest will keep them smiling for a job well done before a tough but very winnable home battle against the Chicago Bears.
San Francisco is the favorite to win this division, and it’s no surprise that Kyle Shanahan rediscovered his mojo by scoring 21 points in the third quarter to beat Dallas. That’s to be expected at full strength, but Shanahan tossing the Cowboys around with seven different runners not named Christian McCaffrey showed there’s still life in the Bay Area. The 49ers will be elated to be in the midst of a bye week at the perfect time to stay healthy for Game 2 of the season. McCaffrey could return for the 49ers’ game against Tampa Bay in Week 10. Good luck, Bucks.
downs
tom brady
Remember Tom Brady? His bland Let’s Go! On a podcast, the Fox analyst, who signed a $375 million contract, lamented the lack of interesting games to analyze. “Now we’re through seven games. I’ve had six blowout losses, and the home team has only won once,” he said at the microphone later in the week…check notes…in Seattle. He talked about Buffalo’s big win. “I can’t wait until we play a close game against the home team and the stadium is cheering.” The soul searching continued, but Brady, perhaps not satisfied with another failure, let out the slur. According to Brady, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen “sometimes played like a grade school kid on a sugar high, like the Spurs” during his younger days in the league.
Bill mafia rushed to defend the comment, citing differences between the definition of the word in the UK and its broader US meaning, which includes awkwardness. This is an attempt to explain why, but it remains a pathetic excuse. Brady should be aware of the popularity of the NFL in the UK, and as he owns part of Birmingham City Football Club he should have some knowledge of the UK and his legal Considering the external salaries, they should be kept at the highest standards. He should know better. Furthermore, there are many people in the United States who find this word offensive.
It’s still early days, but both the laziness and dismal cliché of the term’s usage suggests that either someone isn’t serious about their job, or someone who isn’t suitable for the role if they can’t make better choices. It smells like that. Or maybe a valuable one-score game will sharpen his analysis.
baltimore ravens
The AFC’s No. 1 seed may have already been dethroned by the Ravens after Sunday’s crushing loss to Jameis Winston and the Cleveland Browns. Kansas City leads 7-0 compared to Baltimore’s 5-3 and also holds the advantage of having won the opening game. If the Ravens are to get back into the deficit and avoid a dreaded road game in January, the calm Chiefs will need to be completely disbanded.
The problem is that Zach Orr’s defense is dragging the team down. The first-year coordinator’s unit allowed 334 yards of rushing offense to Winston, but gave up a league-worst 291 yards per game through the air all season. Last season, the Ravens had the second-best EPA per pass in the NFL at -0.2. They currently sit in 29th place with a score of 0.16. Missed interceptions, blown coverages, and poor communication all add to the fire in the secondary that happens on a daily basis. Unless Orr can put out the fire, Lamar Jackson may have too much to overcome in the postseason.
