Pittsburgh in distress
Six points, 225 yards and no positive flashes. The Steelers’ offense is a field of ruins, led by an arsonist named Matt Canada. The Texans defense is promising, but not to the point of giving the impression of being able to play 1000 minutes without scoring a touchdown.
Cherry on the cake ? Kenny Pickett is out with an injury, and it is his knee that is affected.
This team is not progressing, and seems to be sinking into an endless slump. Even the defense no longer has the strength to keep this team alive. It is legitimate to wonder if the Steelers are not one of the 3 worst teams in the AFC.
Lions are the kings of the North
The duel against the Packers looked like a duel to see who could become the new scarecrow of the AFC North. With an incredible first half on defense, the Lions proved that they were the team to beat.
The fact that defense is the locomotive of this team is crucial information, as it was the weakness of this team last season. Detroit has a complete team, and a real chance of the playoffs.
Desmond Ridder, enough!
Still catastrophic against the Jaguars, Desmond Ridder is not at NFL level. He has targets, he has a line, he has a running game, but he doesn’t have the talent. It’s time for Atlanta to try something else.
Taylor Heinicke may not be a lightning bolt, but going from bad to mediocre would still be an improvement. If Atlanta wants to dream of the playoffs, something will have to change, because this team is not going anywhere with the former Cincinnati quarterback.
Buffalo sends a message to the AFC East
Since the start of the season, Miami has been the team that attracts the spotlight. The 70 points scored against the Broncos could suggest an unstoppable machine offensively. However, the Bills found the key in defense, causing 2 turnovers and conceding only 20 points.
The attack for its part was majestic, with Josh Allen found, in perfect symbiosis with Stefon Diggs. Buffalo is once again in the lead in the AFC East, and seems to have found the perfect balance between aggression and control. While other AFC favorites are suffering, Sean McDermott’s men are gaining strength.
Chicago is the worst team in the NFL
The Bears made their detractors doubt, leading 28 to 7 against the lost Broncos. However, they managed to lose this match, conceding 24 points in the last 20 minutes. Eberflus is a defensive genius in name only, and Justin Fields broke down at the worst time after a convincing match.
If the Bears want to regain some dignity, things will have to change, especially the coaches. Eberflus’ choice to attempt the fourth attempt when a winning field goal was possible only reinforces the idea of a lost team, without a cap and without a captain. Josh McDaniels can breathe easy, he’s not the worst coach in the league.
Cincinnati is doing badly
Joe Burrow is diminished, it shows. But the evil runs much deeper among the Bengals. Ja’marr Chase expressed his frustration in the locker room, arguing that he’s “always open.” Tee Higgins is injured, and the entire attack accomplishes nothing.
Unlike last week, the defense was unable to save the match, sinking at the same time as the attack. Sometimes a group explodes despite encouraging seasons in the past, which is what seems to be happening in Ohio. Even Derrick Henry has time to play quarterback.
King Henry jump passes are back!
📺: #CINvsTEN on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/Jq9JHUeqb6 pic.twitter.com/0TLvgZ6W5a— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2023
Cleveland is orphaned by Nick Chubb
Although the absence of Deshaun Watson could be used to explain the sudden rout against Baltimore, the evil seems deeper than that. By losing Nick Chubb, the Browns lost their identity, that of a team capable of winning on the ground. 25 carries for 93 yards, no runner over 10 carries.
When the defense can’t put together an out-of-this-world performance, this team just looks like a punching bag for its AFC North competitors.
Anthony Richardson is ahead
After just one season as a college starter, Anthony Richardson was considered the “project” of this draft. He’s much more than that, with leadership reminiscent of another controversial quarterback during his draft, Jalen Hurts.
While his team was trailing 23-0, he managed to snatch an unexpected extension. It didn’t end well, but he has a place in the NFL and the Colts have someone to build their future on.
Tampa Bay is favorite in the NFC South
With the Panthers far from being a factor and the Falcons losing momentum, the NFC South may have seen a turning point this week. By crushing the Saints, the Buccaneers are more than ever at the top of the division.
Baker Mayfield isn’t perfect, but he was able to get the job done even after Mike Evans was out with an injury. There is a soul in this team, which relies on talented veterans to mentor promising young people. The ceiling is low, but it may be enough to go to the playoffs at home.
CMC is a potential MVP
In 2019, Christian McCaffrey didn’t get the MVP award because he was on a team that wasn’t winning games. But this season he is the best player on the best team in the league. Author of 177 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Cardinals, he can become the first non-quarterback to become MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
History is in progress, and for the moment no one can stop it.
Mac Jones doesn’t have the shoulders
Mac Jones directly caused two touchdowns during the game against the Cowboys. Problem, these are two touchdowns for the opposing team. By losing 3 balls and finishing the match on the bench, the former Alabama quarterback may have seen the rest of his career darken.
The “historic” draft including Justin Fields, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance is starting to look like a huge disappointment. Only Trevor Lawrence seems to live up to expectations.
The Toy Story fun game is yes!
It’s simple, it’s fun, it’s a great success.
This Toy Story version is something else 😮 #ATLvsJAX | Toy Story Funday on @ESPNPlus: https://t.co/dTahXfHr11 pic.twitter.com/aLsApx7bFi
— ESPN (@espn) October 1, 2023
