A legendary coach in difficulty, the 49ers too strong and doubts in the AFC. What to remember from this week 5 in the NFL
Bill Belichick is lost
Bill Belichick lost? So yes, the lesson may seem peremptory towards such a successful coach… But the fact is that Belichick is coming off two historic defeats in a row. Never had the coach lost so much (in point difference) and seemed out of place.
More than the playing choices on the field, the franchise is mainly imploding because of its workforce. The problem is that Bill Belichick cannot be spared on this subject as he has his influence on the construction of the squad. Players with little talent, evaluation criteria undoubtedly outdated… The problem is structural in New England and the solution could only come from Robert Kraft.
The AFC without a king…
After 5 weeks of competition, is there a favorite in the AFC? It’s not obvious as the supposed leaders of the conference are blowing hot and cold. Buffalo came back down to earth against the Jaguars, the Dolphins themselves came back down to earth against the Bills, the Bengals are still far from the mark, Kansas City is slipping on offense with Kelce struggling to start his season…
A situation which pushes us not to identify a favorite in the AFC. Not necessarily an expected situation before the start of the season.
…Not NFC
After 5 weeks of competition, there is a clear favorite in the NFC. This is the San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Shanahan’s men made short work of Dallas whether in attack or defense. Last week Christian McCaffrey scored 4 touchdowns, this week Georges Kittle was the star with 3, without forgetting Brock Purdy and his 4 touchdowns thrown. Never has the 49ers attack seemed so oiled and no attack in the league offers so many solutions to advance.
Add to that a defense that doesn’t let anything get through. Unsurprisingly the front seven is impressive but the cornerback and safety squad also continues to surprise. With already 8 interceptions this season (1st), they are on the same level as last year (20 interceptions, 1st). A performance that is almost impossible to reproduce.
So yes, the Eagles may still be developing. But for the moment, the impression of strength is certainly leaning towards the 49ers.
Jonathan Taylor should not be extended
This week, to everyone’s surprise, the Colts announced that they had extended Jonathan Taylor. The extension comes after a long crisis between the runner and his franchise over this extension and the value of the player. News that must have delighted the player and the fans.
Except that… His replacement, Zach Moss, recorded an average of 136 yards per game. This Sunday, Moss again ran for 165 yards and 2TD in 23 carries against a Titans defense that was good against the run.
This leaves you wondering.
Luck changed for the Vikings
We said it again and again during the pre-season. The Vikings’ 13-5 record in 2022 could seem like a sham, notably with an insolent 11-0 in matches with less than 7 points difference.
And not surprisingly, luck seems to have abandoned Minnesota a little. The Vikings have just recorded their 4th defeat in 5 games, already almost condemning the season.
In question ? The 12 balls lost by the attack: 8 fumbles and 4 interceptions, small errors that amount to little and which fell on the right side in 2022.
Ben Johnson’s rating climbs
Last year, the Lions’ attack surprised by finishing the season with one of the best point averages of the season (5th). Obviously, expectations for the 2023 season were high. The least we can say is that Ben Johnson and his men manage to answer it.
This Sunday, deprived of their best receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions did not slow down. 42 points scored, 377 yards and only 2 punts! Of course it was against the Panthers, but that is not trivial.
By running a creative and efficient offense, Ben Johnson is skyrocketing into the list of coveted coordinators for a starting job. head coach next year.
Cooper Kupp is back!
The receiver made his return this week with 8 receptions and 118 yards against the Eagles. Kupp picked up where he was before his injury by already being the team’s best receiver in this game.
It was enough to delight NFL fans.
Breece Hall, the rebirth
So yes, Jets fans remain inconsolable with Aaron Rodgers’ injury. But this Sunday, they at least had the pleasure of seeing Breece Hall return to form.
The young Jets runner covered 177 yards on 22 carries with 1 touchdown to help his team win this Sunday. Really good news for this Jets attack.
Beyond the result, the player especially made an impression with his speed on his victorious 72-yard run.
The Bills Mafia is something
We played matches in London, but then with such an atmosphere? Bravo to the Bills Mafia!
The Bills at home #NFLLondonGames pic.twitter.com/o6QAL0sBeR
— DNA of Sports.com – NFL News (@DNA of Sports) October 8, 2023
