NFL Takeaways: Week 9
Photo by Kevin C. Cox from Getty Images
We’re halfway through the NFL season.
That’s weird. It doesn’t feel like it.
Though that’s probably because at the Ravens-Seahawks game it was 70 degrees at the beginning of November. Which is just icky.
But still, let’s discuss what we’ve learned.
Steelers defeat Titans 20-16
The Steelers make no sense.
By all accounts, this team should not be successful.
And yet, they’re 5-3 and sit 2nd in the AFC North.
Mike Tomlin is one hell of a coach, I gotta say.
Chiefs defeat Dolphins 21-14
This Chiefs defense? Really, really good.
Them shutting down Tyreek Hill was a big statement.
The offense only scoring 14 points against a struggling Dolphins defense? Still a giant concern.
Vikings defeat Falcons 31-28
First of all, good for Josh Dobbs. The dude deserves it and then some.
Second of all, his performances this year are making me realize how many potentially great quarterbacks the NFL has missed out on simply because they never had an opportunity.
I’m not saying Josh Dobbs is a legend, but you can’t watch him this year and say he hasn’t deserved to be a starter elsewhere, especially when looking at the other QBs around the league.
Browns defeat Cardinals 27-0
Speaking of Josh Dobbs, I think the Cardinals realized he was doing too well and potentially going to win them games while they’re trying to tank.
(More realistically, they probably knew Kyler Murray was coming back and wanted to give him a shot elsewhere).
Eh. I’m going the tanking route.
Packers defeat Rams 20-3
This game happened.
People watched it.
I didn’t, but I’m sure some people did!
Commanders defeat Patriots 20-17
The Patriots actually wouldn’t be a terrible team if Mac Jones just stopped throwing to the other team.
But he keeps doing it, so what can you do?
Saints defeat Bears 24-17
The Saints are now leading the NFC South.
Hooray?
Ravens defeat Seahawks 37-3
It’s not a surprise here. I’m a Seahawks fan.
So the talk after this game amongst Seahawks fans were how bad the Seahawks are.
But I was at this game. I can report it first hand.
The Ravens are the best team in the NFL.
Lamar is playing at an MVP level. The Ravens front 7 completely controlled the line of scrimmage and the run game, and even when Geno Smith had time to throw, which was rare, every single receiver was covered.
The Seahawks did miss 14 tackles, which is really really bad and certainly didn’t help, but it would not have mattered.
The Ravens are a league above right now.
Texans defeat Buccaneers 39-37
C.J. Stroud is amazing.
Seriously. He is amazing.
The Texans don’t have a first round pick next year and a lot of people thought it was going to crush them next draft because the team was so bad.
Looks like it doesn’t matter.
The Texans have their guy.
Colts defeat Panthers 27-13
Remember when the Panthers fired Matt Rhule last year and Steve Wilks took over and almost had them make the playoffs?
And then the Panthers didn’t give him the job and hired Frank Reich who desperately wanted Carson Wentz when he was in Indianapolis?
And now the Panthers are 1-7 and the offense looks terrible?
Good times.
Raiders defeat Giants 30-6
The Raiders played hard. They played loose. Aiden O’Connell looked real solid.
All the stuff I completely expected once Josh McDaniels was gone.
Now, Raiders, if Antonio Pierce finishes the year strong, don’t overthink it like you did last time.
Just give him the job.
Eagles defeat Cowboys 28-23
This was remarkable performance art by the Eagles.
The narrative around the Cowboys for years was that they couldn’t win when it mattered, so the Eagles played a fun little game.
It was called “Give the Cowboys literally every possible opportunity to beat us and see what happens.”
And the Cowboys just gave the game right back to them.
Wonderfully done, Eagles.
Bengals defeat Bills 24-18
The Bills may still be a good team, but they’re now 5-4 in a very crowded and very tough AFC.
If they don’t string wins together, the playoffs may become too distant to achieve.
Chargers defeat Jets 27-6
The Jets have two good offensive players.
I’m not saying Zach Wilson is some great NFL quarterback being held back, but the conversation around the Jets is so much about Zach Wilson and not about the state of the offense in general.
Even if Aaron Rodgers never got hurt, the Jets would not have a good offense.
The offensive line is horrible. Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard are pedestrians out there.
They just aren’t good enough.
