Week five in the books and as a Ravens fan, I am sick. But you didn't come here just for them, so I'll not digress! A couple of upsets, some big performances and a bold faced statement by the San Francisco 49ers highlight the week.
Let's talk about all that and more
Bears 40- Commanders 20
-Have a day Justin Fields! The polarizing quarterback put together a stunning performance Thursday night, gashing the Commanders early and often, by air and on the ground. 282 passing yards, four touchdowns, plus 57 rushing. That's his ceiling, ladies and gentlemen, and it's a high one
-DJ Moore was his preferred target on the evening, going insane with eight catches for 230 yards and four scores. He completely embarrassed Emmanuel Forbes routinely
-Khalil Herbert was running really well until a really bad pass from Fields had him awkwardly roll over his own ankle. Seems like that's going to sideline him for a bit, which is a shame as he was starting to command that RB1 role
-Sam Howell can play a little bit, but you can't be out there digging 27-3 holes at the half
-Curtis Samuel and Logan Thomas each had big days, combining for fifteen receptions, 152 yards and two trips to the end zone
-Ron Rivera just seems like he doesn't give a shit anymore. Not going for two last week at the end of the game was hard to excuse, but kicking a field goal on 4th and 2 from Chicago's 13? While trailing 27-11? Not riverboaty whatsoever.
Jaguars 25- Bills 20
-I guess a week overseas does the mind some good! The Jaguars looked substantially more prepared and competent than the Bills throughout this one
-Trevor Lawrence was poised and calculated passing the ball, finding Christian Kirk and Calvin Ridley at will to get large chunks of yardage. He was immaculate on third and long. But three fumbles, including two lost ones while driving for points. That's why he hasn't ascended into the elite QB ranks
-Travis Etienne was ridiculous, rumbling for 136 on the ground and two late scores to ice the win
-The aforementioned Ridley and Kirk did whatever they wanted to this secondary that was lacking top corner Tre'Davious White. They're a slept on duo
-One of those Bills games where it's hard to point to one reason specifically for the loss. Tons of penalties, no running game, a few turnovers and a few big plays for the other team. Seen this before
-Stefon Diggs was silly once again, getting open almost at will as he posted an 8/121/1 line. Allen underthrew him on an interception that could've been another fifty yard score
-Gabriel Davis had a day too, clearing the century mark receiving while making some difficult grabs. If only he could do that more consistently
Falcons 21- Texans 19
-Gritty game by both teams here, resulting in a super gutsy win for Desmond Ridder and Co. The quarterback was on the chopping block a week ago and responded with a 329 yard passing day, including a drive that set up the game winning field goal. He's still never lost a home game he's started
-The Bijan/Allgeier timeshare was back in full force, with neither being particularly productive. Robinson did add a touchdown from Ridder though early in the fourth quarter
-Jonnu Smith was pacing this pass attack before Kyle Pitts came alive late, with the two putting up 67 and 87 yards, respectively. Who says the two can't coexist?
-Still no interceptions through five games for CJ Stroud, but he wasn't as effective Sunday afternoon. A large part of that was Atlanta's corners limiting his receiving options on the perimeter
-The rookie QB adapted though, finding Dalton Schultz over the middle and underneath seven times for 65 and a score. The two have a growing chemistry
-Dameon Pierce established himself as the clear top dog in this backfield, handling all twenty carries that went to running backs
Lions 42- Panthers 24
-No Amon Ra? No problem. Jared Goff was masterful, matriculating the ball down field at will through Josh Reynolds and Kalif Raymond. 4 total touchdowns for Goff, have a day
-Half of the Lions' quarterback's touchdowns went to tight end Sam LaPorta. The rookie has shined at a position that usually doesn't come on this strong right out of the draft, tallying 25 receptions for 289 yards and three scores in his first five games. Great pick by Detroit
-David Montgomery looked sharp once again too, carrying the ball 19 times for 109 yards, finding the endzone once
-I don't mind Bryce Young making some mistakes, as long as he's making some attempt to push the ball. He should probably start before they're down by 25, but that's a separate discussion
-Still no running game to speak of here. Wasted money with Miles Sanders
-Adam Thielen's finally clicking down in Carolina, catching another 11 balls for 107 and a score
-Not really many positive takeaways from this Panthers team, Frank Reich definitely doesn't have them moving forward as of right now
Dolphins 31- Giants 16
-If you take away a freaky, 99-yard pick six by the G-Men, then this game is even more sad of a final score
-The Giants are completely hapless offensively. Adding to the problem is quarterback Daniel Jones' uncertain status with a neck injury. They weren't exactly rolling with him...at all...but Tyrod Taylor probably isn't an upgrade
-Darren Waller finally broke out with eight catches for 86 yards. Might be the only positive takeaway for New York
-I enjoy that I get to keep adding to/slightly modifying this stat: if you take away the Giants' second half surge in Arizona, they've scored one offensive touchdown. Tied for the team lead with the D. 18 quarters, 24 points by Danny Dimes and Co.
-Two picks on the stat sheet don't look great for Tua, but the man was dealing. 308 yards and two more scores onto his yearly totals
-Raheem Mostert is very good. Devon Achane is electrifying. 151 yards on 11 carries for the rookie before exiting with a knee injury. Still no timeline for that, but we're really hoping it's no more then a minor issue. Achane's second in the league in rushing, fifty yards behind Christian McCaffery, despite having 61 less carries. In case you don't feel like doing the math, that's 12.7 yards a tote
-He's not even the best player on this offense. 181 yards on 8 of 9 targets for Tyreek Hill, flashing his trademark peace sign as he went 69 yards to paydirt. A true cheat code
Saint 34- Patriots 0
-Not a single positive thing to say about the Patriots. Literally, not one.
-How can you move forward with Mac Jones at QB? The man was never good and is now actively (and aggressively) regressing before our eyes. A live action train wreck
-I probably could've been under center and not lost this game for New Orleans. Derek Carr looked better then he did against Tampa at least, albeit a ground-level bar there
-Chris Olave's disappeared, collecting just three catches for 16 yards in his last two games. He was able to find the end zone in Foxborough
-Alvin Kamara also punched in a score on one of his 22 carries, officially surpassing Marques Colston to put himself atop the list for most touchdowns by a Saints' skill position player, with 73
Steelers 17- Ravens 10
-Tune into the podcast to hear more about whatever performance the Ravens put together in Pittsburgh. Not yet ready to type about it...
-George Pickens makes really hard catches look easy. Makings of a great player, that Baltimore preferred David Ojabo to
Eagles 23- Rams 14
-Steady win wire to wire by the Eagles. They took LA's best shots early, buckled down at the break and shut them out in the second half
-Nice to see Dallas Goedert finally get involved in the game plan. He led the team with eight catches for 117 yards and a touchdown. AJ Brown also found the end zone, adding 127 yards of his own
-Devonta Smith took Goedert's spot on the dud bus, only grabbing one ball for six yards
-Jalen Carter's a crazy talent, racking up two more sacks while consistently getting pressure
-Those expecting rust from Cooper Kupp were swiftly let down. He had 5 receptions for 58 yards on the first drive, finishing with 118
-Puka didn't fall off with the return of this offense's WR1, posting a 7/71/1 stat line of his own
-Matthew Stafford wasn't bad, but he couldn't get it done late against a ramped up Philly defense. They hit the 35 year old quarterback eight times
Bengals 34- Cardinals 20
-Not going to go crazy and say Joe Burrow's fully back, but what a breath of fresh air for Bengals fans. The Cardinals were scrapping with them before Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase turned it on. 36/46 for 316 for Shiesty
-Cincy's top wideout had an insane afternoon: 15 catches, 192 yards and three touchdowns. Welcome to the 2023 season
-Trenton Irwin was Burrow's second busiest target, recording 8 receptions for 60 yards
-2.5 sacks for Trey Hendrickson. He was a game wrecker, helping dismantle any comeback attempt Arizona tried to compose
-Three turnovers for Josh Dobbs in a come to earth kind of game. He had them competing early, prior to James Conner exiting with an injured knee
-Conner was balling prior to the injury, averaging 7.7 yards a carry. He's been very good all season and hopefully isn't slated to miss much time
Jets 31- Broncos 21
-To paraphrase CJ Uzomah, "Fuck [Sean Payton], and fuck that team!" What a morale boosting win for this Jets franchise
-Eight total fumbles in this game, with four being lost. That seems to fit the billing of what to have expected
-Zach Wilson wasn't good, once again trying to give away late with an inexcusable interception. Luckily, Russell Wilson's been even more disappointing, giving it right back on a back-breaking fumble-six
-Breece Hall was off the pitch count and magnificent, taking 22 carries for 177 and a touchdown. Dalvin Cook, get comfortable in the back seat
-If you look at the box score, Russ isn't that atrocious, but he couldn't do much of anything against a Jets defense that's rediscovering itself
-Rookie Jaleel McLaughlin looks explosive in this Broncos' backfield, averaging 8.7 yards per touch since taking over for a banged up Javonte Williams. Feels like he surpassed Samaje Perine this week on the depth chart
-Is Sean Payton's seat hot? Wilson's? I mean, what's happening in Denver is laughable at best
Chiefs 27- Vikings 20
-Pretty ho hum game, with each team going back and forth early, KC pulling away in the third and Kirk Cousins unable to stage a comeback. Could've almost predicted this script
-The Chiefs not turning the ball over was a welcome development, probably proving crucial in a tight contest
-Isiah Pacheco has really emerged as a workhorse for this offense, racking up 16 carries for 55 yards and a touchdown. He's taken no less than fifteen rushes each of the last three weeks
-Justin Watson's high point catch was a son moment. Travis Kelce hurt his ankle but made it back in to score. Really sad group of receivers Kansas City's boasting overall, even more credit to #15
-Captain Kirk just who he is at this point. I'm not sure why we expect more
-It'll be interesting to see how the quarterback fares without star wideout Justin Jefferson, who's set to miss a few weeks with a hamstring injury
-Expect a lot of Jordan Addison filling those shoes in the coming games too. The rookie bounced back from an 0'fer to post a 6/64/1 line
49ers 42- Cowboys 10
-That's Dak. I've been telling y'all, no need to get it twisted. He severely limits this team's championship potenial
-14/24 for 153 yards, 1 touchdown and 3 picks. Just a pathetic day by Prescott
-On the other hand, Brock Purdy completed 75% of his passes for 252 and four scores. He's now legitimately entered the MVP debate
-To credit Dallas with something, they did a nice job of relatively neutralizing Christian McCaffery. The stud running back totaled 21 touches for 78 yards, modest by his standards. He also lost a fumble
-George Kittle had 3 catches for 67 yards on the night. Funny thing is though, he wound up in the end zone on all of them. Explosive showing by the tight end
Raiders 17 - Packers 13
-Woof, that was a rough Monday nighter
-Seems like there was, in fact, a reason that Jordan Love didn't force Aaron Rodgers out of Green Bay earlier. He had three interceptions at some back breaking moments for the team, against a pretty subpar defense at that. I've tried this hype train, and think I got off at the most recent station
-AJ Dillon found the end zone and racked up a season high 76 rushing yards. It wasn't pretty, but it was better then it's been
-We talked up Sam LaPorta a few sections up, but Luke Musgrave also deserves some shine as a rookie tight end. While not nearly as efficient, he did have six receptions for 34 yards Monday, proving to be a trusted safety valve
-Surprised Davante Adams didn't pop a little bit more against his former team, with just four quiet catches
-Jimmy G kept everything close to the line of scrimmage, with the Raiders only managing two plays of over twenty yards. Got the win, but boy was it unexciting
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@Choppinglines
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