Missed any Week 7 action? We will catch you up.
It cannot get any worse can it? It can. The New York Jets have fallen to 0-7 under the new regime of Aaron Glenn.
The recurring penalties, fumbles, lack of turnovers, and touchdowns has left the Jet nation wounded whilst their beloved Team Green crashes at rock bottom.
This Sunday it was the Carolina Panthers turn to add a positive mark to their record, as they travelled to the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. A 13-6 win meant the Panthers left Week 7 at 4-3, while the Jets remain searching for their first win of the season.
This loss meant they are the first team in NFL history to lose two consecutive games with 13 points or fewer allowed.
The biggest issue? The quarterback. Their star signing, Justin Fields, took the number seven jersey and joined the franchise in March this year, on a $40 million contact.
The 26-year-old left the turf after two quarters having completed just six passes for 46 yards. Fifteen-year veteran, Tyrod Taylor, entered the pitch as his replacement. Taylor finished the game with 10 passes from 22 attempts for 126 yards, with 5.7 yards per attempt – and two interceptions.
Despite the two INTs, Taylor’s depth in throwing and decision making seemed to push the offense for the first time in two weeks.
Arguably, if Taylor was sharper they could have taken two touchdowns too. So now, the big debate is who starts next week? This may prove pivotal in the Jets finding their first win this season, as they travel to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.
Can Taylor be the man to match the Jets offense to their defense, or will their woes continue to 0-8?
Rams rampant in London
On Sunday afternoon, the LA Rams faced the Jacksonville Jaguars at Wembley Stadium, in the final London game of the season. They did not disappoint.
Matthew Stafford led his team to a dominant 35-7 victory, extending their record to 5-2 after seven games.
Stafford threw five touchdowns, 182 yards and 21/33 completions – matching his career best and setting a new NFL passing record overseas.
But, how did Sean McVay lead his team to such a win in London? Well it might be because of an unusual tactic.
Unlike most teams that travel to London while preparing for their match, for example – the Jets, Minnesota Vikings, Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos – the Rams nation waited until the day before landing in England.
The team did not arrive in the big smoke until Saturday morning, with their head coach stating: “We’ll travel to London tonight, have a walk-through, and then let guys be able to relax and get some rest.
“Then we’ll be ready to kick off at 2:30pm. Guys are excited about this business trip that we have but I think it’s been a good week for a team camaraderie that’s organically unfolded.
“It’s been about the week of preparation and guys have done a great job.”
The Rams continue to push in their campaign to make the playoffs, but, it will not be easy.
Mahomes magic inspires Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have showed NFL fans all over the world why they should not be forgotten. The four-time Super Bowl winners have won three in the last five years, and despite their rocky start, have won in consecutive weeks to go 4-3 this season.
Last Sunday, the Chiefs beat the Las Vegas Raiders 31-0, their first regular-season shutout since 2011 and their first overall since 2015.
Patrick Mahomes provided three touchdowns, dictating the game from the start. But, for Mahomes and the Chiefs, they will have to earn their place because it will not be an easy ride.
As of Week 8 their next four opponents are the Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts.
This season the experienced quarterback has thrown for 14 touchdowns, 1800 yards and boasts a 66.1% completion rate. This ranks him fourth in yardage and in the top three for touchdowns so far.
Clearly, alongside a returning Xavier Worthy, an exciting Hollywood Brown, and an explosive running-back Isaiah Pacheco, head coach Andy Reid will be eyeing up a return to sport’s greatest final in February.
Another statement win for Indy
The Indianapolis Colts are leading the NFL as the team with the best record, cruising to a 6-1 lead in the opening seven weeks.
Their momentum has not seemed to slow down, as on Sunday, they won their third game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
Finishing 38-24, an inspired Daniel Jones is leading the Colts offense to a touchdown overhaul. Already, Indy have scored over 30 points in 5-of-7 games this season.
Playing with confidence and control, the offensive line dominated. They creating various running channels and showed why they are the real deal.
Defensively they were just as effective, forcing turnovers and shutting down drives.
What is most impressive is the consistency and composure of Shane Steichen’s team, and how he has all players clicking in all phases and working in unison.
Clearly, this is not just a flash in a pan, but proof that the Colts are building towards sustained success. The Horseshoe is back and the AFC better watch out.
Bo’s Broncos fourth quarter victory
It is hard to describe the scenes in Denver this weekend, but, we are going to try.
Bo Nix and the Broncos delivered one of the best comebacks in NFL history, scoring all 33 points in the final quarter to defeat Jaxson Dart’s New York Giants. Proving, despite a concerning and hard-fought victory in London, that they are finding rhythm and form.
Following three quarters of exciting football, and majority of the play trailing to the Giants, the sophomore quarterback stepped up when it mattered.
Thanks to a pair of late scoring drives and quick plays, Nix displayed confidence commanding the offensive line with a ruthless attitude.
Courtland Sutton came alive late and caused havoc against a strong defence. It was a gritty, hard-fought win that brings a locker room together and inspires belief that anything is possible, and the fans certainly think so too.
A signature moment for Sean Payton and his staff, and a realisation that what he is building is starting to show.
A shaky start nonetheless, but the late charge certainly outweighs the first three quarters. A turning point? Maybe. A growth in chemistry and late-game discipline? Absolutely.
