NFL Sunday, Week 9: Three greatest takeaways from each sport Nov 03, 2024

Round The NFL breaks down what it is advisable to know from all of Sunday’s motion in Week 9 of the 2024 NFL season. Make amends for every sport’s greatest takeaways utilizing the hyperlinks under:

Early Window

Late Window

Sunday night time

Early Window

Atlanta Falcons 27, Dallas Cowboys 21

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Eric Edholm’s takeaways:

1. Gritty Falcons misplaced two key gamers however out gunned Cowboys. The Falcons misplaced two of their extra indispensable gamers, vast receiver Drake London (hip) and defensive sort out Grady Jarrett (Achilles pressure), however have been nonetheless an excessive amount of for the Cowboys as Atlanta recorded its fifth win in six video games. London caught the sport’s opening landing move on a stunning fade however left the sport about 10 minutes in and by no means returned. The Falcons leaned closely on Bijan Robinson early, going to him 13 instances within the first 18 offensive performs. He responded with 145 yards from scrimmage and was one of many Falcons’ greatest producers, together with Darnell Mooney, who caught 5 passes for 88 yards and a rating when Kirk Cousins appeared to catch Dallas’ protection napping. Jarrett left late within the third, however the Falcons’ protection had three sacks (that they had solely six as a crew coming in) and even had back-to-back sacks within the first half. 
2. Prescott harm, Cowboys’ third- and fourth-down struggles have been pricey. Dak Prescott left the sport within the early fourth quarter with a hamstring harm, giving approach to Cooper Rush with the Cowboys trailing, 27-13. Prescott additionally seemed to be coping with a hand harm. He had a comparatively efficient day, finishing 18 of 24 passes for 133 yards and operating 3 times for 33 yards, however the Cowboys transformed solely 3 of 13 third downs (together with 1 for his or her first 9) and have been 0 of three on fourth downs. The Cowboys known as timeout previous to CeeDee Lamb being stuffed on a fourth-and-1 finish round, which led to a Falcons landing and a 14-3 lead. Then Mike McCarthy known as for a pretend punt from the Dallas 38-yard line. Bryan Anger (no completions since 2014) couldn’t hook up with C.J. Goodwin (two profession targets), and as soon as extra Atlanta capitalized, this time for a 21-10 edge. On their subsequent possession, the Cowboys appeared able to go for it once more on fourth and fewer than a yard to go, however they have been flagged for 12 males within the huddle (Dalvin Prepare dinner seemed to be No. 12) and ended up punting. As soon as Prescott was dominated out and Lamb was slowed by a shoulder harm late, the sport was all however over.
3. Falcons nonetheless can clear issues up defensively. Atlanta held the Cowboys to 13 factors for the sport’s first 58 minutes however nonetheless had some points defensively. Even with extra pass-rush strain than in different latest video games and a powerful exhibiting on third and fourth downs, the Falcons have been unhealthy towards the run once more, permitting the NFL’s worst dashing assault to whole 137 yards on the bottom. That’s consistent with the 132.6-yard common the Falcons had surrendered coming in, however Dallas averaged 6.5 yards per run and had just one try go for a loss. The Cowboys had been averaging fewer than 80 dashing yards per sport and had a future of 13 coming into the sport, however that they had 5 runs of 10-plus yards by three completely different gamers. The Falcons additionally watched as Rush changed an injured Prescott and led the Cowboys on an 86-yard TD drive (and two-point conversion) within the ultimate 5 minutes to make it a one-score sport. It’s laborious to argue with the Falcons’ latest crew success, however they as soon as once more saved issues too shut for consolation with some breakdowns defensively.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Cowboys-Falcons (by way of NFL Professional): Falcons LB Kaden Ellis set season highs in tackles (13), defensive stops (9), move rushes (15) and pressures (5) and recorded his first sack of the season. Ellis leads the Falcons in pressures this season (19) regardless of rating ninth on the crew in whole move rushes (68). He additionally leads all off-ball linebackers in pressures this season, 13 of which have come walked as much as the road of scrimmage (practically twice as many as some other off-ball linebacker).

NFL Analysis: The Cowboys had 4 drives finish in a turnover on downs, which was probably the most by Dallas in a sport since not less than 1993.

Baltimore Ravens 41, Denver Broncos 10

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Kevin Patra’s takeaways:

1. Jackson excellent once more as Ravens steamroll Broncos. Lamar Jackson took a nasty sack on Baltimore’s first possession, which knocked the Ravens out of subject purpose vary. It was the one mistake of the afternoon for an offense that dominated a great Broncos protection. Baltimore scored on its subsequent seven possessions, together with 4 straight touchdowns between the second and third quarters. Jackson gashed Denver with deep digs to Zay Flowers that picked up chuck positive factors. Within the second half, offensive coordinator Todd Monken dialed up a trove of screens to maintain the blitz-happy Broncos at bay. This wasn’t some limp protection the Ravens ripped aside both — Denver entered the week permitting -0.14 EPA per play, tops within the league. Jackson’s presence compelled Vance Joseph to name fewer blitzes early, and Jackson merely picked aside the protection. Jackson had an ideal 158.3 passer score, going 16-of-19 passing for 280 yards with three TDs and nil interceptions. The QB had by far his worst dashing day of the season (4 yards), and it didn’t even matter. Then Derrick Henry kicked into gear, galloping for 107 yards and two TDs on the afternoon. When Baltimore is clicking like Sunday, the offensive is unstoppable. 
2. Nix didn’t play awfully however missed some throws early. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix by no means bought rattled and made the best reads because the Broncos saved issues shut early earlier than Jackson and the Ravens pulled away. Nix would possible need some misses again. On his first move, he left it a tad excessive and the ball caromed off the arms of Lil’Jordan Humphrey for an INT. On the opening play of the second quarter, Nix missed an open Troy Franklin deep on fourth-and-4 that ought to have gone for a landing. Afforded a ton of time within the pocket — pressured on simply 4 makes an attempt by way of three quarters — Nix missed too many balls by only a smidge. Nix earned a troublesome box-out catch for his first profession receiving TD, however Denver wanted extra offense to maintain issues shut towards a juggernaut. The Broncos turned it over on downs 4 instances and went three-and-out twice within the third quarter. The miscues allowed the Ravens to run away with the competition.
3. Ravens might nonetheless make strikes forward of the commerce deadline. Newly acquired receiver Diontae Johnson performed simply 16 snaps on Sunday, per Nex Gen Stats. The Ravens didn’t want the wideout to play a giant function in his first sport. His significance will come later. The query forward of Tuesday’s deadline is whether or not the Ravens will add to the protection. The entrance struggled to have an effect on the quarterback as soon as once more, with Nix having sufficient time for a couple of cups of tea on every dropback. Baltimore bought strain on simply eight passes however did have 4 sacks. The secondary additionally bought beat a couple of instances. Higher passes from the rookie quarterback and the numbers allowed by the secondary would have appeared worse than the field rating. The Ravens shut out Sean Payton’s membership within the second half, but it surely wasn’t an ideal efficiency from Zach Orr’s D. There’s room to enhance in Baltimore. 

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Broncos-Ravens (by way of NFL Professional): Zay Flowers caught 5 of his six targets for 127 yards and two touchdowns in Week 9 towards the Broncos, recording 62 yards after the catch and a season-high +42 yards after the catch over anticipated.

NFL Analysis: Lamar Jackson now has thrown for probably the most video games with an ideal passer score, since 1950 (minimal 15 makes an attempt): Lamar Jackson (4), Tom Brady (three), Peyton Manning (three), Kurt Warner (three) and Ben Roethlisberger (three).

Buffalo Payments 30, Miami Dolphins 27

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Eric Edholm’s takeaways:

1. Bass kicked Payments to a giant win. Tyler Bass drilled a career-long 61-yard subject purpose within the waning seconds of the sport to ship the Payments a large victory and the Dolphins a crushing loss. The kick – which had loads of leg – completed off a run of seven straight scores previous to the Dolphins being unable to attain within the ultimate seconds of the sport. For Bass, the second was large. The Payments had labored out different kickers and signed competitors to the follow squad after Bass had missed a pair of additional factors, and he missed one Sunday and likewise had a kick clang in off the upright towards Miami. Bass’ wide-right miss from the divisional-round loss final January additionally was recent in followers’ minds. However his game-winner was the primary large, clutch kick Bass had made this season and solely his second make (and try) of fifty or extra yards. The Payments appeared to be in Hail Mary mode when Josh Allen‘s third-and-10 move fell incomplete and the Payments sitting on the Miami 43-yard line. A miss would have given Tua Tagovailoa a slim shot at profitable the sport in regulation, however Payments coach Sean McDermott displayed confidence in sending Bass on the market – and he was rewarded with a win that makes the Payments large favorites to win the division once more, having swept Miami within the season collection.
2. Dolphins’ crucial errors value them a much-needed win. After tying the sport at 27 with 1:38 left, the Dolphins seemed to be in nice form, placing the Payments in a third-and-14 state of affairs with lower than a minute left, at their very own 26-yard line with just one timeout remaining. Had they stopped the Payments, the Dolphins might have gotten the ball again and presumably gained the sport in regulation. However Chop Robinson (who had a giant sack the play earlier than) jumped within the impartial zone, and that was adopted by a large pointless roughness penalty by ex-Payments security Jordan Poyer in his first sport again in Buffalo. That gave the Payments new life, they usually gained simply sufficient yards to arrange Bass’ game-winning kick. The Dolphins had a equally damaging play early within the third quarter when Raheem Mostert had the ball poked out after a run in Buffalo territory. The Dolphins have been threatening to extend their 10-6 halftime lead, however the Payments recovered and instantly went down and scored to take again management of the sport. Tua Tagovailoa has performed properly in each video games since returning to the lineup, but the Dolphins nonetheless haven’t gained since Week 5 over the Patriots, with every of their previous three losses coming by one rating.
3. Allen ought to transfer up in MVP race. Regardless of not having Amari Cooper, the Payments had a giant offensive exhibiting – particularly within the second half – to complete off their division rivals. Allen was being restricted all sport by the Dolphins’ two-high coverages, forcing him to verify down and discover beneath choices. He additionally was properly hemmed in as a scrambler, outdoors of 1 14-yard run late within the second quarter. However even with an interception, he performed a sensible sport and hit sufficient large performs to ship one other large win. Allen’s INT was off the arms of rookie Keon Coleman because the Payments have been about to go in for a rating, they usually had a landing known as again by penalty (a shaky one at that). But there was Allen gunning to the tune of 156 passing yards and three TDs within the second half, together with a reasonably fourth-and-goal move to Mack Hollins and an improvisational gem to Quintin Morris for a go-ahead rating within the fourth quarter. Allen actually was among the many favorites for MVP previous to Sunday, however his effort towards the Dolphins deserves a bump to his inventory.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Dolphins-Payments (by way of NFL Professional): Josh Allen was environment friendly towards the blitz in Week 9, finishing 7 of 9 move makes an attempt for 97 yards and three touchdowns. Allen recorded an 8.9% completion share over anticipated towards the blitz, his fourth-highest mark in a sport this season (two of his prime 4 performances have come towards the Dolphins). Allen additionally recorded a career-low 3.7 air yards per try, resulting in his highest share of yards coming after the catch (81.7%).

NFL Analysis: The Payments have gained six straight and 13 of the previous 14 towards the Dolphins, together with the playoffs. Sean McDermott is now 15-2 versus Miami since changing into Payments head coach.

Carolina Panthers 23, New Orleans Saints 22

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Christian Gonzales’ takeaways:

1. Younger exhibits enchancment in victory. Bryce Younger confirmed some flashes of promise in his fourth begin of the 2024 season. The 2023 No. 1 general decide was pressured at instances, however he gave his move catchers an opportunity to make performs. Within the fourth quarter, Younger threw a deep move to Xavier Legette, who was stripped by Saints cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles for a formidable interception. Luckily, Younger bought one other probability within the ultimate minutes of the sport. Younger linked with Legette for a 26-yard catch to get into New Orleans territory. On the subsequent play, Younger took one other shot down the sphere to Ja’Tavion Sanders and compelled a defensive move interference to get Carolina into the purple zone. Chuba Hubbard put the ending touches on the go-ahead drive with a 16-yard dashing TD. Younger appeared assured all through the sport and accomplished 16 of 26 passes for one landing and the one INT.
2. Kamara continues spectacular marketing campaign. With Derek Carr returning to the lineup for the primary time since Week 5, the Saints quarterback relied closely on Alvin Kamara all afternoon. Kamara touched the ball 35 instances and was concerned seven instances throughout New Orleans’ 11-play, 70-yard scoring drive within the fourth quarter that was capped off by Foster Moreau‘s go-ahead landing catch. The operating again was important to the Saints’ offense with 29 carries for 155 yards. He additionally contributed six catches for 60 yards. It was Kamara’s third sport in his profession with over 100 dashing yards and 45 receiving yards. Regardless of the end result and the crew’s report, Kamara has been one of many shiny spots for New Orleans.
3. Carolina’s D comes up clutch. After permitting 28 or extra factors the final 5 weeks, the Panthers protection turned it round on Sunday. With the Panthers up within the ultimate minutes, Derek Carr and Co. had yet another probability to get a street win. On second and 10 within the ultimate drive for New Orleans, Carr was sacked by Charles Harris. The Saints couldn’t recuperate and get a primary down after Harris’ sack. Linebacker Demani Richardson has a game-high 12 tackles whereas Harris was a drive that the Saints offensive line couldn’t comprise. Harris had a two QB hits, two tackles for loss and the sack. Shortly after, Bryce Younger was in victory formation because the Panthers earned their second win of the season.  

Subsequent Gen Stats perception from Saints-Panthers (by way of NFL Professional): Ja’Tavion Sanders caught 4 of his 5 targets for 87 yards in Week 9 towards the Saints, producing probably the most receiving yards over anticipated in a sport by a rookie tight finish this season (+50).

NFL Analysis: Alvin Kamara reached his eighth consecutive season with over 1,000 scrimmage yards.

Cincinnati Bengals 41, Las Vegas Raiders 24

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Nick Shook’s takeaways:

1. Burrow lights up Las Vegas. Joe Burrow put collectively a virtually excellent sport’s value of instructing tape for quarterbacks desirous about studying methods to navigate the pocket, improvise and produce large returns for the offense. He was masterful at this Sunday, finishing 5 of 8 move makes an attempt for 32 yards and three touchdowns whereas on the run (8-plus mph), his most in a sport in his profession. In a notable shift, Burrow did not discover a ton of downfield success, going 0 for 4 on deep move makes an attempt, but it surely did not matter. He spent a lot of the afternoon shredding Las Vegas’ protection along with his arm and legs, discovering open targets amid the chaos of a move rush and taking off for first downs when required. With 5 touchdowns thrown, Burrow needed to really feel good within the ultimate minutes of this lopsided affair as a result of his efforts — which have been Herculean for many of this yr — lastly produced a house win for the Bengals.
2. Particulars doom Raiders. Las Vegas is headed towards a darkish place. Look no additional than quarterback, the place Antonio Pierce as soon as once more grew pissed off sufficient with Gardner Minshew to bench him for his backup. This time, that meant Pierce was calling for Desmond Ridder, the previous College of Cincinnati star who took the sphere within the third quarter and completed the sport, throwing a pleasant landing move in rubbish time. Apart from that and a formidable opening drive, these Raiders could not do a lot of something proper. They could not get off the sphere on third down (Cincinnati transformed 8 of 15 makes an attempt), they could not maintain drives and even when the sport was out of hand, they could not keep onside on a fourth-and-2 punt, drawing an encroachment penalty. The Raiders are a nasty soccer crew with little cause to imagine it may enhance quickly. Days like Sunday show it.
3. Brown, Hendrickson have memorable days. From the Bengals’ very first drive of the afternoon, it was clear Chase Brown was going to play an vital half on this offense. He balanced out Cincinnati’s assault successfully, averaging 4.4 yards per keep on 27 makes an attempt. Brown tacked on 5 catches for 37 yards, together with a superb toe-tapping seize at the back of the top zone for an early landing. For one Sunday, Brown turned the Bengals’ true bell cow, recording his first 100-yard sport of his profession on a day it was wanted. Defensively, it was Trey Hendrickson‘s day to shine. He dominated Raiders blockers all afternoon, ending with 4 sacks and serving to a protection that had beforehand struggled to generate strain and ended Sunday’s sport with a strain price north of 55 %. As a result of they’re enjoying the woeful Raiders, there isn’t any assure it will carry over for the Bengals, however this season has already been difficult sufficient. For in the future, it was good to see a participant of Hendrickson’s caliber feast.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception from Raiders-Bengals (by way of NFL Professional): Trey Hendrickson generated 10 pressures and a career-high 4 sacks on 30 move rushes in Week 9 towards the Raiders, leading to his highest single-game strain price of the season (33.3%).

NFL Analysis: Joe Burrow turned the one participant with a number of video games of five-plus passing touchdowns within the 2024 season.

Los Angeles Chargers 27, Cleveland Browns 10

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Nick Shook’s takeaways:

1. Herbert is on fireplace. Sunday marked a 3rd straight week wherein Justin Herbert appeared just like the quarterback we knew him to be earlier than the difficulties started to mount final season. Herbert was glorious towards a stingy Cleveland protection, overcoming a strain price of 52.9% to finish 7 of 11 passes whereas pressured for 106 yards and one landing. He was equally pretty much as good when free from strain, finishing 11 of 16 passes for 176 yards and a landing. It doesn’t matter what the Browns protection did by way of move rush, Herbert dealt all afternoon, capitalizing on blown coverages to search out Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnston for 28- and 66-yard landing passes, respectively, and even helped Johnston report his first profession sport over 100 receiving yards. And for the primary time in 2024, the Chargers had a very explosive air assault that produced vital factors. That begins with Herbert, who’s enjoying a few of the finest soccer of any QB within the NFL proper now.
2. Browns’ offense falls again to earth. Sunday was U-G-L-Y on the shore of Lake Erie for the house crew. Jameis Winston threw three interceptions (carrying various levels of blame), the Browns had no semblance of a operating sport, Ken Dorsey’s play-calling resembled the stretch that bought him fired by Buffalo, and Dustin Hopkins kicked a subject purpose try so low, it hit the Chargers’ Teair Tart within the chest. The one constructive was Cleveland’s protection, which additionally had its personal share of atrocious moments (e.g., Denzel Ward‘s blown protection on Johnston’s 66-yard landing) and gave up chunk runs to J.Ok. Dobbins. Their whole operation was flawed, from inaccurate throws by Winston to drops by supposed targets and drive-stalling penalties. After having fun with a euphoric win final weekend, the Browns reverted to their standard depressing selves Sunday.
3. Chargers outcoach, outclass Browns. Look, Cleveland is not a correct litmus check for any crew with aspirations of contending, however the Chargers proved an vital level Sunday. They discovered a professional groove offensively, compelled three takeaways and have been a step forward of Cleveland’s teaching workers on each side of the ball all afternoon. They piled up 342 yards of offense regardless of solely possessing the ball for 25:51 of the full 60 minutes, performed turnover-free soccer, proved themselves as a troublesome and disciplined protection and by no means had cause to fret they would not get the job achieved on the street. Jesse Minter and Greg Roman each outcoached their counterparts, guiding their items in a method that allowed their strengths to shine. At 5-3, this could be the win that sends the Chargers on a run.

Subsequent Gen Stats perception from Chargers-Browns (by way of NFL Professional): Justin Herbert was best on passes over 10 air yards in Week 9 towards the Browns, finishing 7 of 12 downfield makes an attempt for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Herbert has reached 100-plus passing yards on downfield makes an attempt in three straight video games for the reason that Week 5 bye (14.8 YPA), after totaling simply 145 move yards on such makes an attempt in Weeks 1-4 (6.0 YPA).

NFL Analysis: Justin Herbert completed Sunday with a 2-0 TD-INT ratio, marking the sixth straight begin he accomplished with out throwing an interception. It is the longest energetic streak within the NFL and tied for each the longest streak of his profession and the Chargers’ all-time franchise report.

Washington Commanders 27, New York Giants 22

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Kevin Patra’s takeaways:

1. Daniels calmly leads Commanders to street win over Giants. No want for a Hail Mary this time. Jayden Daniels calmly led the Commanders up and down the sphere, with Washington punting simply twice on eight drives. The rookie quarterback makes troublesome throws look easy. His second landing move to Terry McLaurin was completely dropped over the shoulder of cornerback Deonte Banks. Towards that sort of protection, it took confidence from the QB to make that throw and religion that his man would make a play on the ball. Daniels performs with a tranquility past his years. He makes performs and avoids rushers with the coolness of a veteran star. With out Brian Robinson, the Commanders have been nonetheless in a position to churn out yards on the bottom, and Daniels made clutch throws when wanted. Because the protection could not get stops late to safe the win, Daniels and the offense handed enterprise. The rookie hit Olamide Zaccheaus for a hefty 42-yard move on the ultimate drive to assist ice the sport with out Huge Blue touching the pigskin once more. By 9 weeks, Daniels has had all of the solutions to the check.
2. Giants’ offense takes an excessive amount of time to kick it into gear. Huge Blue got here out pounding the rock. At one level, New York rushed 15 instances to 2 dropbacks. Sadly, that second dropback was a Daniel Jones fumble that Washington was a landing. Jones had precisely zero yards at halftime on 4-of-6 passing with a TD. With a protection that could not gradual Daniels, the Giants fell behind, 21-7, at halftime. It proved too deep a gap to dig out of. New York scored on all three of its second-half drives. As soon as once more, it was the little issues that burned Brian Daboll’s membership. Jones dedicated the fumble and missed a number of passes that scuttled drives. An offensive move interference flag worn out a third-quarter landing. On a day wherein the offense went 6 of 11 on third downs and a pair of of two on fourth downs, the gradual begin and an ineffective protection in the end led to a fourth consecutive loss.
3. Commanders’ protection struggles late. Dan Quinn is thanking his stars for Daniels as a result of the Washington protection has gotten wobbly. If not for a lucky OPI flag that went their method, the Commanders would have let Jones lead three consecutive TD drives to shut the sport. Washington allowed the Giants to churn out 5.3 yards per carry and pressured Jones on simply 5 move makes an attempt, per Subsequent Gen Stats. Dante Fowler generated two sacks, however nobody on Washington earned three QB pressures on the day. The Commanders could possibly be a membership in search of upgrades on protection forward of Tuesday’s commerce deadline.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Commanders-Giants (by way of NFL Professional): Jayden Daniels accomplished each deep move he threw towards the Giants, ending 3 of three for 91 yards and a landing on passes over 20 air yards. Daniels has generated +25.5 anticipated factors added on deep passes this season, third-most within the NFL (behind Aaron Rodgers +26.5, and Sam Darnold, +25.7).

NFL Analysis: Daniel Jones is the primary beginning QB since not less than 1991 to have zero or fewer move yards and a passing landing within the first half of a sport.

Tennessee Titans 20, New England Patriots 17 (OT)

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Coral Smith’s takeaways:

1. Takeaways lastly go Titans’ method. Turnovers have been the story of the season for the Tennessee Titans, although up up to now it’s largely been to their detriment, recording 16 giveaways — thirty first within the league — together with 4 pricey ones in final week’s blowout loss to Detroit. However this Sunday, the curse reversed, and the Titans earned their second win of the season with the assistance of their very own aptly timed takeaways. Amani Hooker, who had one of many Titans’ three compelled turnovers coming into this sport, bought the social gathering began by intercepting a Drake Maye throw within the second quarter. After which with the sport tied within the fourth quarter, Arden Key had a strip sack of Maye in New England territory. Jeffery Simmons recovered the fumble to set the offense up with quick subject place, which led to a rating to take the lead. Although Maye was in a position to tie the sport up, one other interception by Hooker in extra time sealed the win, getting in entrance of the receiver on an ill-advised deep heave. The Titans didn’t fairly keep away from their ball-protection woes on offense, with a fumbled snap forcing their extra time drive to finish in a subject purpose and Rudolph throwing one interception. However it was nonetheless their first constructive turnover margin of the season, and that effort led on to the win. 
2. Maye wills his crew virtually all the way in which. The Titans may need gained it in extra time, but it surely solely bought to that further interval due to the extraordinary efforts by Drake Maye. The Patriots’ rookie QB returned to the sphere on Sunday after clearing concussion protocol and did what he might to will his crew to victory, falling simply quick on the finish. Maye managed to scramble out of strain usually all through the afternoon, dashing eight instances for a complete of 95 yards, with 5 positive factors of not less than 11 yards and two for 22-plus yards. He turned the seventh rookie within the Tremendous Bowl period and simply the second Patriot ever to report 200-plus passing yards and 90-plus dashing yards in a sport. And with New England trailing by a landing with underneath three minutes to go and no timeouts, Maye orchestrated a landing drive to take the sport to OT. Throughout the game-tying collection, he linked with Hunter Henry on a 10-yard catch on fourth-and-2 earlier than spiking the ball to arrange first-and-goal with eight seconds left. Two performs later, Maye managed to evade strain for nearly 12 seconds earlier than tossing the ball up and into the top zone as he was tackled, miraculously discovering Rhamondre Stevenson for the rating with zeros on the clock. Although Maye’s extra time game-ending interception, one among his three turnovers on the day, meant this dramatic play was in the end for naught, that mistake doesn’t totally negate Maye’s work to steer his crew to the brink of victory. 
3. Ridley, Pollard lead game-winning drive. Within the final two weeks, the Titans’ offense has opened up in ways in which it had struggled to do to begin the season, placing collectively back-to-back weeks of 400 yards, a mark they hadn’t hit within the earlier six weeks. This rising development culminated on Sunday in an extra time game-winning subject purpose drive, led by contributions from Calvin Ridley and Tony Pollard. The previous had his finest sport of the season final week, because the wideout accrued 143 receiving yards. He led the crew once more this week with 5 catches for 73 yards Sunday, which included two key receptions of 16 and 14 yards within the Titans’ extra time scoring drive, together with one to transform on third down. A lot of the remainder of the Titans’ march down the sphere got here courtesy of Pollard, because the operating again capped off his finest exhibiting of the season (128 yards on 28 totes) with seven carries for 36 yards within the ultimate possession to place Tennessee in vary for the profitable kick to get its first W since Week 4.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Patriots-Titans (by way of NFL Professional): Drake Maye scrambled for 11.82 seconds earlier than discovering Rhamondre Stevenson for the 5-yard landing that led to extra time. That is the second-longest time to throw on a landing move within the Subsequent Gen Stats period (since 2016), solely surpassed by Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary from final week.

NFL Analysis: Drake Maye, who now has six passing touchdowns and 209 dashing yards, is the primary rookie for the reason that 1970 merger with not less than 5 touchdowns and 200 dashing yards in his first 5 profession video games.

Late Window

Arizona Cardinals 29, Chicago Bears 9

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Eric Edholm’s takeaways:

1. Cardinals over .500 for first time underneath Gannon, and his protection is enhancing. Coming into Sunday, the Cardinals had three or extra sacks in solely two video games this season, with just one such efficiency since Week 2. However on Sunday towards the Bears, the Cardinals had sacks on three consecutive performs in a six-sack outing, their most in a sport since Week 1 of final season. The three-sack span occurred over two possessions, forcing a turnover on downs and serving to result in a quick three-and-out with the sport nonetheless technically in query. The strain may need been sudden, but it surely was relentless. Zaven Collins had two sacks, and Xavier Thomas had 1.5, however this was a complete crew effort. 13 completely different gamers registered not less than one strain, and 7 had two or extra. After an excellent punt and Joey Blount downing the ball contained in the 1-yard line, the Cardinals compelled a Bears security – the cherry on prime of a terrific efficiency for Jonathan Gannon’s protection. That unit has had its share of struggles this season, however that is the kind of efficiency that may carry a crew that now has gained 4 of 5 video games. And with first-round decide Darius Robinson perhaps every week or two away, this younger protection has reinforcements coming. 
2. Bears flubbed one other end-of-half play in a street loss. The Bears seemed to be caught flat-footed when the Cardinals handed off to Emari Demercado, clearly anticipating a move, with 12 seconds left within the first half. As a substitute, Demercado ran 53 yards — practically untouched — for a landing one week after Jayden Daniels’ Hail Mary stunner. Demercado ran previous the slot blitz and Austin Booker from the bottom, and when Tremaine Edmunds stayed glued to a block, Demercado was gone. Kevin Byard additionally did his half by getting too far inside and giving Demercado the outer lane to coast to the top zone. It wasn’t the game-ending catastrophe that final week’s breakdown was, however permitting that TD gave the Cardinals a win likelihood added increase of 14.2%, per Subsequent Gen Stats. Previous to that, a “leverage” name worn out a made Cardinals subject purpose, as they took the primary down and transformed it right into a landing. The Bears bought the ball first within the second half however went three-and-out shortly and by no means actually threatened once more. Even with a slew of proficient inactives, led by Montez Sweat, the Bears have been outcoached and appeared unprepared; maybe there was a hangover from final week’s disappointment and the demotion of Tyrique Stevenson. Both method, Matt Eberflus – particularly along with his protection regressing the previous two weeks – will face even more durable scrutiny with the Bears falling again to .500.
3. Cardinals’ run sport can’t be forgotten. On a day when Kyler Murray and the Cardinals’ move sport had a quiet day, the run sport stepped up in a giant method. James Conner is the heartbeat of this crew, and he’s not slowing down as he approaches his thirtieth birthday. He ran for 107 yards on 18 carries earlier than popping out of the sport within the third quarter. Demercado coughed up a late fumble, however his pre-halftime 53-yard TD romp was a game-changer, and he totaled 70 yards on six touches. Trey Benson took over for Conner and added 37 yards and a TD, additionally including an 18-yard catch. After Gannon took the penalty and the factors off the board following a made subject purpose, Conner drove six yards to the Chicago 1, and Benson punched it in. That was the purpose the Cardinals began taking management of the sport, and the dashing assault had so much to do with it. This actually was a three-phase victory for the Cardinals, and that is the kind of formulation that makes them so harmful. Murray had 160 mixed passing and dashing yards, and the Cardinals dominated the Bears. Arizona has a enjoyable factor happening swiftly.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Bears-Cardinals (by way of NFL Professional): Twelve completely different Cardinals move rushers generated not less than one strain within the first half towards the Bears, probably the most by any crew within the first half of a sport over the previous two seasons.

NFL Analysis: The Bears’ streak of video games permitting 21 or fewer factors ended at 13 video games Sunday at Arizona. The Cardinals had 21 factors by halftime and upped their whole to 29, probably the most the Bears have allowed for the reason that Lions scored 31 towards them in Week 11 final yr.

Philadelphia Eagles 28, Jacksonville Jaguars 23

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Nick Shook’s takeaways:

1. Barkley continues to be the distinction for Philadelphia. Saquon Barkley did all of it Sunday, opening a affluent first half by making an ideal over-the-shoulder landing catch from 20 yards out to place the primary six factors on the board for the Eagles. That set the tone for one more productive outing for the offseason acquisition, who has endeared himself to Eagles followers with explosive runs and spotlight reel-worthy performs. He made a couple of of them Sunday, together with the reverse hurdle heard ‘around the world, seemingly defying the legal guidelines of physics by clearing a defender whereas hurdling backward by way of his finest impression of Tremendous Mario. Eagles followers ought to be thanking each their basic supervisor, Howie Roseman, for opening the verify e book for Barkley, and Giants GM Joe Schoen for letting him check free company. Barlkey has elevated this offense on a weekly foundation and is liable for most of their wins this season, together with his 199-yard (from scrimmage), two landing efficiency on Sunday.
2. Jaguars compelled to play catch-up. Sunday marked one other occasion wherein the Jaguars sleepwalked by way of the primary half of a sport, dug themselves a gap and wanted to be aggressively shaken out of their sleep to search out any form of rhythm. They discovered that after 35 minutes of dormancy, wherein they’d tallied a complete of 37 yards of offense. With an up-tempo offense setting a brand new tone, Trevor Lawrence urgently started working, main a 10-play, 61-yard drive that led to a 1-yard landing run. Travon Walker‘s fumble restoration and return for a landing made it a one-score sport, however Doug Pederson’s option to punt on fourth-and-3 from Philadelphia’s 49 gave the Eagles an opportunity to construct onto their lead (they did, by way of a DeVonta Smith landing), and even when the Jaguars responded with a landing, the room for error grew slim. Lawrence’s poor throw within the course of D’Ernest Johnson in the long run zone doomed their comeback hopes, delivering one more instance of how this crew’s frequent first-half struggles have hamstrung it, explaining the 2-7 report with one other irritating loss.
3. Eagles escape with fourth straight win. Philadelphia cruised by way of the primary half, constructing a 22-0 lead. The cracks have been seen even throughout that romp, although, as Nick Sirianni’s resolution to go for 2 on two events value the Eagles a minimal of two factors. So did his resolution to dial up a play-action rollout on fourth-and-inches, which failed and signaled the potential for a colossal meltdown in a sport that appeared to be headed towards a blowout. Luckily for Sirianni, Smith’s one-handed landing seize and Nakobe Dean‘s game-sealing interception in the long run zone helped them stave off an embarrassing defeat, however of us in Philadelphia aren’t going to overlook how their coach put them in a nasty spot along with his overly aggressive calls. The Eagles are 6-2 and have gained 4 in a row, which is nice, however they higher hope their coach takes a lesson or two from this sport. A greater opponent makes him pay for his selections.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception from Jaguars-Eagles (by way of NFL Professional): Saquon Barkley generated extra dashing yards than anticipated on 55.6% of his carries, his highest price in a sport over the previous two seasons. Barkley additionally caught three receptions on 4 targets for a season-high 40 yards and a landing. He generated +15 receiving yards over anticipated, his highest mark with the Eagles. 

NFL Analysis: Sunday marked Saquon Barkley’s fifth sport with 100-plus dashing yards in 2024, the primary time in his profession wherein he is had 5 such video games within the first eight contests of a season. Eagles operating backs solely had 5 such video games mixed between 2022 and 2023.

Detroit Lions 24, Inexperienced Bay Packers 14

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Kevin Patra’s takeaways:

1. Lions dash out to large lead, roll over Packers at Lambeau. Chants of “Jared Goff” echoed by way of Lambeau Area late within the contest as Detroit took a agency grip of the NFC North. Inexperienced Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur eschewed a fourth down, kicking a brief subject purpose after a great opening drive. The Lions matched the march, however Dan Campbell went for it on fourth down. Goff linked with Amon-Ra St. Brown to provide Detroit a lead it might by no means relinquish. The Lions scored touchdowns on two fourth-down calls, underscoring Campbell’s aggressive perspective. The Lions performed the cleaner sport on a rain-soaked night in Inexperienced Bay. The offense put up three lengthy drives and, with a giant second-half lead, did not need to do a lot late. Goff peppered the quick sport within the rain and averted the catastrophic errors. The QB accomplished his first 11 passes of the sport, highlighting his continued effectivity. The Lions leaned on David Montgomery (17 carries for 73 yards) and Jahmyr Gibbs (11/65/1) to spearhead the offense. It says a ton about Campbell’s squad that it bought outgained by 150 yards and went 4 of 12 on third down, and but the sport was by no means actually in query within the second half. The Lions continued to show they’ll win any sort of sport – even open air in unhealthy climate. 
2. Packers’ errors show pricey in large division loss. Inexperienced Bay moved the ball seemingly at will however frequently shot itself within the foot. Brutal penalties, not less than six drops, a missed subject purpose, poor quick yardage blocking. You title it, the Packers dedicated it Sunday. The rotten cherry on prime of the terrible-tasting sundae was a Jordan Love panic pick-six on the finish of the second quarter, giving Detroit a double-digit lead. The brutal resolution allowed the Lions to blow the sport vast open with one other TD after halftime. Detroit scored 24 unanswered factors over the second and third quarters. The self-inflicted errors included 10 penalties. Love and the offense churned out 411 yards of offense however have been poor on key downs, together with going 3 of 12 on third downs and 1 of 4 within the purple zone. Love has immense expertise, however his errors are evident. He is now thrown an interception in every of his first seven begins in 2024, becoming a member of Irv Comp (1944) as the one Packers to have an INT in every of a participant’s first seven video games of a season, per NFL Analysis.
3. Kerby does it once more. Lions security Kerby Joseph continues to make large performs. Within the waning moments of the second quarter, clinging to a seven-point lead, Joseph swiped Love’s pitiful move and raced 27 yards to the top zone. Like he has many instances this season, the play was a game-changer by the ball-magnet. An in depth sport turned a laugher. It marked Joseph’s sixth INT this season, tied for probably the most within the NFL (Packers’ Xavier McKinney). It was additionally his 14th profession INT, tied for probably the most within the NFL since he entered the league in 2022 (DaRon Bland). Since 2000, solely Corridor of Famer Ed Reed (16) has extra interceptions amongst safeties of their first 40 video games. With a banged-up defensive entrance and the Lions shedding Brian Department early (ejection), Joseph helped spearhead a secondary that may hand over yards however stands tall in large moments. 

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Lions-Packers (by way of NFL Professional): Alim McNeill generated a team-high 5 pressures on 33 move rushes, translating to a 15.3% strain price. No different Lion had greater than two QB pressures. 

NFL Analysis: The Lions have began 7-1 or higher for the primary time within the Tremendous Bowl period. The final time Detroit began 7-1 was in 1956 (2024 is the fifth time in crew historical past). 

Los Angeles Rams 26, Seattle Seahawks 20 (OT)

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Christian Gonzales’ takeaways:

1. Stafford is ideal in extra time. After going 22 of 41 for 219 yards, one landing and one interception in regulation, Matthew Stafford was excellent in extra time to steer the Rams to their third consecutive win. With the Seahawks foregoing a subject purpose to take the lead in further time and getting stopped on fourth-and-1, Stafford took benefit. He linked with Tyler Johnson for a 24-yard achieve. On the subsequent play, Tutu Atwell was open for a 16-yard catch. On the fourth play of the drive, Stafford launched a gorgeous move to Demarcus Robinson, who caught the 39-yard move for a game-winning TD with a Seahawks defender throughout him. It was a formidable victory for the Rams, with Cooper Kupp (11 receptions for 104 yards) held to 4 catches within the second half. and Puka Nacua ejected from the sport as a consequence of throwing a punch at Seahawks linebacker Tyrel Dodson within the second quarter. The win retains the Rams within the thick of the battle in a troublesome NFC West division. 
2. Smith’s turnovers pricey in brutal loss. Geno Smith’s play for the higher half of fourth quarter was not what Seattle wanted. Smith was inefficient within the purple zone when it mattered probably the most and threw two crippling interceptions. With 11:17 left within the sport, Smith was pressured and pedaled again from the pocket earlier than throwing a ball that Rams rookie security Kamren Kinchens returned for a 103-yard pick-six. On the Seahawks’ subsequent possession, Smith focused AJ Barner for a brief move, nevertheless, it was Kinchens once more that intercepted Smith within the purple zone. One constructive for the Seahawks offense was Jaxon Smith-Njigba stepping up in DK Metcalf absence. The second-year WR had a career-best 180 receiving yards and two landing catches. 
3. Rams protection delivers towards Geno. Regardless that Kinchens delivered a formidable two-interception efficiency, first-year defensive coordinator Chris Shula’s unit deserves an general spherical of applause for making Smith uncomfortable. Seven Rams defenders recorded 0.5 or extra sacks within the win that resulted in Smith in search of the house run play at instances. The Seahawks offensive line couldn’t comprise rookie Jared Verse. He got here up clutch with two tackles for loss, one QB hit, one sack and a batted down move within the fourth quarter. The rookie move rusher has recorded not less than one QB hit in six of his first eight video games.

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Rams-Seahawks (by way of NFL Professional): On his 103-yard pick-six, Kamren Kinchens traveled 128.3 yards from snap to attain, probably the most distance traveled on a play by a ball service this season.

NFL Analysis: Rookie security Kamren Kinchens had a 103-yard interception landing return, which was the longest defensive TD in Rams historical past.

Sunday Night time

Minnesota Vikings 21, Indianapolis Colts 13

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Grant Gordon’s takeaways:

1. Vikings protection stands sturdy to cease two-game skid. Although Minnesota had three turnovers and two missed subject targets, the Vikings have been in a position to snap their two-game skid largely due to the tenacious play of their protection. Veteran stalwart Harrison Smith, who recovered a fumble on a botched Colts handoff throughout the sport’s opening drive, had back-to-back breakups within the fourth quarter when he introduced the wooden to dislodge would-be completions. That led to a turnover on downs and a subsequent Sam Darnold landing toss on the following drive. Darnold accounted for every of his crew’s turnovers, however he additionally threw three touchdowns because the Vikings protection bailed him out again and again. On the Colts’ ultimate possession and final gasp, they have been held to 3 factors as Joe Flacco was sacked thrice on the drive. The Vikings didn’t permit an offensive landing, relinquished simply 227 web yards and helped Minnesota win the primary down battle, 29-13. Justin Jefferson was his ordinary phenomenal self and Darnold overcame his struggles, however Minnesota is again within the win column mainly as a result of its protection was dastardly on Sunday night time.
2. QB swap will likely be questioned after Colts lay offensive egg. This was not the Joe Flacco who rescued and resurrected the Cleveland Browns offense in 2023 or who Shane Steichen was in search of to provide the Colts a playoff push. This was the model of Flacco who was teammates along with his Sunday night time counterpart, Sam Darnold, on the New York Jets 4 years in the past. Flacco captained a largely lifeless offense that generated zero touchdowns, was a depressing 3 of 11 on third downs, taxed a Colts protection that carried out sensationally a lot of the night time and totaled 227 yards on 49 performs. It was the primary time Indy’s gone with out an offensive TD since Week 16 of the 2022 season, per NFL Analysis. With Steichen having made the transfer to the veteran Flacco and benching 2023 first-rounder Anthony Richardson for the nice of the crew within the right here and now, the choice will likely be scrutinized all of the extra after Sunday’s dismal preliminary outcomes. It wasn’t all on Flacco, in fact. Jonathan Taylor was held to three.7 yards per keep on 13 makes an attempt and was liable for a head-scratching botched handoff to open the sport. However Flacco went 16 of 27 for 179 yards and an interception. He snapped a streak of seven consecutive begins with a TD move, his final occasion with out a scoring toss coming in his ultimate begin for the Jets in Week 18 of the 2022 season. The Colts’ protection saved them within the sport, however the Flacco-led offense saved them out of it — and out of the top zone.
3. Jefferson’s going to get you finally. By one quarter of play, Justin Jefferson was held to 1 catch. Then he did what Justin Jefferson does and made large play after large play, hauling in seven receptions for 137 yards on the night. Darnold threw three touchdowns to 3 receivers, none of them Jefferson, but it surely was the All-Professional who most impacted the sport. Jefferson, who additionally had a 22-yard completion to Aaron Jones, had 5 catches of 20-plus yards, together with a 41-yarder to arrange Minnesota to take a 14-7 lead a couple of performs later. These 5 catches for 20-plus yards are tied for probably the most for any participant in a sport this season — the opposite being Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba earlier within the day — per NFL Analysis. This was hardly probably the most optically pleasing sport, with 5 mixed turnovers and three mixed missed subject targets. However the perfect wideout within the sport showcased his ordinary excellence and, for good measure, recovered an onside kick to seal the win and snap the Vikings’ skid. 

Subsequent Gen Stats Perception for Colts-Vikings (by way of NFL Professional): Justin Jefferson caught seven of his 9 targets for 137 yards towards the Colts, producing a season-high +53 receiving yards over anticipated. Jefferson accounted for over half of the Vikings’ air yards (53.4%) for the third time this season.

NFL Analysis: Vikings kicker Will Reichard, a sixth-round rookie, made the primary 14 subject targets tried in his profession previous to lacking two on Sunday night time. In 5 years at Alabama, Reichard solely missed a number of subject targets in three video games.