Things That Made Me Giddy
Chiefs Never Let Dallas Get Close: Folks will be upset that they didn’t score 40 points, but the Chiefs took a two-possession lead in the game’s first eight minutes and the defense never took the field with less than a two-possession advantage after that. They defended a one-possession lead for a total of three plays on Sunday. That is the definition of a comfortable win.
The Ravens Find a Way Forever: I’m not sure how good they truly are (and they’re certainly much, much worse without Lamar Jackson), but it doesn’t really seem to matter. Without Jackson they hung around on Sunday despite giving up two long touchdowns to fall behind a Bears team that isn't very good. Then they got a 71-yard, final-minute touchdown drive—their only touchdown of the game—from Tyler Huntley to win it.
Vikings Empower Their Receivers: It can be a frustrating offense to watch at times, but against the Packers they had a major edge with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen working against the Green Bay’s shorthanded group of cornerbacks. Kirk Cousins targeted that tandem 20 times, resulting in 16 catches, 251 yards and three touchdowns in a shootout win.
Jonathan Taylor’s Nose for the End Zone: Indy’s biggest problem early in the season was an inability to put the ball into the end zone—they left an unfathomable number of points on the field despite profiling as a team that should dominate in the red zone. Taylor finished five drives in the end zone in Buffalo. Never let them tell you that scoring touchdowns isn't a skill.
Colt McCoy Is the Mayor of Seattle: That’s now three games and three wins against the Seahawks, starting for three different teams (Cleveland, N.Y. Giants and Arizona). And two of those wins came as a spot starter the past two seasons.
Vance Joseph Gives Russell Wilson Fits Again: Wilson had one of the worst stretches of his career in an overtime loss to the Cardinals last season, so overwhelmed by Joseph’s defense that in the rematch the Seahawks scrapped “Let Russ Cook” and retreated into a run-heavy shell. In the teams’ first matchup of this season, Wilson was uncomfortable throughout, making a couple of second reaction plays but repeatedly missing open reads and overthrowing open receivers.
The Bengals Bounce Back Their Way: It’s a team that, along with the flash of Burrow-to-Chase, was really out-physical-ing opponents early in the year, with a quietly dominant run game and a defense that rarely missed tackles. Sunday in Vegas, it looked a lot more like that team than the one that, say, was responsible for the thousand missed tackles that launched Mike White-mania.
Jalen Hurts Has Answers: And kudos to Nick Sirianni for putting together a gameplan that emphasizes not only his legs but his ability late in the down as a passer the past few weeks. (Similarly, credit Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon for getting aggressive with third-down blitzes and clearly catching Sean Payton by surprise on Sunday.) Philly has won three of four, are firmly in the NFC wild-card hunt, and probably had their franchise quarterback staring them in the face the whole time during a months-long flirtation with Deshaun Watson.
Taylor “The Taxpayer” Heinicke Makes Plays: All eyes were on Cam Newton, but it was the other ex- (and not current) Panthers QB who made the difference on Sunday. Washington’s offense is a bit uneven, but Heinicke was there to deliver a handful of second reaction plays that ended up fueling an upset win. There will be no IRS lien as long as The Taxpayer is working in Washington.
Also, Terry McLaurin: Who continues to be borderline unguardable.
49ers’ Opening Drives: On Monday night, their first possession against the Rams took up 11:03. Against the Jaguars on Sunday, the game’s opening drive took up an absurd 13:05. They settled for a Robbie Gould field goal but shortened a game that was thankfully done in two hours, 45 minutes.
Reasonably Sized Play Slay: The Eagles’ top corner took a turnover back for six for a second straight week, this one a telegraphed ball from Trevor Siemian at the end of the first half.
Andy Dalton In Relief: It wasn’t particularly good, at least not until his (at the time, seemingly) game-winning throw. He made an adjustment at the line, knowing he’d be getting blasted by a blitzer, but stood in to throw a moon ball that connected with Marquise Goodwin on the back of a double move.
Aaron Rodgers Foot Pop!: Read about it here.
David Culley Clinches Coach of the Year Honors: By winning multiple games with this Texans roster.
