This was a soul-crashing loss for me. By halftime, we were leading 17-10, but our lack of productivity in the 3rd quarter was a killer. We couldn’t do anything on Offense in the 3rd quarter — where we allowed 11 unanswered points which made a massive difference.
Overall, Sam Howell had a competent game, throwing for 290 yards passing with 1 TD, and 40 yards Rushing. Cleaning up the turnovers was remarkable. The O-Line played better, but the protection needs to improve. Aside from Brian Robinson getting loose for a 15-yard TD, the Running Game continued to struggle.
Defensively, it felt like a bounce-back performance from the embarrassing showing against Buffalo on week 3. I’m still waiting for Chase Young to start making a difference. First-round pick CB Emmanuel Forbes had a rough game. But he is a Rookie, so some growing pains here and there should be expected. Nevertheless, Kendall Fuller and Kamren Curl are having a strong season.
I’m totally okay with Ron Rivera not going for the 2-point conversation, opting for a Field Goal, and taking our chances in overtime. But doing nothing on our first and only overtime possession was agonizing.
Next, Washington hosts Chicago. Advantage, Washington Commanders. Having said that, Justin Fields is a dangerous QB, he can gash any Defense. So containing Fields should be a top priority. For 3 quarters, the Bears looked impressive against Denver, but they blew a 28-7 lead, allowing 24 unanswered points. Clearly, Chicago cannot hold a lead. But Washington cannot afford to fall behind like Denver did, I’m not confident that we can rally back from a substantial lead.
This Thursday Night game against Chicago should be an easy win. But it should also be a momentum-building game for Washington. Encouragingly, Washington has some very favorable matchups in the upcoming weeks.
WASHINGTON 31 — EAGLES 34 OT
And for the rest of the league…..
COWBOYS 38 — PATRIOTS 3
The Cowboys got this game gift-wrapped to them by the Patriots. Dallas continues to rely on their Defense to score points and win games. Dak Prescott and the entire Dallas Offense continue to struggle; their Running and Receiving game is subpar and their week 5 matchup will expose them further. Next, Dallas visits San Francisco. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
It was a pathetic showing by New England. Mac Jones had an atrocious game, throwing for 150 yards and 3 turnovers. The Ground game was beyond ineffective, Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliot could not get anything going. Another losing season is on the horizon for Bill Belichick. Next, New England hosts New Orleans. Advantage, New Orleans Saints.
SEAHAWKS 24 — NY GIANTS 3
The Seahawks had their way with the pathetically hopeless NY Giants. Seattle’s Defense had an exceptional game; they were all over Danny Dimes, creating turnovers, while shutting NY down and allowing only 1 Field Goal. Geno Smith was injured and left the game briefly, but came back and finished the game. At 3-1. Seattle is holding firm behind San Francisco. Next, Seattle has a Bye week.
It was a stinker of a performance by the NY Giants. Daniel Jones was sacked 10 times and under constant pressure. Without Saquon Barkley, the Giants have no Running game. Plus, the addition of Darren Waller hasn’t paid off. On top of that, Head Coach Brian Daboll was seen on the sidelines frustrated with Danny Dimes. Next. the NY Giants visit Miami. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
49ERS 35 — CARDINALS 16
The San Francisco 49ers are insanely good in all areas of the game. Christian McCaffrey is having an MVP-caliber season — C-Mac finished with a total of 171 yards with 4 TDs. Also, Brandon Aiyuk had another outstanding game, with 148 yards. Next, San Francisco hosts Dallas. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
The Cardinals made things difficult for San Francisco. Joshua Dobbs threw for 265 yards with 2 TDs and gained 48 yards on the ground. This Arizona team is a tough scrappy team, and they are much better than their 1-3 record suggests. Next, Arizona hosts Cincinnati. Advantage, Arizona Cardinals.
BILLS 48 — DOLPHINS 20
Okay, it is time to give Buffalo their dues. In these last 3 weeks, they are averaging 37 points per game. Plus, Josh Allen has been outstanding. At 3-1, the AFC North may very well come down to their week 18 rematch against the Dolphins. Next, Buffalo hosts Jacksonville. Advantage, Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins got outgunned by Buffalo. For the most part, Tua had a good game, throwing for 282 yards with 1 TD and 1 pick. Rookie RB De’Von Achane continues to impress, rushing for 101 yards and 2 TDs. But it wasn’t enough to match Buffalo’s unrelenting firepower. Next, Miami hosts the NY Giants. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
CHIEFS 23 — NY JETS 20
By the end of the 1st quarter, Kansas City was up 17-0. But by the end of the 3rd quarter, the game was even at 20-20. Patrick Mahomes was under constant pressure, finishing up with 2 turnovers. If Kansas City wants to repeat as Champs, the O-Line protection must improve immediately. Also, the Chiefs need more out of their receiving group, Travis Kelce should not be their main receiving threat. Nevertheless, Isiah Pacheco is slowly becoming a dangerous dual-rushing and receiving threat. Next Kansas City visits Minnesota. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs
Zach Wilson delivered his best performance as a pro, throwing for 245 yards with 2 TDs and no picks. Showing flashes of potential greatness, as he rallied NY back from a deficit of 17-0. However, a costly fumble by Wilson sealed their chances of a must-needed win. If there is such a thing as a moral victory, then this game should be considered a moral victory for the Jets. If Zach Wilson builds from this game, the Jets could be content in the AFC. Next, the NY Jets visit Denver. Advantage, NY Jets.
RAVENS 28 — BROWNS 3
The Ravens took advantage of Deshaun Watson’s absence and dominated Cleveland. Lamar Jackson Rushed for 2 TDs and threw 2 TDs. Mark Andrews caught 2 TDs and finally looks healthy. This was a massive Divisional win for the Ravens. Next, Baltimore visits Pittsburgh. Advantage, Baltimore Ravens.
Rookie backup QB Dorian Thompson_Robinson started this game for an injured Deshaun Watson, throwing for 121 yards with no TDs and 3 picks. There was no Running game, Oddly, Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong had each only 5 carries in the entire game. The injuries are piling up for Cleveland. Next, the Browns have their Bye week.
LA RAMS 29 — COLTS 23
The LA Rams are a dangerous young team. Rookie WR Puka Nacua continues to impress, finishing with 163 yards Receiving and 1 TD. Plus, Kyren Williams rushed for 103 yards and 2 TDs. At 2-2, the Rams are surging in the NFC West. Next, the LA Rams host Philadelphia. Advantage, LA Rams.
By mid-3rd quarter, the Colts were trailing 23-0. But remarkably, Rookie QB Anthony Richardson put together an impressive comeback. Richardson threw for 200 yards with 2 Passing TDs, 1 Rushing TD, and no picks. AT 2-2, the Colts are in a tight race for the top of the AFC South. Next, Indianapolis hosts Tennessee. Advantage, Tennessee Titans.
BRONCOS 31 — BEARS 28
The Broncos finally won a game this season. It was a come-from-behind victory, that almost got away from them. Russell Wilson threw for 223 yards with 3 TDs and no picks. Nevertheless, Denver is plagued with Defensive issues and a lack of Ground games, which will make for a long miserable season for the Broncos. Next, Denver hosts the NY Jets. Advantage, the NY Jets.
Justin Fields had his best game of the season, throwing for 335 yards with 4 TDs and 1 pick. But unfortunately, Matt Ebberflus cost this game for Chicago; instead of kicking a Field Goal on 4th and 1 at the 18th-yard line, Ebberflus opted to go for it and RB Khalil Herbert was stopped short of the 1st down. This was a back-breaking loss for the Bears, and at 0-4, the season is starting to spiral out of control for them. Next, Chicago visits Washington. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
TITANS 27 — BENGALS 3
The Titans reversed the final score from week 3 at Cleveland and pulled this impressive win. Ryan Tannehill threw for 240 yards with 1 TD and 1 pick. But Derrick Henry was the difference-maker here, rushing for 122 yards with 1 TD, and throwing a TD pass to Rookie TE Josh Whyle from the wildcat formation. Next, Tennessee visits Indianapolis. Advantage, Tennessee Titans.
Joe Burrow is not 100%, dealing with a lingering calf injury, and his week-to-week performance has suffered greatly. The Bengals are now 1-3 and before this season gets out of hand, they need to rest Joe Burrow until he recovers. Next, Cincinnati visits Arizona. Advantage, Arizona Cardinals.
TEXANS 30 — STEELERS 6
The Texans have themselves a legit franchise QB in CJ Stroud. The entire Offense seems to be clicking, Nico Collins finished with 168 yards and 2 TDs, and TE Dalton Schultz stepped up with another TD. Even RB Devin Singletary got involved in the Passing game action, throwing a TD. Next, Houston visits Atlanta. Advantage, Houston Texans.
The Steelers are pitiful on Offense, and OC Matt Canada continues to be the target of all the vitriol from Pittsburgh’s fan base. But Mike Tomlin should held accountable for all their overall issues. Kenny Pickett left the game in the 3rd quarter with a knee injury and Mitch Trubisky came in but could not generate any spark. On top of all that, their Defense is struggling. Next, Pittsburgh hosts Baltimore. Advantage, Baltimore Ravens.
LA CHARGERS 24 — RAIDERS 17
The LA Chargers scored 17 unanswered points in the 2nd quarter and never looked back. Justin Herbert used his legs and mobility to score 2 Rushing TDs and threw 1 TD to Keenan Allen. But Brandon Staley and his questionable decision-making abilities continue to be an issue. At 2-2, the Chargers are chasing Kansas City for the top spot in the AFC West. Next, the LA Chargers have a bye week.
The Las Vegas Raiders are a mess right now. Jimmy G was out on concussion protocol, so Rookie QB Aidan O’Connell had to step in. O’Connell mixed game, throwing for 238 yards, and rushing for 2 TDs, but the fumbles and turnovers were a problem. Their O-Line cannot adequately protect the QB and they are not creating holes for the Ground game to thrive. At 1-3, the season is starting to slip away for the Raiders. Next, Las Vegas hosts Green Bay. Advantage, Green Bay Packers.
VIKINGS 21 — PANTHERS 13
The Vikings finally won a game this season. This was an ugly win, but a much-needed win nonetheless. Kirk Cousins threw for a sad 139 yards with 2 TDs and 2 picks. Justin Jefferson was the difference maker here, catching 2 game-winning TDs. The Vikings need to get Cam Akers more involved in the Offense and rely less on Cousins. Next, Minnesota hosts Kansas City. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
The Panthers are 0-4 and Bryce Young continues to struggle, although this was a much better statistical game for this Rookie QB. But the Lack of Running game is a problem for the Panthers, and it must be addressed immediately. Next, Carolina visits Detroit. Advantage, Detroit Lions.
JAGUARS 23 — FALCONS 7
The Jaguars had a bounce-back game in London. Trevor Lawrence was effective, throwing for 207 yards with 1 TD and no picks. At 2-2, Jacksonville has a tough road ahead to repeat as Division champs. Next, Jacksonville stays in London to play Buffalo. Advantage, Buffalo Bills.
The Falcons got behind 17-0 early in the first half and could not get any offense going. The only bright spot was Bijan Robinson Rushing for 105 yards. I’m baffled by the lack of targets Kyle Pitts is getting. On paper, the Falcons should be a lot more competitive than what have shown in these last 2 weeks. Next, Atlanta hosts Houston. Advantage, Houston Texans.
LIONS 34 — PACKERS 20
The Detroit Lions are officially the team to beat in the NFC North, and Jared Goff should be in the MVP conversation. David Montgomery had a monster game with 32 carries for 121 yards and 3 TDs. At 3-1, the Lions are on track to win the Division. Next, Detroit hosts Carolina. Advantage, Detroit Lions.
By halftime, the Packers were trailing 27-3; they tried to rally back and got close by putting up 17 points. But unfortunately, Green Bay is not built to come from behind under a substantial lead. The Packers need to get the Running game going with Aaron Jones, to alleviate some pressure for Jordan Love. Next, Green Bay visits the Las Vegas Raiders. Advantage, Green Bay Packers.
BUCCANEERS 26 — SAINTS 9
The Buccaneers are starting to get on a roll with Baker Mayfield at QB. Mayfield threw for 246 yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick; he seems to be getting more comfortable under this new Tampa Bay Offense. The Passing game also seems to be getting better, but the Ground game hasn’t been as effective; Rachaad White needs to be featured a lot more. Next, Tampa Bay is on a Bye week.
The Saints have lost back-to-back games and things are starting to look grim for New Orleans. Derek Carr has been dealing with a shoulder injury, which has hindered his ability to make crucial throws. The Saints have 2 dynamic Receivers Michael Thomas and Chris Olave, but with an injured QB, their upside has been diminished. If Alvin Kamara gets going, then things will open up for the rest of the Offense. Next, New Orleans visits New England. Advantage, New Orleans Saints.
Rod Rioja 