We got our asses kicked, simple as that. This was one of the most embarrassing and brutal losses I can remember, and I have been a Washington fan for over 30 years. This Chicago game was supposed to be a momentum-building win for Washington. Instead, it was another soul-crashing loss. We lost to a winless team with a subpar roster.
The O-Line is beyond shaky, and the protection is subpar. I’ve seen enough from Sam Howell to see that he can be an elite QB in the NFL, which is crucial to provide this young QB with better protection.
We had no answer for DJ Moore, and Emmanuel Forbes struggled on coverage again — both Philadelphia and Chicago picked on Forbes; he is missing tackles and giving up huge plays. Forbes was drafted to be an immediate starter and provide this team with turnovers. And it is not happening. The Entire Defense did not show up; busted coverages and missed tackles. That was the story of the game — On top of that, we lost Safeties Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reeves to IR, deepening all the secondary issues.
The entire coaching staff needs to be held accountable. Most notably, Jack Del Rio should be held accountable. It is his responsibility to get his Defensive unit ready to play. And we are falling extremely short of expectations. It feels like we are wasting away all the talent assembled.
So far, in 5 weeks this season, I’ve seen teams push this Defense around and put up points, and we are consistently playing from behind. This needs to be corrected Immediately. During the offseason, I wanted Washington to move away from Jack Del Rio and bring Lovie Smith as Defensive Coordinator, reuniting Ron Rivera and Smith from their time in Chicago. But Rivera seems stuck on keeping Del Rio around. Nevertheless, It is too late to make any drastic changes to the coaching staff.
I heard and saw way too many Chicago fans in the stands. That needs to change — We need more accessible and affordable tickets for the local fan base.
Next, Washington visits Atlanta. This week 6 game is a must-win for Washington — the Falcons do not have dynamic receiving threats like Philadelphia, Buffalo, and Chicago. As a result, our secondary should have a better game, and we should not be playing from behind. However, Bijan Robinson is a dangerous RB; neutralizing him should be a priority. Also, Atlanta is a heavy blitz team, so our QB protection will again be tested. If the protection holds up, our Offense can put up some points. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
WASHINGTON 20 — BEARS 40
And for the rest of the league…..
49ERS — COWBOYS
The 49ers annihilated Dallas — a massive beatdown that brought much joy to my Dallas-Hating heart. Brock Purdy threw for 252 yards with 4 TDs and no picks. George Kittle finished with 67 yards and 3 TDs. San Francisco’s Defense was all over Dak and completely neutralized their Offense. At 5-0, San Fran is looking like an all-time elite team. Next, San Francisco visits Cleveland. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
The Cowboys got exposed — it was a humiliating defeat for the most overhyped team in all sports. Dallas had no answers for San Francisco; Dak Prescott finished with 153 yards with 1 TD and 3 picks. Next, Dallas visits the Chargers. Advantage, LA Chargers.
DOLPHINS 31 — NY GIANTS 16
The Dolphins got back on the winning track and looked phenomenal. Tua threw for 308 yards with 2 TDs and 2 picks — but the turnovers are still an issue with Tua. Tyreek Hill finished with 181 yards and 1 TD. De’Von Achane had another exceptional game, Rushing for 151 yards and 1 TD, but Sadly, it looks like Achane will be on IR for a few weeks. At 4-1, Miami is back on top of the AFC East. Next, Miami hosts Carolina. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
The NY Giants put up a valiant effort. But Miami’s Offense was too much for NY to overcome. Daniel Jones left the game with an injury and might be out for a while. The Giants should go with Tyrod Taylor for the rest of the season. Next, the NY Giants visit Buffalo. Advantage, Buffalo Bills.
EAGLES 23 — LA RAMS 14
By halftime, the Eagles were up 17-14, but the Rams looked pretty dynamic on Offense. So Philly made some impressive halftime Defensive adjustments and shut out the Rams for the rest of the game. Jalen Hurts finished with 375 total yards with 2 TDs and 1 pick. Both AJ Brown and Dallas Goedert had over 100 yards Receiving. Next, Philadelphia visits the Jets. Advantage, the NY Jets.
The Rams got Copper Kupp back, and he was fantastic, totaling 118 yards but no scores. Rookie Receiving sensation Puka Nacua finished with 71 yards and 1 TD. As this LA Rams team improves, the pairing of these two Receivers is intriguing. Next, the Rams host Arizona. Advantage, LA Rams.
STEELERS 17 — RAVENS 10
After an ugly loss on week 4, the Steelers rebounded with a crucial Division-winning game. Kenny Pickett had an effective game, Passing for 224 yards with 1 TD and no picks. George Pickens had his second 100-plus yards of receiving this year. Next, Pittsburgh is on a Bye.
The Ravens should be concerned with their lack of Offensive firepower. Lamar Jackson is having a rough season, and the turnovers are becoming problematic. The Passing game is also struggling. So far this season, rookie WR Zay Flowers is not living up to expectations while barely averaging 63 yards per game with zero TDs. Odell Beckham doesn’t look 100% healthy, and Mark Andrews hasn’t been much of a factor. Next, Baltimore plays Tennessee in London. Advantage, Baltimore Ravens.
COLTS 23 — TITANS 16
The Colts finally ended Tennessee’s winning streak at Indianapolis. Zack Moss took over this game, Rushing for 165 yards and 2 TDs. But it was a bittersweet victory for Indy — midway through the game, rookie QB Anthony Richardson was injured. And it seems like he will be out for a few weeks. However, the Colts have a capable backup QB in Gardner Minshew. Plus, the return of Jonathan Taylor joining forces with Zack Moss will keep the Colts in the mix. Next, Indianapolis visits Jacksonville. Advantage, Jacksonville Jaguars,
The Titans should be concerned about their Offensive struggles. Principally, Derrick Henry needs to be featured more aggressively — also, their Passing game needs to improve drastically. Encouragingly, DeAndre Hopkins and Ryan Tannehill are finally finding chemistry. Next, Tennessee takes on Baltimore in London. Advantage, Baltimore Ravens.
CHIEFS 27 — VIKINGS 20
Despite not looking their best, the Chiefs continue to find ways to win close games. Most significantly, their Defense is leading the way to victories for Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes threw for 281 yards with 2 TDs and no picks. Travis Kelce is by far their top-receiving threat with 67 yards and 1 TD. But they need to give Isiah Pacheco more carries per game. Next, Kansas City hosts Denver. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
The Vikings cannot catch a break and continue to lose close games. Cam Akers hasn’t made any impact on the Offense. Plus, the loss of Justin Jefferson will make things worse for Kirk Cousins and company. On top of that, there are trade rumors surrounding Kirk Cousins. If Minnesota ends up trading Cousins away, it will mean their 2023 season is over. At 1-4, Minnesota needs to figure out how to put together some wins and get back on the NFC Wildcard mix. Next, Minnesota visits Chicago. Advantage, Minnesota Vikings.
NY JETS 31 — BRONCOS 21
This game was the Nathaniel Hackett revenge game, and it delivered all the goods. Breece Hall was unstoppable, Rushing for 177 yards and 1 TD. Additionally, their Defense created the crucial game-winning turnover. Next, the NY Jets host Philadelphia. Advantage, NY Jets.
Sean Payton’s arrogant and disrespectful comments about Nathaniel Hackett made this game a must-win for the Jets. Nothing seems to be working for the Broncos. And even though Russell Wilson’s QB play has improved under Payton, this Denver team is still a few years from contending. Next, Denver visits Kansas City. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
LIONS 42 — PANTHERS 24
Jared Goff had another MVP-caliber game, throwing for 236 yards and scoring 4 TDs. Running Back David Montgomery continues to rack up yards — The Detroit Lions look like legit contenders this season. At 4-1, they are on top of the NFC North and on track to win the Division. Next, Detroit visits Tampa Bay. Advantage, Detroit Lions.
The transition from the College game to the NFL has been rough for Bryce Young. Unfortunately, Carolina does not have a supporting cast to help Young develop as a starting QB. The Running Game is not a factor, and their only Receiving threat is Adam Theilen. At 0-5, this Carolina team could potentially go winless this season. Next, Carolina visits Miami. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
RAIDERS 17 — PACKERS 13
The Raiders saved their season with this win. Remarkably, their Defense showed up and neutralized Jordan Love, creating turnovers and Defensive scores. If the Raiders can build from this victory and put together a few wins, they could put themselves in the Wildcard mix. Next, the Raiders host New England. Advantage, Las Vegas Raiders.
This was Jordan Love’s ugliest game as a starting QB. He threw 3 costly picks and failed to provide any Offensive spark for Green Bay. But there’s no reason to panic; the Packers should rebound from this loss. Next, Green Bay has a bye week.
SAINTS 34 — PATRIOTS 0
The Saints destroyed New England; it was total domination by New Orleans. Their entire Offense was clicking — and their Defense provided a couple of scores. At 3-2, the Saints are back in the mix for the NFC South. Next, New Orleans visits Houston. Advantage, New Orleans Saints.
Finally, Bill Belicheater is getting exposed as the mediocre Head Coach I always thought he was. The current state of the Patriots is a direct result of bad drafting and insane coaching decisions by Belichick. If New England doesn’t turn things around this season, massive changes are on the horizon. Next, New England visits Las Vegas. Advantage, Las Vegas Raiders.
FALCONS 21 — TEXANS 19
Desmond Ritter had an outstanding game, Passing for 329 yards and 2 TDs, and no picks. At the same time, his play validates why this Atlanta coaching staff believes in him. The Falcons have assembled a collection of young talent around Ritter, and they will only get better as the season progresses. Next, Atlanta hosts Washington. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
The Texans lost a close game that could’ve gone either way. Rookie QB CJ Stroud continues to shine, throwing for 249 yards with 1 TD and no picks. At 2-3, Houston is overachieving this season. Next, Houston hosts New Orleans. Advantage, New Orleans Saints.
BENGALS 34 — CARDINALS 20
This was a must-win game for Cincinnati, and it almost felt like a season-saving victory. Despite dealing with a lingering calf injury, Joe Burrow put up some robust stats, passing for over 300 yards with 3 TDs and 1 pick. Ja’Marr Chase had a monster game with 192 yards and 3 TDs. Next, Cincinnati hosts Seattle. Advantage, Seattle Seahawks.
The Cardinals are a scrappy team that doesn’t go down easily. Joshua Dobbs has done a remarkable job filling in for Kyler Murray, who will soon be eligible to return to the active roster. In the meantime, they will continue to make things difficult for all opponents. Next, Arizona visits the LA Rams. Advantage, LA Rams.
JAGUARS 25 — BILLS 20
The Jaguars are undefeated in London this season. Travis Etienne Rushed for 136 yards and 2 TDs while slowly becoming an elite Running Back. Trevor Lawrence regrouped from 2 fumbles and finished with 315 yards and 1 TD. Coming up on week 6, Jacksonville has a unique chance to take the lead in the AFC South Division. Next, Jacksonville hosts Indianapolis. Advantage, Jacksonville Jaguars.
Buffalo had their 3-game winning streak come to an end in London. But there is no reason to panic; Josh Allen and company have an extremely favorable matchup on week 6. Next, Buffalo hosts the NY Giants. Advantage, Buffalo Bills.
Rod Rioja 