What We Learned From Each NFL Game In Week 9
Source:
Isaiah J. Downing
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USA TODAY Sports
Raiders (3)- 49ers (34): What we learned in this game is that the Raiders are flat out trash. You're telling me that Derek Carr cannot go into San Francisco and score a single touchdown? I was really impressed by the fact that QB Nick Mullens played well in his first NFL start with the 49ers. I also learned that the 49ers tight end, George Kittle is so underrated. The one handed catch he had in the third quarter was a play that made the fans jump out their seats because it was that awesome to watch.
Bears(41)- Bills (9): What we learned in this game is that Chicago's defense is really elite. In my fantasy league, the Bears defense put up 29 points against the Bills. Their defense was able to post 3 interceptions, force a fumble and score 2 touchdowns from turnovers. I understand that the Bears were playing Buffalo; but, God that was impressive. The Bears defense is number one, according to ESPN Fantasy Football.
Buccaneers(28)- Panthers(42): What we learned in this game is that Cam Newton is playing at a high level. Perhaps for the first time in his career, he has other offense weapons around him to make him better and Cam is using his weapons as effective as possible. The Panthers are 6-2 right now and they really look like that will clinch a playoff spot in the next 4 weeks.
Chiefs(37)- Browns(21): What we learned in this game is that Patrick Mahomes ll is perhaps the best quarterback in the NFL going into Week 10. Also, Kansas City might have the best offense going into Week 10. I know the Chiefs scored 37 points and beat the Browns in Week 9; but, the way that Patrick Mahomes ll, Kareem Hunt, Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill play football is too hot not to watch.
Jets(6)-Dolphins(13): What we learned in this game is that this was the most boring game watch in Week 10. Sam Darnold threw a good amount of interceptions and the only touchdown that was scored in the game was a Miami Dolphins pick 6. The Dolphins are 5-4 and have a chance to have a 9-7 record at the end of the season with Brock Osweiler as their starting quarterback. Even if the Dolphins make the playoffs, they are not beating the Patriots, the Chiefs or the Steelers. Those three teams have more star players and more swag than the Dolphins. But, anything can happen and it would actually be cool if the Dolphins made the playoffs and made a huge playoff run once January begins.
Steelers(23)-Ravens(16): What we learned in this game is that this was a game that the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to win. If the Steelers lost this game, then... I couldn't even tell you what might have happened. This was the Steelers revenge game and this was James Conner's revenge game. Back in Week 4 when the Steelers played the Ravens at Heinz Field, James Conner only rushed for 19 yards and that has been his worst game in the NFL as a starting running back. He decided to get revenge on the Ravens in Week 9 as he rushed for 107 yards and scored a receiving touchdown.
Lions(9)-Vikings(24): What we learned in this game is that this was the first game, this season, that Adam Thielen did not record 100 receiving yards. It did not matter for the Vikings since they won the game. To this day, I still think about how Calvin Johnson and Barry Sanders ended their NFL careers early after playing with the Detroit Lions. That is kind of weird.
Falcons(38)-Redskins(10): What we learned in this game is that for the first time this season, Julio Jones has scored a touchdown for the Atlanta Falcons. The drought of Julio not scoring a touchdown is officially over. It's pretty cool how well that Adrian Peterson is playing as a member of the Washington Redskins. Tevin Coleman had a good game for the Falcons as he is taking advantages due to the fact that Devonta Freeman is out.
Texans(19)-Broncos(17): What we learned in this game is that this was Demaryius Thomas's (DT) first game with the Texans and the fact that his first game with the Texans was against the Broncos is pretty hilarious. Thomas had 3 receptions for 61 yards against his former team. Even though DT got emotional when he got traded, he has to be extremely due to the fact that he is playing with DeShaun Watson and is playing with another elite wide receiver in DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans are 6-3 right now and they have a shot and I mean a good shot in making the playoffs. DT has to be happy that he is now playing for an organization that is looking to win, right now.
Chargers(25)-Seahawks(17): What we learned in this game is that the Chargers are the least talked about NFL team that is good. Right now, this team is 6-2 and they beat all the teams that they were supposed to beat. The Chargers only 2 losses are against the Chiefs and the Rams. This Chargers team is for real and if they beat Kansas City later in the season, this team has a chance in going to an AFC title game. The Seahawks might have lost this game, but they still have a chance to make the playoffs because their quarterback, Russell Wilson, is not garbage.
Rams(35)-Saints (45): What we learned in this game is that there is a good chance that this might be the NFC Championship in January. Both of these teams' offenses are too explosive that it is crazy. Home-field advantage for both of these teams is way too important.
Packers(17)-Patriots(31): What we learned in this game is that the Packers lost another game. For some reason I feel that each game that Aaron Rodgers loses a game that is legacy decreases a small bit. If Aaron Rodgers does not get one more ring before he retires, a lot of people will question his legacy. The Patriots are still able to put up points when their star tight end, Rob Gronkowski, is injured and that is a good sign. Wait until Gronkowski comes back and is fully healthy.
Titans(28)-Cowboys(14): What we learned in this game is that once again the Cowboys are not America's team. Marcus Mariota did not turn the football over and that was big. What was also big was the fact that the Titans defense did a good job not letting Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot have his way against them. The Cowboys are still losing to teams that are better than them and that better change soon before the Cowboys start losing fans. I give a lot of credit to Tennessee. They are trying to win the AFC South and they keep on fighting.