Already without Mac Jones, the Patriots also lost the services of Brian Hoyer (concussion) early in their 27-24 loss at Green Bay on Sunday. Bailey Zappe was thrown into the fray and the rookie did pretty well (10 for 15 for 99 yards and a touchdown pass). But as Bill Belichick summed it up, Aaron Rodgers was too strong.
Posted at 12:33 p.m.
The Pats (1-3) are in a precarious situation and the chances of them reaching the playoffs are already very low. Even when Jones is playing, the talent isn’t high enough in New England. It takes a few exceptional players to win in the NFL and the Patriots don’t have them.
Things are no better for the Steelers (1-3), who have lost their last three games, including Sunday’s against the Jets, 24-20. They are threatened with their first losing season in 19 years and only their 8e in 51 years.
Mike Tomlin has to give the ball to first-round pick Kenny Pickett in this transitional season, that’s obvious. The defense will have to be considerably boosted next winter. Note that the Steelers are now 0-8 when TJ Watt is not playing…
For the younger Jets, there were encouraging signs in their Sunday win at Pittsburgh. In his first game of the season, Zach Wilson was very good at 4e quarter by allowing his team to erase a 10-point deficit. He played like the second pick (in 2021) that he is.
The Jets’ first four picks in 2022, including three first-round picks, also all contributed to the win. Running back Breece Hall scored the game-winning touchdown with 16 seconds left and defensive end Jermaine Johnson had a big sack. Cornerback Sauce Gardner and receiver Garrett Wilson made some great plays, too.
The Jets finally seem to be on the right track under head coach Robert Saleh, which isn’t good news for the Patriots, who already have to contend with the Bills and Dolphins in their division.
The Raiders did the job
PHOTO GARY A. VASQUEZ, USA TODAY SPORTS
Russell Wilson played his best game in a Broncos uniform, completing 17 of 25 passes for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Lost in their first three games, the Raiders absolutely had to win against the Broncos. Their 32-23 victory was Josh McDaniels’ first in 12 years as head coach.
Curiously, Russell Wilson played his best game in a Broncos uniform, completing 17 of 25 passes for 237 yards and 2 touchdowns. He was, however, the victim of 3 sacks at important times.
Conversely, Derek Carr (21 for 34 for 188 yards and no touchdowns) was ordinary. The Raiders won instead thanks to rusher Josh Jacobs (144 yards on 28 carries and 2 touchdowns) and an inspired performance from their defense in 2e half. The Raiders will now be on a mission to surprise the Chiefs in Kansas City next Monday. As for the Broncos, they will host Matt Ryan and the disappointing Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night.
Lucky the Vikings
PHOTO KIRBY LEE, USA TODAY SPORTS
Kirk Cousins multiplied the bad readings of play and decisions, and several of his passes lacked precision.
Sunday began with the morning game played in London between the Saints and the Vikings. It was the first of three games to be played in London this season. Munich and Mexico City will also host a game.
The Saints played without Alvin Kamara, Jameis Winston and Michael Thomas, and the Vikings were also able to benefit from excellent field positions on three occasions thanks to two turnovers and a tied play on a punt. In short, they should have won this match easily.
However, their 28-25 victory was only confirmed when Will Lutz’s placement attempt failed on the last play of the match. Kirk Cousins multiplied the bad readings of play and decisions, and several of his passes lacked precision. Note to Vikings: It is extremely unlikely that you can win a championship with Cousins.
Tua: the NFL must adjust
PHOTOJEFF DEAN, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tua Tagovailoa should never have returned to play against the Bills and should never have faced the Bengals on Thursday.
We all agree: Tua Tagovailoa should never have returned to play against the Bills and should never have faced the Bengals on Thursday. The Players Association fired the independent doctor who examined and cleared the quarterback to return to the game against Buffalo.
The only silver lining to this situation is that the NFL is determined it won’t happen again. The League and the Players’ Association will certainly put mechanisms in place to eliminate any gray areas. When a player staggers and struggles to stay on his feet, it’s because he’s stunned, it’s not because he has back pain.