Written by Brendon Donohoe
Week 5 in the NFL featured some close games, but there was no major shakeup. The winners kept on winning, and the losers kept on losing. Since that was the case, why not make this weekly recap a little special. This is your NFL Sunday Recap: Winners and Losers Edition.
Chicago Bears – 18, Kansas City Chiefs – 17
Winner – Jay Cutler: We all love to hate on Jay, but that’s because he makes it so easy. However, every once in a while, Jay does good. When Jay does good, we should Jay some love. Good job Jay.
Loser – Kansas City Chiefs: Before you start thinking “no shit,” the Chiefs are here for a different reason. Jamaal Charles suffered a season ending injury, when he tore his ACL in the 3rd quarter. Charles means so much to that team, and without him the season might as well be over for the Chiefs. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
Seattle Seahawks – 24, Cincinnati Bengals – 27
Winner – Andy Dalton: Overcoming a 24-7 deficit in the 4th quarter, against the Seattle defense, seems like an impossible task. But I guess Andy Dalton can now do the impossible. Never thought I would say Andy Dalton was clutch, but Andy Dalton was clutch.
Loser – Seattle Defense: When your defense is considered one of the best in the entire league, giving up a massive 4th quarter lead is inexcusable.
Washington Redskins – 19, Atlanta Falcons – 25
Winner – Devonta Freeman: NFL Breakout Player of the Year.
Loser – Kirk Cousins: When you throw a game losing pick six, you are a lock for loser of the game.
Jacksonville Jaguars – 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 38
Winner – Blake Bortles: While Jameis Winston was good, Bortles was great. Despite Jacksonville losing, none of the blame should be placed on Bortles, who had a career game, posting a QB rating north of 125.
Loser – Gus Bradley: Gus was hired because he was thought to be a defensive guru. Well giving up 38 points to Tampa Bay will make people really question that notion.
New Orleans Saints – 17, Philadelphia Eagles – 39
Winner – Chip Kelly: Boy did Chip need this one. All of Chip’s offseason acquisitions made big plays on offense, and the team finally played up to the level we all thought they could play at. Whether or not the offense will keep rolling it yet to be seen, but this was a good sign.
Loser – Dree Brees: Nobody on the Saints played particularly well, but I’m giving the nod to Brees for his 3 costly turnovers.
Cleveland Browns – 33, Baltimore Ravens – 30
Winner – Mike Pettine: Remember when everyone was questioning Pettine’s decision to start Josh McCown over Johnny Manziel? Well Pettine’s decision to stick with McCown is paying off, as McCown played phenomenally for the third straight game.
2nd Winner – Gary Barnidge: Catch of the Year?
Loser – Myself: For being one of those people that questioned Mike Pettine.
St. Louis Rams – 10, Green Bay Packers – 24
Winner – Todd Gurley: Last week he became the best rookie running back. This week he became one of the two favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year. What’s next?
Loser – Nick Foles: RIP
Buffalo Bills – 14, Tennessee Titans – 13
Winner – Buffalo Defense: Nothing flashy here, just some really good defense.
Loser – Tennessee Offense: Completely and utterly shut down.
Arizona Cardinals – 42, Detroit Lions – 17
Winner – Arizona Cardinals: I couldn’t pick a winner. Nobody could do wrong in this game.
Loser – Matthew Stafford: He was so bad he was benched in favor of Dan Orlovsky. Need I say more?
New England Patriots – 30, Dallas Cowboys – 6 Winner – Julian Edelman: 4 receptions, 120 yards, and 1 nasty juke.
Loser – Jason Garrett: Allow me to set the scene for you. Its 4th and 2 on the opponent’s 5 yard line. You are down 20-3 late in the 3rd quarter, against one of the best offenses in the league. What do you do? Well if you’re Jason Garrett, you send out the field goal unit. That’s how you lose football games.
Denver Broncos – 16, Oakland Raiders – 10
Winner – Defense: Charles Woodson finally did it. Woodson finally intercepted Peyton Manning, and he managed to do it twice (check out the first one below). As for the Broncos defense, they continue to show why they are one of the best in the NFL.
Loser – Offense: Neither offense played well. The Broncos running game continues to look awful, and Peyton Manning continues to look old. The Raiders offense went up against a stellar defense, but 10 points is still awful. Even worse for the Raiders was some of the play calling. Allow me to set the scene once more. It is 4th and 19, late in the 4th quarter. Your team is down 16-7. What do you do? Apparently a screen pass for 4 yards. That actually happened. In a game that counted in the standings.
San Francisco 49ers – 27, New York Giants – 30
Winner – Colin Kaepernick: Yes, Eli Manning was a bit better, but it’s been a rough season for Kaep. The game was a good bounce back for him, and hopefully he will keep it up.
Loser – San Francisco Defense: One word. Choke.
BONUS ROUND
MNF Record: 2-1
Pittsburgh Steelers – 19, San Diego Chargers – 24
Having a hard time seeing Mike Vick getting it done. Too many field goals and not enough TDs will cost Pittsburgh in this one.
