Another week of NFL motion is sort of within the books. And Week 11 has already been chock-full of unbelievable headlines: The Bears and Raiders just about pulled off upsets in opposition to perceived contenders, the Browns stayed atop the AFC North with Dorian Thompson-Robinson underneath heart, and the Giants racked up six takeaways to rout the Commanders.
Which avid gamers, coaches and groups deserve probably the most reward (or complaint)? Here are Week 11’s giant winners and losers:
Winner: Brock Purdy
Remember when everybody stated he was once “figured out”? Give us a ruin. No, the Buccaneers don’t seem to be world-beaters, however they are now not nobodies on protection, both. And Purdy marched in every single place them, giving him 3 TDs with out a selections for a 2nd instantly week. The 49ers aren’t an ideal contender, however boy do they have got a elegant younger signal-caller on the helm in their offense.
Loser: Robert Saleh
It was once unhealthy sufficient that he waited see you later to drag the plug on the Zach Wilson “experiment.” But to have Wilson actually run him over on the sidelines in the course of an unsightly blowout loss to the rival Bills, and then, trailing 29-6 and going through a steeper fall beneath .500 as Aaron Rodgers soaks all of it in, after all flip to Tim Boyle? What is the real course right here? The Jets’ mismanagement at QB has been obtrusive for weeks — months, even — however it confirmed very obviously of their crucial defeat to Buffalo.
Everyone talks about Micah Parsons, however now not sufficient folks discuss Bland, who learn Bryce Young like a guide on Sunday to tie the NFL’s single-season document for pick-sixes, scoring on an interception for the fourth time this 12 months. Bland’s ballhawking is a pivotal piece of a protection that gave Dallas any other blowout win, boosting “America’s Team” to 7-3 on the season.
Pittsburgh has stayed within the win column for a lot of 2023, in spite of constantly being outdone on the offensive facet of the ball. On Sunday, the chickens after all got here house to roost, with a Dorian Thompson-Robinson-led Browns workforce outdoing Kenny Pickett and Co. within the take hold of. You can handiest ask so little of your QB for see you later. Even the Steelers’ very best weapon, Jaylen Warren, was once a reminder of ways steadily the workforce has as an alternative leaned on the gradual Najee Harris, who controlled all of two.9 yards consistent with lift in Sunday’s defeat.
He and the Packers had most commonly been written off sooner than Sunday’s sport, and it is still noticed whether or not their pairing will thrive in the end. But in opposition to a reputedly determined Chargers workforce, lacking Aaron Jones for a large bite of the day, the embattled younger QB slung with self belief, particularly down the stretch. His 322 yards and two ratings were given Green Bay again within the “W” column however, extra importantly, restored some religion in his long term.
Loser: Chargers
Whereas Jordan Love and the Packers responded the decision, Brandon Staley and the Bolts flopped when it mattered maximum, which is not unexpected however wholly deflating. A reputedly absolute best last-minute strike from Justin Herbert epitomized the season, with rookie Quentin Johnston shedding a would-be game-sealer. The miscue was once an indictment on workforce brass for the lineup development, an indictment on Staley for any other sport that was once nearer than it had to be, an indictment on the entire group.
It’s truthful to doubt the have an effect on of a just about 30-year-old cornerback recent off a longer injury-related absence. But with out Ramsey, the Dolphins most certainly do not live on the scrappy Raiders. His first decide of the day, a diving snag of an Aidan O’Connell dart, gave Miami new existence. And his 2nd, a jumping end-zone swipe on a deep shot, averted a Las Vegas comeback. The Dolphins obviously have some problems as they eye a playoff run, however Ramsey’s ball abilities are retaining them scrappy on the again finish.
Loser: Frank Reich
Just weeks after turning play-calling over to offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, Reich rapidly reclaimed the tasks for Week 11, and but the Panthers controlled simply 10 issues in a blowout loss to Dallas on Sunday. The Cowboys are a distinct workforce in a distinct degree of competition, however with Panthers workforce proprietor David Tepper already impatient, and QB Bryce Young as soon as once more suffering to regulate the ball, Reich’s activity safety might be even thinner.
Standout rookie C.J. Stroud threw extra selections in opposition to the Cardinals (3) than he had all season prior, and but DeMeco Ryans’ squad stood tall to return away with a 21-16 win, bettering to 6-4 on the 12 months. That’s the mark of a resilient franchise — and no doubt a some distance other one than we have now grown familiar with in Houston. Again, Ryans’ membership is also a 12 months clear of making a valid run, however Stroud, Tank Dell and the entire different kids onboard can’t be counted out.