Week 11 within the NFL for sure had no scarcity of intriguing finishes, beginning with how the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns eked out victories. The Lions was the 1st team because the New York Jets in Week 2 of closing season to conquer a deficit of 12 issues within the ultimate 3 mins and win in legislation.
The Browns, with their 1/3 quarterback beginning this 12 months, have received 5 in their previous six video games and feature scored the game-winning issues within the ultimate two mins of legislation in 4 of the ones 5 wins. Both Detroit and Cleveland are 7-3 or higher for the 1st time since 1969, showcasing a converting of the guard within the NFL.
In the sport of the week, the Eagles made a remark with a double-digit comeback victory in opposition to the Kansas City Chiefs. The Eagles have the most productive file within the NFL at 9-1, beginning 9-1 for the second one consecutive season. Philadelphia has held or shared the most productive file within the league for 30 consecutive weeks.
As the league heads into Thanksgiving, that is what we learned from each team that performed in Week 11.
*Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, and New Orleans Saints had byes this week.
Fourth down ended in dying: While it is transparent Kyler Murray makes a large distinction for the offense (265 move + rush yards, 2 blended touchdowns), 3 failed fourth down makes an attempt within the fourth quarter avoided the disappointed. Murray threw a knuckleball on on a fourth-and-4 to a large open Trey McBride that ended up at the back of the tight finish and Steven Nelson broke up a fourth down move that sealed Houston’s win. The Cardinals have been 1 of four on fourth down, with the 3 misses within the fourth quarter expensive. This team is still a lot better when Murray performs.
Odell Beckham stepping up in Mark Andrews’ absence: Whether it was once the ankle sprain or getting again into recreation form after his torn ACL, Beckham has stepped up in a large method within the Ravens offense of overdue. He completed with 4 catches for 116 yards in Thursday’s win over the Bengals, together with a 51-yard catch that arrange a Gus Edwards landing that gave Baltimore a commanding 3 landing lead within the fourth quarter. Beckham additionally had a 21-yard catch within the ultimate minute of the 1st half of that arrange a Rashod Bateman landing. Beckham has 10 catches for 212 yards and two touchdowns in his closing 3 video games, a mean of 21.2 yards in keeping with catch. The Ravens will want him as their deep risk with Andrews out for the 12 months.
Patient way through Joe Brady can pay off: The Bills had an offensive coordinator shakeup this week with Ken Dorsey fired and Joe Brady promoted. The way was once a lot more conservative and a ways much less reckless, which is simply what Josh Allen wanted. Allen went 20 of 32 for 275 yards and 3 touchdowns, taking the throws that have been there as an alternative of looking to drive performs. Buffalo was once simply 1 of four within the pink zone and 5 of 13 on 1/3 down, but it was once a just right thing because the Bills did not flip the ball over and took the issues — in reality all they had to beat the Jets. The Bills publish 32 issues (maximum allowed through Jets defense in two years) and received the turnover combat for the 1st time in six week. That’s a significant win for an offense that wanted it.
Fourth quarter offense made loss worse than it was once: The Panthers in reality made this soon-to-be blowout loss to the Cowboys a one-possession recreation within the 1/3 quarter. Then the wheels fell off as Carolina had simply -3 yards within the ultimate quarter-hour, working 10 performs. Bryce Young threw an interception to Daron Bland that ended in a landing and put any hopes of an disappointed out of succeed in. He additionally misplaced a fumble that ended in a box function. Young was once 3 of 6 for 18 yards with an interception and a fumble within the ultimate quarter (16.7 ranking). The Panthers appeared k thru 3 quarters, however have the worst file within the league for a explanation why.
They do not win when Justin Fields runs for 100 yards: This is likely one of the most eldritch coincidences within the NFL, however the Bears have by no means received a recreation wherein Fields runs for 100 yards. Chicago is 0-5 within the 5 video games Fields runs for 100 yards, but the Bears must have received on Sunday (12-point lead with 4:15 left). Fields was once very good throwing the ball, going 16 of 23 for 169 yards and a landing (105.2 ranking), whilst dashing for 104 yards (5.8 yards in keeping with lift). His 29-yard run on third-and-14 arrange the sphere function to position the Bears up 12. The Bears misplaced this one because of a ownership up 26-21 that lasted simply 26 seconds. Chicago must win video games when Fields runs in addition to he does, however training will get in the way in which.
Jake Browning has to get in sync with Ja’Marr Chase: With Joe Burrow finished for the 12 months, it is as much as Browning to peer if he can get the Bengals into the playoffs. To be capable of transfer the offense, Chase has to have greater than two catches in a recreation. Chase did have a landing catch, however completed with most effective two catches for 12 yards on seven objectives. The landing catch got here when the sport was once out of hand in rubbish time too. Browning most effective centered Chase deep on a third-and-17 and hooked up with him on a first-and-10 for 8 yards, however was once nullified through penalty. Perhaps every week with the first-team offense (in reality 10 days) will lend a hand that connection.
The method is there to make the playoffs: Give Kevin Stefanski credit for this, he is aware of what his team is and is not afraid to shy clear of that way. The Steelers purposely took away any throws beneath, forcing Dorian Thompson-Robinson to throw deep to generate offense with the working backs going through a loaded field. Stefanski went conservative, depending on a defense that has allowed the fewest yards in keeping with recreation (243.3 yards in keeping with recreation) because the 2008 Steelers. The defense is on tempo to permit the fewest yards in keeping with pressure because the 1991 Eagles. This way nearly value Cleveland, however that is what they’ve to do going ahead. Thompson-Robinson finished all 4 of his passes at the ultimate pressure and the Browns received. The defense goes to have to hold this team as their quarterback learns at the fly.
Daron Bland must get critical defensive participant of the 12 months attention: Micah Parsons mentioned his case for Bland to win the award at the broadcast Sunday, and he is proper. Bland is having probably the most easiest protection seasons in fresh reminiscence, as opposing quarterbacks concentrated on him are finishing simply 43.1% in their passes for 231 yards with one landing to 6 interceptions for a 17.5 passer ranking. His 4 interceptions returned for rankings this season are tied for probably the most in NFL historical past. Bland is having probably the most easiest protection seasons ever. He must be within the DPOY dialog.
Courtland Sutton solidifies himself as most sensible receiver: When bringing up the most productive wideouts within the NFL, Sutton’s identify normally is going unmentioned. That must trade after Sunday’s win over the Vikings, as Sutton’s spectacular landing catch with 1:03 left was once the variation in Denver’s win. Sutton had 4 catches for 66 yards, however made his largest reception when it mattered maximum. Sutton has 8 video games with a receiving landing this season, tied for probably the most within the NFL with Tyreek Hill and his 5 instantly video games with a receiving landing are probably the most for a Broncos participant since Julius Thomas in 2014. Sutton has simply 45 catches for 499 yards, however his 8 landing catches are what makes the Broncos offense potent. He’s higher than the numbers display.
Jared Goff calm underneath drive: Being thru hell already, Jared Goff presentations no concern if he has to return. The Bears did make the Lions quarterback revisit his previous when he threw 3 interceptions on Sunday, two of which have been underneath drive. When going through drive within the fourth quarter, Goff was once 4 of 6 for 51 yards and a 93.1 ranking. In the fourth quarter, Goff was once 11 of 14 for 120 yards with a landing for a 126.2 ranking. In the 1st 3 quarters, Goff went 12 of 21 for 116 yards with a landing and 3 interceptions (49.0 ranking). The Lions have been in a position to come back again on account of Goff’s resilience, one thing he would not have been in a position to do in his early years.
Offensive learners led team to victory: Jaylen Reed has been a significant asset to the offense in 12 months one, culminated together with his 46 dashing yards and 46 receiving yards — together with a 31-yard landing that gave Green Bay an early lead. Dontayvion Wicks had 3 catches for 91 yards, together with a 35-yard catch within the fourth quarter that ended in the game-winning rating. Tight ends Tucker Kraft and Luke Musgrave blended for 6 catches for 60 yards. That’s 243 of the Packers 397 yards, a significant explanation why Jordan Love had his firts 300-yard passing recreation. Green Bay has various younger ability on offense, boding neatly for the long run.
Red zone woes credited to C.J. Stroud: The Texans quarterback has been implausible all season, however continued some hiccups deep in Cardinals’ territory on Sunday. Houston completed 1 of four within the pink zone, two of the ones failed makes an attempt have been interceptions through Stroud. He in reality threw all 3 of his interceptions within the Arizona 30-yard line, forcing throws into protection and no longer demonstrating the endurance within the first half of of the 12 months. Stroud has 4 interceptions in his closing two video games after having only one in his first 8 video games. The Texans have shyed away from crisis, however the giveaways through Stroud deep in opponent’s territory are one thing to observe.
Trevor Lawrence’s knee is feeling higher: The first signal the Jaguars offense was once in sync was once Doug Pederson and Press Taylor permitting Lawrence to roll out of the pocket — one thing they have not finished since Lawrence suffered his knee harm in October. Lawrence was once 3 of 6 for fifty yards with a dashing landing outdoor the pocket, a part of a day which he threw for 2 touchdowns and rushed for 2 rankings. The Jaguars scored on 5 instantly possessions as Lawrence had a 119.5 passer rsating. That strained left knee seems to be at the back of him.
Their moment half of scoring is atrocious: The Chiefs have scored simply 19 issues within the fourth quarter this season, as their 1.9 issues in keeping with recreation within the ultimate quarter-hour are the worst within the NFL. The closing team with fewer thru 10 video games was once the 2006 Raiders (and so they had Andrew Walter at quarterback). The Chiefs reasonable simply 5.3 issues in the second one half of, additionally the worst within the NFL. They have 3 instantly video games with 0 second-half issues, and feature Patrick Mahomes at quarterback. The Eagles got here again to beta the Chiefs as a result of Kansas City punted 4 instances, grew to become the ball over within the pink zone, and had a turnover on downs. They simply don’t seem to be getting it finished after halftime.
Offense could not end off robust defensive efficiency in fourth quarter: Give the Raiders defense various credit for placing the offense in place to win the sport on Sunday. The Raiders held the Dolphins to 11 performs for 35 yards, having Miami punt 3 times in a 20-13 recreation. The Raiders offense could not capitalize, punting as soon as, adopted through a turnover on downs and two interceptions. Aidan O’Connell went 12 of 23 for 151 yards with two interceptions and a 36.7 ranking within the fourth quarter. The Raiders had alternatives on the disappointed, however the Dolphins made existence tricky for the younger quarterback that did not have a lot lend a hand within the working recreation.
Is Quentin Johnston going to determine it out? Johnston has been suffering in his rookie marketing campaign, which wasn’t anticipated for a first-round decide that was once anticipated to supply right away. Everything got here to a head Sunday, when Johnston stuck two of six objectives for 21 yards. The largest play was once the only he dropped on a third-and-6 from the Chargers’ 30, a just right throw from Justin Herbert that went proper off Johnston’s arms that are meant to have ended in a minimum of the Chargers kicking the game-tying box function. If Johnson catches the ball cleanly, it is a landing and the Chargers win. Johnston has only one 50-yard recreation and one landing thru his first 10 appearances, no longer the affect the Chargers idea they have been getting. They want the rookie to be higher with Mike Williams misplaced for the season — and he simply hasn’t been.
Matthew Stafford continues robust play on 1/3/fourth down: The Rams for sure have a possibility to win video games on account of Stafford, who completed 17 of 30 for 191 yards and a landing with an interception in his go back from a thumb harm. His numbers on 1/3 and fourth down have been an enormous explanation why the Rams received, as Stafford went 4 of seven for 18 yards with a landing (101.8 ranking). Stafford has finished 63% of his passes on 1/3/fourth down this season, with seven touchdowns to 1 interception for a 108.6 ranking. There’s a explanation why the Rams are aggressive when Stafford performs, and 1/3/fourth down passing performs a job in that.
Jalen Ramsey — still a distinction maker: Ramsey had two huge interceptions for the Dolphins Sunday, the largest one being the diving catch finally zone to seal the Dolphins victory. Aidan O’Connell was once 1 of 10 for 4 yards with a zero.0 passer ranking concentrated on Ramsey, who had two interceptions and two move breakups. Ramsey has 3 interceptions in 3 video games because the Dolphins defense has allowed 260.3 yards in keeping with recreation since he is been again. The Dolphins will want Ramsey in December and January, and he is again in a large method.
Ball safety problems reared its unpleasant head: The giveaway problems Minnesota had early within the season got here again in Sunday’s loss to the Broncos. The Vikings fumbled the ball 4 instances (dropping two) and Josh Dobbs threw an interception. Dobbs in reality fumbled the ball 3 times and was once lucky the Vikings recovered two of them. Alexander Mattison fumbled the ball in his personal territory that ended in a Denver box function — and the Vikings ended up dropping through one. Minnesota had 3 giveaways Monday after having simply 3 in Dobbs’ first two video games (and simply 5 of their closing six video games). The giveaways don’t seem to be as dangerous as previous within the season, however the 20 they’ve are fourth maximum within the NFL.
Defense will get the takeaways they wanted: The defense did surrender 403 yards and 174 yards at the flooring (6.2 yards in keeping with lift), however have been bailed out through enjoying as much as Wink Martindale’s taste. The Giants pressured six turnovers in opposition to the Commanders, 3 fumble recoveries and 3 interceptions. The move rush pressured Sam Howell into rushed throws, which ended in two interceptions within the fourth quarter. Isaiah Simmons’ pick-six with 16 seconds left capped the defensive effort, and sealed a victory that would not have came about with out the six takeaways. That’s 16 takeaways of their closing seven video games.
Garrett Wilson is nonexistent: This was once going to be any other week of discussing how dangerous Zach Wilson was once, however its irritating to peer a ability like Garrett Wilson being wasted this 12 months on account of inept quarterback play. Wilson was once centered 8 instances through Wilson and Tim Boyle, however had simply two catches for 9 yards. Wilson hasn’t had a landing since Week 2 on account of the quarterback ineptitude, despite the fact that the numbers for the 12 months are cast given the location (57 catches, 651 yards, 11.4 yards in keeping with catch). Gotta surprise simply how just right Wilson can be with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.
Second half of defense comes up large once more: The Eagles did not permit a unmarried level in the second one half of of Monday’s win over the Chiefs, forcing Kansas City to punt 4 instances, whilst recording a takeaway within the pink zone (had two within the recreation), and forcing a turnover on downs to keep the win. In the closing two video games, the Eagles have allowed simply six issues in the second one half of — each a very powerful in wins in opposition to the Cowboys and Chiefs (each have 7-3 data). The moment half of defense has two takeaways in that extend and compelled a turnover on downs 3 times. Whatever changes Sen Desai is making, it is running.
Jaylen Warren must be the No. 1 working again: The Steelers have an abysmal offense, getting outgained once more for the tenth time in 10 video games (the Browns had a rookie quarterback enjoying). Warren singlehandedly stored Pittsburgh within the recreation, as his 74-yard landing run minimize a 10-point deficit to a few, which was once the longest landing run through the Steelers since Willie Parker. Warren completed with 9 carries for 129 yards and a landing, 79.2% of the team’s dashing yards. Warren was once accountable for 58.2% of the offense! Warren has six fewer dashing yards than Najee Harris (499 to 493) on 48 fewer carries. He’s averaging 6.2 yards in keeping with lift to Harris and his 3.9, with simply as many dashing touchdowns (3). He must be the No. 1 again going ahead.
Brock Purdy states his MVP case: As Purdy is going, the 49ers pass. Purdy had the most productive recreation of an outstanding, younger profession in Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers, completing 21 of 25 for 333 yards and 3 touchdowns and an excellent 158.3 passer ranking. Purdy leads the NFL in passer ranking (115.1) and yards in keeping with try (9.7) through a large margin. He has the second-highest yards in keeping with try through any quarterback thru 10 team video games since 1950 and the best passer ranking in a two-game span (157.3) through any quarterback in league historical past. The 49ers are already just right, however they are elite when Purdy performs like this. He has an MVP case.
No likelihood with out Geno Smith: The Seahawks have been lucky Smith got here again from an elbow harm within the fourth quarter, for the reason that unit could not get a primary down when Drew Lock was once within the recreation. Lock was once 2 of 6 for 3 yards and an interception — completing with a 2.8 passer ranking! When Lock was once in, the Seahawks ran six performs for 6 yards on his two complete possessions, with an interception. The Seahawks blew a 16-7 lead within the procedure and misplaced the sport. Seattle wishes Smith wholesome to also have a likelihood to win the NFC West. They had to grasp serve this week — and did not.
Offense is dependent upon Baker Mayfield an excessive amount of: There’s most effective such a lot Mayfield can do sooner than all of it falls to items, which is what came about Sunday when the Buccaneers failed to attain two times within the pink zone in a two-score recreation within the fourth quarter. A turnover on downs and an interception on 1/3 down doomed the Buccaneers, but masked the actual factor with Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers can not run the ball, rating closing in dashing yards in yards in keeping with lift. Tampa Bay rushed for 66 yards and three.7 yards in keeping with lift, a part of an offense that averaged 4.3 yards in keeping with play Sunday. Again, there is most effective such a lot Mayfield can do. There’s an over-reliance on him.
Offensive line is crushing Derrick Henry: The Titans offensive line is likely one of the worst gadgets within the NFL, making it tricky for the offense to be balanced. Henry hasn’t been the working again we’re acquainted with seeing, having simply 21 carries for 62 yards during the last two video games — a mean of two.95 yards in keeping with lift. Henry has simply 662 dashing yards and 4 touchdowns (4.2 yards in keeping with lift), a a ways cry beneath the participant that had double digit touchdowns in each of the closing 4 years. Part of Henry’s dying has to do with an offensive line that may’t get out of its personal method.
Pass rush still exists with out Chase Young and Montez Sweat: Sunday wasn’t a banner day for the Commanders defense, however the unit still controlled to get 9 sacks, 11 quarterback hits, and 26 pressures in opposition to the Giants horrendous offensive line. David Mayo had two sacks, whilst Jonathan Allen and Okay.J. Henry each had 1.5 sacks. Washington had 5 avid gamers that completed with three-plus pressures. Sunday’s efficiency is most likely an aberration, however still encouraging for a suffering unit.