We've reached the midway point of the NFL season, marking the time when teams must assess their performance, take their report cards home for parental approval, and return them to the league office for record-keeping, with no room for dishonesty.
Yesterday's outcomes carried significant weight, offering valuable insights. Let's evaluate some midseason performances:
The Eagles (8-1), Chiefs (7-2), and Ravens (7-2) all achieved impressive victories. The Ravens, in particular, stood out by demolishing a strong Seahawks team with a commanding 37-3 win. Kansas City's triumph over Miami, 21-14, showed their formidable defense is quietly making its presence felt this year. The Eagles continue to notch victories against formidable opponents, such as their 28-23 win over Dallas, all while acknowledging there's room for improvement.
Joining the top-tier teams are the Jaguars (6-2), Dolphins (6-3), Lions (6-2), 49ers (6-2), Cowboys (5-3), and Bengals (5-3). This group comprises the clear second tier, though some squads may argue they deserve inclusion (apologies to the 5-4 Bills). Several of these teams enjoyed a day off, providing ample time for discussion. The Dolphins' struggle in high-stakes matches and the Cowboys' loss to Philly after a promising start raise questions. On the other hand, Cincinnati, with a 24-18 victory over the 5-4 Bills, showcased remarkable progress since their 1-3 start.
The title goes to Lamar Jackson, an obvious choice, especially after Tua Tagovailoa's challenging day. It's incredible to think that, before the season, there were talks of the Ravens potentially trading Jackson, but no significant offers emerged. Jackson has been electrifying this year, boasting a career-high 72% pass completion rate and on pace for fewer interceptions than his MVP-winning season in 2019.
CJ Stroud continues to shine, exemplified by his impressive performance yesterday. The second overall pick set a rookie record with 470 passing yards during the 4-4 Texans' thrilling 39-37 victory over the 3-5 Bucs, making it the standout game of the day. Although it's early, Carolina might have some regrets about not selecting Stroud in the draft.
The award goes to Josh Dobbs, whose journey this season has been nothing short of remarkable. Initially expected to be the backup for Cleveland, he was traded to Arizona, where he impressed while filling in for the injured Kyler Murray. Subsequently, he found himself with the Minnesota Vikings after Kirk Cousins suffered an Achilles injury. Yesterday, Dobbs entered the game in the first quarter and led his team to a 31-28 victory over the 4-5 Falcons, despite not having practiced the offensive plays. His exceptional performance lifted Minnesota to a 5-4 record.
The Giants have been a letdown this season, despite entering with high hopes following a strong finish last year. Their dismal 30-6 loss to the 4-5 Raiders not only leaves them with a 2-7 record but also the likelihood of quarterback Daniel Jones suffering an ACL injury. With the league's worst point differential, the No. 1 pick seems to be their best consolation. It's worth wondering just how much the Las Vegas team regrets their involvement with Josh McDaniels."
