Two of the league’s biggest hitters went head-to-head as a high-scoring weekend helped bring a clearer picture to the NFL standings as TIBS News provides a round-up.
Green Bay Packers edge out Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals were the last unbeaten side heading into gameweek eight and hoped to continue their good form by fending off Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. The two sides are top of their respective divisions and having emerged as early Superbowl contenders, the match did not disappoint. Just three points separated the top two sides as they battled out a nervy 24-21 win for the Packers. MVP candidate Kyler Murray had a game to forget as he threw for zero touchdowns and two interceptions, while Rodgers threw for two touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Detroit Lions extend losing run to eight-straight
At the other end of the standings, the Miami Dolphins, the Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions continued their abysmal form as they all lost to the Buffalo Bills, the Los Angeles Rams and the Philadelphia Eagles respectively. This leaves the Lions with eight defeats and no wins, while the Dolphins and Texans each only have one win so far. The three teams at the bottom of the league have a record of two wins and 22 losses. The Detroit Lions are currently on track to equal their worst-ever season, when they managed to go the through the entire schedule and lose every game in 2008, to finish with 16 losses and zero wins.
The New England Patriots are still trying to recover from losing Tom Brady but seem to have turned a corner as rookie quarterback Mac Jones led them to a 27-24 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, giving them a two-game win streak as they look to return to the play-offs again.
Dallas Cowboys return to winning ways
The Dallas Cowboys responded to losing their first game of the season by winning the next six as they finally started to show the full potential of their squad. The Minnesota Vikings were the latest team to fall as Dak Prescott and his team-mates put them to the sword.
The New Orleans Saints are also a team trying to leave behind memories of a dynasty as they adjust to life without the legendary Drew Brees. Jameis Winston has stepped up to the mark since the start of the season but suffered a torn ACL in his side’s 36-27 win over his previous team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Both the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers have started their season poorly as they struggle to find some consistency between the two of them. The Seahawks travelled to Florida and came back with the win as they dismantled the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Chicago Bears couldn’t beat the 49ers in California as they fell to a 33-22 defeat.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos visited Washington Football Team and saw out a nervy win, in which only three touchdowns were scored. Teddy Bridgewater continued his career revival after bouncing from team to team but has so far found a home in Denver. Whether he will be a suitable long-term replacement for Peyton Manning, which is what the Broncos so desperately need, is another question.
Differing fortunes for the New York franchises
New York has two teams struggling to find some glory again since the 2012 Superbowl win off the Giants. The Jets picked up only their second win of the season as they shocked the Cincinnati Bengals, who would’ve expected to win and solidify their charge for a play-off place. The Giants had a different spell of luck as they picked up another defeat at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs – maybe already condemning them to another season where they earn a negative record.
Two other teams who will be hoping to be in with a shout of a wildcard place met as the Cleveland Browns travelled to Pittsburgh, only to lose 10-15 though to their divisional rivals.
After suffering an injury in the game which caused his hand to bleed profusely, Matt Ryan couldn’t recover from the freak accident to lead the Atlanta Falcons to victory as they fell to a narrow defeat by the Carolina Panthers.
It would take overtime to separate the Indianapolis Colts and Tennessee Titans after the match ended 31-31 in normal time. A field goal from Randy Bullock with just four minutes left was enough for the Titans to see off the Colts, who had tied the game with a last-second touchdown.
By Joshua Stewart
