NFL Takeaways: Week 5
There is a lot to takeaway from last weeks NFL games. Here are some of the most important:
Justin Tucker Is The GOAT Kicker
The Ravens squeaked out a win over the division rival Bengals 19-17 on a game-winning drive led by Lamar Jackson, who was shaky earY, but played his best football when his team needed him most.
Stil, the story is Justin Tucker, who was 4-for-4 on field goals, including a 58-yarder to put the Ravens up 13-10 and the 43-yard game-winning kick. Tucker has a 91.3 field goal percentage in his career, the highest ever. He has now made 75 straight field goals in the second half and overtime, 61 consecutive field goals in fourth quarter and overtime and is 17-for-17 on field goals in the final minute of regulation.
He also owns the record for the longest field goal in NFL history, which just so happened to be a game-winner.
Stafford and The Rams Are In Trouble
The Rams are now 2-3 after only scoring 10 points in a loss to the Cooper Rush-led Cowboys.
Matthew Stafford this year has thrown for just five touchdowns, and his seven interceptions lead the league so far. Meanwhile, the only receiver he ever seems to look at is Cooper Kupp.
The Rams also have no run game, as their leading rusher, Cam Akers, has 151 yards on only three yards-per-carry. They have also only scored 80 points this year which ranks 29th out of 32 teams in the league.
The Rams need to turn their season around fast if they are going to come anywhere near repeating as Super Bowl champs.
Firesale in Carolina
It’s safe to say this hasn’t been a good year for the Panthers, as they are 1-4 so far. Baker Mayfield has been the worst quarterback in the league this year, with four passing touchdowns and four interceptions and a woeful 54.9 completion percentage.
Head coach Matt Rhule just got fired after going 11-27 in three seasons, and with the announcement of Rhule’s firing, there are rumors flying about a fire sale in Carolina – with players like Robbie Anderson, DJ Moore, Brian Burns and Christian McCaffrey now some of the hottest names on the market.
History Repeating Itself in New England?
A New England quarterback gets hurt and is replaced by a late-round quarterback with not as much arm talent, but who is blessed with good accuracy and intelligence. That quarterback also has a good run game and defense behind him. Where have we seen this before? Oh, that’s right, an injured Drew Bledsoe giving way to Tom Brady.
Bailey Zappe completed an impressive 17-of-21 passes last weekend in the 29-0 Pats romp of the Lions. He has been impressive so far, and might make the Patriots consider starting him over Mac Jones when he comes back from his injury.
Are The Giants Really Good?
The New York Giants are now 4-1, including wins over the Titans and Packers this past weekend, a game in which they were down 20-10 at the half and came back to win 27-22.
Head coach Brian Daboll has been an absolute game changer for the Giants and is a very good candidate for Coach of the Year so far.
Another huge factor for the Giants is Saquon Barkley getting back to his rookie self. This season, he has 533 rushing yards on 5.5 yards per carry.
If the Giants keep this up, they could possibly be a playoff team which would be a huge accomplishment given their recent past.
Aaron Jurkowitz is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email ahj5136@psu.edu.
