NFL Week 5 Recap: Rescheduling Mania
Another week in the NFL has wrapped up, and the headliner this week was the frenzy of rescheduling games impacted by COVID-19 outbreaks. Positive tests from the Tennessee Titans and New England Patriots have affected the schedules of nine different teams. If the season is going to continue as planned, it needs to be a top priority among players, coaches and staff to avoid the virus.
Outside of the positive tests, this week brought plenty of excitement on the field. Starting off Week 5, we saw former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles knock off Tom Brady yet again, as the Bears beat the Bucaneers 20-19. That was the first matchup between the two veteran quarterbacks since Super Bowl 52.
On Sunday, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens took down the Bengals 27-3. Rookie Joe Burrow struggled mightily for the first time in his young career, throwing for just 183 yards along with an interception and a lost fumble. The Ravens improved to 4-1 on the year, while Cincinnati fell to 1-3-1.
Following a 23-16 loss to Carolina, the Atlanta Falcons sent head coach Dan Quinn packing. The Falcons defense has been among the worst in the league, dragging the team to an 0-5 start. The 2020 season may already be lost in Atlanta, as the Falcons now search for a new head coach.
The upset of the week goes to the Las Vegas Raiders, which took down the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs 40-32. Rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs showed off his big-play ability, totaling 118 yards and a touchdown on just two catches. The Raiders look capable of making a playoff run this year, and this was a statement win.
In a Pennsylvania rivalry, the Steelers took down the Eagles behind an incredible performance from wide receiver Chase Claypool. Claypool, a rookie out of Notre Dame, came out of nowhere to put together 110 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He was not the only receiver to break out in this game, however. For Philadelphia, rookie Travis Fulgham caught 10 passes for 152 yards and a score. Fulgham’s big day couldn’t push the Eagles over the Steelers though, as they fell to 1-3-1 on the season while Pittsburgh remained undefeated.
The Cowboys may have come away with a win against the Giants on Sunday, but their playoff chances took a huge hit when quarterback Dak Prescott went down with a season-ending injury. Prescott was having a terrific season, but the defense in Dallas has been a huge downfall. Now, the Cowboys will turn to former Bengal Andy Dalton to lead the way on offense.
On Sunday night, we saw the Vikings take on the Seahawks, and Russell Wilson continued to prove why he is the early MVP favorite. After trailing the entire first half of the game, Wilson lead the offense to 21 points in the third quarter and tossed the game-winning touchdown to star receiver DK Metcalf. Seattle stayed undefeated at 5-0, while Minnesota fell to 1-4.
On Monday Night Football, Drew Brees and the Saints squeaked by the Chargers in overtime 30-27. New Orleans has been missing star receiver Michael Thomas, who has fought injuries and was benched this week for an altercation at practice. Thomas should return in Week 7, following next week’s bye in New Orleans.
In a rare Tuesday night game (due to COVID rescheduling), the Titans dominated the Bills 42-16. Second-year receiver A.J. Brown played his first game of the year, catching seven passes for 82 yards and a touchdown. Derrick Henry added two touchdowns and a highlight-reel stiff arm to Bills cornerback Josh Norman.
The week ended with shocking news, as the New York Jets released running back Le’Veon Bell. The former Steelers star signed with the Jets for the start of the 2019 season, but his stint in New York, headlined by clashes with head coach Adam Gase, did not go as planned. He’ll be looking for a new home in the coming days.
Week 6 won’t kick off until Sunday, as the Bills-Chiefs matchup scheduled for Thursday was moved to Monday night.
Daniel Mader is a freshman majoring in digital/print journalism. To contact him, email dbm5725@psu.edu.
