NFL Week 5 reaction: Notes and observations
The NFL Week 5 slate was a bizarre one in a few places. We break down our thoughts and reactions to the weekend here.
– Let’s start with Thursday night and one of the worst football games ever witnessed by the public. The Denver Broncos lost 12-9 in overtime to the Indianapolis Colts, although many of their fans din’t bother to stick around for the outcome. It’s hard to blame them. Denver can’t move the ball, and now are without three key offensive pieces in left tackle Garret Bolles, receiver Tim Patrick and running back Javontae Williams. After NFL Week 5, it’s looking bleak for Russell Wilson and Co.
Want $250 to bet on Monday Night Football?
– What to do with the Baltimore Ravens? They beat the Cincinnati Bengals by a 19-17 count on Sunday night, taking the victory on a field goal from Justin Tucker in the final ticks. However, the passing game is still a concern. Lamar Jackson is an incredible talent, but he missed two easy touchdown throws and threw a costly interception when Baltimore was driving to potentially go up three scores in the second quarter. If the Ravens want to be a postseason threat, this area of their game must get better.
– The Los Angeles Rams can’t block, and it’s threatening to derail the season. The defending Super Bowl champs are 2-3 after losing 22-10 to Cooper Rush and the Dallas Cowboys, with Matthew Stafford being sacked five times. Last week, the San Francisco 49ers brought him down seven times. This has become an issue which the Rams must fix, or accept it will ruin their season.
Read: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Wants To Air It Out ‘A Little Bit More’
– The Buffalo Bills looked dominant from start to finish against the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning 38-3 on Sunday in western New York. Josh Allen had 300 passing yards and four touchdowns before halftime, with Buffalo ultimately finishing with 552 total yards. Buffalo now travels to its personal house of horrors to take on the Kansas City Chiefs, who with a win on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, would join the Bills as the only four-win teams in the AFC.
– The Arizona Cardinals need more, much more, from Kyler Murray. After giving him a massive extension this offseason, the idea was Murray would take off and lead Arizona. Instead, the Cards are 2-3 and on Sunday, the defense did enough to give the offense ample opportunities to beat the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. However, Murray threw for 250 yards on 6.0 yards per attempt. It’s nowhere near enough.
