NFL Week 8 reactions: Notes and observations
It’s time to look back at the NFL Week 8 slate and draw our biggest reactions and conclusions from the weekend slate.
– The Philadelphia Eagles are getting pushed aside by some national media as a product of the weak NFC, but that’s a mistake. Philadelphia is 7-0 after crushing the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-13, with quarterback Jalen Hurts throwing four touchdowns, including three to A.J. Brown. Considering how dominant the Eagles have been terrific defensively along with the maturation of Hurts, Philadelphia is a deserved favorite.
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– It’s hard to see anybody challenging the Tennessee Titans in the AFC South. Tennessee has won five consecutive games, while the Indianapolis Colts are somehow sitting in second place at 3-4-1. This despite benching Matt Ryan last week in favor of Sam Ehlinger. Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans have been awful. If Tennessee wins nine games, it might clinch the division by Christmas.
– Don’t forget about the Dallas Cowboys. Usually, America’s Team is incredibly overrated, but this season, it could be the opposite. At 6-2, Dallas is in second place of the NFC East, and goes into the bye with six wins in its last seven games. The Cowboys finally have Dak Prescott back under center, and the defense is one of the league’s best. Looking around the NFC, Dallas has a real case as the best contender aside from the Eagles.
– Nobody would argue the Pittsburgh Steelers are loaded offensively. In fact, there’s a case to be made the roster is bottom-five, especially considering the questionable play-calling of coordinator Matt Canada. That said, rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett must be better. So far, he’s thrown three interceptions each in games against the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, and on Sunday, launched another pick facing Philadelphia. If Pittsburgh has any chance, Pickett must protect the ball.
Read: NFL Power Rankings – Top 5 Teams Going Into November
– Don’t look now, but here come the Washington Commanders. Somehow, Washington has found itself at 4-4 after winning three consecutive games. The Commanders are showing some late-game guile, holding off the Green Bay Packers last week before rallying from 16-7 down in the fourth quarter on Sunday to beat the Indianapolis Colts on the road.
– By NFL Week 8, it might be time for another fresh start in Detroit. The Lions are now 1-6 after losing to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon at Ford Field. Head coach Dan Campbell is a fun quote and a lovable personality, but Detroit’s fortunes aren’t getting any better. With four years remaining on his deal, would the Lions actually make a move at seasons end?
