Week six was full of eye-opening play and revealed who is closer to being playoff-bound. On the opposite end, some teams are close to preparing for the offseason. Time to break down who or what won or lost the week.
Winners: Brian Flores and the Minnesota Vikings defense
It’s been a while since Minnesota’s defense shut down an offense. The hiring of Brian Flores at defensive coordinator meant there would be significant progress even in September. While it’s taken more time than expected, the Vikings defense finally had a good game.
Before knocking out Bears quarterback Justin Fields early in the third quarter, Minnesota gave up six points in the first half. They forced two Chicago passers to each throw one interception. The defense had two sacks and scored a touchdown on a fumble scoop and run in the middle of the third quarter. Despite giving up a late rushing touchdown to rookie quarterback Tyson Bagent, there was no doubt who would win.
It’s been a bad luck season for Minnesota. They needed a break and to see some improvement on defense with the offense missing star receiver Justin Jefferson for a month. While they won’t win next Monday night, the defense having one good game in October builds confidence.
Sam Howell
No one was embarrassed in a week five loss like the Commanders were, especially quarterback Sam Howell. He’s been sacked 32 times this season (before Sunday) prompting concerns about his health. While he was sacked twice Sunday, Howell rebounded from that awful Thursday game.
He gave Washington their second lead change of the day in Atlanta and never trailed after the second quarter. His touchdown throws to Antonio Gibson and Curtis Samuel left no doubt which team had the better offense. Howell’s last scoring pass to Brian Robinson sealed the win.
It’s been a wild second year for Howell but he’s managed setbacks well and elevated his play when the Commanders needed it. If he limits turnovers and keeps progressing with on-field reads, Washington can make a case for the playoffs.
Los Angeles Rams
While many viewers didn’t know if Rams head coach Sean McVay would coach Sunday’s game, it didn’t impact Los Angeles’ gameplan. Despite a low-scoring first half against Arizona, the Rams had a second half surge scoring 20 points and gave up zero to their division rivals.
It started with quarterback Matthew Stafford finding star receiver Cooper Kupp open for a 13 yard touchdown pass. An additional scoring run by Kyren Williams and two field goals by Brett Maher gave Los Angeles their second win of the season.
While the defense intercepted and sacked Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs once, Arizona had just one possession that went over two minutes in the second half. It ended in an interception by Christian Rozeboom. On special teams, kicker Brett Maher made all four of his field goal attempts and both extra points, cementing the 17 point win.
The best gift of the day came prior when division rivals Seattle and San Francisco lost to AFC North teams in Ohio. Los Angeles was stuck in third place since late September and needs every win possible to stay alive in the division race. Staying further away from last and having the second place tie-breaker with Seattle was a great way to enter week seven.
Jim Schwartz
Many viewers didn’t think Cleveland could beat San Francisco or stay within one score most of the game. The Browns did the unthinkable by not just beating the 49ers, but made sophomore quarterback Brock Purdy play like a late seventh round pick. Purdy (more on him later) had the worst full game of his career throwing for 125 yards, a touchdown and an interception, and post a 55.3 quarterback rating.
Cleveland’s defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz had a difficult task in fixing the secondary and improving the play of the front seven. On Sunday he schemed four defensive linemen and an outside linebacker, neutralizing a good part of San Francisco’s offensive line. The 49ers rely a lot on scheme blocking. This leaves and widens holes when guards or tackles are pulled to go play another angle. Very few adjustments were made when Browns pass rushers entered an open backfield even with a runningback to get past. Even the center couldn’t get a grasp of what plays the middle linebackers disguised. Purdy had a hard time creating or even changing plays and faced constant pressure whenever he found an open receiver. The interception and two sacks also slowed down San Francisco’s offense in the second half.
This was the third time in two months Schwartz’s defense limited a team to under 220 yards of total offense. That’s the third fewest number of yards they’ve given up in any game played the last five weeks.
Many questions remain about the Browns scoring 20 or more points the remainder of their schedule but it might be around 20 due to how the defense suffocates opposing offenses. It’s difficult to find a weakness in their improved play.
Losers: Brock Purdy
In fairness to the second year quarterback, if this was his worst performance then it’ll take everything to beat him. Despite losing playmakers Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel to injuries, San Francisco almost won. Many will say Jake Moody should have made the 41 yard field goal attempt at the end of the game but until that drive, Purdy had six possessions in the second half where he struggled even throwing for a yard.
Only one 49er second half possession ended with points. That one was an eight yard touchdown run after Browns quarterback P.J. Walker’s interception to Deommodore Lenoir was returned to Cleveland’s eight yard line. Purdy’s other five combined ended in two completions for eleven yards on eleven pass attempts, an interception and two sacks. San Francisco had one passing yard the third quarter. That’s on him for not playing better.
Brock Purdy has positively surprised everyone since he became the starting quarterback late in 2022. He’ll obviously improve, but now opposing defenses will replicate how to make him feel uncomfortable.
Indianapolis Colts
What a nightmare weekend for Indianapolis. First came the news franchise quarterback Anthony Richardson might end his season with right shoulder surgery. Then came a 37-20 shelling by their division rival Jaguars.
The Colts had a three point lead heading into the second quarter. Jacksonville turned the game around and walloped head coach Shane Steichen’s team 31-3 the next two quarters. Indianapolis didn’t get their next score until the beginning of the fourth quarter. It was too late for a comeback.
This will be a harder week for Steichen and the team. Richardson is the franchise star and creates plays no other quarterback in the division can, but his health is a concern. The Colts need better receivers and the offensive line is getting worse. Indianapolis have many issues to address and it’s only October. Yikes.
Jalen Hurts
It was a tale of two halves for Philadelphia. The Eagles had a great first half and entered the third quarter leading by eleven. They lost the game by six and didn’t score the second half. A good part of the loss is on quarterback Jalen Hurts.
Hurts is a fantastic player and a reason Philadelphia is considered one of the best two teams in the NFC, but he was mediocre at best Sunday. Two of his three interceptions were in the second half. The second one resulted in an eight yard touchdown run by Breece Hall to give New York their first and only lead of the game. The Eagles’ possession after that score resulted in Hurts completing one pass for two yards on four attempts.
Almost every great player that’s made the Super Bowl has a mediocre game the following season. The loss stings a bit more knowing the other remaining undefeated team in the conference lost a few hours earlier. Philadelphia could have entered week seven with the top spot in the NFC. They might regret this loss before their showdown against San Francisco.
Tra Blake
Usually officials don’t end up in this category but what was referee Tra Blake thinking not calling a second defensive pass interference at the last play of the Giants’ drive in Buffalo? This could impact both teams’ playoff and draft positions later in the year.
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