NFL
By Monte Perez
The NFL season is a marathon, not a sprint. But, like being in a toxic relationship or work environment, there are warning signs all over the place as to what is good and what is bad.
5 Things We Learned About Week 5 in the NFL
5) The Bears are a fun team to watch:
The Chicago Bears upset the San Francisco 49ers, 19-10. The game was played in a monsoon in Chicago. The Bears looked well-coached, organized, and had a swagger to them. This team could win 8 games and that would be a huge step forward because they are supposed to be rebuilding this season.
4) Terrible loss for the Atlanta Falcons:
When you go conservative in an NFL game it always comes back to haunt you. The Atlanta Falcons do not have an elite defense or an elite offense. They do have some playmakers like Cordarrelle Patterson, Marcus Mariota, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. Yet, in the 4th quarter, they played not to lose against the New Orleans Saints. Jameis Winston had 56 passing yards through 3 quarters. In the 4th quarter, he threw for 212 yards and 2 touchdowns. Give all the credit to the Saints but, the Falcons should have won this game if they were just aggressive on offense down the stretch.
3) The Green Bay Packers are taking a step backward:
For the past three years, the Packers dominated the NFC North.
- 13-3
- 13-3
- 13-4.
On Sunday, they got outplayed from start to finish by the Minnesota Vikings, 23-7. Aaron Rodgers receivers were non-existent. Running back AJ Dillon led the team with 5 receptions. The strength of this defense is supposed to be their back end. Justin Jefferson had 9 catches for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns.
2) Saquon Barkley is back:
The New York Giants scored 21 points in the 2nd half to rally and defeat the Tennessee Titans, 21-20. With 1:06 left in the 4th quarter, the Giants went for a two-point conversion. Daniel Jones found Barkley with a shovel pass to take the lead. The Titans drove down but missed a game-winning field goal as time expired. Barkley had 18 carries for 164 yards and 6 catches for 30 yards. If he can stay healthy, he is the best dual-threat back in the NFL.
1) Are the Eagles the best team in the NFC East:
Dak Prescott will be out for 4-6 weeks minimum, with a hand injury. The Washington Commanders struggled to beat a mediocre Jacksonville Jaguars squad. The Eagles were up 38-21 on the road before giving up 14 points in the 4th quarter to the Detroit Lions. Philadelphia won the game, 38-35. This is a team that has made a ton of moves this off-season and I have them winning the NFC East.
Bonus coverage:
The Miami Dolphins could win 11 games this season and make the playoffs.
Patrick Mahomes appears to be playing with a chip on his shoulder. He threw 5 touchdown passes in the Chiefs blowout win against Arizona.
Is Frank Reich overrated? We keep hearing how good of a coach he is, but he continues to struggle against teams he should beat.
Monte’s Top 5 Power Rankings
5) Philadelphia Eagles
4) Minnesota Vikings
3) Los Angeles Chargers
2) Buffalo Bills
1) Kansas City Chiefs
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