In the pilot article of a series of reviews for the previous week of NFL games and match-ups, we’ll be taking a look at all 32 teams and giving them a grade anywhere from an A+ to an F. You’ve seen these types of things before; let’s get stuck in.
Buffalo Bills: C-
Only 160 yards of total offense? That’s pretty ridiculous. Tyrod Taylor threw for only 95 yards, but the only thing that’s bailing him out was his ability to not turn the ball over. The Bills were only 3-13 on 3rd down, but 2-2 on 4th down conversions. Buffalo was also hit with 89 yards of penalty yardage loss. If Buffalo can incorporate Charles Clay and LeSean McCoy into the passing game, they should be okay if they keep doing what they’re doing.
All things considered, losing to a Superbowl-caliber team isn’t the worst thing in the world. The Dolphins did almost everything they needed to do against a tough team in order to pull out the win… except pull out the win. Yielding almost 140 yards more of total offense to the Seahawks than themselves, they only converted three 3rd downs and still almost pulled out the win. Great game from Reshad Jones per usual. If they can get their big target in DeVante Parker back on the field, the passing game should be much easier.
New England Patriots: B
Even for my Patriots, I was unimpressed on some fronts during their near-loss to the Cardinals. The way I look at it, It’s a W in the standings, but could’ve easily been a L (Thanks, Chandler Catanzaro). What stands out: 10/16 on 3rd down, but the Cardinals were 3-3 on red zone conversions. The Patriots can increase their grade by putting up a better fight near their end zone and by not fumbling the ball.
New York Jets: C+
What most will say is that their loss came down to Nick Folk missing an extra-point attempt. It happens. What could also happen is converting more than 2 out of 5 red zone scores. Only 189 passing yards pretty much sums up the Jets offense last week. Brandon Marshall only caught 3-8 targets, so better connections there should lead to more scores. The “+” comes from sacking Andy Dalton 7 times.
Denver Broncos: B
Another win via missed field goal. Great defense all around, converting a score from an interception by Chris Harris Jr. and constantly getting to Cam Newton. Trevor Siemian got bailed out by C.J. Anderson and a total of 89 penalty yards called on the Panthers. What he’ll learn is that C.J. won’t always be an open target against some defenses and throwing interceptions is a no-no. Take care of the ball to increase the grade next week vs. Indy.
Kansas City Chiefs: B+
Can’t say much about the defense, but this is one of the scariest teams in the league in my opinion. Spencer Ware was firing on all cylinders, and there was solid communication between Alex Smith and his favorite receiver Jeremy Maclin for a crucial score in the 4th quarter. Great OT win, get Marcus Peters and Eric Berry back in form and they’ll definitely be a contender in the AFC.
What it comes down to is this: It’s hard to get a win against a Superbowl-winning quarterback, 2 receivers that registered more than 140 yards each, an offense that only had to punt twice, and one with 500 yards of total offense. Gutsy call with the 2-point conversion, this was a classic game of football. Great performances by Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and the Oakland running game. Also by Marquette King: 4 punts covering 200 yards is pretty hard to beat.
San Diego Chargers: B
Tough OT loss to the Chiefs, but they did not play all that bad of a game. 7-15 on 3rd downs isn’t totally awful to go along with 388 total yards of offense. With their first three drives in the game being touchdowns, I don’t understand their decision to rush the ball on 3rd and 16 on their last drive to keep the game tied. Poor red zone defense and poor performance on 2-2 fourth down conversions by the Chiefs got the better of the Chargers this week.
Baltimore Ravens: B-
For a pass defense so great and an offense with a quietly large number of weapons, to only win by two field goals is a little bit absurd. Just over 300 yards of total offense is a little weak, but to hold the Bills to 7 punting drives and only 3-13 on third down is impressive. Great Ravens debut from Eric Weddle staying on top of LeSean McCoy all game. Too much potential to only be scoring 13 points a game.
Cincinnati Bengals: B+
Great execution of the passing game against a tough Jets team to run on. Andy Dalton to A.J. Green went 12-13 of 180 yards and a touchdown. 4-4 and 91 yards to Brandon LaFell was big, too. Not much else to it other than sticking with a game plan of passing against a week secondary and playing big at crunch time when it mattered.
Pittsburgh Steelers: A
Big Ben started shaky but managed to get the Steelers offense rolling, connecting on a 4th down score to Antonio Brown early which set the tone for the rest of the game. The defense played up to standard and allowed Head Coach Mike Tomlin to execute all parts of his offense; mainly, DeAngelo Williams as a power back, a versatile back, and a solid receiving option. 9-14 on third down usually spells success as well. Great team win with Le’Veon Bell and Martavis Bryant suspended.
Houston Texans: B+
Brock Osweiler showed the NFL a lot with his performance last weekend; Being able to effectively connect with DeAndre Hopkins while integrating Will Fuller and Lamar Miller into the team’s offensive effort was key. Great defense from Houston per usual. 12-20 on third down and putting a lot of pressure on Jay Cutler (3 QB hits by J.J. Watt and an interception) were keys to Houston’s winning effort.
Indianapolis Colts: B-
It must be very frustrating to be Andrew Luck, absolutely career it, and still lose a football game. He pioneered the offense to 475 yards of total offense, but the Colts defense let them down. Giving up 20 passing first downs out of 28 is unacceptable. Only 116 rushing yards allowed is pretty good for the Colts, they just need to tighten up their secondary and tighten it up quick- their schedule doesn’t get much easier.
Jacksonville Jaguars: C+
The reason for the Jaguars loss to Green Bay last weekend can be put into two words: Allen Robinson. A top-5 receiver from last year could only reel in 6 of 15 targets from Blake Bortles. This offense is much too explosive for only 348 yards of total offense. The Jaguars, with basically the same lineup for last year’s career year for Bortles, should be pounding out 120 yards out of both Allen Robinson and Allen Hurns each game. Defending against the versatile offense of Green Bay is tricky, but be better with the ball, Jacksonville.
Tennessee Titans: D
Last and literally least, noting clicked here for NFL sophomore Marcus Mariota. Two turnovers resulting in touchdowns and only 316 offensive yards is inexcusable with the weapons that Tennessee has. Delanie Walker disappointed a lot of fantasy teams this week, especially mine. Marcus needs to be more disciplined with the football and DeMarco Murray needs to get his head out of the stat-books from two years ago.
