The NFL season is swiftly approaching its midpoint, and the Week 7 matchups have provided a blend of thrilling victories and unexpected setbacks. In a clash of one-loss teams, the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins locked horns in a game that set the tone for the week 7. The Kansas City Chiefs, known for their high-scoring offense, demonstrated their prowess, while young quarterbacks in the NFC faced critical challenges. Here’s an in-depth exploration of the week’s winners and losers.
Winners of NFL Week 7
1. Dominant Philadelphia Eagles:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; NFL Week 7 - Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) runs for a touchdown past Miami Dolphins cornerback Kader Kohou (4) after his catch during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Eagles have cultivated a reputation for their physical style of play, especially on the offensive and defensive lines. This ‘Brotherly Shove’ mentality was on full display in their showdown against the Miami Dolphins. Despite the Dolphins boasting the NFL’s top rushing offense, the Eagles clamped down, allowing a mere 45 rushing yards in their commanding 31-17 victory. The Eagles relentlessly pressured Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, resulting in three crucial sacks. On the other hand, Miami was marred by penalties, an interception, and costly drops by Tyreek Hill. Remarkably, the Eagles committed zero penalties, though the officials missed some infractions. When performing with such efficiency and physicality at home, the Eagles become formidable opponents.
2. Kansas City Chiefs’ Offensive Revival:
The Kansas City Chiefs, renowned for their high-octane offense, had a comparatively slow start to the season. However, Week 7 witnessed the resurgence of their offensive prowess. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes delivered a stellar performance, registering season-highs in both passing yards and touchdowns. In their 31-17 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, the Chiefs successfully exploited opportunities to make deep passes and penetrate the Chargers’ secondary. Mahomes showcased his mastery by connecting on passes of varying lengths, accumulating 424 yards and four touchdowns. After dropping their first game, the Chiefs are now on a six-game winning streak. With their defense improving, the defending champions are reaching their peak.
46 YARDS FOR THE SCORE‼️@PatrickMahomes x @MVS__11 pic.twitter.com/HNqsXEnK5r
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 22, 2023
3. Atlanta Falcons Lead NFC South:
The Atlanta Falcons triumphed over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a narrow 16-13 win, securing their spot atop the NFC South. The division’s other contenders have faced challenges; the Carolina Panthers are rebuilding, the New Orleans Saints have displayed inconsistent performances, and the Buccaneers have struggled to maintain reliability. Despite star rookie running back Bijan Robinson being limited, the Falcons displayed speed and skill in their ranks. A collective effort resulted in a last-second, game-winning field goal, with eight different Falcons contributing to the offense. While Desmond Ridder had uncertainties as a quarterback, he did achieve a significant milestone by securing his first career road win in his fifth attempt.
4. Myles Garrett’s Defensive Brilliance:
Defensive end Myles Garrett made a compelling case for the AP Defensive Player of the Year award during the Cleveland Browns’ 39-38 victory against the Indianapolis Colts. Garrett’s domination was evident as he amassed nine tackles, including two strip sacks, one of which led to a touchdown. Additionally, he contributed with a tackle for loss, a pass defended, four quarterback pressures, and a blocked field goal that directly translated to Cleveland’s points. Garrett’s mere presence on the field consistently pressured Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew. He is a strong contender for the award with more performances like this.
Losers of NFL Week 7
1. Jordan Love’s Struggles:
The Green Bay Packers’ experiment with quarterback Jordan Love has raised concerns. Love’s performance has been underwhelming despite being in his third season and spending time behind the legendary Aaron Rodgers. He currently ranks 22nd in passing yards, 28th in QB rating, and is tied for second in interceptions. His decision-making has been questionable, particularly during a recent game against the Denver Broncos, where he made a critical interception in double coverage when a field goal was sufficient to win. The Packers, who opted to transition from Rodgers, face challenges in Love’s development.
2. Daniel Jones Benched:
While the sample size is limited, it is evident that the New York Giants perform better with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback as Daniel Jones recovers from a neck injury. Taylor’s style may be less aggressive, but it prioritizes efficiency and minimizes errors. Recent games have highlighted Taylor’s contributions, casting doubt on Jones’s future as the team’s starter.
3. Buffalo Bills’ Concerns:
Despite a strong start to the season, the Buffalo Bills have encountered worrisome challenges. Issues like sluggish beginnings, inconsistencies in the rushing game, and vulnerabilities in the offensive line have contributed to recent losses. Addressing these concerns is crucial for the team’s sustained success.
4. Detroit Lions’ Reality Check:
The Detroit Lions, who started the season impressively with a 5-1 record, faced a humbling 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. This young team, while showing promise, still has room for development. The Ravens dominated the Lions in the first half, exploiting the Lions’ top-ranked rushing defense and underlining areas that require improvement.
1st Quarter Points Allowed by Lions
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 22, 2023
First 6 Games: 10 PTS
Today vs. Ravens: 14 PTS pic.twitter.com/0xjM9LpI3F
As Week 7 unfolded, the NFL presented captivating narratives. While some teams and players thrived, others encountered challenges that would influence their future performances.
