Things That Made Me Giddy
Browns Offense Without OBJ: Odell Beckham Jr. is still a really good talent—maybe not elite as he works his way back from from the torn ACL, but still a legitimate No. 1 receiver. But it’s undeniable that the Browns have been better off without him. Perhaps because they no longer feel pressure to force-feed Beckham for fear of his father posting another R.E.M.-scored lowlight reel. Because there are so many more melancholic R.E.M. songs OBS can choose from (my goodness, just on “Automatic for the People” alone!). Anyway, Sunday’s performance in Cincinnati was another exhibit that the Browns will be fine with decent receivers who operate within the scheme as long as that run game is doing its thing. And if the defense is going to take the ball away multiple times each week…
Browns Takeaway Luck Turns: Long ago, circa October 2021, a brilliant man told you all about small-sample-size stats like turnover differential, fourth-down conversion rates and red-zone efficiency, which tend to have huge impacts on games but are also volatile and unpredictable. The Browns have been in the bottom half of the league in every small-sample-size stat, including just five takeaways—only the Jaguars had fewer coming into Sunday—despite having a four-man pass-rush that should lead to takeaways. On Sunday in Cincinnati, the Browns got a long pick-six on the opening drive and added a downfield strip and fumble recovery later in the first half as they put the game away (they added a third takeaway in the third quarter). If they simply get a takeaway or two per game from here on in, Cleveland stands on the precipice of a big finish in 2021.
Jaguars Takeaway Luck Also Turns: They had two takeaways on the season coming into Sunday, and ended up with three against the Bills.
Give Joe Cullen a Pat on the Back: Yes, getting a couple of bounces that become takeaways makes a world of difference for any defensive coordinator, but on Sunday the Jaguars defense—a unit that has struggled early in the down against highly schemed offenses—stayed disciplined against a Bills offense that thrives on getting late into the down and maximizing stress on defensive backfields.
Colt McCoy Madness: For the second straight year, he filled in for an injured starter and stole a win on the road, though unlike last year’s win in Seattle while leading the Giants, McCoy did a little more lifting in Santa Clara on Sunday. Granted, he got a boost from James Conner and a not-very-good collection of 49ers cornerbacks. But he was “veteran backup QB savvy” all afternoon, whether it was as a distributor, tucking the ball to draw in linebackers before reloading and throwing, escaping pressure on a couple key third downs, or converting a third and long by duping officials into a phantom roughing flag (lesson to all quarterbacks: if a sack is imminent duck your head then point to your helmet after the play).
Broncos Separating Man from Ball: It was an off-day for the Cowboys’ offense, but much of it was due to what the Broncos were doing to them, especially in the secondary. There were a number of Dak Prescott throws either knocked away at the catch point or taken out of a would-be pass-catcher’s hands.
Bill Belichick’s Full Ownership of Sam Darnold: Darnold has looked lost more often than not so far in his NFL career, but against the Patriots he tends to look like he’s playing against 17 defenders.
Patrick Graham’s Defense Is Up to the Task: Giants second-year safety Xavier McKinney’s interceptions (one of them a needed pick-six considering the offensive coaching staff’s continued lack of interest in scoring points) were the result of a well-coached young defensive back anticipating plays. And with the Raiders getting into the red zone late for a potential tying TD, it was the pass rush that took over, with Quincy Roche winning around the edge against stalwart Raiders left tackle Kolton Miller and forcing the game-clinching fumble.
It’s Never Easy for Justin Herbert: It took another 445 yards of offense and a late field-goal drive to win against an Eagles team with whom the Chargers, maybe, shouldn’t have had so much trouble. The Eagles punted only three times and scored points on four of their last five possessions, but Herbert put up points in each of L.A.'s four second-half possessions to keep a step ahead.
No Turnovers for the Chiefs: Only 13 points, but Mahomes missed a couple of deep balls by a very small margin—that is unlikely to happen with the current frequency as the year goes on. And, most importantly, they didn't give it away against a Packers team that needed a gift or two (though Mahomes did put one in Kevin King's hands).
James Conner After Contact: He got chunks in the screen game, but he (and, coming off the bench, Eno Benjamin) repeatedly steamrolled 49ers defenders.
Speaking of Which, Javonte Williams Is a Handful: The rookie was dragging Cowboys on his hips all day on Sunday, going for 111 on 17 carries as he and Melvin Gordon combined for 191.
Also, Tim Patrick Is Just Neat: And I think not enough people realize how good he is. That is all.
Kene Ngwanu’s Speed: He took the second-half kickoff back 98 yards to give the Vikings an unfamiliar two-touchdown lead in Baltimore. Read all about him from friend of the show Marcus Krum.
The Good and Bad of Josh Allen: The bad being the quarterback’s worst performance since 2019—he worked late into the down frequently (what he wants to do) but created too many negative plays (three turnovers) and not enough big ones on a day when the Bills just needed to avoid the big mistakes. Meanwhile, pass rusher Josh Allen dominated, including a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. The whole thing had a real “Max on Max” quality to it (link NSFW-ish?).
