2018 NFL Week 9: Rodgers vs. Brady and other quick takeaways

FOXBOROUGH, MA – NOVEMBER 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots talks with Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers after the Patriots defeated the Packers 31-17 at Gillette Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

The 2018 NFL week 9 slate of games had plenty of fireworks to them. Certainly more than the somewhat sloppy affairs from last week.

With them came plenty of big moments too. Moments that may come define not only the near future but the seasons to come as well. Every game had something to tell. So here’s a quick take on all of them from head coaches in peril to the rise of a new quarterback movement.

Pittsburgh Steelers def. Baltimore Ravens: Harbaugh on the hot seat

John Harbaugh came into this season on the hot seat. He hasn’t made the playoffs with the Ravens since 2014 and the pressure was mounting to get this team back to winning. Things started out great, but now Baltimore has lost three straight and are falling out of the AFC North race. Joe Flacco has once again lost his mojo. Harbaugh might be out of answers.

Chicago Bears def. Buffalo Bills: Bears defense shows no mercy

The Bills offense had little to offer, especially with Nathan Peterman at quarterback. Chicago’s defense could’ve taken it easy on them, but this is the NFL. There’s no room for sympathy. Chicago forced four turnovers, scored two defensive touchdowns and even tacked on a late TD on offense with the game well out of reach in the 4th quarter just to run some salt in the 41-9 wound.

Carolina Panthers def. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cam Newton is ARMED

Keep in mind that Cam Newton won MVP in 2015 and had a lot of help around him back then. So it means something when saying that this offense might be the most talented he’s ever had. Greg Olsen, Christian McCaffrey, Curtis Samuel, D.J. Moore, and Devin Funchess. It’s a deep and multidimensional group that is clicking more and more each week.

Kansas City Chiefs def. Cleveland Browns: Patrick Mahomes chasing history

That Chiefs offense is so absurd. There’s talent everywhere and it must seem so easy for Patrick Mahomes at times. He has three guys who can legitimately score every time they touch the ball. Now they have the young QB chasing a record that was thought to be untouchable. He’s currently on track for 51 touchdowns this year, just four away from Peyton Manning’s single-season mark of 55. This is his first year starting. That’s insane.

Miami Dolphins def. New York Jets: Sam Darnold failures could cost Todd Bowles

Todd Bowles was already under pressure to get the Jets winning again after two down seasons. He’s had a lot of trouble due to constant injury issues, but what could really sink his ship is the continued deterioration of rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. He’s not showing signs of development, and the past has shown that gets head coaches fired. Ask Jeff Fisher and John Fox.

Minnesota Vikings def. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford may not survive

Ten sacks. That’s not a misprint. The Vikings defense sacked Stafford 10 times. This is a troubling trend that began at the end of September. Since the Cowboys game, the Lions QB has been sacked at least three times in a game now in four of the past five weeks. With Chicago (who likely gets Khalil Mack back) and Carolina up next, it could get ugly.

Atlanta Falcons def. Washington Redskins: Dan Quinn keeps finding a way

Dan Quinn is one hell of a head coach. Last year his team was coming off a brutal loss in the Super Bowl. He got them back on track and to 10-6 with a playoff berth. This year the Falcons have been ravaged by injuries, especially on defense. They lost four of their first five. Did they moan about it? Nope. They’ve since won three straight and are right back in the hunt.

Houston Texans def. Denver Broncos: Demaryius Thomas gets revenge

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A 19-17 score doesn’t indicate a major dose of revenge, but Thomas will take it. He claimed three catches for 61 yards including one of his trademark bubble screens just to remind the Broncos that he can still be DT. Now as they contemplate folding the tent at 3-6, his new team is streaking towards a division championship after another win.

Los Angeles Chargers def. Seattle Seahawks: Yes, the Chargers are for real

While everybody is focused on other teams, the Chargers have quietly established themselves as a serious team. They’ve always had a good offense with Philip Rivers and crew. Yet now they’re playing some good defense of late and doing it without their best player in Joey Bosa. He’s due back soon. When that happens, this team could get scary.

New Orleans Saints def. Los Angeles Rams: Home field slipping away

On the surface it was just a meeting between two playoff-bound teams. Hidden beneath the surface though, the Rams may have cost themselves dearly. Not only did they suffer their first loss of the season, but they put themselves in danger of losing their grim on home field advantage now that the Saints own the tiebreaker. Going back into that dome in January? Rough.

New England Patriots def. Green Bay Packers: Belichick solves Aaron Rodgers

Tom Brady will get all the credit for winning the “duel” with Aaron Rodgers. Let’s be honest though. Bill Belichick crafted a perfect game plan and his defense executed it. Rodgers managed just 17 points on the evening, which is not anywhere near his typical standards. Just another reminder of why Belichick will go down in history as the best ever.

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