HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 25: Interim head coach Romeo Crennel of the Houston Texans looks on against the Green Bay Packers during the third quarter at NRG Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)
A number of division leaders flexed their muscles this week.
It was another week of close contests, high-scoring affairs and fantastic finishes. And the list of undefeated teams is now down to one after an AFC showdown at Nashville and an epic prime time affair in the desert that saw the Seahawks and Cardinals combine for over 1,000 yards of total offense in more than 60 minutes of play. And it was another successful week for the visiting teams.
32
New York Jets 0-7
Last week: L, 18-10 vs BUF
Last rank: 32nd
Third-year quarterback Sam Darnold returned to the field and had a rough afternoon against an aroused Buffalo Bills’ defense. Still, the Jets actually owned a 10-0 lead in the second quarter but they were done scoring for the day.
Adam Gase’s club finished with 190 total yards and Darnold was not only sacked six times but served up a pair of interceptions. New York held Buffalo out of the end zone but Gregg Williams’ defense allowed 422 total yards.
31
Dallas Cowboys 2-5
Last week: L, 25-3 at WAS
Last rank: 20th
The Cowboys’ defense suffered through another rough afternoon and things would get worse for Mike McCarthy’s club when quarterback Andy Dalton went down in the third quarter after a high hit.
Enter rookie Ben DiNucci, who along with Dalton were each sacked three times. Ezekiel Elliott was limited to 45 yards on 12 carries and the Dallas’ offense was limited to 142 total yards. Meanwhile, Mike Nolan’s defenders gave up a whopping 208 yards rushing.
30
Atlanta Falcons 1-6
Last week: L, 23-22 vs DET
Last rank: 27th
Interim head coach Raheem Morris got off to a great start last week in his debut at his new position. And the Falcons looked to follow up last week’s win at Minnesota by beating the visiting Lions. And when running back Todd Gurley scored on a 10-yard run and Matt Ryan found Calvin Ridley for the two-point conversion, Atlanta owned a six-point lead with 1:04 to play.
But as has been the case for most of the season, they couldn’t protect it.
29
Jacksonville Jaguars 1-6
Last week: L, 39-29 at LAC
Last rank: 31st
The club headed to the west coast looking to end its five-game losing streak but would fall behind 16-0 in the second quarter against a Chargers’ team also looking to end a long skid.
However, Jacksonville actually owned a 29-22 advantage late in the third quarter. But Doug Marrone’s team was done scoring for the day and the Bolts totaled the final 17 points of the afternoon. The Jaguars have allowed 30-plus points in six consecutive games.