EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 17: Head coach Joe Judge of the New York Giants reacts in the fourth quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at MetLife Stadium on October 17, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
A franchise snapped an extremely long losing streak. And there have already been more overtime games this season than in 2020.
The first of the off-weeks for teams began as the Falcons, Saints, Jets and 49ers were all on hiatus. There was a clash of first-place clubs in the AFC and a battle of Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks (and former college teammates) in Cleveland. And now there’s only one winless team in the league.
32
Houston Texans 1-5
Last week: L, 31-3 at IND
Last rank: 31st
The team and its four-game losing streak headed to Indianapolis. The Texans had been outscored a combined 120-52 in those previous setbacks.
And things only got worse as David Culley’s team managed to roll up 353 total yards but settled for a single field goal. Rookie Davis Mills threw for 243 yards but was intercepted twice, part of three turnovers by Houston. And Lovie Smith’s defensive unit had no real answers for the Indianapolis’ running game.
31
Detroit Lions 0-6
Last week: L, 34-11 vs CIN
Last rank: 29th
Losers of nine consecutive games dating back to Week 14 of 2020, the Lions hosted the improved Bengals. And unfortunately for Dan Campbell and his squad, the Men from the Motor City are now the lone winless club in the league this year.
Detroit’s defense had few answers for Cincinnati’s offense – allowing 398 total yards. The Lions’ running game was limited to 36 yards and the team didn’t reach the end zone until 2:15 remaining in the game.
30
Miami Dolphins 1-5
Last week: L, 23-20 vs JAC (London)
Last rank: 30th
Losers of four consecutive games, Brian Flores’ team made its way to London to take on the winless Jaguars. Tua Tagovaiola returned to the starting lineup and would throw for 329 yards and two scores – both to rookie wideout Jaylen Waddle.
He was also picked off late in the third quarter. The Dolphins owned a 20-17 lead early in the fourth quarter. But Flores’ club couldn’t close the deal and the Jaguars kicked the final two field goals of the game.
29
New York Giants 1-5
Last week: L, 38-11 vs LAR
Last rank: 28th
It has been a disappointing start to the season for Joe Judge’s club. Now the struggling Giants had to deal with the talented Rams. Big Blue led 3-0 after one quarter but was down by 25 points by intermission.
It was a long day for quarterback Daniel Jones, who wound up throwing for 242 yards. But the third-year pro was sacked four times, served up three interceptions and lost one of his two fumbles. New York’s offense was limited to 261 total yards.