KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – NOVEMBER 01: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets is sacked by Tershawn Wharton #98 of the Kansas City Chiefs during their NFL game at Arrowhead Stadium on November 01, 2020 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
There were some big surprises as the season neared the halfway point.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have played seven games and have yet to lose. The New York Jets have taken the field eight times and are still waiting to win. There’s a quarterback in the Pacific Northwest that remains extremely hot. And the team that took home the Lombardi Trophy in February looks as powerful as ever.
32
New York Jets 0-8
Last week: L, 35-9 at KC
Last rank: 32nd
For the fourth consecutive game, Adam Gase’s club was limited to 10 points or less as the Jets remained the lone winless team in the league this season. Gregg Williams’ defense did not allow a touchdown last week vs. the Bills but was gashed for 496 total yards and five TD tosses by Chiefs’ quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
New York also failed to record a sack or force a turnover while the Jets’ attack managed only 221 total yards and three field goals.
31
Dallas Cowboys 2-6
Last week: L, 23-9 at PHI
Last rank: 31st
The current NFC East leaders looked to make it two wins in a row for the first time all season. Once again, mistake-prone quarterback Carson Wentz had his issues when it came to taking care of the football. He lost a pair of fumbles and served up his 11th and 12th interceptions of the year.
But Philadelphia’s defense had more than enough for a Cowboys’ offense led by rookie quarterback Ben DiNucci, dropped four times by the Birds’ pass rush.
30
Jacksonville Jaguars 1-6
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 29th
Doug Marrone’s team had had some extended time to ponder what has gone wrong after an opening day win over the Colts at home. The Jaguars have dropped six consecutive games and have allowed at least 30 points in each contest. There has been a very big bright spot in rookie running back James Robinson.
But via NFL.com’s Kevin Patra, quarterback Gardner Minshew isn’t expected to be available for this Sunday’s rematch with Houston.
29
Houston Texans 1-6
Last week: OFF
Last rank: 28th
It’s been a rough year for the Texans, who have already lost as many games as they did all of last season when they were AFC South champions for the fourth time in five years. Head coach Bill O’Brien was dismissed after four games and things haven’t been much better under interim sideline leader Romeo Crennel.
The defense has been dreadful, ranked 29th in the league in fewest total yards and next-to-last in the NFL vs. the run entering Week 8.