With many of the Week 7 NFL schedule within the books, it’s time to take a look at a number of the greatest losers from across the league.
New York Giants entrance workplace
The Giants did not worth Saquon Barkley sufficient to forestall him from becoming a member of a hated rival throughout free company. Within the Philadelphia Eagles’ 28-3 throttling of New York at MetLife Stadium, the star operating embarrassed his former squad, speeding for 176 yards (17 carries) and a landing.
This offseason, proprietor John Mara stated he’d have bother sleeping if Barkley left for the division foe, however following Sunday’s efficiency, there could also be many extra stressed nights forward.
Minnesota Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell
The Vikings (5-1) dropped their fourth straight towards the Detroit Lions (5-1), falling 31-29, and it is easy to see why when trying again at how O’Connell managed — or mismanaged — the fourth quarter. Brian Flores’ protection put the staff in a wonderful place to win following an Ivan Tempo 36-yard fumble restoration returned for a landing, giving Minnesota a 29-28 lead earlier than forcing a Lions’ three-and-out with 4:16 remaining.
Nonetheless, O’Connell was too conservative on the subsequent drive, calling two runs and a third-down go that took only one:35 off the clock, opening the door for the Lions to kick a go-ahead area aim with solely 15 ticks left.
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins
The four-time Professional Bowler had a depressing outing within the Falcons’ 34-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks (4-3), passing for 232 yards (24-of-35) and a landing whereas committing three vital fourth-quarter turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble). The Seahawks discovered the endzone 4 occasions, however 10 of their factors got here off miscues by Cousins.
After the loss dropped Atlanta to 4-3, the $180M man advised reporters, “I must play higher,” which may be an understatement.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers (3-4) can not defeat the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (6-0), particularly quarterback Patrick Mahomes. After falling 28-18 on Sunday, San Francisco dropped to 0-5 all-time towards the two-time MVP, which incorporates two Tremendous Bowl losses.
Including to the frustration, Mahomes did not play his greatest, ending with 154 yards (16-of-27) with two interceptions whereas speeding for 39 yards (5 carries) and a landing.
Cleveland Browns
Quarterback Deshaun Watson left the Browns’ 21-14 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday with what the staff believes to be a season-ending Achilles damage. Contemplating how poorly he is performed, it appears like a blessing in disguise for Cleveland, however whereas that could be true on the sector, it does not change a lot.
The franchise pays the 29-year-old $92M assured over the subsequent two seasons, no matter whether or not he is wholesome or competent sufficient to play.
Tennessee Titans offense
The Titans (1-5) futile protection failed to indicate up in a 34-10 loss to the Buffalo Payments (5-2), however their league-worst offense proved it does not matter who performs quarterback for his or her directionless offense. Mason Rudolph, filling in for Will Levis, handed for under 215 yards (25-of-40) with a landing and an interception whereas the unit averaged 4.3 yards per play.
A sudden turnaround does not look possible, particularly since Tennessee has scored greater than 17 factors in a recreation solely as soon as this season.
Carolina Panthers
After falling to the Washington Commanders (5-2), 40-7, the Panthers proceed to appear to be the NFL’s worst staff. Rookie QB Jayden Daniels left the sport early with a rib damage, however Carolina nonetheless had no solutions.
Backup QB Marcus Mariota entered and torched the Commanders for 205 yards (18-of-23) with two touchdowns and 0 interceptions, reminding Panthers followers that, irrespective of the breaks, one other lengthy season is forward.
