Tomlin Vindicated & Barkley’s Revenge: NFL Week 7 Round Up
Week Seven NFL Review: More Thrills; More Drama; More Enjoyment!
The results of Week Seven seek to confirm the pattern that has played out previously: the well-coached and organised entity defeats the unorganised and undisciplined. Some teams may have better individuals and previous records, but the success of some unlikely high flyers may be linked to an esprit de corps and collective ambition of a cohort that were moulded by excellent drafting and coaching during the off season. Saquon Barkley delivers again for the Eagles … against former employers the Giants. Mike Tomlin is FINALLY commended for balancing his QB situation. Drake Maye gives the Patriots some hope for the future.
Barkley Silences Doubters … and then some!
The Giants fans added to Saquon Barkey’s thirst for revenge this weekend, by burning their Giants shirts with his name and number on it, then posted it on social media … and eh, tagged him!! Barkley played for just three quarters and ran for his second highest ever amount of yards: 176 yards: second only to 189 yards in 2019. The Giants offense looked toothless: struggling to produce just 119 yards against the Eagles. Such was the success the rampant Eagles defense had against starting Giants QB Daniel Jones, Head Coach Brain Daboll replaced him for the final ten minutes with Drew Lock. Ouch! Needless to say, Barkley left MetLife Stadium very happy.
Eagles 28 Giants 3
Tomlin Vindicated
Mike Tomlin’s trust in Russell Wilson faced severe scrutiny from the Acrisure fans in the opening three drives with three tedious three-and-outs in the first quarter. Was the 35 year old veteran about to be hooked by Tomlin? Steelers fans’ opinions were changed as Wilson showcased the composure of a seasoned campaigner and a defiance under pressure that saw the Steelers run riot against a floundering Jets. Wilson showed his class producing two touchdown passes, 264 yards and a season high rating for a Steeler QB with 109.9. Some may feel for Justin Fields, who has lead the Steelers to a 4-2 start this season: will it be Wilson’s connection with George Pickens that sees him picked ahead of Fields in the future? Pickens was successfully targeted five times for 111 yards and one TD. And against a sinking Giants: there will be plenty of ambition from both candidates to start. What a QB competition we have in Pittsburgh!
Steelers 37 Jets 15
Patriots Humiliated in (Old) England
The Jaguars looked more like a phoenix this week in London: could it be a performance that gives their season a shot in the arm? Some may say I am being over optimistic and would point to the Patriots dismal performance. More a Patriots failure, than a Jaguars resurgence? The statistics would confirm the latter. Drake Maye’s second ever NFL start was hampered by the lack of luck in the structures around him: the offensive line showcased it’s eight line up in seven games and the receiving options were limited for Maye to target: the most consistent was Hunter Henry: claiming 92 yards for eight receptions. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence and RB Tank Bigsby enjoyed their respective afternoons. Lawrence threw for 193 yards and one TD. Bigsby enjoyed hid trip to London rushing for 118 yards and two TDs.
Jaguars 32 Patriots 16
It is undeniable that the Chiefs, Vikings and Ravens have been the most entertaining and exciting teams this season; but the competitive nature of the league means that there are an immeasurable amount of storylines bubbling under the surface EVERY game week. Stand out individuals, such as Caleb Williams and CJ Stroud, have presented the viewing fans with storylines that would have been completely unexpected two years ago! Bring on Week Eight!