NFL Week Seven Round Up: Were Some Contenders Merely Pretending?
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What an absolute blast Week Seven was! From a hectic start with the Bears besting the Pats, to the MNF showdown between heated rivals Eagles and Cowboys, we got to see further storylines develop and some favourites lose for the first time. The NFL is unbeatable when it comes to drama! Who would have predicted the Eagles’ collapse at the start of the season?!?!
Elsewhere, the Vikings remain the only team with a 100% record. The Falcons shocked the NFL with a win over the previous;y undefeated 49ers” The Seahawks showcased a relentless spirit against the Chiefs on Sunday Night Football. We even saw the very first ever NFL game in France! To pick three games to review was nigh on impossible: the lads will cover the rest on this week’s podcast.
Vikings Reign Supreme (for Now)
Brian Flores’ defense clearly enjoyed this one! The Vikings’ defensive coordinator allowed his charges to really put the foot down on the accelerator during this game. And they got their just rewards. Colts’ QB Daniel Jones looked uncomfortable throughout. The Vikings recorded four sacks and one interception: all down to their 85%+ blitz rate! Jones completed thirteen passes for a mere 108 yards, from twenty two attempts. He also scrambled for thirteen yards on four carries.
The Colts enjoyed much success in the pass rush too, with Kyler Murray successfully completing just 150 yards passing from fourteen passes: he was sacked three times. The difference was in the composure shown. The Colts failed to score in the second half! A testament to the Vikings defense, but also to the difficulties Jones is having this season: a lack of targets and a struggling O-line (for both passing and rushing) are hampering the Colts.
Vikings 16 Colts 10
Falcons Stun 49ers (and their fans!)
This was one of the results that caught NFL fans by surprise … “SURELY, they have that score the wrong way around?” was a message I received during the later slate of games … no one predicted this result! Predictions seemed to be following the expected path as the 49ers lead 14-12 at half-time, but the Falcons simply refused to back down. In Irish sports, we emphasise the need for our team to fight doggedly as we are usually the underdog! And the Falcons fought for every yard.
They took advantage of a weakened 49ers receiver group, to intercept Brock Purdy twice(!) and to, not only, force two fumbles, but to also recover them! Purdy’s numbers looked above his usual average, but with Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel (among others missing, it was Kevin Stafanski’s team that won the day: moving to 3-4 in the NFC South … and inflicting a blood nose on the 49ers: now 6-1.
Falcons 29 49ers 20
Restructured O-Line Breathes New Life into Steelers
Forgive me for the Steelers bias, but it is with a sense of jubilation to write this! The much maligned Offensive Line has shown up, and for much of the game Aaron Rodgers seemed to enjoy his game in Paris. The Steelers’ momentum, at 5-2, seems to be picking up under Mike McCarthy. Both sets of linemen were superior on the day in the stade De France and RBs Warren and Dowdle were impressive as a tandem: combining for 223 total yards.
Ah but John, the Steelers had a great time in Dublin last year and STILL capitulated in the Post Season … yes, and that needs to be taken into account. This European trip showcased an alteration that will (hopefully) keep the D off the field to avoid the burnout that was evident in last year’s capitulation against the Texans (loss of 30-6 in the Wild Card round). The previously mentioned tandem, as well as employing Darnell “Mount” Washington and Spencer Anderson as extra linemen. This control at the line, exemplifies the difference to last year. The opening and closing drives showcased composure and execution: a far cry from the frustrating three-and-outs that we saw earlier in McCarthy’s tenure and the haunting of Tomlin’s final season(s).
Steelers 16 Saints 10
With Week Seven now completed, we are cascading our way towards the most exciting part of the season! The games come thick and fast: and here’s hoping your team doesn’t lose a key player as the competition heightens. Over the next few weeks, the narrowest of margins may cost individuals and even franchises huge opportunities to make in to SoFi on Valentine’s Day, 2027! Bring on the Drama! Catch up with the other games from this week with Jimmy and the lads on this week’s episode of the Gaelic Gridiron Podcast.