Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the winners and losers of NFL Week 9! From near-perfect performances to chaotic divisions, there's plenty to unpack. Let's kick things off with a bang!
The Bills-Chiefs Rivalry: A Tale of Two Quarterbacks
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Bills and Chiefs faced off for the 10th time since 2020, and the rivalry showed no signs of slowing down. With two MVP-caliber quarterbacks, Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, leading their respective teams, every game feels like a championship showdown. Sunday's encounter was no different, with both defenses stepping up and creating an intense battle.
The Bills emerged victorious, 28-21, extending their regular-season dominance over the Chiefs to five straight wins. Buffalo's defense was the star of the show, pressuring Mahomes on over half of his dropbacks and forcing him into an uncharacteristically low completion rate. The secondary also played a crucial role, sticking to routes and creating five forced incompletions. Safety Cole Bishop was a standout, making key stops and pass breakups.
But here's where it gets controversial... Buffalo's success against the Chiefs in the regular season hasn't translated to the playoffs. Will this be the year the Bills finally break through? With their defense playing at a high level, the pieces are in place for a potential deep playoff run. And who wouldn't want to see another Bills-Chiefs AFC title game? Let's hope for a rematch in January!
Mike Tomlin's Words of Wisdom
Mike Tomlin, the master of football quotes, delivered some golden lines after the Steelers' win over the Colts. When asked about their strategy to slow down Jonathan Taylor, Tomlin said they 'minimized the runner.' It's a unique way of putting it, but it worked! The Steelers defense held Taylor to a 50% success rate, and their ability to create pressure and turnovers was key.
Tomlin also had some insightful words about the fine line between success and failure. He likened it to 'drinking wine and squashing grapes,' emphasizing how a few plays can drastically change the outcome of a game. It's a reminder of the unpredictability of football and the importance of every single snap.
And this is the part most people miss... The Steelers defense, which had been underperforming, turned it around with a strong performance. They deserved the 'funeral' fans threw before the game, but Tomlin's words of encouragement and belief in his team's ability to bounce back were spot on.
Sam Darnold's Red-Hot Performance
Sam Darnold had a career night against the Commanders, torching their secondary with an incredible display of passing. His numbers were off the charts: 0.83 EPA per play, a 75% success rate, and 13.8 yards per dropback! It was a performance reminiscent of his pro day in 2018, but even better. Darnold's ability to see the field and make accurate throws was exceptional.
Darnold's comfort level this season has been consistent, and the Seahawks' offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, has played a role in setting him up for success with a run-heavy approach. This has taken the pressure off Darnold and allowed him to excel in play-action situations, leading the NFL in yards per dropback when using play-action.
But here's the big question: Can Darnold sustain this level of play throughout the season and into the playoffs? His collapse with the Vikings last year raises doubts, but this version of Darnold is more accurate, smarter, and efficient. With a loaded supporting cast and a top defense, Seattle is a force to be reckoned with, and Darnold could be a serious MVP contender if he keeps it up.
The NFL's Kicking Records Get a Makeover
Kickers are rewriting the record books this season, and Jaguars kicker Cam Little delivered the latest record-breaking performance with a 68-yard field goal, the longest in league history. It was a kick that looked effortless, and Little's record-breaker was just one of seven field goals of at least 60 yards this season - a new record in itself!
The new rules regarding ball preparation have had a significant impact on the kicking game. Kickers are now allowed to prep the balls weeks in advance, and the results are speaking for themselves. League-wide, kickers are hitting from 60 yards at a 64% clip, a massive improvement from the past.
Some, like Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, compare this era to the steroid era in baseball, but others, like me, embrace the entertainment value. It's a new era for kickers, and I, for one, am here for it! Welcome to the future, where kickers are in field goal range before the offense even reaches midfield.
The Concept of Defense Takes a Hit
In a wild finish to the Bears-Bengals game, both defenses seemed to forget how to play their roles. The Bears blew a 14-point lead in a matter of minutes, and the Bengals, despite a late comeback, couldn't hold on to the lead. It was a chaotic ending, and the defenses were to blame.
Chicago's offense, led by Kyle Monangai, found success on the ground, with the rookie running back hitting a single-game low for attempts behind the line of scrimmage. But the pass defense is a concern, ranking 23rd in the league in EPA per dropback. The Bears are intercepting passes at a high rate, but that won't be enough to sustain their playoff hopes.
J.J. McCarthy's Return
After a lengthy absence due to a high ankle sprain, J.J. McCarthy returned just in time to lead the Vikings to a crucial road win over the Lions. It was an uneven performance, but McCarthy delivered when it mattered most. He got help from his teammates, with Aaron Jones racking up yards on the ground and Justin Jefferson making impressive catches.
Despite accuracy issues and a few sacks, McCarthy avoided costly mistakes and closed out the game with a perfect pass. His ability to oversee a clean pre-snap operation and check out of plays was impressive for a quarterback in his third start. The Vikings defense also stepped up, pressuring Jared Goff and earning the right to rush the passer.
The NFC North: A Division in Flux
The NFL's most competitive division is up for grabs, with the Vikings and Packers losing on Sunday. The four teams are now separated by just one game, making it the tightest division and the only one without a sub-.500 team. The Packers' loss to the Panthers was particularly disappointing, with a conservative offensive approach failing to capitalize on their 12.5-point favorite status.
The Packers may also be without star tight end Tucker Kraft, who suffered a potential season-ending knee injury. His loss would be a huge blow to the offense, as he had become a key receiving threat and pressure release valve. With five divisional games remaining, the Packers still have a shot at the division title, but they'll need to play with more consistency to avoid unexpected losses.
Injuries Take a Toll
Week 9 was a reminder of the physical toll the NFL can take on players. Several big-name injuries occurred, including Jayden Daniels' gruesome dislocated elbow. The Commanders' decision to keep Daniels in the game while down by 31 points in the fourth quarter has raised questions and concerns.
Other notable injuries include C.J. Stroud, Joe Alt, Mykel Williams, Tucker Kraft, Kayshon Boutte, Christian Gonzalez, Puka Nacua, and Travis Hunter. It's a long list of players who will miss significant time, and it serves as a stark reminder of the risks and challenges these athletes face every week.
So, there you have it! The winners and losers of NFL Week 9. From thrilling rivalries to controversial coaching decisions, it was a week full of surprises and storylines. Which team or player surprised you the most? Let's discuss in the comments and keep the football conversation going!
