NFL Week 7 what we learned: From Lamar Jackson’s near-perfect night to Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams’ miserable first outing
NFL Week 7 saw 15 games played between October 17th to the 22nd, with teams showing their true mettle.
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Lamar Jackson's five TD performance was the highlight of NFL Week 7 (Image via Bleacher Report/X)
NFL Week 7 rolled in from the 17th of October to the 22nd and gave football fans 15 thrilling games as the stars continued to up incredible performances. The week ended with Lamar Jackson showing he is again the favorite for an MVP run. On the other hand, the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams fizzled out in what could have been a brilliant reunion.
The week saw some Super Bowl hopefuls cement their status as teams to watch out for. The Kansas City Chiefs’ win over the San Francisco 49ers, in particular, threw up questions, as not only did Andy Reid’s team continue their unbeaten run, but it took the 49ers seemingly out of contention.
On the other hand, some other teams have started to return to their winning ways as they look to shake off early-season problems. But what NFL Week 7 showed as the flip side of football was when some heavy hitters had their hands to their heads. Throwing up questions about their season and their future.
In totality, this week showed that football is truly a test of mettle, both physical as well as intellectual. When some showed what they are capable of as a team, others showed that flaws in the same team can be disastrous.
League MVP showing off
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens played the second last game of NFL Week 7. For football fans, it turned out to be a display of why he is considered the best or at least in conversation to be the best quarterback in football. Despite pressure from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers early on, he regained his composure and threw for five touchdowns.
That win was their fifth straight, and arguably one of the best examples of how good that offense can be. If only their defense can stop leaking that many points, then the Ravens will be legitimate Super Bowl favorites.
Another moment of brilliance on Sunday was when the Detroit Lions faced the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings. Jared Goff, in particular, threw a near-perfect passing game and led his team with a balanced attack.
What makes it spectacular is that Goff did not throw an interception against the vaunted Vikings’ defense. If their balanced attack can continue to help them win such games, expect them to be favorites to reach the Super Bowl.
Quarterbacks leading the charge
So far in this season, the story has not been dominated by one particular player’s brilliance. It has been the result of a collection of individuals. Most importantly, quarterbacks, who continue to lead their teams to wins. In NFL Week 7, a few quarterbacks got back to winning ways, while some showed out.
Most notable was the regular season debut of Russell Wilson in a Pittsburgh Steelers jersey. The Super Bowl champion might have struggled with rust initially, but then he got back to his old ways soon. Two passing touchdowns and one push into the end zone were enough as the third time of his career blew out the New York Jets.
Elsewhere, Jordan Love continued to quash any question marks in a commanding outing against the Houston Texans. Matthew Stafford helped the LA Rams return to their winning ways. Marcus Mariota subbed in and led the Washington Commanders to another win.
Lastly, star QBs such as Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow continued their efficient play from behind center. To sum it up, games this week went on to confirm why teams go all out when trying to get hold of top quarterbacks. The game is never more dependent on them to succeed.
Brock Purdy’s Week 7 outing gave critics more ammunition
After the good, let’s talk about the bad, starting with Brock Purdy. All throughout the offseason, his name kept cropping up when analyst after analyst kept finding criticisms to throw at him. His San Francisco 49ers teammates and coaches defended him vehemently. But his performances in NFL Week 7 made those critics have smiles on their faces.
The Super Bowl finalist did thank his legs for helping him score touchdowns on two occasions. But his hands did not help his case as he threw three interceptions. His opponent Patrick Mahomes also threw two interceptions, but the three-time Super Bowl MVP is a bona fide winner. Unlike the young star who is looking to lead a team.
Then some not-good enough quarterback play led the likes of the New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants lose games. Whereas teams such as the Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans are probably looking toward the 2025 draft class.
Superstars in the doldrums
The above was not even the worst part of NFL Week 7. That was reserved for three individuals, namely, Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams and Deshaun Watson. First, it was the New York Jets duo who were supposed to turn their season around. Instead, they suffered a blowout loss, with their quarterback throwing two interceptions.
To make matters worse, Adams ended up with one of his worst games. Not the best way to instill confidence in themselves and their fans. With the Jets standing at 2-5, the road to the playoffs has become that much harder.
Then there were the Cleveland Browns. In what was one of Deshaun Watson‘s better games, it came to a cruel ending when he went down with a season-ending injury. Now, with his $230 million albatross of a contract weighing on him, the franchise faces a difficult decision about their future.
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Joseph Varghese
(2265 Articles Published)