NFL Week 8 what we learned: From Jayden Daniels’ almighty Hail Mary to all-time lows for Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott

All teams rolling into NFL Week 8 had only one goal in mind, to win their respective games. But as is with any sport, generally only half manage to do that. The usual suspects such as Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff continued to do that. But Jayden Daniels threw his hat into the ring whereas other usual suspects, Aaron Rodgers and Dak Prescott, had to hang their heads.

The Kansas City Chiefs remain the only unbeaten team in the NFL. But just behind them are several teams who are playing well and finding ways to improve. Their goal eventually is to beat that unbeaten Super Bowl-winning juggernaut.

This week though, again proved to show why some teams are favored by not only betting companies but also fans. But the most celebrated moment of all was the return of Tua Tagovailoa and the debut of Ricky Pearsall. Both had overcome life-altering events, on and off the field and were just grateful to return to the game.

But more than anything, this week was a whirlwind for fantasy football managers. Some upsets left many managers almost pulling their hair apart. As the most competitive on-field team sport finished week 8 of the 2024 season, here is a recap of that hair-raising madness.

Jayden Daniels the new Hail Mary king?

That label is generally reserved for Aaron Rodgers. But keeping him aside for later, the focus of the footballing world came down upon the rookie as he went for the generally ridiculous play to help his team improve to 6-2.

Yes, a Chicago Bears cornerback had a hand in it. But even then, his patience for the play to develop, while keeping an eye on pass rushers and then heaving it in just enough to bounce and land into his wideout’s hand was pure art. It might be his first, but with that throw, Jayden Daniels is looking at Rodgers’ title.

Matthew Stafford had the perfect audition tape for the Minnesota Vikings when kept his composure and handed them their worst loss of the season. Another veteran quarterback to join him in the brilliant ranks was Jameis Winston.

The now journeyman quarterback took over from the out for the season Deshaun Watson and balled out. Throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns, he had the stats to go along with the clutch throws that helped the Cleveland Browns win over the Super Bowl favorite Baltimore Ravens.

Detroit Lions continuing to show what a good team can do

After NFL Week 8, another Super Bowl favorite Detroit Lions continued to show what a well-coached, optimized roster can do. They do miss star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, but the rest of the team is showing why the Kansas City Chiefs must fear them.

Their game was so good that all Jared Goff had to do was manage the game for his teammates. In only 85 yards through the air, his receivers caught three touchdowns. The other four touchdowns the team scored came through other facets of the game, continuing to show that the team is toying with every opposition.

Other than them, Josh Allen and his Buffalo Bills continued to impress. Other than them, the Green Bay Packers are continuing to show their prowess. Then there are the Philadelphia Eagles, who have shaken off their earlier season struggles and now are confidently winning games.

NFL Week 8 beginning to show cracks in some teams

To start with the Eagles’ opponents in this NFL Week 8, the Cincinnati Bengals. Something does not seem right with a team that is a couple of years removed from waltzing into the Super Bowl. This loss at the hands of the Eagles has left many scratching their heads, and some throwing in the towel.

On the other hand, some notable playoff contenders fizzled out such as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Indianapolis Colts, and the Chicago Bears. But America’s team, the Dallas Cowboys took the lead among this group.

Their appalling performances against the San Francisco 49ers suggested all is not well with the team. Dak Prescott and his teammates are trying. But their lack of a run game helped the 49ers game plan and pick the $60 million dollar man twice.

Owner Jerry Jones might be pressed into launching another tirade or blaming someone. But those who watched the game know this season the Cowboys are showing that a badly assembled team can do no good.

Yea, about Aaron Rodgers……..

If the Dallas Cowboys are bad, then they are still better off than the abomination that is the New York Jets. A squad that has star power bursting out of their necks, but even then, they languish near the bottom of the pile.

Aaron Rodgers‘ legacy took a major hit after he and his friends could not muster up some chemistry to win. That too against a New England Patriots team who themselves are bottom of the pit at best. Excuses are running out for the men in green, especially the four-time league MVP.

With nine games left, they are showing signs of imploding as certain up-and-coming players are rumored to want to play elsewhere. There has never been this much pressure on Aaron Rodgers’ shoulders. If he does not figure out how the Jets can win, it might be time to hang up those cleats.