10 biggest disappointments of NFL Week 7
Week 7 of the NFL season brought us more lopsided scores than close games, and some huge games with playoff implications — such as the Cowboys’ victory over the Eagles, the Colts’ win over the Texans, and the Ravens’ win in Seattle. Many teams or individuals failed to get the job done during the week and were big disappointments.
Here’s a look at the 10 biggest disappointments of Week 7.
Melvin Gordon, RB, Chargers
The way this game went, Chargers fans are probably feeling the team may have been better off had Gordon never returned from his holdout. Gordon had just 32 yards on 16 carries. He fumbled twice, including one at the goal line to lose the game. He’s averaging just 2.25 yards per carry since his return. Worse, he’s taking valuable carries away from Austin Ekeler.
Chicago Bears
The Bears got Mitchell Trubisky back in their 36-25 loss to the Saints, but it didn’t serve as a big improvement over Chase Daniels. The game started with a safety on Chicago’s first possession, then a punt, and then a lost fumble in Bears territory. It was a 12-10 game in the second and then Chicago went totally silent. They had punts on five of their next six possessions and lost a fumble on the other. 17 total rushing yards and two lost fumbles is not a formula for success. It’s no surprise Trubisky got booed as a “welcome back” from the fans.
Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens
Andrews has been one of the top statistical tight ends when it comes to receiving this season, but that was not the case on Sunday. Andrews finished with just two catches for 39 yards on eight targets. He dropped three passes, including one that should have been a touchdown. Maybe the wet conditions in Seattle negatively affected him. Whatever the case, he should be relieved that his team bailed him out with a big 30-16 road win over the Seahawks.
NFL’s fumble touchback rule
Look, it’s nobody’s fault but Derek Carr’s that the Oakland Raiders quarterback has now lost a fumble by the goal line for a touchback TWICE. He did so as the Raiders were inside the five and down just 14-10 to the Packers late in the second quarter Sunday, and losing the ball led to a big swing in the game. However, this is a bad rule and one that needs to be changed. Players should be incentivized to reach for the goal line when they’re close. If they lose a ball out of bounds while reaching for the goal line like that, the offense should retain possession.
Carson Wentz, QB, Eagles
Wentz just didn’t get the job done in a huge 37-10 divisional loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. He passed for just 191 yards, threw an interception, and lost two fumbles — one coming on a dropped snap. Granted, Wentz’s numbers could have been better if he got some help from Nelson Agholor, but he did not come close to matching the Cowboys’ offense.
Atlanta Falcons
We’re getting to the point where bad performances should be expected from the Falcons. Still, this was worse than most expected. Facing a Rams team that had lost three in a row, Atlanta gave up 37 points, scored just 10, and lost quarterback Matt Ryan to an ankle injury. They lost two fumbles, threw an interception, and missed a field goal. They also gave up five sacks. All questions about Dan Quinn’s job status are deserved at this point.
Tyler Boyd, TE, Bengals
The Bengals are now 0-7 and have many things going wrong. Tyler Boyd did not help on Sunday. Boyd was targeted 14 times in the game and only had 5 catches for 55 yards due to a few drops. With his team leading 7-6 against the Jaguars, Boyd lost a fumble around midfield. Rather than Cincinnati going in for points to extend their lead, the Jags were able to get a field goal to take the lead.
Andy Dalton, QB, Bengals
You can’t mention Tyler Boyd without also including Andy Dalton. Dalton helped his team take a 10-9 third quarter lead and then they fell behind 17-10. Just when they needed Dalton to come up big, he threw interceptions on three straight possessions in the span of six plays. One happened in the red zone, another was a pick-six, and then his final pick was on the first play of the possession. This was a winnable game for the Bengals, and they failed to come through.
Daniel Jones, QB, Giants
The Giants rookie continues to have serious ball security problems. Jones was picked off in his own territory to put his team in an early 14-0 hole against Arizona. He also fumbled three times, losing two of them. His three turnovers led to 17 points for the Cardinals in a 27-21 loss. Sure, the Giants’ offensive line isn’t good (eight sacks allowed), and Jones’ mobility is crucial, but he also needs to hold on to the ball better.
Devonta Freeman, RB, Falcons
Freeman was a non-factor against the Rams and then got himself ejected for throwing a punch at Aaron Donald. Prior to exiting, Freeman had just 19 yards on seven carries and two catches for six yards. He’s yet to have a 100-yard rushing game this season, although he has been helpful in the passing game.