NFL 2023 Year 6: Greatest questions, risers and takeaways

NFL Crowd, ESPNOct 15, 2023, 05:00 PM ET

Year 6 of the NFL season began Thursday evening with the Kansas City Chiefs‘ protection protecting Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson to beneath 100 yards passing.

On Sunday, within the season’s last match from London, the Baltimore Ravens have been held off the Tennessee Titans, as kicker Justin Tucker matched his occupation elevated with six subject objectives. The Cleveland Browns‘ protection confirmed up in a bulky manner in a win over the prior to now undefeated San Francisco 49ers, era the Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins had negative disorder discovering the top zone.

Our NFL Crowd newshounds reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every match and choosing out who — or what — is emerging and falling for each and every group. Let’s get to it.

Browns

Do the Browns have the NFL’s highest protection? They have got as sturdy a case as somebody. The 49ers had scored 30 or extra issues in 8 instantly video games and got here in because the second-highest-scoring group (33.4). San Francisco, which have been averaging 402.6 yards of offense, won simply 215 Sunday. This protection has strengths at each and every degree, without a discoverable weaknesses. The Browns’ offense nonetheless has questions to reply to, however the Cleveland protection, which already ranked Incorrect. 1 in potency entering the weekend, has proved to be Tremendous Bowl-caliber.

Hold up next the win: WR Amari Cooper. He had two bulky sideline catches (58 and 26 yards) well-known to Cleveland’s first 10 issues; he remains to be a relentless for a banged-up and inconsistent Browns offense.

Hold indisposed next the win: Giveover margin. The Browns, who had an interception, have misplaced the giveover margin in each and every match this yr, even though Sunday they remarkably overcame it next throwing two interceptions of their very own. — Jake Trotter

After match: at Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

49ers

What did we be told from the 49ers’ first loss? During the first 5 weeks, the Niners seemed just about invincible, however they proved to be mortal for the primary era Sunday as their 15-game regular-season profitable streak was once snapped. No longer a lot went proper on this one. Cleveland’s protection ruled the wrinkle of scrimmage, handing quarterback Brock Purdy simply his worst match as a professional. The Niners misplaced a couple of key gamers to trauma and the protection dedicated expensive consequences that resulted in the Browns’ game-winning power. It’s uncommon that the Niners have been the fewer bodily group, however they have been, and others who wish to beat them should struggle to practice Cleveland’s blueprint.

Hold up next the loss: P Mitch Wishnowsky. Wishnowsky has been skillful all season and persevered to be on Sunday in a field-position-dependent match during which the Niners wanted his assistance; he averaged 52.3 yards and dropped two punts within Cleveland’s 20.

Hold indisposed next the loss: RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Deebo Samuel. The Niners have been reasonably wholesome in the course of the first 5 weeks, however that good fortune grew to become for the more severe Sunday as Samuel (shoulder) and McCaffrey (indirect) departed the sport and didn’t go back, era left deal with Trent Williams performed the majority of the sport with an injured proper ankle. — Nick Wagoner

After match: at Vikings (Monday, Oct. 23, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Texans

Is the Texans’ working match again on the right track? Getting into this match, the Saints have been permitting 91.6 dashing yards in keeping with match (ranked 8th within the NFL), and the Texans have been averaging 82.6 yards in keeping with match (twenty seventh). However in Year 6, the Texans’ dashing assault was once efficient in opposition to the Saints because it churned out 120 yards, led via working again Devin Singletary, who had 58.

Hold up next the win: The defensive wrinkle. The DL managed the wrinkle of scrimmage, protecting the Saints to 89 yards and sacking Derek Carr two times era pressuring him on 48% of dropbacks.

Hold indisposed next the win: The move protection. In spite of CB Steven Nelson nabbing an interception to seal the win, the Texans allowed Carr to throw for a season-high 353 yards with a landing. — DJ Bien-Aime

After match: at Panthers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Saints

How can the Saints get their offense at the identical web page? The Saints’ offense has been erratic all season. There’s been miscommunication between the receivers and quarterback Derek Carr, coverage problems and a failure to attain touchdowns within the crimson zone. There have been some bulky performs via Rashid Shaheed and Chris Olave, however the Saints haven’t been a cohesive unit but this season, and it value them in opposition to the Texans.

Hold up next the loss: Olave. He was once one of the crucial dazzling spots of the offense next two indisposed weeks, catching seven passes for 96 yards regardless of operating thru a toe trauma.

Hold indisposed next the loss: Ok Blake Grupe. The Saints struggled within the crimson zone and Grupe was once off as neatly, lacking two subject target makes an attempt one match next a efficiency that earned him NFC Particular Groups Participant of the Year. — Katherine Terrell

After match: vs. Jaguars (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

C.J. Stroud throws 1st occupation INT

C.J. Stroud throws his first occupation interception, however the Texans get better a fumble at the interception go back.

Commanders

How did Washington pass from unsightly house loss to component street win? Washington in spite of everything made bulky performs and gave its offense two cut boxes Sunday. Punt returner Jamison Crowder modified the sport with a 61-yard punt go back to the Atlanta 11-yard wrinkle to arrange one landing for a 10-7 top, era nook Kendall Fuller arrange Washington’s lone second-half landing with an interception go back to the Atlanta 27. Linebacker Jamin Davis sealed the win with a final-minute interception.

Hold up next the win: The goal-line protection. Within the fourth quarter, Washington restrained a two-point conversion. On Atlanta’s upcoming ownership, nook Benjamin St-Juste intercepted quarterback Desmond Ridder after all zone on third-and-goal from the 7.

Hold indisposed next the win: The move protectors. Sam Howell was once sacked 5 extra occasions (Atlanta doubled its season general), expanding his league-high general to 34. The season-long problems proceed to stay: Both Howell holds onto the ball too lengthy or he doesn’t get the safety he wishes from the offensive wrinkle. — John Keim

After match: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Falcons

Why did Falcons schoolmaster Arthur Smith pass for 2 within the fourth quarter? It was once an ordinary determination for Smith to pass for 2 next the Falcons scored to snip the Commanders’ top to 24-16 early within the fourth quarter. His protection have been enjoying neatly and had Atlanta kicked the PAT, next fix the sport next, it might have had all of the momentum. Smith has proven he has negative disorder being competitive — it helped the Falcons beat the Packers previous this season — however this one was once a curious determination bearing in mind the status.

Hold up next the loss: The move scurry. A few weeks in the past, Atlanta defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen stated he believed so long as the Falcons saved their power approaching opposing quarterbacks, the sacks would come. On Sunday, he was once proper. Atlanta had 5 sacks — together with defensive finish Calais Campbell‘s occupation one hundredth sack — and 10 quarterback hits on a life the franchise desperately wanted it.

Hold indisposed next the loss: QB Desmond Ridder. A pace next the most efficient match of his younger occupation, the Falcons quarterback threw 3 interceptions — together with a brutal one after all zone within the fourth quarter, Atlanta’s first within the crimson zone since going through Washington extreme yr — and reputedly had late-game procedural problems well-known to a extend of match simply prior to his moment select. He went 28-for-47 for 307 yards with two touchdowns. — Michael Rothstein

After match: at Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bengals

Can the offense be extra constant? The Bengals began sizzling with touchdowns on their first two drives. Joe Burrow finished 11 of his first 13 passes for 123 yards and two touchdowns. However next issues fizzled out. Cincinnati’s offense accounted for handiest 3 extra issues and relied at the protection to store Seattle at bay. The Bengals’ D got here thru and restrained the Seahawks’ past due power at their very own 9-yard wrinkle, but when Cincinnati desires to actually build a deep postseason run, it will have to do a greater activity of maintaining drives all over the sport to alleviate power at the protection and loose the margin for error.

Hold up next the win: The move protection. CB Cam Taylor-Britt had his moment interception in as many weeks as Cincinnati flustered Seattle QB Geno Smith for lots of the life, choosing him off two times, sacking him 4 occasions and give up 0 landing passes.

Hold indisposed next the win: RB Joe Mixon. Mixon didn’t have an excessively fruitful life — simply 12 carries for 38 yards. He has in a rush for fewer than 70 yards in 5 of six video games this season. — Ben Child

After match: at 49ers (Sunday, Oct. 29, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Seahawks

What took place to Seattle’s offense next the outlet power? Geno Smith & Co. started the sport via methodically marching 75 yards on 11 performs for a landing — and next mainly disappeared. Their alternative 10 possessions yielded handiest six issues, a plethora sadness given how stout their protection was once next permitting touchdowns at the Bengals’ first two possessions. Smith (27-of-41, 323 yards, 0 landing passes) dedicated an uncharacteristic mistake within the crimson zone on his first of 2 interceptions. He won’t were at fault on his moment select, however this was once no longer one among his finer video games.

Hold up next the loss: The run protection. The Seahawks entered Year 6 permitting the fewest yards in keeping with lift within the NFL (3.2), a immense turnaround from extreme season. That persevered to be a power in opposition to the Bengals, who controlled simply 46 yards on 15 makes an attempt. Seattle crammed Mixon on a third-and-1 scurry to power a punt in the beginning of the fourth quarter, however next the offense gave it proper again by way of Smith’s moment interception.

Hold indisposed next the loss: WR DK Metcalf. To be honest, Metcalf led Seattle with 4 passes for 69 yards and in brief left the sport with a hip trauma. However he dedicated some other expensive 15-yard penalty for useless roughness when he shoved a defender on the finish of a play games — some 30 yards clear of the motion. He was once additionally the meant goal on what grew to become out to be Smith’s moment interception, however he restrained his course. — Brady Henderson

After match: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Bengals sack Geno Smith on 4th-and-goal to seal win over Seahawks

The Bengals get to Geno Smith within the crimson zone to complete off a 17-13 victory over the Seahawks.

Jaguars

Is RB Travis Etienne Jr. the offense’s maximum noteceable participant? Etienne ran for 52 yards and two touchdowns within the first half of. It was once the second one pace in a row he’s in a rush for a couple of touchdowns, tying a franchise report for consecutive video games with a couple of scurry touchdowns, however the offense stalled out within the fourth quarter when the Jaguars have been looking to run clock and seal the sport since the Colts wouldn’t let Etienne get independent. He had 5 carries for 0 yards and the Jaguars had minus-2 yards on 12 performs. The shortcoming to run clock past due could also be a one-game factor, however the Jaguars must build positive it doesn’t occur once more.

Hold up next the win: Giveover protection. The Jaguars have compelled 15 submits at the season next getting 4 on Sunday. They’ve compelled no less than two in 5 of six video games this yr and feature 8 of their extreme 3. That has saved the group in video games era the offense has struggled to seek out rhythm.

Hold indisposed next the win: Intensity. RG Brandon Scherff (ankle) and CB Tyson Campbell (hammy) have been harm Sunday and didn’t go back. WR Zay Jones (knee) and LG Walker Little (knee) overlooked the Colts match, so the Jaguars may just probably be indisposed 4 starters on a cut pace at Untouched Orleans on Thursday evening. — Mike DiRocco

After match: at Saints (Sunday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Colts

Can the Colts compete long-term with Gardner Minshew within the lineup? The continuing factor with Anthony Richardson‘s shoulder manner the Colts may want to get pleased with Minshew beneath middle. That can clearly exchange the complexion of the offense and — in response to Sunday — may also exchange its expectancies. Minshew has carried out highest this season when coming off the bench in leisure of Richardson. However within the two video games he began, when warring parties had a probability to arrange for him, he’s struggled. Baltimore restricted him to a 61.4% crowning glory price in Year 3 and the Jaguars picked Minshew off thrice. Richardson goes to pass over no less than 3 extra video games, if no longer many extra, relying at the group’s determination referring to surgical procedure.

Hold up next the loss: RB Jonathan Taylor. The Colts didn’t experience a lot dashing good fortune on Sunday, however there was once a flash of the possible Taylor possesses when he stuck a cut move on a drag course and grew to become it right into a 40-yard acquire in the second one quarter.

Hold indisposed next the loss: CB JuJu Brents. The rookie did sign up his first occupation interception within the match, however what was once relating to was once how the Jaguars perceived to constantly goal the receivers covered up on his aspect of the subject. — Stephen Holder

After match: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Travis Etienne Jr. ratings his second TD on 22-yard wildcat run

Travis Etienne Jr. helps to keep it himself and bounces to the out of doors to attain a 22-yard Jaguars landing.

Vikings

Must we really feel any higher concerning the Vikings next their moment win of the yr? Incorrect. If no longer for 2 submits via Bears additional quarterback Tyson Bagent, the Vikings have been neatly on their approach to shedding this match. Their offense with out receiver Justin Jefferson was once punchless, managing a season-low 220 yards in opposition to a Bears protection that had allowed the NFL’s eighth-most yards in keeping with match this season. It was once their lowest yardage general and issues in a win since managing to overcome the Bears with 193 general yards in 2021. The Vikings’ two victories have come in opposition to the Bears and Panthers, who’re a blended 1-11, and they have got no less than 3 extra video games left to play games prior to Jefferson returns.

Hold up next the win: PK Greg Joseph. The margin of victory on this match was once six issues, aided very much via Joseph hitting two lengthy subject objectives of 51 and 53 yards, his first two subject objectives of greater than 50 yards this season.

Hold indisposed next the win: Operating match. In a match the place the Vikings can have in point of fact impaired a powerful working match to offset the lack of Jefferson, they rather netted handiest 46 yards on 22 carries. — Kevin Seifert

After match: vs. 49ers (Monday, Oct. 23, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Bears

How will the Bears offense alter with out Justin Fields? Grounds injured his throwing hand within the 0.33 quarter when he was once sacked and was once dominated out of the sport. Upon being changed via rookie Tyson Bagent, the previous Section II quarterback was once strip-sacked on his moment play games from scrimmage, and the fumble was once returned for a landing. Bagent did top a landing power next on and had finished seven throws prior to underthrowing a move that was once intercepted past due within the fourth quarter that sealed the Bears’ destiny. Relying on how lengthy Grounds is sidelined would require offensive coordinator Luke Getsy to get ingenious in tailoring the offense to Bagent.

Hold up next the loss: LB T.J. Edwards. The Bears linebacker were given house on a second-quarter blitz to accident Kirk Cousins’ arm and brought about an interception that was once recovered via Tremaine Edmunds. Edwards nearly had a fumble fix previous within the match however was once dominated out of bounds.

Hold indisposed next the loss: Passing match. Chicago didn’t have sure passing internet yardage till its fourth power of the sport. The struggles to offer protection to up entrance in opposition to probably the most competitive blitz in soccer restricted the Bears effectiveness in the course of the breeze (113 yards passing). — Courtney Cronin

After match: vs. Raiders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Dolphins

With the Eagles up upcoming, how relating to was once the Dolphins’ begin to Sunday’s match? The Panthers held a 14-0 top, however the Dolphins answered with 35 unanswered issues and 428 general yards to win. Tutor Mike McDaniel loves perceptible his group in antagonistic conditions, so possibly Sunday was once a reminder to not fail to remember any opponent. Sluggish begins are peculiar of the NFL’s maximum explosive offense, which has compiled the second-most yards thru six video games in NFL historical past. Taking into account how the Dolphins completed the sport, it’s almost definitely cover to playground the glass defend again over the panic button.

Hold up next the win: RB Raheem Mostert. The Dolphins’ run match didn’t skip a beat with out De’Von Achane, Mostert scored 3 general touchdowns and ran for 115 yards on 17 carries.

Hold indisposed next the win: CB Eli Apple. Injured nook Jalen Ramsey is reportedly having a look to play games inside the upcoming date, however for now, the Dolphins have struggled at cornerback reverse Xavien Howard. Apple rebounded to finish the sport however allowed 77 yards on 4 catches because the next defender on Sunday. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

After match: at Eagles (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Panthers

Upcoming a favorable offensive appearing, is there hope for a mini-run next the Panthers bye? Sure, and no longer simply as a result of Bryce Young. The Panthers had a run match for the primary era because the opener and that took power off of Younger — till Miami erased Carolina’s 14-0 top. Younger additionally didn’t have the bulky submits that experience resulted in issues, finishing 23 of 38 move makes an attempt for 217 yards and a TD. This consistency is what Carolina wishes with winnable house video games in opposition to Houston and Indianapolis adopted via a Thursday evening match at Chicago coming next the Year 7 bye.

Hold up next the loss: RB Chuba Hubbard. Changing forming working again Miles Sanders (shoulder), Hubbard’s 88 yards and a landing on 19 carries gave some hour to a run match that have been nearly non-existent and earned him the correct to store the activity.

Hold indisposed next the loss: CB Donte Jackson. Carolina’s maximum skilled forming nook was once overwhelmed deep on a go-rout via WR Tyreek Hill for a 41-yard landing and whiffed on a deal with on some other bulky play games. Era Jackson wasn’t utterly answerable for Hill at the life, the receiver had greater than 150 yards receiving. — David Newton

After match: vs. Texans (Sunday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m. ET)

Tyreek Hill data video era doing a backflip on TD birthday celebration

Tyreek Hill data himself doing a backflip to honour his 41-yard landing reception.

Ravens

What has took place to the Ravens’ offense? Baltimore has scored just one landing in its era seven quarters and went a irritating 1-for-6 within the crimson zone. The Ravens entered this match because the third-most environment friendly crimson zone offense and would’ve put the sport away previous if they’d punched the ball into the top zone. The most important factor is the ineffectiveness of the working match and no longer permitting quarterback Lamar Jackson to throw extra throughout the 20-yard wrinkle. The Ravens didn’t rating a landing on 13 runs within the crimson zone, however Jackson was once 2-for-3, together with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers.

Hold up next the win: Ok Justin Tucker. Tucker bailed out the Ravens with six subject objectives (41, 28, 23, 29, 20 and 36 yards) for the second one era of his occupation. He’s the one kicker in franchise historical past to kick six. Tucker did have an difference level restrained, even though.

Hold indisposed next the win: S Kyle Hamilton. The 2022 first-round select delivered a vicious helmet-to-helmet accident on Titans broad receiver Chris Moore within the 0.33 quarter, changing into the 0.33 participant this yr to get ejected. At the upcoming play games, the Titans scored their handiest landing — a 15-yard run via Derrick Henry. — Jamison Hensley

After match: vs. Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Titans

Who would be the Titans’ QB next the bye pace? Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill didn’t go back next throwing an interception past due within the 0.33 quarter, worrying an ankle trauma that he have been combating thru. 2d-year quarterback Malik Willis completed out the sport, however the Titans traded up in April to choose Will Levis with the second one select in the second one around. Levis has served because the Incorrect. 3 quarterback within the first six video games, however Tennessee may have at some point to judge Tannehill with a bye in Year 7 and to kind out their additional status as neatly.

Hold up next the loss: Purple zone protection. It held the Ravens to at least one landing on six journeys throughout the 20, despite the fact that Baltimore entered the pace having scored on 72% of its journeys throughout the crimson zone this season. The Ravens’ 5 subject objectives from the crimson zone have been probably the most via any group because the Panthers in 2020.

Hold indisposed next the loss: WR Kyle Philips. The Titans returner muffed a punt at Tennessee’s 11-yard wrinkle simply prior to the top of the primary half of to offer the Ravens the ball and arrange a 29-yard subject target. — Turron Davenport

After match: vs. Falcons (Sunday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m. ET)

Lamar scrambles and reveals Zay Plant life for a TD

Ravens get the primary landing of the sport as Lamar Jackson rolls to his left and reveals Zay Plant life for a landing.

Thursday

Chiefs

Can the Chiefs maintain the best way they’re enjoying protection? Sure. It’s now not a little pattern measurement. Thru six video games, the Chiefs have been permitting the second-fewest issues (14.7) in keeping with match and fifth-fewest yards (284) entering Sunday. They’ll get challenged over the upcoming few weeks with nearest video games in opposition to the Chargers, Dolphins and Eagles, however the Chiefs have proven they’re able to protecting their very own.

Hold up next the win: WR Rashee Rice. The rookie had 4 catches for 72 yards, and for the season, he leads the Chiefs’ broad receivers in receptions, yards and touchdowns.

Hold indisposed next the win: Alternative than Rice, the broad receivers are failing the Chiefs. The crowd had 5 catches for 31 yards Thursday, and the season stats aren’t a lot more inspiring. — Adam Teicher

After match: vs. Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Broncos

Did the Broncos’ protection in fact in finding some mojo regardless of loss? Discuss extremes. The Broncos’ protection, the similar one who surrendered 70 issues in Year 3, was once gliding all over the place Thursday. The Broncos accident and confused quarterback Patrick Mahomes simply enough quantity, they usually held Kansas Town to at least one landing. Incorrect, Denver didn’t win, nevertheless it confirmed a brandnew crease or two, together with a 4-3 glance with rookie linebacker Drew Sanders within the combine, and it gained the battles within the crimson zone. For a bunch that got here into the pace ranked extreme (or akin extreme) in nearly each and every primary statistical division, it was once no less than one thing to assemble on.

Hold up next the loss: RB Javonte Williams. His numbers gained’t purpose a lot pleasure — he completed with 52 yards on 10 carries — however he seemed the nearest to his tackle-breaking mode prior to a knee trauma extreme season, and he completed runs with objective.

Hold indisposed next the loss: WR Jerry Jeudy. In spite of one of the crucial worst days of quarterback Russell Wilson‘s occupation — 95 yards passing and two interceptions — the Broncos want considerably extra from Jeudy — two receptions for 14 yards in opposition to the Chiefs. — Jeff Legwold

After match: vs. Packers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

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