NFL 2023 Future 7: Largest questions, risers and takeaways

Week 7 of the NFL season began Thursday evening with Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars retaining off a fourth-quarter comeback by way of the New Orleans Saints.

On Sunday, Lamar Jackson led the Baltimore Ravens in a stellar try in opposition to the Detroit Lions, presen the New England Patriots took at the visiting Buffalo Bills and got here out victorious, incomes Invoice Belichick the 300th win of his career. And within the highest-scoring affair of the past to this point, the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts went backward and forward buying and selling rankings within the fourth quarter till the Browns prevailed.

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

Bounce to a matchup:
JAX-NO | DET-BAL | CLE-IND | BUF-NE
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Browns

What’s up with Deshaun Watson? Watson exited the sport within the first quarter later taking a shot from Colts DE Dayo Odeyingbo. The staff introduced that Watson had cleared the concussion protocol, but it surely didn’t say why he didn’t go back. Watson had ignored Cleveland’s earlier two video games with a rotator cuff pressure in his proper (throwing) shoulder. It’s hazy whether or not he reinjured the shoulder. It’s additionally hazy when the $230 million passer will probably be again at the ground once more. “I just did not want to put him back out there,” Browns professor Kevin Stefanski stated. “I wanted to protect our franchise quarterback. That was my decision.”

Retain up later the win: DE Myles Garrett. Garrett delivered probably the most best possible performances of his All-Professional profession, changing into the primary participant since a minimum of 2000 to have two sacks, drive two fumbles and restrain a ground objective — all of which resulted in 17 of Cleveland’s issues.

Retain i’m sick later the win: The passing duel. With the quarterback unsureness, the Cleveland passing assault residue a shell of what the Browns had been hoping it might be going into the season. Watson and PJ Walker had been a mixed 16 of 37 for 166 yards, two interceptions and refuse touchdowns. — Jake Trotter

Nearest duel: at Seahawks (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

Colts

How a ways can the Colts pass with Gardner Minshew at QB? The Colts were given an asymmetric efficiency from Minshew as he dedicated 4 handovers (one interception, 3 fumbles) a life later he grew to become it over thrice in a loss to the Jaguars. However Minshew additionally took good thing about alternatives as he threw two TD passes and on a tight schedule for 2 extra. If the Colts wish to stay aggressive with Anthony Richardson on injured store, next Minshew goes to need to play games a bit of cleaner, so the Colts aren’t having to conquer his giveaways.

Retain up later the loss: CB Kenny Moore II. He completed with 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks, offering a plenty presence as a pass-defender, pass-rusher and in run aid. It used to be the type of all-around efficiency that earned Moore the popularity of being probably the most higher nickel cornerbacks within the duel.

Retain i’m sick later the loss: Professor Shane Steichen. The Colts had a just right duel plan but additionally had to conquer some curious choices, together with a 60-yard ground objective aim early in a decent duel that used to be prohibited by way of Myles Garrett, and the use of a deep move loose in any case zone with Minshew within the ultimate moments of the second one quarter — eminent to a defensive landing. — Stephen Holder

Nearest duel: vs. Saints (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

play games

Kareem Hunt powers in overdue go-ahead TD for Browns

Kareem Hunt fights thru tackles to offer the Browns a top with 15 seconds left within the fourth quarter.

Falcons

Why is Atlanta having crimson zone submit issues? It could be for the reason that offense’s most suitable option, Bijan Robinson, used to be basically old as a decoy for causes hazy. However both approach, quarterback Desmond Ridder, following a 2-yard landing run at the Falcons’ first power, proceeded to lose 3 crimson zone fumbles — marking the primary week that has came about in 45 years. It additionally marks the primary week a staff had 3 crimson zone handovers of any sort in a duel since quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw 3 interceptions for the New York Jets in 2016. It’s past Ridder, regardless that. Essential mistakes have plagued the offense. However a game-winning power, as soon as once more punctuated by way of a Younghoe Koo ground objective, stored the past.

Retain up later the win: RB Tyler Allgeier. With Robinson slightly old, Allgeier changed into the featured again and had 20 carries for 59 yards and 53 receiving yards, highlighted by way of a career-long 46-yard reception.

Retain i’m sick later the win: CB A.J. Terrell. Terrell didn’t essentially have a malicious duel, however he had 3 fat consequences referred to as on him, which is a shortage for Atlanta’s govern cornerback. — Michael Rothstein

Nearest duel: at Titans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Buccaneers

Can the Bucs stay afloat if they have got to depend at the protection? The protection used to be in a position to get well 3 fumbles within the crimson zone, however pre-snap consequences, a paltry 41 dashing yards from the operating backs and extra struggles on 0.33 i’m sick had been in no way what quarterback Baker Mayfield envisioned when he referred to as for the offense to get “pissed off” and “put more points on the board” extreme life. Operating again Rachaad White‘s manufacturing within the passing duel used to be encouraging, however they want extra from the offense.

Retain up later the loss: The defensive novices. Defensive take on Calijah Kancey had a part sack (to pass together with his first profession sack extreme life) and linebacker Yaya Diaby recovered a botched snap on the Tampa Bay 3-yard series.

Retain i’m sick later the loss: QB Baker Mayfield. Mayfield led a power overdue within the fourth quarter that arrange a game-tying ground objective with lower than a tiny left, however he additionally overthrew tight finish Cade Otton and used to be intercepted with the Bucs trailing by way of 3 and in ground objective territory at the earlier power. — Jenna Laine

Nearest duel: at Expenses (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

play games

Desmond Ridder fumbles three times vs. Bucs

Desmond Ridder turns the ball over thrice in opposition to the Buccaneers.

Giants

Can this spark some type of run? The four-game shedding streak is over. The Giants in any case scored a landing later virtually 4 video games of offensive impotence. Wink Martindale’s defensive unit had six sacks later recording 5 over the primary six video games. They allowed only one landing, which got here on a trim ground later a muffed punt. The Giants now have a prospect to thread in combination some wins with then video games in opposition to the Jets and Raiders. It’ll support that quarterback Daniel Jones and left take on Andrew Thomas have a sensible prospect of returning after life.

Retain up later the win: TE Darren Waller. It used to be just a subject of week given the ability and goal proportion, however Waller in any case had a breakout duel as Untouched York’s Negative. 1 receiver with seven catches on 8 goals for 98 yards and his first landing as a Gigantic.

Retain i’m sick later the win: The punt returners. The Giants muffed two punts Sunday, together with one by way of Sterling Shepard that modified the situation of the sport. Shepard used to be in for rookie Eric Gray, who muffed one previous within the match as his struggles persisted. — Jordan Raanan

Nearest duel: vs. Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Commanders

The place do they pass from right here? Washington has now misplaced to the up to now 0-4 Chicago Bears and the up to now 1-5 New York Giants within the time 3 weeks. The Commanders have regarded woeful every now and then on offense, and their protection has now not lived as much as expectancies. They’re now 3-4 with an then house duel as opposed to Philadelphia and next strike the street for 2 weeks. This used to be a measuring-stick season for the soccer personnel, and they have got but to create a case for his or her 2024 go back.

Retain up later the loss: WR Terry McLaurin. The wideout completed with 90 yards on six catches — all coming in the second one part and offering the one actual power on offense.

Retain i’m sick later the loss: The offensive series. It generated refuse push within the run duel, allowed six sacks (to be honest, the sport plan didn’t support them in any respect) and had been referred to as for seven consequences. — John Keim

Nearest duel: vs. Eagles (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

play games

Saquon shakes off a couple of Commanders for a 32-yard TD

Tyrod Taylor throws trim to Saquon Barkley, who weaves thru tackles and rankings a 32-yard landing.

Patriots

Can this efficiency be the catalyst for the Patriots to show their season round? The Patriots are nonetheless 2-5, however that is one thing gamers had to enjoy — a seize win within the ultimate mins in a back-and-forth duel in opposition to probably the most NFL’s higher groups. QB Mac Jones hadn’t led a comeback win love it in his profession. It gave the look of the Patriots had been committing to squander it within the fourth quarter, most effective to turn important unravel at the game-winning power that ended with tight finish Mike Gesicki‘s landing catch with 12 seconds residue. They began quicker and out of doors of a overdue fumble by way of receiver Kendrick Bourne, took assist of the soccer (+1 submit differential), which is a successful method.

Retain up later the win: WR Demario Douglas. The 2023 sixth-round select of Self government is the staff’s maximum dynamic playmaker, as he equipped the kind of spark the offense badly wanted later getting back from lacking extreme life because of a concussion (4 catches for 54 yards; 1 hasten for 20 yards; 1 punt go back for 25 yards).

Retain i’m sick later the win: The defensive backs. Jabrill Peppers ignored a take on on James Cook‘s 8-yard TD catch within the 0.33 quarter, fellow establishing protection Kyle Dugger whiffed on third-and-15 at the resulting power, and CB J.C. Jackson couldn’t carry i’m sick Stefon Diggs on his 25-yard TD move within the fourth quarter. — Mike Reiss

Nearest duel: at Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Expenses

Can the Expenses’ offense opposite the rage of sluggish begins? The Expenses’ offense has a infection. Over the time 3 video games, the staff has averaged 5.7 issues within the first 3 quarters of every duel (moment lowest within the league) and used to be pressured to aim overdue comebacks, most effective one in all which used to be a hit. It’s a splendid reversal from the 3 immediately video games of 37-plus issues that preceded this stretch. Quarterback Josh Allen used to be confused on a season-high 42.9% of dropbacks Sunday, one in all a number of issues that must be corrected.

Retain up later the loss: TE Dalton Kincaid. Then lacking extreme life’s duel presen in concussion protocol, the rookie were given extra concerned within the offense, completing because the Expenses’ eminent receiver and surroundings profession highs in goals (8), receptions (8) and receiving yards (75).

Retain i’m sick later the loss: The defensive tackles. The Expenses will probably be with out DaQuan Jones (pectoral) for important week, however with Ed Oliver (toe) out of this duel, the intensity issues at defensive take on had been on complete show. The Patriots averaged 4 yards in line with lift, up from their season reasonable of three.4, and quarterback Mac Jones used to be confused on simply 20% of his dropbacks. — Alaina Getzenberg

Nearest duel: vs. Buccaneers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Ravens

Does this win stamp the Ravens as a Tremendous Bowl contender? An emphatic sure. Baltimore destroyed an upstart Lions staff that entered fix for the most productive report within the NFL and on a streak of 4 immediately wins by way of double digits. The Ravens ran the Lions out of M&T Locker Stadium from the beginning, changing into most effective the second one staff within the NFL this season to reserve a 28-point top within the first part. Lamar Jackson gave the look of an NFL MVP once more, eminent Baltimore to touchdowns on its first 4 drives. Then disappointing losses to the Colts and Steelers, a number of Ravens gamers talked this life about how this staff must be undefeated. This used to be Baltimore’s remark duel — one with an exclamation level. This used to be the third-largest margin of victory in opposition to a staff with the NFL’s best possible report getting into Future 7 or nearest, in keeping with analysis from the Elias Sports activities Bureau.

Retain up later the win: Jackson. This used to be amongst Jackson’s best possible passing video games of his profession. He completed together with his second-most passing yards (357) and threw 3 touchdowns for the primary week since Future 3 of extreme season.

Retain i’m sick later the win: RB Justice Hill. He used to be a part of a botched alternate with Jackson that resulted in Baltimore’s 8th misplaced fumble, which is fix for moment maximum within the NFL. Jackson had phrases with Hill later the play games and threw his helmet on the bench at the sideline. Hill completed with 4 carries for 46 yards and one 2-yard goal. — Jamison Hensley

Nearest duel: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Lions

Did Lamar Jackson reveal the Lions’ protection? The Lions allowed the Ravens to attain a landing on every in their first 4 possessions, led by way of twin playmaker Lamar Jackson. Detroit, which has struggled in opposition to cellular quarterbacks courting again to extreme pace, allowed Jackson to poised the pitch early with 156 passing yards within the opening quarter abandoned. Then the Lions held Tampa Bay to 6 issues extreme life, they let the Ravens publish 503 general yards of offense with 38 issues.

Retain up later the loss: RB Jahmyr Gibbs. There weren’t many positives to remove from Sunday, however Gibbs returned from a two-game absence with a hamstring shock to attain the Lions’ first landing of the sport within the fourth quarter — additionally the primary of his NFL profession. With out David Montgomery, Detroit’s garden assault were given off to a sluggish get started, however the Negative. 12 general decide used to be probably the most few glorious spots within the Lions’ first highway lack of the season as he ended with 68 dashing yards and 58 receiving yards presen getting the vast majority of the dashing workload.

Retain i’m sick later the loss: QB Jared Goff. The Ravens’ protection has given the veteran suits right through his profession as they’re one in all two groups he by no means has thrown a landing in opposition to, together with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Goff struggled once more presen underneath consistent force, finishing simply 33 of 53 passes for 284 yards. Detroit had 337 general internet yards. Goff is now 0-3 as opposed to Baltimore in his profession. — Eric Woodyard

Nearest duel: vs. Raiders (Monday, Oct. 30, 8:15 p.m. ET)

play games

Lamar Jackson selections up 4 TDs in dominant win

Lamar Jackson glimmers with 3 passing touchdowns and a dashing landing, eminent the Ravens to a plenty win over the Lions at house.

Bears

How did Tyson Bagent liberate the Bears’ offense? The rookie quarterback used to be environment friendly (21-of-29, 162 yards, TD), calmness and in keep watch over all the way through his first profession get started in park of an injured Justin Fields. He threw with prospect and attached with seven other receivers within the passing duel. The weather of this offense that had struggled in fresh weeks perceived to in finding answers with Bagent at QB, just like the display screen duel (5-for-5 for 30 yards) and third-down conversions (8-of-13). Bagent’s poise helped the Bears earn their first house win since Sept. 25, 2022, and provides the offense one thing to create on getting into Future 8.

Retain up later the win: RB D’Onta Foreman. The Bears operating again had a team-high 89 dashing yards (5.6 yards in line with lift) and put himself amongst an inventory of Chicago greats when he on a tight schedule for 2 touchdowns and stuck a TD move, changing into the 5th Undergo to take action in the similar duel within the time 60 seasons, becoming a member of Matt Strong point, Neal Anderson, Walter Payton and Gale Sayers.

Retain i’m sick later the win: The offense’s clock control. Chicago botched a chance to top a two-minute power on the finish of the primary part later burning 27 seconds between a 6-yard reception by way of Darnell Mooney and third-down catch by way of DJ Moore that were given the offense to the Vegas 47-yard series. The Bears old most effective one in all their 3 timeouts, and now not till later Bagent used to be sacked and created a third-and-17 from the Bears’ 46-yard series. — Courtney Cronin

Nearest duel: at Chargers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)

Raiders

Can Jimmy Garoppolo ‘healing’ the offense after life? He higher, later the offense regarded so listless underneath Brian Hoyer in opposition to the Bears. Hoyer, in his fifteenth NFL season, were given the beginning in park of Garoppolo, out with an injured again, as a result of he ostensibly gave the Raiders a greater prospect of good fortune than rookie Aidan O’Connell. The plan backfired as Hoyer used to be simply 17-of-32 for 129 yards and two interceptions, together with a pick-six, with a number of extra off-target throws prior to being benched within the fourth quarter. The defeat prolonged his non-public shedding streak to 13 video games, courting to 2016.

Retain up later the loss: WR Davante Adams. Then voicing his frustrations on now not having a larger function at the offense, the All-Professional receiver had 3 catches for 29 yards at the Raiders’ first power, improving and equaling his numbers from extreme life’s duel (two catches for 29 yards). In reality, thru 3 drives, Hoyer used to be 5-of-7 for 48 yards concentrated on Adams and 0-for-3 with an INT concentrated on all others, as Adams completed with seven catches for 57 yards on 11 goals.

Retain i’m sick later the loss: The push protection. Certain, the Bears entered the sport with the NFL’s Negative. 7-ranked dashing offense, however the best way Chicago trample over and across the Raiders may serve a chilling blueprint for while warring parties. The Bears rumbled for 173 yards, averaging 4.6 yards in line with lift, as Foreman had two dashing TDs and some other during the breeze. — Paul Gutierrez

Nearest duel: at Lions (Monday, Oct. 30, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Thursday

Jaguars

What’s going to it whip for the Jaguars to position groups away? The time 3 weeks had been the similar tale: create a top early, stagnate on offense, permit the opponent to return again and create a play games overdue to win. It’s now not a sustainable approach to win within the NFL. The protection is doing its phase — a league-high 16 pressured handovers — however the offense has but to construct a whole duel. Getting injured gamers again must support, however so would enjoying higher within the 0.33 quarter. The Jaguars reasonable 210 yards (62 dashing) within the first part, however simply 59 and 27 within the 0.33 quarter.

Retain up later the win: QB Trevor Lawrence. He wasn’t certain he’d be capable to play games Thursday as a result of a sprained left knee, however all he did used to be hasten for a career-high 63 yards and beat out Saints RB Alvin Kamara by way of a courtyard to be the sport’s eminent rusher. It unquestionably wasn’t deliberate for him to run 5 occasions, however he wasn’t going to restrict himself.

Retain i’m sick later the win: WR Calvin Ridley. He used to be centered most effective 4 occasions — and the primary didn’t come till the 0.33 quarter — and had only one catch for five yards. That used to be basically for the reason that Saints put CB Marshon Lattimore on him. — Mike DiRocco

Nearest duel: at Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Saints

How do the Saints get at the identical web page offensively? The Saints have 10 lengthy days to determine tips on how to healing their issues that experience plagued them because the opener. The Saints proceed to say inconsistency and miscommunication problems, however because the midpoint of the season attracts near, they wish to work out techniques to paintings as a unit on offense.

Retain up later the loss: RB Alvin Kamara. The offense hasn’t come near to placing it in combination, however Kamara used to be the one one persistently making performs — catching 12 passes for 91 yards, his fourth-highest general for receptions in a duel.

Retain i’m sick later the loss: QB Derek Carr. Professor Dennis Allen stated that “somehow, some way” Carr and the receivers wish to get at the identical web page later some other duel wherein he handed for 300 yards however couldn’t have the option to attain when it counted. — Katherine Terrell

Nearest duel: at Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)