Sunday takeaways: Week 8

By: Josh Frey-Sam

I had goosebumps as Sunday Night Football was about to kick off.

My childhood (Aaron Rodgers) and adulthood (Jordan Love) were about to collide for the first — and perhaps the only — time in my life.

I can vividly remember the moment I became a fan of the Green Bay Packers.

I was five, and although I didn’t know much about the team at that time — other than that the Packers won the first two Super Bowls — I knew who the quarterback was — Brett Favre.

Five years later, after the Packers had moved on from Favre, I knew nothing about the guy who was taking over for him. I quickly learned what Rodgers was capable of, and for the next 15 years, I had the privilege of marvelling at his talents every Sunday.

Was it weird watching Rodgers? Not really, but maybe that’s because it’s been three years since he left.

But I must say, I was thrilled for Love. He was outstanding, especially in the second half. For a decade and a half, I watched Rodgers enter “that zone” where nearly every throw was pinpoint and automatic, and on Sunday, I watched his understudy reach that state.

My takeaways from the Packers’ 35-25 victory over the Steelers: a more consistent run game for the Packers will make this team a nightmare to face as the games get more important. Meanwhile, the Steelers are far too reliant on third-down explosives — it’s an all-or-nothing approach that isn’t sustainable.

Let’s get to my other takeaways:

New York Jets 39, Cincinnati 38

Well, I’m officially eliminated from my survivor pool. Yes, the Bengals have a serviceable quarterback again, but they are right back in the same spot they were a year ago. That defence made Justin Fields look like Ohio State Justin Fields.

Chicago 16, Baltimore 30

This Bears team has been uninspiring since its bye week. Meanwhile, the Ravens got the win they were looking for and now enter a critical stretch of the schedule. There’s not much room for error if they want to pull off the improbable and reach the playoffs after starting 1-5.

Miami 34, Atlanta 10

A word of advice for Falcons offensive co-ordinator Zac Robinson: if you have Bijan freaking Robinson, USE HIM. Nine carries and three receptions for the Falcons’ all-world running back. That’s inexcusable. I mean, what can you make of this Atlanta team right now?

Buffalo 40, Carolina 9

There was every expectation that Keon Coleman would emerge as the alpha weapon in this Bills offence, but that hasn’t happened. Yes, the Bills handled business, but this team needs another weapon in the receiving room at the deadline. I also wouldn’t put them out of the running for an impact player along the front-four.

San Francisco 15, Houston 26

Long, sustained drives by Houston. This was arguably the offence’s best outing of the season, and perhaps something to build on. The Niners’ pass rush — or lack thereof — was exposed against a weak Texans offensive line.

New York Giants 20, Philadelphia 38

Not a surprising outcome. You let Vic Fangio see a rookie QB for the second time in three weeks; this is likely the result. Tyrone Tracy Jr. is the hot waiver wire target of the week — prayers to Cam Skattebo.

Cleveland 13, New England 32

Myles Garrett is a freak, but he’s only one man. Drake Maye continues to shine. Also… TreVeyon Henderson 👀 

Tampa Bay 23, New Orleans 3

Spencer Rattler wasn’t the problem for the Saints, so I’m not sure why he was pulled. With that said, I thought rookie Tyler Shough actually played well, all things considered. This Saints team could get picked apart at the trade deadline. I’m curious to see how it plays out.

Tennessee 14, Indianapolis 38

Save for a few spots on the calendar, the rest of the Colts’ schedule is far from daunting. This team legitimately could have the inside track at the No. 1 seed in the AFC this season, which is just wild. Love this season for Shane Steichen.

Dallas 24, Denver 44

Bo Nix is in a groove. He’s really finding that touch that he did at the end of last season. Look out for the Denver Broncos going forward.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh