That was quite the game last night! Both teams came to play, and win. It looked like for over 3 quarters like the Broncos had, or could do enough to contain Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, but what a stellar performance by KC to pull it out. First, what gritty, determined play by Mahomes! But also the KC running game made some great plays. But let's also credit the KC coaching staff, specifically Andy Reid, obviously. He was able to adapt their game plan when Mahomes struggled at times, and it looked like a slightly different offense late in the game. Also credit Mahomes himself for the plays he did change, and execution, and Kareem Hunt for some big runs. The Broncos have to be smarting a little as just a couple plays in their favor could have changed the game.
There were other games, and players that shined as well this week, some thoughts:
I'm starting to think the Bengals, and Andy Dalton are may be for real. They're in first place, with only one loss, at Carolina. They next play Miami, then Pittsburgh, and @ KC, then a bye, and at the Saints. We'll know more then, but they sure looked good yesterday, stepping up when they needed to on both sides of the ball.
Tampa did indeed come back to reality, like I thought, against a rapidly turning great defense in Chicago. The Bears sure feed of Mack's presence. Amazing how one great player can do that. But I'm not sure what Tampa will do at QB now. Winston played maybe worse than Fitzpatrick.
The Bills also came back to reality, despite Josh Allen making some nice throws. Aaron Rodgers just picked them apart, though the entire offense didn't seem in sync from what I saw. He was a little more mobile but still looked slow at times. They play at Detroit, then SF, then a bye before visiting the Rams, then off to New England. We'll know how they, and Rodgers, are playing then.
And Miami came back to earth as well, getting blown out by a very focused Brady and New England. Recall that many years the Patriots have started out looking vulnerable, then by December look like a Super Bowl shoe in.
On the up side of things, the Saints also looked like they should, again, moving to 3-1. Apparently right when their plane got back to New Orleans, Mark Ingram was there waiting to meet them at the gate, giving the team an emotional boost. They play Washington next week, then a bye, followed by five tough games in a row, @BAL, @MIN, LAR, @CIN, and PHI.
Glad I was right picking Tennessee over Philly. Despite their inability to run, their defense kept them in the game, getting to Wentz a lot, and Mariota made some key throws when they needed him to. As I said before, they look like a surprisingly balanced, disciplined, deep and well prepared team under Mike Vrabel. They play @Buffalo, Baltimore, @LAC (who might have Bosa back then). On Nov 11th they have the Patriots at home.
What happened in Seattle with Earl Thomas is one for the books, flipping off the Seattle sideline. I'm not sure exactly who he was upset at specifically, probably the team in general for their rule that they don't negotiate with players who don't show up and play, but then perhaps not negotiating with Earl in good faith? Now, he's going to miss the entire season, then be a UFA, and someone will pick him up for far less than he would have likely made ($8.5m this year). Bobby Wagner seemed to completely support Earl. His playing sure puts Le'Veon Bell's holding out in new perspective, doesn't it? I'd hold out too at this point if I were Le'Veon.
Tough loss for Cleveland. I think the only real frustrating thing now isn't that they suck, because they clearly do not, but how agonizingly close they are to being a pretty good team.
Finally, the Ravens again look solid, and I think the best that division, easily handling the Steelers.
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