-
Jake Klausner
-
NFL Week 8 Scores
Full Recap of The Week 8 Action with Jake Klausner
This weekend had tricks, treats, and plenty of excitement. Hopefully, everyone had a great Halloween! Without further ado, here is this week's recap!
Packers: 24 (7-1), Cardinals: 21 (7-1)
Rasul Douglas had the interception of his life, picking off Kyler Murray in the end zone with 12 seconds remaining to hand the Cardinals their first loss of the season. Pop that Champaign bottle if you're a member of the '72 Dolphins!
TAKEAWAYS:
- In a matchup between two of the best quarterbacks in football, the game seemed to hone in on the defense. Arizona's defense got a critical fourth-down stop with three minutes remaining in the game. Kyler Murray drove the Cardinals down the field with a chance to win the game outright. With 12 seconds remaining, Murray threw a fade to AJ Green in the end zone that ended up being the game-winning interception. For the Packers, it is their seventh-straight win after losing in week one. Also, the Packers have solidified themselves as the team to beat in the NFC. However, the win came with some growing pains as tight-end Robert Tonyan left the game with a significant leg injury. He will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL.
- Aaron Rodgers entered the game without his top-two targets: Davante Adams and Allen Lazard. That meant Randall Cobb had to step up, and boy, did he ever! The receiver only had three catches for 15 yards, but two of those catches were touchdowns. Not only that, Rodgers' touchdown passes were to Cobb and Cobb alone. We also shouldn't take away from the defensive of the Packers. They forced one of the best quarterbacks in the league to throw two interceptions and didn't give him any time to make plays.
- It was a tough night for Kyler Murray. The MVP frontrunner had a tough time trying to navigate through the Packers' defense. It also didn't help that DeAndre Hopkins went down with a hamstring injury in the first quarter. He would return midway in the third quarter but wasn't much of a factor moving forward. After throwing the interception in the end zone, Murray limped off the field after taking a massive hit following the play.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- Green Bay heads to Arrowhead next week to take on Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City Chiefs.
- The Cardinals head to San Francisco for a divisional matchup with the Niners.
Panthers: 19 (4-4), Falcons: 13 (3-4)
The defense came up big for the Panthers as Carolina snapped their losing skid by beating the Falcons, 19-13.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The Panthers' defense forced a couple of late turnovers in the game, and running back Chuba Hubbard did just enough to hold off the Falcons. Zane Gonzalez ended being the biggest point-getter for the Panthers, as the kicker netter home four field goals to get the victory. The win snaps a four-game losing streak, as the Panthers look forward to heading back home.
- During the game, WR Calvin Ridley, who sat out the game, announced on his social media that he was dealing with mental health issues and needed to take an extended break from football. I wish him all the best in his health, and I hope he comes back as a new and improved version of himself.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- Carolina heads back home to take on the surging New England Patriots.
- Atlanta heads to New Orleans to take on the Saints in another divisional showdown.
Dolphins: 11 (1-7), Bills: 26 (5-2)
The Buffalo Bills used a dominant second half to pull away from the Dolphins, 26-11.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Despite a slow start to the game, Josh Allen and the Bills' offense turned it around in the second half. Allen finished the day with 249 yards passing and two touchdowns. He also led the team in rushing with 58 yards and a touchdown. The Bills' defense also helped crucially by forcing Tua Tagovailoa into tricky situations.
- The Dolphins' struggles continue, as they have now lost seven in a row since winning back in week one. Tua had a tough day throwing the football, and the offense was pretty much inexistent throughout the whole game. Not much else to say, other than the Dolphins stink!
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Bills head to Jacksonville to take on the Jags.
- The Dolphins head home to take on the Houston Texans in a matchup that could potentially decide the number one pick in next year's draft.
49ers: 33 (3-4), Bears: 22 (3-5)
Justin Field's heroics weren't enough as the 49ner offense overpowered the Bears, 33-22.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Jimmy Garoppolo had no troubles in this game, as the quarterback threw for 322 yards and did a very excellent job of spreading the football around. The performance also may have quieted all the doubters surrounding the young QB. Deebo Samuel is on pace to break Jerry Rice's single-season receiving yards record after turning in a spectacular performance with 171 receiving yards. Elijah Mitchell got the ground game rolling with 137 yards and a score. Overall, a much-needed win for the Niners.
- As for the Bears, the losing skid continues as they have dropped three out of their last four games. However, the one bright spot in this game was that Justin Fields solidified himself as the Bears' QB. The rookie threw for 175 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, but he became the first rookie QB to rush for over 100 yards in a game since Bobby Douglas in 1973. The defense was the reason for their defeat, as they got torched on all aspects of the game.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Niners play host to Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in a divisional showdown.
- Chicago heads to Pittsburgh for a matchup with the Steelers on MNF.
Steelers: 15 (4-3), Browns: 10 (4-4)
The dominant Steelers' defense proved to be too much, yet again, as Pittsburgh held on to beat the Browns, 15-10.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Despite losing kicker Chris Boswell for the entire second half, Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers did enough to win the victory. Big Ben seems to be right at home in Cleveland, as the QB hooked up with rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth that would ultimately win them the game. Roethlisberger finished with 266 yards and that one touchdown. Najee Harris continues to be a workhorse for the Steelers as he rushed for 91 yards and a score.
- It was yet another painful loss for the Cleveland Browns. The team had multiple chances to score late in the game but couldn't muster enough offense. T.J. Watt and the Steeler defense was too much for Baker Mayfield to handle, and receiver Jarvis Landry dropped way too many passes. Otherwise, this write-up would look a lot different.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Steelers head back home to take on Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears on MNF.
- The Browns head to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in a divisional showdown.
Eagles: 44 (3-5), Lions: 6 (0-8)
The Eagles completely dominated the Lions, 44-6.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The Eagles running attack was in full swing this week. The duo of Boston Scott and Jordan Howard combined for four touchdowns. QB Jalen Hurts was also productive in the run game, but the defense was utterly dominant in the win on Sunday.
- Well, I'm brave enough to admit that I was wrong about the Lions. They are not good. Jared Goff stinks, and they got run out of their stadium. Not much else to say about this game.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Eagles head back home to take on the LA Chargers.
- The Lions are off next week, and then they head to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers.
Titans: 34 (6-2), Colts 31 (3-5) Final/OT
The Titans found a way to get it done in overtime, but the win did come at a cost.
TAKEAWAYS:
- While the Titans got the win to keep their winning streak going, it didn't happen without some growing pains, as they will now be without star player Derrick Henry after suffering a season-ending foot injury. The running back is set to have surgery, and this loss will likely cost the Titans in the long run. This loss hurts the Titans, as they now have to play the entire season without their best player.
- Carson Wentz threw a couple of costly interceptions late in the game to allow the Titans to win the game, including the interception that would set up the game-winning field goal in overtime. Jonathan Taylor continues to dominate on the ground game, as he found the end zone the fifth-straight week.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Titans travel to LA to take on the Rams on SNF.
- The Colts play host to the New York Jets on TNF.
Bengals: 31 (5-3), Jets: 34 (2-5)
In the surprise game of the week, the New York Jets came out of nowhere to upset the Cincinnati Bengals, 34-31.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The Jets may have found their future quarterback. No, not Zach Wilson, but Mike White. Yes, you heard correctly. While started the day completing his first seven passes and became the first quarterback since Cam Newton threw for over 400 yards in their first career start. White finished 37 of 45, 405 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions. I don't think anyone saw this one coming.
- One week removed from their massive win at Baltimore, the Bengals seemed to be experiencing a bit of a hangover. The Jets outplayed and outcoached them today, as Joe Burrow threw a costly interception late in the game to allow New York to take the lead. I think the Bengals will learn from this tough loss, and they will bounce back. However, it doesn't get any easier, as they have to take on Big Ben and the Steelers in a crucial matchup between divisional foes.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Jets travel to Indy to take on the Colts on TNF.
- The Bengals take on the Steelers in an AFC North showdown.
Rams: 38 (7-1), Texans: 22 (1-7)
The LA Rams continue beating inferior opponents as they beat the Houston Texans, 38-22.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The LA Rams continue their hot streak as they have won their last four games. Matthew Stafford continues to impress, as the quarterback finished 21 of 32, 305 yards, and three touchdowns. Running back, Darrell Henderson Jr. had a productive day in the running game and the passing game. Cooper Kupp shows why he is the number one receiver in the NFL, as the receiver racked up seven catches for 115 yards and one touchdown. The Rams finally get their shot at proving themselves against a worthy opponent as they take on the Tennessee Titans next week on Sunday Night Football.
- The Texans are not good. They have now dropped their last seven games. I don't have much to say about the Texans, other than Davis Mills has a long neck.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Rams play host to the Titans on SNF.
- The Texans travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins, who also suck.
Patriots: 27 (4-4), Chargers: 24 (4-3)
The Patriots' defense came away with a pick-six that proved to be the difference-maker, as New England rallied to beat the Chargers, 27-24.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The Patriots continue to impress me every week. New England had little to no expectations at the start of the season. Now, I think they are very much in the thick of things regarding playoff discussion. Mac Jones continues to build off each performance. While he wasn't highly accurate, he didn't turn the ball over. Watch out for the New England Patriots down the stretch.
- I was hoping the Chargers would put up a better showing. Asides from winning a couple of games against Kansas City and Vegas, they haven't been all that impressive. Justin Herbert has put together two sloppy performances in a row, but I do have a feeling that they can get it together.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Patriots travel to Carolina to take on the Panthers.
- The Chargers go to Philly to take on the Eagles.
Jaguars: 7 (1-6), Seahawks: 31 (3-5)
The Seahawks rallied around Geno Smith as Seattle stomped Jacksonville, 31-7.
TAKEAWAYS:
- With Russell Wilson set to return very soon; the Seahawks made it very clear that they had to win one for their backup QB. They did much more than that. They thumped the Jags. Smith finished the day 20-24 for 195 yards and one touchdown. One hundred forty-two of those yards went towards Tyler Lockett. Overall, it was a much-needed win for the Seahawks, who ended their losing skid on Sunday.
- As for the Jags, they seem to be on a downward spiral that shows no signs of getting better. Urban Meyer is on the thinnest of ice, and it looks like the players aren't getting behind their head coach. I don't know what the future holds for the head coach, but I believe that his time in Jacksonville will be short-lived. To top it all off, they may have lost running back James Robinson for a significant amount of time. Darks times, indeed, for Jacksonville.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Seahawks are off next week. Their next matchup is at Green Bay.
- The Jags play host to Josh Allen and the Bills next week.
WFT: 10 (2-6), Broncos: 17 (4-4)
The Broncos blocked two field goals en route to a 17-10 victory over the Washington Football.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The Broncos' defense sure did come to play, but the offense looked like they were trying extra hard to lose the game for them. The Broncos continue to play sloppy football, but somehow, they find a way to win.
- What is going on with the Washington Football Ball. It looks like they don't have an identity right now. The defense can't make any plays, and the offense turns the ball over deep in the opponent's territory. To sum it all up, they need Ryan Fitzpatrick back at quarterback, or else it could start to get ugly very quickly.
WHAT'S NEXT
- The Broncos head to Dallas to take on Dak and the Cowboys.
- Thankfully, the Football Team is on bye next week, but their next matchup is against Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Buccaneers: 27 (6-2), Saints: 36 (5-2)
Trevor Siemian came in for an injured Jameis Winston, as the Saints held on to beat Tampa, 36-27.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Jameis Winston's horrible leg injury wasn't enough to slow the Saints down, as they rallied behind Siemian to defeat Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champs. New Orleans played well down the stretch and made enough plays on defense to get the dub. With that win, the Saints have pulled even with the Bucs in the NFC South, with one game separating them. However, the Saints will be without Jameis for the remainder of the season after tearing his ACL and MCL in Sunday's win. Expect Siemian to get the majority of the snaps moving forward.
- For the Bucs, that is now three-straight regular-season losses to the Saints. Tight end Rob Gronkowski returned for the first time since injuring his ribs in week three, but his return was brief. Gronk ended up exiting the game early with back spasms. Tom Brady had his moments, but he ultimately came up short. Brady finished 28 of 40, 375 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Saints play host to the Falcons in an NFC South showdown.
- The Bucs are on bye next week.
Cowboys: 20 (7-1), Vikings: 16 (3-4)
With Dak out, backup quarterback Cooper Rush led the Cowboys past the Vikings, 20-16.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Despite not having their starting quarterback, Rush did just enough. He finished 24-40, 325, two touchdowns, and one interception, with both of his touchdowns passes coming in the second half. On the third play of the third quarter, Rush hit Cedrick Wilson for a 73-yard touchdown. After three-straight field goals from both teams combined, Rush connected with Amari Cooper for a five-yard touchdown to put Dallas up by four with just under a minute left. With that win, Dallas is now 7-0 this year against the spread.
- The Vikings' offense couldn't get anything together. Kirk Cousins finished with only 184 passing yards despite not turning the ball over, and Dalvin Cook only had 78 rushing yards. In total, the Vikings finished with only 278 yards of total offense.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Cowboys head back home to take on the Denver Broncos.
- The Vikings travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.
Giants: 17 (2-6), Chiefs: 20 (4-4)
Both teams wanted to lose this game, but in the end, KC kicker Harrison Butker hit a go-ahead field goal with just over a minute left to lift the Chiefs past the Giants.
TAKEAWAYS:
- The Chiefs got back to .500 with a significant victory on Monday, but it wasn't exactly a glamorous one. Turnovers continue to be the Chiefs' kryptonite, as Patrick Mahomes added to his interception total by throwing his tenth interception this season. Mahomes has thrown a combined 11 interceptions in his last two seasons, so he is on pace to break that total, and we are only eight weeks into the season. Travis Kelce also fumbled along with the interception, making it 19 turnovers for the Chiefs' offense this season. Despite the turnovers, the Chiefs were able to move the ball downfield. Tyreek Hill had another solid outing with 94 yards receiving and a touchdown. Kelce proved to be a non-factor all night, as the Giants' defense did an excellent job in zeroing in on him. The Chiefs now have to regroup and get ready for a date with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
- As for the Giants, the woes continue. Believe it or not, they actually should've won this game. Daniel Jones played a solid game, despite throwing a terrible interception on his first throw of the game. Jones finished 22 of 32, 222 yards, two touchdowns, and that one lousy interception. Penalties proved to be costly for the Giants, as they had a chance late in the game to win. The defense picked off Mahomes late in the fourth quarter, but an offsides penalty took it away, leading to the go-ahead field goal by Butker. Injuries continue to hurt the Giants with Sterling Shepard (quad) and Dante Pettis (shoulder) left in the second quarter. WR Kadarius Toney also left in the fourth quarter with a thumb injury.
WHAT'S NEXT:
- The Chiefs have a date with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
- The Giants head back to the Meadowlands to take on Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders.
Want more content from ThePyrrhic.com? Check out these great articles:
Jake Klausner covers all things sports for ThePyrrhic.com. Keep your eyes peeled for NFL Analysis, World Series Recaps, and more from Jake.
Follow him on Twitter @jake_klausner