As I watch games from Thursday through Monday Night Football, I take notes on the things that catch my eye. From injuries to unexpected box score production, both good and bad, to scheme quirks and situations that could affect a player's production in weeks to come. By Wednesday evening, I turn these notes and the subsequent news and investigation into the Eyes of the Guru column.
On Monday mornings, I will be sharing those raw notes. There will not be a lot of analysis or in-depth description. Those things take time and will come later in the week. The goal is to give our customers an early heads up on things that could impact your important decisions for the week, so if something in the notes is particularly important to your team, you can look into it on your own and/or wait until the EOTG comes out that week to get my take.
These are my notes from week five.
Arizona Cardinals
- Antonio Hamilton Sr. banged up. Left the game twice. First with a knee and later with a concussion
- K'Von Wallace 7-3 int, career best numbers?
- Jalen Thompson hamstring
- Marco Wilson 8-3
Atlanta Falcons
- Nothing notable at first glance.
Baltimore Ravens
- Marcus Williams returned 3-2, Kyle Hamilton 3-0 2TFL safety snap counts?
- Marlon Humphrey returned 4-0
Buffalo Bills
- Matt Milano rolled up and injured knee, Dorian Williams initially, then Tyrel Dodson who was much better 4-1 FR PD
- DaQuan Jones left early, pectoral. Jordan Phillips replaced him.
- A.J. Epenesa got the start for Greg Rousseau and had a great game 2-2-2 FF/FR
- Taron Johnson landed awkwardly and looked hurt but returned. Kaiir Elam picked on often 8-3, Dane Jackson
- Bills defense taking a beating on injuries; might be time to add Jordan Poyer
- Ed Oliver having the best season of his career
Carolina Panthers
- Sam Franklin Jr. 7-1
Chicago Bears
- Tremaine Edmunds was down and walked off with a slight limp.
- Two more corners down.
Cincinnati Bengals
- Nothing notable at first glance.
Cleveland Browns
- Nothing notable at first glance.
Dallas Cowboys
- Leighton Vander Esch head/neck possibly serious. Bigger role for Damone Clark 5-4?
- Jourdan Lewis ankle, C.J. Goodwin shoulder, Donovan Wilson ankle
Denver Broncos
- Zach Allen 4-1-1 FF, Nik Bonitto 2-0-2
- Josey Jewell 1-4, Alex Singleton 5-5, anything to see here?
Detroit Lions
- Will Harris 7-2 FR/PD by half, Kerby Joseph 4-1, Tracy Walker III 3-1 snap counts/roles
- Alex Anzalone 8-3, Derrick Barnes 2-5, but Jack Campbell couldn't get is going 2-0
Green Bay Packers
- Monday Night Football
Houston Texans
- Blake Cashman 5-4 vs Denzel Perryman 2-2
- Jalen Pitre is back 7-4 FR PD
- Henry To'oto'o with another strong game 6-6
Indianapolis Colts
- Shaquille Leonard groin, E.J. Speed rather disappointing at 3-4 PD
- Kenny Moore II 7-2, JuJu Brents 3-1 PD
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Nothing notable at first glance.
Kansas City Chiefs
- L'Jarius Sneed shadowed Justin Jefferson much of the game 8-0 2PD
- Trent McDuffie 6-0 3PD
Las Vegas Raiders
- Monday Night Football
Los Angeles Chargers
- Nothing notable at first glance.
Los Angeles Rams
- Jordan Fuller 7-5 PD
- Ernest Jones 10-5 3TFL
- Rookie Zach VanValkenburg has the team's only sack 2-1-1
Miami Dolphins
- Emmanuel Ogbah with sacks in two of the last 3 games.
- Stock up for Zach Sieler 6-1-2,
Minnesota Vikings
- Harrison Smith goes large two weeks in a row.
- Akayleb Evans injured
- Ivan Pace Jr. 2-2; time to throw him back in the pool?
- Marcus Davenport returned 2-2-1
New England Patriots
- Ja'Whaun Bentley with a breakout game 5-6-1
- Josh Uche unable to take advantage of the situation 1-0. No one playing defensive line or edge recorded a sack. Anfernee Jennings 3-2, Deatrich Wise 4-3
New Orleans Saints
- Marcus Maye returning from suspension
- Pete Werner 2-1 int because the Patriots were horrible - 17 rushes for 45 yards
New York Giants
- Micah McFadden out with ankle; Isaiah Simmons 7-2 in starting role?
New York Jets
- Carl Lawson a healthy scratch, Jermaine Johnson 2-1-1 FF, Bryce Huff 2-0-1, edge snap counts
Philadelphia Eagles
- Zach Cunningham 1-3, Nicholas Morrow 4-1
- Haason Reddick coming to life, 2-0-2
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Matchups are important. Kwon Alexander 6-0-1, Cole Holcomb 8-1, Elandon Roberts 5-3
- Larry Ogunjobi banged up again?
Seattle Seahawks
- Nothing notable at first glance.
San Francisco 49ers
- Great week for San Fran LBs, not so much for any other position
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Nothing notable at first glance.
Tennessee Titans
- Jeffery Simmons down but returned
- Azeez Al-Shaair with 15 combined stops. His best numbers of the year.
Washington Commanders
- Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was benched in favor of Danny Johnson
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