Week 5 Results
Dallas (vs Tampa) - 1 sack
Well, we found out just how bad the Cowboys' defense really is against Tampa. So bad that their new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, got demoted when the team brought in Mike Pettine and pushed Parker up to the booth.
A Look Ahead: @GB @PHI ARI - We won't make the mistake of trying the Dallas defense again.
Jacksonville (vs Philadelphia - London) - 1 sack
Jalen Hurts didn't author very many impressive drives in this game, but he did enough damage, along with the Jaguars' self-inflicted wounds on two scoreless drives that featured 1st-and-goal at the one-yard line, to keep this close and actually lead a go-ahead field goal drive, leaving only eight seconds for the Jaguars to muster an answer. Ameer Abdullah returned the kick to the Eagles' 40, and Cam Little answered prayers from 57 yards out for the win.
A Look Ahead: HOU BYE IND - The Texans don't have a running game to speak of, and the Jaguars will be accustomed to London. That acclimation means the Jaguars are a potential candidate despite the Week 5 dud.
LA Rams (vs Buffalo) - 1 sack, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT
The Bills went hyperconservative with a run-heavy game plan, and their defense was good enough to allow them to stay in it with a 35-point fourth quarter that saw both defenses fall apart.
A Look Ahead: ARI @LV LAC - At least you get the Rams D/ST for the matchup with a fading Marvin Harrison Jr.-less Jacoby Brissett
Pittsburgh (vs Indianapolis) - 1 sack
Daniel Jones and the Colts didn't give the ball away once after turning the ball over six times against the Steelers last year. They still lost because Jaylen Warren had a game for the ages and the Colts had to settle for five field goals on a bend, but don't break day for a Steelers defense focused on stopping Jonathan Taylor.
A Look Ahead: @TB @NO CLE - Jalon Daniels doesn't look like such an easy mark after facing the Cowboys, but the Steelers could still rattle him with zone looks and a strong four-man pass rush, so we'll consider them despite this dud.
NY Giants (at Washington) - 5 sacks
Jayden Daniels and Jacory Croskey-Merritt combined for three breakaway touchdowns to keep the Giants defense playing from behind on their heels in this game.
A Look Ahead: NO @HOU BYE - Tyler Shough is banged up, and the Saints running game is nonexistent. This could work out.
Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda
San Francisco (at Seattle) - 5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 INTs, 1 DEF TD
George Holani put the ball on the turf twice, including one that ended up recovered by the 49ers in the end zone for a touchdown. Sam Darnold and Emanuel Wilson also pitched in with turnovers, and the 49ers' defensive tackle accounted for three of their five sacks, in addition to the defensive touchdown.
Green Bay (vs Chicago) - 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 3 INT
The Bears benched Tyson Bagent, and Case Keenum threw an interception for good measure.
New York Jets (vs Cleveland) - 8 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries
Welcome to the David Bailey era on the New York Sack Exchange, as his three sacks led the way on a long afternoon for Deshaun Watson.
Atlanta (vs Baltimore) - 4 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 DEF TD
Don't assume that this was because Tyler Huntley played poorly in place of Lamar Jackson. On the contrary, he led game-tying and game-winning drives in the fourth quarter and overtime against a red-hot Falcons defense.
New Orleans (vs Minnesota) - 2 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 DEF TD
Don't assume that this was because Kyler Murray played poorly. He completed 80% of his passes and extended drives with his legs. Aaron Jones Sr. and Myles Price both fumbled as the Vikings were closing on a touchdown, and one of them was taken back for a touchdown by Jonas Sanker.
Week 6 Candidates