NFL Week 8 winners and losers: McCaffrey, Jalen Hurts, Zach Wilson...
Week 8 in the NFL definitely gave us some things to reflect on. From Hurts and the Eagles continuing to win, to Wilson continuing to fold, here’s our break down.
We’ve arrived at the midway mark of the 2022-23 NFL regular season. It’s been quite a ride so far, which is why we’re taking a look and who’s hot and who’s not before these guys get into the business half of the season
2022-23 NFL regular season: What’s the lay of the land?
Like it or not, the Philadelphia Eagles haven’t stopped winning. With their clear-cut MVP candidate and quarterback, Jalen Hurts putting in performances to remember, one has to ask at this point whether or not they can go all the way. Then we’ve got the Tennessee Titans, who won five straight games after losing their first two. Mention should also be made of the Miami Dolphins. While they’ve had some unfortunate injury issues where their QBs are concerned, fact is their offense has been something to behold. The only problem is, their defense has been the opposite. With all of that said, let’s take a look at who had a good week in the NFL and who didn’t.
The Winners
Are the Titans the surprise package?
As mentioned above, the Titans lost their first two games. We also mentioned, that they corrected that course quite quickly. Between rookie QB Malik Willis and RB Derrick Henry, who’s run the ball 32 times for 219 yards, to go with two touchdowns, the Titans are looking like the No. 1 seed that they were last season. Now sitting atop the AFC South with a 5-2 record, they should be considered contenders. On the other hand, we should say the Titans have won against a slew of teams that that have a collective record of 13-22-3. That’s to say the Commanders, Texans and Raiders - with all due respect - aren’t exactly the best on the block.
Eagles’ Jalen Hurts for MVP?
Like we said before, the Eagles haven’t lost. Currently sitting on a 7-0 record, they are the only team in the NLF who haven’t lost this season and truth be told, that’s in large part due to the performances of quarterback, Jalen Hurts. Quite frankly, the Eagles’ signal caller has been playing unreal football. To put it in perspective, alongside the 2017 Chiefs, the Eagles are the only team in NFL history with less than two turnovers across their first seven games.
At the forefront of that performance has been Hurts. Responsible for 16 of the team’s 25 touchdowns and 2,102 of Philadelphia’s total yards from scrimmage, we’re not sure we need to say more to highlight how good he’s been. Some may argue that Philadelphia’s most recent opponent, the Steelers, were not the toughest opponent, but the fact remains that Hurts posted four touchdowns, while displaying a rushing game that turned heads.
Christian McCaffrey makes history in NFL Week 8
If the 49ers weren’t happy about acquiring Christian McCaffrey before, then they’ve got to be ecstatic now. Despite the fact that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo wasn’t at his best, the former Panthers running back laid siege to the Rams To start things off, there was 34-yard touchdown pass to tie the game in the second quarter. Then, with the 49ers trailing late in the third quarter, the All-Pro hauled in a stellar catch down the sideline for a 9-yard touchdown. Of course, McCaffrey wasn’t done. The new 49ers RB, became the first player since LaDainian Tomlinson in 2005 to record a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game and just the third to do it since 1990.
LOSERS
The Dolphins’ defense has been poor
Although Tua Tagovailoa couldn’t have been asked for more, the reality is the Dolphins (5-3) failed their QB - that sounds harsh we know - and it’s starting to look like a habit. With the AFC East being a tight race, Miami’s inconsistent defense is something they’re going to have to fix right here and now. While they did come from behind on two occasions to register a win against the Lions, alarm bells have got to be ringing. If there is one silver lining, it’s got to be the fact that much of the Dolphins’ difficulties are their own doing. From pre-snap penalties, to blown coverages, the Dolphins have allowed an average of 15 points per game and 335.8 yards. On the road, however, they’ve conceded an average of 33 points for 389.8 yards, no turnovers forced and four sacks across four games. There is reason to be positive.
Zach Wilson’s presence in the pocket
Without getting into a debate about what makes a good quarterback - there are all kinds of variables - we can probably agree that one attribute that Zach Wilson does not possess, is comfort in the pocket. With 20-of-41 passes completed for 355 yards with two touchdowns and three interceptions, the Jets QB has not been at his best. Whether we’re talking about his constant retreating, his throwing off the back foot, or the way he turns and spins, the reality is Wilson has five interceptions this season, and a QB rating of 71. If you’re wondering, that’s the one above last place among qualifying players. Love him or hate him, the Jets are 5-3 on the season and it’s now clear that their QB has a problem in the pocket. Any hopes they have for their season will depend heavily on his ability to correct that as soon as possible.