San Fransisco 49ers-Brock Purdy:
The jury has been out for me regarding Purdy for a while. Maybe it was my bias against the last pick in the draft and being so protective of what Tom Brady did as a sixth-rounder, but something has always seemed off for me regarding Mr. Irrelevent. He played the worst game of his career against the Chiefs on Sunday. Granted, the team is decimated by injuries, but he has to do better than a 43 QBR and three interceptions.
Houston Texans-CJ Stroud:
This may have been Stroud’s worst game as a pro. It was a tough spot, playing in Lambaugh Field against a staunch Packer defense. It was also the team’s second road game in a row. It did take a last-second FG to beat them, but Stroud was awful for much of the day. He completed less than 50% of his passes, with only 10 completions on 21 attempts…and he only threw for 86 yards. In some games, that’s one long pass to Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, or Tank Dell.
CINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 12: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 12, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills-Keon Coleman:
This was an eye-opening, coming-out party for Coleman. His receptions weren’t gaudy, but his yardage and average was. He gained 125 yds with an average of just over 31 yards per carry.
Detroit Lions-Amon Ra-St.Brown:
St.Brown finds himself as the WR1 on the first-place Lions. He is as tough as nails and in many ways, doesn’t get the credit he deserves…and certainly not as much as some of his counterparts. All he does is put up numbers, week after week. In a very important game against the Vikings, with first place and possible no.1 seed on the line in the NFC, all he did was catch eight passes for 112 yards and a TD.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 05: Amon-Ra St. Brown #14 of the Detroit Lions celebrates after catching a touchdown as time expired to defeat the Minnesota Vikings 29-27 at Ford Field on December 05, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Aside from Giants HC Brian Daboll being on the hot seat, it’s getting toasty for Patriots HC Jerod Mayo and Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel. The Patriots now find themselves 1-6, and the Tua Tagovailoa-less Dolphins are 2-4. It would be an upset for owner Robert Kraft to fire his HC after just one season, but not out of the question. A 1-16 or 2-15 season has to be enough to give Mayo a pink slip.
McDaniel is far closer to being shown the door. He’s had the cover of Tua’s concussion as a shield, but he can’t keep hiding behind that. For such an offensive genius with so many weapons, he should have gotten more out of Tua’s replacements. They have the Cardinals at home this coming week, and a loss could be the final straw for ownership.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – OCTOBER 14: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets throws a pass during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at MetLife Stadium on October 14, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
Aside from the Patriots, Giants, and Dolphins, the Jets and Panthers are just awful at this point. The addition of Davante Adams didn’t help Aaron Rodgers or the Jets…and it’s beginning to feel like the end of the line for Rodgers. This week’s matchup against the Patriots in New England will be intriguing on so many levels. And as far as the Panthers, at this point, they just have to give thanks to the Patriots for keeping them out of the basement.