MIAMI GARDENS, FL – AUGUST 17: A detail shot of an NFL shield logo painted on the field prior to an NFL preseason football game between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders at Hard Rock Stadium on August 17, 2024 in Miami Gardens, FL. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
A rare NFL Saturday featured three games with huge playoff implications. Here are the biggest takeaways from the games.
Ladd’s Record-Breaking Day
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 15: Ladd McConkey #15 of the Los Angeles Chargers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on September 15, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Chargers rookie receiver Ladd McConkey had a massive game in the Bolts’ 40-7 road rout of the Patriots. McConkey made 8 catches for 94 yards and 2 touchdowns, setting Charger rookie records for most catches and yards in a season.
Herbert Balls Out, Takes Bolts to Promised Land
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 12: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers celebrates after defeating the Washington Football Team 20-16 at FedExField on September 12, 2021 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
McConkey’s big day was buoyed by another Justin Herbert masterclass. The strong-armed QB racked up 281 passing yards and 3 TDs despite leaving the game early in the 4th quarter with the win sealed. The Chargers have now clinched a spot in the playoffs.
No Pass Rush Pats
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 6: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers duding training camp at Jack Hammett Sports Complex on August 6, 2023 in Costa Mesa, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The Patriots used to be known for their elite defense, but that is no longer the case. The Pats pressured Herbert on only 6 of his 39 dropbacks, making it far too easy for their weak secondary to get picked apart. It was like Herbert had his red no-contact jersey on.
Joe Goes Off
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA – SEPTEMBER 26: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals reacts after a first down during the third quarter in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 26, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Joe Burrow has been one of the NFL’s most prolific passers this season, and he tore up an excellent Broncos defense in the Bengals’ 30-24 overtime win. He threw for 412 yards and 3 TDs and even added a rushing score.
Higgins Hat Trick
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 24: Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals attempts a catch during the third quarter against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Nick Grace/Getty Images)
Normally, it’s Ja’Marr Chase leading the way through the air for Cincy, and while he still had over 100 yards receiving, it was Tee Higgins doing the heavy lifting. The big wideout caught 11 balls for 131 yards and 3 scores, including the game-winner.
Big Bo to Monstrous Mims
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 22: Bo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after a touchdown during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Despite the loss, the Broncos had several bright spots, but none brighter than the connection between QB Bo Nix and speedy WR Marvin Mims. Mims was special, as he posted an excellent stat line of 8 catches for 103 yards and 2 TDs, including a leaping touchdown catch in double coverage to send the game into overtime.
Cards Miss Conner
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – SEPTEMBER 12: James Conner #6 celebrates with DeAndre Hopkins #10 of the Arizona Cardinals after a touchdown during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Cardinals defeated the Titans 38-13. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals have been a top rushing team this season, but an injury to running back James Conner really hurt them. The Cards picked up a respectable 113 yards rushing as a team against the Rams, but failed to capitalize in short-yardage situations without Conner.
Murray Magic Runs Out
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – DECEMBER 31: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts to a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 31, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
It’s the same old story for Cardinals QB Kyler Murray: start the year off hot and end it cold. Murray passed for 321 yards against the Rams, but tossed just 1 touchdown to 2 interceptions as Arizona scored only 9 points in the loss.
Puka Continues to Produce
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 10: Puka Nacua #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field on September 10, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Like the Cardinals, the Rams did not produce much offensively, but their passing game was powered by receiver Puka Nacua. The young wideout accounted for 129 of the Rams’ 189 passing yards against the Cardinals, helping Los Angeles close in on a playoff spot.
