NFL Week 8 Talking Points

By Josh Hatt

Steelers remain Undefeated

The rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens is one of the best in the NFL, and the much-anticipated game between the two on Sunday certainly lived up to its billing. The Steelers vaunted defence forced Ravens QB Lamar Jackson into 2 interceptions and 2 fumbles and held on for a thrilling 28-24 win by knocking away a late Jackson pass close to the Pittsburgh goal line. The Steelers are now 7-0 for the first time since 1978, and have put some distance between themselves and Baltimore in the AFC North.

Newtons late fumble costs Patriots dearly

The New England Patriots were hammered by San Francisco last week, they put on a better performance this week against the Buffalo Bills, but their hard work was undone as Cam Newton fumbled the ball with his team in position for a late game tying field goal attempt or a go ahead touchdown. The Patriots have lost 4 consecutive games and their dominance of the AFC East appears over, as they are behind Buffalo and the improving Miami Dolphins. The Bills snapped a 7 game losing streak against the Patriots and are in position to win the their division for the first time since 1995.

Chargers blow another big lead in Denver

The LA Chargers have a reputation for losing close game in heart-breaking fashion, and they lived up to it on Sunday. LA was up 24-3 at one stage, but the Broncos staged a dramatic comeback, with Drew Lock throwing for three fourth quarter touchdowns, including the game winner to KJ. Hamler as time expired. This is the 4th game in a row that the Chargers have blown a lead of 16 points or more, they are a talented team on offence but their defence requires major improvement. It’s been a difficult season for Denver who have battled with major injuries, but this win will give them plenty of confidence going forward as Lock looks to cement himself as Denver’s Quarterback of the future.

Other talking points from week 8:

Dalvin Cook had a monster day, scoring 4 touchdowns to help Minnesota to a big win on the road in Green Bay. The Vikings have had a disappointing season so far with just two wins, but this could push them into contention.
Joe Burrow continued his impressive rookie season, leading Cincinnati to a shock win against Tennessee. The Bengals look to have found their quarterback, and have been much more competitive than their 2-5-1 record shows. Tennessee has now lost 2 straight, and are now tied with Indianapolis in the AFC South, after the Colts won in Detroit.

Seattle jumped out to a 30-7 lead over their division rival San Francisco, with D.K Metcalf scoring two touchdowns. Nick Mullens took over from Jimmy Garoppolo, but the hole was too big for the 49ers despite scoring 20 points in the 4th quarter with Mullens at the helm. San Francisco’s injury woes continued, as they lost Tight End George kittle for 8 weeks with a broken foot, and Garoppolo left with an ankle injury that will side-line him indefinitely.

Tua Tagovailoa won his debut as Miami’s starting quarterback, but it was Miami’s defence that stole the show, forcing Rams QB Jared Goff into 4 turnovers, including a fumble that was returned 78 yards for a touchdown by Miami line-backer Andrew Van Ginkel. Miami is quickly improving and sit in second place in the AFC East, meanwhile the Rams slip to third place in a competitive NFC West and will now have a week off to dissect a disappointing display.