1. Mahomes Does Just Enough
Patrick Mahomes did not have his best stuff on Sunday against the Detroit Lions but he did enough to give the Chiefs the win supplying the game winning drive late in the fourth quarter. Mahomes was very efficient using his legs to pick up first downs on the crucial late drive. The gunslinger was held without a completion over 20 yards something most NFL fans have become accustomed to seeing from the young signal caller. Mahomes was also held without a passing touchdown as Detroit did a good job to keep him out of the endzone but Kansas City was able to rush for three scores on the day to edge them over the Lions on the road.
The biggest play from Maholmes on the day was a 15 yard scramble on fourth and eight which extended the drive for Kansas City and eventually led to the game winning score. Mahomes demonstrated his value to this organization and proved that even on an off day for him he has the ability to will his team to victory. This is something often seen from veteran signal callers who have garnered the respect and admiration of their fellow teammates through years of earning it on the field. Maholmes is proving early that he has already earned this type of respect from his teammates and the league.
Mahomes on the sideline before leading a game-winning drive. Can’t teach this.
(via @chiefs) pic.twitter.com/8nOqErvLl2
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 1, 2019
2. Minshew Magic
My love for Daniel Jones may soon be overtaken by the electric factory that is Gardner Minshew, from his homemade jorts, to his elusiveness in the pocket, and his ability to launch the pigskin downfield there is really no telling what this guy can’t do. All Gardner gushing aside, Minshew has been incredible since his injection into the Jaguars offense. The already steady defense seems to have kicked up a notch in response to the rookie being thrust into action and Gardner has done everything to pay them back for their efforts as well as live up to the hype.
Denver is no easy place to play especially this early in the season. Many claim players are not yet in “game shape,” until several weeks into the season and that an early trip to Denver and dealing with that elevation makes a huge difference earlier in the year than it may later on. However, it did not seem to matter to Gardner Minshew who like Maholmes, led a game winning drive himself. Minshew made plays with his arm, extended plays with his legs, and has really begun to make a name for himself in this league. Very excited to see what the future holds for this young gunslinger.
Every time Gardner Minshew makes a play, an angel gets their mustache.
(via @thecheckdown)pic.twitter.com/Hqa3SR7ZS6
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) September 29, 2019
3. Tampa Shocks The Rams
After a crushing loss at home last week via a missed chip shot field goal to the New York Giants and a young Danny Dimes, the Bucs responded nicely Sunday with a shocking win in LA. This Bucs team could very well be 3-1 and I feel like nobody is talking about it. With just over five minutes to go in the first half the Bucs led the Rams 21-0.
The Rams however, were able to create a turnover, added an offensive touchdown, and a FG before Tampa responded with a touchdown of her own. The halftime score was a manageable 28-17 but still a very shocking first half. The Bucs were able to move the ball against this Rams defense throughout and Tampa more or less cruised to a 55-40 victory in what has to be the most surprising upset of the young season so far.
QB’s Notice J Winston wide Base on this deep ball. Doesn’t even take a stride with his left foot. Hip rotation power. https://t.co/Fsh7gIG8s5 @markrodeoQB @iAmThatQB_xiii @Natelussier1 @will_lederman @AndrewLandry167 @JackAustinQB
— QB Coach Todd Krueger (@QuarterbackGuru) September 30, 2019
4. Oh, There The Browns Are
Well the Browns are in first place in the AFC North for the first time since 2014. In what was a breakout offensive performance Cleveland racked up 530 yards of offense and hung 40 points. This was the version of the Cleveland Browns that everyone was hyping up this offseason and although it was just one game I think it is important to remember the youth on this team.
The continuity will only strengthen as the year goes on so for Browns fans to see this possibly budding in week 4 has to be an encouraging sign. Big response to their lackluster offensive performance from last week which only netted 270 yards of total offense. Between that and some questionable Freddie Kitchens play-calling it was a nice way to ease the minds of Cleveland Browns supporters.
🤔 Rex Ryan reacts to Baker Mayfield stepping up for Cleveland in the Browns’ 40-25 win over Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. #Week4 #BakerMayfield #LamarJackson #RexRyan #clevelandbrowns #browns #baltimoreravens #ravens #NFL #ESPN #GetUp #football #brusroom pic.twitter.com/lz30QfTHOx
— Bru’s Room (@brusroom) September 30, 2019
5. The Raiders Finally Get The Win
In a game the Raiders needed desperately to win they found a way to get it done on the road on Sunday and that will make the flight to London a bit more BEARable this week as they get ready to face off against Chicago in London on Sunday. This win was important for the Raiders because they enter a pretty tough stretch schedule wise. They begin with a trip to London which is never something I imagine teams look forward to doing.
Then the go to Green Bay, at Houston, home vs the Lions, and Chargers. A tough stretch of games which they will be very lucky to split. This was a great response from an Oakland team that go absolutely taken behind the woodshed by the Minnesota Vikings last week. Rookie Josh Jacobs was heavily involved in the offense and the Raiders really benefited from his play, I look for them to continue to keep him involved going forward. The Raiders got off to a hot and fast start before the Colts knew it they were down 14-0 and took a 21-10 lead into halftime. This solid start set the tone for the game and the Raiders got the win they so desperately needed. Now hopefully for Raiders fan there is no let off and they push the pedal down as they enter this tough stretch.
Opposing QB Derek Carr’s highest career passer rating against one team is vs. the Colts (128.9 rating).
He has thrown for 6 TDs vs. 0 INTs in 2 games vs. Indy.
Last year, Carr completed 17 straight passes against Colts, with Malik Hooker also missing that game.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) September 29, 2019
