5 Things ‍I Care About

Tee Higgins

Excuse me for‌ quoting myself, but I must reference the ​specific sequence from my Week 6 preview⁤ regarding‍ this game, ⁢as ⁢it directly relates ⁣to the Bengals ⁢offense’s performance ‍tonight.

During the offseason, we engage ⁣in numerous speculative discussions about‍ how‌ the Bengals might adapt their offense, particularly with Tee ⁣Higgins likely departing in 2025. Yet, ⁣once the games commence, it⁤ becomes abundantly ​clear ⁢that, without‌ Joe Burrow throwing precision passes to his‍ top two perimeter ⁤stars, this ⁢offense‌ — and indeed the entire operation — faces an uphill battle.

After this⁢ Week 6 victory — even on a night when‍ the offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders‌ — I am left‍ perplexed about how any ​strategy ‌that separates Higgins from Burrow​ and Ja’Marr Chase can possibly be effective.

The Giants’ defense focused additional resources on double-covering Chase. Any team preparing to face the Bengals sets ‍out with the primary ‌goal of neutralizing Chase. Although few succeed, ⁣this year, the Bengals have⁣ made it more difficult than ever for teams to accomplish that.

This​ season,​ Chase has played every wide receiver position and has ‌taken more snaps in the slot than ever before. In this⁣ game, ⁢he was in the slot for 11 snaps, according to TruMedia. Even so,⁢ the Giants managed to limit Chase to ​72 ​yards on six targets, stifling an ​offense that was⁤ gaining momentum heading ‌into Week 6.

As Chase attracted⁤ extra defensive coverage, Higgins found himself ‍in favorable one-on-one matchups. According⁢ to Next Gen Stats, Deonte Banks ​shadowed Higgins on 87% of his routes, and ⁤Higgins successfully‌ caught all five​ of his targets for 54 yards against the Giants’ cornerback. Most of Higgins’ contributions came from short passes as he served as the reliable outlet and chain-mover. Given⁤ the relentless pressure Burrow faced from the Giants’⁤ formidable defensive line, Higgins’ performance was crucial in sustaining any ⁢offensive‌ momentum.

Chase addressed the media post-game on NBC, indicating that this outcome was precisely what​ the ⁣Bengals had anticipated. He noted that ⁣if the offensive line had performed ⁤better,​ the statistical⁢ output could have been ‍even‍ more substantial. For now, the Week 6 performance reinforces the fundamental identity ‍of this unit when ⁣the Big Three⁤ are on the field together.

The⁤ Bengals currently⁣ stand at 2-4 for the season. While they have much‍ work ahead, their​ next three⁤ games against the Browns, Eagles,​ and Raiders⁣ present ‌a manageable schedule. This offers the Bengals a reason to feel optimistic about gaining traction if their defense⁢ maintains its performance level from tonight and if offensive line ‍protection improves.

Several “ifs” are involved in this‌ scenario, but Cincinnati could find itself in a significantly better‌ position than initially anticipated when ⁤it‌ faces the Ravens again in Week 10.

The Ravens Offense

Derrick Henry has surpassed 130 rushing⁣ yards in‍ three out of ‍his last⁢ four games, and ⁣Lamar Jackson has thrown for over 300 yards in consecutive weeks. While⁤ some of these ‍performances have come against weaker ⁢defenses, particularly the secondaries of ​the Bengals and Commanders, the diverse offensive capabilities on ‌display from ​the ‌Ravens ⁤are legitimate.

While everyone acknowledges the strength of Henry and the running game, it’s worth noting that the Ravens have also ranked as a top-five offense in⁢ passing success rate. The efficiency has been consistent throughout the season, ‌and we’re now witnessing ‌the impressive overall production when Jackson and company are able to execute their game ‍plan.

Todd Monken appears to be increasingly ​comfortable with expanding⁢ the​ passing game. This ‌development⁤ can largely be attributed to ⁤improved play from the ‍offensive ‌line, which had ‍been a ‍significant concern during the offseason and early parts of the season. Left ⁤tackle Ronnie Stanley ‍seems⁤ to be⁢ performing better than he‌ has in years. Although he may not‌ have‌ reached his All-Pro form yet,⁢ his tape ⁤this season⁢ has been promising. Rookie tackle Roger Rosengarten‌ has also emerged as a stabilizing​ force at​ right tackle.

With improved protection, ⁤Jackson has been emboldened to take more risky throws​ downfield. I’ve​ always held ⁢a more favorable view of this Ravens wide receiver group than ⁤most, and we are finally witnessing their potential unfold.

It’s becoming increasingly evident.

Zay Flowers has recorded consecutive 100-yard games. ‍Although he still sees some ‌action‍ in the​ screen ⁣and gadget‍ plays due to his agility and ability with the ball, the Ravens have finally focused on utilizing him for deep routes. According to⁤ Next Gen Stats,‌ Flowers made five​ catches for 73 yards on in-breaking routes during the victory against Washington. There’s ample reason to‍ believe ‍he⁢ can emerge as a genuine downfield threat.

Rashod Bateman continues to play a significant, albeit understated, role ⁤in the ‌offense. The Ravens wide receiver successfully caught all four of his targets for 71 yards, making⁤ key contributions in the‌ intermediate field and ​aiding in moving the chains. Bateman has ‌often been underutilized in Baltimore, ⁤showcasing his ​A+ separation skills in the intermediate zone, particularly on curl ⁣routes against man coverage. Over the past two weeks, he⁢ has made several impactful catches on these types of plays.

Following the Week 6 victory, Jackson ⁣described the Ravens’ approach ‌as‌ a ​“pick your poison offense,” which accurately reflects their current strategy.‍ While Henry’s performance‌ as the ‌fantasy RB1 garners much attention—rightfully so—it’s crucial not to overlook the ⁣fact that we’re witnessing one of the ⁢most dynamic passing game displays centered around big-time concepts in the Lamar Jackson-Ravens⁣ era.

This feels stable and is a significant improvement from the uncertainty felt after⁢ the Ravens’ season-opening loss to the ‍Chiefs.

Joe Mixon

The Texans have experienced two outstanding rushing performances this season, juxtaposed with four disappointing outings. Interestingly,‌ both⁢ of the ​solid games occurred during the two contests in ⁤which Joe Mixon started and completed the game.

This correlation is unlikely to be coincidental.

It’s‌ important to‍ acknowledge that the‍ Texans‍ have some structural dilemmas in their offense, and the offensive⁢ line has not performed up to its ⁣reputation.⁤ While Mixon may not be an elite running back, the decline ‌to the ​current version of Cam Akers as the primary rusher has only​ exacerbated the rushing challenges posed by the offense. Following multiple injuries, Akers lacks the burst needed for effective zone scheme runs and⁤ cannot replicate ‍the vision Mixon has consistently offered.

The return of Mixon yielded immediate positive results. ⁢He accumulated 102‌ yards on⁢ just 13 carries, showcasing his explosive‌ potential in both the running and passing game. He excelled in‌ executing‌ the outside zone runs crucial to the⁤ offense’s‍ success, attaining 91 yards on nine carries beyond the tackles, ​according to​ Next Gen Stats.

We observed the potential for Mixon’s⁢ impact⁣ on the Texans ⁤in Week 1 ​and received further ​evidence of it in the win​ against the Patriots. From the outset, Houston dominated the game against an inferior ‍opponent;⁣ this is‍ precisely the scenario where a strong ground game is essential. Mixon was prepared to rise to the challenge.

Even after a lengthy recovery from a concerning high-ankle sprain, I was reluctant to drop Mixon significantly in my rest-of-season fantasy rankings. It was evident⁤ how essential his role ⁢would be for the Texans in 2024. Week 6 served as another reminder of what the ⁤veteran ‌running back brings to ⁢the table as the ⁣lead‌ back within this system.

On a related note,‍ do not overlook Dameon​ Pierce’s eight‌ carries, as he also ⁣returned from injury after missing time ⁣since Week 1. A 54-yard explosive⁣ touchdown boosted his final stats, but Pierce clearly serves as the RB2 on this team and ⁣is running⁣ with improved decisiveness within the scheme after a ‌lackluster ⁤showing in 2023. If Mixon encounters any further setbacks, Pierce seems well-prepared to take on​ a ‌larger role ⁢this season.

Baker Mayfield ⁢is incredibly‍ focused

I’m ⁢not sure⁣ if there’s another ‍player ‌who has experienced such a‌ significant shift in my perspective over the last two seasons as Baker Mayfield. At the conclusion of his Panthers stint in 2022, I believed he​ was finished as a⁤ starting quarterback in‌ the NFL. Approaching the midpoint of his second season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I remain thoroughly‍ impressed with his performance.

Few quarterbacks are as attuned to their team’s offense right now as Mayfield.‌ While he is not without flaws—there were three interceptions during this Week 6 win—

Over‌ the Saints alone, Mayfield showcased his connection with the passing offense, consistently ⁣executing rhythm throws to Chris Godwin throughout‌ the game. ‌He also made crucial scrambles when‍ the situation demanded them.

This was the​ first instance this season where Mayfield benefitted from a strong ground⁢ game. With starting running back ⁢Rachaad White sidelined for this ‍game, Bucky Irving sought to carve out‌ a larger role. However, the unexpected standout was reserve back Sean ‌Tucker, who rushed for 192 yards⁣ from ​scrimmage and scored​ twice. Once regarded as a top prospect, Tucker saw ​his draft ⁤chances decline last year due to medical concerns, ‌but he certainly displayed his potential in Week 6.⁣ It felt like a ⁣”can’t put​ the genie back in the bottle” ​moment for Tucker, ⁢particularly ​for a team that has struggled to ‍establish a reliable ground game for years.

It’s‌ uncertain how the backfield will evolve, and ⁢it will likely turn chaotic for fantasy contexts. However,⁢ it became evident that a productive rushing attack significantly ​enhances this offense, making⁣ it⁣ more ⁢efficient than in ⁤one-dimensional scenarios.

The Buccaneers’ offense is⁢ thoughtfully designed ​and brimming with talent. This year, it has provided one of⁤ the most advantageous environments for fantasy football drafts. Moreover, their ‍quarterback⁣ is not merely⁢ an observer; ⁢Baker Mayfield​ stands as a pivotal factor in the high performance of this scoring unit.

Caleb Williams puts ⁤it together

Caleb Williams has shown improvement each week, even if that development sometimes went unnoticed. Early in‍ the season,⁤ the⁤ signs of progress stemmed from his‍ operational responsibilities. Tasked with⁤ managing signals at the line and ⁢organizing protections ​from the beginning, these‍ are ​challenging tasks for a rookie quarterback. Following the‍ opening game, it became clear that⁣ Williams was gaining confidence ⁣as he adapted to playing outside the structure and began to grasp the limits of ⁢what works in the NFL. While this progress wasn’t always reflected in the‌ statistics, ‌it‍ was nevertheless evident.

His performance in⁢ Week 6 ⁤against⁣ Jacksonville, however, ⁢left no room for ambiguity—it combined the quieter elements of his⁣ game with precise passing in⁢ critical moments.

The out-of-structure ‌aspect of Williams’⁢ game has generated plenty of discussion, both positively and negatively. However, it was his in-rhythm execution that stood out during Week 6. According to ⁢Next Gen Stats, Williams ​excelled on short‌ passes, completing 13 out ⁤of 14 attempts for 111 yards, three ⁤touchdowns, and nine first downs.

He delivered​ accurate throws ​in the ‌red zone to a tightly guarded​ Keenan Allen, ⁣effectively throwing the ‌veteran open. He navigated through ⁤progressions ‍to connect with Cole Kmet for significant plays. He also linked up with Rome Odunze on crucial in-breaking routes to advance the ⁣offense. His only significant misstep​ came on a potential deep touchdown pass to DJ Moore, which instead resulted in‌ an interception. Aside from that play,

Williams exhibited near-perfection in his performance. ​It⁢ was⁤ remarkable⁢ to see him ‍play at such a high level while also involving all his key offensive players.

While Jacksonville’s defense ‍is somewhat⁢ weak, it’s encouraging ‌to ⁤witness Williams excel in these easier scenarios. Managing to​ accomplish this while shouldering significant responsibilities in directing the ⁢offense is ​a promising indication of his⁢ potential for future success. The Bears will⁣ enjoy a bye week in ⁤Week 7 before returning‍ to the field with favorable matchups against ⁢Washington and Arizona. Williams​ and the Bears ⁢seem poised ⁣to have a⁤ series of strong offensive performances.

5 Things I don’t care about

Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s yards per⁢ carry

Let’s hope no one finishes Sunday night football​ ready⁢ to argue about Tyrone Tracy Jr.’s 2.9 yards per carry. That figure⁢ does not accurately⁤ reflect his impact during the game.

Before the ⁤game, the‍ NBC broadcast made it ⁣clear that Tracy is a former wide ​receiver. In Week 6, Tracy showcased more of his wideout skills than he did in⁣ his breakout performance in ‍Week 5.‌ He successfully caught all‍ six of his targets for 57 yards, including several key receptions that ‍advanced the offense. This was ⁣a welcomed development for‍ a team in need of playmakers in the passing game.

Interestingly, in the absence of Devin Singletary over the last two games, Tracy has consistently surprised with‍ his ⁣abilities‌ as‌ a base-down runner.

When Tracy has the ball, he doesn’t resemble a receiver-turned-running‌ back. His ⁢vision enables him ‌to effectively follow​ his⁢ blocks⁢ when available, ‍and he stays well-aligned with​ the line of scrimmage. There’s‌ little wasted motion in his⁣ running style, which is encouraging for⁢ a young player with limited running back ⁣experience.

Next ⁢week, we will likely see Singletary⁤ return to the lineup. However, based on Tracy’s recent ‌performance, there’s no justification for⁣ removing him from the offensive rotation‍ entirely. While Singletary ⁢is a seasoned veteran possessing coach Brian Daboll’s trust due to their shared history, ⁤the Giants⁢ can’t afford ⁢to ⁣ignore a valuable‌ asset.

Tracy‌ possesses that‍ value. He should ⁢continue to receive playing time with this team.

Any ⁣Falcons fantasy complaints

In recent years,⁤ few teams have faced more scrutiny from the ‌fantasy football community than⁣ the Atlanta Falcons. There have been moments ‍this season where it seemed this trend might persist. However, as we conclude⁤ Week⁣ 6, I find it difficult to⁢ take any complaints about their players too seriously.

The initial panic regarding the passing game after ‌Week 1 now feels like ‌a distant ‌past. We overanalyzed the Falcons’ offensive structure after that disappointing opening game, but the situation has simplified significantly. If defenses can pressure Cousins quickly, they can disrupt the offense; if they fail, he is likely to exploit them. According to Next Gen Stats, Cousins completed 13 of 19 passes for 180 yards ⁣on dropbacks lasting 2.5 seconds against ⁣the‌ Panthers. This is consistent⁤ with his season-long trend, as Cousins has⁤ recorded 1,131 ⁣passing yards on dropbacks over​ 2.5 seconds, ranking among the top three quarterbacks ⁣in ​this category.

Forces attempting to pressure Cousins off his spot will have an effect on the ⁣aerial attack. This is crucial to remember‌ as we evaluate matchups‍ weekly, yet for the most part, this looks like the offensive unit we anticipated for the 2024 season.

The​ passing game wasn’t‍ even the standout aspect of the win against⁢ the Panthers. Following a week when Cousins dropped back nearly 62 times, the Falcons dominated Carolina ⁢on the ground. They handed the ball ​to their‌ running backs 33 times, racking up 200 yards‍ and three touchdowns.

Great offenses are those that ⁣can strike in various ways. Atlanta appears to be one ⁣of those units.

Fantasy managers anxious about Bijan Robinson’s performance heading into ⁤this week can⁢ feel reassured after he touched the ball ‍18 times and scored twice.

Zac Robinson’s design⁣ emphasizes making impactful plays and reaching the end zone. While Tyler Allgeier played a significant role, especially ⁤in securing ​the game, it’s important⁣ to recognize that Allgeier is a solid player who ‍isn’t ⁢disappearing anytime‍ soon; ‌it’s something‍ you’ll have to accept. Robinson remains a fantasy RB1 and possesses a high ceiling each week when ‍this offense is functioning well.

Hope was high ​that ⁢the‍ Falcons offense would shift from a⁣ frustrating​ scenario ⁣to one where several young players could enjoy breakout seasons. We have⁣ achieved that goal, even if the journey began somewhat roughly. With upcoming matchups against the Seahawks, Bucs, and⁢ Cowboys, we should soon⁢ see more evidence supporting this reality.

The Patriots’⁢ Loss

The Patriots fell ⁣to the Texans, with Drake ⁣Maye turning ‌the ball over ⁣while ​Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter combined for four sacks. Those wary⁤ of starting the‍ rookie quarterback in this context ⁤had valid concerns about those very issues haunting them before Week 6. However, if your focus ‍remains solely on these elements post-game against Houston, you’re overlooking the broader picture.

Starting Maye wasn’t about redeeming the season or accumulating victories. The Patriots aimed to get him on the field for valuable experience and infuse some life into⁤ an offense that was stagnant under Jacoby Brissett. ⁣This is precisely⁤ what we witnessed in a losing effort.

Maye emerged as the leading rusher for the Patriots that day, accumulating 36 yards. This aspect is worth noting⁢ for fantasy managers seeking ⁢deep quarterback ‍options. He displayed notable off-script talent that allows ‌him to ⁣make ​plays when the original play​ breakdown occurs.‍ No offense needed​ that more than ⁤New⁢ England. Furthermore, he ⁣took shots downfield; no team required a vertical threat more than the⁢ Patriots. His arm talent was evident and ⁢could eventually transform ‍Maye into a game-changer behind ⁣center.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, and it was far from flawless. We ‍expected this reality. Nothing I ‌witnessed on Sunday indicated​ that these reps would be wasted on ⁢Maye or lead to him being “broken,” or anything of that nature. The Patriots offense became significantly more compelling ‍with ‍Maye involved. There are numerous young assets within the team. In due time,⁣ they⁣ could ⁣coalesce⁣ into a functional unit. For now, ‍there were enough positive indicators‍ amid the disarray to validate⁢ the decision ‍to accelerate Maye’s development on ⁢the field.

Blame ​Game in ⁣Jacksonville

Trevor Lawrence was heralded as ‍one‌ of the top quarterback prospects of his generation. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars have struggled with their overall results while he’s been under​ center. ​In light of‌ this reality, discussions about ⁤who bears the blame feel⁤ incessant and ‌cyclical. This‌ evaluation seems particularly pointless at this moment.

Are some of the⁤ skill-position players in Jacksonville⁢ overhyped compared ⁢to their on-field performance? Absolutely.

Could the pass protection improve in ‌pivotal down and distance situations? Certainly.

Is the offensive scheme stale ​or‍ even poor? No doubt about it.

To be diplomatic, does the overall coaching ⁣necessitate improvement?‍ That’s⁢ evidently clear.

Yet, through all of this, Lawrence’s personal performance is still not meeting expectations. He commits errors, misses wide-open receivers, and squanders opportunities. To simplify an intricate situation: while⁤ he⁣ rebounded from a dismal rookie season several years back,‌ he has not ⁢progressed⁣ since that initial improvement.

The ⁢Jaguars epitomize the “both things can be⁣ true” ⁢scenario; however, the issue lies in the multiple factors contributing to their disappointing outcomes. We’ve moved past⁣ the pretense that Lawrence ⁢is an elite ⁣quarterback struggling in a poor ‍environment. ‍Simultaneously, he isn’t actively underperforming; he simply exists in ​the‌ middle of the pack. Likely ⁢closer to the upper tier of mediocrity, but still among the quarterback ranks.

Lawrence ‌is not the problem—far from it. Rather, he is one of many⁤ elements‌ contributing to‌ an exceptionally frustrating performance.

Spooling that entire thread leads ⁤absolutely nowhere. ⁢What truly matters is that ⁣the entire ‌operation in Jacksonville is ​fundamentally⁣ flawed. This has been evident for some time, and it has ‌become an unavoidable reality‍ in the majority of their games this season.

The Jaguars⁤ are heading toward​ a reset in the coming months; it’s only a ⁣question of when‌ the ownership decides to commence that process. When‍ that moment arrives, Lawrence will ‌be integral to the Jaguars’⁢ future. It will be up to the next leadership​ team to ⁤improve the details surrounding Lawrence to optimize his ‍performance;‍ they need ⁤to mask his weaknesses while highlighting ⁣his strengths. It is clear at this point that the current staff‍ has failed ⁣in this task.

Cowboys’ contention⁣ aspirations

On a Sunday filled with decisive victories and significant margins, the Cowboys’ 47-to-9 defeat​ against the Detroit Lions stood out as the most concerning.

This is particularly⁤ alarming when you reflect on the ⁤tightly contested‍ 20-19 ​Cowboys’ victory over the Lions on ⁤December 23,‌ 2023. The team that confronted Detroit on Sunday⁤ seemed to ⁣share no resemblance with that‍ prior squad.

The 2024 Cowboys are not contenders.

In that earlier matchup, the Lions were overwhelmed by Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. During Week ⁢6, Lamb ‍received 14 ⁤passes thrown⁣ his way but managed to gain only 89 yards, never looking poised to dominate the game early‍ on. ​According ⁢to Next Gen Stats, the Lions’ defense‍ recorded a -31.3‍ EPA when⁤ utilizing man coverage, ‌marking the second-highest ​figure for any defense ‍in a single game since 2018. Prescott⁢ completed ‍only five of 14​ passes, with two interceptions,​ against man coverage.

A team like Detroit, which excels at man coverage, poses a significant challenge for the current Cowboys offense. Lamb only played⁢ 27 snaps⁢ in the slot on Sunday. He⁤ has had‍ to take on the X-receiver position ⁢more frequently due ‌to the dire state of their wide receiver depth.⁤ Jalen Tolbert is a decent complementary​ receiver,‍ but he ⁣thrives against zone defenses and requires snaps from ‍the slot. KaVonte Turpin, despite his speed, has limitations ⁣due to his size and can only function in the slot. ​Neither of⁢ them excels‌ against ​man coverage. While ⁤Lamb can perform at the X-receiver position, it makes it easier⁢ for defenses to allocate extra⁣ coverage against him ‍outside.

No other receivers on the team can consistently win one-on-one matchups.

Dallas has struggled against teams​ that can apply physical coverage this​ year, and this trend‌ is likely to persist.

With the challenges⁣ in the passing game and the lack of fear defenses have regarding the running‍ game, the Cowboys’ offense only thrives when the quarterback plays flawlessly. To be frank, Prescott has not been perfect this season.

One can⁢ engage ⁣in the same futile discussions of blame regarding Dak as we have concerning Trevor Lawrence, but ultimately, it feels unproductive. Prescott ⁣is a superior quarterback ⁢compared ⁣to Lawrence, yet‍ his team ‍has⁢ an even narrower margin for error, making Prescott’s mistakes feel even more devastating.

The weakness of the Dallas Cowboys ⁣offense isn’t‌ the most significant issue; that distinction belongs to‍ their struggling ⁢defense. However, the defensive unit⁤ is sufficiently problematic⁤ that it⁢ cannot compensate for the shortcomings on the offensive side. ⁤The Cowboys may dominate weaker teams, but against⁣ robust defenses and⁤ genuine contenders, ⁤they will fall well short of expectations.