Each week during this NFL season, we’ll dissect the highs, lows, and everything in between from the latest batch of professional football. In this week’s review, despite Joe Burrow throwing five touchdown passes, he ended the game on the losing side. Meanwhile, Dak Prescott had three turnovers but emerged victorious by the end of the (late) night. Welcome to Winners and Losers.
Winner: The Rivalry Between Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow
The competition for Game of the Year has reached a conclusion. Nothing can surpass what we witnessed on Sunday in Cincinnati, where the Ravens pulled off a stunning 41-38 overtime victory. This game showcased an ideal blend of elite performances from star players alongside some comical moments. It was the kind of match that made fans overlook the earlier scoring issues that plagued the league during the season’s initial weeks, as the quarterbacks collectively amassed 740 passing yards and nine touchdowns.
For the first 57 minutes, both Jackson and Burrow demonstrated no difficulties in connecting on passes before alternately attempting to sabotage their own chances of winning. With the Bengals holding a three-point advantage and just over three minutes remaining in regulation, Burrow attempted a risky throw to Ja’Marr Chase. The Ravens intercepted him, paving the way for a game-tying field goal. Then, Baltimore’s opening possession in overtime came to an abrupt halt when Jackson fumbled a perfectly handled snap, which Cincinnati recovered. After three consecutive rushing attempts by the Bengals were stuffed, Evan McPherson failed to convert a 53-yard field goal that could have won the game (after being momentarily halted by his coach, Zac Taylor). A lengthy run by Derrick Henry ultimately set up a chip shot game-winner for Justin Tucker.
Though both teams faced significant challenges as the game came to a close, this match should be commemorated for the highlights we witnessed from Jackson and Burrow. It felt like the first genuine clash of titans between the AFC North rivals. Previous encounters have often been lackluster or overwhelmingly one-sided. Due to their respective injury issues, fans had only been treated to five matchups between Jackson and Burrow before this electrifying showdown.
Combined Statistics of Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow in Head-to-Head Matchups
| Game | Result | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game | Result | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| W7 2021 | CIN W 41-17 | 673 | 4 | 1 |
| W5 2022 | BAL W 19-17 | 391 | 2 | 2 |
| W2 2023 | BAL W 27-24 | 459 | 4 | 1 |
| W11 2023 | BAL W 34-20 | 365 | 3 | 0 |
| W5 2024 | BAL W 41-38 | 740 | 9 | 1 |
Via TruMedia
Each quarterback excelled in their unique fashion. Burrow excelled as the traditional pocket passer, dissecting Baltimore’s secondary with swift, precise throws. Jackson also showcased his skills from the pocket—executing several touch passes that navigated over the second level of the Bengals defense—but his most remarkable moments occurred outside the typical structure, particularly highlighted by his spectacular play in the red zone.
Casually stiff-arming a defensive end earning $10 million annually is a play that ranks in the 99th percentile, and it was the third most remarkable accomplishment Jackson achieved in those exhilarating 12 seconds of football. The corkscrew, fadeaway pass stood out as the most impressive aspect of this play and exemplifies Jackson’s extraordinary throwing talent. Baltimore relied heavily on that talent to orchestrate their second-half comeback. With Cincinnati fully committed to containing Henry, who managed only 30 rushing yards in regulation, Jackson had to make significant plays through the air. He stepped up in a win that defied expectations.
Although this defeat might feel demoralizing for Cincinnati, the offense has performed at a high level reminiscent of their Super Bowl journey in 2021. Burrow was meticulous, Chase displayed his dynamism, and Tee Higgins was a reliable option to move the chains. Burrow achieved a personal best with five touchdown passes. While Cincinnati now sits at 1-4 after this loss, the offense ranks second in expected points added per play, second in success rate, and eighth in yards per play. Additionally, the Bengals boast a top-10 rushing game by EPA, and the offensive line has posted the second-lowest pressure rate this season, according to TruMedia. This is the type of offense Cincinnati has aspired to build over recent years.
The Bengals’ defense has been disappointing, but improvements are anticipated over the upcoming month, as they face four struggling offenses. With upcoming games against the Giants, Browns, Eagles, and Raiders, Cincinnati has the potential to go on a winning streak before they face Baltimore again on November 7. Conversely, the Ravens will compete against the Commanders and Bucs before their schedule lightens with matchups against Denver and Cleveland. Depending on how the Steelers perform, that rematch could turn out to be crucial for the AFC North title. At the very least, it could have significant implications for the playoff race. Here’s hoping it’s half as thrilling as the game we witnessed on Sunday.
Loser: Sean McDermott’s Clock Management
We lost the opportunity for a second overtime spectacle between AFC rivals, primarily due to McDermott’s ongoing battle with proper clock management in late-game situations. Nothing will ever surpass “13 seconds,” but the transformation of this scenario into a 23-20 loss in regulation certainly deserves a round of applause.
The Bills found themselves without any timeouts and needed to cover a distance of 65 yards in less than 31 seconds to make it into position for a potentially game-winning field goal. There was no room for mistakes. Meanwhile, the Texans, holding three timeouts, also had the opportunity to reclaim possession and aim for their own game-winning field goal. At this stage, managing the clock became Buffalo’s top priority. However, Josh Allen opted to throw a deep pass intended for Keon Coleman, which resulted in an incompletion, stopping the clock and effectively forcing Buffalo to attempt two additional passes in succession.
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Both fell short, resulting in a punt from the Bills. The game-winner for Houston soon came to pass.
This incident was primarily a clock management mistake, but ultimately, field position sealed Buffalo’s fate. With the ball placed on the 3-yard line, Bills punter Sam Martin had limited space to maneuver yet managed to execute a decent kick given the circumstances. However, Buffalo’s protection unit needed to sustain its blocks a moment longer to avoid a game-losing blocked kick, ensuring Houston would secure a solid return. Robert Woods maneuvered it to Buffalo’s 46-yard line, followed by a quick pass from C.J. Stroud to reach the 41, paving the way for Ka’imi Fairbairn to finish the job.
In his post-game press conference, McDermott admitted responsibility for the loss and will face scrutiny regarding his game management in the week ahead. Buffalo now sits at 3-2 after commencing the season with a trio of victories. Any goodwill McDermott had cultivated in those initial three weeks has vanished after a blowout loss to Baltimore and consecutive defeats to Houston. With a road game looming against a Jets team that has troubled Buffalo for the past two years—resulting in two inexplicable losses to Zach Wilson—prospects may worsen for the veteran coach.
Winners: Late Bedtimes
The Steelers and Cowboys certainly made us work for it. For those who endured the NFL’s lengthy day, which began at 9:30 a.m. on the East Coast with the Vikings-Jets matchup and concluded at 1 a.m. due to inclement weather causing a nearly 90-minute delay for the Steelers-Cowboys game, the thrilling end in Pittsburgh was rewarding. Dallas narrowly clinched a 20-17 victory, with Dak Prescott connecting with Jalen Tolbert on fourth down for the decisive touchdown in the final seconds.
The Cowboys did their best to throw away the game. Prescott committed three turnovers, including an ill-advised deep interception that set up Pittsburgh’s go-ahead drive late in the fourth quarter. He also squandered points with a red zone interception right before halftime and was strip-sacked at Pittsburgh’s 11-yard line during the last play of the first quarter. As if that weren’t enough, Rico Dowdle fumbled on a second-down rush just two plays before Prescott made the game-winning throw, although Prescott managed to recover the ball.
Aside from the turnovers, Prescott showed efficiency in his performance, averaging 8.4 yards per attempt and 0.19 Expected Points Added per dropback. However, this would have remained a mere sidenote had Prescott failed to locate Tolbert in the end zone on a crucial must-score fourth down in the game’s closing moments.
Despite the close score, Dallas dominated the matchup. Their defense limited Justin Fields to 131 passing yards on 27 attempts and permitted only 92 rushing yards. With this victory, the Cowboys improved to 3-2, and more significantly, they averted a week filled with uncomfortable inquiries.
Losers: The Browns and Deshaun Watson
Watson’s performance was subpar. Analyzing the Browns’ 34-13 defeat to the formidable Commanders hardly requires further elaboration, but let’s delve into it. Watson displayed the same shortcomings he has exhibited since becoming Cleveland’s starting quarterback in 2022:
rated lower than now-benched Gardner Minshew’s overall QBR.
— Chris Fedor (@ChrisFedor) October 6, 2024
Watson is currently averaging -0.30 EPA per dropback after five weeks. This marks the worst start for any Browns quarterback since the start of the century—which is quite a significant (or insignificant?) benchmark—and only Will Levis, a quarterback known for remarkable turnovers, has performed worse this season.
This serves as a reminder that the Browns committed a fully guaranteed $230 million contract to Watson in 2022, obligating them to at least three more seasons of paying him to disappoint each week. It may appear that the financial situation cannot worsen, but believe me, it can. Watson’s cap hits in Cleveland have fluctuated between $9.4 million and $27.9 million throughout the initial three years of the contract. However, in the final two years, they are set to surge to an alarming $72.9 million. Restructuring the deal would extend the club’s financial obligation to Watson, while outright releasing him would impose a staggering $172.9 million dead cap penalty. The front office could urge Watson to make a concession and reduce his salary to enable the team to stay competitive in the upcoming seasons, but it’s doubtful that a player with such an uncertain future in the NFL would agree to that. Furthermore, Watson doesn’t appear overly inclined to act in the best interest of the team.
The Browns find themselves bound to Watson’s contract, and it appears they are equally shackled to him in the starting role. Following Sunday’s matchup, head coach Kevin Stefanski declared that Watson would continue as the starter, despite growing demands from fans for backup Jameis Winston to step in. Cleveland seems to remain in a state of “denial” despite overwhelming evidence suggesting it’s time to bench Watson. Here’s the most compelling evidence supporting that claim.
Among quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks for Cleveland since 2022, only fifth-round draft choice Dorian Thompson-Robinson has posted a lower EPA per snap than Watson, according to TruMedia.
Watson has been decisively outperformed by journeymen Jacoby Brissett and Joe Flacco. It’s easy to assert now, given Flacco’s strong performances for the Colts over the last two weeks—including a three-touchdown outing in Jacksonville on Sunday—that the Browns would have been better off keeping their $232 million embarrassment sidelined and retaining the quarterback who led the team to the playoffs last season.
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While it may be tempting to single out Watson as the face of Cleveland’s dysfunction, the franchise’s issues originate at the top with owner Jimmy Haslam. He not only made the ultimate decision to trade for a player facing 24 pending civil suits for sexual misconduct and/or assault at that time, but he also set a league precedent by awarding him a fully guaranteed contract. With the NFL probing yet“`html
In London, Wilson stood out with 13 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown during the Jets’ 23-17 defeat. However, it took Rodgers targeting Wilson 22 times to achieve these numbers. While this performance might register as a respectable outing for a receiver catching balls from Bo Nix, the Jets will require more from their primary receiving option if they hope to contend for a playoff spot.
Despite the statistics, there appears to be a disconnect between Wilson and Rodgers. They’ve faced challenges connecting on throws to the outside, especially on back-shoulder fades, and have only linked up for two passes exceeding 15 air yards. The chemistry on deep passes seems stagnant, particularly after Rodgers missed a wide-open Wilson on what could have been a game-winning touchdown.
The absence of explosive plays puts Wilson on track to achieve career lows in receiving yards and touchdowns, with Rodgers displaying a similar level of trust in Allen Lazard as he does in Wilson. While this is encouraging for Lazard, it does not support an efficient passing game.
Although Wilson has a promising future, building the kind of rapport with Rodgers that the quarterback had with Adams in Green Bay could require years—a luxury the Jets simply do not have. This team is firmly in win-now mode. It may seem shortsighted to sacrifice future assets in a potential trade for Adams, who recently requested a trade from the Raiders, yet general manager Joe Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh may face unemployment if they fail to secure a playoff berth.
For the Jets to succeed, they must discover explosive plays within their passing game. Currently, they possess the third-lowest explosive play rate in the NFL, surpassing only Chicago and Cleveland, and have recorded just one explosive gain from play-action, according to TruMedia. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has not provided solutions in the run game, which could facilitate deeper passes, nor has he offered any schematic advantages with his play calling. Acquiring more receiving talent and allowing Rodgers to take charge may be the last option available to these Jets.
Losers: Panthers Fans
As a Panthers fan, I found it necessary to turn off the Bears’ 36-10 victory over Carolina to safeguard my mental well-being. I had witnessed enough of Caleb Williams evading the Panthers pass rush and dissecting their clearly outmatched secondary. If you possess the misfortune of supporting this beleaguered team, I advise against clicking this link.
Choosing to turn off the game proved wise. Not only did the Bears secure a straightforward win in a tedious second half, but Bryce Young—serving as a constant reminder that Carolina traded away the pick eventually used by Chicago to select Williams—made a fleeting appearance during garbage time.
It would have been easier to digest all of this if Williams had continued to perform poorly as he did in the first couple of games. However, the 2024 first pick has been improving week to week, culminating in three solid performances in succession following a rocky start.
Williams is excelling in all the areas Bears fans would hope for. He is creating plays outside the structure of the offense and making off-platform throws with relative ease, showcasing precise quick-game accuracy since Week 1. On Sunday, he made Carolina’s defense appear like a Pac-12 unit. His performance has also“`html
at the Arizona 14-yard line with a 10-point advantage. Up to that point, San Francisco had successfully moved the football, making another score seem unavoidable. The Cardinals, holding onto a 6.8 percent win probability as per ESPN, were on the brink of a 1-4 start to a season that had initiated with considerable optimism. Such a deficit would have made it challenging for second-year coach Jonathan Gannon, whose Arizona record would have plummeted to 5-17 if they lost. However, Gannon’s defense managed to shut out the 49ers for the final 20 minutes, providing Murray with the opportunity to orchestrate a comeback to secure a 23-21 victory. Gannon achieved his first notable win as a head coach, and the Cardinals positioned themselves just one game behind in the NFC West, following the Giants’ upset over the Seahawks in Seattle.
In the victory, Arizona benefited from several pivotal breaks, including an early injury that sidelined 49ers kicker Jake Moody. Nonetheless, it was Gannon’s defensive adjustments and courageous decision-making that truly secured the win for the Cardinals. Acknowledging that his team was overmatched by the reigning champions, Gannon opted to shift the game into a series of unpredictable moments through some bold choices. If the Cardinals could win even one or two of these moments, they stood a chance at victory. The first pivotal decision came shortly after Arizona narrowed the deficit to 23-19 with a Murray touchdown pass; instead of opting for the extra point to reduce the lead to three, Gannon kept his offense on the field for a two-point conversion, a departure from the typical strategy employed by most coaches.
The subsequent critical moment arose midway through the fourth quarter. The 49ers penetrated deep into Arizona territory, just 8 yards shy of a touchdown that could seal the game when reserve linebacker Jesse Luketa made a spectacular diving attempt to knock the ball from Jordan Mason’s grasp.
The Cardinals emerged victorious in the ensuing scramble for possession, setting the stage for a potential game-winning drive led by Murray and his offense. However, this drive almost stalled around midfield until Murray and rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. combined for a crucial throw and catch on fourth down, rescuing Arizona from a potential setback.
As time wound down, the Cardinals worked diligently to chew up the clock for a game-winning kick. Despite their efforts, the 49ers’ defense stood firm, forcing Arizona to relinquish the ball with 97 seconds remaining. This allowed enough time for Brock Purdy to initiate a game-winning drive, but it quickly dissipated before gaining any momentum. In yet another pivotal decision, Gannon called for an audacious blitz that created an unblocked path for safety Jalen Thompson to the 49ers quarterback. Thompson struck Purdy just before he could connect with an open George Kittle, causing the ball to sail upward, where Kyzir White dramatically intercepted it, effectively ending the 49ers’ hopes.
Had any of these three critical plays swayed in San Francisco’s favor—or if Moody hadn’t been injured while attempting to tackle on a kickoff—the Cardinals’ season likely would have been on the brink of disaster, and Gannon would be facing inquiries regarding his job security. Instead, the Cardinals achieved a significant win, marking a promising step forward for this young squad.
Winner: Defense and Special Teams Scoring
Following a challenging September for NFL offenses, scoring saw a rise across the league in Week 5,
After Jason Myers’s game-tying field goal was blocked in the final minute, a 60-yard return ensued.
In the midst of those plays, Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II capitalized on a wayward throw from Gardner Minshew, making a remarkable 100-yard interception return.
Interestingly, this was not the longest defensive touchdown of the day. That distinction belonged to Seahawks defensive back Rayshawn Jenkins, who returned an Eric Gray fumble for a stunning 102 yards, diving into the end zone.
The special teams of the 49ers and the defense of the Rams also reached the end zone, despite their teams’ losses. Notably, this wasn’t even close to the record for the most non-offensive touchdowns achieved in a single week. In Week 12 of the 2020 season, a total of 11 touchdowns were scored by defense and special teams combined. This may suggest that a remedy for the league’s scoring slump has finally been discovered.
Week 5 NFL Winners and Losers: Burrow’s Touchdowns Can’t Save the Bengals, While Jackson and Baltimore Claim Thrilling Victory
Winners of Week 5
Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson showcased his elite dual-threat capabilities during the Ravens’ thrilling victory, affirming his status as one of the premier quarterbacks in the league. Jackson threw for over 300 yards and added multiple touchdowns on the ground, leading his team to a crucial win. His ability to extend plays and create opportunities for his teammates was on full display, making the Ravens a formidable contender this season.
- Key Stats:
- Passing Yards: 315
- Rushing Yards: 75
- Total Touchdowns: 4
- Impact on the Season: This victory boosts Baltimore’s playoff aspirations, placing them firmly in the conversation for AFC dominance.
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins continued their impressive season with a commanding win against the New York Jets. Tua Tagovailoa led the offense with precision, and the Dolphins’ explosive playmaking ability was evident throughout the game.
- Key Highlights:
- Tagovailoa threw for 350 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- The offense averaged 7.5 yards per play.
- Team Chemistry: The Dolphins are developing a strong rapport on offense, making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.
Losers of Week 5
Cincinnati Bengals
Despite Joe Burrow’s remarkable performance, including throwing for three touchdowns, the Bengals fell short against the Ravens. The team’s defensive struggles and inconsistent play-calling plagued their chances of securing the win.
- Key Issues:
- Defensive breakdowns allowed Baltimore to score at will.
- Lack of a consistent running game hindered offensive balance.
- Future Outlook: The Bengals must address their defensive issues if they hope to remain competitive this season.
New York Jets
The Jets’ struggles continued as they faced the Dolphins. The offense failed to find rhythm, and defensive lapses allowed Miami to dominate the game.
- Performance Overview:
- Quarterback struggles: The Jets’ QB situation remains uncertain, impacting the entire offense.
- Defensive inconsistencies: Missed tackles and blown coverages were evident throughout the game.
- Next Steps: The Jets need to regroup and reassess their strategy moving forward to salvage their season.
Notable Performances
Standout Players
| Player | Team | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Lamar Jackson | Baltimore Ravens | 315 Passing Yards, 75 Rushing Yards, 4 Total TDs |
| Tua Tagovailoa | Miami Dolphins | 350 Passing Yards, 3 TDs |
| Joe Burrow | Cincinnati Bengals | 300 Passing Yards, 3 TDs |
Key Takeaways from Week 5
Defensive Strategies
Defensive performance has proven critical this week, with teams that could effectively contain their opponents’ offenses emerging victorious. The Ravens displayed a balanced approach, utilizing both blitzing and coverage schemes to pressure Burrow and disrupt the Bengals’ rhythm.
Offensive Execution
Execution in the red zone has become increasingly vital. Teams like the Dolphins have capitalized on their scoring opportunities, while others like the Bengals have faltered, leading to missed chances and ultimately affecting the game outcomes.
Practical Tips for Fans and Teams
- Stay Updated: Following injury reports and player performances closely can provide insights into team strategies and potential upsets.
- Analyze Matchups: Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of opposing teams can enhance predictions and engagement with games.
- Engage with the Community: Join discussions and forums to share insights and enhance your understanding of the game.
Conclusion
The unfolding narratives of Week 5 in the NFL have set the stage for an exciting season ahead. With teams like the Ravens and Dolphins asserting their dominance, while others like the Bengals and Jets reassess their strategies, the competition is heating up. As fans, analysts, and players look to the future, the lessons learned from these matchups will be crucial in determining the paths of these teams moving forward.
