It seems like yesterday that the NFL season began, but fans are slowly realizing it’s approaching the halfway mark. Apart from a few lackluster teams, there are many sides who still have an opportunity to make a name for themselves this season. Many teams gained the momentum they had been seeking for a while in week seven, and the league standings may begin to shift going forward. That being said, it’s not over until it’s over, and plenty of time remains.
Here’s a recap of every important moment that defined week seven of the NFL:
Thursday Night Football
Jacksonville Jaguars 31 – New Orleans Saints 24
The Jaguars pulled off their first four game win streak since 2017 after narrowly defeating their Thursday night opponents. Jacksonville’s defense did not allow the Saints to score a touchdown until the final quarter, but lacked the offensive strife it carried in the first half. The Saints scored 15 points in the final quarter, and tied the game at 24 points a side. However, Jaguar’s quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s only touchdown pass of the game was crucial, giving his team the lead with three minutes remaining.
Meanwhile, Saints quarterback Derek Carr only tossed one touchdown, along with a pick-six late in the third quarter. Along with a missed kick from kicker Blake Grupe, New Orleans’ mistakes began to add up, leading to experience defeat. They were only six yards away from the end zone in the final seconds, but could not capitalize on their final fourth down. Jaguar’s running back Travis Etienne excelled, earning two touchdowns in his third straight game. His team will look to keep their winning streak moving forward against the Steelers in week eight.
Sunday
Detroit Lions 6 – Baltimore Ravens 38
Two touchdowns in each quarter of the first half was only the beginning of the beatdown handed to the Detroit Lions this weekend. Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson finished the game with three passing touchdowns and a rushing touchdown. He also completed 21 of 27 attempts and tossed for 373 yards. The Lions had no chance when it came to rushing the ball, only earning 84 rushing yards throughout. Their quarterback Jared Goff did not help his team’s case, failing to toss a touchdown and instead an interception.
The Lions have failed to defeat the Ravens since 2005 and have been defeated by them five times straight. They will look to regain momentum in week eight against Las Vegas. Meanwhile, Baltimore now holds sole position of first place in the AFC north in putting an end to Detroit’s best start since 2011.
Las Vegas Raiders 12 – Chicago Bears 30
With quarterback Justin Fields sidelined, the Bears decision to start rookie Tyson Bagent paid off wonderfully. In his first career NFL start, Bagent completed 21 of 29 attempts and tossed a touchdown late in the third quarter. His team’s defense was immaculate, as the Raiders were limited to just 39 rushing yards. Las Vegas was also forced to improvise, as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo continued to sit out. Three interceptions were thrown across quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and Aidan O’Connell, one of which led to a Bear’s touchdown.
Chicago’s running back D’onta Foreman made the most impact, earning two touchdowns and helping Bagent complete his first NFL victory. This also marks the Bear’s largest victory over the Raiders in history. As the Bears continue to search for momentum, week eight against the Chargers will serve as a great opportunity to continue their climb.
Cleveland Browns 39 – Indianapolis Colts 38
The closest game of the weekend remained even throughout and concluded with an exciting finish. The Colts led by five points late in the final quarter, but a touchdown from Brown’s running back Kareem Hunt sealed the deal for Cleveland. Hunt finished the day with two rushing touchdowns, while fellow running back Jerome Ford earned one as well. Brown’s kicker Dustin Hopkins also played essential to his team’s success, scoring all four field goal attempts taken. The Browns failed to pass into the end zone once, but completed victory with a solid rush game and a returned fumble by the Colts.
Meanwhile Colt’s quarterback Gardner Minshew tossed two touchdowns, but lost the ball on three fumbles and tossed an interception. His final fumble cost his team the game, as it was his team’s final drive. Minshew has now tossed four interceptions in two games after not having one the first five weeks. Brown’s quarterback Deshaun Watson left the game late in the first quarter with a head injury after returning from a two week shoulder injury. The Browns will look to have him back in week eight against the Seahawks.
Buffalo Bills 25 – New England Patriots 29
After winning just one game in six weeks for the first time since 1995, the New England Patriots decided it was time to rattle their fans. The Bills appeared the clear favorites heading into Sunday’s matchup, but Patriot’s quarterback Mac Jones said otherwise. He finished the game with two touchdowns and 272 yards. New England did give their opponents some room to win, conceding a fumble and allowing Bill’s quarterback Josh Allen to throw two touchdowns. However, a fumble from Allen on his team’s final drive handed the Patriots their second victory of the season.
Allen also tossed an interception for the third game straight, as the Patriots snapped their four game losing streak to Buffalo. The Bills earned three more first downs than their opponents, however, lost more yards after Allen was sacked seven times. The two games that Jones did not throw an interception this season have concluded in victory for the Patriots. This may be the key to their success, but they will face a challenge in week eight against the Dolphins.
Washington Commanders 7 – New York Giants 14
As Giant’s quarterback Daniel Jones missed his second straight week, a determined Commanders team looked to capitalize. However, they were stopped in their tracks by New York’s defense and an excellent effort from quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Both of Taylor’s two touchdowns came in the second quarter, while he also achieved 279 yards throughout the game. The Giants lost the ball to two different fumbles, but Washington failed to capitalize. Their quarterback Sam Howell failed to find the end zone, and tossed an interception which allowed for a Giants scoring drive.
Commander’s running back Brian Robinson scored his side’s only touchdown of the game in the third quarter. Finally, kicker Joey Slye missed his only field goal attempt of the game, failing to give Washington some momentum in the fourth quarter. The ball was punted 18 different times throughout the game, while only six of 31 total third downs were converted. With Washington’s 76 rushing yards and inability to score, the Giants held on for the win. They face the Jets in week eight, as they look to climb out of last place in the division
Atlanta Falcons 16 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13
After their bye in week five, the Buccaneers have failed to look as good as before. In a game tied at half time, these division rivals were dead even while looking to claim first place in the NFC south. However, two Atlanta field goals to one for Tampa Bay in the second half earned the Falcons a victory and first place in the division. Both kickers failed to miss a field goal attempt, but both teams made crucial offensive mistakes in the second half.
The Falcons had two of their three fumbles occur, while Tampa Bay fumbled the ball and their quarterback Baker Mayfield threw an interception. Big plays from Falcon’s quarterback Desmond Ridder allowed his team to get into field goal position easier and ultimately earn more scoring chances. Ridder tossed 250 yards, and completed 19 of 25 attempts. As new division leaders, the Falcons will make a trip to Tennessee next weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers 24 – Los Angeles Rams 17
Coming off a bye week did not seem to affect the momentum of the Pittsburgh Steelers as they entered Los Angeles with one goal in mind. After a scoreless first quarter from both sides, the Steelers only managed a field goal by halftime. The second half opened with an interception from Ram’s quarterback Matthew Stafford, allowing the Steelers to start just seven yards away from the end zone. This interception played crucial, as this resulted in a Steeler’s touchdown for running back Najee Harris. Stafford tossed a touchdown in the first half but failed to score again.
Meanwhile, Steeler’s quarterback Kenny Pickett did not throw a touchdown either, but earned a rushing touchdown and passed accurately, completing 17 of 25 attempts. Running back Jaylen Warren also scored a rushing touchdown for Pittsburgh and helped his team to a one score victory. Without Stafford’s interception, this game easily could have been won by the Rams. They had more first and third downs, more time with the ball, and less penalty conversions. Goes to show that one mistake can unfortunately cost a team the game.
Arizona Cardinals 10 – Seattle Seahawks 20
Losing to a team four times straight can never be a good feeling. Unfortunately for the Cardinals, that’s exactly what happened this past Sunday against the Seahawks. They failed to score in the second half, while Seattle added two field goals to their already four point lead at halftime. Seahawk’s quarterback Geno Smith shined in the first half, tossing a touchdown in each of the first two quarters. His second half performance was not as smooth, as he tossed an interception and fumbled the ball.
The Cardinals failed to capitalize on these mistakes. Kicker Matt Prater missed a field goal attempt, while quarterback Joshua Dobbs failed to throw a touchdown. The Cardinals were also hurt by penalties, losing 60 yards to seven flags against them. They now hold the status of second worst team in the league, as they face a strong Baltimore Ravens in week eight.
Green Bay Packers 17 – Denver Broncos 19
Only one turnover occurred at Empower Field this past weekend, but it played crucial to the defeat of the Green Bay Packers. They failed to score in the first half, but had the strength to climb a 13 point deficit in the second half. The Packers led by one point midway through the final quarter with the help of two touchdown passes from quarterback Jordan Love. Denver regained the lead late in the quarter as kicker Will Lutz scored his fourth field goal of the game. Lutz made all four attempts at bat.
After a penalty sent their team back 20 yards, Love tossed an interception on Green Bay’s final drive. The victory was handed to Denver who now lead the all-time series between the two sides 8-7-1. The Packers have lost three straight and will face the Minnesota Vikings in an intense divisional matchup.
Los Angeles Chargers 17 – Kansas City Chiefs 31
With the help of pop icon Taylor Swift in the stands yet again, the Chiefs have now beaten the Chargers four times straight. A majority of the scoring was done in the first half, as Chief’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes tossed three touchdowns in the second quarter. He also tossed an interception, but added another touchdown late in the game. Tight end Travis Kelce shined for the Chiefs, earning 179 yards across 12 receptions and a touchdown. Mahomes found four different receivers for each touchdown, exemplifying the versatility of Kansas City’s offense.
As for Los Angeles, they were able to hold the Chiefs to just 68 rushing yards, but poor coverage on passing resulted in defeat. Their quarterback Justin Herbert threw a touchdown, but made too many errors. Chief’s tight end Blake Bell fumbled the ball on the opening drive of the second half, however the Chargers failed to profit from it. Herbert tossed his first of two interceptions on the following drive, as his team failed to score in the second half. The Chargers will play the Bears next Sunday night.
Miami Dolphins 17 – Philadelphia Eagles 31
Although Eagle’s quarterback Jalen Hurts tossed a pick six late in the third quarter, his team’s performance was enough for victory. The Eagles held the Dolphins to just 12 first downs while they managed 26 of their own. They also had a perfect fourth down conversion rate, completing all four at hand.
As the top two teams in the league faced off, so did two former Alabama University quarterbacks. Dolphin’s quarterback Tua Tagovailoa came up short to Hurts, despite both men throwing an interception. Hurts did have a fumble, but tossed two touchdown passes and 279 yards to Tagovailoa’s one touchdown and 216 yards. Hurts also earned a rushing touchdown. Philadelphia wide receiver A.J. Brown contributed to his team’s victory greatly, earning 137 yards and a touchdown.
Tight end Dallas Goedert also earned a touchdown for the Eagles while his team led in passing and rushing yards. Philadelphia’s hunt for another super bowl chance continues against the Commanders in week eight.
Monday Night Football
San Francisco 49ers 17 – Minnesota Vikings 22
After a red hot start to the season, the 49ers failed to find their stride for the second week straight. That being said, despite fumbling on the first drive of the game, 49er’s running back Christian Mccaffrey scored a touchdown. McCaffrey has now scored a touchdown in every game this season. Viking’s quarterback Kirk Cousins also caused a turnover on his teams first drive, tossing his only interception of the game. He finished with two touchdowns and 378 yards. In the absence of Justin Jefferson, rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison stepped up for the Vikings, earning two touchdowns and 123 yards.
49er’s quarterback Brock Purdy tossed 272 yards and a touchdown, but was intercepted twice by Viking’s safety Camryn Bynum. Purdy tossed his second interception of the game on his team’s final drive, handing the Vikings their third victory this season. Turnovers hurt the 49ers throughout, along with ten less minutes of ball possession than Minnesota. They will look to return to their blistering form in week eight against the Bengals.
Teams On Bye:
- Carolina Panthers
- Houston Texans
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- Cincinnati Bengals
