Spotlight shines on Trevon Diggs, Tua, Mixon, Lamb, and Kupp, and kudos go to the Ravens, Bengals, and Chiefs.
Don’t throw at Trevon Diggs. (Disclaimer: I blame that last touchdown on the safety.) Diggs has seven interceptions through six games, and he is playing out of his mind. At some point, QBs need to stop throwing at him because he’s a guaranteed interception machine. On Sunday, he jumped a slant route late in the game and took it back to the house for what should have been the game-winning pick-six. Diggs has always been an excellent DB, but he has taken it to another level in 2021.
Are teams losing for this? Get the #1 overall pick. This year, there’s an issue. Most mock drafts have a defensive lineman going first. While linemen are essential, they don’t affect a franchise’s future as a QB does. That means it’s hard to get excited this year about who ends up picking first in 2022.
Tua is back in action. Tua came back from injury, and the big question was how well he would do. Very well is the answer–329 yards and two TDs. But the Dolphins are 1-5 in a season where they had playoff aspirations. With Deshaun Watson rumors popping up, Tua might be playing to keep his job because Miami is impatient regarding its signal-callers. The clock is ticking in South Florida.
Put on your tinfoil hats. Hear me out on this one. It’s about emails. The NFL released emails implicating Jon Gruden in really bad stuff. That opens Pandora’s Box, and ProFootballTalk brought up good points about how dangerous that could be. Do you think teams might go after each other using cyberspace evidence? I hope owners and GMs are above that, but let’s just say I love a good conspiracy theory.
Week 5 Power Rankings
Ravens: The Week 6 GOW was Ravens-Chargers, and the game was over almost as soon as it began. The Ravens won compellingly, dominating all aspects of the game, all game long. It was a complete team win against a very worthy opponent.
Chiefs: The big bounceback win for the Chiefs was headlined by an excellent defensive performance. It was a win they absolutely had to have, and they got it.
Cowboys: To me, it felt as though Dallas tried losing this game. After getting a huge pick-six, the ‘Boys D up a TD bomb. But just when it looked like the Pats would find a way to win, Dallas took care of business and fought back to win in OT.
Bengals: I heard a lot of talk this past week about how the Lions would get their first win. That didn’t happen, and, to boot, the Bengals had their widest victory margin of the year. Now at only one game back of the division-leading Ravens, the teams go head-to-head on Sunday in Baltimore. Vegas opened at Ravens -6.5. What do you think?
Mount Rushmore Worthy Performances
Ceedee Lamb–9 receptions, 149 yards, two TDs: Lamb was a critical part of Dallas’ overtime win, Prescott’s #1 target all night. It was a massive game for Lamb and a needed win for Dallas.
Cooper Kupp–9 receptions, 149 yards, two TDs: Kupp was all over the field in a blowout win over the Giants. Let me say it again: Cooper Kupp is one of the most consistent and lethal receivers in the NFL.
Joe Mixon–94 rushing yards, 59 receiving yards, one TD: Mixon ran through the Lions. With a young QB and receiving core, Cincinnati needs a rusher like Joe to keep the offense moving. and he has been doing that consistently.
Kirk Cousins–373 yards, three TDs: The Vikings needed a big win in Week 5 to stay in playoff conversation and they got it. And while Cousins came through on Sunday, there are constant questions about whether he has what it takes to lead this team to the playoffs. With the win, Cousins bought himself time to show doubters they were wrong. Now two games back of the Packers, the Vikes get a rest this week (bye) before taking on the Cowboys on Haloween in the Sunday Night Game. Trick or treat for Cousins?
