NFL Week 6 takeaways – Lessons, big questions for every game

You are welcome to Week 6 You can find the 2022 NFL season Nowhere else top-10 team Is safe.

The Green Bay Packers In a loss to The, offense was silent New York Jets Just one week after losing to The New York Giants. They handed the Giants Lamar Jackson And the Baltimore Ravens They suffered their third loss of season. Even the San Francisco 49ers And the Tampa Bay Buccaneers The victim of losses Atlanta Falcons And Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively.

Elsewhere, Matt Ryan And the Indianapolis Colts To beat the, put up 15 points in the fourth quarter Jacksonville JaguarsThe Cincinnati Bengals He came from behind to win against the New Orleans Saints, rookie QB Bailey Zappe Thrown for more than 300 yards in a New England Patriots Win over the Cleveland Browns And the Minnesota Vikings Continue to build their lead in NFC North by beating the Miami Dolphins. On Thursday, the Commanders managed a win of 12-7 over the Chicago Bears.

The action will continue in Week 7, with four teams having a bye. Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans And the Tennessee Titans.

The NFL Nation reporters discuss the key takeaways and questions from this week’s matchups. We also look forward to next week. Let’s get on with it.

Jump to a matchup

WSH-CHI | SF-ATL | NE-CLE
NYJ-GB | JAX-IND | MIN-MIA
CIN-NO | BAL-NYG | TB-PIT

Falcons

What you need to know: Marcus Mariota He showed Sunday that he is still a dynamic performer in a controlled offense. Mariota ran six times for 50 yards with a touchdown and completed 13 of 14 passes to gain 129 yards. He did not throw an interception until 10:52 in the fourth quarter. Coach Arthur Smith ran the offense flawlessly against one of the best NFL defenses. It is clear Mariota has begun to feel more confident.

Is Atlanta’s defense worth believing? Dean Pees, Falcons defensive coordinator, spoke passionately about how he would like his defense to be similar to those in New England and Baltimore. Atlanta is beginning to look a lot like it. The Falcons forced three three and outs Sunday, scored a touchdown with a fumble recover, and put pressure on the 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo He was intercepted by him once. However, there are concerns as both starting cornerbacks AJ Terrell, (thigh), and Casey Hayward (Unknown) The game was completed with injuries on the bench. This will be something we will monitor moving forward. — Michael Rothstein

Next game at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

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49ers

What you need to know: The 49ers defense has been unable to support this team due to a constant onslaught injury. It’s now that the offense needs to gain more weight. Only a few weeks ago, the Niners quarterback was in his first game. Jimmy Garoppolo The offense tried to find a rhythm after his offseason. This was acceptable when the Niners defense was crushing opponents. The injury toll meant that the Niners had only four healthy players on the field when Sunday’s defeat occurred. This left the offense to make up for the difference. They were not up to the challenge.

How severe is it going get for the injury front? Each team in the league has to deal with injuries, but the Niners have more than their fair share of them with 11 of 22 starters in injured reserve, or a pregame inactive who is unable to play Sunday due to injury. Such attrition can’t be overcome. — Nick Wagoner

Next game vs. Chiefs (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Jets

What you need to know: Who needs a star quarterback? The Jets once again proved that they are capable of beating a strong team without a great quarterback. Zach WilsonFor the second consecutive game, he was held without a touchdown. The Jets (4-2), defeated the Packers in a classic game. Wilson was struggling so they turned to the running game (two TDs), a suffocating defense (5 sacks), as well as big plays from the special teams (a blocked kick and FG). After a few games, the Jets finally found their identity. A smash-mouth offense with rookies Breece Hall (116 rushing yards) with a significantly improved defense led by DT Quinnen Williams.

Is it time for the Jets to be taken seriously? Heck, yeah. They are a legitimate playoff contender. They are in second place at the AFC East. This is their first winning streak of three games since 2019. They defeated two respectable teams, the Dolphins and Packers, with a score of 67 to 27. They reversed the order from last October when they were blown out on an almost weekly basis. They finally beat an elite quarterback. Aaron RodgersHe was in control for more than 60 minutes. This is not a fantasy: The Jets exist. — Rich Cimini

Next game at Broncos (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)

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Packers

What you need to know: It was difficult to determine who was worse: Rodgers or his offensive linemen, or his skill-position players’ hands. Rodgers failed to make what were once routine throws and his blocking made it difficult for him to get into the pocket. Oh, and six Packers passes were dropped — the most they have had in a game since 2017. Then there was the fumble that Rodgers lost in a miscommunication between Rodgers’ running back and Rodgers. AJ Dillon. The Packers cannot go longer than three quarters without scoring an offensive touchdown, as they did Sunday. They are expected to be a contender. Rodgers missed the mark and his offensive line allowed Rodgers nine hits. This was the first consecutive loss for the Packers in Matt LaFleur’s fourth season as head coach.

What is the Packers’ need to add a receiver to their roster? Two weeks remain before the trade deadline and it’s difficult to see how Packers’ passing game can improve if they don’t change their ways. Perhaps they are counting on Sammy WatkinsAfter four weeks off the team due to a hamstring injury, Watkins could be back in action this week. Watkins had a good start to the week before he hurt his knee in practice, which led into Week 3. Maybe they think rookie Christian WatsonThe injured hamstring problem sufferer, who was also inactive on Sunday due to hamstring issues, could add speed to the lineup, if and when he is able. If not, there may be more performances. Rob Demovsky

Next game at Commanders (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Bengals

What you need to know: While it wasn’t an essential win, the Bengals needed it after a tough start to the season. New Orleans was without key offensive starters. Losing three games to backup quarterbacks will cost teams their playoff chances. Bengals QB Joe Burrow Cincinnati got a huge mid-season boost when WR Ja’Marr Chase scored the game-winning touchdown in fourth quarter.

Is Cincinnati’s offense on its way back? It’s too soon to say yes. The Bengals’ offense put together its best performance of the season. Burrow had his best performance since the 2021 regular-season. He was very elusive and had great field awareness. This resulted was the Bengals’ most fluid offensive performance this season. It’s a positive sign that Cincinnati can repeat that performance against Atlanta next week, which is a huge improvement for a unit that has struggled this season. — Ben Baby

Next game vs. Falcons (Sunday, at 1 p.m. ET)

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Saints

What you need to know: Surprisingly, the Saints offense had some life despite being very short at wideout. New Orleans did not have Michael Thomas, Jarvis Landry, Chris Olave You can even get it! Deonte Harty He was able to shift the chains using unlikely replacements like an explosive rookie Rashid Shaheed. They ran for over 200 yards together, continuing their run game success. They kicked too many field goals and, after a late-game touchdown by the defense, couldn’t come back.

Are the Saints going to stop? Andy Dalton? It is clear that Jameis Winston He is making progress after his back injury. He has been able to return to practice on a limited basis, and is even dressed and active on gameday. The offense, even though it was compromised by Andy Dalton, seems to be in a good place. Saints will be able to play Winston next week if Winston is able to. If Winston is not, it could lead to a potential quarterback controversy. Katherine Terrell

Next game Cardinals (Thursday 8:15 PM. ET)

Giants

What you need to know: This Giants team is unflappable. The Giants ran for 90 yards in the first period, while the Ravens managed 256. With less than 10 minutes left, they were down 10 points and their offense couldn’t do much. This group doesn’t care. They persevere and win every week. The Giants might not have been the best or most talented team Sunday but they still managed to pull it off in the last minutes. This group is resilient.

What can the Giants do for this offense to be more explosive? Baltimore keyed on the offense despite its simplicity. Saquon Barkley And the run game with Giants down at 10 and under 10 minutes. New York did not produce a play of 20 yards or more in this contest. Wan’Dale Robinson was back after missing four games with an injury to his knee. The Giants didn’t place a 20-plus yard play in the contest. Kadarius Toney (hamstring) Kenny Golladay In the hope that they will soon return, (knee). They have no other hope. They are surviving in the meantime. — Jordan Raanan

Next game Jaguars (Sunday at 1 p.m. ET)

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Ravens

What you need to know: This is a terrible loss. Lamar JacksonJackson’s worst performance will be recalled as a fumble. Jackson was on the brink of losing the game, and on the last two drives, he turned the ball over with an interception as well as a fumble. Jackson made one of the worst calls of his career, and was 17-of-32 for 220 yards. Jackson, who was left with just three minutes to go in the game, took a bad snap and threw an unbalanced pass in middle of field. He was deep in his own territory. This turnover became Saquon Barkley’s game-winning touchdown for the Giants. Baltimore then lost the game with just 1:29 remaining. Jackson was then stripped.

Has Kenyan Drake surpassed J.K. Dobbins As the most trusted running back? It could be by default. Drake’s big-play running was the biggest positive in the game. He became the first Ravens running back this year to rush for 100 yards. Dobbins admitted that it was difficult not to be featured in the game’s final week, but he didn’t play in this half. His helmet was not visible on the sidelines, which could have been a sign that Dobbins is recovering from an injury. Drake, who had been inactive for two of the first games this season, is now more active. — Jamison Hensley

Next game Browns vs. ET (Sunday at 1 p.m. ET)

Vikings

What you need to know: The Vikings reached their bye today with a 5-1 record. This is almost a best-case scenario, with a new coaching staff in place and completely new plans on both the offensive and defensive sides. The Eagles were the only undefeated NFL team (5-0) and their loss was at them. Only one of the five wins by the Vikings has been convincing. Their Week 1 loss to the Packers and the disappearance for long periods of time in Miami of their offense will be a wake-up call for coach Kevin O’Connell There are many things to look at. The Vikings once had seven three-and-outs (seven) at one time.

What happened to the Vikings running game? It was just waiting for that moment. Tailback Dalvin Cook Although he was expected to be a major player in his hometown, he only managed 17 yards on his nine first carries. The Dolphins defense offered favorable views for the passing game and the defense gave him favorable looks. The Vikings were able to pass three times when it was time to cut time in the fourth quarter. Cook ran 53 yards to seal the game after Cook was given a reprieve. In another way, the running game had an impact on the game: Both of Kirk CousinsPlay-action resulted in’touchdown passes. — Kevin Seifert

Next game vs. Cardinals (Sunday, Oct. 30, 1 p.m. ET)

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Dolphins

What you need to know: No matter what your feelings are Tua TagovailoaWhatever his long-term status with the Dolphins as their franchise quarterback, one thing is certain — the team is better when he’s on the field. Since Week 4, Tagovailoa’s injury, Miami’s offense hasn’t been able to move the ball with any consistency. Rookie Skylar Thompson He was a great inspiration in the first half (7-of-13 yards, 89 yards), before he suffered a thumb injury that forced him to withdraw from the game. His place was taken by his son, Teddy Bridgewater He was often irritable in the pocket, late with his throws, and harassed behind an offense that gave up 23 pressures — 19 when the Vikings were not blitzing. Although it isn’t often that one player can make all the difference in a game, Tagovailoa’s return against the Steelers next week should be a positive sign for a Dolphins offense that has been stagnant.

Can the Dolphins defense keep hot and find a rhythm over the next month-and a half before a difficult December? Sunday was the Dolphins best defensive performance this season, other than a game-sealing 53 yard touchdown run by Dalvin Cook Late in the fourth period, a 47 yard catch-and-run by Justin Jefferson On the previous series. These plays accounted for 42% offense by the Vikings in an otherwise strong defense. It’s a sign that there is a trend towards improved defensive play in a winnable stretch of the season. They should be able to keep up with the Steelers, Lions Bears, Bears Browns, Browns, and Texans. — Marcel Louis Jacques

Next game Steelers vs. ET (Sunday at 8:20 p.m. ET)

Colts

What you need to know: Given the fact that the Jacksonville defense won the first meeting, and the running backs’ dominance, this didn’t seem to be the game in which the Colts could find an offensive gameplan viable for them. Jonathan Taylor And Nyheim Hines On Sunday, he was sidelined. The Colts tried a new offensive line layout, making timely throws from the quarterback on cross routes. Matt Ryan To emerge as a star, take deep shots Alec Pierce to win the AFC South crucial victory. Pierce (winning TD Catch, two drawn pass interference penalty penalties) Michael Pittman Jr. The improved pass protection greatly helped with 13 catches, 134 yards.

Have things turned around for Matt Ryan? Ryan has had some major struggles this season, particularly in a shutout loss to Jacksonville. Ryan might have seen the potential of his improved pass protection and it was a positive sign. Ryan took advantage of the Colts’ second consecutive line overhaul, throwing for 389 yard and three touchdowns on 42-of-60 passing. Ryan did not get sacked for the first time in the season. His pocket presence was evidently improved by the protection. This was Ryan’s most complete performance of this season. — Stephen Holder

Next game Titans (Sunday, 13 p.m. ET)

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Jaguars

What you need to know: With back-to-back games against Houston and Indianapolis, the Jaguars had an opportunity to grab early control of AFC South. They lost both games, including Sunday’s against Indianapolis on a last-second field-goal goal. Now they are 1-2 in the division without the momentum gained from their 2-1 start. Given their struggles against the Colts, it will be difficult to make up the two division games. Tennessee Titans (have not won in Nashville since 2013 and have lost nine consecutive Houston games). The Jags will likely be trying to get out of the cellar again.

Should Travis Etienne Jr. Is the Jaguars’ feature back? Etienne outperformed James Robinson Robinson ran for 81 yard on 22 carries, while Etienne gained 157 yards from 20 carries. Robinson gained 81 yards from 23 carries and caught five passes for 63 yards. Robinson gained 81 yards on just 22 carries. Robinson also caught three passes for 13 yard. Etienne ran for 48 yards against the Colts, and is showing the big-play potential that he was drafted to. It was Sunday that Etienne started and it might be time to make his permanent. Mike DiRocco

Next game Giants vs. ET (Sunday, at 1 p.m. ET)

Patriots

What you need to know: Zappe delivers. Rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe, the fourth-round Western Kentucky pick playing in place for injured Mac JonesHe was 24-of-34 for 309 yard with 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Although many of his throws were shorter and let his pass-catchers do the rest, Zappe played with poise again and stayed within himself to compliment a stingy Patriots defense, which limited the Browns’ No. 1. Rushing attack. When Zappe was asked about “Zappe fever”, a playful theme that has been discussed locally on sports-talk radio, Zappe smiled and said yes. He gave Patriots fans another solid performance Sunday.

Will Mac Jones returns for a Monday Night Football game against Justin Fields The Bears? Jones made the Cleveland trip, which was a sign that he wanted to play but wasn’t quite there yet. The Patriots were able to take advantage of this delay until just 90 minutes before kickoff. Jones did not go through a pregame warmup and was walking around with a limp when he arrived on the field. He has made progress over the last three weeks from being out to doubtful to being questionable on his injury report. Justin Fields, the Bears’ 2021 first-round draft selection, would be his opponent if he decides to take the next step. — Mike Reiss

Next game vs. Bears, Monday, Oct. 24, 2008 at 8:15 pm ET)

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Browns

What you need to know: New England has taken away the NFL’s top rusher Nick Chubb Cleveland was unable to match the Browns’ renowned running game. Chubb was forced to finish with 56 yards by Coach Bill Belichick. Jacoby Brissett To beat the Patriots instead. New England was not paying Brissett’s two interceptions, which were in a game the Pats controlled right from the start.

Is Cleveland’s season at risk? The season isn’t over. The Browns are now at 2-4, despite facing QBs Baker Mayfield, Joe Flacco, Mitchell Trubisky, Marcus Mariota For the rookie Bailey ZappeHe cooked Cleveland for over 300 yards in the air. The Browns are ready to face Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, Josh Allen And Tom Brady. Although the season may not be over, the Browns’ play, particularly defensively, could cause the season to spiral. Jake Trotter

Next game at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Steelers

What you need to know: Perhaps Brian Flores, senior linebackers coach and defensive assistant, was the one who saw it. Tom Brady‘s psyche. Perhaps it was the defense finally learning how to apply pressure without injuring its defensive end T.J. Watt. Whatever the case, the Steelers defense held Brady and the Buccaneers under control, applying constant pressure and keeping the offense in sync. Cam Heyward Larry Ogunjobi Brady was constantly uncomfortable. And the patchwork secondary. James Pierre Former practice squad corner Josh Jackson This prevented Tampa Bay’s weapons largely from exploiting talent mismatches. Brady was able to get to the Steelers by not bringing a blitz often, and only once.

What’s Kenny PickettIs this the status going forward? Pickett’s home debut as a rookie quarterback was ruined when he left the game with just 8 minutes remaining in the third quarter. Pickett was concussed after he was hard hit by the Buccaneers linebacker Devin White. Veteran Mitch Trubisky Pickett was replaced, and he completed 9 of 12 passes for 144 yard and led the Steelers in a fourth-quarter touchdown drive. Pickett, who completed 11 for 18 passes for 67 yards, and a touchdown, is more likely to be the Steelers’ starter when he returns. Pickett must complete concussion protocol. There is no timeline. — Brooke Pryor

Next game Dolphins (Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET)

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Buccaneers

What you need to know: The Bucs continue to struggle in the red zone scoring department. This has been attributed to costly penalties and errors. Even Tom BradyThe patent QB sneak of’s on third-and-1 in quarter four didn’t work. They got to the Steelers’ 17th, 1-, and 4-yard lines. However they couldn’t find their end zone until 4 minutes 45 (an 11-yard touchdown to running back). Leonard Fournette) and botched the 2-point conversion. The bottom line: They have certainly failed to achieve their Super Bowl dreams.

Why does the Bucs offense seem so out of tune? This could be due to many reasons. First, the offensive line is in crisis. Rookie left guard Luke Goedeke once again looked lost. With Fournette being blasted in the backfield, they can’t run it effectively. Brady was having a tough day. His off-target rate is 16.2%, which is rare for him. However, against Pittsburgh it was 28%. He was most troubled when he tried to target wide receivers. Chris Godwin. According to Bucs officials, it was not an issue that Brady didn’t attend Saturday’s walkthrough. New England Patriots Robert Kraft was the owner of the wedding. However, Robert Kraft had an already difficult offense so it didn’t help. — Jenna Laine

Next game Panthers (Sunday at 1 p.m. ET)

Thursday

Commanders

What you need to know: Washington still has a lot of work ahead. Although the Commanders won, Ron Rivera, the coach of the Commanders was fired up about the mistakes that could have cost him his team — the same mistakes that cost them in other games. In three games, they’ve committed 27 penalties. They surrender big plays and struggle with offense. True turnaround requires smarter and more disciplined play.

Can the run-game spur a turnaround Washington ran the ball more efficiently in the second half against a defense that is weak against the run. Running the ball consistently is key to any turnaround. They can also mix Brian RobinsonWith your power, you can do anything. Antonio GibsonThe ability to turn a corner. An offensive turnaround would begin with a consistent running game. They will have to overcome their protection problems, especially with an immobile quarterback. He needs to be supported up front. If he does, they can be more efficient. — John Keim

Next game Packers vs. ET (Sunday, at 1 p.m. ET)

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Bears

What you need to know: The Bears had 11 snaps within the Commanders’ 6-yard lines, but couldn’t score a touchdown. Chicago went 0-for-3 within the red zone for the third time in three games. The offense’s inefficiencies are displayed in a multitude of ways. Justin Fields Washington’s 5-yard line. A missed throw to tight end Ryan Griffin Fields stressed that he must make a wide receiver. Darnell MooneyThe potential game-tying catch of ” was stopped at the 1-yard mark.

How can Justin Fields excel despite what is happening around him? The Bears must reevaluate their offensive plan and ask Fields for more. His development is being impeded by Chicago’s weaknesses. How can Fields improve when he is being held accountable for 46% of his dropbacks, and his receivers aren’t consistently making catches or creating separation? This is where Chicago found itself during the offseason. The Bears need to make adjustments if they want to have a better understanding of Fields’ progress over the next 11 weeks. Courtney Cronin

Next game Patriots (Monday October 24, 2008, 8:15 pm. ET)