NFL Week 7 takeaways – Lessons, big questions for every game

It’s Week 7 You can find the 2022 NFL seasonHere are our weekly game takeaways

Thursday Night: Arizona CardinalsAt home,’offense was alive against the New Orleans Saints. There were a few surprises on Sunday: Tom Brady The Tampa Bay BuccaneersThe offense was not against a Carolina Panthers Team potentially in the midst of a rebuildThe, and Green Bay Packers For the third week straight, they were beaten by the Washington Commanders — Who started? Taylor Heinicke QB.

Dak Prescott The leader of the team was back Dallas Cowboys Over the Detroit LionsThe New York Giants The team survived a late push by the Jacksonville JaguarsThe Tennessee Titans With another win over the opposition, he remained at the top of the AFC South. Indianapolis ColtsThe Ravens’ defense held the opponent off Cleveland Browns Baltimore There are four teams Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings Philadelphia Eagles — Had a bye, will be back in Week 8.

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

NO-ARI | ATL-CIN | DET-DAL | IND-TEN
GB-WSH | TB-CAR | NYG-JAX | CLE-BAL

Panthers

What you need to know: After the Panthers traded star running back for star running, some in the NFL could have declared them (2-5) in tank mode. Christian McCaffrey To the San Francisco 49ers On Thursday, however, interim coach Steve Wilks, and his players, aren’t going to that, as they promised throughout the week. They played their best game of the season and finally had enough offense to support another solid defensive performance. They showed that they have the ability to fight for the NFC South and moved within one game of Tampa Bay (3-4), Atlanta (3-4), with the Falcons next on their schedule. And quarterback PJ Walker It was clear that he should continue to be the starter regardless of what. Baker Mayfield Sam Darnold Recover from ankle injuries. McCaffrey, my fellow. Their new duo of rushing backs gave the Panthers almost 200 yards of rushing. D’Onta Foreman Chuba Hubbard.

Should PJ Walker Keep Atlanta as the starter next week, even if Baker Mayfield Is it possible to recover from an ankle injury? Absolutely. Walker was allowed to do the best thing on Sunday, which is get the ball downfield. He responded by scoring two touchdowns with an efficient 16-of-22 passing. He’s now 3-1 in his NFL debut, and 1-1 this season. It won’t be a pleasant experience for Mayfield, but it could signal his departure from Carolina. Because of the league-low Mayfield numbers, it felt like it was the final day. — David Newton

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

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Buccaneers

What you need to know: This is the second consecutive week. Tom Brady The Bucs were favored with 9.5 points. They lost again to a team that had fired its head coach and just traded away two of their top offensive players. The Bucs’ offense was absolutely terrible with a lot of dropped passes and questionable playcalling. They managed just three points. Perhaps the best news is that the Falcons also lost, so at 3-4 the Bucs remain tied for first. It is a consolation that they have now lost four out of five of their previous five.

What went wrong? Or, rather, what went right? Mike Evans He made what may have been the widest open touchdown pass of all time on his first drive. In short yardage, they were again stopped. Leonard Fournette Third-and-1, fourth-and-1 failed to connect. Brady also failed to make contact with Evans Chris Godwin Russell Gage On three consecutive incomplete passes at the 8-yard line, they reached the end zone. They were unable to stop the run defensively. They gave up 173 yards, with a 60-yard run. D’Onta Foreman. Hosting Baltimore Ravens In four days they will likely also be without Antoine Winfield Jr. left Sunday’s game after suffering a concussion. — Jenna Laine

Next game: vs. Ravens (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Cowboys

What you need to know: The defense will lead the Cowboys to success, if there were any doubts — and there shouldn’t be. Even quarterback Dak Preston’s return from a five-game absence couldn’t get the Cowboys offense moving again. But the defense won. Again. The defense allowed two touchdowns against Philadelphia last week, but did not allow one against an offense scoring on average 28 points per game. Five takeaways by the defense in the second quarter changed the momentum of this game and turned 21 points into the offense’s hands. Trevon DiggsInterception, an Anthony Barr Fumble recovery at Dallas 1, Jourdan Lewis Interception in the fourth quarter Sam Williams‘Sack/fumble, and a DeMarcus Lawrence To end the game, fumble recovery

Will the Cowboys ever solve their third down problems on offense? They won’t be a threat if they do. They converted just 32% of their third down attempts when they entered the game, and things were supposed be much better after Prescott’s return. They were 3 of 9 on third down. Prescott was 0-for-1 in three quarters with two sacks while on third down. He was 3-of-9 in the first game against Tampa Bay with an interception on 3rd down. They were stopped on third and 1 in the fourth quarter when the Lions stopped them. Tony Pollard. — Todd Archer

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

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Lions

What you need to know: The Lions’ in crucial moments are severely hurt by turnovers. Quarterback Jared Goff Two interceptions were thrown and two more fumbles added in the fourth. Running back is also possible Jamaal Williams Fumbled twice, one at the goal line to open the fourth quarter. Detroit was already in trouble after Amon-Ra St. Brown, wide receiver, suffered a concussion in the first quarter. The Lions were playing with no receiver DJ Chark (ankle), who was placed recently on injured reserve — and running again D’Andre Swift (ankle/shoulder), who has missed three of the last three games. These errors proved costly for Detroit, which was already undermanned.

What will the future hold for the Lions’ defense? It’s been difficult to get the defense and offense on the same page this season. The Detroit defense allowed an average of 34 points per game when they entered this game. But, Aaron Glenn, defensive coach, made some adjustments during the bye. 2nd overall pick Aidan Hutchinson To position him for success, he should work with both the defensive and linebackers. It paid off in Dallas as he recorded 1.5 sacks. Plus, Texas product Jeff Okudah Played inspired football, with a record-breaking 15 total tackles. Yes, the Lions are better than the four previous games. The defense was horrible. They allowed 24 points to Cowboys in the season’s lowest score, but that’s a win. Eric Woodyard

Next game: vs. Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Titans

What you need to know: To capture a commanding lead in the AFC South, the Titans beat the Colts. The Titans’ defense dominated the trenches and harassed Colts quarterbacks. Matt Ryan for the majority of the day. Denico Autry He continued his revenge campaign against his former team by getting a sack. Bud Dupree Jeffery Simmons They also carried sacks. Dupree’s pressure resulted in two Titans interceptions. One of the interceptions was returned by safety 76 yards for touchdown Andrew Adams. Tennessee now holds a 4-2 record in the division, thanks to its four-game winning streak.

Can the Titans win in this manner again? While it counts as win, the Titans’ victory was not pretty. Tennessee’s defense was the main reason it won, with two interceptions and a 76-yard pick-6 by Andrew Adams. The Titans don’t make many big plays. They rely on long drives to get on the scoreboard. Their 31-minute possession on Sunday is a clear indication of this. In Tennessee’s four victories, Derrick Henry ran for three hundred yards. This team always wins. The Titans will have to deal with tough matchups against the Chiefs and Packers over the next five week. Turron Davidnport

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

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Colts

What you need to know: With their most successful Week 6 performance against Jacksonville, the Colts thought that they had found a viable offensive path. However, the Titans’ heavy passing attack did not work against Tennessee. Matt Ryan The Colts offensive line was dominant throughout the season. Ryan threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a TD. Ryan now has 12 turnovers. The return of running backs Jonathan Taylor Nyheim Hines The Colts’ injuries didn’t alter the final outcome, and they are running out time to save their failing offense.

Can the Colts improve their offense? The Colts are likely to have enough firepower against teams without dominant defensive fronts to take on any opponent. It’s much easier for defenses to neutralize receivers when they lose up front, like they did Sunday. Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce Parris Campbell. They have two problems: an offensive line playing at unacceptable levels and a quarterback shrinking to the pass rush. What can you do to fix this? — Stephen Holder

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

Bengals

What you need to know: The Bengals’ quarterback was introduced earlier in the week. Joe Burrow According to Cincinnati, a three-game stretch against Browns, Falcons, and Panthers would define the season. It gave the Bengals three chances to secure victories in a close AFC North race going into Week 10. The Bengals opened their season with a win, thanks to Burrow’s record-breaking performance. He became the first player in NFL History to pass for more than 400 yards in five consecutive games.

Sell or buy WR Tyler Boyd‘s performance? Buy. Boyd had a career high of 155 receiving yards with most of it coming in the first quarter. Even with an offense featuring Ja’Marr Chase Tee HigginsBoyd demonstrated why Zac Taylor regards Boyd as one of the top slot receivers in league. — Ben Baby

Next game: Browns (Monday Oct. 31, 8:15 PM. ET)

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Falcons

What you need to know: An ugly day for everyone, but especially for a defense that is short-handed A.J. TerrellThe Falcons might still have good news despite hamstring injuries. Few offenses are as explosive and dynamic as the Bengals’. With games against the Bears Commanders Steelers Steelers and the Panthers on the horizon, the Falcons should not take this as a sign that problems are coming.

Atlanta’s offense can it sustain when it finds itself in a hole. It’s still unclear based on what we have seen so far this season. Sunday’s performance did not inspire much confidence. The Falcons trailed by 18 points at the end of the fourth quarter. They seemed to keep their run-based offense. The Falcons were able to make a comeback against the Rams and Buccaneers, but it was not enough against Cincinnati’s explosive offense. With the team’s secondary severely injured, the offensive strategy didn’t work. This will be something to watch out for going forward, but it’s not a big concern. Yet. — Michael Rothstein

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

Ravens

What you need to know: The Ravens are still facing fourth-quarter problems, but they did finally get some luck in the end. Baltimore looked set to lose another double-digit lead, after running back Justice Hill With just 3:12 remaining, he lost the game. But Malik Harrison Blocking a potential game-tying, 61-yard field goal. Ravens safety Geno Stone The game was over when the Browns lost their final possession. The Ravens were able to avoid becoming the third team in the last decade to lose four games in seven weeks, in games where they had double-digit lead.

What’s happening? Lamar Jackson Tossing the ball? Jackson is not being sharp or decisive when it comes to the ball. Jackson finished Sunday with 120 yards, his sixth-lowest total of five years. He completed two passes — a 31-yard pass. Devin Duvernay Fullback, and a 19-yard dump off Patrick Ricard 50 of those yards were accounted for by — Jackson stated this week that the Ravens should stop thinking and just play. Baltimore’s problems are deeper than this. Jackson has thrown 3 TDs, 4 INTs over the past four games. — Jamison Hensley

Next game: Buccaneers (Thursday at 8:15 pm. ET)

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Browns

What you need to know: In Baltimore, Cleveland played what was arguably its best game this season. The Browns lost their fourth consecutive game due to too many mistakes on a potentially game-winning drive. Oncoming offensive pass interference Amari Cooper His go-ahead TD reception was canceled. Then he made a mistake on a game tie FG. Cade York To attempt a 60-yard goal. Baltimore won the game with a victory thanks to the blocked field goal.

Can Cleveland rebound from four consecutive losses? To stay in the AFC North race, the Browns needed this win. Cleveland’s season has officially been put on life support at 2-5, with the league’s most difficult remaining schedule. The Browns would lose to Cincinnati on Monday Night Football next week, effectively ending their season before they even reach their midseason bye. Jake Trotter

Next game: vs. Bengals (Monday, Oct. 31, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Commanders

What you need to know: Quarterback Taylor HeinickeWhile his game may not win any beauty contests, he is a master at competing and ignoring the aesthetics. This is why he can overcome a tough start with a pick-six at halftime and many incompletions during the first quarter to win. Washington ran the ball for 167 yard. And that receiver Terry McLaurin Heinicke delivered a strong second half with key completions and a touchdown catch. Heinicke is able to disregard plays that could cause injury to other quarterbacks. Washington has won two consecutive games because of this.

Is the defense on the right track? The Commanders have been able to benefit from playing poor offenses the last two games in Chicago & Green Bay. Their ability to stop the running has helped them perform better. They’ve allowed just 3.67 yards per run in five of the last five games — fourth in the NFL. They also have cornerbacks. William Jackson III Sidelined, they have been more consistent in coverage in zone. With Chase Young The defense could be responsible for any resurgence, possibly within two weeks. — John Keim

Next game: Colts (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET)

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Packers

What you need to know: If the Packers are unable to beat the New York Giants, New York Jets Washington CommandersThink about it. Buffalo Bills They will do the same to them next Sunday in Orchard Park (New York). The Bills boast the NFL’s most explosive offense. They are second in points and lead the league with yards per game. Their defense ranks second in yards and has the lowest allowed points in the league. The Bills went on a bye this weekend, and will play the Packers at their home in a prime time game. After two straight losses, this was supposed be a game to get back on track. They are now on their third consecutive losing streak of three games since 2018.

Will the Packers now get another receiver? Yes, that’s the exact same question as the one last week after the Jets loss. Their trade deadline is less than a week away, and without any significant additions, it’s hard for us to see how they will improve their passing game. The return of Sammy WatkinsThe hamstring injury that caused him to miss four weeks of work was not immediately remedied. Aaron Rodgers Up until Sunday’s end, he had never attempted to pass more than 10 feet in the air. Watkins was not fast enough to catch it when he finally did. It was so far that flags were raised for pass interference. The ball was declared uncatchable. They were rookies’ fastest receivers Christian WatsonDue to a hamstring strain, he missed the second consecutive game. Rob Demovsky

Next game: Bills (Sunday 8:20 pm. ET)

Giants

What you need to know: The Giants never stop trying to win, even though it’s only by 1 yard. Trevor Lawrence The Jags’ offense was on the front foot late in the game. Lawrence’s pass from Christian Kirk to Lawrence was intercepted at the 1-yard mark as the clock expired. For the majority of three quarters, the Giants leaned on the arm and legs of quarterback Daniel JonesJacksonville is focused on limiting Saquon Barkley The fourth quarter saw 72 of his 110 total rushing yards. Jones ran for 107 yards, another touchdown, and threw for 202 yard. It was what they needed to beat a Jaguars running defense. Jones showed that, despite five dropped passes, he is capable of managing games and winning them. This season, he led his fourth quarter comeback.

How severe are the injuries? Rookie right tackle Evan Neal (knee), tight end Daniel Bellinger (eye) & left guard Ben Bredeson (knee) All left the game in halftime. These are the three starters. Sources suggest that Neal and Bredeson have not suffered serious injuries so far. This is a positive. Bellinger was transported to a local hospital for further examination. By Sunday’s end, the Giants’ offense had already been limited. The Giants cannot afford to have any of these injuries for the long-term. Sunday’s injured trio has played in every game this season. — Jordan Raanan

Next game: Seahawks (Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET)

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Jaguars

What you need to know: Travis Etienne Jr. As the Jaguars’ number one back, he has been replaced. He started the week for the second time and ran 114 yards. Etienne ran an average of 8.1 yards per run and scored his first NFL touchdown with a 7-yard run. James RobinsonHe had played in the first five games of the season, and the 32nd overall. However, he didn’t receive a reception or a carry in the game in which he was playing for the first time in the rest of his career. He was only targeted once on a pass. Trevor Lawrence The ball was thrown in the end zone.

Is there a rush for the pass? After posting seven sacks in the initial two games, the Jaguars’ pass rush was impressive. However, it has managed only six since and only two in each of the last two games. Daniel Jones). Doug Pederson, head coach, said that teams are creating game plans to stop No. No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker You can chip him or double-team him. This is not the only way to do it. Josh Allen He should get to the quarterback more. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, he had 25 QB pressures when he entered the week. However, he hasn’t had a sack since Week 4, and only three this season. They should be more productive. Mike DiRocco

Next game: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)

Thursday

Cardinals

What you need to know: The Cardinals offense isn’t yet out of control. Yes, it performed as well as any other team this season in Thursday’s win against the Saints. Kyler Murray The offense still has some work to do, he said. He’s right. Two interceptions returned by the defense for touchdowns saved the Cardinals. The defense returned two interceptions for touchdowns, saving the Cardinals from defeat. Next week in Minnesota, which will be the true test of this offense, will show if they are making progress or if they’re still in the mud. With nine days between games, guys like DeAndre Hopkins Robbie Anderson A chance to get more acclimated, and players like James Conner Rodney Hudson You have the chance to become healthy.

Is Thursday the spark Cardinals needed to turn the tide on the season? Although it will help, it was not without its flaws. The Saints were only down to their top 2 corners and top 2 receivers. The Cardinals can turn the season around if they play well and beat the Vikings convincingly next weekend. — Josh Weinfuss

Next game: Vikings (Sunday, 13 p.m. ET)

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Saints

What you need to know: Although the Saints are in a mess on both ends of the ball, none of these issues are new. The Saints’ identity has been defined this season by penalties, missed tackles and turnovers. Tre’Quan Smith Smith said that self-inflicted injuries are killing the team. Smith claimed that Alvin Kamara Following the game, I stated to the team, “We need to police ourselves and hold our selves responsible, as well as our teammates.”

How can the coaching staff address the multiple injuries that plague the team? Dennis Allen, Saints coach, said that the problem begins with him. When asked how coaches can make improvements going forward, Allen replied, “getting the right people into the right places.” Allen admitted it is difficult to do this, especially with the team’s current health concern. The Saints are down three cornerbacks, and there are many offensive players that they may not have. Katherine Terrell

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