Week 6 proved again that anything can happen on any given NFL Sunday. Here’s a look at four aftershocks:
The ‘historic’ Jets defense is as advertised
Cornerback D.J. Reed surprised many before the season when he boldly claimed New York’s defense could be “historical,” likening the group to the 1985 Chicago Bears and 2013 Seattle Seahawks. On Sunday, with Reed sitting on the sidelines due to a concussion, his teammates reaffirmed that belief.
Despite having only four active cornerbacks — star Sauce Gardner missed the game, too — the Jets pulled off a stunning 20-14 victory over the Eagles. New York’s defense stifled Philadelphia’s star-studded offense, forcing four turnovers — including three interceptions by quarterback Jalen Hurts.
More impressive than the win, however, is the defense’s ability to routinely shut down some of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Against Buffalo’s Josh Allen, Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes and Hurts — three of the five 2022 NFL MVP finalists — New York has eight interceptions and eight sacks.
The Lions are the best team in the NFC
Week 6 saw the last two remaining undefeated teams fall, with the Eagles and 49ers both suffering surprising losses. Now, a new team has usurped them as the best in the NFC.
After defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 20-6, the Lions are 5-1, tied for the best record in the NFL. Detroit is 3-0 on the road, has beaten three teams that were first in their division heading into the matchup and won four straight games by 14 or more points.
With only one in-division game under their belt, the Lions will look to take advantage of an upcoming schedule that features five games against NFC North teams, none of which have more than two wins.
The 49ers are human
The 49ers proved that even the best teams in the NFL are sometimes subject to bad days.
San Francisco suffered the most surprising loss of Week 7, falling to the Cleveland Browns, 19-17. The improbable upset marked quarterback Brock Purdy’s first regular-season loss as a starter and ended the 49ers’ regular-season win streak at 15 games.
The 49ers’ biggest loss of the day would not be conveyed by the final score, however. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel and running back Christian McCaffrey exited the game with shoulder and oblique/rib injuries, respectively. Further tests will reveal how long San Francisco may be without their star weapons.
The Giants shouldn’t have extended Daniel Jones
The Giants may be second-guessing their decision to reward Daniel Jones with a four-year, $160M extension in March.
Jones didn’t play during New York’s 14-9 loss to the Buffalo Bills due to a lingering neck injury. In relief of Jones, veteran Tyrod Taylor played serviceably, completing 24-of-36 (67%) passes for 200 yards, no touchdowns and no interceptions. Though his final stat line doesn’t jump off the page, the 34-year-old made several impressive tosses.
The Giants remained competitive and kept the game within reach until the final whistle, a feat that Jones has rarely been able to accomplish this season. With a current top-five 2024 NFL Draft pick if the season were to end today, New York must consider if drafting a highly touted QB prospect early is best for the future of the franchise.
Per Sports Illustrated, cutting Jones after this season would cost the Giants a boatload of money and is probably untenable.