Concluding the week - Gabbert get the win and gets the start again.

In the NFL, as in life, things often seem to come back into fashion given time. On Sunday Blaine Gabbert, a former first round pick once laughed out of Jacksonville for repeated failure with meagre resources, took over from the ultimate shooting star, Colin Kaepernick. With relatively little help from the ground game Gabbert mostly made good decisions and was able to do enough through the air with 185 yards and 2 TDs, but also 2 interceptions. Gabbert made several nice throws and the win was enough to inspire coach Jim Tomsula to name Gabbert as the starter next week -  his second start of the year.

 

It was a rough week for franchise quarterbacks with injuries to both Steelers’ Ben Roethlisberger and Colts’ Andrew Luck. Despite Roethlisberger’s injury the Steelers, led by Antonio Brown’s 284 yards receiving, were too much for the Raiders as Penn State tight end Jesse James collected both his first deflection and his first touchdown. Meanwhile after an impressive day going 21 of 36 for 252 yards and beating the man he replaced in Indianapolis, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck later revealed that he’s suffering a kidney laceration and will be out for 4-6 weeks.

 

A week after being demolished by the Patriots, the Dolphins were taken to pieces by the Bills, losing 33 – 17. LeSean McCoy and promising rookie Karlos Williams rushed for over 100 yards each and Sammy Watkins caught 8 passes for 168 yards and a touchdown. It was a promising look at what the Bills offence can achieve with all of its weapons in place.

 

Whilst the Buccaneers lost, their young players gave reason for hope. Second year man Mike Evans is a star, accounting for 152 yards receiving. Rookie quarterback Jameis Winston continues to improve week on week with guard Ali Marpet doing a good job of protecting him.

 

After suffering a loss last week against the Denver Broncos, which saw a miserable 77 yards, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were largely ineffective for the first two quarters against the Panthers. Despite a valiant fight back by Rodgers and his largely unknown receivers it was not enough.  Have injuries finally caught up with the Packers? It sure looks like it. Conversely the Panthers remain unbeaten and are playing some impressive football behind Cam Newton.

 

 

The Eagles running game showed up once again and proved how much damage they can do once they get going. With DeMarco Murray gaining 161 total yards and a touchdown, Ryan Mathews gained 67 yards and a touchdown and Jordan Matthews had an impressive 133 yards. But the dropped passes continued. The Cowboys lost in overtime 27-33. Brittle running back Darren McFadden showed that he still has the talent (117 yards on 27 carries) if he can only stay healthy. This game saw Eagles promising rookie middle linebacker Hicks lost for the year with a torn pectoral muscle.

 

Drew Brees seems to be trying to win in New Orleans despite them having no defence. Case in point, that awful bobbled pass by a Saints defender that Delanie Walker grabbed and ran all the way to the end zone. Drew Brees cannot constantly be expected to throw for 5 touchdowns week in, week out.