With an NFL season packed with prizefight games so far, Week 5 proved to be no different. The landscape of the title picture has totally shifted, the team from The Valley remains unbeaten, and there may be a new king of the AFC West already. As the second quarter of the NFL season starts, lets see what the current climate of the league looks like.
Los Angeles Rams (4-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (2-3) (TNF)
Final: Rams-26 Seahawks-17
Player of the Game: Robert Woods
After an uneventful first few weeks for the USC alum, Robert Woods finally got the targets that head coach Sean McVay said that he needed, and he made the most of them. Woods finished the night with 12 rec and 150 yards. Both Matthew Stafford and Russell Wilson had their fingers dinged up, but only Stafford returned to the game after. The Rams defense shut down the Seahawks offense long enough in the final minutes, sealed by an interception from Nick Scott. The Rams will hope to continue their success next week when they travel to Metlife Stadium to take on the Giants.
The Seahawks bright spot of the night was star WR D.K. Metcalf. The Ole Miss alum hauled in 2 TD on the night, against a strong Rams secondary. As mentioned before, Russell Wilson exited the game with a finger injury, leaving Geno Smith manning the reins. Smith threw his first touchdown pass since 2017! Smith had a chance to lead a drive to put the Seahawks back in a position to score, but ended up throwing the game losing interception. The Seahawks will travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers next week.
Game Highlights (All footage courtesy of the NFL): Rams vs. Seahawks Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
New York Jets (1-4) @ Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Final: Falcons-27 Jets-20
Player of the Game: Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts finally had the breakout game that the Falcons were hoping for when they drafted him with the #4 overall pick. The Falcons offense finally seemed to click, and take advantage of a vulnerable Jets defense. The Falcons defense cooled down Zach Wilson after a good performance by the rookie last week. Atlanta will get some rest with their early BYE week for Week 6.
The Jets continue to go through the growing pains of a rebuilding team, especially with a rookie QB. New York couldn’t get much going offensively with their best weapon, Corey Davis only limited to 45 yards on 4 receptions. While there was some hope last week with their win, over the Titans, the Jets will have to regroup and refocus. The New York Jets will also have their bye next week.
Game Highlights: Jets vs. Falcons Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
New England Patriots (2-3) @ Houston Texans (1-4)
Final: Patriots-25 Texans-22
Player of the Game: Davis Mills
After a slow start, the New England Patriots were able to pull off a win against the Struggling Houston Texans. Rookie Mac Jones was efficient, but didn’t do anything special, but in this case he didn’t have to. Damien Harris and Hunter Henry led the way for the Pats offense in terms of Jones’ go to weapons. The Patriots will look to get an upset win next week in a battle of two of the NFL’s biggest brands, when the Dallas Cowboys go to Gillette to play New England.
Despite losing, Texans rookie Davis Mills was impressive enough to earn player of the game honors, with his 312 yard, 3 TD performance. Mills’ performance was an enigma, as Bill Belichick defenses usually consume rookie QB’s, but Mills defied that notion. Houston just did not have enough to finish the game and get the victory, but will hope ti get back in the win column when they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Colts.
Game Highlights: Patriots vs. Texans Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) @ Carolina Panthers (3-2)
Final: Eagles-21 Panthers-18
Player of the Game: Darius Slay (Honorable Mention: Jalen Hurts)
The Philadelphia Eagles managed to pull off an impressive upset win against one of the better NFC teams so far this season. Jalen Hurts was more of a factor on the ground than through the air this game, notching two rushing TD. The Eagles defense had a stellar performance, picking off Sam Darnold three times, two of them by CB Darius Slay, and keeping their team in the game. The Eagles will hope to carry their momentum into next week when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football.
Sam Darnold did not have the day he wanted to against the hot and cold Eagles defense, with his three interceptions. Chuba Hubbard had a nice game filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey, but it was not enough to get a win for his team. The Panthers will soon have recently acquired Stephon Gilmore added to their defense, so they have hope moving forward still. The Panthers will look to get back on track when they host the Minnesota Vikings next week.
Game Highlights: Eagles vs. Panthers Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Tennessee Titans (3-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (0-5)
Final: Titans-37 Jaguars-19
Player of the Game: Derrick Henry
The Tennessee Titans have seemed to realize a game winning game plan for whenever they play the Jacksonville Jaguars; give the ball to Derrick Henry. King Henry ran all over the Jaguars, like he has a history of doing, totaling 130 yards and 3 TD on 29 carries. Something to note is A.J. Brown’s struggling start to the season, so that will be a story to monitor moving forward. The Titans will host the red hot Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football next week.
Coming off of the Urban Meyer drama last week, the Jaguars locker room hoped to try and gain some semblance of hope, but there was none to be found. The Jaguars were just completely outmatched from top to bottom the entire game. Not having any answer for Henry. A bright spot for the Jaguars was that they held the Titans leading receiver to only 52 yards, so that can be something to build on moving forward. The Jaguars host the Miami Dolphins in a duel of Florida next week.
Game Highlights: Titans vs. Jaguars Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Green Bay Packers (4-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
Final: Packers-25 Bengals-22
Player of the Game: Davante Adams
In a suspense filled game between the Packers and the Bengals, it came down to the leg of veteran Mason Crosby to end the overtime thriller. Crosby, the longtime Packer, struggled for most of the game, missing multiple game winning attempts, but showed up when the Packers needed him most. Davante Adams carved up the entire Bengals secondary, going for 206 yards and 1 TD on 11 receptions. Aaron Rodgers was Aaron Rodgers, and the Packers defense made enough plays to win the game. The Packers will travel to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears in another chapter of the NFL’s oldest rivalry, next week.
After the game, Joe Burrow was taken to a local hospital to be treated for throat contusions, so I wish him well first and foremost. His performance in the game was impressive despite throwing 2 INT. The Burrow-Chase connection started at LSU, and has continued for the Bengals in every game so far this season. An early frontrunner for Offensive Rookie of the Year, Chase notched 159 yards and 1 TD on 6 receptions. The Bengals will hope to get a healthy Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon back for when they travel to Detroit to take on the winless Lions next week.
Game Highlights: Packers vs. Bengals Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Chicago Bears (3-2) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-2)
Final: Bears-20 Raiders-9
Player of the Game: Justin Fields?
As shown by the uncertainty for Player of the Game, there was not a standout for this game, as it was sloppy, but the Bears and Justin Fields, who is slowly learning the NFL game, played well enough to beat a good Raiders team. A point of pride for the Bears was holding Darren Waller to only 45 yards on Sunday. The Bears will host their longtime rival Green Bay Packers next week.
The Raiders went through some controversy of their own this week, with head coach Jon Gruden’s emails from many years ago becoming public. There’s a saying that “you can lose a game, but you can’t lose a locker room.” It might be time for some panic with the Raiders, if Jon Gruden loses his locker room, as the Raiders have said they will deal with the matter internally on Monday. As for the game, Derek Carr struggled to find any sort of consistency the entire game, and his main weapons like Josh Jacobs and Darren Waller were limited as well. The Raiders will hope to move on from the drama and get back in the win column when they travel to Denver to take on the Broncos next week.
Game Highlights: Bears vs. Raiders Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
New York Giants (1-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (4-1)
Final: Cowboys-44 Giants-20
Player of the Game: Dak Prescott (Honorable Mention: Ezekiel Elliot)
The Dallas Cowboys have continued their hot start to the season, partly thanks to the resurgence of Ezekiel Elliot, and the blossoming of defensive star Trevon Diggs. Having a poor defense is what has plagued the Cowboys over previous years, but since their improvement, the Cowboys have quietly been one of the more impressive teams in the league this year. The Cowboys were firing on all cylinders the entire game, and they were able to breeze by the Giants in this divisional game. Dallas will go to New England to play the Patriots next week.
The New York Giants seemed to have been hit with the injury plague early on in the season. Daniel Jones, Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepherd, and Darius Slayton are just some of the names of the players who did not play the full game vs the Cowboys on Sunday. How the Giants will handle this shortage of players will be the point of focus for them moving forward. The Giants will host the Rams next week.
Game Highlights: Giants vs. Cowboys Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Detroit Lions (0-5) @ Minnesota Vikings (2-3)
Final: Vikings-19 Lions-17
Player of the Game: Alexander Mattison (Honorable Mention: Justin Jefferson)
The Minnesota Vikings picked up a very important divisional win against the winless, but very tough Detroit Lions team. Kirk Cousins was alright, but nothing too good, as the offense mainly ran through Justin Jefferson and backup RB Alexander Mattison, who was filling in for the injured Dalvin Cook. The VIkings were able to escape with the W, after a game winning field goal by Greg Joseph. Minnesota will travel to Carolina to play the Panthers next week.
The Detroit Lions might be the best 0-5 team in NFL history. Many games that they have lost have come down to a single play, including an NFL record field goal. Dan Campbell passionately showed support for the fight that his players showed in this game, and it is evident that he has won over the locker room. The players will give everything they have for their coach now, and will find success in later weeks. The Lions will host the Cincinnati Bengals next week.
Game Highlights: Lions vs. Vikings Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
New Orleans Saints (3-2) @ Washington Football Team (2-3)
Final: Saints-33 WFT-22
Player of the Game: Jameis Winston (Honorable Mention: Alvin Kamara)
After a tough loss last week, the New Orleans Saints, led by Jameis Winston, had a bounce back game, the entire team firing on all cylinders. Alvin Kamara and Marquez Callaway were the main weapons on offense, accounting for 4 TD combined. Winston had a miraculous end of half hail mary touchdown throw which gave the Saints momentum. The Saints defense generated 2 INT which helped them seal the deal. New Orleans will have their BYE in week 6.
The WFT struggled against a Saints team that was in sync on Sunday. Antonio Gibson was a bright spot for Washginton, as he usually is, tallying 2 rushing TD. Young star Chase Young got to Winston one time, tallying his first sack of the season. Washington will host the struggling Kansas City Chiefs next week.
Game Highlights: Saints vs. Washington Football Team Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Miami Dolphins (1-4) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1)
Final: Buccaneers-45 Dolphins-17
Player of the Game: Tom Brady (Honorable Mention: Antonio Brown)
After an emotional return to Foxborough last week, Tom Brady returned to his cold blooded form and dropped 411 yards and 5 TD on his old AFC East enemy the Dolphins. Mike Evans and Antonio Brown both shined with Evans tallying 113 yards and 2 TD, and Brown with 124 yards with 2 TD. WIth AB returning to prime form, it almost seemed easy for the Bucs to notch their 4th win of the season. Tampa Bay will travel to Philadelphia to take on Jalen Hurts on Thursday night.
The Miami Dolphins continue to struggle as they trek through their hard schedule without starting QB Tua Tagovailoa. Myles Gaskin was a bright spot for the Dolphins though, totaling 99 yards and 2 TD. Jacoby Brissett has been fine for the Dolphins, but never seems to be enough to pull off a win. Miami will hope to get their 2nd win of the season when they take the short trip to Jacksonville next week.
Game Highlights: Dolphins vs. Buccaneers Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Denver Broncos (3-2) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-3)
Final: Steelers-27 Broncos-19
Player of the Game: Najee Harris (Honorable Mention: Chase Claypool)
Big Ben had himself a nice game, along with offensive weapons Najee Harris and Chase Claypool, who led the way for this team. Pittsburgh has faced much criticism ever since week 2, but they responded on Sunday with a W against a good Denver team. The Steelers defense sealed the deal with a game winning interception by DB James Pierre. Pittsburgh will host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday Night Football next week.
Denver has struggled to find a rhythm recently, now losing back to back games. Courtland Sutton had a nice game, totaling 120 yards and 1 TD on 7 receptions. The Broncos might have had some earlier success than expected, but they will hope to get back on track next week when they host their division rival Las Vegas Raiders.
Game Highlights: Broncos vs. Steelers Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Cleveland Browns (3-2) @ Los Angeles Chargers (4-1)
Final: Chargers-47 Browns-42
Player of the Game: Justin Herbert (Honorable Mention: Mike Williams)
A new star is being born in the City of Angels, and his name is Justin Herbert. Herbert has gained early MVP hype after his performance on Sunday, and in some past weeks. Defense took a backseat for both teams in this matchup, both the Chargers and Browns moving the ball at will. The trio of Herbert, Ekeler, and Williams led the way for the Chargers offense, and did enough to will their team to a W over a very good Cleveland Browns team. The Chargers will have to play another tough AFC North opponent next week when they go to Baltimore to take on the Ravens.
The Cleveland Browns could have easily won this game, if one or two plays had a different outcome, so there is nothing to be ashamed of in this loss. The L.A. Chargers simply just got a few more plays to go in their favor, including a questionable decision by the referees late in the game. The Browns backfield of Chubb & Hunt led the way, as they usually do, and they will look to bounce back next week when they host the undefeated Arizona Cardinals.
Game Highlights: Browns vs. Chargers Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
San Francisco 49ers (2-3) @ Arizona Cardinals (5-0)
Final: Cardinals-17 49ers-10
Player of the Game: DeAndre Hopkins
The Arizona Cardinals remain the NFL’s only undefeated team through 5 weeks with their win over the 49ers on Sunday. The Cardinals played against a tough 49ers defense who played them pretty well, limiting Kyler Murray to only 1 total TD, and 1 rushing yard. DeAndre Hopkins, after having some quiet recent weeks, had himself a nice game going up against Josh Norman. The Cardinals will travel to Cleveland to play an angry Browns team next week.
Trey Lance made his first career start in the NFL on Sunday, going up against the Cardinals, which is a tough draw for 3rd overall pick. Lance started off rough, throwing an interception early, but after that he showed promise both in the run and pass game. The story for this team moving forward will be the question at QB; will Jimmy G assume his starting role once again, or will Trey Lance keep the reins for this team moving forward? That question might be answered when the 49ers play their next game in 2 weeks.
Game Highlights: 49ers vs. Cardinals Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Buffalo Bills (4-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (2-3) (SNF)
Final: Bills-38 Chiefs-20
Player of the Game: Josh Allen
It may have just been a week 5 victory for the Buffalo Bills, as the players said, but this was more than just a win for this team. Since losing twice to Kansas City last year, the Bills have been hungry for revenge. After many claimed that Josh Allen would struggle in front of a hostile Kansas City crowd, he rose to the occasion and outdueled Patrick Mahomes. Allen finished the day with 374 total yards and 4 total TD. The Bills defense continued to be elite, shutting down the always-crafty Chiefs offense for most of the night. Dawson Knox continues to shine as a bright spot for the Bills this season, finally having his breakout year. Josh Allen has now cleared a hurdle that has eluded him thus far in his career, and has established a legitimate rivalry with AFC enemy Patrick Mahomes that should be a fun battle to watch over the next decade. The Bills made a statement with their win on Sunday night, and will look to continue their dominant surge when they travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans for Monday Night Football.
The Kansas City Chiefs have now lost 3 of their past 4 games, leaving many to question their contender status. The Chiefs will most likely be back on track in no time, as they still have their core that won them a Super Bowl a few years ago. The obvious weakness of this Chiefs team is their struggling defense, which has allowed at least 25 points in every game they have played this season. Andy Reid & co. will go back to the drawing board to try and solve their problems, and they have the chance to do so when they play the Washington Football Team next week.
Game Highlights: Bills vs. Chiefs Week 5 Highlights | NFL 2021
Indianapolis Colts (1-4) @ Baltimore Ravens (4-1) (MNF)
Final: Ravens-31 Colts-25
Player of the Game: Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson may have just played the best game of his entire career on Monday night, in yet another Ravens game that had a thrilling ending. The Baltimore Ravens were down 22-3 at one point, but the AFC North squad stayed resilient throughout the entire game. Mark Andrews and Marquise “Hollywood” Brown were consistent weapons for Jackson the entire game, the two combining for 272 yards and 4 TD. Veteran Calais Campbell notched his 8th career blocked field goal, which kept the Ravens in the game, and gave them a chance to win the game in overtime, which they eventually did. The Ravens will face another tough test when they play the L.A. Chargers next week.
The Indianapolis Colts have had a gauntlet of a schedule to start the 2021 NFL season, and it is showing. The Colts roster is deeply talented and on paper a playoff team, but the pieces just haven’t fallen into place for the AFC South squad. Carson Wentz played one of his better games this year, and his weapons did what they could as well. Jonathon Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. both had themselves a nice game, but the career game of Lamar Jackson was too much for the Colts to overcome. The Colts will hope to right the ship next week when they host the Houston Texans.
Game Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxQ39O0XtLo