Week 9 of the NFL season was the strangest week yet. With so many top teams being upset, this week was unpredictable to say the very least. The scales of the NFL have shifted enormously and the after effect of this week will certainly shape the playoff picture down the road.
New York Jets (2-6) @ Indianapolis Colts (4-5) (TNF)
Final: Colts-45 Jets-30
Player of the Game: Jonathan Taylor (Honorable Mention: Carson Wentz)
The saying you are what your record is can be shaky sometimes, and it can be shaky when applied here, to the Indianapolis Colts. They have gone through a tough schedule, and could have won one or two of those games if a few plays had gone their way. Jonathan Taylor continues to emerge as a top back in the league, being an all around offensive threat. Carson Wentz continues to add good games to his resume as a Colt, and Michael Pittman Jr. has cemented himself as Indianapolis’s clear cut WR1. The Colts will host the division rival Jacksonville Jaguars next week.
Jets QB Mike White looked to be having himself a solid game before exiting early with injury, but Josh Johnson seamlessly carried the baton for him when he entered as the team’s starter. The true definition of a journeyman, Josh Johnson finally got a shot to prove why he belongs in the NFL. Johnson threw for 317 yards and 3 TD, along with 1 INT. The Jets will look to bounce back next week when they host the Buffalo Bills.
Game Highlights (All footage courtesy of the NFL): Jets vs. Colts Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Las Vegas Raiders (5-3) @ New York Giants (3-6)
Final: Giants-23 Raiders-16
Player of the Game: Devontae Booker
The New York Giants picked up an impressive upset win over the favored Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. Daniel Jones had a clean game, throwing for only 110 yards and 1 TD, but no INT. Devontae Booker carried the workload for the injured Saquon Barkley once again. TE Evan Engram scored the Giants only TD of the day. The Giants will have their BYE next week.
The Las Vegas Raiders had a lackluster performance against the New York Giants yesterday. With a season filled with drama and off the field issues for the Raiders, it seemed to have finally caught up to them on Sunday. Derek Carr struggled, throwing 2 INT and only 1 TD. Darren Waller had a nice day, totaling 92 yards on 7 receptions. The Raiders will host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football next week.
Game Highlights: Raiders vs. Giants Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Atlanta Falcons (4-4) @ New Orleans Saints (5-3)
Final: Falcons-27 Saints-25
Player of the Game: Cordarrelle Patterson (Honorable Mention: Matt Ryan)
The surprise star of the season has been consistent in maintaining that role through 9 weeks of the NFL season, in Cordarrelle Patterson. Usually just a return man in his career, he has proven to be a versatile weapon for the Falcons in both the run and pass game. Matt Ryan had himself a nice game as well, throwing for 343 yards and 2 TD. The Falcons, now sitting in a playoff spot, have found themselves in a good position to compete for a wildcard spot by the end of the season. The Atlanta Falcons will travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys next season.
After an impressive win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, the New Orleans Saints faced a disappointing loss to their division rival Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Trevor Siemian stacked another good game, throwing for 249 yards and 2 TD. Alvin Kamara totaled over 100 yards and 1 TD as well. The Saints will look to return to the win column when they travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans next week.
Game Highlights: Falcons vs. Saints Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Buffalo Bills (5-3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
Final: Jaguars-9 Bills-6
Player of the Game: Josh Allen (The one on the Jaguars)
In perhaps the ugliest game of football I have ever watched, The Jacksonville Jaguars managed to pull off the biggest upset of the NFL season so far. In a dominant performance from the Jacksonville defense and DE Josh Allen, the Jaguars put a halt to the dominant Buffalo offense that has torched so many other teams. The Jaguars held the Bills to just 6 points, and dominated most of the game, mainly by winning the line of scrimmage on defense. The Jaguars, now riding a wave of momentum, will look to notch another win when they play the Indianapolis Colts next week.
The problem that has plagued the Buffalo Bills for the past year and a half cost them the game on Sunday afternoon. The offensive line, especially the interior play. With starting RT Spencer Brown and LG Jon Feliciano out for Sunday, the depth the Bills had in Cody Ford and Ike Boettger were not able to handle the Jaguars defensive line. Josh Allen seemed to be running for his life every play, rarely having any time to make an impact, even though he did make some big plays that could’ve won the game. It is never a good thing when your 258 million $ franchise QB has blood and grass stains on his jersey, and Allen had plenty of both on Sunday. The Bills will look to return to the win column next week when they travel to Metlife to take on the Jets.
Game Highlights: Bills vs. Jaguars Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Cleveland Browns (5-4) @ Cincinnati Bengals (5-4)
Final: Browns-41 Bengals-16
Player of the Game: Nick Chubb
Amidst the Odell Beckham Jr. controversy in Cleveland, the Browns stuck to what they do best, run the ball, and let Baker Mayfield get deep shots in through the play action game. Mayfield had an efficient game, throwing for 218 yards and 2 TD, while Nick Chubb managed the workload on the ground. CB Denzel Ward also had a spectacular 100-yard pick six that killed the Bengals’ momentum. The Browns will look to get another win when they travel to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots next week.
The duo of Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase struggled on Sunday, with Burrow throwing 2 INT and Chase only racking up 49 yards on 6 receptions. The Bengals defense was torn to shreds by Cleveland as well, allowing 41 points. The Bengals, now having lost two straight, will look to return to the win column in two weeks after their BYE, this week.
Game Highlights: Browns vs. Bengals Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
New England Patriots (5-4) @ Carolina Panthers (4-5)
Final: Patriots-24 Panthers-6
Player of the Game: J.C. Jackson
After a shaky start to the season, the New England Patriots have found themselves in a nice position, and only 0.5 games back in the AFC East. The touted Bill Belichick defense showed out once again on Sunday, intercepting Sam Darnold three times, J.C. Jackson accounting for two of them. Mac Jones may face punishment for his dirty play against Panthers DE Brian Burns, but it should only be a fine at the maximum. The Patriots will look to keep stacking wins next week when they host the Cleveland Browns.
Since their 3-0 start to the season, the Carolina Panthers have lost all of their momentum and will have to hurry to find a solution. Sam Darnold has looked like his days back on the Jets, which certainly isn’t helping their hopes of competing in the NFC. The return of Christian McCaffrey was a welcome piece that they have been missing for the past few weeks. Stephon Gilmore tallied his 2nd INT in his 2nd active game as a Panther. The Carolina Panthers will look to get a win when they travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals next week.
Game Highlights: Patriots vs. Panthers Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Denver Broncos (5-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (6-2)
Final: Broncos-30 Cowboys-16
Player of the Game: Broncos Defense
The Denver Broncos defense put on the best performance of their entire season on Sunday afternoon, absolutely routing a Dallas Cowboys team that has been unstoppable for most of the season. Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon led the way for the Broncos ground game, accounting for most of Denver’s yards. Teddy Bridgewater had a nice game as well. The Broncos will look to remain above .500 when they host the Philadelphia Eagles next week.
The Dallas Cowboys, like many other good teams, were struck with an upset loss on Sunday. The Cowboys just couldn’t seem to get anything going on both offense and defense the entire game, struggling to use RB Zeke Elliot and the loaded WR corps consisting of Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys defense that has played well so far was figured out on Sunday, which may give other teams a blueprint to work with in future weeks. The Dallas Cowboys will look to return to the win column next week when they host the Atlanta Falcons.
Game Highlights: Broncos vs. Cowboys Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Minnesota Vikings (3-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (6-2)
Final: Ravens-34 Vikings-31
Player of the Game: Lamar Jackson
The Ravens on Sunday, won another game that they were trailing by. Lamar Jackson continues to have himself a nice season, even if the games they are winning are closer than they would like them to be. Marquise Brown and Rashod Bateman, the young WR duo, are both coming into their own, and are allowing the Ravens to expand their passing game. The Ravens will look to start a win streak when they travel to Miami to take on the Dolphins for Thursday Night Football.
There are a few head coaches on the hot seat in the NFL at the moment, and Vikings HC Mike Zimmer continues to climb the ranks of that list. The Vikings have been in plenty of the games that they have played, but they just can’t seem to finish the job. Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson made some splash plays but they weren’t enough to overcome the Ravens.
Game Highlights: Vikings vs. Ravens Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Houston Texans (1-8) @ Miami Dolphins (2-7)
Final: Dolphins-17 Texans-9
Player of the Game: Myles Gaskin
In a battle of two of the NFL’s worst teams, The Miami Dolphins came out on top. Jacoby Brissett had an iffy day, throwing 1 TD and 2 INT. Myles Gaskin totaled a good amount of yards through the air and ground. Miami will host the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football.
In Tyrod Taylor’s first game back from injury, he had a trainwreck of a game, throwing for 3 INT and 0 TD. Brandin Cooks continued to be maybe the only bright spot for the Houston offense, but even he only totaled 56 yards on 6 receptions. The Houston Texans will have their BYE next week.
Game Highlights: Texans vs. Dolphins Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles (3-6)
Final: Chargers-27 Eagles-24
Player of the Game: Justin Herbert
The Los Angeles Chargers got out of Philadelphia with a win that almost evaded them. Justin Herbert returned to his normal self, throwing for 356 yards and 2 TD. Keenan Allen racked up 12 receptions on 104 yards, as he led the way for the pass game, with WR Mike Williams only tallying 58 yards on 2 receptions. The L.A. Chargers will look to continue their winning ways when they host the Minnesota Vikings next week.
The Philadelphia Eagles had a strange day to say the least. Jalen Hurts only threw for 162 yards but ran for 62 as well. DeVonta Smith had himself a nice day, racking up 116 yards and 1 TD on 5 receptions. Jordan Howard was the lead back, rushing for 71 yards and 1 TD on 17 carries. The Eagles will look to pick up a win next week when they travel to Denver to take on the Broncos.
Game Highlights: Chargers vs. Eagles Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Green Bay Packers (7-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-4)
Final: Chiefs-13 Packers-7
Player of the Game: Travis Kelce
The Kansas City Chiefs managed to pull out a win against an Aaron Rodgers-less Green Bay Packers at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Patrick Mahomes had a mediocre game, continuing his strange streak of lackluster games, the offense as a whole for that matter. Travis Kelce had 68 yards and 1 TD, which is a good sight to see for Chiefs fans. The Kansas City Chiefs will travel to Las Vegas next week to take on the division rival Raiders.
The Green Bay Packers may be worrying about their future after what they saw from Jordan Love on Sunday. While it was a small sample size for the 2nd year QB from Utah State, and in a tough environment, Love’s first NFL start left a lot to be desired. The offense as a whole struggled to get a rhythm going, which ultimately cost them the game. The Green Bay Packers will get QB Aaron Rodgers back next week when they host the Seattle Seahawks.
Game Highlights: Packers vs. Chiefs Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Arizona Cardinals (8-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-5)
Final: Cardinals-31 49ers-17
Player of the Game: James Conner
Without QB Kyler Murray and WR DeAndre Hopkins on Sunday afternoon, the Arizona Cardinals managed to pull off a somewhat dominant win over their division rival San Francisco 49ers. RB Chase Edmonds left the game early with injury, leaving the role of RB1 to James Conner, who totaled 3 TD and 173 yards. The Arizona Cardinals, who now sit at 8-1, will look to stack wins on their impressive season when they host the Carolina Panthers next week.
Many around the NFL world are beginning to question the head coaching and play calling ability of 49ers HC Kyle Shanahan. While I personally believe that he should be given the chance to grow rookie QB Trey Lance before he loses his job, others have the say when it comes to that. In terms on Sunday’s game, George Kittle had a good game with his first game back from IR, totaling 101 yards on 6 receptions and 1 TD. The 49ers will host the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football next week in an NFC West battle.
Game Highlights: Cardinals vs. 49ers Week 9 Highlights | NFL 2021
Tennessee Titans (7-2) @ Los Angeles Rams (7-2) (SNF)
Final: Titans-28 Rams-16
Player of the Game: Tennessee Titans Defense
Even without star RB Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans stunned the world by defeating the Rams in a dominant fashion, mainly on the defensive side of the ball. Intercepting the usually consistent Matthew Stafford twice, the Titans defense earned all of the momentum, and it was what gave the Titans their eventual win. The Titans have now beaten an impressive list of teams the past few weeks, putting them solely in possession of the #1 spot in the AFC, a position that they will look to keep in the upcoming weeks. The Tennessee Titans will host the New Orleans Saints next week.
The Los Angeles Rams seemed to have been caught off guard in the first half of the game, and were just not able to regain the ground they lost. Matthew Stafford looked shaken and uncomfortable in the pocket, mainly caused by the disruption from Titans defensive linemen Jefferey Simmons and Denico Autry. Cooper Kupp continued to show why he’s earned the title of the best WR in the NFL this season, racking up 95 yards on 11 receptions. The L.A. Rams will look to bounce back next week when they travel to The Bay to take on the 49ers next week.
Game Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARaE4c1ib94
Chicago Bears (3-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) (MNF)
Final: Steelers-29 Bears-27
Player of the Game: T.J. Watt (Honorable Mention: Pat Freiermuth)
It is rare for a defensive player to earn player of the game honors here on this website, but T.J. Watt keeps proving week in and week out why he was made the highest paid defensive player in the league. Watt finished the game with 3 sacks, adding to his league leading total. Rookie TE Penn State alum Pat Freiermuth finished the day with 2 crucial TD catches, along with rookie RB Najee Harris notching a TD run as well. The Pittsburgh Steelers have put themselves right back into the thick of things in the AFC North and even the AFC as a whole. The Pittsburgh Steelers host the winless Detroit Lions next week.
Despite the heartbreaking loss, the Chicago Bears seemed to have found their guy in Justin Fields. Fields showed poise and compousre in a situation where the Bears needed him to be clutch. Fields showed up on what could’ve been a game winning drive if not for some questionable calls that would eventually cost the Bears the game. The Chicago Bears will have their BYE next week.
Game Highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGYizeHvhNg