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NFL Week 7 is almost in the books. This week featured everything from tight finishes to blowouts, career accomplishments and all-star performances.
Lions Fall Back Down to Earth
The Detroit Lions were on a roll heading into Week 7, winning four games in a row and tied for the best record in the NFL. However, it all came crashing down on Sunday with a 38-6 demolition at the hands of Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar looked like his MVP-self, carving up the Lions defense for nearly 400 total yards and four touchdowns.
"We've played 7 games so far, so we have 10 more? We've got a lot of work to do."
Coach Harbaugh on the team not being satisfied: pic.twitter.com/yfv2tS0tCF
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 23, 2023
After allowing just six points to the Bucs last week, the Lions could not contain a Ravens offense that scored on all but three possessions and punted just twice.
Detroit did not fare any better on the other side of the ball, with Jared Goff and the offense scoring just once on 10 possessions.
Falcons, Pats and Browns Win Late
The Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots and Cleveland Browns each won after taking the lead in the final 15 seconds.
Falcons @ Bucs
The Falcons traveled to Tampa Bay to face the Buccaneers in a battle for first place in the NFC South. It was a tight game throughout with the score tied on three separate occasions. The final score came on a Chase McLaughlin field goal to knot it at 13 with 45 seconds remaining.
On the ensuing possession, Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder found former Gator Kyle Pitts for a 39-yard gain with just 33 seconds to go. This set up Younghoe Koo’s 51 yard game-winning field goal attempt. He drilled it as time expired to claim first place in the division.
Bills @ Pats
The Patriots hosted the Bills, looking to snap a three-game losing streak in which they were outscored 93-20. Pats’ starting QB Mac Jones threw five picks during this stretch, leading to questions around his job security.
Needing a bounce back game in the worst way, Jones delivered. He went 25/30 through the air, with 272 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner to Mike Gesicki.
Gesicki Griddy on #NationalTightEndsDay! @Patriots take the lead!
📺: #BUFvsNE on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/iTs8HMaXlh pic.twitter.com/KkN4aX6ugG— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2023
This marked career win No. 300 for legendary head coach Bill Belichick, who gave his thoughts on the accomplishment as only he can.
Browns @ Colts
The Browns traveled to Indianapolis to face the Colts in a thriller. The fireworks started early with a 69-yard touchdown run by Browns running back Jerome Ford in the first minute of the game. The offensive showdown continued throughout, including a 75-yard receiving touchdown by Michael Pittman to give the Colts a 38-33 lead with five minutes left in the game.
After each team went three-and-out, the Browns got the ball back with 2:20 remaining. Backup QB PJ Walker and the Cleveland offense executed the two-minute drill to perfection. They marched 80 yards in just over two minutes to take the lead in the game’s final seconds.
Kareem Hunt crosses the goal line. @Browns up with 15 seconds to go!
📺: #CLEvsIND on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/iTs8HMaXlh pic.twitter.com/WhCyI6k4UL— NFL (@NFL) October 22, 2023
A strip-sack of Gardner Minshew secured the victory for the Browns in the highest-scoring game of the week.
Eagles Down Dolphins on SNF
The Philadelphia Eagles hosted the Miami Dolphins in the nightcap.
The Birds got off to a hot start, taking a 17-3 lead in the second quarter. However, the Dolphins would respond, tying the game at 17 following a Jerome Baker pick-6 late in the third.
The Eagles punched back with a 75-yard touchdown drive to end the quarter. The lone score in the fourth was a Kenneth Gainwell rushing touchdown, sealing a 31-17 win for Philly.
Jalen Hurts delivered another big-time performance. Hurts put up 300 total yards and three touchdowns, including a rushing touchdown via the “Brotherly Shove.” The Eagles continue to be the only team that can successfully run the play consistently. This has sparked some conversation as to whether it should be banned. Head coach Nick Sirianni made his thoughts on the matter clear.
Week 7 raps up on Monday Night Football with the Minnesota Vikings hosting the San Francisco 49ers.
