Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Opens Patriots Route to Top Spot - Highlights of NFL Week 10
- Published:
- Comments: 3
Week 10 once more provided excitement, with a major surprise for the Buffalo Bills demonstrating the 'any given Sunday' mantra that attracts so many people into the NFL
This outcome may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to move back into a leading position they formerly held, with a schedule that gives them an edge over their eight and two rivals
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seahawks and Rams had perfect results to set up a monster clash next week, while our top performer is chasing records as well as the Most Valuable Player award
The Breakdown - Simply an Off Day for the Bills?
Could it simply have been an emotional letdown from beating the Chiefs the previous week or a deeper issue? That's the question for the Bills to address
The Bills had won seven in a row against Miami but were second best from the start as the Dolphins ran out 30-13 winners in an surprising result - and performance
MVP Josh Allen only achieved the squad's opening first down in the third period and initial scoring in the final quarter - admittedly the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was nonetheless a significant failure laid by one of the NFL's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua passed for two touchdowns but running back De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 total yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top running game was also key, with James Cook and teammates registering just eighty-six yards, their fewest of the year and just over half their 161.5 yard average
Then there were the three crucial ball losses, and the pair from Josh Allen specifically. An pass caught by defense in the end zone resulting in a nine minute possession produced nothing, and his fourth-quarter fumble that Miami converted to a touchdown just two plays
It was typical 'previous Bills teams' as they hurt themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defensive side and Allen trying to overcompensate to dig his team out of it - not the calm, controlled, well-balanced Buffalo team we've witnessed this season
The Dolphins have served up a bit of everything this season so the verdict is uncertain on whether this is the start of a trend, but for Buffalo they'll need an immediate bounce-back in a tough game against the Buccaneers in week 11 as the Patriots are quietly moving into a comfortable advantage at the top of the American Football Conference East
Spotlight - Patriots Identify Route to Unexpected First Place
Regarding the New England, they're among three different eight and two teams in the league, all American Football Conference teams, but could they be the top team?
One could find flaws in the Patriots, Denver and Indianapolis actually for feasting on the weaker opponents, with just five of their total twenty-four victories coming against teams with a positive record - and one example was the Indianapolis beating the Denver
Denver beat the reigning champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are masters of the final quarter while Indianapolis can ride Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's win in Tampa to their primtime win in Buffalo appears to be a declaration
Their pair of losses occurred in new head coach Vrabel's initial three contests, with seven straight wins, just like Denver, from that point - but taking down Baker Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a bye to get ready was significant
Maye's MVP claims won't go away, and he certainly earns credit for bravery after taking some hard tackles in Tampa but hanging in there to guide his side to victory
The defense is reliable and rookie rusher Henderson exploded on game day with 147 rushing yards and two exhilerating scores of 55 and 69 yards - establishing himself as just the fifth runner to break 22mph this year on his initial touchdown
While you can debate who 'the top team' is statistically, the Pats should be favorites to finish with the top record due to their schedule - which features just one game against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against Buffalo
Traveling to Baltimore is challenging too, but the Broncos have it more difficult in the AFC West division with the Kansas City to play twice, the Los Angeles Chargers (who might also challenge for first place but encounter the identical challenge) and additionally the Green Bay on the schedule
The Indianapolis also play the Chiefs, and have the Seahawks, 49ers and two games with the five and four Jacksonville to contend with. There's a considerable distance to go but the door is open for a shock number one position in the AFC
Coming Up - Los Angeles and Seattle Prepare for Next Week Showdown
Both squads with strong arguments to be superior to all of the three 8-2 sides are National Football Conference West rivals the Seattle and Los Angeles, who each put up 40 burgers to go to 7-2 ahead of the upcoming major meeting between the pair in Los Angeles
Both have won four in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Stafford and Darnold performing at an elite level (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units allowing fewer than twenty points a game
Each could easily be without a loss as well - particularly the Rams as their two defeats came in extra time against the 49ers and then that painful defeat in Philly when they had a game-winning kick with the final play blocked and run back by the Eagles for a score
The Seahawks also lost to the 49ers, with a late touchdown in week one, before falling to the last kick of the game against the Buccaneers - so they are genuinely among the best sides in the league
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the season so far
Player of the Week - Taylor
Taylor might be on for a historic year after his remarkable performance in Berlin - running for 244 yards, scoring three touchdowns and contributing an additional 42 {receiving yards