Another week, another full slate of NFL action nearly in the books. And Week 5 has had no shortage of drama up to this point, with Aaron Rodgers falling victim to his old rivals overseas, a surprise NFC contender remaining undefeated, and Jayden Daniels putting on another big-play clinic as a rookie.
Here are some of Week 5’s biggest winners and losers:
Winner: Brian Flores’ head coaching prospects
On a day the New York Jets made rejuvenated old friend Sam Darnold look human, the Minnesota Vikings still got the better end of a defensive slugfest in London, with Flores’ ever-versatile unit confusing, pressuring and repeatedly picking off Aaron Rodgers. Andrew Van Ginkel is like a walking pick-six in the linebacker corps, and the veteran secondary once again benefited from a persistent front. Flores’ oversight is undoubtedly one of, if not the, primary reason the Vikings are 5-0 right now.
Loser: Jets fans
It doesn’t get much more painful than watching Aaron Rodgers stay upright (barely), only to run an offense just as scattershot as the one led by Zach Wilson in years past. The 40-year-old quarterback doesn’t seem to trust his own front (for good reason), and while his arm still has plenty of power, his timing and accuracy are all over the place in Nathaniel Hackett’s system. Falling to ex-Jet castoff Sam Darnold in London is just icing on the moldy cake, spoiling an otherwise decent showing from Robert Saleh’s defense.
Winner: Patient Bears fans
For weeks, Caleb Williams looked ill-prepared for the NFL, and D’Andre Swift looked incapable of breaking out of Chicago’s stuffy backfield. That’s all changed in a hurry, with Williams slinging it with newfound touch and confidence to give the Bears a massive lead over the Carolina Panthers to start Week 5. Yes, it’s the Panthers, but to see he, Swift and D.J. Moore now making splash plays as a group bodes well for what’s ahead in Windy City….
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-week-5-winners-and-losers-commanders-make-case-as-nfc-east-favorites-aaron-rodgers-feels-pressure/
Author : Cody Benjamin
Publish date : 2024-10-06 20:49:01
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