Mid-Week Football Chat (Week 4)

Mid-Week Football Chat Written by Conner Pack Week 4 Games - Titans vs. Steelers both 3-0. (Game postponed) On paper, these two teams are very similar. Both can score points (26.7 ppg) and both run the ball very well (Steelers 139.7 rushing yards per game, Titans 129.0 rushing yards per game). Where they differ is defensively. The Steelers have the best rush defense, allowing just 54.0 rushing yards per game (Titans have the league’s leading rusher in Derrick Henry who’s averaging 106.3 yards per game). Also, the Steelers are top five in scoring defense (allowing just 19.3 ppg). As for the Titans, they’ve given up points and yards, but have forced turnovers. The Titans have a +5 turnover differential. They’ve forced 6 turnovers which is tied for second best in the NFL. Unfortunately, this game will not be played this weekend. Whenever it’s played it should be a good one. - Vikings vs. Texans which 0-3 team gets a win? The Vikings and Texans both have gotten off to bad starts in 2020. Both currently sit at 0-3 and have struggled mightily on the offensive side of the ball. For the Vikings, as bad as they’ve been offensively, they’ve been equally as bad on defense. Defensively, they’re giving up 440.0 yards per game (30th) and allowing 34.0 ppg (31st). That’s definitely not what I expected from a Mike Zimmer coached defense that also made changes and acquired talent over the offseason. Offensively, Kirk Cousins has just been flat out bad. Whether it’s play calling or poor decision making, Cousins and the Vikings offense simply haven’t been able to get on track. Through three weeks, Cousins has thrown 5 TD’s and 6 INT’s and has a 59% competition percentage (31st). For the Texans, Deshaun Watson has done all he can to keep the Texans afloat. Offensively, they’re a depleted team that lacks explosive plays. They struggle to convert third downs and move the chains (12-31 on third down 38.7% which is 23rd). Defensively, they’re solid, but due to a lack of offensive production they just can’t muster up enough to keep the Texans alive and in games. Ultimately, I’m just curious to see which 0-3 team is able to break the slump and get a win. I expected the Texans to be bad but definitely didn’t expect the Vikings to be this bad. - Patriots head to Arrow Head to face off against Chiefs Always a fun and exciting AFC matchup is the New England Patriots vs. Kansas City Chiefs. Two great head coaches that utilize their players to the fullest of their potential. We’ve been used to Brady in New England but now we have Cam Newton. Now, Newton has played fantastic through three games with the Patriots. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has done a wonderful job of scheming and dialing up plays that suit Newton’s style of play and Newton has greatly benefited. The Chiefs on the other hand have been the Chiefs. Explosive and creative offense that finds ways to score. Defensively, especially on Monday night against Baltimore, they’ve really stepped up and became a unit that really compliments their offense. Going into Sunday’s matchup, we know they’re going to score points, but how will this defense fair against Newton and the Patriots offense? Will they stifle him like they did Lamar Jackson? That’s what I’m curious to see. This should be one of the more exciting games on Sunday afternoon. Topics - Philadelphia Eagles struggles I could go on and on about the Eagles struggles. I’ll just keep it simple here. Yes, quarterback Carson Wentz isn’t playing good. The whole team isn’t playing good. The receiving core is depleted. Head coach Doug Pederson has to be more creative. I believe the Eagles can turn things around, but it’s going to have to take the entire team. Wentz must play better, but the guy needs help and guys he can trust. - Brady and Bucs beginning to roll After a shaky week one performance, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to have turned the corner. They’ve won their last two games by a combined score of 59-27. Brady is looking sharp as he and his receivers really look to be finding a rhythm. Currently, the Buccaneers are first in the NFC South. From the looks of it, this team is just beginning to heat up. Watch out. - Unbeaten Teams rankings Self explanatory. - Foles new starter in Chicago Finally, once again, quarterback Nick Foles is a starter in the NFL. One of the most overhyped backup quarterbacks in the history of the league has taken over in Chicago after leading a fourth quarter Bears comeback against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday. Foles had a great performance throwing 3 touchdowns in the fourth quarter alone. Going forward though, what is the ultimate vision Bears head coach Matt Nagy has for Foles and the quarterback position? Foles typically catches lightning in a bottle, but once that lightning is gone, he becomes an average to below average NFL quarterback. Now, what’s great for Foles, is he has history with both Matt Nagy and quarterbacks coach John DeFillippo. So, time will tell.