2020 NFL Week 9 Recap

Patriots 30
Jets 27

If Adam Gase thinks Bill Belichick is so funny, then presiding over the first 0-9 start in Jets history to clinch the franchise’s 30th losing season must be hilarious. When Gang Green comes back from their bye, they should do so with Gregg Williams as the interim head coach.

And my, how the mighty have fallen in New England. Yes, the Patriots dominated the second half time of possession (21:39 out of 30 minutes) and pulled out a come-from-behind win to end their four-game losing skid. But the level of late-game heroics required to barely beat Baltimore discards like Joe Flacco and Breshad Perriman is a really bad sign going into a short-week game against the present-day Ravens.

Saints 38
Bucs 3

I certainly didn’t see this coming. Drew Brees snatching the all-time passing touchdown record back from Tom Brady in his own house was the nicest thing that happened — Brady’s new toy (Antonio Brown) was a non-factor in his Bucs debut, the GOAT was battered and beaten en route to the worst loss of his career and the first time in his career he was swept at the hands of a division opponent. This ain’t the AFC East, Tommy. Don’t be surprised if Carolina reminds him of that next week, too.

Steelers 24
Cowboys 19

I mean, if Garrett Gilbert is Nick Foles, it’s “Everywhere Except Philly” Nick Foles, not 2013 or 2017 postseason Nick Foles.

Give Dallas credit for playing Pittsburgh close, but the undefeated Steelers — off to their best start in their illustrious franchise’s history — are just on another level. I can’t wait to see this “team of destiny” label put to the test down the stretch.

Dolphins 34
Cardinals 31

I sincerely hope this is a future Super Bowl matchup. Kyler Murray notched his first double triple in a near-perfect passing performance, and Tua Tagovailoa was outstanding in a huge road win that matches their 2019 win total midway through 2020. If Miami stays on course for a playoff berth, Tua will have passed his test with flying colors and the Dolphins can finally build around a true franchise quarterback.

Raiders 31
Chargers 26

Another week, another way for the Los Angeles Chargers to lose. When the Bolts and Falcons play Dec. 13, their collective losing energy might implode SoFi Stadium Dark Knight Rises style.

Giants 23
Washington 20

On the same day we lost famed Washington fan Alex Trebek (and he was quite the fan), the Burgundy and Gold lost yet another quarterback to a devastating leg injury and literally fumbled their way to an 0-4 record against a Giants team that’s 2-19 against everyone else the last two seasons. But it’s 2020, y’all. Let’s celebrate Logan Ryan’s game-clinching pick to cap a harrowing week and not take the NFC East too seriously since none of its four teams are either.

Ravens 24
Colts 10

Ten straight road wins. A whopping 31 straight games scoring 20+ points and rushing for over 100 yards, 21 consecutive games with a takeaway and an NFL-best 12th defensive touchdown since 2018. Lamar Jackson slumping but also etching his name alongside Dan Marino’s. Has any team been as simultaneously impressive and underwhelming as Baltimore?

Seahawks 34
Bills 44

How’s this for timing: Seattle gave Pete Carroll a contract extension, and then his unrecognizable Seahawks defense gave up the most points in the 11-year Carroll era. This is worst-timed extension since Donovan McNabb’s in Washington.

Meanwhile, 7-2 Buffalo is enjoying its best start since 1993 thanks to Josh Allen outdueling Wilson despite a heavy heart following a family tragedy. It’s starting to feel like the Bills are something special.

Panthers 31
Chiefs 33

Patrick Mahomes is the fastest to 100 touchdown passes (40 games) in NFL history, and if he continues this tear and Russell Wilson shoots a couple more blanks trying to overcompensate for Seattle’s defense, Mahomes will grab his second MVP. Book it.

Lions 20
Vikings 34

If Everson Griffen’s feelings were hurt before, he has really gotta be smarting after getting run over by now-league-leading rusher Dalvin Cook and watching Kirk Cousins get right at Detroit’s expense. Seriously, Lions … Matt Patricia is your king? Give Jim Caldwell his apology.

Broncos 27
Falcons 34

I don’t know how much longer Vic Fangio is the coach in Denver. All I know is failing to come back on Atlanta is a borderline fireable offense.

Seriously, though — Raheem Morris deserves a second chance as an NFL head coach, and if the Falcons can knock off the division-leading Saints at least once, it should come in Atlanta.

Texans 27
Jaguars 25

If this is J.J. Watt’s last year in Houston, it was good to see one of the few Texans legends celebrate 100 sacks in a win. Here’s hoping Watt finds his way to a contender in the offseason.

Bears 17
Titans 24

The Bears are who we thought they were, and Tennessee is 6-2 for the first time since 2008. Nothing to see here, folks. (Except the late, great Dennis Green.)

Packers 34
49ers 17

The Aaron Rodgers Scorched Earth Tour rolled through his home state, and Devante Adams made a compelling case for best receiver in the NFL, but this was hollow payback for Green Bay’s loss to San Fran in the NFC title game. The seven players who touched the ball for the 49ers in that game didn’t play Thursday and will likely remain a shell of themselves the rest of this season.