The ultimate remaining undefeated groups each went down in Week 6. The dominant San Francisco 49ers have been bullied, and likewise a bit confused, by the ferocious Cleveland Browns. Close to the Jersey aspect of the Hudson River, the New York Jets protection was undermanned and nonetheless took it to the Philadelphia Eagles to enhance to .500 on the season and maintain their playoff hopes alive — even when their offense was caught in that new turf for a lot of the sport.
One other yr, one other drink of champagne for Larry Csonka, Mercury Morris, and the surviving members of the undefeated Tremendous Bowl Champion 1972 Miami Dolphins — always remember although that the 2007 New England Patriots received essentially the most video games in a row in a single season earlier than shedding to the Giants within the Tremendous Bowl.
Brock Purdy lastly performed like a backup quarterback in opposition to the Browns. It was by far his worst NFL efficiency, coming after 5 weeks of him enjoying like an MVP. The Browns’ cross rush, and accidents to Deebo Samuel and Christian McCaffrey, actually affected him. Nonetheless, if Jake Moody makes that field-goal with lower than 10 seconds remaining, Purdy’s efficiency is seen because the smallest of blips alongside a game-winning drive.
The Eagles have actually not trounced opponents in 2023 the identical manner because the 49ers. Their solely double-digit margin of victory this season was a, 25-11, Week 3 win in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In Week 6, even with out their beginning cornerbacks, the Jets put the Eagles’ backs in opposition to the wall all through the day.
Standout proper deal with Lane Johnson went down with an ankle damage and the Jets protection took benefit. Bryce Huff — NFL chief in QB pressures since final season per Subsequent Gen Stats with 250 minimal makes an attempt — recorded 9 by himself within the Jets’ 20-14 win. Jalen Hurts threw three interceptions, together with one proper earlier than the two-minute warning and the Jets scored on the subsequent play.
Whereas the 49ers and Eagles won’t finish the ‘72 Dolphins libations, they’re nonetheless arguably the strongest groups within the NFL. Two balanced offenses accompanied by swarming defenses. They don’t seem to be alone amongst championship contenders by means of a 3rd of the season. Counting out the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and Buffalo Payments can be ridiculous with their staff strengths, using the 2 finest quarterbacks on the earth.
In Week 6, there have been additionally another groups, although, who appeared able to do some January harm, even when their efficiency lacked the identical fashion factors because the NFL elite.
Groups who play the Browns have to convey further ache reduction
There’s a motive the Browns ranked first in defense-adjust worth over common (DVOA) within the NFL previous to their Week 6 matchup in opposition to the 49ers. They’re decided to be as depressing to opposing offenses as an Ohio winter.
The second-best offensive staff within the NFL — per DVOA — failed to attain 20 factors in opposition to the Browns. Even sans Nick Chubb and Deshaun Watson, P.J. Walker’s 52.9 completion proportion with no touchdowns and two interceptions was all of the offense that the Browns wanted to defeat the 49ers.
Possibly the Browns have been extra accustomed to performing with out key gamers, or their physicality shocked what was broadly thought-about the most effective staff within the NFL. Purdy didn’t full 45 p.c of his passes or complete 150 yards within the air in Week 6.
Watson is due again quickly for the Browns, and simply previous to his damage, lastly was enjoying properly. Mix him with Amari Cooper ripping footballs from the grasp of opposing defenders, a succesful working again corps, and that tenacious protection, the Browns will likely be a degree boss that the AFC is compelled to battle.
An NFC North title must be solely the start of the Detroit Lions aspirations
Going into Week 6, solely three groups within the NFL have been Prime-10 in each offensive and defensive DVOA, the 49ers, the Payments and the Lions. A protection that struggled so mightily early in 2022 that Dan Campbell fired the defensive backs coach mid-season, has been enjoying in 2023 like the most effective items within the league.
The Lions’ protection continued to roll in Week 6 in opposition to the Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield & Co. have been 3-1 coming into the sport off of a bye week. On Sunday, they weren’t at the same time as explosive because the cannons at Raymond James Stadium.
In a 20-6 victory, the Lions held the Buccaneers to 2-of-12 on third down conversions, and likewise 251 yards of complete offense, in comparison with the Lions’ 380. On offense, Detroit didn’t rating its first factors till midway by means of the second quarter. But the Lions have been nonetheless in a position to dominate the Bucs and end the night tied with the most effective file within the convention.
The Cincinnati Bengals are very a lot within the playoff image
By means of six weeks final season the Bengals have been 3-3. On the identical checkpoint in 2023, they’ve the very same file. In 2022 there was no concern in September about Joe Burrow’s capability to maneuver two steps left, proper, again and/or forth.
His accidents have value the Bengals this season as they received off to a 1-3 begin, however in Week 5 he seemed like himself in an enormous win in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals. Even after the win and Burrow enjoying properly, the Bengals’ protection and offense have been within the backside 10 of the NFL in DVOA going into Week 6. The Seahawks, then again, entered the sport with steadiness, rating within the prime 15 on either side of the ball.
Towards the Seahawks in Week 6, the Bengals had some bother shifting down the sector, nevertheless it was their protection that took management of this sport. Geno Smith threw the ball everywhere in the area, going 27-for-41 for 323 passing yards — his second 300-plus yards passing efficiency of the season. However in key moments, he threw two interceptions and likewise received sacked twice in a goal-to-go state of affairs with lower than a minute remaining within the sport.
The Bengals are doing simply sufficient to hold round in video games and Burrow once more seemed cellular. In the event that they begin to click on across the holidays, that AFC Championship Recreation rubber match in opposition to the Chiefs will start to look inevitable.