The NFL’s Week 7 slate delivered a series of unexpected results and impressive individual performances that reshaped the league’s landscape. From the Jacksonville Jaguars’ resilient victory in London to the Denver Broncos’ stunning upset of the New Orleans Saints, the week’s action provided a wealth of talking points for fans and analysts alike.
Jaguars Triumph in London Thriller
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ international excursion ended on a high note, as they overcame a 10-0 deficit to secure a thrilling 32-16 win over the New England Patriots. Rookie running back Tank Bigsby emerged as the game’s star, setting career highs with 26 carries for 118 yards and two touchdowns.
Bigsby’s physical running style set the tone for the Jaguars’ offense, which reeled off 22 unanswered points in the second quarter. The win silenced doubts about the team’s resilience following a 1-5 start and safety Andre Cisco’s comments about players quitting during the previous week’s loss to the Bears.
Tank’s performance today showed the world what he’s capable of. He carried us on his back and refused to let this team quit.
A Jaguars teammate speaking on condition of anonymity
Patriots’ Struggles Continue
For the Patriots, the loss marked another low point in a disappointing season. After taking a 10-0 lead, New England’s defense collapsed, surrendering 32 points over the final three quarters. The unit’s inability to stop the run and consistently tackle in the open field drew the ire of coaches and fans alike.
Offensively, rookie quarterback Drake Maye showed promise, completing 26 of 37 passes for 276 yards and two touchdowns. However, the lack of a consistent running game left Maye vulnerable, as he was sacked twice and faced constant pressure.
The loss raises questions about the direction of the Patriots under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. While growing pains were expected, the team’s regression since a season-opening win has been alarming, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
Broncos Dominate Saints in Payton’s Return
In the week’s opening contest, the Denver Broncos cruised to a 33-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints, spoiling head coach Sean Payton’s return to face his former team. The Broncos’ defense led the charge, registering six sacks and forcing two fumbles, one of which linebacker Cody Barton returned 52 yards for a touchdown.
- Barton’s standout performance included a sack, a forced fumble, and the fumble return touchdown.
- The Broncos’ pass rush has now accumulated 28 sacks through seven games.
Offensively, Denver found success by leaning on its rushing attack, with rookie quarterback Bo Nix and the team’s running backs combining for 225 yards on 35 carries. The commitment to the ground game settled Nix, who finished with 75 rushing yards of his own, and allowed the Broncos to control the tempo.
Saints’ Slide Reaches Five Games
The Saints, meanwhile, endured another frustrating outing. Rookie quarterback Spencer Rattler faced constant pressure behind a depleted offensive line, suffering six sacks and multiple strip-sacks. The team’s struggles to protect Rattler and establish a consistent offensive rhythm raised questions about head coach Dennis Allen’s job security.
It’s tough to watch right now. We have to find a way to protect [Rattler] and give ourselves a chance to compete.
A Saints source speaking off the record
Defensively, the Saints surrendered 225 rushing yards to the Broncos, marking the second consecutive game in which they’ve allowed over 200 yards on the ground. The once-vaunted run defense has now become a glaring weakness, leaving the team searching for answers as they aim to salvage their season.
Week 7 Takeaways and Looking Ahead
As the dust settles on Week 7, several key takeaways emerge:
- The Jaguars’ resilience and the emergence of Tank Bigsby provide hope for a team looking to turn its season around.
- The Patriots’ struggles, particularly on defense, raise concerns about the team’s direction under Jerod Mayo.
- The Broncos’ dominant performance, led by their pass rush and rejuvenated ground game, establishes them as a force to be reckoned with.
- The Saints’ five-game losing streak and the mounting pressure on Dennis Allen create a sense of urgency in New Orleans.
As the season progresses, these storylines will continue to unfold, shaping the NFL landscape and determining which teams will rise to the occasion in the face of adversity. With critical matchups on the horizon, the coming weeks will provide further clarity on the contenders and pretenders in the league’s hierarchy.
