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An action-packed week 7 saw many ranking changes, while midseason edges ever closer. We were once again treated to an eventful London game between the Chargers and Titans, which featured one of the most controversial ends to a game in the history of the international series.
Comeback Cam
Let’s start with the epic 21-point resurrection by the Carolina Panthers against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Carson Wentz was able to throw the ball well, producing 2 touchdowns and 330 passing yards on 30 of 37 passes. He was unaided however, by a poor offensive line, which gave up far too many hits on the quarterback. Zach Ertz was once again the leading target for Wentz with nine receptions and 138 yards.
However, it was simply not to be for the Eagles, who found themselves up by 17 heading into the fourth quarter. Cam Newton led his team to three touchdowns, two of which he threw into the endzone to Devin Funchess and the game-winner to Greg Olsen. Curtis Samuel also produced a touchdown on a nice trick play.
Both teams sit second in their respective divisions, with the Panthers improving to 4-2 whilst the Eagles drop to 3-4 tied with the Cowboys in the East.
London game: Charge!
The Los Angeles Chargers were able to hold on to their victory with a goal line stop in the dying embers of the game.
Mariota, with two attempts, failed to convert the two-point conversion which would’ve won them the game. His inability to complete passes was a considerable reason for their defeat.
The Chargers were a breath of fresh air in London, garnering much of the support from the fans. Philip Rivers achieved the player of the game award for his performance, accumulating 306 passing yards and two touchdowns. The defence made stops when they were needed most too.
Destructive Donald
Aaron Donald was this week’s standout performer.
He was integral to the Rams’ demolition of the San Francisco 49ers. With nine tackles, including six for a loss and four sacks, Donald was an absolute wrecking ball, which was incredibly problematic for C.J. Beathard who is covering for the injured Jimmy Garoppolo.
Bears fall to Patriots
The Chicago Bears were defeated 31-38 by the New England Patriots. The Bears fall to fourth in the NFC North, despite the Packers resting on their bye week.
They gave it all they had. Mitchell Trubisky threw for 333 yards and two touchdowns and even completed a 55-yard hail mary pass to the one-yard marker, but the game clock hit zero.
The Bears’ three turnovers, including two interceptions, were their downfall in this game. Giving Tom Brady the ball is never the answer.
Colts trounce the Bills
The Colts were absolutely unreal against the Buffalo Bills. Indianapolis cruised to a 37-5 win.
Andrew Luck had a remarkably easy day at the office, completing 17 of 23 passes thrown for 156 yards and four touchdowns. Marlon Mack had a huge game, rushing for 126 yards and a touchdown in his best performance yet.
The defence of the Colts also had a field-day, intercepting Derek Anderson three times in a performance he’ll be desperate to forget. Quincy Wilson and Darius Leonard were able to recover a fumble each, with the latter playing a spectacular game with 17 total tackles.
Cleveland go full Cleveland
Another week, another nail-biter for the Cleveland Browns. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers capitalised on a record-breaking overtime 59-yard field goal to win the game.
Chandler Catanzaro did not have the easiest game, missing a field goal at the end of regulation that could’ve won the game for his team.
As for Jameis Winston, he contributed 365 passing yards and a rushing touchdown, but failed to produce any passing touchdowns
The Browns did have their fair share of chances, led by Baker Mayfield who threw two touchdowns in the game. Nick Chubb was solid from the backfield with 80 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The defence were also able to turn the ball over three times, including a fumble recovery and interception by Christian Kirksey, who played especially well. In spite of that, the Browns once again cracked under the pressure when it mattered most, something they’ll need to resolve if they wish to improve from last place in the AFC North.
