Buffalo's Bay Day Opens New England Route to AFC East Lead - Highlights of Week 10 NFL Action
- Published:
- Comments: 3
The tenth week again delivered, with a major surprise for the Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many people into the NFL
This outcome may have opened opportunities for the New England Patriots to move back into a leading position they used to occupy, with a remaining games that provides them an edge over their 8-2 competitors
Meanwhile in the NFC the Seattle Seahawks and Rams had ideal outcomes to arrange a major confrontation next week, while our top performer is pursuing milestones as well as the MVP award
The Breakdown - Simply an Off Day for the Bills?
Was it just an emotional comedown from defeating Kansas City last week or a deeper issue? This remains the question for the Bills to answer
The Bills had secured seven victories in a consecutive games against Miami but were outperformed from the beginning as the Dolphins emerged as 30-13 victors in an eye-opening result - and display
MVP quarterback Josh Allen only achieved the squad's initial first down in the third period and first points in the final quarter - yes the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was still a significant failure laid by one of the NFL's top offences
Dolphins quarterback Tua passed for two scores but running back De'Von Achane was the devastating difference, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Bottling up the NFL's top rushing attack was crucial too, with James Cook and company registering just 86 yards, their lowest of the season and just over half their 161.5 yard season average
Then there were the three crucial turnovers, and the pair from Josh Allen in particular. An pass caught by defense in the end zone resulting in a nine-minute drive yielded no points, and his fourth-quarter dropped ball that Miami turned into a touchdown just two plays
It was classic 'old Buffalo' as they shot themselves in the foot, getting into a hole on defense and Josh Allen trying to do too much to dig his team out of it - not the calm, controlled, well-balanced Bills we've witnessed this year
Miami have served up a varied performances this year so the jury's out on if this is the start of something, but for the Bills they'll need an immediate bounce-back in a tough game against the Buccaneers next week as the New England are quietly moving into a comfortable advantage at the top of the AFC East
Spotlight - Patriots Identify Route to Surprise Top Seed
Regarding the New England, they're one of three 8-2 teams in the NFL, all AFC teams, but could they be the top team?
One could find flaws in New England, Denver and the Colts actually for feasting on the weaker opponents, with just five of their combined twenty-four wins coming against teams with a positive record - and one of those was the Indianapolis defeating the Denver
The Broncos defeated the champion Eagles in Philly and are kings of the final quarter while Indy can rely on Jonathan Taylor, but the Patriots including Sunday's victory in Tampa Bay to their primtime win in Buffalo appears to be a statement
Their pair of losses occurred in new head coach Mike Vrabel's initial three games, with seven straight victories, just like Denver, from that point - but defeating Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a week off to prepare was significant
Drake Maye's MVP claims continue to be discussed, and he certainly earns point for bravery after absorbing some hard tackles in Tampa but hanging in there to steer his team to victory
The defense is reliable and first-year rusher Henderson burst onto the scene on Sunday with 147 yards and two exciting touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth runner to exceed 22mph this season on his initial touchdown
While you can debate who 'the best' is technically, the Patriots should be favorites to finish with the best record due to their remaining opponents - which includes just a single matchup against a winning team, although a significant contest against Buffalo
Traveling to Baltimore is also tough, but Denver have it even tougher in the AFC West with the Kansas City to face two times, the Chargers (who could also challenge for top seed but face the identical challenge) and also the Green Bay on the schedule
The Indianapolis also face the Chiefs, and have the Seattle, San Francisco and two games with the five and four Jacksonville to face. There is a considerable distance to go but the opportunity is open for a shock top seed in the AFC
Next Week - Rams & Seahawks Set for Week 11 Showdown
Two teams with solid claims to be superior to all of the three different eight and two teams are NFC West rivals the Seahawks and Rams, who both scored 40 burgers to reach 7-2 ahead of next week's Hollywood blockbuster game between the pair in Los Angeles
Both have won four in a consecutive games, have quarterbacks in Matthew Stafford and Sam Darnold playing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on Sunday) with top receivers, and defenses giving up under 20 points a contest
Both could realistically be undefeated as well - especially the Rams as their two defeats occurred in extra time against the 49ers and then that agonising loss in Philadelphia when they had a potentially winning field goal with the final play blocked and run back by the Philadelphia for a score
Seattle also lost to the 49ers, with a last-minute score in the opening week, before losing to the final play of the game against the Tampa Bay - so they're genuinely among the top teams in the league
The upcoming game on Sunday could be the most exciting of the year so far
Player of the Week - Taylor
Jonathan Taylor might be on for a historic year after his incredible display in Germany - rushing for 244 rushing yards, scoring three touchdowns and adding another forty-two {receiving yards