This week has so much to unpack. With multiple new quarterbacks either starting or being subbed in, I noticed that the team dynamic would shift depending on the quarterback. 

Broncos at Saints: 

What a great start to this week of football. This was the Broncos’ best game of the year so far. Quarterback Bo Nix had no interceptions and played very smart overall, knowing when to use his running backs, or when to pass to his receivers. I’ve noticed he is starting to make fewer rookie mistakes as well as we shift close to mid-season. Starting Saints QB Derek Carr’s injury last week did not help the team, as their backup Spencer Rattler did not play well, having no touchdown passes and only 172-yards. This was displayed by the game’s outcome, being 33-10 Broncos. 

Patriots at Jaguars: 

London games are always interesting, but this one was an overall fierce game from both teams. Although the Patriots lost, QB Drake Maye had himself a wonderful game. He passed the ball well, and had some great overall plays, like his 22-yard touchdown pass. He also led his team in rushing yards, which impressed me. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence on the other hand seems to still be struggling still, but took advantage of his running backs, getting them a combined total of 39 carries throughout the game. The score 32-16 Jaguars.

Titans at Bills: 

Overall this was a game I really had to focus on, due to how close it started out in spite of the circumstances. Titans QB Will Levis was benched due to a left shoulder injury from week four, so Mason Rudolph stepped up as the starter. Going into the game I hadn’t expected much from the team, but Rudolph and the Titans stepped up and led the Bills up until around ten minutes into the third quarter. This is where all the game shifted, and the Bills’ new wide receiver Amari Cooper scored his first touchdown with the team. Bills QB Josh Allen helped lead the rush with his strong on-point passes to his targets, helping the team earn two more touchdowns and two more field goals. The final score was 34-10. 

Bengals at Browns: 

One of the most memorable parts of this game were the many injuries. We saw another season-ending injury for Browns QB Deshaun Watson. Watson was trying to pass, but stepped backwards and ended up tearing his achilles. The Browns then struggled with their backup quarterbacks. The team played each backup, but both underperformed. The Bengals had a great defensive game, but lost a safety due to a shin injury. While the game was severely intense, the teams suffered tons of injuries that will likely impact them for the rest of the season. 21-10.

Jets at Steelers: 

This was one of my favorite games of the week. Leading up to the game, the Steelers announced QB Russel Wilson would start this game, benching Justin Fields. This was a surprising move, considering Fields had a winning record with the team. I assumed it was due to Wilson being fully healed. Despite the switch, the Steelers played well as a whole. The defense made some incredible plays, most notably stopping the Jets from scoring in the second half. Wilson was a main factor in most of the teams’ touchdowns, scoring one for himself and passing the ball for two others. The Jets had a good game up until QB Aaron Rodgers’ first interception, which led to a Steelers touchdown and overall momentum shift. If Rodgers had a better game then I think this would have been a different outcome. The game was a Steelers win, 37-10.

In total, Quarterbacks makeup a huge important part of the NFL. From each game we see how it can affect the team. From Bo Nix and his impressive play to Aaron Rodgers and his costly mistakes, we see various forms of quarterback play and see how vital the position is for every team. Next week teams should be looking forward to filling some vital roles as we near the trade deadline on Nov 5.