Five [Opfer's Take]aways from NFL Week 7

5. Seven Tidbits from Week 7

Titans’ safety Kevin Byard recorded three interceptions against the Browns…

Both LA franchises – Rams & Chargers – recorded shutouts, winning by a combined score of 54-0…

Bears’ safety Eddie Jackson became the first player in NFL history to have two 75+ yard defensive touchdowns in the same game (76 yard INT, 75 yard fumble recovery)…

With Sunday’s win, the Dolphins have won 12 consecutive games decided by one score…

The ‘Sacksonville’ Jaguars recorded 10 sacks in a game for the second time this season. They lead the league with 33 (nine more than the next closest)…

Chicago is the first team since the 1950 Browns to win a game having five or fewer first downs and seven or fewer pass attempts…

Pittsburgh’s defense allowed just one first down and 19 total yards to the Bengals in the second half, which included two interceptions and four sacks.

4. London Laughers

At what point does the NFL cease its international series across the pond in London? The obvious answer is not anytime soon as it continues to try to expand its brand globally. So much so, that they have been increasing the number of games overseas each year. But at this rate, it may be time to start rethinking that notion. This season has seen a trio of noncompetitive blowouts, including two of which were shutouts, and a third that very well could have been. Jacksonville ousted Baltimore 44-7, New Orleans walloped Miami 20-0, and Los Angeles [Rams] annihilated Arizona 33-0. The winner has outscored their opponents by a combined score of 97-7. How is that exciting, let alone fun to watch?

The final game in London? Cleveland vs. Minnesota. Yikes!

3. Bears defying the odds

Three weeks ago, the Chicago Bears made a change at signal caller, handing the keys to rookie Mitchell Trubisky. They were hoping to spark a rather stagnant offense. While that has yet to happen, Trubisky is 2-1 as a starter, thanks in large part to his defense. On Sunday, Trubisky completed just four of seven passes (he has completed just 12 passes in his last two games – both wins)! FOUR of SEVEN! Yet the Bears still won by double digits (17-3). What is going on in the NFL? Carolina dominated time of possession (38:35 to 21:25), first downs (20 to 5), plays from scrimmage (69 to 37), and total yards (293 to 153). The Bears went three-and-out on five consecutive possessions to start the second half. Yet thanks to the two aforementioned defensive touchdowns, the discrepancy didn’t matter. Eddie Jackson alone defeated the Panthers, 14-3.  

Fun Facts: The Bears defense hasn’t allowed an offensive touchdown in their last nine quarters (BearsPR). Trubisky is the first non-injured starting QB to win a game with fewer than five completions since Tim Tebow in 2011 (NFL research).

A year to the day in which Eddie Jackson lost his season due to injury at Bama, he made history w/ the Bears (DailyHerald).

2. Atlanta Woes

The offensive struggles continue for a team that was virtually unstoppable a season ago. A year after having the number one scoring offense (33.8), the Falcons are averaging two touchdowns less per game in ‘17 (21.3, ranked 16th). OC Steve Sarkisian and QB Matt Ryan don’t seem to be on the same page, and it is hindering a team loaded with weapons. The fact that Julio Jones isn’t getting more touches, especially in the red zone, is baffling. He has been targeted just three times inside the 20, with one touchdown (a play in which he showcased his rare athletic prowess). The longer the issues persist, the tougher it’s going to be to make a run, especially in a tough division. And right now, nothing suggests a quick fix.   

Fun Fact: The Falcons have lost three straight games, all to AFC East opponents. Another AFC East opponent - the Jets - await in week 9.

1. Fly Eagles Fly!

Talk about making the leap from one year to the next. QB Carson Wentz is on a torrid pace to start the 2017 season, leading the Eagles to an NFL-best 6-1. With each passing game, the legend grows. On Monday, he was virtually flawless becoming just the seventh QB since the merger with four TD passes and 60 yards rushing in a game (ESPN). He also added another highlight to his growing reel, when he escaped what was a sure sack and scrambled 18 yards on a crucial third down. Wentz leads an Eagles attack that ranks third in total offense (9^th in passing, 4^th in rushing) and fifth in scoring offense (28.4). They are demoralizing defenses by converting third downs at a league-best 50.5% (Wentz has thrown seven TD’s on 3^rd down). Meanwhile, the defense is number one in the league in rush defense (67 yards/game) and ninth in the league in sacks. 

Losing All-Pro tackle Jason Peters for the season is a major blow, but if Philly can maintain its offense, and the defense can continue to improve under Schwartz, particularly against the pass, the Eagles will [no doubt] be a contender come January.

The Wentz Wagon continues to roll with each passing week (YahooSports).

Fun Fact: Wentz has more touchdown passes in the last three weeks (11) than 19 teams have this whole season (ESPN). He leads the league with 17.