The NFL season is already in full swing, so here are a bunch of my thoughts on Thursday Night Football last night, my quarterback and team power ratings and more.
GAME REVIEW FROM LAST NIGHT
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Brandon Staley might lose his stature with the analytics community after punting last night with 3:55 left in the game and his team down one score. Staley was ultra-aggressive last year, almost showing contempt for any punt — and it cost his team a playoff berth. This season because he feels more confident in his defense, he is still going to be aggressive (just not reckless), and for that I applaud him.
Thursday Night Football was a fascinating game on many fronts. Justin Herbert making a rare mistake and Andy Reid taking three points after failing to move the ball an inch facing first-and-goal from the 1-yard line. Reid collected the points, made everyone surprised and in the end, those points were the difference. Reid knew his team was not moving the ball effectively against the Chargers defense. His offensive line was getting pushed around and Mahomes was taking too many hits — which must concern Reid moving forward. Mahomes made great throws, also got away with several dropped interceptions and as the year moves along and the Chiefs’ style of play becomes more apparent, their margin of error on offense against a good defense will be small.
The Chargers are one of the most talented teams in the league. Losing two starting — offensive lineman center Corey Lindsey and right tackle Trey Pipkins — during the game affected their protection, as Herbert was on his back more in the second half after throwing then Los Angeles would like. These injuries are worth monitoring for the Chargers’ future power rating.
The Los Angeles defense forced four punts in the first half and controlled the ball for 17:53 in the second half. The Chiefs only had the ball for 4:06 in the fourth quarter, accumulating just three first downs. One mistake cost the Chargers the game, but if they continue to play at this level, avoid injuries and protect the ball, they will be a huge problem for any team come December and January. Herbert is great and I still want to know how you can watch both players and pick Tua over Herbert. It’s mind boggling.
QB RATINGS
Last week on my pod I listed my Blue (top five QB’s in the NFL) and Red Chips (6-10).
Blue Chip QBs
