Buffalo's Disappointing Performance Gives New England Path to AFC East Lead - Highlights of NFL Week 10
- Published:
- Comments: 3
The tenth week again delivered, with a huge upset for the Bills proving the 'any Sunday can bring surprises' mantra that draws so many people into the NFL
That result may have opened things up for the New England Patriots to creep back into a top spot they used to occupy, with a remaining games that provides them an advantage over their eight and two competitors
Over in the National Football Conference the Seahawks and Rams had perfect results to set up a major confrontation in week 11, while our top performer is chasing records as well as the MVP award
Analysis - Simply an Off Day for Buffalo?
Was it just an emotional letdown from defeating Kansas City last week or something more? This remains the question for the Buffalo team to address
The Buffalo squad had won seven in a consecutive games against the Dolphins but were outperformed from the beginning as the Miami team emerged as 30-13 victors in an surprising result - and display
MVP Josh Allen only got the squad's initial first down in the third period and initial scoring in the fourth - yes the Dolphins had 10 days to prepare but it was still a significant failure produced by one of the league's best offenses
Dolphins quarterback Tua threw two scores but running back De'Von Achane was the game-changing factor, with 225 combined yards and two scores
Containing the NFL's top running game was also key, with James Cook and teammates recording just 86 yards, their lowest of the year and just over fifty percent their 161.5-yard season average
Additionally there were the three critical ball losses, and the two from Allen in particular. An interception in the end zone resulting in a nine-minute possession yielded no points, and his fourth-quarter dropped ball that Miami converted to seven points just two plays
It was classic 'old Buffalo' as they shot themselves in the foot, falling into a deficit on defensive side and Allen trying to overcompensate to rescue his squad from the situation - not the calm, controlled, balanced Bills we've seen this year
The Dolphins have demonstrated a bit of everything this year so the verdict is uncertain on if this is the start of a trend, but for Buffalo they'll require an immediate bounce-back in a difficult matchup against Tampa Bay in week 11 as the Patriots are sneaking into a comfortable advantage at the top of the American Football Conference East
Spotlight - Patriots See Path to Surprise Top Seed
Speaking of the Patriots, they're one of three different 8-2 squads in the NFL, all AFC sides, but could they be the best?
You can pick holes in New England, Denver and Indianapolis actually for dominating the weaker opponents, with only five of their total 24 victories coming against opponents with a positive record - and one of those was the Colts defeating the Denver
The Broncos defeated the champion Eagles in Philadelphia and are masters of the fourth-quarter while Indy can rely on Taylor, but the New England including Sunday's win in Tampa to their primtime win in Orchard Park appears to be a declaration
Their pair of losses occurred in recently appointed coach Vrabel's initial three games, with seven consecutive victories, just like Denver, since then - but defeating Mayfield after the Buccaneers had a week off to get ready was significant
Maye's Most Valuable Player credentials continue to be discussed, and he definitely earns credit for bravery after taking some hard tackles in Tampa Bay but hanging in there to steer his side to success
The defensive unit is reliable and first-year running back Henderson burst onto the scene on Sunday with 147 yards and two exciting touchdowns of 55 and 69 yards - becoming just the fifth ball carrier to exceed 22 miles per hour this season on his initial touchdown
While you can argue who 'the best' is technically, the Patriots should be favorites to end with the top record due to their schedule - which includes just one game against a successful opponent, although a significant contest against the Bills
Traveling to the Ravens is also tough, but the Broncos have it even tougher in the AFC West division with the Chiefs to face two times, the Los Angeles Chargers (who could also challenge for first place but encounter the same problem) and also the Packers on the schedule
The Colts also play the Kansas City, and have the Seattle, 49ers and two matchups with the five and four Jaguars to contend with. There's a considerable distance to go but the opportunity is available for a surprise top seed in the AFC
Coming Up - Rams & Seahawks Prepare for Next Week Showdown
Two teams with strong arguments to be better than all of the three different 8-2 teams are NFC West rivals the Seattle and Rams, who each scored forty points to reach seven and two ahead of next week's Hollywood blockbuster meeting between the pair in Los Angeles
Both have won four in a row, have signal callers in Stafford and Darnold performing at an high standard (although Sam Darnold had turnover issues on game day) with excellent pass catchers, and defensive units giving up under 20 points a contest
Both could realistically be without a loss as too - particularly the Rams as their two defeats occurred in extra time against the San Francisco and then that agonising loss in Philadelphia when they had a game-winning field goal with the last kick blocked and returned by the Philadelphia for a touchdown
The Seahawks also lost to the 49ers, with a last-minute score in week one, before falling to the last kick of the contest against the Tampa Bay - so they're genuinely two of the best sides in the league
The next matchup on Sunday could be the best of the year so far
Player of the Week - Taylor
Jonathan Taylor could be on for a record season after his remarkable performance in Germany - rushing for 244 rushing yards, scoring three scores and contributing an additional 42 {receiving yards