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NFL Overreactions: Week Six
Date: October 19, 2022By: Justin Lotito
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Another great week of football down, and another great week for takes. Here are my blistering hot overreactions for Week Six.
Brian Robinson is a Warrior
Brian Robinson may be one of the most inspiring stories in NFL history.
This offseason, Robinson was named the starting running back of the Commanders after an impressive training camp. However, tragedy struck. During a carjacking, Robinson was shot twice in the leg.
A day after being shot, Robinson returned to the Commanders facility to show his teammates that he was okay.
Two months after being shot, Robinson made his NFL debut. He logged nine carries for 22 yards against the Titans.
This week against the Bears, Robinson played phenomenally.
He ran the ball 17 times for a total of 66 yards and punched in the game-winning touchdown.
The fact that Robinson is already back on the field is a miracle. When many heard the terrible news, most thought the injury was season ending, and possibly career ending.
However, after only two months, Robinson is already back on the field, and has reclaimed his spot as the lead back in Washington’s backfield.
Robinson should win comeback player of the year, but I’m not sure if he qualifies for the reward according to the NFL’s rules. Even if he is not eligible, exceptions should be made.
He overcame a life-threatening injury.
Robinson is a warrior.
The AFC (B)EAST
Jay Biggerstaff/USA TODAY Sports
This Sunday, the AFC East proved they are the best division in football, and each team has an amazing future ahead.
Let’s start with the Miami Dolphins, the only loser from the East this weekend. While the Dolphins may have lost, they still showed they are a good team.
Their loss can be attributed to injuries. It is nearly impossible to win without your starting quarterback, let alone losing two backups to injury as well.
Miami was also without their two starting tackles.
However, injuries weren’t the only concern in their loss. Coach Mike McDaniel told the team that they didn’t lose because of injuries, they lost because of a “flag fest.” The Dolphins just played way too sloppy.
Even though the Dolphins lost this week, they are still a great team.
Next, let’s look at the New York Jets.
I never would have thought I would be praising the Jets for being good in my life, yet here I am.
After a rough decade, the Jets seem to finally be on the up.
After a dominant Week Five performance against the Dolphins, the Jets left Green Bay with a statement win.
Their defense has looked awesome this season. Rookie Sauce Gardener continues to prove that he is an elite corner, and their defensive line has been dominating their opposition.
New York’s offense has also looked good.
Rookie running back Breece Hall has proved to be a phenomenal draft pick. He has had two outstanding games in a row and is showing his potential.
The Jets will be a great team for many years to come.
What else can I say about the Patriots that hasn’t already been said before?
They are led by legendary Coach Bill Belichick, who this week tied George Halas for the second most wins of all time.
Bailey Zappe had himself another good game replacing the injured Mac Jones. It will be interesting to see who Belichick chooses to start once Jones is healthy enough to return.
Longest active streak of consecutive games with 100+ Passer Rating
— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) October 18, 2022
Bailey Zappe 3
Josh Allen 2
Daniel Jones 2 pic.twitter.com/U4PjzJMmTG
Now let’s look at the best team in the East, and the NFL, the Buffalo Bills.
Coming into this year, the Bills were favored to win the Super Bowl by fans and analysts alike. So far, they have lived up to the hype.
They now sit at 5-1 on the year. This week, they got their revenge on the Chiefs after a disappointing playoff exit last season.
As long as Josh Allen is the starting quarterback for Buffalo, they will be the team to beat in the league.
Hendon Hooker is the Truth
Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel/USA TODAY NETWORK
After leading Tennessee to an upset win over Alabama, Hendon Hooker is proving to the NFL world that he will be a star in the league.
Hooker looked excellent against the Crimson Tide, throwing the ball for 385 yards and five touchdowns.
During the Volunteers last drive, Hooker did his best Patrick Mahomes impression, throwing two perfect passes to put his team in field goal range and ultimately getting them the win.
His game against an Alabama defense filled with future NFL stars was no fluke.
Throughout the season, Hooker has thrown NFL level passes. He’s only thrown one interception the entire year, which puts him at third in the country. His QBR also sits at 91.2 which is the second best in the nation.
Hooker is 6’4 and has the ability to scramble out of the pocket, which offers great value for NFL teams.
“Hooker is an instinctive player, as both an athlete and passer, and has the smooth release to get the ball out on time,” said Dan Brugler of the Athletic.
One of the reasons that Hooker is not being considered a top draft pick is due to his age. Many scouts are concerned about the fact that he is a 24-year-old senior. However, due to the recent successes of Joe Burrow, who was 23 when he was drafted, I don’t think this is a major concern.
Another concern is Hooker is prone to fumbling the ball away. This issue nearly cost the Volunteers their game Saturday as he dropped the ball on a read option play, giving Bama the lead late. Since the start of last season, Hooker has put the ball on the ground a jaw-dropping 17 times.
However, NFL teams will be able to improve Hooker’s ball security. His hands are 10 ½-inches big, most likely the biggest in this year’s class.
Thanks to his generational attributes, his fumbling concerns should be a relatively easy fix for NFL teams.
Hooker has climbed up teams’ draft boards. I predict he will be a late first, early second round draft pick. He may go even earlier if he continues to impress.
I can see a team like the Colts selecting him, making him sit behind Matt Ryan for a year or two before he takes over.
Hooker can also be picked by a team like the Lions. Even though Jared Goff has been playing great so far this season, Detroit may be looking for a replacement soon.
Wherever Hooker goes, he will be an absolute stud in the NFL.
The Pathetic Panthers
Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports
Things are looking grim down in Carolina. The next few years are going to be terrible for their fans.
The Matt Rhule experiment was an absolute disaster, as Rhule went a horrendous 11-27 as the Panthers coach.
He failed to bring in any competent quarterbacks. Rhule used the Colts’ strategy of bringing in washed signal callers but did it worse than them. During his time in Carolina, he brought in Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield. You can’t expect to compete with those guys.
To make matters worse, the team wasn’t that bad. They have players like Christian McCaffery, DJ Moore, and Brian Burns, yet they continue to be one of the worst teams in the league.
Many fans believed the team was a quarterback away from being a playoff threat. While they very well may have been, it seems that owner David Tepper has given up on that vision. Reports suggest that Carolina is ready to blow up the roster for a total rebuild.
The Panthers recent frustrations were shown this week when starting wide receiver Robby Anderson was sent to the locker room in the middle of the game after a spat with the interim head coach.
Robbie Anderson has requested a trade on his way to the locker room in the midst of an emotional breakdown.
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) October 16, 2022
pic.twitter.com/tvLsVRDsU1
It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, the Panthers went 15-1 and were must-watch television. They are far from that now.
The team is entering a dark era, where they may not be competitive for at least five years. It must really stink being a Carolina fan, as they also must deal with the Hornets, who’s future isn’t looking that bright as well.
It will be interesting to see where the Panthers go from here.
Geno Smith is a Pro Bowler
Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images
I think it’s time for us to start thinking of Geno Smith as a great quarterback.
So far this season, Smith has proved he should’ve been giving a starting role a long time ago. He has thrown for 1,502 yards, nine touchdowns, and only two interceptions. His QBR this season sits at a good 108.9.
This week he may not have lit the world on fire, with a stat-line of 197 yards, and no interceptions or touchdowns, but his performance was enough to lift the Seahawks past the Cardinals in a crucial matchup.
Now Seattle sits at .500 and has a serious chance to win the NFC West.
Smith has looked good in both wins and losses, only having one mediocre game this entire season. One of his best games came in Week Four. In that contest, he had 320 yards and two touchdowns, for a nearly perfect passer rating. If it weren’t for his great night, the Seahawks would have probably lost to the Lions.
While the former West Virginia star may not be an MVP candidate, he is still a great quarterback. This season, he has shown he is able to make elite reads and throws.
When Russell Wilson was traded away from Seattle, most fans feared that the future looked grim, but Smith has proven that the team is in good hands after his surprising breakout start.
If Smith can continue to play the way he is playing, he will make the Pro Bowl. Seattle will also have a serious chance to win the NFC West and make the playoffs.
Week Seven
I’m going to try something new this week, so here are my predictions for Week Seven.
Saints vs. Cardinals (Saints Win)
Packers vs. Commanders (Packers win)
Browns vs. Ravens (Ravens win)
Buccaneers vs. Panthers (Buccaneers win)
Falcons vs. Bengals (Bengals win)
Lions vs. Cowboys (Cowboys win)
Giants vs. Jaguars (Jaguars win)
Colts vs. Titans (Colts win)
Texans vs. Raiders (Raiders win)
Jets vs. Broncos (Broncos win)
Chiefs vs. 49ers (Chiefs win)
Seahawks vs. Chargers (Seahawks win)
Steelers vs. Dolphins (Dolphins win)
Bears vs. Patriots (Patriots win)
Depending on how my predictions land, I may continue to do this. Enjoy Week Seven and stay tuned for my overreactions next week.
Justin Lotito can be reached at justin.lotito@student.shu.edu.
