Week 8 Datawas: What we learned from the 11 games

Around the break is everything you need to know from Sunday's action in Week 8 of the 2025 season.

Sundays breaks down what you need to know from any given Sunday in Week 8 of the 2025 season.See the biggest takeaways from each game using the links below:

Eric Edholm Takeauka:

- The Dolphin's crime never exploded.The dolphins had nearly 100 rush yards on Sunday.Transfer, although he appeared on the illness and stress injury list on his eyes he forced him to wear sunglasses for the home opening at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and a viewer for the first time in a run.With Tyreek Hill and Darren Waller out, Jaylen Waddle came out after last week's catch performance, holding five balls for 99 yards and TD.But actually the role of Miami in the game running early - more runs than passes in the first half - with lots of heavy killing that set the tone for the day and a result is a little likely to see coming.Mike McDaniel may not be on the hot chair, but this was as good as the dolphins have had this season.

— The Falcons offense in Cousins' first game of the season.After their statement win over the Bills in Week 6, the Falcons became the talk of the NFL.But the offense has been abysmal in the last two games since, including Sunday's dismal game against the Dolphins when Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London were ejected.Kirk Cousins ​​started his first game since December, but struggled to throw for more than 10 yards under heavy pressure.The Falcons went 3-3 on four of their first five possessions, not including a halftime kneel.Then, with the Dolphins trailing by three points, the Falcons fumbled in the red zone and turned it over on downs at the 41-yard line.of them and good night, Irene.Bijan Robinson fumbled the ball in the red zone, his first loss of the season when the Falcons had nothing on the field.They struggled to run the ball in losses to the Buccaneers and 49ers, but this was a new low.Atlanta may need Penix back if they want to get back into the playoffs, but the entire operation has looked rough over the last eight quarters.

- The Dolphins defense came ready to play.Miami's defense entered Sunday as one of the worst units on the stat sheet, especially against the run, ranking 29th in yards per carry (5.21) and dead last in rushing yards allowed per game (159.3).But you wouldn't have known that watching this game, as Miami held the Falcons to 10 rushing yards in the first half and 45 for the game. With Michael Penix Jr. and Drake London out, it became easier for the Dolphins to sell out to stop the run.However, covering Bijan Robinson (48 yards, fumble) is no easy task.Linebacker Jordyn Brooks made some big plays in the first half, including nearly earning a safety.Jaelan Phillips and Brooks also helped provide plenty of pressure.The Dolphins had just one sack, but kept their grip on Kirk Cousins ​​as the game was close.They actually played pretty good defense last week in Cleveland, but that got lost among all the offensive mistakes.This time, Miami's defense was rewarded with a blowout victory.

Dolphins vs.Another Falcons Static Inightsis (by Pro

Stud: The Dolphins haven't allowed a first-quarter defensive touchdown in their last five games.

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- Read: Henry tied with payton for escape

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Eric Edholm's findings:

- Huntley pitches for Jackson, helping save Ravens season.With Lamar Jackson surprisingly inactive in another game, Tyler Hundley took Jackson's place and delivered a clutch performance in a statement win over the Bears.The Ravens were rolling and the Bears were coming off four straight wins, but Huntley was a steady force under center in Baltimore, leading the Ravens to six touchdowns in eight possessions and hurting the Bears with his legs and arms.It wasn't a Jackson-level showcase, but Hundley threw at the right time all game and was helped greatly by strong pass defense and an effective ground game.The red zone performance (3 of 6) wasn't great, but the Ravens played the ball without turnovers and generally avoided negative plays.They're still 2-5, but 11 teams have made the playoffs since 1990 with that starting record.The Ravens have to wonder what Hundley would have done instead in Cooper Rush's two starts.

- The Bears offense was lacking in Baltimore.The Bears went down the field on their first drive, ate up most of the first quarter, and had to settle for two field goals deep in Baltimore territory.That sets the stage for Sunday's game against the Ravens, which saw the Bears give up points on the field in a disappointing loss.The Bears would pay dearly for the setback.Caleb Williams had two intentional ground calls in the first half that cost them, and trailing 16-13 with nine minutes left, he threw a back-breaking pick inside the Chicago 10-yard line that set up the Ravens' game-winning TD.Two scores late, Williams hit the Ravens' DJ Moore.They were given at least one chance to get the Bears inside the 5-yard line.But the Bears turned the ball over on downs after a nasty red zone possession, a fitting end to a disappointing performance.The Bears defense also struggled to get stops against a backup QB, but the mistakes they made against a Ravens defense were notable.

- The ravens showed improvement.Baltimore's defense buckled a bit early, allowing the Bears to put together two long drives to break the game open.But the Ravens held the Bears to score on each, holding Chicago to the fourth quarter and helping them get a much-needed win.RoQuan Smith was everywhere against his former team, and after some successful early runs, the Bears' running game was up the middle.A couple of rookies also stood out: Mike Green picked up his first sack, and Teddy Buchanan had his best game as a Raven.The key play came from cornerback Nate Wiggins, who undermined Caleb Williams' pass for a pick and returned it to Chicago's 9-yard line, setting up a breathing room touchdown to ensure the Ravens wouldn't blow a late lead.For good measure, a While a miracle was still possible, the Ravens kept the Bears out of the end zone in the closing minutes.Poor tackling hurt the Ravens in losses to the Lions, Chiefs and Texans, but it wasn't the problem against the Bears.Baltimore has put together strong defensive showings in back-to-back games, including a solid effort against the Rams before the bye.

Next-Gen Stats Insights for Bears-Ravens (via Pro): Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton lined up in the box on 61.3% of his defensive snaps against the Bears, his highest rate in a game since Week 8 in 2022 against the Buccaneers (78.8%).Hamilton rushed the passer 10 times and recorded two pressures, both season career highs.Hamilton also recorded two career shutouts along with his first tackle of the season.

Study: The Bears have scored six of their first seven possessions in the red zone in the first three games of the season.

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- Read.

Nick Shook's Takos:

- Cook fights his way to victory.As seen for most of the 2025 season, James Cook is the driving force behind Buffalo's offense.On Sunday, he shifted into sixth gear, hitting several explosive shots and establishing himself as one of the top defenders as he penetrated Carolina's defense with his smooth style and elite vision.Cook expertly creates holes, tracks his blockers on a well-designed interior.runs and makes the quarterback miss easily on a 64-yard touchdown run and added another score to his tally by cutting down on zone throws and making his way through the end zone late in the third quarter.Among Buffalo's sporadic offense, Cook has been the most consistent contributor to the offense.His effort — 19 carries for 216 yards and two touchdowns — paved nearly every path to success for the Bills on Sunday.

- Panthers get a dose of reality.Carolina is on a roll, pushing in Week 8, winning three straight and riding a wave of confidence that hasn't been trusted in Charlotte all year.Facing their first opponent with a winning record in Week 2, the Panthers fell back to earth.his shortAdd the quiet accident that told the bills for such a touch in two minutes, and the clear product is an example of how the panthers still have to go.Things snowed in the second half, but in the sense of the body, Carolina can see this small loss as a useful lesson in their journey.Hopefully the pantirs will get the back girl in week 9.

- Buffalo's defense takes the lead going forward.On paper, the laws are remarkably consistent in Charlotte.Thanks to the unforgettable breakout of "Rico" Alocum, the Panthers have the league's third-ranked offense, averaging 140.1 yards per game.Meanwhile, the Laws know they have a lot of questions to answer with their porous No. 31 defense.has inspired much skepticism.Fashion Sunday Fashion Sunday Fashion Sunday fashion the running game before Carolina's run game led by Andy Dalton stopped and cleaned up first downs.Players - the screen at the end of the first part changes. McDaell Pownston's Rockwell Narston has been ruled out for another injury and the score is in sight for a week. Can we face the big, bad Kansas City Chiefs next week?

Next Gen Stats Bills-Panthers (via Pro): James Cook rushes 19 times for 216 yards and two touchdowns in Week 8 of Bills, fourth most since 2018

Research: James Cook became just the fourth player in history with more than 215 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in a game on fewer than 20 carries.The other three players to do so are Bobby Mitchell (1959), Bo Jackson (1987) and Derek Henry (2018).

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TEACE STORES by Michael Baca:

- Jets get their first win in the Playoffs.Bréece was a definite force with his legs, but it was really the tongue that finally got the plane flying out of the dead column.Down by six points with only two minutes left, Dianner Arnener's coordinated jet was called for his first field goal from the 4-yard line.Baler, the first action is like what is attacking, bat his right hand, amazed and waiting like his life because the side route.Just before he went by the boundary, Hall shot across the back of the end zone.In the first appears if RB feels to throw, but in making Mason Taylor who catches the ball from Hill II for Dj for Dj continue II for the score killed II for the score killed II for the score killed II for the score killed II for the score killed II for the score killed geal.After the fared language disease that uses the best special points, Jatet's defense

- Brutal loss from Bengals might be looked back upon. Joe Flacco had the Bengals offense humming for three and a half quarters, leading a unit that found points on six of its first eight possessions to maintain a two-score lead throughout a game in which the Jets hung around thanks to Cincinnati's defensive failures. The Bengals yielded 502 total yards against a Jets offense that entered Sunday pondering a quarterback change and without its best offensive weapon in Garrett Wilson. It got worse as it got later; the Bengals allowed three consecutive TD drives in the fourth quarter and two of those scores were followed up with successful two-point conversions to make it a 23-point failure in the final frame. There was still plenty of time and timeouts for Flacco to get the Bengals into field goal range to fend off the Jets, but the offense seemed shocked to be in that situation after compiling 398 yards and a season-high 38 points. Flacco's final three passes went incomplete for a turnover on downs at midfield, souring an otherwise fine afternoon (21-of-34 for 223 passing yards and two TDs; one rushing TD) that opened up a fruitful ground attack (181 yards). It appeared for three and a half quarters that Flacco was about to get the Bengals back to .500, which would have been huge in a jumbled AFC North. Instead, Cincinnati might be looking back at Week 8's ugly loss if it falls a game short from making the postseason.

- Jetss Gradnde get the game it deserves.If tyrod tayler was healthy, we didn't want to be good, it was possible to replace Aaron Jockn when the ability was renewed.254 Plate from crime.Expected 114 yards, other types of species - 6.9 yard average.Creece Hall (133 yards), Isaiah Davis (65 misses), field (33 hards), field, 244 meters of turnonnics, one of the turnonnics, one of the turnonicver, one of the turnonnics, one that causes the turnonical and one that causes the independence and one that causes the turnenical in the fourth time of the two.Glenn can love the different story of many stories after the team's team's losing efforts.

Next Gen Stats Insights Jets-Bengals (via pro): the Jets have less than 2.9% chance of facing a fourth down with a 49-yarder in regulation, Trailing 38-24.The Jets would score 15 unexpected points (including a successful two-point conversion) and limit the offense to just nine offensive plays in the game's final 10 minutes.

Research: On his 1-yard run, Joe Flacco became the seventh player over the age of 40 to score a touchdown, joining Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Doug Flutie, Warren Moon, Jerry Rice and Vinny Testaverde. Flacco also became the oldest player to score a TD in Bengals history, surpassing Terrell Owens (36).

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Kevin Patras Fazit:

- Stroud looks up to the 49er.It was like Houston.C.j.Stroud turned the clock back to 2023, shut down the quarter defense with quick set pieces and economical darts.For the first time in a season, we'll get something close to what we've had going into this campaign.Stroud was confident and decisive.He played outside the route for the 49ers defensive line.Even without Niko Collins, Texans receivers Xavier Hutchinson (five receptions for 69 yards and a touchdown), Jaylin Noel (6/53) and Jayden Higgins (4/54/1) continued to win on the road, leading to easy field goals.Helped get the ball quickly and avoid Houston's pressure this season.The confidence of this build, Stroud, San Francisco is under pressure - 6 to 10, 103 to 103, under pressure.Live, lumberjacks and the running game, passed again and passed again, with 111 scripted yards by the back of the Rockies.Yes, it was against the Knickers, but if the offense plays like this, the Texans would have pushed themselves into a hold on the first drive.

- Slow start, tied defective doom for niners.San Francisco has almost nothing for the first 29 minutes of the first quarter, generating zero downs and 15 net yards on their first three drives.The group of MAC Jones finally got a first down with less than 50 seconds left.The QB has some interesting things with a dart to George Kitle for a late TD.Jones made some huge throws to hold the niners into field target range, but a fourth quarter interception on a deep touchdown has shorten the loss.They weren't Sunday.Manager John Lynch may need reinforcements before the trade term.

- Houston's D-line dominates.Will Anderson Jr., Daniel Hunter and the rest of the Texans' defensive front dominated the contest.The team allowed just two sacks, but it was constantly in Mack Jones' face.Led by Anderson's eight QBs in the half, the Texans racked up 22 QBPs on the afternoon.Jones repeatedly paid for his dropped passes.Houston.The team stuffed Christian McCaffrey and the running game, holding the star to just 25 yards on eight carries.That kind of stifling effort with the offense coming from its shell is closer to what we've come to expect from DeMeco Ryans team in 2025.

Next Gen stands out for the 49ers-Texans (pro way): offense pressure in the spring age 39.3% in the 49ers year for two years.

Research: Tonight, Christian McCaffrey is the fifth player with 5,000 rushing yards and the fifth player with 5,000 yards, Marky Fayle and Mark Allen and Tiki Bartar.

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- READ: QB Maye ignores MVP chants as Pats clinch fifth straight title

Travel from Nick Schock:

- Success of the creative power of the Patriots.New England faced Brown's defense and learned how difficult it is to score in the first Sunday, making three field goals to take a narrow 9-7 lead at the half.Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels took out his easel and pallet after half an hour.Relying on the run and pass for good playing time, Hunter Henry's touchdown pass was caught on a seven-play, 77-yard touchdown run through Cleveland's opposition.From there, the Patriots went on and on, capitalizing on a turnover and a short pass to Stefon Diggs before breaking open to Drake Maye, who ran for a touchdown.At 39 yards it improved its relationship with the cation boat in the pond.It took 30 minutes to work out the kinks, but McDaniel's vast experience shone through again, providing another great day for May and co.

- Browns' offense continues to crawl. Outside of the opening script, Cleveland's offense can largely be described as a slog. The Browns jumped on the Patriots in their first drive, dialing up a couple of well-schemed passes to rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for a score, then retreated to their ineffective form for the rest of the afternoon. Dillon Gabriel threw an ugly interception in the third quarter that set up a Patriots score, then heaved a prayer that resulted in his second turnover. He struggled to find targets beyond 10 yards and, coupled with an unremarkable running game, the Browns lacked much to counter New England's consistent scoring output in the second half. As has been the case for most of the 2025 season, Cleveland's offense didn't do its part, shifting too much responsibility to the shoulders of the defense, which buckled in the second half. Here's a note that illustrates the sad discrepancy between the two units: Myles Garrett recorded a career-high five sacks Sunday, resetting the Browns' single-game record and becoming just the 20th player to record that many sacks in a game since 1982. He's the first to do so in a losing effort in which his team was defeated by more than three points.

- Welcome back, TreVeyon Henderson.Patriots rookie running back Trayvon Henderson seems to have fallen out of favor in recent weeks, notching just 17 carries in New England's last three games.Sunday's 10-carry diet, while not productive, gave Henderson a chance to get into a rhythm and he took advantage of it, rushing for 77 yards.That said, the fashion in which Henderson gained his yardage was encouraging, breaking off runs of 12, 18 and 27 yards, the last of the three being the most impressive because he needed it.When Henderson entered the draft out of Ohio State, he was known for his home run blast and he was able to showcase it Sunday — a great sign for an offense that Raymond Stevenson could use another ground threat to lean against.

Next Generation Stats for Browns-Patriots (via Pro):Drake Maye posted an expected completion percentage of +15.5% on Sunday, marking his eighth straight game with a positive CPOE after doing so just seven times last season.He leads the way with a +10.8% CPOE entering the midday window.

Studies: Drake Maye Maye had his seventh 100-plus passer rating on Sunday, tying Patrick Mahomes for seventh on Sunday at 23 or younger.

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- Read: Giants rookie running back Scattebo dislocates ankle in loss

- پڙهو: Battista: The Eagles' Giant Road Reveals Scary Real Path for NFC Break

Kevin Petra Background:

- Barkley explodes as the Eagles fly away from the giants.On the second scrimmage play, Saquon Barkley got a perfect block and drove through the Big Blue secondary for a 65-yard touchdown, his first run of 20 yards and more this season.He averaged 10.7 yards per carry, producing 150 yards on 14 TD drives, and added another scoring starter.The throw marked his first 100 yards of the season.Negative: He left after another explosive 28-yard run, changing greens, and came back.He also surpassed the hundred mark, advancing for 104 rushing yards in nine drives.Add in Jalen Hurts' pepper passes to the boundary, throwing four touchdowns, and even without A.J. Brown, this was the most efficient the Eagles offense has looked since their Super Bowl run.

- Dart, Giants hemmed in. Credit the Philly defensive line with not only creating havoc in the backfield but maintaining their rush lanes to not allow Jaxson Dart many of the off-schedule pizzazz the rookie has feasted on this year. Dart was sacked five times on Sunday. The first rounder completed just 58.3% of his passes for 193 yards and added 17 rushing yards and a TD. Dart continues to show development, and his touch on the move is excellent. The weapons around him need to improve. Theo Johnson dropped a perfect pass between defenders that could have set up a touchdown. Darius Slayton, in his return, caught just two of five targets for 26 yards and was called for a questionable offensive pass interference. Big Blue’s weapons were further hindered with bulldozing runner Cam Skattebo leaving the game early on a cart after a gruesome ankle injury. It was a brutal injury that will make Dart’s life more difficult the rest of his rookie campaign.

- More tush push chatter coming. The weekly discussion regarding the Eagles’ signature tush push added another layer on Sunday that will give opponents additional fuel. Facing a fourth-and-1 from the Giants' 11 early in the second quarter, Philly lined up to push Hurts’ tush. Going into the pile, the QB reached the ball out and had it ripped away by Kayvon Thibodeaux. It looked like a clear fumble. However, the refs ruled his progress was stopped -- despite Hurts still getting pushed and fighting forward. Refs informed Brian Daboll that he couldn’t challenge the fumble because forward progress is not reviewable. Instead, Daboll challenged the spot, even though it was a clear first down, and lost a timeout. Two plays after the controversial play, Saquon Barkley scored a TD, and the Giants trailed the rest of the way.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Eagles-Giants (via Pro): Jalyx Hunt recorded one sack and generated nine pressures on 22 pass rushes (40.9% pressure rate), exceeding his previous career high of five pressures in a game.

Research.The Eagles started the season 6-2 or better for a franchise-record fourth straight season and are now 5-0 in Kelly's green uniform after bringing them back in 2023.

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- Read: Saints bench Rattler for rookie QB Shouseugh in blowout loss

Kevin's Character Ideas:

- Bucs defense forces four turnovers, slams door on Saints.From the first drive, Todd Bowles defense celebrated Saints miscues as Tampa forced a Spencer Rattler fumble on the opening possession.The highlights were just beginning.In the second quarter, 6-foot-7 defensive lineman Anthony Nelson used his long wingspan to throw a pass to himself for a pick-6 that would give the Bucs a lead they would never give up.He picked up a fumble and the star safety picked off an interception by Chris Olave. The turnovers were the highlights of a close victory, but the Tampa defense controlled the entire game, giving up no lights on the run (48 yards) and covering the receivers.Tampa generated 28 QB pressures in the blowout.It was a stifling performance to bounce back from the Week 7 loss.

- The change of QB does not hurt the Saints. Turnover Spencer Rattler continued in Week 8. He started to drive in the door and sent a draft in the first half.Besieged by cliffs.He sent a short shot but never got the rhythm.The Cubs weren't in the QB, with no run support and penalties, which left the offense in rough shape.Then Kellen Moore made his first big move and delivered a wild third-quarter touchdown on the field goal.Luck is more than a rookie hat.no answers slime.Chris Overley led Gossyp to pass behind him and missed a high open shot.In the final drive, he moved with more tight ends and more tight ends.The rookie went from 10 to 18 (4.3 yards per attempt, got both sacks. It's a little bit to remove the appearance of the corner's shallowness. Sitting at 1-7, Moore will use this season to go forward or go behind the bench, we'll see.

- The Bucs offense continues to slow down.For the second week in a row, Baker Mayfield couldn't find many rushing plays and the offense was once again stalled.With the running game struggling to find traction without Bucky Irving, teams have played Mayfield.The injury-riddled wide receiver group managed 86 yards, led by Tez Johnson's 43. Mayfield didn't complete a deep pass and had just one throw of 20+ yards. Tampa might want to spend a little more time this week on its goal-line offense after being blocked for seven plays from the 1-yard line.It didn't matter in New Orleans.Good teams find ways to win when they are not at their best.The hope is that the Bucs get some of their weapons after Week 9.

Next Gen Stats from Buccaneers-Saints (by Pro) however (by Pro) however, attacked four or fewer rushers, Mayfield completed 11 of 13 passes for 140 yards (+ 2.2% cpoe).

Research: Since 2000, only three players have recorded 30 or more forced fumbles and 20 or more defensive fumbles: Lavonte David, Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, Hall of Famer Julius Peppers.

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That dired edol medo:

- The Broncos got off to a slow start with an explosive offense in the first half of Harvey's high school QB's first two yards in the first half, the QB's 40-yard field goal, and then caught a TD pass.Nix passed again, hit Troy Franklin, followed by a long TD pass in the quarter.It's amazing what a power star can do with a good TD throw from Nakan, fearing a base against a penalty.

- The Cowboys couldn't do enough offensive damage.The Cowboys are likely to struggle defensively the rest of the season, and that's no secret.They lost three defensive backs and lost Alijah Clark to injury on Sunday, depleting secondary depth.Even under pressure to deliver big performances each week, the Cowboys offense was unable to crack a Denver defense that didn't look great in some matchups., including last week's disappointing win over the Giants.Dake Prescott made a poor pick before halftime on a scoring opportunity and seemed to have trouble making small gains against the Broncos' pressure.He threw two picks after being free the first four plays, but found little help.The Cowboys killed themselves with prior penalties (down five plus two).Including a huge one from Denver's 1-yard line, which ultimately settled for a field goal.Then Brian Schottenheimer punted on fourth-and-5 from the Dallas 44-yard line late in the third quarter, trailing 30-17, and the Cowboys' storied defense couldn't stop the rest of the game.

- The "Broncos" have new problems in defense due to Certainein's injury.Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II was ruled out with a left shoulder injury before halftime after suffering a shin injury on the first defensive play of the game.Credit Denver's defense for responding without Surtain, really stepping up after allowing the opening touchdown in the third quarter to make it a 10-point game.But this TD drive revealed some potential problems down the road.Riley Moss, who had two penalties last week (costing Denver 53 yards), was penalized twice against the Cowboys on a drive away, setting up Javonte Williams' second touchdown.Moss and Chris Abrams-Drain, who replaced Certain, struggled but struggled.In a closer game, this could be more of a concern.Without knowing Surtain's status, the Broncos will likely come out of this game trying to come up with contingency plans if their top corner misses time.

Next Generation Stats Insights for Cowboys-Broncos (via Peru): Beau Nix's 24-yard TD pass to rookie WR Pat Bryant II was 45.1 yards through the air.

Investigation: Dak Prescott was sacked twice in Cowboys loss at Denver.In three games this season, Prescott had two or more sacks, while he threw three touchdowns and five interceptions.In games where Prescott has been sacked once or less, he has thrown 13 TDs and no interceptions.

- Rewatch: Titans Colts Colts

Nick Shook's Remedies:

- The Colts continue to run like a well-oiled machine.Indianapolis' first three possessions ended in this order: field goal, touchdown, touchdown.In 24 games, the Colts put 17 points on the board and did so entirely at their preferred pace.Coming out of halftime, they scored an 80-yard Jonathan Taylor touchdown to make it three in a row.had a string of touchdown drives that buried the AFC South rival Titans with relative ease.Daniel Jones continues to light up the opposition and plays with complete freedom and trust in his teammates, evidenced by two plays: a 50-yard rocket to Alec Pierce (who made a great catch in one coverage) and a running touchdown throw to Josh Downs, who effectively adjusted a route to open up a scrambling Jones.This team is completely in sync - and I can't wait to see how it does against Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Kansas City and Houston next month.

- Titans are rightfully shifting focus toward Ward. If Brian Callahan's firing didn't provide a hint, Sunday's third-quarter script delivered enough evidence of what Tennessee's priorities are for the rest of this campaign: the maturation of Cam Ward. Facing a 31-7 deficit, most would expect Tennessee to increase the tempo in an attempt to climb back into the game, rely on the passing game and hope for a few lightning strikes along the way. Instead, the Titans tried to maintain a balanced offense, accepting runs for minimal gains while mixing in passes. As long as they continue to crumble against superior competition, this is and should be the way for the Titans for the rest of 2025. They'd be wise to avoid risking Ward's development by asking him to throw 60 passes every week because they're in a deep hole on the scoreboard and instead accept they're out to make steady progress with their franchise quarterback within the confines of a mid-season game. That is, of course, unless they're in a tight one, which hasn't often been the case this season and certainly wasn't by the middle of the third quarter Sunday.

- Taylor is truly awesome. It's fair if you'd forgotten how good of a back Jonathan Taylor is after a few injury-marred seasons for the star runner, but after eight weeks, there's no longer any logical excuse. Taylor is in a special class of backs powering their offenses, and he's putting up points at an unbelievable rate. Sunday marked the fourth time this season in which he's accounted for three touchdowns in a game, rushing for two and adding a receiving score in the romp over the Titans. The fashion in which he scores is what punctuates how special he is, too, breaking tackles and extending runs that should have stopped after 5-6 yards and end up going for 15-plus (or in his case in the third quarter, 80 yards) solely because he refuses to go down and owns the athletic ability to ward off would-be tacklers and outrun the rest. It's marvelous to witness and shouldn't go overlooked. Fortunately, it appears as though these Colts will remain in the spotlight for the foreseeable future.

Next Gen Stats for Titans-Colts (via Pro): Daniel Jones was effective with a clean pocket, completing 19 of 23 passes for 252 yards and three touchdowns, both season-best clean pocket totals for Jones.Jones also connected on a 50-yard pass to Alec Pierce in the third quarter that traveled 58.3 yards in the air, his longest completion in terms of aerial distance in his career.

Finding: Jonathan Taylor joined Gene Roberts (1949 Giants) with three-plus touchdowns in four of his first eight games this season and moved within two games of tying Adrian Tomlinson (2006 Chargers) for such performances in a season.Tomlinson won MVP that season.

Grant Gordon:

- Love, Packers control second half for SNF win. While Sunday night’s anticipated matchup was must-see viewing due to Aaron Rodgers playing his former team of 18 seasons, it ended as a showcase for his Packers replacement, Jordan Love. After scoring a touchdown on their second drive of the night, Love and the Packers offense stalled out in the second quarter, while Rodgers and the Steelers surged ahead for a 16-7 halftime lead. Love was ablaze in the second half, however, and his defense followed suit in clamping down on Rodgers and Co. Quite simply, Love was on a heater, completing 20 straight passes at one point. He finished 29 of 37 for 360 yards, three touchdowns, no interceptions and a sparkling 134.2 rating. In the second half, Love was 16 of 19 for 214 yards and a pair of TD tosses, the leader of the Pack piloting three straight TD drives out of intermission. Green Bay followed with two more field goal drives consecutively to turn this one into a rout. Before the game, Rodgers was the story, but Love took the torch by the end of the evening.

- Rogers, Stellar go quietly into the night.When all was said and done, Aaron Rodgers really didn't play badly in his first — and maybe only — meeting with the Packers.Unfortunately, Pittsburgh's defense collapsed and the Rodgers-led offense went quiet in the second half.A stellar night from kicker Chris Boswell made it 9-7 in the second quarter before Rodgers (24 of 36 for 219 yards, two touchdowns) hauled in DK Metcalf for six en route to a nine-point lead at the break.Rodgers' ability and experience running the game is phenomenal, and he can still throw it and throw the ball as beautifully as anyone.For example, Rodgers made a one-handed catch on a shotgun snap, was quickly pressed and he pulled it out where Calvin Austin III hit a defensive pass.It doesn't show in the box score, but that's what brings the 41-year-old.Three plays later, he hit Metcalf for a TD.But the second half was an offensive disaster for the Steelers.As the Packers took possession after possession with a 28-point blizzard, a field goal by Boswell was Pittsburgh's only answer until Rodgers threw Roman Wilson with 2:07 left.Rodgers gives Pittsburgh enough, but he can't take on games like he used to.For the second time in as many weeks, Rodgers commands the marquee: first against Joe Flacco and the Bengals, and on Sunday against a team that has won a Super Bowl and four MVPs.But the Steelers lost both and went from 4-1 to 4-3 in the AFC North, leaving the door open for the Bengals (3-5) and Ravens (2-5).Rodgers and the Steelers have been the focus, but the results have been slow lately.

- Growing Kraft organizes a career evening.The roaring, frantic Tucker Kraft was in top form again.Kraft had six receptions for 124 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 on Thursday night.He was even better on Sunday night with seven catches for 143 yards and two TDs.After trading Davante Adams, the Packers were looking for a bona fide No. 1 pick after WR.It looks like they have one - a 6'7, 260-pound, 24-year-old player who goes crazy after the catch.Kraft gained 131 yards per catch, third best in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016).He's a quarterback who's off to a great start.His 469 yards are the best in Packers history.seven games in progress.It was National Tight End Day, but the night belonged to Kraft.

Next Gen Stats Insight for Steelers-Packers (via Pro): Aaron Rodgers’ rollout pass to Roman Wilson in the first quarter for 45 yards had an air distance of 55.7 yards. Wilson’s previous long was a 13-yard catch the prior week and Sunday's grab eclipsed his career (36 yards in seven games) total in one catch. Wilson finished the game with career highs of four receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown.

Poll: Tucker Kraft's 143 yards on Sunday night are the second most in a single game by a Packers tight end, behind only Richard Rodgers' 146 on Dec. 3, 2015. Rodgers' quarterback that day in the Hail Mary game over the Lions was Aaron Rodgers.