2019 NFL Week 8 Recap

By Rob Woodfork
October 28, 2019 | 1:17 AM

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) is tackled by Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Khalen Saunders (99) during the second half of an NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. — <b><i>Packers 34</i></b> <b><i>Chiefs 27</i></b> Aaron Rodgers <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/26/aaron-rodgers-enjoys-young-energy-in-green-bay/">loves the young energy around him</a>, but he's giving off vibes much younger than his 35-plus years. That's probably because after most of the last decade, he's finally got a solid defense and a running back (Aaron Jones) capable of carrying the load so Rodgers doesn't have to. I know Patrick Mahomes was absent from this prime-time matchup, but Green Bay looks legit — almost as legit as this ridiculous TD pass. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Unreal.<a href="https://twitter.com/AaronRodgers12?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AaronRodgers12</a> magic on SNF! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GBvsKC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GBvsKC</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GoPackGo?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GoPackGo</a> <a href="https://t.co/OzFFykBX0A">pic.twitter.com/OzFFykBX0A</a></p> — Green Bay Packers (@packers) <a href="https://twitter.com/packers/status/1188649385061732357?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 27: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks to Devin McCourty #32 of the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter of the game against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium on October 27, 2019, in Foxborough, Massachusetts. — <b><i>Browns 13</i></b> <b><i>Patriots 27</i></b> It was poetic that Bill Belichick notched his 300th win in hoodie weather against the only other team for whom he's been the head coach — and at the expense of someone foolish enough to <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/24/bill-belichick-already-mentions-jarvis-landrys-comments-to-patriots-players/">guarantee a victory everyone but he knew wasn't going to happen</a>. It's no longer a question of whether New England wins the Super Bowl, it's whether <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/22/49ers-patriots-defenses-allowing-less-than-150-passing-yards-a-game/ ">this Patriots defense</a> goes down as one of the all-time greatest along the way.

San Francisco 49ers defensive back Emmanuel Moseley intercepts a pass intended for Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel (10) during the first half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. — <b><i>Panthers 13</i></b> <b><i>49ers 51</i></b> Kyle Allen entered this game with 153 straight passes without a pick to start his career, third-best in NFL history (behind only Dak Prescott and Tom Brady). He left not his heart in San Francisco, but his streak, his pride and any hopes that he'll permanently supplant Cam Newton as the starter in Carolina. Meanwhile, the Niners are off to their second 7-0 start in franchise history thanks to a dominant ground game -- Tevin Coleman joined Jerry Rice as the only 49ers to notch a 4-TD game -- and <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/22/49ers-patriots-defenses-allowing-less-than-150-passing-yards-a-game/">a defense still on pace to shatter records</a>. San Fran had few challenges in the front half of their schedule but games against Green Bay, Baltimore, New Orleans and Seattle (twice) will reveal if they're for real.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) celebrates after sacking New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. — <b><i>Jets 15</i></b> <b><i>Jaguars 29</i></b> Boy, if the Jets were <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27921041/jets-angry-jaguars-running-score" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27921041/jets-angry-jaguars-running-score&source=gmail&ust=1572303497134000&usg=AFQjCNFY77_pF-WKZG3NHMKW-tAzF_bC7w">still holding on to old grudges</a> with the Jags and Sam Darnold were <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27939063/jaguars-defensive-players-heckle-sam-darnold-ghosts-remark">still seeing more ghosts</a> than Haley Joel Osment, I hope they didn't look up at the Jacksonville skyline. ... <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Oh my goodness... plane before <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jets?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jets</a>-<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jaguars?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jaguars</a> flying with sign that reads “Gardner Minshew ain’t afraid of no ghosts DUVALL” <a href="https://t.co/aMInfIWaQj">pic.twitter.com/aMInfIWaQj</a></p> — Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Connor_J_Hughes/status/1188473410411810817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 27: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints reacts after throwing a touchdown pass during a NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on October 27, 2019, in New Orleans, Louisiana. — <b><i>Cardinals 9</i></b> <b><i>Saints 31</i></b> Drew Brees returned to throw 3 TDs, Latavius Murray had another dominant day filling in for the injured Alvin Kamara and the Saints defense manhandled another outmatched opponent. New Orleans is halfway to what is trending toward a special 14-2 season that ends with the championship glory they should have enjoyed last year.

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, top, is sacked by Los Angeles Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, at Wembley Stadium in London. — <b><i>Bengals 10</i></b> <b><i>Rams 24</i></b> It may not be hard for <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/23/zac-taylor-not-hard-to-coach-against-sean-mcvay/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/23/zac-taylor-not-hard-to-coach-against-sean-mcvay/&source=gmail&ust=1572303497135000&usg=AFQjCNESbp254cAwY6xQf4iNBj6E09qv2g">Zac Taylor to coach against Sean McVay</a> but it's sure as hell hard to coach the Cincinnati Bengals. Marvin Lewis should get in the Hall of Fame just for taking this lousy franchise to the playoffs seven times.

Indianapolis Colts kicker Adam Vinatieri (4) boots the winning field goal out of the hold of Rigoberto Sanchez (8) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Indianapolis. — <b><i>Broncos 13</i></b> <b><i>Colts 15</i></b> Remember when we were <a href="https://wtop.com/sports-columns/2019/09/column-did-we-just-see-the-end-of-3-hall-of-fame-careers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://wtop.com/sports-columns/2019/09/column-did-we-just-see-the-end-of-3-hall-of-fame-careers/&source=gmail&ust=1572303497135000&usg=AFQjCNE_CZwte0xS5WfYpCxjeqoECeE5oQ">sending Adam Vinatieri out to pasture</a>? Well, on Sunday, redemption was spelled A-D-A-M. That, and Denver has a habit of shooting themselves in the foot. <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/25/noah-fant-ok-after-cutting-foot-while-removing-tape-from-ankle/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/25/noah-fant-ok-after-cutting-foot-while-removing-tape-from-ankle/&source=gmail&ust=1572303497135000&usg=AFQjCNHKj2kXnD3ccU2Nb7zLeIOaxlvuxw">Almost literally</a>.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - OCTOBER 27: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball against the Tennessee Titans during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium on October 27, 2019, in Nashville, Tennessee. — <b><i>Bucs 23</i></b> <b><i>Titans 27</i></b> Tampa Bay didn't win on the field but they won the feel good story of the week by <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27933030/panthers-dt-gerald-mccoy-gets-help-former-bucs-teammates-son-senior-night" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27933030/panthers-dt-gerald-mccoy-gets-help-former-bucs-teammates-son-senior-night&source=gmail&ust=1572303497135000&usg=AFQjCNGsY6N5s3FdVAbah9lcc0lbLKLcTQ">supporting a former teammate's family</a>. It's easier to say when two boringly mediocre teams play, but there really is more to life than football.

New York Giants tight end Rhett Ellison is tackled by Detroit Lions middle linebacker Jarrad Davis (40) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Detroit. — <b><i>Giants 26</i></b> <b><i>Lions 31</i></b> Snacks Harrison didn't exactly feast on the Giants in his first game against Big Blue since being traded a year ago, but Detroit is quietly in the NFC playoff hunt in a top-heavy conference.

Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) fumbles the ball in front of Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Damion Square (71) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Chicago. The Chargers won 17-16. — <b><i>Chargers 17</i></b> <b><i>Bears 16</i></b> In a battle of teams dogged by late-game struggles, Chicago struggled harder and <a href="https://deadspin.com/bears-fans-boo-team-off-the-field-after-offense-freezes-1839398855?utm_campaign=socialflow_deadspin_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow&utm_source=deadspin_facebook&fbclid=IwAR2eCVsI0uhO-U3oiF0OBVAyTkMV9_sT8i8FeT4SZlKOY597TkoHPGdRLw4" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://deadspin.com/bears-fans-boo-team-off-the-field-after-offense-freezes-1839398855?utm_campaign%3Dsocialflow_deadspin_facebook%26utm_medium%3Dsocialflow%26utm_source%3Ddeadspin_facebook%26fbclid%3DIwAR2eCVsI0uhO-U3oiF0OBVAyTkMV9_sT8i8FeT4SZlKOY597TkoHPGdRLw4&source=gmail&ust=1572303497135000&usg=AFQjCNGvtl-MwryE3UV_IDR1CrKecmp7-g">their crowd reminded them of it</a>. Matt Nagy and Mitchell Trubisky are wasting a great Bears defense — and an opportunity to stand out in a wide open NFC.

Philadelphia Eagles' Ronald Darby, left, blocks a pass intended for Buffalo Bills' John Brown during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. — <b><i>Eagles 31</i></b> <b><i>Bills 13</i></b> Apparently, Philadelphia took out <a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27926556/orlando-scandrick-rips-eagles-gm-being-released" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27926556/orlando-scandrick-rips-eagles-gm-being-released&source=gmail&ust=1572303497135000&usg=AFQjCNFKiz3wQjvmbR2e5kwbm0_HWULJXg">the Orlando Scandrick frustration</a> out on Buffalo. Count on the Bills -- whose wins have all come against teams with a losing record at the time they played -- paying it forward to the Redskins.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 27: K.J. Wright #50 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts after they recovered a fumble by Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 27, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. — <b><i>Seahawks 27</i></b> <b><i>Falcons 20</i></b> As bad as it looks in Atlanta, it's about to get <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/21/falcons-are-bad-2020-salary-cap-situation-makes-things-worse/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/21/falcons-are-bad-2020-salary-cap-situation-makes-things-worse/&source=gmail&ust=1572303497135000&usg=AFQjCNH3rBnXBK1ocDOOkbtaXsaZEcSf_w">a whole lot worse</a>.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 24: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to deliver a pass against the defense of Jon Bostic #53 of the Washington Redskins during the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 24, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. — <b><i>Redskins 9</i></b> <b><i>Vikings 19</i></b> This was a predictable result in the intersection of the previously intertwined prime-time struggles for Kirk Cousins and the Redskins. Cousins got the victory to cap a <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2019/10/25/kirk-cousins-concludes-a-stellar-october/">stellar month of the October</a>, while the Skins were held out of the end zone (<a href="https://twitter.com/chucksapienza/status/1187565426122936321?s=20">again</a>) thanks in part to the ongoing QB carousel set off by his departure. Success really is the best revenge.

13 OF 13

Ghostbuster puns, pent-up frustration and high profile reunions. This NFL Week 8 Recap is great.

Quarterback Alex Smith’s grueling road to recovery chronicled in ESPN program

By CNN
April 28, 2020 | 10:34 PM

NFL quarterback Alex Smith suffered a gruesome leg injury that put his career in jeopardy and had him fighting for his life, and his long and grueling road to recovery is chronicled in an upcoming one-hour program from ESPN called "Project 11." The leg injury occurred Nov. 18, 2018, in the third quarter of a game between the Washington Redskins and Houston Texans. After being sacked by the Texans' J.J. Watt and Kareem Jackson, Smith suffered a spiral and compound fracture of the right tibia and fibula.

Read Next Story