BAL-TB
JAX-NE
KC-SF
GB-HOU
DET-MIN
Baltimore Ravens vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41-31
BALTIMORE
Lamar Jackson continues his MVP campaign with another great passing performance. Even though Zay Flowers was hampered, the Rashod Bateman connection was CLICKING. Lamar's game is amplified by receivers that can improvise along with him. If he has multiple players that know how to make themselves available when he breaks the pocket, defenses will not be able to stop them.
Two straight weeks of big payouts from Rashod. We hit the entire Bateman ladder from a yardage line under 40. Glorious.
He is who we knew he could be.
Vita Vea and the strong Bucs front have been solid against the run. Monken has done a great job attacking the right weaknesses in the run game. Derrick Henry had another monster day working the boundary. Everything about this offense hums like an ominous juggernaut and the woes of an 0-2 start feel so far away.
TAMPA BAY
Baker Mayfield forced some throws playing catchup late in the game, but the pick before the end of the second half was purely poor decision-making. Every QB in the game has been making these type of mistakes this season, but Baker had been fairly clean. Losing Chris Godwin for the season is a heartbreaker, but the overall dynamic nature of the offense remains. All the backs are competent, especially as pass catchers, so expect the rotation to continue.
Jalen McMillan had 8 targets and he was getting intentional opportunities even before Mike and Chris left. It was disappointing that he was unable to convert on those opportunities, but this is a LARGE volume role. The pass coordination is dynamic. Motion is well-used. I'll be looking for volume bets on McMillan this week.
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New England Patriots 32-16
JACKSONVILLE
Doug Peterson is barely hanging on, but it was nice to see the Jaguars overcome some 1st quarter blunders. Definite confidence builder against a weak team. Brian Thomas continues to be a revelation, the most consistent bright spot on this offense. His play has been strong week in and week out regardless of opponent. Cornerbacks that are threatened by his deep speed give him space off the line, so his limited release toolbox has not affected his effectiveness. In the press reps that have been on film, he's shown plenty of lateral quickness. He's physical throughout the entirety of the route, bullying Christian Gonzalez and other talented corners.
Tank Bigsby and D'Ernest Johnson made all the difference in the game. By the 3rd quarter, Jacksonville was imposing their will on the ground. Continue to start Tank whenever Etienne is out. A 60/40 snap flip toward Tank is still on the table when Travis returns. Evan Engram seemed like a good bet heading into this game, but the gamescript for him fell apart in the second quarter. Keep playing him with confidence, he's a central feature. They'll be playing from behind a lot.
