Columbus, Ohio — Encouraged by Myles Garrett’s outstanding performance and a touchdown from Kareem Hunt in the closing seconds, the Browns defeated the Colts 39–38 on Sunday to escape Indianapolis. However, the thrilling game in Indianapolis wasn’t the only thing going on in the NFL.
Each week, we’ll review the most significant plots and consider possible tales from across the NFL.
We’re drawing inspiration from the 1990s program “Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction,” which you may be more familiar with thanks to host Jonathan Frakes’ memes, to analyze these plots and narratives.
Similar to Frakes, each week we will determine which of the top stories from across the league are true or false. The top six plotlines from this week are shown below.
1. Myles Garrett is the Defensive Player of the Year frontrunner
Verdict: Fact.
The Browns defense made an impact on Sunday in Indianapolis, even if they gave up 456 yards of total offense. Myles Garrett’s historic afternoon was a major factor.
He blocked a field goal and had two sacks, both of which resulted in fumbles. The NFL on CBS claims that hasn’t occurred since 2000.
Garrett has three forced fumbles and 7.5 sacks this season. Garrett doesn’t currently hold the league record for sacks, but he appears to be the front-runner for defensive player of the year. T.J. Watt is near the top and undoubtedly has a case to be made as well.
However, no one is now having the same influence on games as Garrett. Even though he didn’t record a sack against the 49ers a week prior, Garrett faced future Hall of Fame left tackle Trent Williams and had three pressures and two quarterback hurries.
Garrett’s game has obviously advanced under Jim Schwartz’s tutelage, and that could help him win some hardware at the conclusion of the season.
The Browns have 11 games remaining in their schedule. But as of right now, Garrett ought to be leading the DPOY race, even though it’s probably a close lead.
2. There’s no point for the Browns to get QB help because there’s nobody worth it
Verdict: Fact.
After missing time due to a strained right rotator cuff, Deshaun Watson only completed five passes against the Colts and did not perform well. After a big hit, Kevin Stefanski held him out of the game out of caution. He had thrown an interception and had another one wiped out by a replay.
For the second week in a row, PJ Walker guided the Browns on the game-winning drive after the game, even though he did not deliver a touchdown pass. Following Sunday’s victory, there are still concerns about Watson’s health, availability, and whether the Browns should sign a new quarterback.
The notion that the Browns can acquire a quarterback to salvage the season while they wait for Watson seems unrealistic to me. Whether it’s in free agency or before the October 31 trade deadline, there simply isn’t anyone good enough to realistically acquire. Not even if you land one, will that quarterback have enough time to become familiar with the offense and his teammates?
Kirk Cousins is currently the only notable candidate worth mentioning, and according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter earlier this month, Cousins is unlikely to waive his no-trade clause. Thus, that is unlikely to occur.
The only option that makes sense is Jacoby Brissett of the Commanders because Brissett is familiar with the Browns playbook and Sam Howell is starting in Washington. But that doesn’t really move the needle.
The Browns are in a similar situation to the Jets until Watson returns to full health. Despite the quarterback, they must win because there isn’t much support available. The Browns do have a better gifted starter, but that is the only difference. Help isn’t walking through that door, to use Rick Pitino’s words, so they need to prioritize getting Watson right now.
3. The Lions are a fraudulent NFC contender after getting routed in Baltimore
Verdict: Fiction.
The Detroit Lions’ preseason momentum was severely dented on Sunday as they lost 38–6 to the Baltimore Ravens. Lamar Jackson, who completed 21 of 27 throws for 357 yards and three touchdowns—two of which went to Mark Andrews—was playing at the peak of his abilities.
Detroit’s formidable defense allowed the Ravens 503 yards, and for the first time this season, their offense was unable to score 20 points.
A terrible defeat. However, that doesn’t alter my opinion of how excellent the Lions are.
In recent years, the Ravens have defeated playoff teams with precisely that kind of performance, and they are a real threat for the Super Bowl on their own. It seemed more like one of those days for the Lions. They’re still in a fantastic position to win the NFC North and have a big January campaign.
Sunday was merely a hiccup.
4. The Bills’ loss in New England should raise alarm bells
Verdict: Fact.
These days, something in Buffalo simply doesn’t feel quite right. After three straight losses, the most recent of which was a 29-25 setback to the Patriots, their Week 4 thrashing of the Dolphins appears to be a distant memory. It was only the second occasion all season that New England scored 20 points.
Now that they’ve dropped two of their last three games, the Bills’ only victory came against the Giants in a close game that required a defensive stop on their own 1-yard line. Stated differently, the situation in Western New York is not good.
The Bills are fortunate that Buffalo’s slow start hasn’t cost them all three games. Buffalo has begun slowly in all three.
They might just barely qualify for the playoffs, but they should still make it. This New England loss should be cause for concern because of this.
They might just barely qualify for the playoffs, but they should still make it. This New England loss should be cause for concern because of this.
They might just barely qualify for the playoffs, but they should still make it. This New England loss should be cause for concern because of this.
They might just barely qualify for the playoffs, but they should still make it. This New England loss should be cause for concern because of this.
5. The NFC South winner won’t win a playoff game
Verdict: Fact.
After seven weeks of play, the NFC South as a whole still offers very nothing to be excited about. Despite Bijan Robinson suffering from headaches, the Falcons defeated the Buccaneers 16–13 to take the lead in the NFC South. They had also lost to Washington a week after Desmond Ridder threw three interceptions in a defeat.
For the fourth straight game, Baker Mayfield threw an interception, which is starting to dull the excitement in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have dropped three of their previous four games, all of which were at home.
The Saints saw a 31-24 loss to the Jaguars on Thursday night, despite possessing more yards and fewer turnovers.
Nothing from Week 7 indicated that the NFC South isn’t the worst football division. Rather, it confirmed that the team that wins the division will probably be eliminated early in the postseason.
6. The Dolphins have a problem in big games
Verdict: Fiction.
The Eagles, the defending NFC champions, prevailed 31-17 over the Dolphins in the primetime super clash in Philadelphia. Miami was limited to a season-low 17 points and 45 yards of rushing by Philadelphia’s defense.
The Dolphins have only lost twice this season. However, it seems similar to their previous defeat, which happened away from home against a stronger opponent. In Week 3, the Dolphins were trounced 48-20 in Buffalo.
To suggest that the Dolphins have problems winning the big game, though, seems a bit harsh. Trying to outrun a competitor while driving is a very challenging endeavor. It is not surprising that the Eagles have recovered and appear to be their normal selves after suffering a crushing defeat at the hands of the Jets in New York a week prior.
With top rookie running back De’Von Achane, cornerback Jalen Ramsey, and lineman Terron Armstead all on injured reserve, Miami is also lacking a lot of important players. Additionally, the Dolphins were without starting lineman Connor Williams and cornerback Xavien Howard.
That’s a ton to overcome on top of already going into a very difficult place to play against an elite opponent. It was all too much to overcome, but with the Bills scuffling, it’s a loss that feels a little more forgiving. If they can get healthier, then we can better judge how they play in the big games.
