Tag Archives: quarterbacks

10 things we’re watching in Patriots’ Week 12 matchup with Bengals

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The Bengals are preparing to face a much different Patriots team than the one they played in Week 1 of last season. The Patriots were able to come away with the victory in Jerod Mayo’s first game as head coach, but they only managed to win three more games all season. The Patriots now are 9-2, riding an eight-game winning streak and are tied with the best record in the AFC as they get set to take on the 3-7 Bengals. The Bengals are just three years removed from a conference championship loss, and it’s been just four years since their last Super Bowl appearance. It’s amazing how quickly things can flip in the NFL. One thing is for certain: The Patriots are in much, much better shape this year with Mike Vrabel as their head coach, Josh McDaniels as the offensive coordinator and Drake Maye, not Jacoby Brissett, starting at quarterback. Here’s what we’re watching on Sunday at 1 p. m. in Cincinnati: • The Bengals reportedly will not activate quarterback Joe Burrow from injured reserve in time for Sunday’s game, despite his return to full participation in practice earlier this week. That means Joe Flacco will continue to start. It’s debatable how comfortable Burrow would have looked in a rusty return to the field coming off of a turf toe injury, but this is still a win for the Patriots. Burrow, at this best, is one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL. Flacco has been solid since joining the Bengals, but he’s got a 1-4 record with Cincinnati, and he’s 2-7 on the season, including his time with the Browns. • The Patriots don’t need to worry about Ja’Marr Chase this week, since he made the inadvisable decision to spit at Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey last week and got himself suspended. But they will still need to cover Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins, a popular target for the Patriots in free agency until he was franchised and went on to sign a contract extension with the Bengals. On third down and critical situations, expect Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez to shadow Higgins, who’s the Bengals’ No. 2 receiver but is as talented and high-powered as a No. 1. Higgins has 35 catches for 544 yards with seven touchdowns this season. The Bengals’ other wide receivers are Andrei Iosivas and Mitchell Tinsley. • Running back Chase Brown’s numbers don’t jump off the page, but the Bengals rank fourth in rushing DVOA, second in EPA/rush and eighth in rushing success rate. Their offensive line is just 21st in ESPN’s run block success rate, and Brown ranks 25th in rush yards over expected, so there’s something funky going on there. The Patriots’ run defense has been tremendous this season, but they did appear to miss Milton Williams after he left last week’s win over the Jets. Expect his snaps to be split between Khyiris Tonga and Cory Durden. Rookies Joshua Farmer and Eric Gregory also could take on bigger roles. • Williams is the Patriots’ best or second-best defender, with Gonzalez being his biggest competition. The Patriots do have nice depth at defensive tackle behind starter Christian Barmore, however. Tonga and Durden are having career years, and Farmer and Gregory have had solid moments. • The Bengals’ pass-block win rate ranks just 29th this season, per ESPN, and they’re 23rd in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency. The Patriots’ pass rush has been inconsistent this season, and losing Williams for the next four games will hurt. On the edge, K’Lavon Chaisson is also having a career year with 6. 5 sacks through 10 games. Fellow starting outside linebacker Harold Landry III has slowed in recent weeks. Could the Patriots give rookies Elijah Ponder and Bradyn Swinson more opportunities? Ponder, an undrafted free agent, has sacks in two straight games. Swinson, a fifth-round pick, was signed off of the practice squad and could be set to make his NFL debut against the Bengals. • The Patriots’ offense should be back at full strength this week with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) and running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe) back. Boutte, one of the league’s best deep threats, has missed the last two games. Stevenson has been out for three games. The Patriots weathered the storm without those two, but facing the league’s worst defense, per DVOA, it could be a highly productive day for the offense. • Boutte will likely take his reps back from rookie Kyle Williams, who caught a 72-yard touchdown against the Buccaneers but was otherwise ineffective in Boutte’s place. Maye and Boutte had forged an impressive downfield connection through the first half of the season. • Rookie TreVeyon Henderson took on a much larger role in Stevenson’s absence. Prior to Stevenson’s injury, Henderson was largely a change-of-pace back. Henderson had a 147-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week 10 and scored three touchdowns in Week 11. He’s not built for an every-down role, but his effectiveness and big-play ability should cut into Stevenson’s playing time. Without any inside information, it wouldn’t be surprising to see them split snaps. • Two key Bengals defenders, defensive end Trey Hendrickson and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt, are also out. Without Hendrickson rushing from the right side, rookie left tackle Will Campbell shouldn’t have an overly difficult matchup this week. Maye has been sacked a lot this season, but he reiterated this week that most of those were his fault. The Patriots’ offensive line has been much, much better this year. • This should be a blowout. Game prediction: Patriots win 38-13 against an undermanned Bengals team.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/22/10-things-were-watching-in-patriots-week-12-matchup-with-bengals/

Wisconsin snaps 10-game Big Ten losing streak with upset win over No. 23 Washington as punter leads team in passing

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Wisconsin Finally Secures a Big Ten Win, Thanks to Punter Sean West’s Unconventional Contribution

The Wisconsin Badgers snapped a daunting 10-game Big Ten conference losing streak with a hard-fought 13-10 victory over No. 23 Washington. Remarkably, this breakthrough win featured punter Sean West leading the team in passing, highlighting a unique and memorable performance for Wisconsin.

The Badgers’ Conference Struggles

Wisconsin’s conference losing streak stretched back to October 19, 2024. The team ended the 2024 season on a five-game skid and opened 2025 with another five consecutive conference losses. This lengthy drought had placed significant pressure on the program and its coaching staff.

Coaching Stability Amid Uncertainty

Just days before the win, Wisconsin athletic director Chris McIntosh confirmed that head coach Luke Fickell would return for the 2026 season. Fickell’s future had been uncertain throughout the rough stretch, but McIntosh publicly voiced his support in September, providing some reassurance to fans and players alike.

The Game: Scoring and Key Plays

Wisconsin scored the final 10 points to secure the victory. Carter Smith tied the game at 10-10 during the third quarter before kicker Nathanial Vakos nailed a go-ahead field goal with 1:58 remaining in the third. Washington missed a crucial field goal on the following drive, and both teams combined for four more drives that resulted in no points. Wisconsin ultimately ran out the clock over 22 plays, covering 69 yards amid cold rain and snowflakes.

Sean West’s Surprising Passing Role

One of the game’s standout moments was punter Sean West leading Wisconsin in passing yards. West was one of four Badgers players to attempt a pass on Saturday and caught the spotlight with a 24-yard completion to Jackson Acker on a fake punt early in the third quarter. This single play accounted for half of Wisconsin’s total passing yards.

Quarterback Performance and Injuries

The team’s quarterbacks struggled for much of the game. Hunter Simmons, Carter Smith, and Danny O’Neil combined to complete just 5 of 17 passes for 24 yards. O’Neil, who began the season as the backup but took over starting duties after Billy Edwards’ Week 1 knee injury, threw only two passes before leaving the game with a lower-body injury.

Freshman Carter Smith stepped in and played the entire second half, going 3 for 12 passing for 8 yards. Simmons also contributed late in the first half, completing 2 of 3 passes for 16 yards.

Defense Seals the Win

Wisconsin’s defense played a critical role in the victory, forcing two turnovers and limiting Washington’s explosive offense to just 251 total yards. The Huskies’ lone touchdown came on a 1-yard drive following a blocked punt recovered near the end zone.

Looking Ahead

This long-awaited Big Ten win could be a turning point for Wisconsin football, providing renewed confidence and momentum as they move forward in the season. With strong defensive play and creative special teams efforts like West’s passing, the Badgers have shown resilience and adaptability on their path back to competitiveness.
https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/wisconsin-snaps-10-game-big-ten-losing-streak-with-upset-win-over-no-23-washington-as-punter-leads-team-in-passing-011141601.html

NFL Announces Punishment for Vikings Players Before Detroit Lions Game

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The Detroit Lions are back after their bye week and gearing up to take on the Minnesota Vikings in a high-profile NFC North rivalry on Sunday, November 2, at Ford Field in Detroit.

The Lions come into this matchup riding the momentum of a 24-9 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, October 20, in primetime at home. On the other side, the Vikings are looking to bounce back after a lopsided loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday, October 23, on the road.

Both teams have plenty at stake going into this game. For the Vikings, this is a must-win if they want to turn around their 3-4 season and keep pace with the Lions and Packers, who currently sit atop the NFC North, according to NFL research. For the Lions, a victory is crucial to maintain their lead over Green Bay in the division standings.

### NFL Punishes Two Minnesota Vikings Players Following Week 8

Heading into the game, the NFL has announced disciplinary actions against two Minnesota Vikings players. The news broke on Saturday, November 1, as the league regularly penalizes players weekly for conduct during games.

On its official website, the NFL explains that these penalties are issued “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” The Week 8 report includes fines for:

– **Linebacker Blake Cashman**, who received a $23,186 fine for “unnecessary roughness” and “use of the helmet.”
– **Linebacker Dallas Turner**, fined $19,907 for “unnecessary roughness” and “launch.”

The NFL’s league staff review flagged plays to determine if further disciplinary action is warranted, ensuring fair judgment on infractions.

### Vikings’ Quarterback Situation and Game Outlook

The Vikings have faced some quarterback challenges this season but will return to their so-called franchise quarterback for Sunday’s game. Carson Wentz is out for the rest of the season after suffering a season-ending injury during the game against the Chargers.

Stepping in will be J.J. McCarthy, making his return after a five-game absence. McCarthy was injured in Week 2 against the Atlanta Falcons and missed the entirety of his rookie season in 2024 due to injury. Facing the gritty Lions in just his third NFL start will be a tough test for the young signal-caller.

Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell also has undrafted rookie free agent Max Brosmer on the quarterback roster, along with recently signed practice squad quarterback John Wolford. According to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, Wolford and O’Connell share a history from their time together with the Los Angeles Rams in 2020 and 2021. Seifert noted on X that there have been previous, unsuccessful attempts to bring Wolford to Minnesota. The two won a Super Bowl together in Los Angeles in 2021.

### Looking Ahead

Sunday’s showdown between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings promises to be a hard-fought battle with significant implications for the NFC North division race. With key player returns, fines issued, and playoff positioning on the line, fans can expect an intense and competitive game at Ford Field.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/detroit-lions/nfl-announces-punishment-vikings-before-game/

Why Chiefs’ offense is perfectly built to exploit Bills’ defense in Week 9 tilt

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The rivalry between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills has emerged as one of the best in all of sports during the 2020s. Since Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen both established themselves as two of the NFL’s elite quarterbacks, the two AFC powerhouses have faced off multiple times nearly every season, creating a compelling narrative fans eagerly follow.

**Bills Have the Edge in the Regular Season, but Playoffs Tell a Different Story**

While the Bills have held their own—and often come out on top—during regular season matchups, the playoffs have been a different matter. Kansas City has eliminated Buffalo in four of the last five postseason meetings. This postseason dominance is certainly something that weighs on the minds of the Bills and their fans as they prepare for their latest showdown.

**Current Season Overview**

Both teams have shown some vulnerabilities this season, yet they remain clearly among the AFC’s best and are considered serious Super Bowl contenders. Coming into their Week 9 matchup, the Bills are riding high after an impressive 40-9 blowout win over the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have won five of their last six games, including a dominant performance against the Washington Commanders on Monday Night Football.

**Key Battle: Chiefs’ Offense vs. Bills’ Defense**

This game will be decided on both sides of the ball, but a critical matchup to watch is the Chiefs’ offense against the Bills’ defense. Both units are starting to find momentum, but Kansas City holds a notable advantage heading into this contest—and there are several key reasons why.

**Can the Bills Disrupt the Pocket Without Ed Oliver?**

Any discussion about the Bills’ defense begins with the absence of star defensive tackle Ed Oliver. Sidelined with a torn biceps injury and currently on injured reserve, Oliver is arguably the most significant defensive loss Buffalo could have suffered. He has played in only three games this season, and the defense’s performance noticeably dropped in the games he missed.

Opponents such as the Miami Dolphins, New Orleans Saints, and New England Patriots found success moving the ball during Oliver’s absence. Quarterbacks like Tua Tagovailoa, Spencer Rattler, and Drake Maye were able to operate with increased comfort in the pocket. While Maye is considered an MVP candidate, his experience and skill level do not yet compare to Patrick Mahomes’ elite pocket presence.

Mahomes is renowned for his ability to navigate pressure and extend plays better than almost any quarterback in the league. If he maintains his composure on Sunday, it could spell trouble for the Bills’ defensive front.

Additionally, Oliver has been a strong force against the run. Although the Chiefs don’t boast an explosive rushing attack, especially with key back Isiah Pacheco likely to miss the game, their ground game has been efficient. With Kareem Hunt and the remaining backfield, Kansas City currently ranks ninth in the NFL for rushing success rate and third in total rushing Expected Points Added (EPA).

Sustaining drives on the ground and staying ahead of the chains will make it extremely challenging for the Bills’ defense to contain Mahomes and the Chiefs’ passing attack.

**Kansas City Set to Attack the Middle of the Bills’ Defense**

A notable weakness of the Bills’ defense lies in the middle of the field—exactly where the Chiefs’ offense is built to exploit.

While linebacker Matt Milano has returned to health, he is not at the peak form seen a few years ago. Linebacker Terrel Bernard has also been somewhat vulnerable, but the more significant issues emerge in the secondary.

Injuries and performance problems have left the Bills thin at safety. Taylor Rapp, who was underperforming before his injury, is out, and veteran Jordan Poyer has been brought back to fill the void. However, Poyer is past his prime and is now tasked with a major role in the secondary alongside Cole Bishop, who has been targeted relentlessly by opposing offenses this season.

Expect the Chiefs to attack this area aggressively. They possess the weapons to capitalize on the Bills’ defensive vulnerabilities over the middle of the field, whether in man or zone coverage schemes.

**Keys to Watch: Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice**

Everyone knows about Travis Kelce—one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Though he is past his prime, Kelce looks rejuvenated this season and has consistently delivered in big moments against the Bills. With Buffalo’s defensive holes over the middle, Kelce is poised to be a major factor on Sunday.

Also critical will be the impact of wide receiver Rashee Rice. The SMU product is playing just his third game since returning from a suspension and a knee injury, but he’s already shown he hasn’t missed a beat. In his two games back, Rice has caught 16 passes on 19 targets, accumulating 135 yards and three touchdowns.

Unlike typical wide receivers who operate primarily on the outside, Rice often works from the slot or inside formations. He excels at short routes and gaining yards after the catch, putting immense pressure on linebackers and safeties to cover him effectively and tackle quickly.

With Rice stepping up as a dynamic and explosive weapon, the Chiefs’ offense is more versatile and dangerous than ever—even against stout defenses like Buffalo’s.

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Overall, the Week 9 clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills promises to be a thrilling encounter with major playoff implications. While the Bills have shown grit and determination throughout the season, the Chiefs’ offensive firepower and strategic advantages on defense are reasons why Kansas City might hold the edge in this latest chapter of their fierce rivalry.
https://clutchpoints.com/nfl/nfl-stories/chiefs-offense-perfectly-built-exploit-bills-defense-week-9