NFL Teams Navigate Roster Challenges and Rookie Performances During Week of Struggles
ICARO Media Group
**NFL Week in Review: Struggles, Roster Moves, and Rookie Performances**
In a challenging week for many NFL teams, rookie performances and veteran struggles dominated the headlines. The New England Patriots are grappling with their offense, averaging only 13 points per game, ranking just above last in the league. Veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett continues to start, but speculation is rife about when first-round draft pick, quarterback Drake Maye, will get his chance to lead the team. In the rookie class, fourth-round guard Layden Robinson has proved consistent, playing every snap this season, while third-round offensive tackle Caedan Wallace remains less prominent with under 30 percent of the snaps.
Across the country, the Cincinnati Bengals overcame the Carolina Panthers 34-24, and wide receiver Xavier Legette showed some promise. With Andy Dalton now at quarterback, Legette hauled in eight catches for 108 yards, including six receptions in the latest game. However, the Panthers face challenges as their second-round running back Jonathon Brooks is out due to injury. Chuba Hubbard stepped up with 104 rushing yards, but it’s clear that further contributions are needed.
In another notable outcome, the Tennessee Titans secured their first win of the season by defeating the Miami Dolphins 31-12. However, the team's issues remain, as rookie first-round offensive tackle JC Latham and second-round defensive tackle T'Vondre Sweat are the only newcomers making significant contributions. With quarterback Mason Rudolph stepping in after Will Levis sustained a shoulder injury, the Titans will need to reassess their strategies moving forward.
Meanwhile, the New York Giants suffered a close loss to the Dallas Cowboys, ending 20-15. Wide receiver Malik Nabers, leading the NFL with 35 catches, missed the game due to concussion protocol. Nabers’ absence revealed the Giants' heavy reliance on him, as evidenced by his receiving 38.2 percent of the team's passing targets. Moving forward, New York faces tough opponents, including Seattle, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington.
The Cleveland Browns’ woes continue after a 20-16 defeat to the Las Vegas Raiders. With only two early-round picks in this year's draft due to ongoing payments for Deshaun Watson, the Browns are not seeing a good return on their investments. Their second-round defensive lineman Michael Hall is on the commissioner’s exempt list, and third-round offensive lineman Zak Zinter has played under 40 percent of the snaps. The only silver lining for Browns fans remains Myles Garrett's stellar performance.
The Miami Dolphins also had a down week, losing 31-12 to the Titans. Rookie first-round edge rusher Chop Robinson may see more playing time after Jaelan Phillips' knee injury. Overall, the Dolphins’ rookie class has been underwhelming, with just three of their seven picks on the 53-man roster. The team's offensive struggles, with only 184 yards in the recent game, underscore the need for improvement.
Lastly, Jacksonville’s narrow 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans has left the team and its fans searching for positives. First-round wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. shines with 17 catches for 275 yards and two touchdowns. However, the atmosphere in Duval is tense as head coach Doug Pederson faces increasing scrutiny and speculation about job security.
As these narratives unfold, teams are bracing for the upcoming matchups with hopes of tuning their strategies and shoring up their deficits. With each game, the pressure mounts, and the storylines evolve, making for an intriguing NFL season.