Philadelphia Eagles @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers
SAN FRANCISCO - Defense was the name of the game Sunday by the bay as the San Francisco 49ers (3-1) defeated the Philadelphia Eagles (1-3) by a score of 10-6. Both teams struggled to move the ball all day but it was San Francisco with the lone touchdown (a rush by quarterback Teddy Bridgewater) that proved to be the difference.
Safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson stepped up huge when his team needed him and finished with six tackles (one for a loss), a sack, and an interception off quarterback Carson Wentz. "This is who we are. This our identity. Defense. We keep us in games. Expect more of this for sure." Gardner-Johnson said.
To his point, during San Francisco's current three game winning streak, the defense has held their opponents to seven points or less in each game. Philadelphia threatened a few times in this one, but each time the 49ers defense kept its opponent out of the end zone.
San Francisco will look to keep rolling next week as they take on the Miami Dolphins at home.
Minnesota Vikings @ HOUSTON TEXANS
HOUSTON - The Houston Texans dropped a tough one to the Minnesota Vikings (4-0) Sunday 23-7. Houston (1-3) struggled on offense all day and ended the game with no touchdowns or field goals. Their lone score came on a strip sack by Bobby McCain that was returned by Cre'Von LeBlanc for a touchdown.
Coach David Shaw said after the game, "We have to be better on offense. I was not happy with what I saw out there."
When asked about quarterback Cam Newton's performance (16-27 for 161 yards and three fumbles) and what it meant for next week, Shaw replied, "Next question."
In fact, Texans beat reporters have already heard rumblings that a change at quarterback could be on the horizon. It was unclear if that meant next week or if Newton would be given another shot.
Regardless, with reliable veteran Andy Dalton in the quarterbacks room, there is bound to be chatter all week as the Texans get ready to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Atlanta Falcons @ GREEN BAY PACKERS
GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packer offense once again struggled in a 20-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) on Monday Night Football. The Packers (2-2) only amassed 233 total yards on offense as they struggled to get things going all night.
Play calling seemed questionable at best as the offense never found its rhythm. "I tried to be more balanced these past two weeks and it obviously hasn't worked out great. We have the greatest quarterback in the league and you can expect to see more from his right arm moving forward." Eric Beiniemy said in his presser.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire continues to be a bright spot for the Packers with his grit and determination to fight for extra yards. In fact, there were many times he moved the chains by making men miss and falling forward. "Just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win games. I feel like we're about to break out." He said.
Green Bay heads into its bye next week and will try to regroup after their tough loss.
