New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers
LONDON - The Green Bay Packers couldn't overcome the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and dropped their first game of the season 37-14 to the New York Giants (4-1). Tagovailoa missed with a concussion and backups Sam Howell and Drew Lock both struggled in their play.
The Packers (4-1) will have to figure out a better plan next week as Tagovailoa doesn't appear likely to clear concussion protocol by Sunday. Howell looked inexperienced throwing mutliple interceptions and taking unnecessary sacks, while Lock showed flashes but ultimately turned the ball over two times himself.
Coach Matt LaFleur stated, "We'll have to look at the tape and practice this week to see who we start if Tua can't go."
Regardless, look for a more run heavy offense as the Packers host the Jets in week six.
Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
JACKSONVILLE - With Hurricane Ian working its way through Florida, the Houston Texans (4-1) outlasted the Jacksonville Jaguars 34-14. Weather was the defining factor in this game as the teams saw gusts of up to 90 miles per hour. The NFL was insistent that the teams get the game in before the hurricane arrived, but the Ian had other plans and the outer edge arrived early.
Jacksonville (1-5) looked unprepared to play in these conditions and surprisingly came out throwing the ball on a majority of plays. This led to six interceptions from Trevor Lawrence and the inability for the Jaguars to stay close.
"I just call the plays that are called man," Lawrence said. "You'll have to talk to coach on why we we throwing it with trees being uprooted outside."
Special teams were also severely impacted as punts into the wind traveled an average of less than ten yards. The game was very reminiscent of the 2017 AFC Championship between the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, often referred to as the Wind Bowl, where the teams were unable to punt with the ball traveling almost backwards once it was up in the air.
In this one, Coach David Shaw smartly played Malik Willis the entire game and used his legs to move the ball. With the Texans relying on the quarterback's speed, they were able to minimize the wind and score points when they needed.
Willis, who ended with three rushing touchdowns for the Texans, said, "That was crazy, man. I don't know if I've every playing in weather that bad. Coach had a great game plan and I was just happy I could help our team get the W today."
Houston has their bye next week and will probably need the extra time to get dry after this one.
San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE - The Carolina Panthers (1-4) continued their downward spiral as the visiting San Francisco 49ers dominated from start to finish, walking away with a 31-0 shutout. The 49ers (4-1) again used the legs of quarterback Justin Fields, who rushed for 121 yards and two touchdowns on the day. Fantasy football owners everywhere are thrilled with the prospect of having additional running back stats on their roster as Fields is on pace to rush for over 1700 yards on the season.
Defensively, the 49ers held the Panthers to 243 yards of total offense and recorded six sacks on the day. Four of those were by Brian Burns who is on pace for a breakout year in San Francisco.
"Just happy to help this team win," Burns said. "Not sure I'd want to be on that Carolina team right now."
Word has already leaked that the Panthers plan to fire head coach Matt Rhule tomorrow and will look to start anew once again.
As for the 49ers, the stay in the AFC South next week as they take on the Atlanta Falcons.
