Green Back Packers @ Washington Commanders
LANDOVER - The Green Bay Packers (5-1-1) walked away with an exciting 34-28 overtime win over the Washington Commanders (5-2) in quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's return. The Packers looked in trouble early as Tagovailoa showed signs of rust and the run game was non-existent. Heading into half, Green Bay found themselves down 21-3. However, a uptempo pass attack in the second half allowed the Pack to use their weapons and climb back in it, including scoring 18 points in the 4th quarter.
Stefon Diggs caught 9 passes for 121 yards on the day and seemed to enjoy the pass-happy offense.
"This is what we're capable of," Diggs said. "We have to open it up a bit. No one is stopping all these weapons."
Washington won the coin toss and in overtime and hoped to erase the Packers hope with a scoring drive. However, on the first play quarterback Taylor Heinicke was strip sacked by Haason Reddick and Lamarcus Joyner picked up the ball and ran it back for the game winning score.
After the game, Coach Matt LaFleur was asked about the change in offensive philosophy during the second half.
"Well, we were down and needed points quickly," LaFleur said. "That always necessitates a change in game plan. However, I liked what I saw and will keep that in mind as we move forward."
Could Offensive Coordinator Deuce Staley be in trouble? We'll find out next week as Green Bay travels to Buffalo to take on Josh Allen and the Bills.
Houston Texans @ Las Vegas Raiders
LAS VEGAS - The Houston Texans found themselves on the wrong end of a big second quarter and fell 24-16 to the Las Vegas Raiders (2-5). Houston's offense struggled to move the ball in this one but the defense kept things close most of the game. However, the Raiders used a 17-point second quarter powered by Davante Adams to keep things out of reach for the Texans. Adams, who finished with eight catches for 127 yards, proved to be the difference in this one.
For Houston, the loss coming out of the bye to a one win team stings. The will try to right the ship next week as they take on the AFC leading Tennessee Titans.
Kansas City Chiefs @ San Francisco 49ers
SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers used three interceptions and pouring rain to fuel a 25-17 win over Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. The rain in Santa Clara was strong all game and had obvious impacts on the game. The 49ers (6-1) used it to their advantage, running Justin Fields most of the game. The Chiefs (5-2), tried a different approach and continued their pass-heavy offense, throwing 43 times on the day. That approach proved costly as a slippery ball and field led to the three interceptions by Mahomes.
JC Jackson, who had two of the interceptions (Derwin James had the other) showed he earned the contract GM CD gave him this offseason. However, shortly after the second interception, Jackson was injured on a pass deflection and had to be carted off the field. Early reports aren't looking promising and it's very possible San Francisco will be without him for a lengthy period of time.
With the win, San Francisco kept their firm grasp on first place in the NFC West. They will now travel to Los Angeles to take on a familiar opponent in the Rams.
