San Diego Chargers 31
Chicago Bears 10
SAN DIEGO - A week filled with disappointment, unconventional decision-making, and a rookie QBs starting debut, the San Diego Chargers (6-1) bounced back against all odds with a resounding 31-10 victory over the Chicago Bears.
Rookie QB Hendon Hooker, making his first NFL start after the Chargers traded away Jacoby Brissett to the Minnesota Vikings, looked everything the part with 220 passing yards and 4TDs on the day.
"The team showed faith in me," Hooker said. "I've been putting in work during my rehab and I'm glad I could help the team today."
During a time when teams with winning records typically acquire talent for the playoff run, the Chargers also traded away starting edge rusher Sam Hubbard earlier in the week as well. Stand-in Joe Tryon-Shoyinka followed Hooker's lead with a sack and a TFL on the day.
"I think we are showing that we had good young players ready to step up," Tryon-Shoyinka said. "I love that they trust us - Now we need to get this team into the playoffs."
The Chargers, now armed with one of the youngest rosters in the NFL to go along with eight additional draft picks in the upcoming draft, also boast one of the league's best records as they head into the 2nd half of the season.
Arizona Cardinals 21
Baltimore Ravens 35
GLENDALE - Rookie Bijan Robinson powered the Baltimore Ravens (6-2) over the hapless Arizona Cardinals 35-21 for the team's sixth consecutive victory.
Robinson, the rookie out of Texas, scored five touchdowns on the day to thrust his name firmly into the rookie of the year conversation.
"It was a great day for our team," Robinson said. "We want to keep this winning streak going.
With six players out due to injury, the Ravens reserves stepped up to keep the team on track as the calendar turns to November.
Philadelphia Eagles 41
Washington Commanders 24
WASHINGTON D.C. - Patrick Surtain shined on defense as the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Commanders 41-24 to move to 5-3 on the season. Surtain had two interceptions on quarterback Justin Herbert, including a pick six that put the game out of reach for Washington.
"A little slower start with me getting used to a new system after a couple of years in Green Bay," Surtain said. "Consider this my coming out party."
The Eagles will look to make it three in a row against the Dallas Cowboys next week.
Houston Texans 30
Carolina Panthers 27
CHARLOTTE - The Houston Texans got back on track with a huge come from behind victory over the Carolina Panthers. Seemingly trailing the entire game, quarterback Trey Lance hit Deandre Hopkins with less than a minute left give the Texans a much needed victory.
Hopkins, who had 113 yards and two TDs on the day said, "Look what I can do when I play four quarters."
New trade acquisition Derrick Henry also made his presence felt with 117 yards and a touchdown on the day.
Houston will look to keep rolling next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Minnesota Vikings 20
Green Bay Packers 26
GREEN BAY - After blowing a 10 point lead in the 4th quarter, the Green Bay Packers walked it off in overtime 26-20 against the Minnesota Vikings. After the Vikings tied it late on a last second touchdown to K.J. Osborn and then won the toss in overtime, things seemed pretty bleak for the Packers. However, the Green Bay defense got a three and out before turning the ball over to Tua Tagovailoa and the offense. Tua took things from there and hit Isaiah Hidgins for the touchdown to end it.
"Wasn't going to let this come down to a kick. We were ending things our way." Tagovailoa said.
The Packers will stay home to take on the visiting Las Vegas Raiders next week.
Cincinnati Bengals 17
San Francisco 49ers 13
SANTA CLARA - The San Francisco 49ers dropped their first game of the season in a matchup of undefeated teams. In a tough fought and close game, the Niners came up just short 17-13 to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The aggressiveness of coach Kyle Shanahan proved the difference in this one as twice the 49ers went for it on fourth down in field goal range and twice the Bengals defense held.
"I'm not going to change the DNA of this team," Shanahan said. "It didn't work this time, but it very well could have. It'd be nice to guarantee we get those, but I can't guarantee anyone will be alive next week."
San Francisco gets some rest next week with a bye.
