The Dime Package returns after NFL Week 9, again giving 10 thoughts from Sunday around the league.
For plenty of reasons, there was excitement in the air for Sunday in NFL Week 9. After all, how often is it that you get at least three (potentially four) crucial divisional games with early postseason implications? “Not often enough” would be the correct answer.
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Amidst all of the anticipation, though, there were plenty of storylines to follow. You had the return of Ben Roethlisberger for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the previously mentioned playoff consequences, and things like Cleveland Browns going up against the best team in the NFC. So what do we make of all of this?
The Dime Package for NFL Week 9 is here:
1. The Baltimore Ravens finally snapped their four-game losing streak with an ugly 21-14 win over the Steelers. The defense once again played well, but the Ravens offense still leaves a lot to be desired.
2. Another week, another loss for the Minnesota Vikings—their third-straight. Pat Shurmur’s offense looked strikingly similar to Norv Turner’s offense.
3. The Miami Dolphins won again! That’s right, the Fins beat the New York Jets 27-23 and, in the process, won their third straight game. At 4-4, Miami is tied with Buffalo for second place in the AFC East. Adam Gase has his team believing.
4. Admit it; you had no idea the Kansas City Chiefs are now 6-2 after their win over the Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday. They are and are once again poised to make another second half run this season.
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5. The Dallas Cowboys are 7-1. I repeat, the Dallas Cowboys are 7-1. I’m having a hard time believing that for whatever reason, but they really are.
6. This Green Bay Packers team once again embarrassed themselves in front of the Lambeau faithful with a listless performance again the Indianapolis Colts. This team has been a huge disappointment thus far and Mike McCarthy’s seat needs to start getting warmer.
7. The Carolina Panthers beat the Los Angeles Rams 13-10, but Cam Newton took another beating. Newton was sacked five times. At some point, Superman is going to realize that it’s not the league’s fault. It’s his offensive line’s fault.
8. I know the Cleveland Browns are 0-9, but the 49ers might be the worse team in the league. They were putrid in their 41-23 loss to the Saints. I don’t see how Chip Kelly returns next season.
Next: NFL Power Rankings: Week 10
9. Remember a couple of weeks ago when all foolishly thought the Tennessee Titans were contenders? Yeah, they’re not.
10. The Oakland Raiders finally won at home. It wasn’t just another win either as beating the Denver Broncos 30-20 was a statement win for a team that’s fighting to get respect around the league.