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NFL Week 7: One overreaction about every team

By Michael Johnson

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball in the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 23: Defensive back Patrick Peterson #21 of the Arizona Cardinals runs with the ball in the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chicago Bears won 16-14. (Photo by Jennifer Stewart/Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 14: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears in action on the field in the second half with a taped ankle against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 14: Khalil Mack #52 of the Chicago Bears in action on the field in the second half with a taped ankle against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears: Khalil Mack is still Defensive Player of the Year

The Chicago Bears didn’t close out the game they were expected to win in Week 6 against the Miami Dolphins. But it doesn’t mean they aren’t one of the more feared defenses in the league. Thanks to Khalil Mack, the Bears have gotten back to their defense roots. And he’s still the runaway favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year.

The Bears have an attacking defense and have for years. The difference in the team and why they are so feared is Mack. The Bears lead the league in takeaways with 2.8. Comparably, last season they finished middle of the pack with 1.4 per game. Only the Ravens and Steelers are averaging more sacks a game than the Bears’ 3.6.

Additionally, they are giving up one point less per game this season (19) than last season (20). On the ground, the Bears are surrendering just 83.4 yards per game and have yet to surrender a rushing touchdown. The NFC North is shaping up to be one of the NFL’s toughest divisions. With the defense is playing, don’t be surprised if the Bears take it on the back of Mack.

Cincinnati Bengals: Time to fire Marvin Lewis

The Cincinnati Bengals dropped the ball in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the start of the fourth quarter, the Bengals led by 17. They even scored a touchdown that appeared to seal the Steelers’ fate. Unfortunately, they allowed Antonio Brown to rip off a huge play and allowed Pittsburgh to stay the big brother in the rivalry. This loss is just the latest reason that alludes to why Lewis’ time with the Bengals is up. So why not cut ties with him now and give offensive coordinator Bill Lazor a chance?

Now that he’s back with the Bengals and the offense look much improved, maybe it’s time for Lazor to get a head coaching opportunity as an interim — and who knows, maybe he’ll be the long-term solution. The Bengals aren’t likely to win a playoff game in the Marvin Lewis era. Even if they do, it’ll be a mistake to celebrate anything less than a AFC Championship Game appearance.

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