Before we say goodbye to Week 9 for good, let’s take a look back at what happened for a quick rundown of what happened, what was learned and the injuries that matter. We had some upsets, a lot of close games, and a primetime game in overtime.
Here’s what we learned, from the week that was Week 8.
AFC East
The division got incredibly tight with the Jets stunning upset of the Bills. No one gave them a shot, and why should they, with the way Buffalo was playing. Miami continues to show how dangerous–and reckless– they can be. With the Patriots’ win, only two games separate the four teams.
Buffalo Bills –Â Josh Allen couldn’t get much going with his arm so he used his legs to rush in two touchdowns with 86 yards. Â Allen also threw two picks and fumbled twice but did not lose either one. Stefon Diggs caught 5-of-10, Gabe Davis was 2-of 5. Tyler Bass missed a 55-yarder, but made a 51-yard field goal to tie the game late. LB Matt Milano sat out with an oblique injury, Kaiir Elam rolled his ankle in the third quarter but relief could be on the way. Cornerback Tre’Davious White was activated from the IR but was inactive for Week 9.
Unfortunately, the big news headed out of this game just isn’t the Bills losing, it’s Allen’s right (throwing) elbow is being evaluated for an injury to the ulnar collateral ligament and the nerves related to it. The ranges of the recovery could be one week to Tommy John surgery, which would end his season. So stay tuned to that.
Miami Dolphins – Jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and kept the Bears chasing all game. Tua Tagovailoa looked like a star throwing for 302 and three touchdowns to Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and newly acquired Jeff Wilson Jr. We got our first look at the backfield in a dead even split between Raheem Mostert and Wilson. The former got the rushing touchdown with few yards, the latter had just 51 yards but led the team. and was more involved in the passing game. If they can stay healthy, the Dolphins have shown in most of their wins, that a team is going to need 30 points, at minimum to beat them.
New England Patriots – Mac Jones moved the offense enough to bludgeon the Colts with four field goals by Nick Folk. That would be plenty to preserve a victory against the hapless Colts, but the defense also got a pick-six by CB Jonathan Jones, and nine sacks of Sam Ehlinger. Rhamondre Stevenson was the only notable Patriots skills player who managed to catch a short-yardage touchdown. J.J. Taylor, filling in for Damien Harris who was out with an illness, also got 10 carries but for 9 yards.
New York Jets – Defense. Defense. And more defense was on order as the Jets continue to ascend despite a shaky performance by Zach Wilson. Michael Carter and James Robinson had an equal split and both scored touchdowns (Robinson off a short pass). For the second week in a row, Garrett Wilson was the top receiving option, with Corey Davis hurt and Elijah Moore disgruntled. Denzel Mims and Tyler Conklin underwhelmed. The star of the show was the Jets defense. It’s no small task to hold this team to 17 points, force two turnovers and sack Josh Allen five times. The Jets are legit.
