NFL Update: Week 9
NEW YORK, NY — As the NFL wraps up week 9, things got pretty heated for many quarterbacks. Just when you thought things couldn’t get any worse for the New York Giants, they did. Quarterback Daniel Jones is out with a season-ending ACL injury after falling awkwardly trying to evade a pass rusher during Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Giants again fell short with a final score of 6-30. Many Giant fans are exasperated, wondering if this season-ending injury will change the momentum. Could it get any worse? Probably. Ultimately, the 160-million-dollar question is, was Jones worth his hefty contract? Reflecting on his delivery this season, it’s an immediate no. Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract with the Giants during the 2023 NFL off-season. The contract came with $92 million in guarantees, making him one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL. Jones’ performance has been questionable, to say the least, as the Giants sit at the bottom of the NFC East with a 2-7, barely keeping their hopes alive to make playoffs. While many Giant fans are pondering their team’s future, it seems Jones's focus is on recovery.
“I think I’m focused on what I’m doing right now and trying to get my knee ready for this surgery and ready for the process to come back stronger,” Jones told reporters. “In terms of my future and what I’m thinking about, it’s that. It’s to attack this process and come back stronger and a better football player.”
Well, the Giants aren’t the only team to combat quarterback issues.
Jimmy G is Benched...again.
PHOTO CREDIT: NBC SPORTS
The Raiders could try to trade Garoppolo this offseason, but he likely won't attract suitors. Releasing Garoppolo also is a costly move. According to multiple sources, cutting him with a pre-June 1 designation incurs $28.3M in dead money, while a post-June 1 designation incurs $15.5M. Trading Jimmy is a substantial financial loss, and the 2024 draft seems to be the perfect time to select a long-term solution at the most critical position. ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid compiled a list of four QBs’ first-round grades, including Southern Cal's Caleb Williams, North Carolina's Drake Maye, and Michigan's J.J. McCarthy. The Raiders have been busy firing Josh McDaniels and GM Ziegler over the past week. Check out this hot take on First Things First. Do you think the Raiders made the right choice? Bri’s Take: Jimmy G has had numerous chances to step it up, only falling short each time. It’s time to pass the baton to the Raiders’ new starting quarterback, Aidan O’Connell.
Let’s try this again! Aaron Rodgers could come back Sooner than We thought.
PHOTO CREDIT: THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
For the first time since tearing an Achilles tendon, New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers revealed a vague timeline for when he hopes to return, hinting Tuesday that he could be back on the field in six weeks. Yes, you read that correctly. In six weeks, we could see Rodgers back in action. But can Zach Wilson hold it down in the meantime? The Jets (4-4) would have to be playoff contenders for Rodgers to play again this season. Without Rodgers, the offense is struggling mightily, having scored only eight touchdowns. More importantly, can the Jets’ questionable offensive line hold it down? Hearing the news of Rodgers’ potential early return is a relief, but is it worth risking an early comeback if your team is not equipped? At 39 years old, many wonder how many more years Rodgers can play at his elite level. Pending his return, it’s left many questionable overall.
"It'll be a few fortnights," Rodgers said during his weekly spot on "The Pat McAfee Show."
Rodgers downplayed his statement only a day later, telling the press a more realistic answer.
"It'd be nice to be able to be back in a couple of weeks. That's probably not anywhere near a realistic timeline."
If there’s one thing Rodgers will do, he will keep us on our toes. You truly never know when it comes to him and his antics.
The Narrative Changed for Prescott & Purdy
After America’s team faced the 49ers and lost miserably, the Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott faced a lot of backlash, and so did their hyped-up doomsday defense. 49ers tight-end George Kittle sported an “F the Dallas Cowboys” t-shirt under his jersey, and let’s just say…that did not age well. Since the Sunday night battle against the two rivals, things have gone up for the Cowboys as things have gone downhill for the 49ers. The 49ers are tied in the NFC West with 5-3 with the Seattle Seahawks. The narrative changed drastically as Brock Purdy suddenly became problematic. The San Francisco 49ers are facing QB questions and more after a discouraging stretch following a red-hot start. On the flip side, despite losing to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Dak Prescott silenced the questions surrounding his future with the Dallas Cowboys with a solid performance. Dallas lost 23-28 against the number one Eagles, who had 56 yards worth of penalties. It was a sloppy game for the Eagles but, a win is a win! Philly’s defense showed up sacking Prescott five times for a loss of 41 yards. Prescott persevered and threw for a season-high 374 yards on 29-of-44 passing against the Eagles. He had three touchdown passes. He also ran six times for 14 yards. It was the most passing yards he has had in a game since 2021.
WEEK 9 DIVISION STANDINGS
AFC EAST
DOLPHINS 6-3
BILLS 5-4
JETS 4-4
PATRIOTS 2-7
AFC WEST
CHIEFS 7-2
CHARGERS 4-4
RAIDERS 4-5
BRONCOS 3-5
AFC SOUTH
RAVENS 7-2
STEELERS 5-3
BROWNS 5-3
BENGALS 5-3
NFC EAST
EAGLES 8-1
COWBOYS 5-3
COMMANDERS 4-5
GIANTS 2-7
NFC WEST
49ERS 5-3
SEAHAWKS 5-3
RAM 3-6
CARDINALS 1-8
NFC NORTH
LIONS 6-2
VIKINGS 5-4
PACKERS 3-5
BEARS 3-7
NFC SOUTH
SAINTS 5-4
FALCONS 4-5
BUCCANEERS 3-5
PANTHERS 1-8
