NFL Week 15: Five things we liked and didn’t like, including rookie WRs take off, Will Levis’ struggles

With the NFL season nearing its end, we’re hitting that part of the season where the combination of injuries plus playoff eliminations are taking their toll. 10 games were decided by more than one possession, the most of the season. Eight teams started a quarterback who wasn’t their Week 1 starter, and several had to go to third- or even fourth-string options.

But here’s the thing: These are all professionals. They’re all playing for their own individual futures, even if their current team’s future looks bleak. Spencer Rattler relieved Jake Haener at halftime and came within inches of leading a wild comeback against the Commanders. Similarly, Aaron Rodgers and Mac Jones(!) turned in impressive performances despite rough years for both of their teams, and Jets-Jaguars was quietly among the most entertaining games of the weekend.

Still, plenty of trends have become clear, so trying to avoid repeats in this column becomes harder and harder. As playoff races and the race for the No. 1 pick hit full speed ahead with three weeks left, games take on huge importance, one way or another. So we’re trying to find the reasons for optimism for the worst teams, the reasons to worry for the best teams, and everything in between. Here we go.

Five things we liked

1. Houston’s defense finally plays its best

You wanted to see the Texans’ defense at its best? You got it Sunday, when Houston turned Tua Tagovailoa over four times and sacked him three times, allowed just 224 yards and allowed 2.7 yards per carry. Derek Stingley Jr. had two interceptions, including this ridiculous one to seal the game.

Danielle Hunter had 1.5 sacks, and Will Anderson Jr. had one that included a forced fumble Tim Settle recovered. Hunter and Anderson joined J.J. Watt and Whitney Mercilus (2015) as the only duo in franchise history to both have 10+ sacks in a season.

Most importantly, it was good to see this defense dominate…

Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-15-five-things-we-liked-and-didnt-like-including-rookie-wrs-take-off-will-levis-struggles/

Author : Zachary Pereles

Publish date : 2024-12-17 14:26:00

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