PurplePTSD: NFC North Recap: Week 9

Press release from the PurplePTSD:

Josh Frey

2021-11-09

It was a rough week for the NFC North as a whole. All three of Green Bay, Minnesota, and Chicago took losses, and to make things worse, they were all very close, one possession losses. The 0-8 Lions were on bye, so they couldn’t lose this week. Here’s the breakdown on each game.

Roethlisberger’s Steelers Outduel Fields’ Bears

In a game that seemingly went south early, the Bears managed to come storming back to make it a battle. Justin Fields had a an unlucky tipped-pass INT, and he took a little bit to get rolling. However, he certainly got comfortably as the game went on, finishing the day with 291 yards and a touchdown through the air.

The Bears defense and special teams made some big plays too, including a fumble returned for a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Steelers got one more chance at the end of the game, and Chris Boswell hit the field goal to win the game, 29-27.

Love Takes Time

After the whole Aaron Rodgers fiasco throughout the week, it was Jordan Love who stepped in as QB1 when Green Bay went down to Kansas City and faced the Chiefs. Especially in the first half of this game, it was clear Matt LaFleur did not want to overwhelm his young quarterback. The game plan was far simpler than what we often see when Aaron Rodgers is under center.

The Chiefs did not make life easy on Love, constantly sending all-out blitzes to keep him uncomfortable. Because of that, the offense stalled out on drive after drive throughout the 13-7 loss. However, this defense continues to make strides towards becoming a top unit in the league. Assuming Aaron Rodgers will be back next week vs. Seattle, this team is as talented as they’ve ever been.

Field Goals Haunt Minnesota Again

The Vikings got off to a quick start on the road in Baltimore, jumping out to a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. All this despite at the last minute losing star safety Harrison Smith to COVID reserve. Starting in his place was rookie Cam Bynum, who had a spectacular day. Unfortunately, that was one of the only bright spots by the time the day was over. Minnesota allowed Baltimore to come roaring back into the game behind the strength of four straight touchdown drives.

The game went into overtime, and after an interception of Lamar Jackson by Anthony Barr, the Vikings looked like they may pull off an upset. Instead, the Vikings offense stalled out, and the Ravens went down the field once again, setting Justin Tucker up for a game-winning field goal to send Minnesota home losers, 34-31.

This press release was produced by the PurplePTSD. The views expressed here are the author’s own.