PFF Breaks Down Week 8 NFL Games: Rookie Standouts and More
PFF (Pro Football Focus) has once again provided a breakdown of the numbers and standout performances from every NFL Week 8 game. From scores to rookie highlights, here are the key takeaways from each matchup.
Buffalo Bills 24, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 18:
In the game between the Bills and Buccaneers, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen had an impressive outing, throwing for 324 yards and two touchdowns. Allen also showcased his running abilities, adding 41 yards and another touchdown on the ground.
Carolina Panthers 15, Houston Texans 13:
The defensive spotlight in the Panthers vs. Texans game was on Carolina linebacker Frankie Luvu. Luvu recorded 12 total tackles, two tackles for loss, two passes defended, and a sack.
Dallas Cowboys 43, Los Angeles Rams 20:
Among the rookies, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua had a relatively quiet game, finishing with three receptions for 43 yards. However, Dallas Cowboys rookie tight end Luke Schoonmaker showed promise, contributing a 13-yard reception as he continues to develop his skills.
Miami Dolphins 31, New England Patriots 17:
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had a strong performance, completing 30 of 45 passes for 324 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. Although he made two turnover-worthy plays, Tagovailoa’s big-time throws played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ victory.
Minnesota Vikings 24, Green Bay Packers 10:
The defensive spotlight in the Vikings vs. Packers game was on Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary. Despite seeing a full workload of snaps and pass rushes, Gary struggled to generate pressure, resulting in a subpar performance.
New York Jets 13, New York Giants 10:
Among the rookies, Giants cornerback Deonte Banks had a busy game. Banks was targeted a whopping 13 times, allowing seven catches for 100 yards. However, he managed to break up two passes, showcasing some positive moments.
Philadelphia Eagles 38, Washington Commanders 31:
The offensive spotlight in the Eagles vs. Commanders game was on wide receiver A.J. Brown, who had eight receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Brown’s 130 receiving yards made him the first wide receiver in NFL history to post 125 or more receiving yards in six straight games.
Jacksonville Jaguars 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 10:
The defensive spotlight for the Jaguars was on their run defense, which continues to perform at a top-five level. Pittsburgh struggled to gain yards on the ground, with no ball-carrier exceeding 20 rushing yards. Jacksonville’s edge defender Josh Allen had another impressive game, adding two sacks to his season tally.
New Orleans Saints 38, Indianapolis Colts 27:
Among the rookies, wide receiver Josh Downs had a productive game, recording seven receptions for 72 yards. Offensive tackle Blake Freeland, however, had a tough time in both run-blocking and pass protection. For the Saints, safety Jordan Howden and defensive lineman Bryan Bresee stood out with solid performances.
Tennessee Titans 28, Atlanta Falcons 23:
With Ryan Tannehill out, rookie quarterback Will Levis started for the Titans and had a successful NFL debut. Levis threw for 238 yards and four touchdown passes, connecting with DeAndre Hopkins for three of them. Hopkins finished the game with 128 receiving yards.
Seattle Seahawks 24, Cleveland Browns 20:
The defensive spotlight in the Seahawks vs. Browns game was on the Seattle defense. They delivered three sacks, two interceptions, six pass breakups, and a forced fumble. Jamal Adams and Julian Love combined for a crucial interception in the fourth quarter, leading to Seattle’s game-winning touchdown.
Cincinnati Bengals 31, San Francisco 49ers 17:
Bengals rookie wide receiver Andrei Iosivas found the end zone once again, exhibiting his red zone prowess. Despite having a healthy trio of wide receivers, Iosivas continues to make an impact in the Bengals’ offense.
Denver Broncos 24, Kansas City Chiefs 9:
Patrick Mahomes, reportedly battling the flu, had an off day against the Broncos. Mahomes averaged just 6.2 yards per attempt and was sacked three times. This loss marked his first road division loss in the NFL.
Baltimore Ravens 31, Arizona Cardinals 24:
Defensively, the Ravens’ Michael Pierce stood out with four solo tackles, a batted pass, and a sack that resulted in a forced fumble. While the Cardinals had some success against the Ravens’ offense, the Ravens’ rushing attack proved too much for them to handle.
Los Angeles Chargers 30, Chicago Bears 13:
Among the rookies, Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston had a breakout game, setting career highs in targets, catches, and receiving yards. He finished the game with five receptions for 50 yards.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Detroit Lions:
Stay tuned for Monday Night Football!
PFF’s breakdown of Week 8’s NFL games provides detailed insights into standout performances and key moments from each matchup.