Thanksgiving is that this Thursday, however some within the NFL would possibly discover it troublesome to get within the vacation spirit after terrible Week 12 performances. Listed here are the 5 worst from Sunday’s motion.
It is again to the drafting board for McCarthy after being ripped for poor mechanics this week by head coach Kevin O’Connell. The 2024 first-rounder is more and more trying much less and fewer like the reply at quarterback for the Vikings, who misplaced to the rival Green Bay Packers (7-3-1), 23-6. In his sixth profession begin, McCarthy was 12-of-19 for 87 yards and two interceptions whereas additionally shedding 35 yards on 5 sacks. Minnesota’s 52 web passing yards had been its fewest since November 4, 2012. (h/t Stathead)
On his second interception, McCarthy demonstrated poor accuracy, crusing a go over large receiver Jalen Nailor’s head.
Per Tru Media, McCarthy ranks No. 851 out of 852 qualifying quarterbacks in anticipated factors added (EPA) per drop again since 2000, solely forward of notorious former Oakland Raiders draft bust JaMarcus Russell. (h/t The Ringer’s Danny Heifetz)
The Vikings (4-7), largely constructed to win now, made an enormous gamble inserting their destiny on the arm of an unproven quarterback who was shielded by an elite dashing assault and protection in school, and it is value them dearly. With solely six video games left, their season is probably going past saving. So, too, may very well be McCarthy.
The Cowboys (5-5-1) accomplished an epic comeback from 21 factors down in opposition to the Philadelphia Eagles (8-3) to win, 24-21, on a walk-off Brandon Aubrey subject purpose, they usually did so with minimal assist from their All-Professional large receiver.
Lamb had his second ugly recreation in opposition to the Eagles this season, ending the sport with almost as many drops as receptions. Fox Sports activities famous he totaled seven drops in two video games in opposition to Philadelphia this 12 months.
In Week 1, Lamb had a nasty drop on a deep ball late within the fourth quarter, and he spoiled an opportunity for the Cowboys to take a 28-21 lead on Sunday with an inexplicable drop ultimately zone.
Lamb had 4 receptions for 75 yards on 11 targets with three drops, ceding the highlight to teammate George Pickens, who’s changing into the workforce’s greatest receiving possibility. Pickens caught all 9 of his targets for 146 yards and a landing.
Lamb continues to be among the many league’s most gifted wideouts, making his struggles much more perplexing. If the Cowboys are to stay within the playoff dialog, they’re going to want extra from their star receiver down the stretch.
New Orleans ran 13 performs contained in the Atlanta Falcons‘ 20-yard line red-zone performs and misplaced 10 yards, together with 14 on an intentional grounding penalty. It could not run the ball successfully, tallying 11 yards on 9 carries (1.2 yards per try. On three go makes an attempt, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough was sacked twice, and do-it-all playmaker Taysom Hill threw an incompletion. Its greatest play was a 12-yard defensive go interference flag.
Lots has contributed to the Saints (2-9) being among the many league’s worst groups, and their incapacity to fabricate offense close to the Falcons’ finish zone was the primary purpose they misplaced, 24-10, on Sunday.
The Raiders had been bullied on the line of scrimmage in opposition to the Cleveland Browns (3-8), leading to quarterback Geno Smith taking an astonishing 10 sacks within the 24-10 loss.
Middle Will Putnam was pushed again onto Smith’s lap on the Browns’ fifth sack of the primary half, which additionally noticed defensive finish Myles Garrett snake his approach by tight finish Ian Thomas and left deal with Stone Forsythe for a lack of 10 yards.
The offensive line not often gave Smith a clear pocket to throw out of, making it unimaginable for the 12-year veteran to get a go off on a 4th-and-4 early within the third quarter.
Garrett blew previous Forsythe for yet one more sack within the fourth quarter, and the unit disintegrated on the snap on sack No. 9.
The show was some of the appalling by an offensive line we are able to keep in mind. The Raiders (2-9) have a lot to repair this offseason, and the trenches have to be the highest precedence.
After defeating the hapless Arizona Cardinals, 27-24, in extra time, Lawrence hailed his workforce’s resolve, noting it is “studying methods to win whatever the circumstances.”
On Sunday, the circumstance was overcoming a dreadful efficiency from the 2021 No. 1 total choose. Lawrence completed 18-of-30 for 256 yards, three touchdowns, three interceptions and a misplaced fumble.
Lawerence’s consciousness score was turned to zero on a first-quarter fumble, when he held on to the ball too lengthy, permitting security Jalen Thompson to come back off the sting for a strip sack, and the ball was recovered by defensive deal with Walter Nolen III for a landing.
Lawrence additionally took factors off the board forcing a throw ultimately zone on a 1st-and-goal to finish a promising opening drive of the third quarter. His second choose was even worse, with Lawrence failing to register the beneath defender and throwing to linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither. Head coach Liam Coen was left incredulous on the sideline.
Lawerence stared down his meant goal on his third interception, and security Budda Baker jumped the route, setting Arizona up inside Jaguars territory. It scored a go-ahead landing three performs later.
At 7-4 and with three video games remaining in opposition to the Tennessee Titans (1-10) and New York Jets (2-9), Jacksonville is in a great spot to make the playoffs. However until Lawrence drastically improves, the Jags will not be taken significantly.
