Week 5 in the 2022 NFL Season is in the rearview mirror, and as we veer closer to the halfway point, we get a better look at who is for real and who isn’t in the NFL.
This week featured an exciting slate of games headlined by the Eagles going 5-0, all three New York teams dominating, and the Chiefs picking up a win in Monday Night Football.
Here are some highlights of the best performances in Week 5:
The Buffalo Bills Dominate in Pittsburgh
The (4-1) Buffalo Bills continued their path of destruction last Sunday, defeating the (1-4) Pittsburgh Steelers to go 4-1.
It was a big day for quarterback Josh Allen who finished the contest throwing 424 Yards and four touchdowns. The game started with a 98-yard bomb to Gabe Davis, who finished the match with 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Stephon Diggs was big-time with 101 receiving yards and a touchdown.
It was rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett’s first start for the Steelers. The former Pitt quarterback threw for 34-for-52 passing for 327 yards. The Steeler’s offense couldn’t get going, struggling against the Bills defense, only scoring three points.
The Bills have continued to look head and shoulders above many teams in the league and continue to be a Super Bowl favorites, while the Steelers are still trying to find new life with their young quarterback.
The Giants defeat the Packers in England
One of the pleasant surprises this season has undoubtedly been the New York Football Giants.
This Sunday was another example of the culture change under new head coach Brian Daboll. The Giants advanced 4-1 this Sunday, defeating Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in the NFL’s second game of the season overseas.
It was a close contest that saw the Giants mount a significant comeback scoring 17 unanswered points after the Packers took a 17-3 lead.
Rodgers was in classic form, throwing for 222 yards and two touchdowns. Rodgers couldn’t get his team in the end zone throughout the second half and failed to seal the game for the Pack after the Giant’s defense got a big stop with one minute left in the matchup.
Quarterback Daniel Jones was limited throughout most of the contest after suffering an ankle injury. However, Running Back Saquan Barkley was big time, rushing for 70 yards on 13 carries and had 36 yards receiving and sealing the Giant’s win.
The battle for first place in the NFC East has become very interesting, with three teams competing for the top spot in the division. The Eagles are currently leading the way, but the Giants and Cowboys are hot on their heels to take the division away from the undefeated Eagles.
The Jets and Dolphins Clash in an AFC Divisional game
For years, the New York Jets have been an afterthought in the AFC East, going 0-6 against their three rivals last season.
But all that has finally changed with the (3-2) Jets defeating the (3-2) Miami Dolphins 40-17 last Sunday.
The Dolphins, who were without starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa due to concussion protocols, started backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.
Bridgewater suffered an injury after a sack in the Jets end zone from Ahmed “Sauce” Gardner in the first quarter leading the Dolphins to play third-string quarterback Skylar Thompson, who was 19 of 33 for 166 yards and an interception in his debut.
Jets cornerback Gardner’s first NFL interception gave the Jets the ball near midfield; New York increased its lead to 19-7.
The Jets rushing offense was big time, with Bruce Hall and Michael Carter scoring touchdowns, including quarterback Zach Wilson scoring a rushing touchdown in the contest.
Other Highlights
The (4-1) Kansas City Chiefs defeated the (1-4) Las Vegas Raiders 30-29 in what was an exciting AFC West matchup.
The Eagles went 5-0, defeating the (2-3) Arizona Cardinals 20-17.
The (3-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated their divisional rival, the (2-3)Atlanta Falcons. Tom Brady goes 11-0 against the Falcons.
Cooper Rush continues to lead the (4-1) Dallas Cowboys beating the Los Angeles Rams 22-10.
The (2-3) Cleveland Browns couldn’t seal the game losing 30-28 to the (3-2) Los Angeles Chargers.
AFC North-leading Ravens defeat the Cincinnati Bengals 19-17.