NFL action this week delivered drama and intrigue, from a much-hyped rookie debut in Cleveland to dazzling quarterback heroics, defensive showcases, and an overtime thriller in Madrid that has the potential to change the playoff chances. Thus, here are key moments, heartbreaks, and statements from players under the spotlight!

Shedeur Sanders' Debut Falls Flat Against Ravens

Finally, the most-awaited player has made his NFL debut! Yes, Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders made his NFL debut after Dillon Gabriel exited with a concussion, stepping in amid loud chants from fans hoping to see him play. 

Sanders, once seen as the first-round pick but drafted 144th overall, struggled in his first outing, completing just 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception against the Ravens. Despite the tough start, Sanders may get a chance next weekend if Gabriel remains sidelined, giving him a chance to prove his bet on himself was right.

Josh Allen Sets Records in Dominant Bills Win

Next up, the Buffalo Bills smashed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a dominating 44-32 win, led by Josh Allen’s incredible six-touchdown showcase, three passing and three rushing. The game was a shootout with nine lead changes, but Allen sealed the victory with two late rushing touchdowns, including a 9-yard run. 

Though Baker Mayfield and Sean Tucker kept Tampa Bay in contention with a touchdown in the 4th quarter, a late Mayfield fumble in the closing minutes of the game shattered the Buccaneers' chances of winning the game.

Patrick Mahomes Takes Fall for Chiefs’ Defeat

Well, Patrick Mahomes took responsibility for the Chiefs’ 22-19 loss to the Broncos, admitting his inconsistency. After all, he missed several key throws and made a costly interception in the red zone, which contributed to the defeat and dropped Kansas City’s record to 5-5, a rare low in Mahomes’ career. 

As the Chiefs’ playoff and division title hopes fade, Mahomes stressed that improved consistency and smarter decisions must start with him, asking his teammates to look at every game with a playoff mentality to get back on track.

Jared Goff Misfires as Eagles Steamroll Lions

The Philadelphia Eagles leaned on their defense to defeat the Detroit Lions 16-9, putting Jared Goff under pressure and thus forcing his worst-ever completion rate at just 37.8%. The Eagles kept the quarterback under constant pressure, consistently collapsing the pocket and swatting passes at the line. 

Meanwhile, Detroit struggled on key downs, failing to convert any of its five fourth-down tries. As the Eagles’ offense continues to search for rhythm, Vic Fangio’s defense is carrying the team. With the team now 8-2, the Eagles don’t seem far away from securing a spot in the playoffs.

Dolphins Shock Commanders in Overtime Tussle in Madrid

The Madrid game came with its fair share of surprises! Well, the game stretched into overtime, with both teams failing to outscore each other in the regulation time. The Dolphins outlasted the Commanders 16-13 in overtime, capitalizing on a costly Marcus Mariota interception to set up the game-winning field goal. 

Washington's defense delivered two clutch fourth-and-goal stops and logged three key third-down sacks, but couldn't produce turnovers against Miami. Despite out-snapping and out-possessing the Dolphins, the Commanders’ offense stalled in the red zone and struggled with big mistakes.

What did you think of Shedeur's debut with the Browns? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Written by

Siddharth Shirwadkar

Edited by

Sagnik Bagchi