A HISTORIC Sunday for Ground Games | NFL Week 7 recap

Mayfield is wearing a protective glove on his thumb following an injury, but the source notes that despite this precaution, the Buccaneers' dominant rushing attack (258 yards on 49 design carries) meant Mayfield didn't need to throw much. The source questions whether the thumb injury will affect his play, but in this game it was a non-factor due to Tampa's run-heavy game plan (79.3% called run rate).

Purdy threw an interception this week on a mugged look where a linebacker came up to the line of scrimmage then retreated; Purdy was looking that way but couldn't see the linebacker over the line of scrimmage, illustrating a physical limitation in seeing over the middle of the field that can lead to poor decision-making.

Purdy threw an interception six plays into the 49ers' second-half possession after the Falcons mounted a 10-play touchdown drive; the source emphasizes the 49ers' offensive struggles in the game, noting a 6-play to 35-play disparity against Atlanta from late second quarter through the top of the fourth quarter, making it nearly impossible to win regardless of EPA or efficiency metrics.

Young and the Panthers were dominated by Tampa Bay's rushing attack in Week 7, allowing 258 rushing yards on 49 design carries with a 13% missed tackle rate (bottom 12 in NFL). The source notes the Panthers entered the game thinking they were the better team but were 'punched in the mouth' and 'shell-shocked,' with the game reaching 33-6 at one point. This was the Panthers' second home game in seven weeks of 2026 where they allowed more than 40 points, compared to only three such games in their 31-year franchise history.

The source expresses concern about the Titans' game plan and script with Ward, suggesting they don't trust him despite drafting him early. Ward went 11-for-18 for 87 yards in the first three quarters with low average depth of target, then 9-for-13 in the fourth quarter when the Titans were forced to play aggressively after blowing a 14-point lead. The source criticizes this inconsistency and conservative approach, noting Ward's 62.5% completion percentage and -2.3% completion percentage over expected (with no blitz), arguing the team should let their gunslinger quarterback "let it fly" to find out what they have.

Against the Colts' historic 85.2% blitz rate (highest in NGS era), Daniel Jones faced only four non-blitz dropbacks all game, going 2-for-4 for 7 yards (1.8 yards per attempt) on those plays; he performed better against the blitz itself at 5.6 yards per attempt, suggesting confusion and inability to handle the extreme defensive scheme.

The source acknowledges Denzel Boston has been receiving significant attention and performing well for the Browns, though notes that Casey Concepcion was drafted first and this particular game showcased what the team envisioned with Concepcion's role.

The source believes it's time to start Mendoza, the number one overall pick, because he has the mobility to make plays outside of structure that Cousins lacks; the source feels seven weeks is an appropriate runway for a rookie to learn from failure without losing confidence, and Mendoza won't lose confidence or be bothered by failure.

Seven weeks into the season is described as an appropriate runway to evaluate the number one overall pick's performance and trajectory.

McCarthy showed significant improvement in Week 7 against Houston, posting 16 for 18 for 164 yards and a 104.6 QB rating against single-high coverage, plus 7 for 12 for 196 yards on passes of more than 10 air yards. The source contrasts this favorably with his previous week's garbage-time performance, noting McCarthy was 'entirely different mentally' and 'letting it rip' with confidence. He also had two 40-plus-yard throws in the first quarter, the first time that's happened since 2011.

Jameson Williams had big plays in Detroit's Week 7 game against Green Bay, contributing to an offense that relies heavily on playmakers like him and Jameer Gibbs to function at a high level.

Jared Goff demolished Green Bay's defense on in-breaking routes in Week 7, completing 10 of 15 attempts for 199 yards, a touchdown, and a passer rating of 131.9 (13.3 yards per attempt)—more than double Green Bay's season average of 5.6 yards per attempt allowed on in-breakers. The source questions whether any quarterback is currently better at attacking the middle of the field than Goff, noting his consistency and volume on these throws.

The source notes that Jared Goff is 'playing fantastic this season' as part of a broader assessment of the Lions offense, which is described as 'cooking as a whole.'

Goff's ability to attack the middle of the field consistently opens up the entire offense; his willingness to throw over the middle—a trait many college quarterbacks avoid—allows defenses no free reign to be aggressive elsewhere. Through nearly halfway through the season, Goff has 14 touchdowns with still no interceptions, a performance the source believes deserves consideration on MVP ballots.

Love is injured, and even if healthy, he's not producing in the Raiders' run game; the source notes he's not doing anything in an offense hampered by one of the worst offensive lines in the league with poor guard play and 0.2 yards before contact per carry.

Against the Seahawks' dominant defensive line and split-safety coverage (70% of snaps), Walker posted 36 rushing yards, negative-15 rushing yards over expected, zero explosive runs, and a season-low 28.6% success rate. The source notes this was his first game with negative rush yards over expected despite the Seahawks playing cover six 36% of the time and zone coverage over 90% of the time—defensive schemes that should have allowed rushing success but didn't due to Seattle's front-line dominance.

Cousins has started the season well for the Raiders, but the source believes the book is out on him: he struggles under pressure (8 for 17, 94 yards in this game) and against the blitz (7 for 14, 65 yards), lacking the mobility to make plays outside of structure; the source suggests Fernando Mendoza should replace him.

Against the Colts' extreme defensive pressure, Kyler Murray posted a 58.3% completion percentage with a negative 18.3% completion percentage over expected; when not blitzed (9-for-16, 90 yards), his passing chart showed almost no throws over the middle of the field, indicating offensive struggles despite the Vikings' strong record.

Stafford led the Rams to a crucial win over the Raiders in Week 7; the source notes the Rams' season was effectively over if they lost this game, dropping to 2-5, making this victory critical for their playoff hopes.

Stafford completed 23 of 29 passes for 195 yards with three touchdowns and one interception in the Rams' critical win; the source frames this as part of a necessary step in the right direction for the Rams offense.

The Falcons' pass protection was exposed against the 49ers; Penix faced only a 17.1% pressure rate despite the 49ers blitzing on 34.3% of defensive plays, revealing a defensive book on Penix: pressure him, as that is when he plays his worst.

Against Seattle's defense that shut down the run game and crossing routes, Mahomes completed 19 of 33 for 165 yards, one interception, and a 58.3 quarterback rating. The source explains that Seattle's defensive strategy of eliminating the Chiefs' run game and crossing routes left no third option for Kansas City's offense, forcing Mahomes into an ineffective game despite his typical excellence.

Nakua ran the most routes by far of any Rams receiver with 8 receptions on 10 targets for 68 receiving yards and a touchdown; however, the source expresses concern that the Rams offense had become too Nakua-focused going into the week, making the offense difficult and predictable for opposing defenses, though diversifying with tight ends is viewed as a step in the right direction.

Despite ongoing contract drama, LaPorta is performing at a high level in the Lions offense. The source praises his handling of the contract situation, noting he expressed a desire to remain in Detroit while advocating for fair compensation. The source characterizes LaPorta as 'balling' and part of a cooking offense alongside Jared Goff and Amon Ross St. Brown.