2021 NFL Week 6 Recap

Bad exports, bad symmetry and even worse tributes make for one helluva NFL Week 6 Recap.

<p><b><i>Bills 31</i></b><br />
<b><i>Titans 34</i></b></p>
<p>This game had it all: Seven lead changes, an attempt at聽<a href="https://twitter.com/nfl/status/1450262084260827139?s=21">the Music City Miracle 2.0</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1450301229460910088?s=20">a goal line stand by Tennessee</a>聽to essentially win the game with 21 seconds left.聽<a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/1450299744027398144?s=20">Derrick Henry is tallying touchdowns</a>聽and tossing defenders at an amazing rate, and if he can stay healthy, the Titans are a tough matchup.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, Buffalo will spend two weeks chewing on this one. I love gutsy fourth-down decisions, but Sean McDermott committed coaching malpractice by declining to take a chip shot, game-tying field goal on the road against a tough opponent. The Bills seem destined to cruise to the AFC East title, but we might remember this result if they ultimately fall short of clinching home-field advantage in the playoffs.</p>

1/14

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 18: Running back Derrick Henry #22 of the Tennessee Titans scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Nissan Stadium on October 18, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Bills 31
Titans 34

This game had it all: Seven lead changes, an attempt at聽, and 聽to essentially win the game with 21 seconds left.聽聽and tossing defenders at an amazing rate, and if he can stay healthy, the Titans are a tough matchup.

Meanwhile, Buffalo will spend two weeks chewing on this one. I love gutsy fourth-down decisions, but Sean McDermott committed coaching malpractice by declining to take a chip shot, game-tying field goal on the road against a tough opponent. The Bills seem destined to cruise to the AFC East title, but we might remember this result if they ultimately fall short of clinching home-field advantage in the playoffs.

<p><em><strong>Seahawks 20</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Steelers 23 (OT)</strong></em></p>
<p>Two sacks and the game-winning forced fumble in overtime? T.J. Watt is here to remind you he should have been Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 — by winning it right damn now.</p>

2/14

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) fumbles as Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) tackles him during overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 23-20 in overtime. Steelers linebacker Devin Bush recovered the fumble and the Steelers kicked a field goal to win (AP Photo/Don Wright)

Seahawks 20
Steelers 23 (OT)

Two sacks and the game-winning forced fumble in overtime? T.J. Watt is here to remind you he should have been Defensive Player of the Year in 2020 — by winning it right damn now.

<p><em><strong>Cowboys 35</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Patriots 29 (OT)</strong></em></p>
<p>If this was the battle to be America’s Team, call Dak Prescott Captain America — his 445 passing yards were the most ever against a Bill Belichick-coached team, leading Dallas to its first win in New England since 1987. If the Cowboys are settling all family business Godfather-style, Washington will be in trouble come December.</p>

3/14

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 17: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys scrambles with the ball against Jaylon Smith #9 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half at Gillette Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Cowboys 35
Patriots 29 (OT)

If this was the battle to be America’s Team, call Dak Prescott Captain America — his 445 passing yards were the most ever against a Bill Belichick-coached team, leading Dallas to its first win in New England since 1987. If the Cowboys are settling all family business Godfather-style, Washington will be in trouble come December.

<p><em><strong>Raiders 34</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Broncos 24</strong></em></p>
<p>Given all that Las Vegas had to deal with this week with Jon Gruden’s well-deserved ouster, this may be one of the most impressive victories in Raiders history — especially considering it came at the expense of the coach with whom <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/videos/2018/11/10/18080502/mike-shanahan-al-davis-beef-raiders-broncos-debt" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the franchise had the most contentious battles with and against</a>.</p>
<p>And I know Mike Shanahan is persona non grata among most Washington fans, but his addition to the Broncos’ ring of honor was long overdue considering his fingerprints are on the only two Lombardi Trophies they won with John Elway under center. He should absolutely be in the Hall of Fame and I’ll never understand how a coach with multiple rings is so underrated or how I never noticed he was dying his hair all those years.</p>
<p>https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1449401245777682436?s=20</p>

4/14

DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 17: Henry Ruggs III #11 of the Las Vegas Raiders completes a catch against Ronald Darby #21 of the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on October 17, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

Raiders 34
Broncos 24

Given all that Las Vegas had to deal with this week with Jon Gruden’s well-deserved ouster, this may be one of the most impressive victories in Raiders history — especially considering it came at the expense of the coach with whom .

And I know Mike Shanahan is persona non grata among most Washington fans, but his addition to the Broncos’ ring of honor was long overdue considering his fingerprints are on the only two Lombardi Trophies they won with John Elway under center. He should absolutely be in the Hall of Fame and I’ll never understand how a coach with multiple rings is so underrated or how I never noticed he was dying his hair all those years.

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1449401245777682436?s=20

<p><b><i>Cardinals 37</i></b><br />
<b><i>Browns 14</i></b></p>
<p>Arizona went on the road without their head coach, a number of key assistants and their best pass rusher and still laid an unholy beatdown on the Browns (literally…someone check on聽<a href="https://twitter.com/bynateulrich/status/1449884417334386689?s=21">Baker Mayfield’s mangled arm</a>). Either the Browns aren’t聽<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWmQbk5h86w">who we thought they were</a>聽or the Cardinals are straight up clowning me for聽<a href="/gallery/nfl/2021-nfl-week-4-wrap-contenders-and-pretenders/">calling them pretenders</a>.</p>

5/14

CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 17: A.J. Green #18 of the Arizona Cardinals catches a touchdown pass under pressure by Greedy Williams #26 of the Cleveland Browns during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Cardinals 37
Browns 14

Arizona went on the road without their head coach, a number of key assistants and their best pass rusher and still laid an unholy beatdown on the Browns (literally…someone check on聽). Either the Browns aren’t聽聽or the Cardinals are straight up clowning me for聽calling them pretenders.

<p><b><i>Chiefs 31</i></b><br />
<b><i>Washington 13</i></b></p>
<p>骋颈惫别苍听<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/10/14/washington-picks-bad-time-to-finally-retire-sean-taylors-number/">Washington’s questionable timing of the retirement of the late Sean Taylor’s No. 21</a>, it was almost fitting that Kansas City won by reeling off 21 unanswered points against the underachieving defense that’s currently nowhere near the units Taylor played on in the mid-2000s. Yet, somehow the offense was the most disappointing of all — if that unit can’t score on聽<a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/10/11/chiefs-defense-allowing-7-1-yards-per-play-worst-in-nfl-history/">a historically bad defense ranked dead last in points allowed</a>, what chance do they have moving forward?</p>

6/14

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Jody Fortson (88) makes a catch against Washington Football Team safety Landon Collins (26) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Chiefs 31
Washington 13

骋颈惫别苍听, it was almost fitting that Kansas City won by reeling off 21 unanswered points against the underachieving defense that’s currently nowhere near the units Taylor played on in the mid-2000s. Yet, somehow the offense was the most disappointing of all — if that unit can’t score on聽, what chance do they have moving forward?

<p><b><i>Chargers 6</i></b><br />
<b><i>Ravens 34</i></b></p>
<p>Even though Lamar Jackson didn’t keep up聽<a href="https://www.espn.com/blog/baltimore-ravens/post/_/id/55296/inside-the-ridiculous-numbers-that-define-lamar-jacksons-magical-season">his ridiculous MVP pace</a>, Baltimore outrushed L.A. 187-26 and the defense further made a statement by shutting down the previously-red hot Justin Herbert. Even with all the injuries, the Ravens might be as good as the 2019 team that won 14 games.</p>

7/14

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 17: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens eludes outside linebacker Uchenna Nwosu #42 of the Los Angeles Chargers at M&T Bank Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Chargers 6
Ravens 34

Even though Lamar Jackson didn’t keep up聽, Baltimore outrushed L.A. 187-26 and the defense further made a statement by shutting down the previously-red hot Justin Herbert. Even with all the injuries, the Ravens might be as good as the 2019 team that won 14 games.

<p><em><strong>Rams 38</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Giants 11</strong></em></p>
<p>On the 10th anniversary of New York’s last Super Bowl victory, BWAHAHAHAHA NOBODY DESERVES THIS MORE THAN THE GIANTS! HAHAHAHA!</p>

8/14

Los Angeles Rams free safety Taylor Rapp (24) reacts after intercepting New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

Rams 38
Giants 11

On the 10th anniversary of New York’s last Super Bowl victory, BWAHAHAHAHA NOBODY DESERVES THIS MORE THAN THE GIANTS! HAHAHAHA!

<p><b><i>Vikings 34</i></b><br />
<b><i>Panthers 28 (OT)</i></b></p>
<p>Unlike last week,聽<a href="https://twitter.com/CasperSyd/status/1447296561352826880?s=20">no coaches or quarterbacks were harmed</a>聽in this Minnesota victory but this K.J. Osborn tribute to Stefon Diggs was DOPE!</p>
<p>https://twitter.com/CanesFootball/status/1449840246305271809?s=20</p>
<p>Perhaps more remarkably, Carolina’s 3-0 start with the top ranked defense has faded to a unit surrendering an average of over 30 points during the 0-3 stretch since. Luckily for the Panthers, Kirk Cousins might be the best QB they see until visiting Kyler Murray in mid-November.</p>

9/14

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 17: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings attempts the catch during the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images)

Vikings 34
Panthers 28 (OT)

Unlike last week,聽聽in this Minnesota victory but this K.J. Osborn tribute to Stefon Diggs was DOPE!

https://twitter.com/CanesFootball/status/1449840246305271809?s=20

Perhaps more remarkably, Carolina’s 3-0 start with the top ranked defense has faded to a unit surrendering an average of over 30 points during the 0-3 stretch since. Luckily for the Panthers, Kirk Cousins might be the best QB they see until visiting Kyler Murray in mid-November.

<p><b><i>Packers 24</i></b><br />
<b><i>Bears 14</i></b></p>
<p>Green Bay has won five straight, Aaron Rodgers’ swag (<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32419669/packers-qb-aaron-rodgers-taunts-jeering-bears-fans-game-clinching-td-run-own-you">and trash talk game</a>) is off the charts and the inept Washington defense is coming to Lambeau Field. If he owns the Bears, Rodgers is about to聽<a href="https://youtu.be/-JdCr_t1Rfg">Discount Double Check</a>聽all over the Burgundy and Gold.</p>

10/14

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers pulls the ball down and runs for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/David Banks)

Packers 24
Bears 14

Green Bay has won five straight, Aaron Rodgers’ swag () is off the charts and the inept Washington defense is coming to Lambeau Field. If he owns the Bears, Rodgers is about to聽聽all over the Burgundy and Gold.

<p><b><i>Texans 3</i></b><br />
<b><i>Colts 31</i></b></p>
<p>I mean, good for Indy to finally get a break in the schedule and take advantage of hapless Houston but聽<a href="https://twitter.com/JimIrsay/status/1448050124035403779">ownership promising championships</a>聽is simply writing checks his football team can’t cash.</p>

11/14

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – OCTOBER 17: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts scores a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 17, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)

Texans 3
Colts 31

I mean, good for Indy to finally get a break in the schedule and take advantage of hapless Houston but聽聽is simply writing checks his football team can’t cash.

<p><b><i>Bengals 34</i></b><br />
<b><i>Lions 11</i></b></p>
<p>I don’t know how to operate in a world where 4-2 Cincinnati is headed to Baltimore to play for first place in the AFC North and <a href="https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/10/11/dan-campbell-as-ugly-as-it-is-right-now-i-think-were-building-something-special-here/">Detroit thinks an 0-6 start is the beginning聽of something special</a>.</p>

12/14

DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 17: Joe Mixon #28 of the Cincinnati Bengals scores a 40 yard touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the third quarter at Ford Field on October 17, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Bengals 34
Lions 11

I don’t know how to operate in a world where 4-2 Cincinnati is headed to Baltimore to play for first place in the AFC North and .

<p><b><i>Dolphins 20</i></b><br />
<b><i>Jaguars 23</i></b></p>
<p>London seems to be the answer for all that ails Jacksonville.</p>
<p>On the same day as NLCS Game 2,聽<a href="https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32417332/jacksonville-jaguars-end-20-game-losing-streak-last-second-field-goal">the Jaguars used a slider to end a 20-game losing streak</a>聽and improve to 4-4 across the pond all-time. So basically, the Jags are mediocre overseas and flat out garbage domestically.</p>

13/14

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Brandon Jones of Miami Dolphins shows his frustration during the NFL London 2021 match between Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on October 17, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Dolphins 20
Jaguars 23

London seems to be the answer for all that ails Jacksonville.

On the same day as NLCS Game 2,聽聽and improve to 4-4 across the pond all-time. So basically, the Jags are mediocre overseas and flat out garbage domestically.

<p><em><strong>Bucs 28</strong></em><br />
<em><strong>Eagles 22</strong></em></p>
<p>Exactly 20 years to the day he threw his first career touchdown pass, Tom Brady tossed two more with an injured thumb to add to his already unbelievable legacy. This man ain’t human.</p>

14/14

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) looks to pass as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett (96) and defensive tackle Fletcher Cox (91) apply pressure during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)

Bucs 28
Eagles 22

Exactly 20 years to the day he threw his first career touchdown pass, Tom Brady tossed two more with an injured thumb to add to his already unbelievable legacy. This man ain’t human.

Rob Woodfork

Rob Woodfork is WTOP's Senior Sports Analyst, which includes commentary and analysis in "DC Sports, Filtered" as well as duties as a multimedia sports reporter, nightside sports anchor and sports columnist on WTOP.com.

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