Conor Orr, a Senior writer for Sports Illustrated known for his incisive NFL analysis, joins the hosts to dissect the chaos of Week 7. The conversation kicks off with the shocking fall of one of the last undefeated teams, followed by an MVP-worthy performance from Jared Goff. They explore Deshaun Watson's likely season-ending injury and its ramifications for the Browns. Orr also breaks down the standout games, highlighting the Seahawks' dominance and the emotional turmoil among NFL fans, particularly those in Cleveland.
Deshaun Watson's injury represents a significant turning point for the Browns, necessitating a reevaluation of their future direction.
The Super Bowl rematch highlighted the Chiefs' resilience as the 49ers struggled offensively, raising concerns about their depth and performance.
Jared Goff's standout performance against the Vikings positions him as a potential MVP candidate and underscores the Lions' rising prominence.
The Packers' dominant defense against the Texans marked a turnaround, showcasing their potential as serious playoff contenders this season.
Deep dives
Deshaun Watson's Injury and Its Ramifications
Deshaun Watson's season-ending injury is a pivotal moment for the Cleveland Browns, as he is likely to miss the remainder of the year due to a torn Achilles. His absence could prompt a major shift at the quarterback position, a move many Browns fans have been anticipating. This injury not only affects the team's prospects for the rest of the season but also signifies a possible reset or reevaluation of the franchise's direction. With Watson out, the Browns must confront the realities of their situation and consider how to move forward without their starting quarterback.
Must-See Sunday Games and Key Highlights
The podcast discusses three standout games from Sunday, likening their excitement to classic must-see TV moments. There was a rematch of the most recent Super Bowl between the 49ers and the Chiefs, showcasing defensive tactics and missed opportunities, with the Chiefs ultimately prevailing. Another pivotal game brought the Vikings and Lions face-to-face, where Jared Goff shone, outperforming expectations and contributing significantly to the Lions’ victory. These highlights encapsulate the thrill of football as teams battled for standings and recognition in their respective divisions.
San Francisco 49ers' Struggles and Injuries
In their game against the Chiefs, the San Francisco 49ers faced significant offensive challenges, including injuries to key players like Devo Samuel and Brandon Ayuk. Brock Purdy struggled under pressure, throwing multiple interceptions which led directly to scores for Kansas City. The 49ers' lack of depth and cohesion on offense is a growing concern, especially as they continue to navigate a challenging season. As injuries mount, questions arise regarding the team's ability to rebound and maintain competitiveness in the league.
Detroit Lions' Victory and Jared Goff's Ascendancy
The Detroit Lions achieved a remarkable victory over the previously undefeated Minnesota Vikings, further solidifying their status as an emerging powerhouse. Jared Goff's performance was particularly impressive, demonstrating significant growth and confidence in leading the offense. The game highlighted Goff's ability to adapt and thrive under pressure, making key plays that drove the team to success. This victory positions the Lions as formidable contenders in their division, igniting conversations around Goff's potential MVP candidacy.
Green Bay Packers' Defense Shines Against Houston Texans
The Green Bay Packers showcased a dominant defensive performance while narrowly edging out the Houston Texans in a tightly contested game. Jeff Halfley's defense effectively neutralized Texans' quarterback C.J. Stroud, limiting him to just 86 passing yards and applying constant pressure. The Packers' defense, often considered the weak link in past seasons, has begun to flourish, establishing a newfound ability to affect games positively. This development indicates not only growth within the team but also an opportunity for the Packers to reestablish themselves as a legitimate playoff contender.
Seattle Seahawks' Dominance Over Atlanta Falcons
The Seattle Seahawks delivered a commanding performance against the Atlanta Falcons, winning decisively with a score of 34-14. Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker played crucial roles, with Walker's rushing ability marking a significant part of the Seahawks' success. The Falcons, who had shown promise earlier in the season, struggled to find any offensive rhythm, leading to their downfall in this matchup. The game not only highlighted the Seahawks' resilience but also raised questions about the Falcons' direction as a team moving forward.
Pittsburgh Steelers' Resilience Against New York Jets
The Pittsburgh Steelers emerged victorious against the New York Jets, showcasing a robust performance that shifted momentum in their favor after trailing early. The Jets initially led the game 15-6, but critical mistakes, including an interception by Aaron Rodgers, allowed the Steelers to capitalize and dominate thereafter. The Jets' inability to score again post-interception revealed cracks in their offensive strategy and execution. Meanwhile, the Steelers' steady progress has them tied for the AFC North lead as they continue to gain confidence with each game.
Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler are joined by Conor Orr to recap EVERY game from the Week 7 Sunday slate, with some help from Gravedigger. One of the last two undefeated teams fell, Jared Goff looks like an MVP, Deshaun Watson is likely out for the year, and so much more to discuss! We start with the Super Bowl rematch between the Chiefs and 49ers (3:03) before hitting Lions at Vikings (13:37), Texans at Packers (21:57), Seahawks at Falcons (32:06), Dolphins at Colts (36:24), Titans at Bills (43:29), Bengals at Browns (51:04), Eagles at Giants (1:00:39), Raiders at Rams (1:06:22), Panthers at Commanders (1:12:16), Patriots at Jaguars from London (1:17:31), and finally, Jets at Steelers (1:25:37).
Support the Heed the Call Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/heedthecall
Start playing today on Underdog Fantasy! Sign up with code 'HTC' for up to $1000 in Bonus Cash: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/p-heed-the-call
Join the #48.4 movement by subscribing to the new Heed the Call YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@heedthecallpod
Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get $5 off off your Starter Pack (that’s over 40% off) with promo code HTC at shopmando.com! #mandopod
