Jason Bell gives us the inside take on the latest news across the National Football League, with NFL betting and predictions for the biggest matchups this week...
Aaron Rodgers Got Robert Saleh Fired
The New York Jets went to London in a must-win situation, and when that’s the case the pressure is always on the head coach.
A lot of changes occur off the back of playing in London, but they didn’t have a bye week so I didn’t expect them to fire him straight away.
It did come as a surprise, not only because of that, but also because their defense has been playing well and that’s his main asset.
He’s de facto the defensive coordinator – that’s how he got the job. But in the end he’s the head coach so it comes down to how the team plays as a whole.
The offense was struggling, but it’s Aaron Rodgers’ offense. I kind of feel like Aaron Rodgers got him fired!
He’s not the same Aaron Rodgers that he used to be, so I can’t imagine that he’d hold that kind of sway ever again if he doesn’t get back to the level he was operating at in the past.
In terms of long-term replacements, there are certainly guys who could fit the role. I don’t think Bill Belichick would ever go to the Jets, but you never know!
Whoever it is will need to be a strong personality, capable of dealing with life at New York.
Travon Walker’s Improvement Nice To See
Travon Walker put in an impressive performance last week with three sacks and seven pressures.
I think we’re still some way off him being a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year, but as a defensive end he’s in the right position to be considered for the award.
If you play well at defensive end, getting sacks consistently, then you get recognition.
He has significant talent so if he can keep putting up crazy numbers, then he’ll certainly become a candidate.
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The problem is that the defense has to play well as a whole, which hasn’t been the case with the Jacksonville Jaguars so far.
If Jacksonville are going to win more games and have any success this season, then a lot of it will be down to the pressure that he and Josh Hines-Allen bring off the edge.
Travon is a key component within the defense and it’s nice to see him playing well.
Jaguars Can Make London Their Home Again
The Jaguars getting their first win of the season last week will have boosted their confidence.
It was desperation time there and they needed that or else the walls were going to start caving in on them. It’s hard to keep spirits high with a string of losses like they suffered, it gets very depressing.
Their confidence certainly won’t be through the roof, but they’ve got some breathing room now. Most important of all is that Trevor Lawrence found a way to be comfortable in the game and he made the big plays when they came.
The nature of the quarterback role is that your team’s success largely depends on your performances. Your defense has to hold up but Trevor Lawrence will ultimately be key to winning them games.
The Chicago Bears seem to have got their quarterback decision right because Caleb Williams is really coming into his own now, he’s improving every week.
Their defense has also been solid as well, their defensive line can get after you and take the ball away.
The different sections of their team complement each other well, with the defense providing opportunities for an ever-improving quarterback.
That said, over the years Jacksonville have gotten the job done in London.
They seem to find a way to get it right on the international stage and it is a pivotal point in their season, hopefully they can carry their momentum through.
My heart is saying Jacksonville, my head is saying Chicago, but I’m going with my heart on this one.
Prediction: Jacksonville Jaguars to win
Lamar To Take Command Against Washington
The key to the Washington Commanders’ success has been Jayden Daniels. The offense is clicking, Kliff Kingsbury’s play-calling and play design has been spectacular.
A young quarterback can really hurt you with their quick feet and scrambling, they’ve allowed him to do that.
They’ve undergone a regime change and you can see it from top to bottom because the fans and the team are excited. There’s a new energy in the organisation which is why they’ve been on such a high this season.
However, he has a big matchup this week, taking on Lamar Jackson. I would lean towards Lamar in the battle and that makes me side with the Baltimore Ravens in this game.
Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry could be the difference because they have a set identity and as a pairing they’re so difficult to stop.
They are such a great combination. If you want to stop the running game of Derrick Henry, and you want to put more people in the box near the line of scrimmage, Lamar has shown that he can beat you in a drop-back passing game.
That’s the transformation that they needed to take them to the next level and they’ve made it happen.
The Ravens’ offense just has so much going on and I think they’ll prove to have too much for the Commanders’ defense.
Prediction: Baltimore Ravens to win
