NFL week 8 analysis: Five things we learnt

Week 8 in the NFL is over and so too is the International Series in London for another year. Zander Swinburne examines why this year’s Wembley games have been so successful, which quarterback proved his critics wrong, and which team has its offense working again.

Brees continues to play at a high level despite his age (Getty Images)

Early kick-off solidifies London’s place as a key fixture

And so the final International Series game has come to an end and so too has Wembley’s hosting of the NFL for another year. Whilst it remains a gloomy thought that gridiron football won’t return to British shores until 2016, the 2015 series has established London as an integral part of the NFL’s fixture list.

Despite having consecutively hosted games at Wembley since 2007, one could argue that it is only this year that London has become truly accepted both in the UK and US. No longer is London seen as the novelty exhibition game and much of this was due to the start times at which all three games were played.

Although it was trialled last year, the 2015 International Series saw the league embrace an earlier kickoff in every game. Waking up to Wembley created a new viewing window for fans back in the US, allowing individuals to watch football from dawn until dusk. Whilst the benefits were obvious for the average fan back in the US, it gave London an identity of its own. The International Series has now become the event that grants fans an entire day of football, something the NFL hasn’t previously been able to achieve. So successful is this model, it’s hard to imagine the NFL straying from it in the future.

Most importantly, this International Series has ensured that the London games no longer get lost in the 13:00PM EST fixture list, as was seemingly happening over the last few years. It is an event for which both US and UK fans now look forward to, something that had not been achieved up until now.

With an identity of its own, look for the NFL’s expansion in the UK to grow even quicker, with the 2015 series being the real turning point.

Peyton Manning finally returns to form

Despite being routinely written off as too old, and well past his prime, Peyton Manning showed on Sunday that he can still go toe to toe with the NFL’s best, and win. In a 29-10 win over the Green Bay Packers, Manning and his Denver Broncos secured their first 7-0 start since 1998.

The former Colts QB had his best game of the season, completing 21 of 29 passes for 340 yards. Most importantly, Manning managed to reduce his interceptions, something he has been plagued by all season. This ensured the Broncos defence was fully rested when taking on Rodgers, something that proved to be the difference maker.

One can’t ignore that it was the Broncos defence in reality that won this game. Aaron Rodgers was pressured all game and had one of the worst statistical performances of his career, finishing with just 14 completions for 77 yards. Yet with an improved Manning on offence, the Broncos looked unexpectedly strong, and are now in a perfect position to challenge New England for the number one seed in the AFC.

The Broncos have been significantly underrated considering they’ve yet to lose a game this season. Sunday’s game may be the turning point as to how seriously they are now taken.

The Saints are still an offensive juggernaut

In what was arguably the most spectacular offensive shootout in recent memory, the New Orleans Saints showed that the high powered offense for which they are renowned for is very much alive and kicking. New Orleans’ 52-49 win over the New York Giants on Sunday showed the NFL that the Saints are still capable of scoring a mountain load of points.

The man leading the New Orleans attack was quarterback Drew Brees, who scored a monstrous seven touchdowns on the day. The statistics are mind blowing, with Brees throwing for over 500 yards, and completing 39 of 50 passes. Brees has come under fire in recent months, yet he proved with this impressive effort that he remains one of the NFL’s top gunslingers.

Not only was Brees firing on all cylinders but the Saints running game was also effective when called upon. New Orleans rushed for over 100 yards with half back Mark Ingram looking imposing with an 80 yard day.

The main concern for New Orleans is their defence. Giving up 49 points in any game is inexcusable and their secondary was laughable when trying to cover Odell Beckham. Nevertheless, with a third consecutive victory secured, New Orleans could be on a roll to get back into the playoffs.

Injuries take their toll (again)

The NFL has already seen a number of high profile injuries this season, yet even more names were added to this ever growing list on Sunday.

One of the most significant injuries to befall a team this year was that of Le’Veon Bell. The Pittsburgh running back was ruled out for the rest of the year with a torn MCL which he sustained in his team’s 16-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Widely regarded as one of, if not the best running back in the league, Bell leaves behind a gaping hole in the backfield for the Steelers to fill.

Another veteran star in the AFC North also had his season cut short. Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith tore his Achilles against the San Diego Chargers. The 15 year veteran was enjoying one of his best seasons and now faces the prospect of never playing in an NFL jersey again. Whilst the loss is significant for the Ravens, to possibly end such a stellar NFL career in such a way is no doubt heartbreaking for Smith.

Injuries can completely alter a team’s postseason prospects. Whilst the Ravens are all but out of the playoffs, the loss of Bell for the Steelers may prove to be devastating. Only time will tell just how significant his injury is to the franchise.

Carr rejuvinates Raiders

Despite the Oakland Raiders being one of the NFL’s worst teams over the last decade, consistently picking early in the league’s draft each year, the California based team are all of a sudden in the mix for a playoff spot.

Whilst Oakland’s 4-3 record is nothing spectacular, the play from their young quarterback, Derek Carr, has rejuvenated the fan base. Carr proved his worth on Sunday, downing the New York Jets 34-20 in convincing fashion. Carr threw four touchdowns, and no interceptions for 333 yards, an impressive showing against a top NFL secondary that includes Darelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie. That fact that Revis took the time to compliment Carr’s recent form after the game pays testament to the theory that he just might be the real deal in Oakland.

Oakland have only played half a season, and a lot can happen between now and playoff time. But, if they were to continue improving, and Carr begins to establish himself as a consistent quarterback, the Raiders may be that surprise team who sneaks into the playoffs.