Jim Monos: On Joe Burrow's malaise, Buffalo Bills' conundrum, Mahomes, Rivers, L.A. Chargers legit?
The longtime NFL scout/exec takes over the Monday column to riff on all the action as only he can.
Editor’s Note: This is why it’s such a joy to welcome Jim Monos back to our Go Long World. To chip away at a longer project, I’m able to hand that Monday pen off to our resident scout. Monos, my co-host on “Real Football,” was the northeast scout for the Philadelphia Eagles (2000- ‘04), southeast scout for the New Orleans Saints (2005- ‘13) and director of personnel for the Buffalo Bills (2013- ‘17).
Here are his fresh takes on everything that happened in the NFL this past weekend.
As a reminder, Go Long subscribers can access our podcast each week.
By Jim Monos
Houston 40 Arizona 20
Welcome to the NFL, Jawhar Jordan. All running game contributors are welcome to step up to max out this team’s potential. The breakout performance from Jordan was certainly nice, but I need to see this in consecutive weeks to feel good about the direction of the Houston running game. We know how dominating this defense is, ranking third in points per play but if a consistent running game can open up the weapons? The Super Bowl is realistic. Evidence seen with an extra efficient outing for C.J. Stroud throwing three scores and completing 76 percent of his passes. Another strong effort from one of the all-time great backup quarterbacks — Jacoby Brissett — throwing three touchdowns that never seem to matter. Can we please kidnap Arizona tight end Tre McBride out of Arizona? A true JYD (Junkyard Dog) for first-time readers.
Philadelphia 31, Las Vegas 0
We have all left Vegas at some point in our lives with nothing. And “nothing” can be money, pride, family or friends. All acceptable when on the hunt in Vegas. But scoring no points in a professional football game is unacceptable. Former first rounder Kenny Pickett was called out of the bullpen. The Ashton Jeanty experiment continued with his usual three yards per carry. Dysfunctional franchise right now. Philly did what you should do at home so respect, but interesting that Saquon Barkley was still limited to 78 yards on 22 carries. That will have to improve to compete with the real teams in the NFC. Always love seeing a random backup quarterback appearance as well. Tanner McKee, the former Stanford product and sixth-round pick by the Eagles, could not be more opposite than Jalen Hurts. He is a 6-foot-6 pocket passer with minus-90 yards rushing in college.
Jacksonville 48, New York Jets 20
Nothing but a “stat-builder” game. Trevor Lawrence gets a fake five touchdowns for QBR purposes — so good for him. Was not happy to see backup quarterback Nick Mullens, who I consider a Top 5 backup QB if that lists exists, have to take three carries for negative two yards. Not right by head coach Liam Cohen to sell out Mullens like that. Let Trevor take the negative yards since he was gifted five TDs. Former Missouri QB Brady Cook with a three-INT game did not move the needle. It can get extra cold and a little lonely this time of year for a team that is not even close. I often stress the need for the Core Four — Owner, GM, HC and QB — to win a championship. My checklist reads 0 for 4 with the Jets. The defense has been the story in Jacksonville. Ranking eighth in points per play and first against the run will keep you in every playoff game. Can Trevor be consistent enough with decision-making and accuracy to get the Jaguars over the top?