NFL: Week 6 overreactions and underreactions

Dylan’s Overreaction: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a top three offense in the NFL

Even after giving the Lions a run for their money in the NFC Divisional Round last year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were dismissed by many in the offseason, including Sports Illustrated, which ranked them 17th in its preseason power rankings.

This year, the Buccaneers are tied with the Atlanta Falcons for the division lead in the NFC South. It appears Tampa Bay has found a new groove this year, especially on the offensive side of the ball.

Outside of a 20-16 win over the Detroit Lions, and a 26-7 loss to the Broncos, Tampa Bay hasn’t scored less than 30 points in a game, including last week's 51-27 rout of the New Orleans Saints.

The biggest strength of this iteration of the Buccaneers offense has been the passing game, led by Baker Mayfield. Mayfield leads the NFL in passing touchdowns, with 15 on the year, giving him a comfortable three-touchdown lead over Joe Burrow.

He also ranks eighth in passing yards, second in passer rating, and fourth in completion percentage. Compared to last year, his career-best in touchdowns (28) and passing yards (4,044), Mayfield is on pace to shatter these numbers.

Another player who has made his presence felt in Tampa Bay’s offense is Chris Godwin. Godwin leads in the NFL in receptions (43) and is tied for first in touchdowns (5).

Mike Evans, Mayfield’s other top target, is one of the players tied with Godwin for the touchdown crown, making this Buccaneers passing attack even scarier.

On top of that, Tampa Bay ranks sixth in overall rushing yards. Those yards are all spread between Rachaad White, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker, who made his presence in the trio felt with 136 rushing yards last week against the Saints.

This Buccaneers team could very well be their best since the Tom Brady era and is easily a top three unit in the league. If they continue at this pace, they could end the year as the best offense in the NFL.

Alex’s Underreaction: The Cowboys may miss the playoffs

Most of the discussion after Week 6 surrounded the Dallas Cowboys and their 47-9 blowout loss to the Detroit Lions. This loss marks their fourth consecutive home defeat dating back to last year’s playoffs.

Three of those four losses have seen their opponent score at least 40 points. Needless to say, it’s been a tough stretch for a team typically very strong on home turf. In fact, Dallas went unbeaten at home all regular season last year.

This defeat to Detroit has dropped the Cowboys’ record to 3-3. While there is still plenty of time, if Dallas doesn't start putting together wins, the playoffs may not be attainable.

The Commanders have started off 4-2, and Jayden Daniels doesn’t seem likely to slow down. While they’ve had problems of their own, the Eagles have still found a way to start 3-2 themselves.

The Cowboys currently sit third in the NFC East, and the rest of the conference has seen some strong teams too. The NFC North currently has no losing or .500 records.

Plus, the Cowboys have a tough schedule having won the division last year. There are only three teams (Cincinnati, New York, and Carolina), currently remaining on the Dallas schedule that have worse records than the Cowboys.

With all this being said, while 3-3 isn’t insurmountable, there are a significant number of teams above the Cowboys right now in the playoff picture. If they dig too deep of a hole, they won’t be able to climb out.

Peyton’s Overreaction: Bengals are in trouble

In the NFL wins and losses come at a premium no matter what point of the season it is so starting off hot is important for postseason hopes. Well, what if I tell you not to worry about this 2-4 team in hopes of making the postseason?

This 2-4 team I am talking about is the Cincinnati Bengals. After a disappointing and frustrating start to the season to some it may look like they won’t make the postseason but I will tell you why everyone should relax and why they will make a run come January.

I know the Bengals defense has been downright awful but in some good news they are getting healthier especially in the interior line. Both defensive tackles B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins came back after being sidelined for multiple weeks with each having an injury.

This is a positive for their defense and a huge boost but let's now transition to the offensive side of the ball. This is the huge reason why I think the Bengals are not in trouble.

Joe Burrow is playing his best ball totalling in 1,578 passing yards (5th), 12 passing touchdowns (tied for second), and a 75.1 QBR (2nd). This paired with Ja’Marr Chase who has 34 catches (tied for eighth), 565 receiving yards (2nd), and five touchdowns (tied for first) makes for a high powered offense.

The way the Bengals offense is playing I can’t see a world where they miss the playoffs and therefore I will not write them off.

Peyton’s Underreaction: Caleb Williams has arrived

Coming into this season the eyes were all set on one man and let me tell you I think he finally found his rhythm. The man I am talking about is Caleb Williams.

It was a slow start for Chicago’s franchise quarterback. In the first two starts he had 694 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, and four interceptions. People were ready to write Williams off but let me tell you he wasn’t writing back.

In his last two games Williams has had 530 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and just one interception. The Bears as a team put up five touchdowns in back to back games and it doesn’t look like they are slowing down.

It’s finally looking like the Bears have their franchise quarterback and I can’t wait to see the season Williams will put together.

Peyton Waddell is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email prw5142@psu.edu.

Dylan Sechrist is a third-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email dks5749@psu.edu.

Alex Harkins is a second-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email arh6278@psu.edu.