Jerry's House of Horrors

Good morning. This is the Opening Drive, the weekly newsletter that brings you the best of the NFL so you’re always the smartest one at the water cooler.

The Cowboys suffered their worst loss since 1988, Jordan Love throws FOUR touchdowns, the Bears crushed the Jags in London, the Browns’ defense outscored their offense, Roger Goodell hinted at a Super Bowl overseas, ‘Beast Mode’ could be running for mayor of Oakland, and DE Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending injury 🙏.

Looking for the best facts-driven information on the latest news, culture, politics, and business? Look no further than 1440. It’s facts, without motives, delivered in one daily news briefing.

Let’s dive in.

QUICK HITS

• Lions win big, 47-9 over Cowboys, but lose Aidan Hutchinson to gruesome lower leg injury (PFT)

• Dallas Cowboys blown out by Detroit Lions, suffer worst home loss in Jerry Jones era (NFL.com)

• Sunday Night Football: Bengals win defensive battle, defeat Giants 17-7 (PFT)

• Chargers hang on to defeat Broncos, 23-16 (PFT)

• Bears crush Jaguars 35-16 in second London series matchup (Yahoo Sports)

• Steelers improve to 4-2 with win over Raiders (PFT)

• Jordan Love throws for FOUR touchdowns in Packers' 34-13 win over Cardinals (Fox Sports)

• Lamar Jackson outduels rookie Jayden Daniels to lead Ravens past Commanders (Yahoo Sports)

• Drake Maye throws 3 TDs in first career start but Texans beat Patriots 41-21 (Yahoo Sports)

• Buccaneers stumble, recover in 51-27 win over Saints (PFT)

• Jalen Hurts, Eagles outlast Deshaun Watson, Browns (CBS Sports)

• QB Will Levis struggles, Titans drop to 1-4 in loss to Colts (SI.com)

• Falcons run through Panthers for 38-20 win (PFT)

• Myles Garrett and the Browns defense outscored their offense (Barstool)

• Jaguars safety accuses team of quitting during loss vs. Bears: ‘We weren’t playing as one’ (AFD)

• Jerry Jones “not considering” coaching change after blowout loss to the Lions (SI.com)

• Lions DE Aidan Hutchinson out for season with broken tibia (Yahoo Sports)

• Jim Harbaugh had “atrial flutter” during Sunday’s game, heart went back into normal rhythm (PFT)

• Texans WR Nico Collins placed on IR, will miss at least four games (Yahoo Sports)

• Jaguars’ embarrassing loss in London turns up the heat on Doug Pederson (The Athletic)

• Jets owner pleads with Haason Reddick to end holdout after Robert Saleh firing (Essentially Sports)

• Lions, RB David Montgomery agree to a two-year contract extension worth $18.25 million (NFL.com)

• Tom Brady expected to be approved as Raiders minority owner (ESPN)

• Commissioner doesn't rule out an international Super Bowl, someday (Yahoo Sports)

• The Supreme Court of Nevada has agreed to rehear Jon Gruden’s case against the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell (FOS)

• Marshawn Lynch hinted at a possible run for Oakland mayor if scandal-plagued Sheng Thao is recalled next month (SI.com)

• Abdul Salaam, member of Jets' "New York Sack Exchange" defense in '80s, dies at 71 (NFL.com)

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WHO’S UP? WHO’S DOWN?

Who’s up?
The Pittsburgh Steelers. The Pittsburgh Steelers put on a star-studded performance in Sin City, dominating the Las Vegas Raiders 32-13 to improve to 4-2 on the season. While the offense sputtered at times, the defense and special teams made game-changing plays to propel the Steelers to victory.

Defensive star T.J. Watt was a menace, forcing two huge fumbles and consistently pressuring Raiders QB Aidan O'Connell. Cornerback Donte Jackson had a pick, and special teamer Jeremiah Moon blocked a punt to set up easy points. The Steelers defense was suffocating after allowing an opening touchdown drive.

On offense, quarterback Justin Fields struggled with accuracy but made plays with his legs, rushing for 61 yards and two scores. Running back Najee Harris finally broke out with 106 yards and his first rushing TD. However, the passing game remains a major concern as Fields completed just 14 of 24 attempts for 145 yards.

The win didn't come without costs, as rookie center Zach Frazier exited with an ankle injury. But the Steelers overcame penalties and miscues to earn their most lopsided win yet under new QB Fields.

With the victory, Pittsburgh pulls even with Baltimore atop the AFC North at 4-2. They'll look to keep rolling when future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers and the Jets visit next week. If the stars keep aligning, the Steelers could be a force in the AFC playoff picture.

Who’s down?
Haason Reddick. The Haason Reddick contract standoff with the New York Jets has taken an ugly turn. The star pass rusher's holdout, which has already cost him over $4.2 million in fines and forfeited salary through five games, escalated this week when his agency CAA dropped him as a client.

Reddick, 30, was acquired by the Jets from Philadelphia in April for a conditional 2026 draft pick. However, he has yet to report to the team, seeking a new contract despite having one year left on his current $14.25 million deal. The Jets have insisted Reddick agreed to play out that final season when they traded for him.

By holding out through five weeks, the two-time Pro Bowler has already missed out on $4.2 million of his $14.25 million salary. With fines factored in, his total financial losses have surpassed $8 million and continue mounting weekly.

Jets owner Woody Johnson made a public plea for Reddick to end his holdout this week, saying "he will find a very welcome locker room and he'll be able to fit right in." However, Reddick's split from CAA signals the situation may only be devolving further.

Despite a 2-3 start, the Jets have an elite 5th-ranked scoring defense without Reddick. But adding his 11 sacks from each of the last four seasons could elevate them to a truly elite unit. Whether Reddick reports or the Jets are forced to play out the string without him remains to be seen in this increasingly acrimonious standoff.

This has become one of the most acrimonious holdouts in recent NFL history. With his former agency cutting ties, Reddick has burned a bridge and put his future earnings at risk over this contract dispute. For the Jets, they're simply not getting what they traded for from the prized pass rusher.

BEST LOOK 🔥 

‘Pat The Patriot’ looking good.

The Lions’ icy whites ❄️ look great, but these pants are begging for a double stripe to complete the look. Never been a fan of the practice pants on gameday.

The Chargers never miss 🌩️ 

Hard pass. 🤮 Who did they ask?!

Best Saturday look goes to…

He’s not wrong… 🔥 

STATS OF THE WEEK

With their 47-9 loss on Sunday, the Dallas Cowboys suffered their worst loss of 38 points or more since 2010 and their worst home loss since 1988.

After his 4 touchdown performance on Sunday, Jordan Love became the first Packers QB since Brett Favre in 1995 to through 4 touchdowns in back-to-back games.

MEMES OF THE WEEK

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