Lone Star Letdown

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 got embarrassed, the Chiefs won in dramatic fashion (again), the 49ers somehow survive, the Jets are total dumpster fire, Roger Goodell wants eight international games next season, and we pay tribute to our Veterans.

Let’s dive in.

A MESSAGE OF GRATITUDE FOR OUR VETERANS

On Veterans Day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the courageous men and women who have served in our nation's armed forces. This day is dedicated to honoring their sacrifice, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting our freedoms and way of life. As we come together to celebrate their service, let us reflect on the profound impact Veterans have made on our country's history and security. We owe them an immeasurable debt of gratitude for their bravery and selflessness. Today, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting our Veterans and upholding the values they so valiantly defended. To all Veterans: thank you for your service and the example you set for future generations.

QUICK HITS

• Lions overcome 16-point deficit, five interceptions from Jared Goff to beat Houston (Pride of Detroit)

• Chiefs block potential game-winning field goal to stop Broncos, keep undefeated streak alive (Yahoo Sports)

• Cowboys’ Cooper Rush ripped by fans in loss to Hurts, Eagles; QB benched for Lance (Bleacher Report)

• Giants lose to Panthers in OT, drop fifth straight (NY Post)

• Giants to 'evaluate' QB position after Daniel Jones struggles (ESPN)

• Russell Wilson's TD pass to Mike Williams in closing minutes lifts the Steelers over the Commanders (ESPN)

• Drake Maye outplays Caleb Williams as Patriots beat Bears (PFT)

• Bills win fifth straight game over turnover-prone Colts (Reuters)

• Titans lose to Chargers, drop to 2-7 (ESPN)

• Saints get 1st win after firing Dennis Allen, snap 7-game losing streak (Yahoo Sports)

• 49ers survive three missed field goals, sideline fight to win ugly against Bucs (Yahoo Sports)

• Vikings escape in sloppy win over Jacksonville (ESPN)

• Jets defense embarrassed in 31-6 loss to Cardinals (ESPN)

• Dak Prescott planning to undergo season-ending hamstring surgery (ESPN)

• Saints WR Chris Olave placed on injured reserve, season in question (ESPN)

• Texans designate WR Nico Collins (hamstring) to return to practice from injured reserve (PFT)

• Saints not planning for rebuild despite coaching change, high salary cap charges (NFL.com)

• Missouri legalizes sports gambling, sets up massive payday for Chiefs (PFT)

• NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says league is working 'very hard' to hold a game in Berlin (NFL.com)

• NFL commissioner Roger Goodell says league will aim for eight international games next season (Yahoo Sports)

• Hall of Fame Resort defaults on $2.6 million lease payments for half-built waterpark in Canton (Sportico)

• Jets, NFL anticipate Woody Johnson will head overseas to serve as an ambassador for President-elect Donald Trump, just as he did for Trump’s first term (NFL.com)

WHO’S UP? WHO’S DOWN?

Who’s up?
The Kansas City Chiefs. In a thrilling display of resilience, the Kansas City Chiefs continue to defy expectations, extending their unbeaten streak to 10-0 after a nail-biting victory over the Denver Broncos. The defending champions narrowly escaped defeat when they blocked a potential game-winning field goal in the final seconds, preserving their perfect record and matching the franchise's best-ever start.

Despite facing significant adversity, including the loss of key offensive weapons Hollywood Brown, Rashee Rice, and Isiah Pacheco to injuries, the Chiefs have showcased their ability to adapt and overcome. Their offense, while not as explosive as in previous seasons, has found ways to grind out victories, with Patrick Mahomes demonstrating his clutch performance skills, particularly on third downs.

The Chiefs' defense, which faced offseason losses and limited reinforcements due to salary cap constraints, has stepped up to the challenge. This unit's ability to make crucial stops, exemplified by the game-saving field goal block against Denver, has been instrumental in the team's success.

While the Chiefs may not be dominating statistically, ranking 10th in NFL scoring, their knack for winning close games speaks volumes about their championship mentality. As they chase an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title, the Chiefs continue to prove that they can shape-shift and regenerate, finding new ways to emerge victorious week after week.

With seven more wins needed to match the NFL record of 21 consecutive victories, set by the 2003-04 Patriots, the Chiefs' remarkable run has positioned them as the team to beat in a league designed for parity. Their ability to consistently find ways to win, regardless of the circumstances, makes them a formidable force as they pursue football immortality.

Who’s down?
The New York Giants. The Giants' season of discontent reached new lows Sunday as they dropped their fifth straight game, falling to the Carolina Panthers 20-17 in overtime in Munich, Germany. The loss, which drops the Giants to a dismal 2-8 record, has fans and pundits alike questioning the future of quarterback Daniel Jones and head coach Brian Daboll.

Jones, who signed a lucrative $160 million contract in the offseason, continued his underwhelming play. The fifth-year quarterback finished with a paltry 50.7 passer rating, throwing two interceptions and missing several open receivers. His struggles were epitomized by a botched flea-flicker play where he took a sack despite having multiple targets open downfield.

While Jones managed to lead a game-tying drive late in regulation, his overall performance did little to silence critics. With the guaranteed money on his contract running out after this season, speculation is mounting that the Giants may move on from their franchise quarterback.

Head coach Brian Daboll, last year's NFL Coach of the Year, is also feeling the heat. Despite his insistence that the Giants have "the right people," the team's continued struggles have some calling for his job.

As the Giants return stateside, they face tough questions about their future, including the fate of Daboll. The last two teams to lose more than five straight this season, Jets and Saints, both fired their head coaches. And, with the team currently in line for the first overall draft pick, major changes could be on the horizon in the Big Apple.

BEST LOOK 🔥 

Cowboys donned the red, white, and blue stripe. 🫡 

Ravens purple-on-purple-on-purple 🟣🟣🟣

I don’t love the Texans red helmets but I can get behind the Ravens’ purple lids.

STAT OF THE WEEK

There have been two instances in NFL history where a QB had:

30+ completions
300+ passing yards
4+ TD passes
multiple 40+ yard TD passes
no more than 1 INT

...and yet still lost. Those two instances were Joe Burrow vs. the Ravens in Week 5 and Joe Burrow vs. the Ravens again in Week 10. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is now 6-1 against the Joe Burrow-led Bengals.

MEMES OF THE WEEK

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