Monday Morning Quarterback: Seven Things About Week 9

Another NFL Sunday is in the books, and there’s plenty to talk about. Some teams are starting to look like legitimate contenders.

Others keep winning despite doing everything possible to lose. From Shedeur Sanders making his first start to Caleb Williams throwing interceptions like they’re going out of style, here are seven things that caught my attention.

1. Shedeur Sanders Passed His First Test

The Cleveland Browns lost 23-22 to New Orleans in overtime, but Shedeur Sanders gave them something to build on. Sanders completed 19 of 31 passes for 297 yards and two touchdowns without an interception. Not bad for his first start of the season.

His 64-yard touchdown pass to KC Concepcion was impressive, and he found Harold Fannin Jr. for a 39-yard score in overtime. Cleveland’s failed two-point conversion ended the game.

The Browns are 5-4, but Sanders showed he belongs in this league.

2. John Harbaugh Is My Coach of the Year

The Giants are 5-2-1 after beating Philadelphia 19-11, and John Harbaugh deserves serious Coach of the Year consideration. That defense is absolutely lit!

New York recorded seven sacks, including three by rookie Arvell Reese, and held the Eagles to 220 total yards. Philadelphia converted just 5 of 18 third downs. J.J. McCarthy suffered a hip injury but returned after Jameis Winston came off the bench and threw a touchdown pass.

Sure, the Eagles are banged up, but Harbaugh has the Giants playing winning football. That’s what matters.

3. Jordan Love and the Packers Are for Real

Jordan Love is slinging the football, and Green Bay is becoming a serious problem. Love threw three touchdown passes for the second consecutive game as the Packers hammered New England 45-27. Christian Watson caught seven passes for 171 yards, while Matthew Golden added 10 receptions for 164 yards.

That’s 335 yards between them! And don’t overlook the defense. Green Bay forced four turnovers and turned them into 21 points.

The Packers are 6-3, have won five of their last six games, and look dangerous on both sides of the ball.

4. The Bengals Can Score, but Can They Stop Anybody?

Joe Burrow threw three more touchdown passes as Cincinnati beat Atlanta 34-17. Ja’Marr Chase caught 10 passes for 155 yards, Tee Higgins scored twice, and Mike Gesicki already has six touchdown catches this season.

That’s some serious firepower. Give the defense credit, too. After allowing 10 early points, Cincinnati surrendered just seven the rest of the game. But I’m not sold on that unit. The Bengals entered Sunday ranked 29th in third-down defense, allowing a 47.3% conversion rate.

That’s concerning. The Bengals are 6-2, but can that defense hold up against better competition?

5. The San Francisco 49ers Are Humming

The 49ers are 7-1, and Brock Purdy continues to play terrific football. He’s thrown 17 touchdown passes against five interceptions. Christian McCaffrey is still getting it done, George Kittle remains a major weapon, and Mike Evans has been an excellent addition.

Deebo Samuel can still make plays, too. But don’t forget that defense. San Francisco forced five turnovers and held Las Vegas to just 24 rushing yards in a 38-17 victory. Purdy threw two touchdowns and ran for another.

That’s a pretty complete football team. The rest of the NFC better pay attention.

6. Are the Denver Broncos for Real?

Denver improved to 7-2 with a 26-21 victory over Carolina, and I’m starting to believe. Bo Nix threw two touchdown passes, and rookie Jonah Coleman continues to make his case for playing time.

Coleman rushed for 57 yards and a touchdown in a backfield featuring J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. The defense came through again when Nik Bonitto forced a late fumble to seal the win. But the offense needs work.

Denver entered Sunday ranked last in third-down conversions at 29.7%. That’s not good enough. Still, five straight victories are five straight victories.

7. The Bears Keep Winning Despite Caleb Williams

I don’t know how Chicago keeps doing it. Caleb Williams threw four interceptions, the Bears committed five turnovers, and they still beat Tampa Bay 27-24.

That’s remarkable. Give the defense credit. Jaylon Johnson returned an interception 67 yards for a touchdown, and Chicago picked off Baker Mayfield twice.

Williams redeemed himself with a late drive that set up Cairo Santos’ winning field goal. But four interceptions? Come on, man.

The Bears are 7-2 and have won four straight. They’re finding ways to win, but Williams needs to stop giving the football away.