As the NFL season continues to unfold, some teams are reaffirming their dominance, while others are falling short of expectations. In his latest breakdown, Colin Cowherd gives his thoughts on several key matchups, including the 49ers-Bucs, Broncos-Chiefs, Jets-Cardinals, Eagles-Cowboys, and Steelers games. Let’s dive into his analysis on these games and what it tells us about the league moving forward.
49ers vs. Buccaneers: San Francisco’s Power and Tampa’s Struggles
The 49ers are once again proving why they’re one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, and Colin has been especially vocal about their dominance this season. In this matchup against the Buccaneers, it was clear from the start that San Francisco’s offense was too much for Tampa Bay to handle.
Colin notes that the 49ers have one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and with Brock Purdy continuing to play mistake-free football, they are looking like a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The 49ers’ defense, led by Nick Bosa, is suffocating, and they seem to have all the pieces in place. They are cohesive, well-coached, and have found their rhythm at the perfect time.
On the other hand, Tampa Bay has had a disappointing season. Baker Mayfield hasn’t quite found his groove, and their offense has struggled against better teams. Colin points out that the Bucs’ inability to compete with top-tier teams like the 49ers further highlights their need for a quarterback upgrade and more consistency at the skill positions.
Takeaway: The 49ers are playing championship football right now, while Tampa Bay has too many holes to compete at a high level.
Broncos vs. Chiefs: Denver’s Struggles Continue, Chiefs Stay in Control
In this AFC West matchup, the Denver Broncos traveled to Kansas City to face the reigning champs, the Kansas City Chiefs. It was yet another disappointing performance from the Broncos, as they couldn’t match the intensity of the Chiefs, who continue to cruise to victories despite their own inconsistencies.
Colin highlights that the Broncos’ struggles are largely due to coaching and quarterback play. Russell Wilson has shown flashes of his old self, but he’s been inconsistent, and the coaching staff under Sean Payton hasn’t yet figured out how to maximize the team’s talent. Payton is known for his ability to get the best out of quarterbacks, but so far, Wilson hasn’t responded in the way the team had hoped.
Meanwhile, the Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, continue to find ways to win even when things aren’t clicking perfectly. Colin praises Andy Reid for his ability to adjust and remain competitive. The Chiefs still have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and a defense that’s been improving. Despite some struggles on offense, their consistency and coaching are what make them a threat every season.
Takeaway: The Broncos are in limbo, still trying to figure things out, while the Chiefs are winning without their best football, proving that their success is more about system and coaching than just individual talent.
Jets vs. Cardinals: A Mess in New York
The New York Jets have been one of the more interesting teams to watch this season. After the injury to Aaron Rodgers, many thought their season was done, but Zach Wilson has shown signs of improvement. However, this game against the Arizona Cardinals exposed the Jets’ lack of consistency and cohesion.
Colin says that Zach Wilson continues to make crucial mistakes at inopportune moments. While he has shown some flashes of potential, Wilson is still a work in progress, and it’s clear that the Jets need more than just a solid defense to compete. Robert Saleh’s defensive unit can only do so much before the offense lets them down.
The Cardinals, on the other hand, are rebuilding, but Kyler Murray’s return gives them some hope. Colin notes that while the Cardinals are clearly not contenders this year, they do have some young talent and a quarterback who can win games when healthy. However, their inconsistency remains a problem.
Takeaway: The Jets have a lot of work to do to become a true contender, and until they figure out their quarterback situation, they’ll continue to be an underachieving team. The Cardinals are rebuilding but have some bright spots to work with.
Eagles vs. Cowboys: The NFC East Showdown
This matchup between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys was one of the most highly anticipated games of the weekend. The Eagles, led by Jalen Hurts, have been on fire all season, and they continue to show why they’re one of the NFC’s elite teams. But the Cowboys, with Dak Prescott, were looking to prove that they could beat a top-tier team and make a statement.
Colin had high praise for Jalen Hurts and the Eagles’ offense, especially with how well they’re running the football. The Eagles’ balance on offense and the ability to win in all phases of the game make them the most complete team in the NFC. Their defense, led by Haason Reddick, also plays with a relentless edge, making them a tough matchup for any team.
On the other hand, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys still have issues with consistency. Colin points out that while the Cowboys have all the talent in the world, they often struggle when the stakes are high. Dak made some critical mistakes, and once again, the Cowboys were unable to take down a top contender. Their lack of killer instinct is something that could come back to haunt them in the postseason.
Takeaway: The Eagles are on another level, while the Cowboys have the talent but need to prove they can execute in big moments if they want to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Steelers: A Team on the Rise
Finally, Colin turned his attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers, a team that has quietly been putting together a solid season under Mike Tomlin. Despite some offensive struggles, the Steelers are consistently winning games with their defense and special teams.
Colin is a huge fan of T.J. Watt, and the Steelers’ defense has been one of the best in the NFL. They might not have the flashiest offense, but under Kenny Pickett, the offense has been improving, and they’re finding ways to win. Colin thinks the Steelers are a dangerous team come playoff time, especially if their offense can catch up to their defense.
Takeaway: The Steelers might not be the most exciting team, but they’re well-coached, disciplined, and dangerous in the postseason. If their offense improves, they could be a real threat.
Conclusion: What These Games Tell Us About the NFL
As Colin Cowherd points out in his analysis of these key NFL matchups, coaching is often the difference between a team’s success and failure. Teams like the 49ers, Eagles, and Chiefs are proving that strong leadership and a well-coached team are the foundation for sustained success. Meanwhile, teams like the Broncos, Jets, and Cowboys are still searching for the consistency they need to make a real playoff run.
The season is far from over, but one thing is clear: the teams that are clicking on all cylinders—both offensively and defensively—are the ones to watch as we head toward the playoffs. And while there’s still time for teams like the Steelers and Cowboys to turn things around, they’ll need to find that next gear to keep up with the league’s elite teams.
