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With the November 10 NFL trade deadline approaching, roster movement across the league is expected to pick up significantly over the next two weeks. Following a 2-5 start and the dismissal of general manager Chris Ballard prior to Week 7, the Indianapolis Colts appear positioned as clear sellers, making All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor one of the premier players available on the market.
Why the Cincinnati Bengals Target Jonathan Taylor
According to analysis from CBS Sports Headlines, the Cincinnati Bengals present an ideal destination for Taylor. Cincinnati currently holds a 4-2 record after mounting a 35-point second-half comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens, led by quarterback Joe Burrow’s four second-half touchdown passes. However, the Bengals’ rushing attack has struggled throughout the first half of the season, averaging just 82.9 rushing yards per game and 3.6 yards per carry.
The tandem of Chase Brown and Samaje Perine has produced minimal explosive plays, as Cincinnati has recorded a league-low five rushes of 12 or more yards. Brown is averaging a career-low 3.5 yards per carry, while Perine is averaging 4.1 yards per rush. By contrast, Taylor has recorded 11 explosive rushes this season and averages 2.89 yards per carry after contact, surpassing Cincinnati’s team average of 2.46. Acquiring Taylor could provide Cincinnati with an offensive spark comparable to the impact Christian McCaffrey made after joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.
Standout Performers Earn Week 7 Game Balls
Six standout players earned individual honors for their performances in Week 7 victories:
- Cam Skattebo (New York Giants): The second-year running back recorded a career-high 124 rushing yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, keying an overtime victory over the Houston Texans with a 42-yard run in extra time.
- Malik Willis (Miami Dolphins): Willis helped Miami secure its first victory under head coach Jeff Hafley in a 28-25 win over the New York Jets, passing for 208 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 37 yards and a score.
- Blake Cashman (Minnesota Vikings): The linebacker accumulated 12 tackles, two sacks, four passes defended, and three quarterback hits during Minnesota’s 16-10 win over Indianapolis.
- KC Concepcion (Cleveland Browns): The rookie wideout posted career highs across the board with eight receptions for 129 yards, alongside three carries for 23 rushing yards, in a 34-27 win against the Tennessee Titans.
- Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Burrow completed 22 of 30 passes for 292 yards and four touchdowns, recording a perfect 158.3 passer rating in the second half of Cincinnati’s win over Baltimore.
- Jessie Bates III (Atlanta Falcons): The safety recorded nine tackles, an interception deep in Atlanta territory, and a game-ending forced fumble in a win over San Francisco.
Costly Mistakes and Strategic Missteps
Week 7 featured several notable execution failures and strategic errors. Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Jesse Minter elected to attempt a fourth-and-2 pass from Cincinnati’s 12-yard line while trailing 14-13 early in the fourth quarter. Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley failed to connect with rookie tight end Josh Cuevas, turning the ball over on downs rather than attempting a field goal or giving the ball to running back Derrick Henry.
The Carolina Panthers suffered a 43-13 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defined by costly errors. Receiver David Moore muffed a first-quarter punt recovered by Tampa Bay, Bryce Young was strip-sacked for a 32-yard touchdown return by Calijah Kancey, and a blocked extra point was returned by the Buccaneers for a defensive two-point conversion.
The New York Jets failed to convert a first-and-goal opportunity from the 1-yard line against Miami. Consecutive runs for losses of one yard followed by a 12-yard sack forced New York to settle for a 33-yard field goal in a 28-25 loss. Elsewhere, members of the Pittsburgh Steelers, including quarterback Aaron Rodgers, arrived at Stade de France in Paris dressed in outfits inspired by the British television series Peaky Blinders, creating an unusual fashion choice for a game played in France.
Key League Notes and Statistics
Rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy won his first start for the Giants, connecting on a key sideline pass to Malik Nabers before halftime. In Paris, the Saints were held to 18 rushing yards on 15 carries, the lowest rushing output on at least 15 attempts by any NFL team since 2021. Meanwhile, Tennessee tied an NFL record by extending its streak without consecutive victories to 65 games.
Cleveland quarterback Deshaun Watson orchestrated his fourth game-winning drive of the season, going 21-of-27 for 229 yards and two touchdowns on those drives. Minnesota’s defense continues to lead the league by allowing 12.3 points per game, while Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes played his first career game without a single red-zone drive. Arizona tight end Trey McBride set an NFL record for tight ends by recording at least seven receptions in his ninth consecutive game.
Following Week 7, the Minnesota Vikings remain the NFL’s sole undefeated team at 6-0, while the Los Angeles Chargers remain winless at 0-6. The New Orleans Saints, New York Giants, San Francisco 49ers, and Houston Texans will all be on bye in Week 8.
