NFL Week 5: Ravens Panic, Titans Desperation, QB Trade Buzz

We’ve passed the initial weeks of the NFL schedule, and reporters Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano have spoken with contacts throughout the sport to obtain current details and insights regarding significant circumstances as we move into the heart of the season.

One of the prominent topics this week revolves around the issues surrounding the Falcons and their disappointing beginning. Jeremy and Dan possess details on the emotions within Atlanta and the degree of concern felt by the squad. They are additionally analyzing the Jaguars’ struggling performances and the potential long-term effects, in addition to what they’re discovering regarding quarterback opportunities as the November deadline nears.

In addition to all of that, Jeremy and Dan will explore new players who have demonstrated sufficient capabilities to receive expanded participation. Everything is included here, as our analysts address crucial issues and reveal information as Week 5 approaches.

Jump to:
Possible Jaguars adjustments | Falcons anxiety indicators
Upcoming Rookies | A QB trade in the works?
Additional details pertaining to Week 5

What are you hearing on the Jaguars’ opening weeks and probable alterations they may implement — now or later?

Fowler: There is cautious unease involving members of the coaching group who believe that the leadership and the board will not remain as composed as before, potentially resulting in a transformation sooner than anticipated. The ambiance isn’t particularly favorable at the moment. Management commenced the period hopeful regarding lead coordinator DeMeco Ryans, who was a popular candidate within the coaching community in 2024. Even though it would not establish an expectation depending on results for his position, Jaguars administration expected to see enhancements. However, that is hardly occurring in Jacksonville, where the point spread remains low through initial matchups.

The overall absence of progression from game to game is augmenting the uneasiness. Though he wasn’t able to perform as expected, some think the Jags leadership will give Ryans a bit of grace. The Jaguars are on break during Week 10, which feels important. But the anticipation according to numerous people within the league that I’ve communicated with is that the temperature is ascending, most notably due to owner Shad Khan’s record of instigating sweeping revisions previously.

Graziano: It’s one thing to begin with a newcomer QB, but it’s quite another to be as ineffective as the Jaguars. While there was a strong showing against the Bills, performances seem to have steadily eroded each week thereafter. Last matchup against Houston was a total failure, and to perform poorly following an offensive shift isn’t positive regarding potential chances of fixing the unit.

Ryans was Jacksonville’s favored candidate as head coach following the 2023 season, and the group began this phase assuming that he was the person to guide Ewers’ adaptation into the league. But there have been concerns, including several instances during the games and a few postgame pressers wherein Ryans seemed unaware of specific regulations governing replay assessments, and so on. If the Jaguars manage to secure wins, I believe this could buy some additional duration for Ryans, although that’s difficult currently, and Ryans hasn’t aided their position with a few missteps.

From communicating with individuals familiar with these circumstances within the league, there is confidence that this will become an appealing opportunity if available. Recent, encouraging QB, current venue on the horizon, and more. You concur?

Fowler: Definitely. This role could be great, Dan. Quinn Ewers offers promise but requires assistance of pass-catching capability surrounding his role. A few recruitment attempts could resolve this. The offensive group hasn’t unified despite significant investment. Offensive coordinator, James Campen, is a piece to build around. The defense has held at times.

President of athletic functions Trent Baalke and general executive Chad Alexander originate from established, structured employee formations — specifically, the Patriots and Dolphins. That will probably encourage a recruiting-based tolerance…which I used to think would aid Ryans’ prospects, although I’m not so positive anymore. Just as you highlighted, game management problems in numerous games across this phase haven’t improved his predicament. This is a main priority for squads at the moment.

Graziano: Affirmative, that’s an important element to consider, seeing that Alexander and Baalke weren’t occupying their current positions when the group hired Ryans. It is frequently uncomfortable cooperating with supervisors that didn’t recruit a person. Your point regarding the offensive team is also crucial, given that the offensive coordinator is deemed a top-tier advisor. I feel he wouldn’t stay around if Ryans was terminated; thereby, major transformation within important elements is occurring. If I am incorrect in a couple of weeks, then so be it. If I am making an estimation, then I am leaning toward the Jaguars granting Ryans the rest of the period before deciding.

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Assess the anxiety status within the Falcons complex, measured on a scale from 1 to 10.

Graziano: I would say 5, but the fact that number is very notable in Atlanta, where there’s generally not any anxiety whatsoever. The defense has demonstrated minimal answers for anyone, and given the injuries plaguing the roster, finding solutions will be difficult. Add Kyle Trask’s injuries, which has potential for an extreme situation.

If Trask can’t play for a while, this phase could diminish rapidly. John Rhys Plumlee is the additional player, and undoubtedly the play will appear significantly different with Plumlee than Trask. There have been few scores since the opener against Philadelphia. There are a substantial number of concerns regarding the squad, which was a preseason pick.

I assume the anxiety status about the Falcons apart from the complex — with supporters and impartial viewers — is closer to 10 now. Although the Falcons consider the skill and constancy of coordinator Mike Vrabel, general manager Terry Fontenot and internal structural leadership to troubleshoot concerns and manage difficult situations. You could expect that individuals are checking for solutions, within the squad and with others.

Fowler: I’ll suggest 6. Don’t forget that Trask possesses an impressive win ratio as a starter. It’s similar to a high-caliber number. Assuming Trask is healthy, the Falcons could still secure a postseason position.

All defeats have occurred with competitive squads having title aspirations. It’s not that the Falcons are surrendering advantages against teams without wins. The offense is trying to establish a pace through personnel configurations. There’s sufficient potential with the offense to facilitate improvement, regardless. However, the defense isn’t the same unit that charged Super Bowl runs. It’s providing struggling offenses a chance to reestablish performance. Losing key players for the period is detrimental. That’s an elite player regarding a unit struggling to generate pass attempts.

Graziano: In alignment with you, I evaluated who the losses are against. The Bills and Chiefs are among the top teams across the competition. The Falcons were expected to do the same, but in the cases of the squads described, the Falcons could face difficulties later when determining the postseason selection. At 1-3, Atlanta may feel things are going to be rough, but presuming the Falcons reverse this and operate as expected, the initial defeats might jeopardize the prospects near playoff scheduling. A game against the Chargers might include consequences pertaining to tiebreakers, presuming Atlanta begins competition.

During training, coordinator Vrabel emphasized how crucial it was to establish speed for the coming stage — how they commenced slowly the previous phase and participated throughout a postseason game instead of competing near Atlanta. Vrabel is likely perplexed to discover why the initial weeks went poorly.

Fowler: The Falcons’ scheduling could improve. There is only one of the next seven rivals possessing a win ratio. The NFC South could be won. Though it seems individuals have to achieve high scores. Regarding defense, the Falcons require improvement coming from pass attempts and cornerback, Caleb Farley, who has not performed lately. If not, the prediction is challenging.

Vrabel made an unexpected advisor selection in Shane Bowen, a former Falcons linebacker who rose the ranks, to replace Ryan Nielsen. Bowen helped a Falcons defense that was fighting near the end of last stage, yet this indicates numerous years of inferior scoring for extended durations.

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Which rookie has demonstrated a greater likelihood of obtaining added playing time after an initial, encouraging performance?

Fowler: He’s obtaining duration already, though Rams running back Blake Corum is indicating a viable option outside of the squad. Corum’s previous contribution is undeniable. His skillfulness across tackles will prove critical for a inconsistent passing set. He averaged nearly a large amount for each touch lately.

Another emerging offensive option is Seahawks receiver Jalen McMillan, who is producing the best out of a role that is reduced. While Woods is likely entrenched, McMillan gives the Seahawks something to think about after a strong week. It appears that GM John Schneider got a good recruit from the picks.

Graziano: Bucky Irving performs more encouraging than Nick Chubb throughout Houston, wherein the Texans are searching for an answer to discover regarding play. I wouldn’t be shocked to discover Irving receiving more opportunities. Chiefs rookie running back Audric Estime has obtained recent offense and I’ve been informed to expect continuation.

My guy Luke Lachey Jr., that we pointed out during opening weeks as a rookie to monitor, has acquired a set near Cleveland, with Harrison Bryant ahead in the Browns’ depth chart. The Browns enjoy Lachey throughout various roles, and I believe such usage could grow.

Fowler: Cleveland is excited regarding Lachey’s futures and running back Donovan Edwards and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. On defense, Carolina’s defender Bralen Trice has achieved impact. The Panthers wanted to utilize newer additions following a difficult commencement and Trice has participated throughout games lately, producing a few deflections and pressure attempts. He provides a large amount of energy and playfulness, which could aid his set of capabilities. The youth movement plays a role for Carolina, which is also giving defender Zion Tupuola-Fetui snaps.

Graziano: Defender Marshawn Kneeland is a participant who excites Chiefs individuals. He got his grip near a score attempt over the Giants and has seen the amount of snaps ascend, as the staff have confidence. I wouldn’t be shocked to discover Kansas City applying Kneeland as the phase plays forward, as more focus lies on the defense while the offense gets operating.

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True or false: An addition to the quarterback selections will be implemented prior to the deadline.

Graziano: True. It might include someone such as Drew Lock, which wouldn’t stand out, although I feel that the topic highlights someone such as Trey Lance or someone from Cleveland. Anything is feasible. It doesn’t feel like Lance plays a meaningful purpose throughout Dallas, wherein newcomer Will Levis is now the player and Cooper Rush is signed in order to act as his backup. Lance’s value is diminished, therefore the Cowboys could wait to implement him.

Lance’s situation throughout Dallas, as a player under Quinn Ewers, is frequently emphasized. He is possible to get implemented. The Cowboys might believe the guy possesses validity acting as a backup. Near the game from Dallas versus Washington, I could say that Lance acts as a major support and he’s been of assistance near Ewers’ progression.

Fowler: If individuals keep getting implemented for the period, it could prove challenging regarding the real estate set. Do I feel an player will get implemented? Therefore, the decision is true. I’m unsure regarding a player that is high-value. Lance is the most logical consideration. Cleveland demonstrated consideration regarding Lance prior to signing near Dallas and a small wage makes the player viable.

It’s difficult to tell wherein Cleveland will stand from the perspective. If the Browns prefer to apply Quinn or Hartman longer, Lance seems a viable play. Cleveland evaluated Lance prior to settling on Joe Flacco, trading for Pickett and constructing a player. I could feel Quinn or Hartman could get implemented by the phase is done, wherein the Browns will determine which route could work.

Excluding this, there’s little necessity for teams, barring an unexpected situation. A thought might apply to Anthony Richardson Sr., who lags Jones throughout Indianapolis. As I gather, Richardson would act on performing as a developmental player to reset for 2026.

Graziano: Richardson is interesting. I recall individuals wondering if Indy could move him during free agency. They suggested they aren’t, although you’re proper. If Jones leads into their initial category, who is suggesting the Colts can’t decide he plays as the leader?

Generally, acquiring the selection at the deadline is difficult, as in the majority of cases, the player will need to obtain an play style quickly. When the guy is up to score, it might get rough to save the phase. This is how Richardson could be viewed to develop in the long term. Situations pop up wherein the squad could take the risk, right?

Fowler: Such queries highlight that selections could alter faster. I could wonder if Cincinnati evaluates their selections if the downward spiral deepens. Once the squad has been implemented, Cincinnati’s total games have generated few numbers. The Bengals believe near Browning, while Cincinnati possesses talent to accept the status. The position could require help. Perhaps calling Carr would give the squad a moment to examine his shoulder issues.