NFL Week 7: Team Power Meets Player Injuries

Seattle held Kansas City to 213 total yards Sunday, handing the Chiefs their first loss of the season and leaving the league’s top offense with nowhere to go. The Seahawks hit Patrick Mahomes seven times, sacked him once and kept Kansas City from reaching the red zone. The score: 20-3.

Who Controlled the Field

Seattle’s defense had held individual rushers below 100 yards in 36 consecutive games, Sunday included. Nick Emmanwori said he wanted Kenneth Walker III below 100 yards because of the media attention, and added that other defenders shared the motivation. “And, we played lights out on defense,” he said.

The Chiefs entered Week 7 averaging an NFL-leading 414 yards per game. Seattle held Walker, who led the league with 665 rushing yards before the game, to 36 yards on 14 carries. The NBC broadcast said this was the first time a Mahomes-led Chiefs team had finished a game without reaching the red zone.

Sam Darnold completed 20 of 28 passes for 257 yards, one touchdown and one interception, and wasn’t sacked. His interception came on second-and-goal from the Kansas City 3-yard line, but the Chiefs couldn’t turn it into points. Seattle held the ball for nearly 36 minutes and converted 11 of 16 third downs.

Seattle’s players described their defense in their own terms. Fullback Brady Russell told tight end Eric Saubert, “I probably trust our defense more than I trust myself.” Saubert called the unit “a well-oiled machine.” Russell said the team played clean football, while Emmanwori said the defense had “put on a clinic” and wanted a shutout.

The Cost of the Roster Gamble

Minnesota remained the NFL’s only unbeaten team after beating Indianapolis 16-10. The Vikings moved to 6-0, relying on defense as their offense struggled. Two missed Colts field goals mattered in the loss. Analysts debated whether Minnesota should change quarterbacks, but focused on the team’s need to avoid losses and find occasional winning drives.

The Giants beat Houston 27-21 in overtime, with J.J. McCarthy making his first start for the team. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards without an interception. A 10-point underdog, New York improved to 4-2-1 and widened its NFC East lead. Analysts praised the win, while noting Houston hadn’t played like its traditionally strong defense and the Giants remained unproven against playoff-caliber teams.

The Rams beat Las Vegas 35-21 after taking a 28-6 halftime lead. Blake Corum finished with 93 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries; Kyren Williams gained 99 yards and scored once. Los Angeles rushed for a season-high 199 yards. Corum said, “When you're able to run, that's how you break their will.”

Injuries and an uneven offense made that balance necessary. Puka Nacua was dealing with a calf injury, Davante Adams was headed to injured reserve, and Terrance Ferguson was already on injured reserve. Through six games, Los Angeles had the NFL’s most pass attempts and a 2-4 record. The report said Corum could share the workload with Williams and create favorable play-action situations for Matthew Stafford.

Power Plays, Injuries and the Next Game

Atlanta beat the previously unbeaten 49ers 29-20. San Francisco outgained Atlanta 400-295 but played without its top five receivers, while Christian McCaffrey missed much of the first half. Brock Purdy threw two interceptions, and Kaelon Black and George Kittle also lost fumbles. Six defensive penalties on key turnovers contributed to the loss.

Pittsburgh beat New Orleans in Paris, rushing for a season-high 148 yards and shutting out the Saints in the second half. New Orleans managed 18 rushing yards, its worst performance of the season. Pittsburgh improved to 5-2 and tied for first in the AFC North; New Orleans fell to 2-5.

Dallas was scheduled to play Philadelphia on Monday Night Football. A betting preview listed Dallas as a 4.5-point favorite despite its 2-4 record and two straight losses. The preview described Philadelphia as injury-hit and said Jalen Hurts was on injured reserve and likely out for the season after playing with a blood clot. It alleged the team knew about the condition and let him play or encouraged him to do so. Saquon Barkley was questionable; DeVonta Smith and Nolan Smith Jr. were out. The game was still ahead, and the preview’s prediction wasn’t a result.