Chiefs force 5 TOs, beat Broncos 29-19 in AFC West showdown

By DAVE SKRETTA
Associated Press

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs proved Monday night they can play a little defense, too.

The same group that struggled to contain the Steelers and Raiders in back-to-back losses shut down Denver, picking off Trevor Siemian three times, picking up two fumbles and taking one of them back for a touchdown in a 29-19 victory over their AFC West rivals.

It was precisely the kind of dominant performance the Chiefs (6-2) needed against the Broncos (3-4), whose own league-leading defense held Alex Smith and Co. in check all night.

"Our defense really stepped up tonight," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "They showed a lot of fire."

Harrison Butker kicked five field goals for Kansas City, and Smith threw for 202 yards and a touchdown. Most of it went to Travis Kelce, who hauled in seven balls for 133 yards and the score.

But it was the turnovers that proved to be the difference in the game.

"That's insane," said Broncos coach Vance Joseph, who declined to say whether a quarterback change may be necessary. "You can't win when you turn the ball over five times. The guys worked too hard to have a big game to give it away five times."

Siemian finished 19 of 36 for 198 yards and a touchdown, and has now thrown eight picks and only three TD passes in the past five games. The Broncos have lost all but one of them.

"I just turned it over," he said glumly. "A couple of bad decisions."

It was a crucial bounce-back win for the Chiefs, who had their 12-game AFC West winning streak snapped 10 days ago in Oakland. The Chiefs had won five straight to start the season before losing to the Steelers and then to the Raiders on Derek Carr's last-second touchdown throw.

It started just like old times, too: Jamaal Charles with a run, the Chiefs with a touchdown.

The only difference was Charles, who went to four Pro Bowls with the Chiefs, was back in Kansas City with the Broncos. And the TD came when the opportunistic Marcus Peters stripped him, picked up the loose ball and returned it 45 yards for the opening score.

"That definitely changed the dynamic of the game," Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones said.

When the Chiefs were on offense, they went right to Kelce, who also had success against the Broncos in both of their meetings last season. He beat Darian Stewart for a 29-yard TD catch and a 14-0 lead.

"I want the ball every single play. That's just how I grew up playing," he said.

The Chiefs were threatening to put the game out of reach later in the first quarter when Reid got cute with the play-calling. Rather than keep the ball in the hands of Smith, who hasn't thrown a pick all season, he let wide receiver Tyreek Hill throw it — and he was intercepted in the end zone.

"I messed it up myself," he said. "I know coach Reid isn't going to let me throw another one."

Still, Kansas City led 20-3 when the Broncos' offense finally found some rhythm.

They marched 60 yards to set up their second field goal by Brandon McManus, and then capped an 80-yard drive with Booker's touchdown run. It was just the second time Denver had reached the end zone in 13-plus quarters, but it got Joseph's team within 20-13 with a quarter to play.

Butker answered with another field goal, and the Chiefs defense held on fourth-and-4 near midfield to get the ball back. Butker added two more field goals, the last with 4:41 left, giving him 18 straight made attempts and putting the game out of reach.

"It's not what you want offensively," Smith said with a wry grin. "You love having him on the team and making those, but I'd rather have him kicking PATs."

INJURY REPORT

Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders (ankle) and LB Todd Davis (ankle) were inactive, as was Chiefs RG Laurent Duvernay-Tardif (knee). Kansas City lost WR Albert Wilson (hamstring) and OLB Dee Ford (back) in the first half and neither returned to the game.

UN-INJURED RESERVE

The Broncos activated LB Shane Ray and the Chiefs activated CB Steven Nelson before the game. Ray returned to the lineup after missing the first six games with a torn ligament in his left wrist, while Nelson had been on injured reserve following core muscle surgery.

HALL OF AN HONOR

The Chiefs renamed the broadcast booths at Arrowhead Stadium for Hall of Fame player and broadcaster Len Dawson before the game. The 82-year-old Dawson led the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV. He is retiring from work as a radio color analyst after the season.

UP NEXT

Broncos: Visit Philadelphia on Sunday.

Chiefs: Visit Dallas on Sunday.

Bears will miss TE Miller after serious injury

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Already operating with one of the league's least accomplished receiver group, Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky will continue his development in the season's second half without his top remaining target.

The severe knee injury to tight end Zach Miller in Sunday's 20-12 loss at New Orleans will deprive the Bears of a well-liked veteran team leader.

"He's just a great dude. He's a leader. His teammates look up to him," head coach John Fox said Monday. "He's very, very smart. I call him quality control just because he helps people in the heat of battle on the field. And those are the kind of guys you do need and his teammates rally around him and so do coaches."

The Bears didn't announce Miller has been placed on injured reserve yet, but it was a formality after Miller was in some danger of losing part of his left leg after suffering the dislocated knee. Miller had immediate vascular surgery to repair a torn popliteal artery and Fox said a vein was removed from his right leg for use in repairing the artery.

"Right now, the report is they're obviously going to take a while for it to make sure it remains good, but he's got good pulse in his lower leg, as well as has good feeling," Fox said. "His foot is warm, which is a good sign. Not that he's out of the woods by any stretch, but it's as good as could be expected at this point."

The gruesome injury occurred on an apparent 25-yard touchdown catch to get the Bears within 14-9, but the catch was later ruled incomplete on review by New York because it was determined Miller lost control of the ball and it hit the ground during the process of making the catch.

It was a big play in the game and still on Miller's mind when he talked from University Medical Center in New Orleans by phone with Fox on Monday.

"He pretty much wanted his touchdown back," Fox said. "He was in good spirits."

Miller has fought through numerous injuries in his career, but is in the second year of a two-year, $5.5 million deal. He was coming off season-ending foot surgery when this season began. At age 33, an injury of this sort can mean the end of a career, although it was far too soon for the Bears to worry about possible recovery time.

Recovery for the team will also take time mentally and physically.

The offense was operating already with top two receivers Kevin White (shoulder blade) and Cameron Meredith (knee) on injured reserve.

Wide receiver Tre McBride III is coming off his first productive game - three catches for 92 yards -- since arriving on waivers at the start of the season.

"For me personally, I didn't have the luxury of being here for the preseason and build that rapport with Mitch," McBride said.

McBride isn't the only receiver who has had to pick up the system in the passing game as the season has gone on. Injured Markus Wheaton had to do it, and then suffered a groin injury and was lost again. Now newly acquired receiver Dontrelle Inman will need to do it.

"You're learning on the fly," McBride said. "You only get a certain amount of time during the day to run plays and the rest is done in the classroom, you know, like, studying plays and stuff like that.

"So it is a tough task to build a rapport with somebody on the fly, somebody that you've never thrown with, because there's nuances between different quarterbacks and stuff that you've got to get adjusted to; stuff that you only get with reps."

Specifically at the tight end spot, losing Miller will mean rookie Adam Shaheen must step into a more prominent role. Dion Sims will become more of a target, and Daniel Brown will be the third tight end.

"We're going to have to recover from it," Fox said. "Anytime we lose somebody - I know I always use that term next man up, that's not out of a lack of respect or disrespect for the guy we lost by any stretch.

"That guy was there for a reason. But we have to review it. Not just his on-the-field ability but his everyday pushing guys, remaining positive, a lot of things that it takes to do this every day because it's blue collar. It's hard work. So I think we'll miss him in that way and I know everybody in that locker room will."

Shaheen was the second-round draft pick this year and came into the league out of Division II, so he's needed time to adjust. He has one 2-yard TD catch and no other receptions and has been targeted twice.

"He's definitely got the ability and the football intelligence to do it," Fox said. "I think you'll see on the season his play time has increased. Whether that relates to the production at this point I can't speak to off the top of my head, but the game's slowing down for him."

The leadership aspect of Miller's presence on the roster won't be easily replaced. Miller was someone offensive and defensive players looked to for guidance on a young team.

"He welcomed me with open arms, just like everybody else," McBride said. "He just did it fast. He was actively doing it.

"That's what I really appreciated from Zach. I feel like that was something that was important to me and that's part of the reason why when something bad happened to him, it hurt even more."

--The announcement of linebacker Jerrell Freeman's second violation in two years of the league's performance enhancing drug policy has virtually no bearing on the team for the rest of this season, since Freeman had gone on injured reserve with a pectoral muscle injury.

Freeman will be suspended 10 games, meaning the rest of this season and beyond. And it's beyond when Freeman will have to face up to the situation.

"It's really just like last year again," coach John Fox said. "It's something that we talk about very, very consistently. They are responsible for what they put in their body. I'll just leave it at that. From my perspective that's just how I look at it. I haven't seen all the details."

Freeman went to Twitter to explain his situation. He claimed he is struggling with a career-threatening head injury that includes loss of memory.

"I have to say I'm sorry again, but I am sorry," Freeman said on Twitter. "I've been on IR all year and you try to stay out of sight, but sorry for the distraction.

"I had been lying to friends, family and loved ones when it comes to the question of 'Are you OK?' Knowing my career may be over due (to) everything that came with the head injury (that's purposely been downplayed by me), memory loss and all, has actually been a bit of a struggle. That being said, there's no excuse to cope with any problems by taking any kind of pills."

Freeman isn't allowed at Halas Hall to work out during the suspension.

The pectoral injury was the reason given at the time by the team for putting Freeman on injured reserve, but they did announce he had a concussion, as well. The head injury question was brought to Fox's attention and he said team medical personnel address any such injuries, but wasn't forgiving.

"That's really kind of way ahead of my pay grade," Fox said. "I'm not a doctor. I'm a football coach."

Fox added: "(I'm) just kind of disappointed that it happened again for the second year in a row, and we'll just kind of leave it at that."

--Wide receiver Tre McBride had three career catches before making three for 92 yards in Sunday's loss. It's been anything but a smooth transition from being cut by Tennessee to playing a big role in the receiver corps for the Bears. He was cut in Week 3, then re-signed to the practice squad before coming back to the 53-man roster Oct. 2.

"When I got cut, I was at the point where I was thinking maybe I'm not good enough to do this," McBride said. "Maybe I wasn't as good as I thought I was.

"But that was a short-lived little lapse in my (judgment). I still got back on it and was like 'you're going to drag me out of here before I just quit.'"

--Wide receiver Dontrelle Inman believes he can be up to playing soon, possibly the next game with Green Bay Nov. 12. He's finding the offense not totally foreign, but had to reach back a ways to college.

"It's a whole bunch of concepts I've been in before," Inman said. "When I was at Virginia, I had five receivers coaches, four offensive coordinators and two head coaches, so there's really not an offense I haven't been in."

Inman likes what he's seen of Trubisky.

"He is a gunslinger," Inman said. "You can see the confidence in him, just for me today, just out there looking at him. I've been just watching him - 'this kid can be good.' and he shows it. He shows that he can be great in this league."

--Despite throwing a game-ending interception for the second time in two attempts to pull out a game on the final drive, Mitchell Trubisky lost no standing in head coach John Fox's eyes. Trubisky also threw an interception in the loss at home to Minnesota in his debut.

"As far as the quarterback, I think like anything, the more you do it the better you get," Fox said. "I'm sure that's something that Mitch, our quarterback, is going to get better at. I can't even tell you how many opportunities he's actually had in that situation.

"Not that he handled it poorly, but I do see in everything he's done that he's improved. Just look from game to game that he's started, we're 2-2 in the quarters that he's been our starting quarterback and I think we've done a better job of ball security and I think we'll just see where that takes us."

NOTES: TE Zach Miller (knee) suffered a dislocation on what first appeared to be a touchdown catch, and underwent surgery to repair a torn popliteal artery resulting from the leg injury. He remained hospitalized late Monday and his condition was being monitored. Miller, who is 33, has been plagued throughout his career with injuries. A broken foot ended his 2016 season in Week 11. Turf toe took him out of the season finale in 2015 and in 2014 he had a torn Lisfranc ligament in the second week of the season and missed the rest of the year. Miller also had a torn Achilles and calf muscle in 2012 with Jacksonville and in 2011 had season-ending shoulder surgery with the Jaguars. Daniel Brown played in his place, but is not the same type of player. He lacks Miller's speed, sureness of hands and route-running experience. A team with almost no receivers through the first half will be without the most dependable threat they had in the passing game. ...

... G Kyle Long (finger) suffered an injury in the first quarter against New Orleans, had a ball cast put on his hand and tried to play. He was ineffective and left the game again. He was replaced by Tom Compton. ... C Cody Whitehair (elbow) suffered an injury in the second half and because Hroniss Grasu was inactive with a hand injury, Josh Sitton had to move over and play center. ... DB Josh Callahan (knee) suffered a first-half injury against New Orleans and came out of the game. Cre'Von LeBlanc replaced him and has experience in the nickel corner spot.

REPORT CARD VS PANTHERS

--PASSING OFFENSE: D-plus - Mitchell Trubisky's rating and statistics would have looked much better with a touchdown completion to Zach Miller, one New York replay officials reversed in a decision that was questionable at best. Regardless, Trubisky played inconsistently in his first effort inside a dome and a lack of patience kept him from seeing receivers coming open on several plays. He made a few plays, made good reads, then committed big gaffes. And the Bears will have to live with this from a young quarterback. Wide receiver Tre McBride III came up with 92 receiving yards and made an impact for the first time. Completing five for 115 yards to wide receivers is a step in the right direction, and with Miller's injury it would appear the Bears will be targeting more wide receivers. Josh Sitton deserves accolades for stepping in at center in the noisy dome and snapping well at a position he doesn't play.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: C-plus - The 102-yard effort by Jordan Howard looked better than it was largely due to his 52-yard burst. The running game came apart when the offensive line began taking on injuries and wound up with both guards and the center spot being different than when the game began. Tarik Cohen showed something new with his dive at the goal line, and Trubisky's 46-yard scramble went down as big rushing yardage, although it came out of an attempt to pass. Like with the passing game, the consistency wasn't there overall.

--PASS DEFENSE: B-minus - No defense had sacked Drew Brees more than once in a game, but the Bears did it twice and maintained a steady push up the middle. The heat brought by Leonard Floyd had Brees looking around much of the time and unable to settle down and throw. The Saints picked on Bryce Callahan in nickel coverage early, but he left with a knee injury and Cre'Von LeBlanc struggled at times on screen passes and also defending the wide runs. Kyle Fuller's recent upward trend ended. Neither Fuller nor Eddie Jackson prevented a big gainer to Ted Ginn Jr. even though both were standing in position to easily do it.

--RUSH DEFENSE: B - The defense held New Orleans to 2-for-9 on third downs, and it was primarily because they kept the running game under control and had the Saints in third-and-long situations. The inside run only hurt the Bears when nose tackle Eddie Goldman was out briefly with an injury, and during the first half when the Saints ran wide. Defensive end Mitch Unrein proved stout in one of his better all-around efforts. The Bears pulled the football out twice on running plays and seemed to have it pulled out a third time, but it was reversed on replay.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: D-plus - Throwing away points is becoming a habit for kicker Connor Barth, who missed from 48 yards and has had trouble in the range of 46 to 50 yards since coming to Chicago. Kyle Fuller lined up offsides on field-goal block to give the Saints a chance for four more points, and even if he hadn't then teammates Adrian Amos and Sam Acho were also lined up offsides on the first-half play - a terrible mistake in what would become a tight game. Tarik Cohen's decision-making sometimes hasn't always been wise on returning kicks, but he produced a key 46-yarder to give the Bears a last chance at the win by cutting and going straight upfield instead of dancing laterally as he has a habit of doing. The Saints averaged starting on their own 31, 6 yards better than the Bears and not acceptable considering the Bears have to win the field-position game until Trubisky knows more about how to pass in the NFL.

--COACHING: C - Not putting Jordan Howard on the field at key times in the late fourth quarter was a decision leaving Dowell Loggains and the offense open to second-guessing. The Bears got away with it on Cohen's diving TD plunge, but they showed no confidence in their greatest asset. The defensive game plan displayed by Vic Fangio had perfectly sized up how to keep Drew Brees in check, and they might have allowed fewer points if Callahan could have stayed healthy and in pass defense. Special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers has to have players showing more awareness than when they lined up offsides on a field-goal try, eventually costing the Bears four points.

Jaguars' bye week brought mostly good news

JACKSONVILLE -- The Jacksonville Jaguars made it through their bye week with no new injuries, no off-the-field issues, no player indiscretions.

That alone makes it a successful week compared to some of the incidents that have plagued the franchise in the past during their off week. Instead, some, i.e. outside linebacker Telvin Smith, is calling it a win-win week, for him personally and the Jaguars defense.

First the personal news.

Smith inked his name to a new four-year, $50-million deal last Wednesday. It came on the brink of what might have been Smith's last year with the Jaguars as his four-year rookie contract was set to expire at the end of this season, leaving him the option of looking for a lucrative deal elsewhere.

Instead, he's locked in with the Jaguars, and will continue to be an integral part of what is becoming one of the league's elite defenses.

Which brings about the second good news story of the week in Smith's opinion. That would be the team trading a sixth-round draft pick to the Buffalo Bills to acquire defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.

The 6-foot-3, 331-pound seventh-year veteran has made a name for himself as a run-stopper in the middle of the Bills' defensive line, not to mention the 34 sacks that he acquired in his first six seasons with the Bills. He added one more to that total in five games with the Bills this season. The Bills loss is the Jaguars gain in Smith's way of thinking.

"I've seen a lot of people say it and I'm going to steal it, that we won the bye week (with the addition of Dareus), and we did," Smith said. "That's definitely an upgrade for our defense. It definitely adds depth to our defense, helping (starting defensive tackle) Abry (Jones) out.

"He was doing a great job in there, but with a guy like Marcell to come in behind him and play with him, that's going to be a crazy rotation. So (I'm) definitely looking forward to adding another head to this monster."

The Jaguars are hoping Dareus can provide a lift to a defense that has excelled against the pass but has struggled at times against the run. The Jaguars are allowing a league-high 5.16 yards per carry to opposing runners and are last in rushing yards allowed per game (138.6).

At 331 pounds, Dareus eats up a lot of space in the middle. He's played nose tackle and defensive tackle and at times has moved to an outside spot. Jaguars defensive ends Calais Campbell and Yannick Ngakoue are among the league leaders in sacks, but the interior of the line has been vulnerable to opposing teams' running attacks.

Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone feels Dareus has the potential and talent to help the Jaguars in that area. Marrone should know. He coached Dareus for two years when he served as the Bills head coach 2013-14.

"It's an opportunity for us to try and get better," Marrone said in explaining why the Jaguars wanted Dareus. "We've struggled at times against the run and I think he's going to be able to help our defense that way. I was very happy with the things that I saw (in watching tape of him). Right now, we're just trying to get him acclimated (to our system)."

There are other positive implications to the Jaguars acquiring Dareus. It adds another able body in the rotation of the front line. Following the Indianapolis game prior to the team's bye week, Marrone cited a concern about the physical condition of the team.

Part of that had to do with the added playing time that the front-liners were putting in. There was a definite drop-off when the Jaguars started pulling starters and putting in fresh faces. With a proven quantity like Dareus that should give more rest time to the likes of Campbell, Jones and defensive tackle Malik Jackson.

Dareus will be challenged to stay out of trouble, something he's had problems with in the past. There's no question he has the talent to be among the elite defenders at his position. He's started 85 of the 91 games he's played with the Bills and has 35 career sacks, though only one in five games this season. His best year was in 2014 when he finished with a career-best 10.0 sacks and was a first-team All-Pro selection. He was named to the Pro Bowl in both 2013 and 2014.

But Dareus has had issues off the field, has been suspended several times and has missed a number of games due to bad decisions. A year ago he was suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on drug use. The previous season he was banned for one game. He was sent home before the Bills' final preseason game in August this year against the Baltimore Ravens for unspecified reasons.

In Marrone's final season with the Bills, he benched Dareus for the first quarter of a December game against the Miami Dolphins, reportedly for being late to team meetings throughout the season. Marrone was asked about the risks involved with Dareus' acquisition.

"We're all at risk - myself, everybody," the Jaguars' coach said. "At the end of the day, some people get themselves in situations and you hope that they learn from it. If they don't, then obviously there's consequences. That's the same for all the players."

Bottom line is that if Dareus stays clean and plays like he did in his Pro-Bowl years of 2013 and 2014, he could be the missing piece of the puzzle for the defense. They've already proven they are an elite group in pressuring quarterbacks and defending against the pass. If Dareus can solidify the interior of the line and help shut down running attacks, it will leave the Jaguars in prime position to lock up their first playoff berth in a decade.

--Most people who are in position to make $50 million over a four-year span would want to shout it from the roof top. Not Jaguars linebacker Telvin Smith. The fourth-year veteran out of Florida State would rather talk about the weather, his alma mater, his teammates. Anything but his new contract.

Smith appeared before the local media on Monday, five days after he inked his new deal in the final year of his four-year rookie contract. He made it clear from the start of the questioning that he wasn't comfortable in talking about it.

"It is more stressful right now than having to deal with it when I actually had to go through signing it," Smith said.

Why, he was asked.

"Because we are talking about it. Let's talk about ball," he pleaded. "Let's talk about ball. Money is money. I got paid. I'm grateful to the organization. I am happy for my family. Everyone who played a part in it, I am happy for. It is just another step in life. I have been here and now I just have a bigger bank account to say I am here.

"That is why it is hard for me to speak on it because it is still a business. I still look at it as a business that if it wasn't here, then it was going to be somewhere. I am who I am. I am grateful to the organization. Again, like I said in that sense.

"I earned it. Why do I have to talk about what you earn? You feel me? It is done."

And with that, the questions turned to the Jaguars defense.

--The bye week came at a perfect time for the Jaguars this season. A year ago, Jacksonville had its bye week in Week 5. That didn't turn out too well as the team lost. The Jaguars won in their first week after the bye but then lost 10 of their final 11 games. This year their off week comes one game shy of the halfway point of the regular season, an ideal time to be taking a week off.

It will hopefully be a time when three starters can use the extra week of rest and rehab to overcome injuries/illness. Center Brandon Linder has missed three consecutive games due to an unspecified illness. Marrone said Linder's conditioning and strengthening was at a good level.

"I think now we have it back to where it was," the Jaguars coach said. I feel very good about that. He's cleared, ready to go and he's out on the field and we're watching him as he comes back. He did a nice job getting back."

Marrone wasn't as confident-sounding when talking about running back Leonard Fournette or left tackle Cam Robinson, both of whom are nursing sprained ankles.

"I think it always helps the players when they're banged up, especially the young guys," Marrone said. "They go through the college season, where Cam has probably gone through an NFL season. You know what I'm saying. I don't mean that from a standpoint from it being harder at Alabama, but they just play so many games. The playoffs and everything.

"I think it helped both players, but I don't think that I can honestly sit here and say - I don't think Cam would have been able to play last week and then this week, obviously you saw him on the field, so we'll see how it goes once he gets out there a little more."

So you feel good about Fournette playing this Sunday, right coach?

"I'm never saying that. Nope. Never say that. I always say, 'we'll see.'"

Marrone was chastised by Buffalo media members several years ago when he all but guaranteed a player would be ready and would play in a Sunday game. However, the player didn't play that Sunday and Marrone endured a lot of heat afterwards. Thus, the reason for the cautionary approach ever since.

--Trades are part of the business in the NFL, but it can be unsettling to players that have not experienced it before and who are comfortable in their current surroundings. Enter the case of defensive tackle Marcell Dareus who got his first taste of "the business" when he was dealt to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Saturday after playing the previous six years with the Buffalo Bills.

Dareus got the news Saturday morning when he was reviewing some of his assignments for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders.

"I was surprised when I got the call," Dareus said in his first media session on Monday with Jacksonville reporters. "It was a little overwhelming on Saturday. I was getting prepared for the game, was zoned in. When I got the call, it made me a little emotional. I knew it was a one-way ticket. It was a culture shock to me.

"I still haven't gotten over it yet. I'm still in shock. I'm shocked for the trade, I'm shocked for this defense, this team."

Dareus said he's treating the trade as an opportunity for a fresh start. He said he knows it's all part of the business of playing in the NFL.

"(It's a) new city. (It's) new surroundings. I'm just happy to be here with these guys. They've been playing fairly well and I'm just happy to be here to help any way I possibly can.

"It's such a different experience. I thought Buffalo was my home and I was extremely happy for everything they've done for me as an organization. But at the same time, it's a business and this is where I am. It feels good to be wanted."

NOTES: WR Dede Westbrook could be ready to make his NFL debut either this week against Cincinnati or the following week against the Los Angeles Chargers. Westbrook was placed on reserve/injured in August and designated for return Monday. The Jaguars have three weeks to make a decision on their rookie receiver. "We got him back on the field today and also that's step one. Step two, we'll be getting him in there, getting him involved with practice, and see how he performs," head coach Doug Marrone said. ... WR Marqise Lee will be watched closely by Jaguars officials the rest of this season to determine if they want to re-sign him in the offseason. Lee's rookie contract expires at the end of this season, and if rookie receiver Dede Westbrook has a strong second-half finish, Lee may not be re-signed. ... CB Aaron Colvin has a contract that expires at the end of the season. Colvin has been used exclusively as the team's nickel back which doesn't attract as much money as a cornerback would. Colvin may look elsewhere for a starting job and bigger dollars with another NFL team. ... C Brandon Linder was back on the practice field on Monday, his first action in nearly a month. Linder has missed three straight games due to an unspecified illness. "He's cleared, ready to go and he's out on the field and we're watching him as he comes back. He did a nice job getting back," Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone said. ... NT Abry Jones will likely become a backup following the acquisition of Marcell Dareus from the Bills. Jones had started the first seven games of the season, taking over for the departed Roy Miller who was not retained by the team. Jones signed a new four-year contract with the Jaguars last March. ... WR Montay Crockett was added to the Jaguars' practice squad on Monday. Crockett was originally signed as an undrafted rookie on May 5 after a four-year career at Georgia Southern.

REPORT CARD AFTER 7 GAMES

--PASSING OFFENSE: B - It's a case of less is more. The less Blake Bortles has to pass, the better the rushing game and offense is probably going. In the Jaguars' four wins this season, Bortles has thrown 31 or fewer passes. In the three losses, he's thrown the ball 34, 35 and 35 times. When the running game is going good (185.0 yards per game in the four wins), the Jaguars don't need to rely on Bortles nearly as much. While he's improved his numbers this year, including fewer interceptions, fewer sacks and a higher passer rating than a year ago, his yards are also lower. Last year, Bortles had 10 games in which he threw for at least 245 yards. This year he's had one - last week's 330-yard effort. As long as the Jaguars continue to enjoy success in running the ball, the passing game will be that much better because of it.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: A - A quick check of the numbers from a year ago to this season shows the difference in the running game. In 2016, the Jaguars had five games in which they rushed for more than 100 yards, three times exceeding 155 yards. In the first seven games this year, Jacksonville has not only topped the century mark six times, all six games it has totaled 155 yards or more. As a team, the Jaguars are averaging an even 5.0 yards per carry compared to a respectable 4.2 a year ago. Leonard Fournette has been an instant success in his rookie season, breaking out for 596 yards in the first six games before he had to miss the seventh game due to an ankle sprain. The fact that the Jaguars still managed to gain 188 yards in Fournette's absence shows that the team has strengthened its overall running attack. All this considering they have been without starting center Brandon Linder, arguably their best offensive lineman, for the past three games.

--PASS DEFENSE: A - The addition of cornerback A.J. Bouye and strong safety Barry Church was done to shore up a secondary that has had a lot of difficulties in stopping opposing team's passing attacks. Bouye and Church have been a big part of the reason the Jaguars rank among the top five teams in the NFL in defending the pass, allowing an average of 161.7 yards per game through the air, a marked difference from their 2016 average of 226.7 passing yards per game. They've also dropped the number of touchdown passes allowed, going from 20 for all of last year to just four in the first seven games this season. Same success with interceptions, where a year ago, the Jaguars finished with a total of seven. Jacksonville has already picked off 10 passes - all of which came in the first five games of the season. Cornerback Jalen Ramsey is playing at an All-Pro level while Buoye, Church and free safety Tashaun Gipson are all playing exceptionally well.

--RUSH DEFENSE: C - The one weakness for the defense this season has been its inability to shut down opposing ground games. They've had some success, like holding Houston, Pittsburgh and Indianapolis to less than 100 yards on the ground. But the other four games, opponents have rushed for an average of 177.9 yards per game. The overall average of allowing 145.7 yards a game on the ground leaves the Jaguars in the bottom five of the league. A good portion of those yards have come from backs running right through the center of the front line. That's the main reason the team acquired Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus in a trade during the team's bye week. Dareus' 331-pound frame will take up a lot of space in the middle and could be the missing run-stopping piece the Jaguars need. One area where the front line has been exceptionally stout is putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Jaguars lead the NFL in sacks and are on pace to establish an NFL record if they continue their current mark of just under five sacks a game.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: C - There have been too many ups and downs from this unit to warrant a better grade. The placekicking is the best example. Jason Myers led the team in scoring with 48 points in the first six games, converting on 11 of 12 field-goal attempts inside the 50. But it's the misses that sometimes matter and Myers missed two extra points and all three field-goal attempts from beyond 50 yards. As a result, he was let go the week of the Indianapolis game in favor of Josh Lambo who connected on a pair of field goals and all three extra points. Punter Brad Nortman has also had his good and bad moments. He's averaging 44.6 yards per punt but that includes a 16-yarder against the Los Angeles Rams that led to an easy Rams field goal. The Jaguars have covered kicks well, but are getting very little out of their own return game, averaging a meager 2.2 yards on punt returns and 19.1 on kickoff runbacks.

--COACHING: B-plus - Doug Marrone has done a solid job with the team in his first year as head coach after serving as interim head coach the last two games of the 2016 season. Marrone's message has stayed consistent all season, placing a special emphasis on solid defensive play, getting off to a fast start and finishing strong. Offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett has done a good job with the play-calling, especially in terms of sticking with a running game that has emerged as the NFL's best after eight weeks. Defensive coordinator Todd Wash has benefited from the acquisition of several free-agent additions as well as the improved play of second-year players CB Jalen Ramsey, DE Yannick Ngakoue and LB Myles Jack. Wash's aggressive style has resulted in a league-leading 33 sacks. Special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis hasn't been as successful as his counterparts and will need to have a better showing in the second half of the season to guarantee his return in 2017.

Bucs have a decision to make on QB Winston

TAMPA -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are at a crossroads with quarterback Jameis Winston. He might be healthy enough to play. But he hasn't been healthy enough to practice much during the week and that might finally be affecting him in games.

As a result, the Bucs are considering sitting Winston for Sunday's game at New Orleans, unless he is able to practice more this week, although no determination has been reached.

Winston has missed two practices in each of the last two weeks recovering from soreness in his shoulder. He sustained an AC joint sprain in his right throwing shoulder in a 38-33 loss at Arizona Oct. 15.

While Winston had one of his best performances in the second half at Buffalo a week ago, finishing with 384 yards and three touchdowns, he struggled on a windy day in a 17-3 loss to Carolina on Sunday at Raymond James Stadium.

Winston has made 39 consecutive starts and no decision would be made before Wednesday. He said he felt fine after Sunday's game.

Winston completed 21-of-38 passes for 210 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions. He also lost a fumble. The Bucs believe Winston's timing and precision has suffered a bit with his lack of practice reps, especially against the Panthers.

"Yeah, it was not Jameis' best game," head coach Dirk Koetter said. "He played much better the week before against Buffalo and you know, Jameis missed some throws that he normally makes."

In preparing for Buffalo and Carolina, he did not throw a football prior to Friday's practice.

"As I mentioned earlier in the week, that's not ideal," Koetter said after the game. "That's when you have to rely on all the work Jameis put in in the offseason, puts in after practice. I still don't think this will be an every-week, all-season thing. That's just my opinion. I'm not a medical guy. I don't know what happened. If he was hurt (Sunday), I don't know that yet."

Winston's pain tolerance is pretty high, but like all players, the Bucs believe he could benefit from practicing more.

Bucs backup Ryan Fitzpatrick looked good in his only appearance this season. He completed 22 of 33 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions in a loss at Arizona.

"I can't explain why he would play so well at Buffalo and miss some throws (Sunday)," Koetter said. "The one thing that was different was it was much windier. That was about as windy of a game that I've been in in a long time in the NFL. I'm not sure how much that affected him."

So, is there any scenario where if Winston is cleared to play, the Bucs would consider not starting him?

"There's three factors in that," Koetter said. "First and foremost is what the medical staff says. That's for every player. Jameis is at the front of the list. Second is the player. The player knows if he can go or not. And then third, when we're watching practice, if it doesn't look like they can go or it looks like they can't go at a success rate good enough for us to win, we would always hold them out. But we haven't had any of those things."

--History certainly says the Bucs have long odds to turn things around from a 2-5 start, but defensive tackle Chris Baker has come pretty close to pulling it off.

Baker's first full season in the NFL was in 2012 with the Redskins, who opened the season 3-6 but rallied to win their last seven games, winning their division and hosting a playoff game.

"It can turn fast," Baker said. "I was just talking about it in our d-line room. A couple of years ago, RG3's (Robert Griffin III) rookie year, I was with the Redskins and we rolled off 7-8 games in a row and made it to the playoffs. We've only played one division game and we still have a lot at stake. We've got to take it one week at a time and keep getting better. We have so much season left."

--The Bucs' four-game losing streak is making an impact on the team's attendance, as Sunday's home game against the Panthers was the third-lowest in the 20 home games since Jameis Winston took over as starting quarterback in 2015.

The announced attendance was 58,545, but the actual attendance, per the Tampa Sports Authority, was 48,744, the team's lowest since last year's home opener against the Rams, which drew an actual crowd of 44,711. The percentage of actual attendance vs. announced was 83.3 percent, down sharply from 94.6 percent from the last home game, a Thursday night game against the Patriots three weeks earlier. The dropoff in actual attendance between the two games was more than 20 percent.

NOTES: CB Brent Grimes has a shoulder injury and did not play against Carolina. Head coach Dirk Koetter said he might miss Sunday's game at New Orleans. ... S Chris Conte had his first interception of the season when he picked off Cam Newton Sunday. He had two last season. ... CB Robert McClain still is in the concussion protocol and did not play Sunday against Carolina. ... LB Kendell Beckwith had an MRI exam on his knee that was negative after suffering an injury Sunday night. Beckwith had ACL surgery a year ago.

REPORT CARD VS. PANTHERS

--PASSING OFFENSE: D - QB Jameis Winston was affected by the wind, but in general was off target. He passed for only 210 yards with no touchdowns. He was intercepted twice and lost a fumble. The Bucs had several drops and the offensive line did not protect him well.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: D - The Bucs had trouble getting the running game going in the first half as Carolina loaded the tackle box and dared them to throw the football. In the second half, they spread the field with four and five receivers and Doug Martin had some running lanes. He finished with 71 yards on 18 carries.

--PASS DEFENSE: C-minus - Newton was not at his best. He completed only 18-of-32 passes for 154 yards, but he had a long touchdown completion. The Bucs didn't sack Newton, giving them only seven sacks on the season in seven games. S Chris Conte had an interception.

--RUSH DEFENSE: C - The Bucs did a decent job against the run Sunday. Cam Newton led the Panthers with 44 yards on 11 carries. LB Kwon Alexander played better in his second game back from injury. Overall, it was a solid effort.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: C - Say this for the Bucs. They may have solved their kicking problems. Patrick Murray made another field goal and has not missed since joining the Bucs. P Bryan Anger did a good job against the wind in pinning the Panthers deep.

--COACHING: D-minus - It feels like the wheels are falling off for the Bucs, who have now lost four in a row. They hurt themselves with penalties, they start too slow on offense. Even when the defense plays well, they can't score touchdowns.

Injury epidemic has Redskins reeling

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins entered Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys struggling with injuries. The situation is even worse now.

Down three offensive linemen, including Pro Bowlers Trent Williams and Brandon Scherff, the Redskins watched their one truly healthy lineman, left guard Shawn Lauvao, leave the game against the Cowboys with a stinger.

Right tackle Morgan Moses played despite two sprained ankles. Third-string left tackle T.J. Clemmings now has a sprained ankle of his own.

Has Washington head coach Jay Gruden seen anything like this rash of injuries?

"No, I really can't say I have," Gruden said. "You try to prepare for that with your depth in training camp and obviously your practice-squad guys, you try to get them ready. But when you get overwhelmed on the offensive line and now at tight end and safety ... it becomes a challenge."

Washington has 12 offensive linemen on its 53-man roster -- a number that is usually eight, sometimes nine, but almost never reaches 10. Williams (right knee) needs surgery at some point, though he will attempt to practice this week. Scherff (sprained MCL, left knee) will do the same.

Top reserve tackle Ty Nsekhe, who filled in so well for Williams during a four-game suspension last year, will increase his workload this week after core muscle surgery last month, but there's no guarantee he'll be ready by Sunday.

Lauvao "could miss some time," according to Gruden. Starting center Spencer Long (knee/quadriceps) remains listed as week-to-week and won't play against the Seahawks, either. Rookie Chase Roullier started in his place on Sunday. Rookie Tyler Catalina, an undrafted free agent, started at right guard for Scherff.

And it isn't only the offensive line. Tight end Jordan Reed (hamstring) is hurt again. He previously dealt with a toe injury and a chest contusion. Gruden confessed Reed was unlikely to play against Seattle. And tight end Niles Paul is in the concussion protocol.

At safety, rookies Montae Nicholson (AC joint aggravation/stinger) and Stefan McClure (hamstring) could miss some time, Gruden said. There are only two other safeties (D.J. Swearinger, Deshazor Everett) on the 53-man roster. Fish Smithson is on the practice squad and veteran DeAngelo Hall is working to prove he's healthy enough to return from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.

Meanwhile, defensive end Jonathan Allen (Lisfranc sprain), kicker Dustin Hopkins (hip flexor strain) and inside linebacker Mason Foster (torn labrum) are already on injured reserve. And now defensive end Matt Ioannidis needs surgery for a broken hand sustained in the Dallas loss. Ioannidis won't be placed on IR yet in the hopes he can return soon. He is third on the Redskins in sacks (3.5).

"The issue is we've got 13 guys that are questionable and we only have seven guys that we can put inactive," Gruden said. "That's the major issue that we have right now. We have to try to get six of those guys up -- at least. Somehow."

NOTES, QUOTES

--The Redskins will continue to rotate inside linebackers Will Compton, a two-year starter before this season, and third-year pro Martrell Spaight. Those two are replacing Mason Foster, who was placed on injured reserve on Friday with a torn labrum in his shoulder.

Foster expressed his frustration with the move on his personal Twitter account Friday night with almost all of his anger directed at Redskins management and not teammates or the coaching staff. Spaight played 38 snaps on Sunday against Dallas and Compton had 29.

--Washington has had success with three-tight end sets in recent weeks, but injuries to Jordan Reed and Niles Paul made that impossible against Dallas on Sunday.

Vernon Davis was the only other active tight end. Rookie Jeremy Sprinkle is also on the 53-man roster and will likely play for Reed in Seattle on Sunday. Given the struggles of Washington's wide receivers, Gruden is losing players who have helped keep the offense afloat.

"(Losing Reed) impacts it. You have to figure out what personnel packages you're going to feature and go from there," Gruden said. "Hopefully we will get good news on Niles and then we have (Jeremy) Sprinkle ready to go -- and obviously Vernon (Davis) is the ageless one who has done a nice job of staying healthy."

NOTES: WR Jamison Crowder tied a career high with nine receptions in Sunday's loss to Dallas and set a career high with 123 receiving yards. But Crowder came out of that game with a hamstring injury and a lower-leg contusion so his status for Sunday's game at Seattle is in doubt. ... WR Terrelle Pryor had just one target on Sunday in a loss to Dallas and no catches. It was his worst game since the first time the converted quarterback played full time at receiver in the NFL on Dec. 20, 2015 against San Francisco (no targets, no catches). ... RB Chris Thompson has 442 receiving yards, the third-most for a running back through seven games since 1999. ... QB Kirk Cousins has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 37 games since the start of the 2015 season, which ties for most in the NFL during that stretch. ... CB Josh Norman recovered a fumble in Sunday's loss to Dallas. He has four fumble recoveries in two seasons with the Redskins.

REPORT CARD VS. COWBOYS

--PASSING OFFENSE: C -- Almost have to grade this one on a curve for QB Kirk Cousins, who was missing three starters on the offensive line -- two of them Pro Bowlers -- and lost left guard Shawn Lauvao during the game. He was sacked four times. Conditions were also miserable with a steady rain all game. Cousins still managed to complete 26 of 39 passes for 263 yards and a touchdown. But for whatever reason he's still not connecting with wide receivers Terrelle Pryor and Josh Doctson, who had one catch on four targets combined. That's not good enough. Tight end Jordan Reed (one catch, 5 yards) wasn't a factor, either, and left with a hamstring injury. Wide receiver Jamison Crowder (nine receptions, 123 yards) had his best game of the year.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: D -- The offensive-line injuries had to play a role here, too, but the Redskins haven't been able to run the ball even when healthy. They managed just 49 yards on 15 carries (3.3 yards per carry). In poor weather conditions, that put way too much stress on the passing game. It's not like Dallas had a big lead and Washington was forced to throw the ball, either.

--PASS DEFENSE: B -- Cornerback Josh Norman (broken rib) returned, which was good. But the late scratch of opposite corner Bashaud Breeland (hamstring) hurt. It wasn't a passing kind of day with the rain, and Dallas was doing just fine with running back Ezekiel Elliott on the ground. But the Redskins held quarterback Dak Prescott to 14 completions and 143 yards. They also sacked him twice and didn't allow a touchdown through the air.

--RUSH DEFENSE: D -- Elliott did whatever he wanted with 150 rushing yards on 33 carries and two touchdowns. Prescott added a 10-yard run, but it was all about Elliott, who averaged 4.5 yards per carry.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: D -- The biggest play of the game came against the special teams unit. Kicker Nick Rose had his 36-yard field-goal attempt blocked and returned 86 yards to set up a short touchdown run by Elliott. Instead of leading 16-7, the Redskins trailed 14-13. That overshadowed anything else on special teams. Rose made his other two field-goal tries, but also missed an extra point that would have cut Dallas' lead to 26-20. Punter Tress Way had a nice evening with one punt downed inside the 10 and a 63-yard punt nullified by an illegal touching penalty. The return units did nothing of note.

--COACHING: B -- Hard to fault the coaching staff too much for a 33-19 loss that was a seven-point game with 54 seconds to go. Given their injuries on the offensive line and the mounting injuries on defense, it's impressive the Redskins kept it close at all with so many backups and fringe roster players. The run defense has been solid most of the season, but is starting to slip thanks to injuries and was exposed by Elliott.

After bye, Rams hope to pick up where they left off

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. -- The Los Angeles Rams got back to work on Monday after their bye week, sitting pretty at 5-2 and tied for first place atop the NFC West.

The key now: Maintain the momentum they built while constructing their best start in 13 years, which includes leading the NFL in scoring at 30.3 points per game and surrendering only 39 points over their last 14 quarters.

"I think there's a lot of good stuff going on right now and that's what it is. I think we want to try to keep that momentum going and how you do that is you take things one day at a time, one game at a time," Rams head coach Sean McVay said.

"Our focus right now is getting ready for a New York Giants team that (is) well led by Coach (Ben) McAdoo. Having gone against him the last couple years just being in that division, you know what they're capable of, they're an 11-win team. In this league it doesn't matter, they've got great players and we've got to be ready to go. Traveling on a Friday, we've got to make sure that we have good focus and concentration as we prepare for them starting on Wednesday, because the players will be off again tomorrow and then we'll come back Wednesday and resume our normal schedule."

The key to the former is their revamped offensive line continuing its brilliant work protecting second-year quarterback Jared Goff and opening holes for running back Todd Gurley II, and both Goff and Gurley staying on track toward their mutually breakout seasons.

Goff, written off as a bust after a disastrous rookie season, is a changed man working behind the reconstructed offensive line and surrounded by a bevy of new playmakers -- including wide receivers Robert Woods, Sammy Watkins and Cooper Kupp and the rejuvenated Gurley.

The first overall pick in the 2016 draft, Goff has thrown for 1,719 yards and nine touchdowns against just four interceptions. Miraculously, he's been sacked only 10 times through seven games after going down 26 times over the seven games he started as a rookie.

The better protection, combined with more perimeter weapons and the creative offense under McVay, has put Goff back on path to being the franchise quarterback the Rams envisioned upon drafting him and, just as important, has completely turned the Rams franchise around.

As good as Goff has been, though, Gurley has been equally impressive while bouncing back from a horrendous sophomore season last year to reclaim his standing as one of the best running backs in the NFL.

Gurley has 627 yards and five touchdowns on the ground while adding 293 yards and three touchdowns through the air.

Provided both Goff and Gurley can maintain their level of play, there's no reason to think the Rams can't remain in the thick of the NFC West division and NFC playoff chase.

They resume play off the bye against the New York Giants in New Jersey Sunday to conclude three straight games and one full month away from Los Angeles.

Beyond that, a matchup with the suddenly offensively dangerous Houston Texans awaits at the Coliseum in two weeks.

The stage is set for the Rams to make a legitimate playoff run, especially with their defense getting back on track after a shaky start.

The key now: Maintaining.

--Running back Lance Dunbar, who is on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, officially returned to practice on Monday. In doing so, it begins a 21-day clock in which the Rams either have to activate him to the active roster or keep him on PUP for the rest of the season.

Dunbar was a key free-agent addition this past offseason from the Dallas Cowboys and was expected to play a big role as a third-down back behind Todd Gurley. But the effects of a knee injury he suffered last season lingered into OTAs, training camp and the first seven weeks of the regular season to nullify him as an option.

It seems likely the Rams will eventually activate Dunbar given his skill set, fresh legs and how new Rams head coach Sean McVay can figure out a way to utilize him. To do so, though, they'd have to release a player from their active roster and that gets dicey considering the options are so limited. One option would be cutting rookie running back Justin Davis and hoping he slips through the waiver wire and the Rams can add him to the practice squad.

"The plan is you've got really those three weeks to kind of decide," McVay said. "It can be as soon as tomorrow or as late as those three weeks. I think what's great about that timetable we have is it gives us a chance to evaluate him, see how he handles it. Just today, kind of just glancing, it looked like he was moving around pretty good. Everything that we've gotten from (trainer) Reggie (Scott), as far as just where he's at physically - very encouraging. He's done a great job with his rehab and how that effects what we do on the roster is something that's going to be determined moving toward the latter half of the week and (general manager) Les (Snead) and I will sit down and talk about that."

--Wide receiver Robert Woods has been everything the Rams expected upon signing him as a free agent during the offseason. The veteran pass-catcher has 27 catches for 381 yards and has provided the leadership the Rams were hoping he'd provide.

"He's been great. I've always been a big fan of Robert since going back to the production that he had at USC," said Rams head coach Sean McVay. "I think he's a great separator, has the ability to make everything look the same with great body control - very reliable, competes in the run game. You can see why he's been a big part of what we've been able to do on third downs, first down, second down. He's been a big part of our offense and I think he's got a great way about himself, just the way that he's goes about his daily work, his daily business.

"I think he's influencing, affecting his teammates in the right way. He's been everything and more than what we had hoped when we got him in free agency. I think the other thing that says as much about him anything else - we talked about this with the team, it'll probably embarrass him, but makes a mistake in the Washington game just in terms of just the way we want to handle things with you guys right away, takes that accountability and then on a short week how does he respond? With one of his best performances against the 49ers. I think he's played really good football since then and you win with players like Robert Woods. We feel really good to have him on our team."

REPORT CARD AFTER 7 GAMES

--PASSING OFFENSE: B-plus - The Rams have completely altered the narrative of their offense by adding a strong passing game to their offense. And in the process uncovered a franchise quarterback in Jared Goff. The second-year QB has thrown for 1,719 yards and nine touchdowns against just four interceptions and is the beneficiary of an improved offensive line and a bevy of new wide receivers like Robert Woods, Cooper Kupp and Sammy Watkins. All signs are pointing up for the Rams as a result.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: B - The Rams spent all offseason fielding questions whether RB Todd Gurley II was nothing more than a one-year wonder after his production dropped as dramatically as it did after a strong rookie season. Those questions have been put to bed with Gurley rushing for 627 yards and five touchdowns. Meanwhile, they've figured out a way to spring Tavon Austin, who is averaging 5.4 yards on 25 carries and as a team have rushed for 893 yards on a 4.2 yards-per-carry clip.

--PASS DEFENSE: C - The Rams are ranked 24th in pass defense giving up 205 yards per game through the air. But there is a bit of a disclaimer. The Rams' offense has had leads and the defense has been good at run defense. That means opposing offenses have had to play catch-up without the benefit of the run. And that's driven up the pass yardage, although, of late, the Rams have been able to build a wall at the end zone relative to points given up.

--RUSH DEFENSE: A - The Rams are eighth in the NFL giving up just 123 yards per game on the ground, and that's after a shaky transition to Wade Phillips' 3-4 defense. But a dominant front line led by DT Aaron Donald and fast, aggressive linebackers led by Alec Ogletree have improved each week and the Rams have now become one of the best run defenses in the NFL.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: A - K Greg Zuerlein is 21 of 22 on field-goal attempts, P Johnny Hekker is averaging 47.9 yards per punt and the Rams have returned a kickoff for a touchdown, blocked a punt for a touchdown, forced a fumble on a punt and converted a first down on a fake punt. Game in and game out the Rams special teams have been an asset.

--COACHING: A - The Rams under new head coach Sean McVay have been prepared, efficient and effective in all three phases of the game. A morbid offense is now one of the best in the NFL. The defense has played dominantly the last three games and special teams is among the best in the NFL. Players have bought into the message and improved tremendously.

Reports: 49ers acquire QB Garoppolo from Pats

The San Francisco 49ers acquired quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo from the New England Patriots for a second-round pick in the 2018 draft, multiple media outlets reported Monday.

Garoppolo enjoyed a successful stint while filling in during Tom Brady's suspension related to "Deflategate" last season. The Eastern Illinois product completed 68.3 percent of his passes with four touchdowns and no interceptions.

He won both of his starts before sustaining a shoulder injury. Garoppolo subsequently was replaced for the last two games of Brady's suspension by the Patriots' then-third-stringer, Jacoby Brissett.

The 25-year-old quarterback, who was selected in the second round of the 2014 draft by New England, was a hot trade commodity during the summer before remaining as Brady's backup.

In 17 career NFL games (just the two starts), Garoppolo has completed 63 of 94 passes for 690 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions.

Garoppolo will head to San Francisco and be under the watch of coach Kyle Shanahan, who has seen quarterbacks Brian Hoyer and third-round pick C.J. Beathard struggle for the 49ers (0-8). Hoyer was replaced by Beathard in Week 6, with the latter tossing three interceptions in his two-plus games.

Garoppolo represents the second Brady backup to be traded in recent months. New England sent Brissett to Indianapolis shortly before the start of the season, receiving former Colts wide receiver Phillip Dorsett, a former first-round pick, in return.

In the wake of the reported trade, the 49ers released Hoyer on Monday evening, making him an option to rejoin the Patriots, his former team. With Garoppolo gone, the only quarterback on the New England roster would be Brady.

Hoyer, 32, backed up Brady for the Patriots from 2009-11, appearing in 13 games and making no starts. He subsequently earned starts with the Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears and San Francisco, going 16-21.

In 55 career games, Hoyer has a 59.3 percent completion rate with 9,853 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and 30 interceptions. This season, he was 0-6 as a starter for the 49ers with four TD passes and four interceptions.

Chargers get entire week off for bye

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- Head coach Anthony Lynn of the Los Angeles Chargers took to the podium on Monday as his players took off.

"These guys have been working hard, so I gave them the week off," Lynn said.

It's the Chargers' bye week and Lynn wasted little time making it just that. Smarting from another close loss, this one to the New England Patriots, 21-13, on Sunday, had left Lynn's team frazzled.

"They were in a lot of close games, had their backs against the wall, fought back and I just felt like getting away from football and being with their families is something they needed to do this week."

The coaches will be punching the clock, trying to figure out how the Chargers sit at 3-5 after losing another game by a single score. A bounce here and there -- as well as better execution everywhere -- and the team's ledger just as easily could be flipped.

But a loss to the defending champions ended a three-game winning streak on Sunday. That had come after a four-game losing skid as the Chargers continue their uneven showing.

"It's tough because we have been in every single game and we think what could have been," Lynn said. "But you can't do that. Our record is what it is: 3-5. We have to figure out a way to win the third and fourth quarters of the season."

That means while the players will have their legs up, the coaches will have their pencils out -- the ones with erasers to omit what has backfired for the Chargers.

"We'll reflect back and self-scout," Lynn said. "And we have different projects by guys trying to figure out like crazy how we can get better and how we want to move forward when the guys come back."

The Chargers will reconvene in Jacksonville on Nov. 12 against a Jaguars team that surprisingly has a share of the AFC South lead.

Now if the Chargers can just be the team that shocks everyone after their bye and in the second half.

Quarterback Philip Rivers doesn't forget the first half included an 0-4 record.

"I said if we can somehow get to 3-5 at the bye, we'll be in the hunt," he said. "And we did that."

--Lynn was emphatic on Monday that officials got a pick penalty call wrong that wiped out a Travis Benjamin touchdown. "Bad call," he said. "But they are human, too."

Tyrell Williams was the culprit.

"I was avoiding him and he went into me," said Williams, after the offensive pass interference was called.

--Running back Melvin Gordon tied Paul Lowe's team mark for the longest run with an 87-yard touchdown run on Sunday. Gordon, who has been battling some foot and shoulder injuries, just did outlast the defenders for the score.

"I couldn't change gears," a gassed Gordon said. "I felt like I had King Kong on my back."

--Travis Benjamin went from being the AFC special teams player of the week to making one of the biggest special teams miscues in recent history. Benjamin, who had returned a punt for a score the week before, fielded one around the New England 11, dropped it, recovered it and retreated into the end zone where he was tackled for a safety.

"He knows it was a bad decision," Lynn said. "It was a complete lack of awareness on his part."

--The Chargers expect to get a boost with the return of inside linebacker Denzel Perryman when the team resumes play. Perryman is one of the unit's best run-stuffers, but he missed the first half with an ankle injury.

"I don't see any reason why he wouldn't be able to go," Lynn said.

--Defensive end Joey Bosa had a sack on Sunday, the 19th of his career. That's the most by any player in his first 20 games.

NOTES: RT Joe Barksdale (toe) wasn't able to play on Sunday. The bye comes at a good time for him. ... ILB Denzel Perryman (ankle) is expected to play when the Chargers return against Jacksonville on Nov. 12. ... RG Kenny Wiggins drew praise from head coach Anthony Lynn for his play through eight games. ... LG Dan Feeney did OK, according to head coach Anthony Lynn, in his first NFL start. Feeney, a rookie, replaced Matt Slauson (biceps) after he suffered a season-ending injury. ... RB Branden Oliver was active on Sunday, one week after being a healthy scratch. Oliver had 3 yards on three carries.

REPORT CARD VS. PATRIOTS

--PASSING OFFENSE: B -- It's a rare game that Philip Rivers heaves it 30 times and doesn't reach 220 yards passing. The Chargers had too many drops and penalties on big plays as Rivers added to the deficiencies with an interception and losing some 20 yards with a self-induced fumble. Travis Benjamin had a TD catch and also failed to find the sideline with precious seconds ticking away on the final drive. Only one sack allowed.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: B -- The Chargers are still having trouble running the ball, although their total of 157 might say otherwise. But 87 of those came on one carry thanks to Melvin Gordon and it was good for a touchdown. Otherwise, it was some tough sledding for a unit that started a rookie at left guard in Dan Feeney and backup Michael Schofield at right tackle. But other than that, the Chargers continue to be challenged on the ground.

--PASS DEFENSE: B -- Joey Bosa continues to live in other teams' backfields and he gets to add Tom Brady to his list of those he's sacked. Although Melvin Ingram's name was seldom heard, Darius Philon got a sack and a big deflected pass. Giving up one TD pass and 333 yards to Brady can lead to a win but shoddy tackling on the back end derailed those aspirations.

--RUSH DEFENSE: C -- The Chargers kept someone under 100 yards and that in itself is worth celebrating. Although it was just 3 yards shy of the century mark, so let's not go overboard. Again tackling was an issue for the Chargers and that goes for all three layers of the unit. Adrian Phillips had a game-high 12 tackles, but he is going to need some help.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: F -- It will be a surprise if Travis Benjamin's punt return isn't on every NFL blooper video for years to come. He caught a ball he shouldn't have, dropped it, picked it up and headed straight for his end zone. He was tackled for a safety, part of a five-point swing after the Chargers had to return the ball to the Patriots, who went in for a field goal. Players ran into each other on fair catches and Nick Novak wasn't close on a 51-yard field-goal attempt. Offside on a kickoff and coverages were horrible.

--COACHING: D -- Some odd play-calling that had Philip Rivers frustrated illustrated the up-and-down day for head coach Anthony Lynn. He went for a 51-yard field goal that Nick Novak had no shot at making. He could have gone for it on fourth-and-1 at the New England 33. Twice the Chargers were called for too many men on the field, which is two times too many. Short-yardage calls continue to mystify the staff and the special teams again lead the world in mistakes. Too much sloppy football presented by the rookie coach to knock off a world champion at home.

Jets need better finishes from QB McCown

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Quarterback Josh McCown is one of the feel-good stories of the NFL season.

The 38-year-old is in his 15th NFL season. It should be his 16th, but he was out of the league in 2010, playing instead in the now-defunct UFL.

Cast aside by the lowly Cleveland Browns after last season, the New York Jets took a flier on him in the spring and he's been everything they could've hoped for.

He's been a mentor to the team's young receivers, he's affable with the media and he's always optimistic, even in the most trying times. Plus, he's completing 70.5 percent of his passes, which is third in the league behind Alex Smith and Drew Brees, and his next touchdown pass will tie his career high for a season, when he had 13 in 2013 for the Bears.

Here's the problem: As his been the case throughout his career, McCown is a solid quarterback in the first half of games, but he really struggles in crunch time.

Maybe that's why his career record is 21-47 and he lost 20 of his 22 starts in three seasons before coming to New York.

Maybe that's why Matt Forte, who was McCown's teammate for three seasons in Chicago before they both landed back together with the Jets this year, quibbled with offensive coordinator John Morton's pass-first approach after Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Falcons.

And maybe that's why the Jets, despite their moxie and occasional entertaining offense, are destined for their third last-place finish in four years.

"We can't make key mistakes," head coach Todd Bowles said after Sunday's game. "We just have to win a ball game."

When a team blows a lead, there are many variables. And there were plenty of culprits on Sunday more deserving of blame than McCown (see: wide receiver Jeremy Kerley, kicker Chandler Catanzaro and the whole offensive line).

But here are the facts: The Jets have lost three games in a row. In each game, McCown has thrown a touchdown pass on the opening possession. The Jets have led the last two games going into the fourth quarter. And in all three, they've scored a combined 13 second-half points.

McCown has eight touchdown passes and two interceptions in the first half of games this season, but only four touchdowns and five picks in the second half, including two touchdowns and four interceptions in the fourth quarter.

Plus, he's been sacked nine times in the fourth quarter, the most of any period.

Again, there are plenty of variables as to why the Jets' offense stalls late in games, including penalties and lack of a consistent running game.

And some would argue, rightfully, that McCown's fourth-quarter numbers would be better had his touchdown pass to Austin Seferian-Jenkins against the Patriots not been overturned.

Still, this isn't a new trend for McCown.

In his career, the fourth quarter is the only quarter McCown has more interceptions (37) than touchdown passes (36), and he's been sacked 80 times in the fourth, far more than any other quarter.

"All of us together have to look inside ourselves and figure out what the heck's going on, why we don't finish," McCown said after Sunday's game.

"We just have to find a way to close out games. That's the next step for us. We're a new group that came together this year and we're trying to grow up fast."

But McCown is grown up. Only two quarterbacks -- Tom Brady and Brees -- are older than him. So it's unlikely the old dog will learn new tricks on how to close out games in the fourth quarter.

That said, don't expect McCown to lose his starting job anytime soon.

When asked if the Jets (3-5) would give Bryce Petty and/or Christian Hackenberg a look at some point, Bowles responded: "I looked at all of my young quarterbacks in the summer. Josh is my quarterback."

For better or for worse.

--Running back Matt Forte was critical of first-year offensive coordinator John Morton's play-calling after Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Falcons.

"I only had four carries this game," the 10-year-veteran said after the game. "I don't think we ran the ball enough with this weather being the way it was."

Morton called 22 runs and 36 passes. Though Forte had a season-low in carries, he was involved in the passing game, as per usual, with six catches for 45 yards. Bilal Powell ran the ball 14 times for 33 yards.

"There should've been at least one person getting 20 carries, the way the weather was," Forte said. "I thought we were going to grind them out on the ground. It ended up not turning out that way."

On Monday, Forte said he spoke with head coach Todd Bowles and Morton about his comments.

"We talked about some ways to win football games and then we went on to Buffalo," he told ESPN after Monday's walkthrough, adding that it was "overkill" to keep harping on what he said after the game.

In his weekly interview on ESPN Radio on Monday, Bowles said Forte shouldn't have gone public with his complaint, but that it came out of frustration.

"Every running back wants the ball more in certain situations," Bowles said. "But we got down a little bit in the second half, so we had to throw a little bit more. There was no harm meant by it. I understand perfectly what he was saying.

"It's a throwing league, but we can run the ball, too. We can be balanced either way. ... We had a good game plan going in."

Bowles added the players' frustration might be coming out more because "they're pissed off" with the recent losing streak. But in his weekly press conference with reporters, he said the issue with Forte was "a waste of (his) time to even talk about."

Forte has 164 rushing yards and no touchdowns in six games. His career low for rushing yards in a season is 813, which he had last year.

--The Jets again struggled covering tight ends in Sunday's 25-20 loss to the Falcons, as they have now given up five touchdowns to tight ends in the last four games.

It would have been six, but Austin Hooper dropped an easy pass on the goal line in the second quarter. Hooper scored the Falcons' first touchdown and finished with four catches for 47 yards.

On Atlanta's first scoring drive, Hooper and fellow tight end Levine Toilolo combined for four catches for 56 yards.

The Jets may have had an excuse for the poor coverage on the possession, as head coach Todd Bowles said their headsets went out during the drive and they lost communication on the field for "about three plays."

"It makes it tough, so you leave that one defense in there and you play a blanket defense," Bowles said. "I don't know why it malfunctioned, probably was weather."

NOTES: CB Morris Claiborne (foot) did not practice Monday. Head coach Todd Bowles said "it's possible" Claiborne could play Thursday against the Bills. ... DE Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder, foot) did not practice Monday. Head coach Todd Bowles said it's "gonna be tough" for Wilkerson to play on a short week. ... FB Lawrence Thomas (concussion) will not play in Thursday's game against the Bills, according to head coach Todd Bowles. ... SS Terrence Brooks (hamstring) did not practice Monday. ... DE Ed Stinson (neck) did not practice Monday. ... TE Jordan Leggett (knee) did not practice Monday. ... CB Buster Skrine (concussion) was limited at Monday's practice. ... RT Brent Qvale (toe) was limited at Monday's practice. ... RT Brandon Shell (neck) was limited at Monday's practice. ... RB Matt Forte (knee) was limited at Monday's practice.

REPORT CARD VS. FALCONS

--PASSING OFFENSE: B - Josh McCown completed a season-high 78.8 percent of his passes in the steady downpour for 257 yards and didn't throw an interception for the first time since Week 3. But while he moved the ball some late in the game, McCown remained without a fourth-quarter touchdown pass during the Jets' three-game losing streak. McCown, who completed passes to eight different receivers, at least seems to be gaining a nice rapport with second-year receiver Robby Anderson, who had a career-high 104 yards and a touchdown on six catches.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: F - Matt Forte complained after the game about offensive coordinator John Morton not calling enough rushing plays, but when he did, the Jets were atrocious. Bilal Powell had 33 yards on 14 carries, and Forte had four carries for seven yards. The Jets had only one carry go for longer than six yards, Powell's 12-yard run on the first play of the game. Rookie Elijah McGuire got only one carry, his lowest total since the season opener, presumably because he took over kickoff return duties from the inactive ArDarius Stewart.

--PASS DEFENSE: C - The Jets' streak of five straight games with an interception came to an end against Matt Ryan, who was 18-for-29 for 254 yards and two touchdowns. Ryan would have had even better numbers if he didn't lose two fumbles on quarterback-center exchanges. Muhammad Wilkerson finally recorded the Jets' first sack by a defensive lineman, but New York gave up a receiving touchdown to a tight end for the fourth straight week. Austin Hooper would have had a second had he not dropped a pass at the goal line. And when Morris Claiborne went out with an injury, Ryan went up top to Julio Jones for 53 yards with Darryl Roberts in coverage to set up a field goal.

--RUSH DEFENSE: C - The Jets were doing a decent job corralling Atlanta's potent running back duo of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman through three quarters, but then Coleman went for 71 of the team's 140 rushing yards in the fourth quarter, including a 52-yard burst through two attempted arm tackles to set up the eventual game-winning touchdown three plays later. The Falcons ran for 4.4 yards per carry on 32 attempts and seemed to wear down the Jets' defense late.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: F - Jeremy Kerley's muffed punt was the Jets' lone turnover of the game and came at a most inopportune time, with New York down by two and about to get the ball back inside seven minutes to play in the fourth quarter. Chandler Catanzaro had missed two field goals all season coming into the game, but missed two on Sunday, from 46 and 48 yards, both wide right. Punter Lachlan Edwards had a solid 45.8 net yards on his five punts, including three inside the Falcons' 20-yard line, but the Falcons did have an 80-yard return for a touchdown nullified by a questionable penalty.

--COACHING: D - Same old story. Credit head coach Todd Bowles for having his team put up a good fight against a superior opponent on paper. But three blown leads in three weeks is a tough pill to swallow for a fan base that had just started getting its hopes up after a three-game winning streak.

NFL suspends Bears LB Freeman 10 games

The NFL on Monday suspended Chicago Bears linebacker Jerrell Freeman 10 games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.

This is the second time the league has suspended Freeman. He missed four games in 2016 for the same violation.

Freeman, in his sixth season from Mary Hardin-Baylor, will begin serving his suspension immediately and will not be paid. He currently is on injured reserve after suffering a torn pectoral and concussion.

He will miss eight games this season and two games in 2018.

Freeman responded on Twitter, saying, "I hate to say I'm sorry again but I am sorry. ... I don't know my future but a big thanks to the Bears and the NFL, if I would have used their programs and services earlier than I did I wouldn't be in this situation."

Freeman signed a three-year deal with Chicago during the 2016 offseason.

Cardinals activate LB Albright from practice squad

The Arizona Cardinals promoted linebacker Bryson Albright to the active roster from the practice squad on Monday.

The 6-foot-5, 235-pound Albright joined the Cardinals' practice squad on Sept. 4. He spent the preseason with the Cincinnati Bengals until he was released on Sept. 2

Albright appeared in one game with Buffalo in 2016 and split his rookie season between the Bills' active roster and practice squad. He entered the NFL with Buffalo last year as an undrafted free agent out of Miami (Ohio).

The Cardinals also signed offensive tackle Javarius Leamon to the practice squad.

The 6-7, 332-pound Leamon entered the league with the New York Jets in May as an undrafted free agent from South Carolina State. He was released by the Jets on Sept. 2.

Texans' O'Brien keeps players' feelings in mind

Houston Texans coach Bill O'Brien is trying to keep his players focused after a weekend of dealing with team owner Bob McNair's "inmates running the prison" comment.

All but 10 Texans players kneeled and linked arms during the national anthem before Sunday's game against the Seattle Seahawks in protest of the owner's comment.

O'Brien was asked Monday about the keys to keeping players focused, a day after the 41-38 loss at the Seattle Seahawks.

"Understand the players' feelings," O'Brien told reporters regarding the issue. "Understand that you have 63 guys in that locker room that come from all different types of backgrounds, all different parts of the country.

"Make sure you listen to the players, and at the end of the day, you support the players. The players are the ones going out there and putting it on the line for us every week. I feel like our coaching staff and our players have a very important bond, and that's key. That's why I've always, since I started coaching when I was a graduate assistant, it's always been about the players for me."

From Hurricane Harvey to the McNair controversy to the Jerry Sandusky aftermath while he was head coach at Penn State, O'Brien has dealt with distractions.

"Well certainly going through that experience at Penn State was a big help for me, personally," O'Brien said. "I had a lot of great guys around me, with the players that were there and then obviously we had a great coaching staff there.

"It's very, very different here relative to what we're talking about. But we have a great group of guys in that locker room and a great coaching staff. I think you learn from all your experiences and you just try to judge it and try to deal with it in the best way possible."

After his comment -- "We can't have the inmates running the prison" -- reported by ESPN The Magazine became public Friday, the 79-year-old McNair apologized, met with the Texans players and issued two statements.

Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and rookie running back D'Onta Foreman missed Friday's practice in response to McNair's comment made during an Oct. 18 meeting where owners talked about business concerns related to the anthem protests.

"Maybe we spent less time on certain parts of the game in the meeting room, but we didn't lose any practice time, if that makes sense," O'Bien said. "That's kind of how we handled it, but the big thing was, like I said, we, big emphasis on we, not just me, like I've said from day one, is we support our players 100 percent."

NFL owners and executives have been scrambling to determine the best response to players kneeling during the national anthem this season, a movement started last year by former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick to denounce police brutality against African-Americans, social injustice and racial inequality. A number of players followed Kaepernick's lead by taking a knee during the anthem last year and this season.

President Donald Trump continued his criticism of the NFL following the owners meeting with players on Oct. 17 to discuss the ongoing national anthem protests. McNair contributed to Trump's campaign and donated $1 million to Trump's inaugural committee.

NFL players who have demonstrated during the national anthem have said they are protesting racial inequality, but not the flag or the anthem itself.

Bills win after moving on from DT Dareus

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- In the final analysis, Marcell Dareus' 6 1/2 years in Buffalo will be looked upon as underwhelming.

There was some very good play, particularly in 2013 and 2014 when he earned Pro-Bowl berths, but it was rarely great given his lofty draft status and exorbitant contract.

It was also filled with head-scratching, game-long disappearances on the field on too many days, and equally perplexing off-the-field problems that led to two NFL suspensions totaling five games.

Dareus was traded Friday night to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2018 sixth-round draft pick. That was the return for a player who was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2011 draft who went on to become one of the highest-paid athletes in Buffalo sports history.

And it's probably about the best the Bills could have hoped for because ultimately, the greatest achievement in consummating the deal is that Buffalo shed more than $50 million in future salary.

Even though general manager Brandon Beane said the Bills weren't necessarily looking to move Dareus, clearly, when Jacksonville called, they didn't waste much time figuring out how to make it work.

"Every decision from a roster standpoint you make, you have to consider what it does to your cap immediately, and in future years," Beane said. "I'd be lying if I said that wasn't in the equation. We did have a couple talks in the preseason, but nothing came to fruition."

Those talks began after Dareus showed up late for a preseason game in Baltimore when he missed all of the buses transporting the team to the stadium. He was sent home, and that may have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back.

Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have shown no fear in jettisoning players they don't believe fit into the future of the team, and Dareus now joins wide receiver Sammy Watkins on the list.

All McDermott would say about the move after the Bills beat Oakland 34-14 Sunday was: "Look, I really appreciate all the time and effort that Marcell put into this team, and really, we wish him well. Those things are never easy, especially the timing and everything. The players, I thought, handled it extremely well and came out with the right mindset today to take care of what they needed to take care of. But we wish Marcell nothing but the best."

Defensive tackle Kyle Williams, who invested a lot of work in helping Dareus learn and grow as a player and a person, said the trade is "best for both sides." He went to see Dareus when the news hit, and he said: "I think it's good for him to have a change of scenery and I think to kind of move on from here. I love the guy, wish nothing but the best for him. Obviously, it's still tough for me because I poured a lot of myself into him over the last seven years. It's tough to see him go, but he'll always be a friend, and I'll always pull for him."

Without Dareus, the Bills held the high-flying Raiders to 14 points in a victory that firmly establishes them as playoff contenders with a 5-2 record. Outside of a poor drive on defense to start the game when the Raiders marched down the field to score, the Bills were in control the entire way.

LeSean McCoy rushed for 151 yards and scored on a 48-yard run, quarterback Tyrod Taylor played another turnover-free game, and the defense and special teams forced four turnovers that helped set up 13 points -- one was a 40-yard fumble return touchdown by rookie linebacker Matt Milano.

"Well, I understand that," linebacker Lorenzo Alexander said when asked about the trepidation some fans may have about believing in this team given the gruesome history of a 17-year playoff drought.

"That's the biggest thing from being a fan to being a part of the team internally because everybody hasn't been a part of that. This team is totally different and we don't hold on to that, that whole 17 years isn't on us."

--Backup tight end Logan Thomas played only 28 offensive and special teams snaps and he recorded one catch for seven yards. But given the week he endured, it was only fitting that head coach Sean McDermott handed Thomas one of the game balls following Buffalo's 34-14 victory over the Raiders.

On Tuesday, Thomas and his wife Brandie suffered an unimaginable tragedy when their daughter, Brooklynn Rose, was born six months premature and then died. The couple already has four sons together, and they were eager to add a girl to the mix, but that will not happen, at least not yet. Thomas missed practice Wednesday, but was back at work Thursday.

Thomas was given the honor of breaking the team down in the post-game locker room and with his teammates huddled around him, he said, "I just want to say thank you to everybody from the top to the bottom who have had my back this week. We really appreciate it and we feel y'all's love. Family on three."

"I can't say enough great things about Logan, the type of man he is and just the person he is," rookie wide receiver Zay Jones said. "It's sad. I can't even really speak on that. It's something that I've never experienced or anything like that. Just to see one of my brothers happy after a great win, after a tumultuous week. Just to come out and honor him with something, the game ball that's special, especially in a locker room full of guys that love and care for you. It was awesome to see him get that."

--Rookie linebacker Matt Milano had yet another impressive day, and even though McDermott said injured Ramon Humber is still the starter when he returns following thumb surgery, it seems illogical to take Milano out of the lineup. Against the Raiders, he returned a fumble 40 yards for a touchdown and also forced a fumble in punt coverage. The week before against Tampa Bay, he made an interception and had two tackles for loss.

The fifth-round pick from Boston College seems to have a nose for the ball, and the defense hasn't dipped at all with him in place of Humber.

"It just goes back to the way we practice," said Milano. "Coach (Leslie) Frazier and all of our coaches do a great job of really putting us in positions and emphasizing that throughout the week. Everybody's got to be ready. I think it's the way we practice, like I said before, it all comes back to that. Everybody's practicing hard, everybody's getting reps, and if you're not in, you're taking mental reps. I think the bigger plays kind of trump the plays that I did miss, but we see them in the film room and get them corrected."

--Wide receiver Andre Holmes wasn't going to deny it. This game against his former team, where he spent four seasons before leaving for Buffalo via free agency, meant something more to him.

"Yeah, for sure. When they came out with the schedule and I saw that we were playing Oakland, I had it on my calendar, of course," said Holmes. "I was excited to compete with them, all of them are like family to me, I spent four years there. It felt good to be able to play well against them and get a win."

Holmes had only eight catches for 46 yards coming into the game, although two of his catches were touchdowns. Against the Raiders, he made three receptions for 51 yards and scored his third TD. His 36-yard reception set up another touchdown, and both that catch, and the TD, were superb toe-tappers on the sideline.

"Before the game I talked to a lot of the guys and I was just telling them how I couldn't wait to compete with them today inside those lines," he said of the Raiders. "Out of respect, and everything, respect for them, and I was excited we got the job done."

NOTES: FS Jordan Poyer made good progress according to head coach Sean McDermott on Monday, but he's still listed as day-to-day and with the short turnaround for Thursday, he may not be available to play. ...

CB E.J. Gaines (hamstring) is also limited in what he can do in practice this week and he'll likely be unavailable for the game against the Jets. ... TE Charles Clay made some progress with his knee injury, but he's day-to-day and did not practice on Monday. ... QB Tyrod Taylor had another turnover-free performance while completing 20 of 27 passes for 165 yards with one TD. He was limited to just one yard on six rushing attempts, but did have a one-yard TD plunge. ... RB LeSean McCoy had a breakout day as he rushed 27 times for 151 yards and a 48-yard TD. That's 242 yards in the last two weeks after rushing for just 279 the first five games. ... WR Andre Holmes had his best game as a Bill with three catches for 51 yards including a TD. He has only 11 catches for the Bills, but three have gone for TDs. ... WR Zay Jones had his best game as a pro with three catches for 32 yards. ... FS Trae Elston made his first NFL start and he was in on 11 tackles and had a later interception. ... SS Micah Hyde made his NFL-leading fifth interception of the season, catching a pass that had been tipped by LB Preston Brown. ... P Colton Schmidt had a solid game in cold, rainy conditions as he netted 43 yards on his five punts, and had four punts downed inside the 20, one at the 1-yard-line. ... DT Adolphus Washington got the start in place of the traded Marcell Dareus, and he was in on three tackles and deflected a pass. ... LB Preston Brown was in on seven tackles and he had two passes defensed.

REPORT CARD VS. RAIDERS

--PASSING OFFENSE: C - Tyrod Taylor played turnover-free yet again, and the Bills have only three turnovers all season. Taylor was economical as he completed 20 of 27 passes for 165 yards, and eight of those completions resulted in first downs. WR Andre Holmes had two big plays, a touchdown catch and 36-yarder that set up another TD. Rookie Zay Jones had his best day as a pro, though it wasn't much - three catches for 32 yards. The offensive line had a good day as Raiders star DE Khalil Mack barely drew a breath near Taylor.

--RUSHING OFFENSE: A - The Bills seem to have regained their mojo, and it coincides with LT Cordy Glenn returning to the lineup. The Bills ran for 166 yards, with LeSean McCoy breaking out for a season-best 151 that included a late 48-yard touchdown run. The Bills' offensive line has settled in the last couple weeks with Glenn at left tackle and Vlad Ducasse at right guard, and it was Ducasse who had the key block to spring McCoy on his TD run.

--PASS DEFENSE: C - The Bills were down two starters as FS Jordan Poyer and CB E.J. Gaines sat out with injuries. In stepped Shareece Wright and Trae Elston, and while it certainly wasn't a great day, the Bills held their own. Derek Carr threw for a hollow 313 yards, and the Bills picked him off twice, one each by Elston and SS Micah Hyde. CB Tre'Davious White shadowed Raiders WR Amari Cooper most of the day, and he did an excellent job limiting him to five catches for 48 yards. One area of concern was the lack of a pass rush as Carr was not sacked.

--RUSH DEFENSE: A - The Raiders did not have suspended Marshawn Lynch, but whether that mattered is uncertain. They attempted only 14 runs and totaled 54 yards as Lynch's two-man replacement, DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard, combined for just 47 yards. For one game, the Bills certainly didn't miss the departed Marcell Dareus in the middle of their line.

--SPECIAL TEAMS: A-minus - Punter Colton Schmidt had an excellent day in less-than-ideal conditions. Four of his five punts were downed inside the 20 and one that sailed out of bounds at the 1. His net was a superb 43 yards. Stephen Hauschka made both of his field goals and all four extra points. The kickoffs were a little ragged, though. Hauschka tried to keep the ball out of harm's way against a team that's very dangerous on kickoff returns and Cordarrelle Patterson did have a 43-yarder. The punt coverage team forced a fumble that set up a field goal.

--COACHING: A - Once again, the Bills had a good plan on both sides, and executed it with few mistakes. When you have a team devoid of star players like the Bills, you have to be crisp in everything you do, and the Bills have been for most of the year. On offense, coordinator Rick Dennison continues to revamp the running game and it looks like the Bills are back on track after a slow start. On defense, Leslie Frazier is getting quality performances from a number of no-name players, and while they're still giving up too many yards in the air, the Bills aren't breaking at the end.