NFL Roundtable: Love's Labor Lost

Each week we sit down with TwinSpires columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. Today they weigh in on the league's best available free agent, the Bills' sudden collapse, and Jordan Love's lackluster first start.

Adrian Peterson made his return to the NFL on Sunday with the Titans. Which other current free agent would you most like to see back in the league?

Ashley: Aside from wanting to see if Odell Beckham Jr. can prove Baker Mayfield was the issue, and not him, I’d like a franchise to give Cam Newton one more chance. I wasn’t a Newton fan in the past, but I saw growth in him as a teammate during his brief stint with the New England Patriots, and he still possesses the athleticism to make big plays on the ground. His best years are behind him, but there are a number of teams desperate for help at quarterback, and someone out there would be wise to bring Newton on, at least as a backup. 

James: It’s difficult for me to believe Adrian Peterson is only 36-years-old – it seems like he’s been playing in the NFL for 30 years. Cam Newton is the answer to this question. I think he’s the free agent who could have the most impact by returning to the league. And I think the New Orleans Saints, who lost Jameis Winston in Week 8, could use him.

Scott: There are a couple of free agents I would love to see back in the NFL, but Cam Newton tops the list. Newton battled through COVID-19 in 2020 and struggled on the field in New England, but I have always enjoyed watching the first overall selection in the 2011 NFL Draft play. Perhaps the Panthers will bring him back with Sam Darnold struggling big time in his first year at the helm in Carolina. 

The Bills scored just six points against the Jaguars and have now lost two of their last three games. What’s wrong with Buffalo?

Ashley: Penalties are one glaring issue. Buffalo was called for 12 for 118 yards against Jacksonville in Week 9, and has combined for 39 penalties over its past four games. The Bills also need serious help in the run game. Josh Allen has led his team in rushing in three of the last four games, and none of Buffalo’s running backs have topped the 40-yard rushing mark in that span. Allen is doing way too much in this offense, and when he’s forced to play hero, we often get a mixed bag of brilliance and mind-numbing mistakes by the dual-threat. Greater discipline by the defense should clean up some of the issues, but the Bills must also find an answer to their lack of production by their running backs.

James: Josh Allen had a bad game against Jacksonville - it happens - but I won’t say anything’s wrong with Buffalo. At least not yet. Tennessee earned the victory over Buffalo, stopping their opponent on the goal line on downs in the final seconds, and the Titans are good. There’s no excuse for the loss to Jacksonville, but it can be a motivator. The Bills are still the AFC team to beat in my estimation, and I expect them to rebound stylishly against the Jets.

Scott: A few weeks ago it looked like the Bills were the clear-cut favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl. Buffalo still has a big chance, but they need to fix their offense if they want to make it to the "Big Game" for the first time since the 1993-94 season. The running game is non-existent, and Josh Allen has been struggling to get the ball downfield to 2020 First-Team All-Pro WR Stefon Diggs. Fortunately for Buffalo, their defense continues to play at an elite level, but they need their high-powered aerial attack to pick things up to reach their potential. 

Jordan Love made his first career start on Sunday against the Chiefs. What were your impressions of the Packers’ QB?

Ashley: Love’s starting debut was underwhelming against a Chiefs defense that has hardly been able to stop any opposing quarterback. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo knew how to exploit an inexperienced signal caller and sent five or more pass rushers on 51% of Love’s dropbacks, and blitzed on 69% of Love’s third- and fourth-down dropbacks. The second-year QB was off target and shaky to start, but he also demonstrated a few promising qualities. His mobility helped him evade pressure, as he was sacked just once on the day. Love also settled down in the fourth quarter, when he completed seven straight passes, before he tossed an interception near Kansas City’s goal line. He responded with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Allen Lazard on his team’s final drive. Considering he found out Wednesday that he would be replacing Aaron Rodgers in one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season, Love performed as expected for a player who has only seen significant game action one other time in his career.

James: His performance left plenty to be desired, but Jordan Love’s debut wasn’t a disaster – he led a touchdown drive late in the fourth quarter to put the Packers within a score. Green Bay converted only 2-of-12 third downs, and Love struggled to handle Kansas City’s blitz packages and threw an interception, and the young quarterback still has much to prove. But I won’t jump to any conclusions until we have more evidence.

Scott: Very little went well in Jordan Love’s first career start on Sunday afternoon. The 26th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft never looked comfortable in the Packers' 13-7 loss in Arrowhead Stadium to the Chiefs. Love completed 19-of-34 passes, but was reluctant to throw the ball downfield, which made life far too easy for a subpar Kansas City defense. If the former Utah State star is to make it as a starting QB, he is going to need to show more composure in the pocket and get far better with his ball placement.