Who needs to bounce back in NFL Week Eight?

Another week is in the books and that means it’s time for another bounce back. This week we are moving from 5 candidates to 3. 

For this one I’m going to focus on three playoff hopefuls. Each one could really do with gaining a victory in week 8. Each lost in week 7, but all of them have a realistic chance to do what is needed, to bounce back. 

1. Miami Dolphins

Miami were handed their second loss of the season when they came up against the Eagles. This game was largely controlled by Philadelphia throughout. The Dolphins didn’t really get much say in the outcome of the match as Hurts and co, dictated that.

Now with the news that Hill might not play this week, I’m wondering if this game with the Patriots could be a possible slip up in the making. Hill is an MVP candidate and the reason I say that is simple. Although he is not a quarterback, he has such an influence on the game. Teams can’t plan for Hill, his speed can’t be taught, it’s just a natural talent.

He can change the game in one play and his stats so far this year are otherworldly. This is really set up to be a fascinating game and one that could go a number of different ways. A fast start will be needed by Miami and they could really do with a big divisional win here. They’re in the driver’s seat, but they need to keep the foot down. 

2. Detroit Lions

The Lions have been one of the brightest storylines of the season so far. But they faced their toughest test against the Ravens and they were manhandled into defeat. Sometimes it’s not about getting beat it’s the manner in which you’re beaten and that is what got me on Sunday. 

The Lions couldn’t lay a finger on Lamar and his offense, nor could they get their offense going themselves. It’s very uncharacteristic of this new look Lions team and for me personally, it’s still sinking in. The one positive is that they can put all that behind them when they host the Raiders and this has to be a game where the Lions play like they had before the humbling defeat in Baltimore.

I want to see that tenacity again in them. I want to see them control the line of scrimmage and to make a point that they aren’t the Lions of old. It’s a good matchup for them against the Raiders and I can see them putting on a show at home. Just don’t allow it to be a close game or to go down to the wire, they need to get this game won as soon as possible. 

3. Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers came up short against the defending champs last time out. My concern isn’t them losing to the Chiefs, it’s the fact they are 2 – 4 and for this early stage of the season, playoff football looks most unlikely.

That being said, they have a chance to get back to 3 – 4 when they face the Bears this weekend in what is a must win game. For the past couple of seasons the Chargers have been a leading favourite for many as Super Bowl candidates, but time and time again they come mightily short. Justin Herbert for me isn’t playing at quite the same standard as we are used to seeing him at and I’m not sure we have seen the best of him under new OC Kellen Moore.

They are building a bad habit of losing close games and if they don’t change things around sharply, my concern turns to HC Brandon Staley. He surely has to be walking on thin ice, he has had questionable game management decisions in his time in

charge, the gut wrenching loss to the Jags last year and now a more than disappointing start to this season. I’m not sure even if things do improve, that he keeps his job. But if he wants to keep it, he needs to get things moving and trending in the right direction. That starts with winning this week against the Bears. The hope then would be that a win this week is a catalyst for a run. Only time will tell but they need this win so badly. 

A slight variation to the usual bounce back layout but these three teams have a lot riding on this week. Failure to win is likely to cause a serious impact on their seasons moving forward. No one wants back to back losses, but only time will tell if that happens.