Breakdowns

11/9/20

2 min min read

Mike T's Week 9 Takeaways

By Mike Tannenbaum

Former NFL Executive

Here are five takeaways from Sunday’s Week 9 action:

1. Josh Allen outplayed Russell Wilson

Buffalo QB Josh Allen had a spectacular day both running and passing as the Bills topped the Seahawks, 44-34. Allen outplayed Wilson, who was the presumptive MVP coming into this game. Whether or not the Patriots get their act together, the Bills are clearly the best team in the AFC East.

2. Steelers remain unbeaten, but…

The Steelers came back from 10 down to avoid an upset in Dallas and move to 8-0 on the season. Still, there was a hint of vulnerability. Because of Ben Roethlisberger’s age (38) and lack of mobility, there has to be some concern about his ability to make it through the season.

3. Where’s Haskins?

How far down is the Washington Football Team on Dwayne Haskins, their 2019 first-round pick? They lost Kyle Allen to a bad injury and committed five turnovers in Sunday’s loss to the Giants. Alex Smith finished the game for Washington, but it will be interesting to see who starts for them next week.

4. Looking ahead in Baltimore

The Ravens defense played exceptionally well, holding the Colts to two third-down conversions in a 24-10 victory. Offensively, however, Lamar Jackson only had 170 yards passing and no passing TDs. The Ravens will have a significant decision to make on a contract extension; they’ll clearly exercise the fifth year option, but agreeing to the long-term value is something different.

5. Saints are marching

In one day – and with a statement victory over the Buccaneers – the New Orleans Saints went from wild-card team to the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They looked strong on both sides of the ball. Offensively, they completed passes to 12 different receivers. Defensively, they held Tom Brady and the Bucs to only one third-down conversion.

Mike Tannenbaum

Former NFL Executive

Mike Tannenbaum is a former NFL Executive and current ESPN analyst.  Throughout Tannenbaum’s nearly three-decade-long football career, he has constructed quite an impressive résumé.

Tannenbaum began his career in 1994 as an intern for the New Orleans Saints. In 1995 he became a Player Personnel Assistant for the Cleveland Browns. A year later he would rejoin the Saints after completing his Law Degree at Tulane University Law School.

Tannenbaum’s longest tenure came with his hometown New York Jets from 1997-2012. Hall of Fame head coach Bill Parcells hired him as the Director of Player Contracts in 1997. Tannenbaum developed in this role and was promoted to Director of Pro Personnel/Assistant General Manager in 2001.

In 2006, Tannenbaum was chosen General Manager/Senior Vice President of Football Operations at 36. Tannenbaum oversaw seven drafts and led the Jets to four winning seasons during his tenure with the team. Before departing New York, Tannenbaum led the Jets to four playoff wins and orchestrated the blockbuster trade for Darrelle Revis.

After a brief break from an NFL front office, Tannenbaum served as the Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Miami Dolphins. Since leaving Miami, Tannenbaum has joined ESPN as an NFL Front Office Insider. Tannenbaum is a regular on shows such as, ‘Get Up’, ‘First Take’, and ‘This Just In.’ He also teaches Football Business Management: The Inner Workings of the NFL at Columbia University.

In 2019, Tannenbaum teamed up with Joe Banner and founded the NFL’s premiere think tank in The 33rd Team.

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