The Dime Package: Thoughts on Week 9 in the NFL

Week 9 featured several teams on a bye including the Patriots. The week was highlighted by a big win by the Ravens and an ugly home loss for the Packers. 
1. The Ravens finally snapped their four game losing streak with an ugly 21-14 win over the Steelers. The defense once again played well but the Ravens offense still leaves a lot to be desired.
2. Another week, another loss for the Vikings. Pat Shurmur’s offense looked strikingly similar to Norv Turner’s offense.
3. The Dolphins won again! That’s right, the Fish beat the Jets 27-23 and in the process won their third straight game. At 4-4, Miami is tied with Buffalo for second place in the AFC East. Adam Gase has his team believing.
4. Admit it. You had no idea the Chiefs are now 6-2 after their win over the Jaguars yesterday. They are and are once again poised to make another second half run this season.
5. The Dallas Cowboys are 7-1. The Dallas Cowboys are 7-1. I’m having a hard time believing that for whatever reason but they really are.
6. The Packers once again embarrassed themselves in front of the Lambeau faithful with a listless performance again the Colts. This team has been a huge disappointment thus far and Mike McCarthy’s seat needs to start getting warmer.
7. The Panthers beat the Rams 13-10 but Cam Newton took another beating. Newton was sacked five times. At some point, Superman is going to realize that it’s not the league’s fault. It’s his offensive line’s fault.
8. I know the Browns are 0-9 but the 49ers might be the worse team in the league. They were putrid in their 41-23 loss to the Saints. I don’t see how Chip Kelly returns next season.
9. Remember a couple of weeks ago when all foolishly thought the Titans were contenders? Yeah, they’re not.
10. The Raiders finally won at home. It wasn’t just another win. Beating the Broncos 30-20 was a statement win for a team that’s fighting to get respect around the league.