The saints look legitimate, Hue Jackson in trouble

Carolina Panthers: They were facing a Ravens team that placed Sunday in the NFL first in defense scoring (14.4 points per game), sacks (27) and total defense (280.6 yards per game) . All the Panthers did was catch 36 points, master the Baltimore pass without conceding a ball and rack up 386 yards to win a convincing win and improve to 5-2. It was a complete performance of Carolina, who did not make a turnover and forced three. And, to enhance an already busy day, the Panthers were kind enough to honor the guest of honor, Chancellor Lee Adams, the son of former pregnant recipient Rae Carruth. was convicted of attempting to kill before the match.

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Byron Leftwich: The Cardinals fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy. So, former quarterback and rising star of coaching ranks Byron Leftwich has become Arizona's acting offensive coordinator. He made his debut, helping to clear a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the 49ers, 18-15. Finally, in the fourth, the new wrinkles that Leftwich incorporated began to bear fruit. In particular, he focused on running back David Johnson and receiver Larry Fitzgerald more involved. Johnson had his best reception match of the season and compiled 100 multipurpose yards. Fitz caught eight passes for 102 yards and a score. This happened against the Niners, who won a victory, but it was nevertheless a positive step.

Washington Redskins: Let's be clear. Washington's 20-13 victory over the Giants was far from pretty. But Washington is now 5-2, remains in first place in the NFC's east and has some pieces that could keep them in the running in an open division. Namely, it's a rushed defense that has stifled. The D of Washington limited Saquon Barkley, Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott and running back Panthers Christian McCaffrey for a total of 91 yards in 36 races. And 27 touchdowns for 156 yards in the scrum and two total scores – including a 64-yard touchdown to seal the game – shows that adding Adrian Peterson a few weeks before the season was an inspired decision.

losers

Hue Jackson: Browns head coach Hue Jackson continues to face questions about his team's attack and his future in Cleveland. In a 33-18 loss to the Steelers, the Browns had only 237 yards. Jackson said he wanted to play a bigger role in planning the game for the offensive, which many have assumed as a sign of trouble for the offensive coordinator, Todd Haley. Jackson is now 3-36-1 in two and a half seasons, and although the team is not expected to compete for a playoff spot, some progress is needed. Otherwise, Jackson could be the one whose work could really be at stake.

Jameis Winston: Even though the Buccaneers' defense came out at the start of a 37-34 loss to the Bengals, it was not close to the worst time of the day for Tampa. Winston was suspended in the middle of the third quarter after throwing choice six – his fourth interception of the day. Winston has now made 70 turnovers in 49 career games. Ryan Fitzpatrick came in and played very well (11 for 15 for 194 yards and two touchdowns), bringing almost Tampa Bay down by 18 points. Although Fitzpatrick is clearly not a reliable long-term solution for the Bucs, it's becoming increasingly obvious each week that Winston does not do it either, especially with its history of off-road problems.

Le'Veon Bell: Of course, he is still healthy and fresh now that season 9 is starting. But Bell, who still has not signed the franchise agreement that Pittsburgh placed in March, looks more and more like a replaceable player for the Steelers. The emergence of halfback James Conner, who had a total of 212 rushing yards and two touchdowns against the Browns, only diminished Bell's value. Conner became the first Steeler in the history of the franchise to rush for two or more touchdowns in the space of three weeks. Even when Bell (possibly) returns, do not expect Pittsburgh to just put Conner – who is under affordable contract until 2020 – into the pine.