NFL Week 9: Tua, Bryce Young, and Saquon Barkley Shine

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Week 9 of the NFL showcased some pivotal moments as teams jockeyed for playoff positioning. Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made his second start back, facing the Buffalo Bills, the team that sidelined him with a concussion in Week 2. Tagovailoa looked poised to lead the Dolphins in their push toward the postseason.

Meanwhile, Bryce Young continued to find his rhythm for the Carolina Panthers, showing poise and playmaking ability under pressure. On the other side of the field, Saquon Barkley made one of the most electrifying plays of the year, reminding fans why he remains one of the league’s top talents.

Here are my three key takeaways from NFL Week 9.

Should Josh Allen be the MVP Favorite?

Mesmerizing, otherworldly, and captivating best describe Josh Allen this season. Despite losing key players like Stefon Diggs, Leonard Floyd, Jordan Poyer, and Tre’Davious White, the Bills remain competitive.

Allen has been sensational, compiling 1,766 passing yards, 14 touchdowns, a 73.4 QBR, and a career-high 107.6 passer rating. His improved decision-making is evident with just one interception through eight weeks.

The quarterback’s leadership and poise in the pocket have fueled the Bills’ four-game winning streak, even without an elite receiving threat. Buffalo ranks just 28th in pass-play percentage, highlighting how Allen succeeds despite a run-heavy approach.

Looking ahead, Allen can strengthen his MVP case as the Bills face tougher opponents, including the Chiefs, 49ers, and Lions in three of their next five games.

In Week 8, Allen led the Bills to a 30-27 win over the Dolphins, throwing for 235 yards and three touchdowns, proving he can guide Buffalo through adversity.

Has Bryce Young found his confidence?

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Coming into the NFL as the first overall pick, Bryce Young was expected to be the Carolina Panthers’ franchise savior. The Panthers famously selected him over taller quarterback C.J. Stroud, now starring with the Texans. At 5’10, 204 lbs, questions arose about his ability to handle NFL physicality.

Young also faced challenges with a weak offensive line and no elite receivers, making his transition from Alabama tougher. Early struggles hurt his confidence, leading to benching and harsh media criticism, with some calling him the worst No. 1 pick ever.

Flashes of Brilliance in Recent Games

Despite these challenges, Young demonstrated moments of brilliance in consecutive games against the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints. In Week 8, during the 28-14 loss to Denver, he completed 65% of his passes for two touchdowns but also threw two interceptions. To reduce errors, Young must continue to improve his ball placement and defensive reading skills.

The following week, Young helped lead the Panthers to a 23-22 win over the Saints, snapping a five-game losing streak. He completed 16 of 26 passes for 171 yards, a touchdown, and an interception, orchestrating the game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. Running back Chuba Hubbard scored two touchdowns, but Young’s leadership proved critical.

“In the moment of it, you don’t think about it, but looking back on it, it’s a good thing,” Young said with a smile.

Hubbard praised Young for his resilience and leadership.

“All of the adversity he has had to deal with, he has handled it great. He has remained a leader, been a great teammate, and continued to work. For him to get this and play as well as he did, he deserves it.”

The Panthers hope Young can build on this momentum as they prepare for their Week 10 home matchup against the New York Giants.

Saquon wows with Play of the Year

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After Washington’s Jayden Daniels pulled off a Hail Mary, Eagles star Saquon Barkley made his own statement. Barkley rushed for 925 yards this season at 5.9 yards per carry, averaging 115.6 yards per game.

His 925 yards are the fifth-most in NFL history for a player’s first eight games of a season. Barkley’s highlight was a reverse hurdle over Jaguars defensive back Jarrian Jones, leaving fans and analysts stunned.

He continues to cement his status as an elite running back, showing why the Eagles rely on him weekly.

This performance is nothing new for Barkley, who has always expressed confidence in his abilities:

“You gotta give credit to God. I ain’t gonna lie,” Barkley said. “Not in a cocky way. I do believe God blessed me. He blessed all of us, but I feel God gave me ability to play this position. He gave me some instincts. Sometimes you just gotta let go and let your God-given instincts take over.” 

With Barkley as the backbone of the Eagles’ offense, that makes them go. His teammates even have were appalled:

“I don’t know what [he] ate today,” said Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. “I don’t think no one has seen that before. That was one of a kind.”

“God has blessed Saquon with some special things,” Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts said. “I really genuinely pray that he continues to use those things in the fullness of him. That’s special stuff that he’s capable of doing. We just need him to continue to be that kind of player.”

The Eagles now improve to 6-2 and are second in the NFC East behind the Commanders in what will be a tight race for the Division crown.