In the NFL, the QB is not only the snap-taker, passer, and (sometimes) runner; the QB is also the field general of the offense, frequently the only player on an offense who fully understands everything the coaches do about a system.  

Sunday, two more QBs suffered injuries that could change their teams' seasons. Drew Brees will undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his thumb and could be out six weeks. Teddy Bridgewater will likely be called upon to carry the load until Brees returns.

Ben Roethlisberger will have surgery to repair a ligament in his right elbow and will miss the rest of the season.  Mason Rudolph takes over for the slumping Steelers.
 
While throwing a TD pass in week one, Nick Foles took a hit that broke his collar bone. He is on injured reserve for eight weeks. Meanwhile, Gardner Minshew has been trying to fill Foles’ shoes for the 0-2 Jaguars.

I selected the Jaguars and Saints among my 12 teams predicted to make the playoffs. While the Saints are still in decent shape, I seriously have to wonder if my Jaguars pick is doomed. By the time Foles returns in Week 11, the Jaguars could already be mathematically eliminated. They have struggled mightily on offense — even before they signed Foles to a four-year, $88 million deal.

Like the Jaguars, the Saints and Steelers will likely rely more heavily on the running game. That, plus the play of their defenses, will go a long way to determining whether these teams are still playing football in January.

It was not all bad news Sunday, however. WR Cooper Kupp has been celebrating his return to health — and return to a starring role — for the Rams. Yesterday, he ripped off a classic 66-yard catch and run for a TD. Aaron Rodgers, who missed much of last season, had another banner day for the 2-0 Packers. Lineman David Quessenberry, who made a comeback from cancer, caught a TD pass for the Titans.

There was plenty of other excitement. The Bears got a miraculous last-second win against the Broncos in Denver, and the Chiefs spotted the Raiders 10 points before dropping bombs on them. Patrick Mahomes threw three 40-yard TDs and a 27-yarder to defeat the Raiders before halftime.

In the day's most memorable game, the Falcons got a 54-yard TD out of Julio Jones on a fourth-and-three play that beat an Eagles all-out blitz. A last-minute threat by the Eagles was denied when Falcons' cornerback, Isaiah Oliver, held Eagles TE Zack Ertz a half-yard short of a first down. Wow! What a rebound for NBC's SNF.

I don't know about you, but I like my favorite teams to compete against the best players. After a weekend with sad news about two stars, perhaps the memories of yesterday's exciting games — plus the finale: Browns vs. Jets on MNF — will offer a satisfying finish.