AROUND THE NFL
Steelers: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger wore custom cleats emblazoned with a Star of David, adorned with the phrase “Stronger Than Hate,” in response to the recent shooting at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood. Roethlisberger is a friend of Michele Rosenthal, a former team employee. Two of Rosenthal’s brothers were among the 11 killed in the late October shooting.
Buccaneers: Ryan Fitzpatrick played well enough to retain the starting quarterback job for another week. Fitzpatrick replaced the struggling Jameis Winston and threw for 243 yards and four touchdowns, but it wasn’t enough for the Bucs to overcome a 28-point first-half deficit. “Ryan did some good things today,” said coach Dirk Koetter, who confirmed Fitzpatrick will start against the Redskins on Sunday. “We’ve got to play better across the board.”
Jets: Snapping the ball was a challenge for the Jets, and things didn’t get any better after that. Center Spencer Long reinjured a finger and had a half-dozen off-target shotgun hikes, which compounded problems for quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold threw four interceptions, including a pick-six after he snared a high snap. “We need to be more consistent, myself included especially,” Long said. The injury on the
middle finger of his right hand finally forced him from the game. Vikings: Adam Thielen’s streak of 100-yard receiving games ended at eight, leaving him in a tie for the record with Lions legend Calvin Johnson. The Lions double-covered him often, taking advantage of the absence of Stefon Diggs because of a rib injury, and Thielen finished with only four receptions for 22 yards.
Texans: Deshaun Watson threw two touchdown passes against the Broncos, giving him 36 in his career and putting him in company with two Hall of Famers. Dan Marino and Kurt Warner are the only other players in NFL history to throw at least 35 touchdown passes over the first 16 games of their career. Watson threw 19 touchdown passes in seven games as a rookie in 2017. Notable injuries: Browns DB Denzel Ward (hip), DB E.J. Gaines (concussion), LB Christian Kirksey (hamstring); Redskins LG Shaun Lauvao (left knee), RG Brandon Scherff (left shoulder); Dolphins LT Laremy Tunsil (knee); Broncos C Matt Paradis (right ankle); Bills TE Charles Clay (hamstring), RB Chris Ivory (left arm); Rams OLB Matt Longacre (concussion), Vikings TE David Morgan (left knee).