Overview of The Athletic Football Show Week 7 Hangover
This episode breaks down three Week 7 matchups — Steelers-Saints, Rams-Raiders, and Broncos-Cardinals — with a strong focus on what each game says about the bigger picture. The main theme: Pittsburgh’s offense looks far more complete than expected, the Saints’ offense has real structural problems, the Rams are leaning back into a winning identity, and Denver’s defense is still one of the league’s most dependable units.
Steelers-Saints: Pittsburgh’s offense is legitimately good
Why the Steelers offense stands out
- The hosts were most impressed by how cohesive Pittsburgh’s offense has become.
- The offensive line is playing as a unit, with multiple examples of effective movement in the run game and solid rookie contributions.
- Aaron Rodgers is playing more like a functional, adaptable quarterback than he did last season:
- more willing to throw over the middle,
- more willing to extend plays,
- still able to create explosive moments off script.
- The skill group is doing real work:
- DK Metcalf provides downfield playmaking,
- Jaylen Warren is explosive and versatile,
- the backfield pairing with Rico Dowdle gives them different styles of runs,
- the slot/utility receiver role has become a real weapon.
- A red-zone package featuring Darnell Washington gives them another unique answer near the goal line.
What it means
- The Steelers don’t just look “better than expected” — they look like a team that can control games.
- The hosts think they’re no longer just a wild-card spoiler; they may actually be capable of winning a playoff game or two depending on the matchup.
- The ceiling still may not be “championship favorite,” but this is no longer a flimsy offense.
Saints concerns
- New Orleans’ offense was described as structurally broken rather than merely underperforming.
- They can’t run the ball, and that makes everything else harder:
- too much pressure on the quarterback,
- limited ability to stay ahead of the sticks,
- not enough consistent explosive play.
- The offensive line issues are not just about injuries; the scheme itself is making things harder than necessary.
- The Saints’ defense is no longer bailing them out the way it did late last season.
Rams-Raiders: Los Angeles re-centered itself
Rams’ offensive identity came back into focus
- This felt like a classic Sean McVay “go back to basics” game.
- The Rams leaned heavily on:
- under-center formations,
- duo and inside run game,
- play-action,
- motion and easy-access throws.
- Matthew Stafford did not need to be magical; the scheme carried the game early.
- Puka Nacua was used in a wide range of creative ways:
- motion to the flat,
- shuffle motion,
- quick access concepts,
- red-zone usage.
- The hosts emphasized that McVay’s offense is still at its best when it keeps defenses guessing with the same core plays dressed up differently.
Bigger Rams takeaway
- The Rams probably aren’t the “Super Bowl favorite” version of themselves without full health and more receiver help.
- But this game showed how they can get back to being a very good offense by controlling tempo and dictating the terms.
Raiders issues were exposed
- The Raiders’ offensive limitations showed up clearly:
- Brock Bowers was bracketed and taken away strategically,
- the receiver group struggled to win outside,
- the run game remained inefficient.
- On defense, the interior line was a major weakness:
- the Rams consistently moved them off the ball,
- the Raiders lacked enough disruptive front-seven talent to hold up against a physical rushing attack.
- The takeaway was blunt: the Raiders have useful pieces, but too few true difference-makers.
Broncos-Cardinals: Denver’s defense remains elite, and Bo Nix showed growth
Bo Nix showed real improvement
- The biggest positive was more aggression from Bo Nix, especially out of empty sets.
- Several of Denver’s biggest passing gains came from empty formations, where Nix was more willing to push the ball vertically.
- He also contributed a huge scramble touchdown, which helped tilt the game.
Offensive takeaway
- The Broncos still need more consistent production in the passing game, but this was a good step.
- The offense has a better chance of functioning if:
- Nix attacks more downfield,
- the run game stays functional,
- the offense stays ahead of the sticks.
- Jonah Coleman was singled out as an important stabilizing run-game piece.
Broncos defense remains the story
- Even without full health and with key players missing time, Denver’s defense continues to look extremely well-coached and deep.
- The front seven can pressure, rotate, and survive injuries without falling apart.
- Vance Joseph got major credit again for the quality and consistency of the unit.
- The hosts noted that Denver’s defensive identity has been stable for years now, which is rare in the NFL.
Cardinals’ offensive problems
- Arizona was hit hard by:
- offensive line injuries,
- lack of reliable explosive play,
- limited answers once Denver’s pressure mounted.
- The offense was forced into low-percentage situations and couldn’t consistently survive them.
Big-picture takeaways
Teams trending up
- Steelers: offense looks far more complete than expected.
- Broncos: defense remains elite, and the offense may be starting to find a usable formula.
- Rams: still dangerous if they can keep leaning into structure, motion, and the run game.
Teams with real concerns
- Saints: the offense looks broken in a way that may be more structural than temporary.
- Raiders: too many roster holes on both sides, especially at receiver and along the interior defensive line.
- Cardinals: injuries and inconsistency are limiting what the offense can become.
Bottom line
The episode’s central argument is that some teams are finding sustainable identities while others are getting exposed for deeper flaws. Pittsburgh and Denver look more complete than expected, the Rams are rediscovering their formula, and the Saints and Raiders appear to have more foundational issues than a simple midseason slump.