Key Red-Zone Mistakes and Fourth-Down Gambles Shape Week 7 NFL Outcomes

Red-zone mistakes dominated Sunday’s NFL action, with several teams seeing costly turnovers and missed opportunities near the end zone. In Paris, the Steelers intercepted Saints quarterback Tyler Shough at the 10-yard line, sealing a 16-10 lead and limiting New Orleans to just six possessions all game.

The Ravens’ decision-making also came under scrutiny. After a 13-0 halftime lead, head coach Jesse Minter chose a field goal over a fourth-and-1 attempt late in the first half, and later went for it on fourth-and-2 in the second half, a gamble that failed and allowed the Bengals to seize the lead.

In Detroit, Lions coach Dan Campbell’s fourth-and-1 call on his own 24-yard line resulted in a loss, but a blocked field-goal attempt by defensive end D.J. Wonnum helped preserve the Lions’ victory. Campbell later said, ">We need to be better as a staff there," and praised Wonnum’s effort.

The Titans saw a promising start erased after back-to-back turnovers in the second quarter, including a strip by Anthony Hill Jr. that was quickly followed by a Cleveland interception, enabling the Browns to take the lead into halftime.

Finally, rookie safety Michael Taaffe intercepted Jets quarterback Geno Smith in the fourth quarter, securing a 28-25 win for Miami and ending the Jets’ comeback hopes.