ESPN staff3 minutes to read
Week 5 of the 2023 NFL season saw blowouts and low-scoring plays that inspired some virtual postgame jabs.
The New Orleans Saints handed Bill Belichick his worst home loss in a 34-0 rout. A divisional game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens ended in a hard-fought 17-10 win over the Steelers. In the Josh Allen Bowl, the Jacksonville Jaguars came out on top (again) against the Buffalo Bills.
Despite all the downs on the field, some of the best moments came on social media. Here are the top social media trolls from week 5:
New York topped the matchup that was highly anticipated because of the history between Denver coach Sean Payton and Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett.
Before the season, Payton called out Hackett, his predecessor in Denver, and referred to the Broncos’ 2022 season as “one of the worst coaching jobs in NFL history.”
Read more: Nathaniel Hackett returns to Denver with something to prove
The Jets’ offense outgained the Broncos by 407 total yards. Zach Wilson went 19-for-26 for 199 yards and an interception while Russell Wilson completed 20 of 31 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns.
New York easily outgained Denver’s rushing efforts behind Breece Hall’s 177-yard, one-touchdown performance.
After the game, the Jets’ social media post showed they hadn’t forgotten about their opponent’s offseason gossip.
The rolling cart used to hold microphones and recording equipment became a running joke during the Bengals’ Super Bowl LVI run.
Joe Burrow connected with JaMarr Chase for three touchdowns on his best game of the season — and the mic wagon is back.
Jacksonville Jaguars 25, Buffalo Bills 20
In their second straight game in London, the Jaguars led the Bills behind a Travis Etienne Jr. touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
Etienne ran for 136 yards and caught four passes for 48 yards. Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence threw for 315 yards and one touchdown. Bills’ quarterback Josh Allen had a solid game with 359 passing yards and two touchdowns, but a turnover in the fourth period hurt the Bills’ chances of winning.
The Jaguars mocked Allen and Bills receiver Stefon Diggs after the game:
In Jonathan Taylor’s first game back, Zach Moss stole the show with 165 yards rushing and two touchdowns. Anthony Richardson left the game early with a concussion, but the Colts’ running game led them to the win.
Tennessee, on the other hand, struggled on the ground, gaining just 89 yards.
There’s always a little extra in an AFC South matchup, and the Colts mocked the Giants on social media:
Pittsburgh Steelers 17, Baltimore Ravens 10
The Steelers offense did not reach the end zone until Kenny Pickett found George Pickens for a 41-yard touchdown with 1:17 remaining and a 14-10 lead. The Ravens’ offense had two more drives to take the lead but fumbled and saw a turnover on downs.
Baltimore’s three turnovers kept Pittsburgh close in the defensive contest.
Pittsburgh cleverly mocked its AFC North rivals on social media after the game:
The Eagles are off to their second straight 5-0 start of the season after a hard-fought win over the Rams.
Jalen Hurts had 375 total yards, a season-high, and two touchdowns. AJ Brown caught six passes for 127 yards, his third straight game with at least 100 yards.
In his first game back, Cooper Kupp picked up where he left off with eight catches for 118 yards.
Philadelphia let Los Angeles hear it multiple times on social media:
“Food ninja. Friendly thinker. Explorer. Entrepreneur. Zombie junkie.