Patriots over Lions
Adam: -The Lions really hung tough for about three quarters, but New England separated in the latter stages, as they should have.
-Detroit is going to have a very high pick again this year in the draft, and if they find a special player, this team could be a real threat next year.
Eric: -How will the Patriots ever generate offense without Randy Moss? What was a pertinent question eight weeks ago is now completely out the window for the league's top scoring team.
-At least the Lions lost at home this week.
Saints over Cowboys
A: -The Cowboys hung tough in this game and are playing well under Jason Garrett. You wonder what could have been had Dallas played with this intensity from Day One.
-The Saints are still right in position for a first-round bye if they keep things rolling.
E: -This was a hazy game, as I can only remember bits and pieces out of my turkey-induced coma. Play of the game honors go to Malcolm Jenkins for stripping Roy Williams on a big play that would have set up a Cowboy score. Instead, after the fumble, the Saints drive down the field and score the game-winning touchdown.
Jets over Bengals
A: -The Jets finally blow out a team they should.
-My lord, the Bengals are terrible. It's hard to believe a team with this amount of talent is 2-9. Marvin Lewis, your seat is warming up.
E: -This marks the Jets' third big win over Cincinnati in the last two years after beating them in Week 17 of the 2009 season to reach the playoffs and then in the Wild Card round the following week.
Vikings over Redskins
A: -Brett Favre gave new coach Leslie Frazier the game ball. Take that Brad Childress! The Vikings played a little better without the dark cloud of disarray hanging over them.
-The Redskins just don't have enough offense to string together victories.
E: -The Vikings showed some spark that I hadn't seen in a long time. Frazier notches his first win as an NFL head coach and rookie Toby Gerhart filled in admirably after Adrian Peterson's second quarter injury with 76 yards rushing and a touchdown.
-After having the second highest points scored total in the league last season, the Vikings sit third from the bottom this season, ahead of only the Panthers and 49ers.
Texans over Titans
A: -Two words: Rusty Smith.
E: -The whole Jeff Fisher/Vince Young/Bud Adams situation is one bad sandwich, but I'll order the Fisher.
-Smith cannot even lead one scoring drive against a defense that had been looking like one of the worst in league history. When a guy named Rusty Smith is your starter, why are you only giving Chris Johnson 7 carries? Lighten the load on the rook. Kudos to the Texans' defense though who held Johnson to a paltry 5 yards rushing, a career low.
Bears over Eagles
A: -This was a big time validation game for the Bears who many, me included, have doubted. They played Michael Vick better than anyone else this year.
-The Eagles are explosive, but I worry about their ability to sustain long drives and keep Vick healthy.
E: -The Bears were getting so little respect prior to this week because of their seven wins, only one had come against an above-.500 team. Respect them now. With a tremendous defense and Jay Culer making just enough plays, the Bears are poised atop the NFC North with an 8-3 record.
-The Eagles scored their share of points, but the Bears' big plays gave Philly a dose of its own medicine and put Chicago over the top.
Giants over Jaguars
A: -If they could have held on late, the Jags would be alone atop the AFC South heading into Week 13. As it is, they are still tied with the Colts, yet do own the tiebreaker.
-The Giants saved their season with this victory. Had they lost this game, things would have turned really ugly in New York.
E: -Even though they came in with matching records and it took a late comeback, the better team won this one. The Giants snapped their two game losing streak by beating Jacksonville and at the same time ended Jacksonville's three game win streak.
Ravens over Buccaneers
A: -Even though they lost, losing another competitive game against a good team convinced me how good Tampa is. I am trying to get over my own perception of them as a bad team that I am carrying over from last season, and again, this game showed me that they aren't a powderpuff team. They beat everyone they are supposed to, and they have played Atlanta and Baltimore tough on the road.
-The Ravens survive a tough game and now get set for a monster matchup with Pittsburgh.
E: -The Ravens are undefeated at home and the Buccaneers still haven't beaten a team with a winning record.
Browns over Panthers
A: -The Browns are a team that could have something brewing for next year. They aren't very talented now, but they play solid ball and Colt McCoy just might become a pretty good quarterback. Peyton Hillis is a beast and the offensive line is really good. I actually think Eric Mangini has done a good job of making this team play competitively, and with another good draft, this team could be back in playoff contention next year.
-The Panthers have very little in the cupboard right now, and I think trading Steve Smith is a move they need to make this offseason. I've heard DeAngelo Williams could be on the block as well, and though he's a good back, Jonathan Stewart could easily step in. The Panthers need a lot of high picks to restock other positions. Go young Carolina and start over.
E: -And then Mike Goodson says, "I'm not gonna pay a lot for this muffler." But then Hillis says, "Sweet sassy molassy, you are gonna pay a lot! And the cost is gonna be prohibitive." The Browns win 24-23, Stu Pot.
Falcons over Packers
A: -This matchup between two excellent teams featured a marked playoff atmosphere.
-The Packers' main deficiency is their lack of balance on offense, and that is the Falcons' greatest strength. Combined with home field, that was the difference in the game.
E: -This was the first game where the Packers' lack of running game really bit them. Aaron Rodgers can do a lot of good things for this team, but he should never have to be their leading rusher. I know GM Ted Thompson doesn't like to give up his draft picks, but when Marshawn Lynch was made available by the Bills earlier this season, that's a move I would've liked to see Thompson pull the trigger on.
Steelers over Bills
A: -Stevie Johnson, I'm sorry you had to go through that.
-Pittsburgh, wake up!
E: -It took overtime and an inexcusable Johnson drop, but the Steelers pulled out a win in Buffalo to remain tied atop the AFC North with the Ravens. It just so happens that Pittsburgh and Baltimore meet this weekend. Time to watch some sparks fly!
Chiefs over Seahawks
A: -Chiefs remaining schedule looks like this: home games against Denver, Tennessee, and Oakland, and they go on the road to face St. Louis and San Diego. They could easily go 11-5.
-7-9 could easily win the NFC Worst.
E: -The Seahawks are a team I absolutely cannot get a read on. They can play solidly, or just as easily, get blown out in games I expect them to win. It feels like they're the team most responsible for keeping down my Pick-Down record.
Dolphins over Raiders
A: -Put a fork in Oakland, they aren't going to catch San Diego or Kansas City.
-The Dolphins continue to win on the road and still have a faint heartbeat in the playoff race.
E: -The Raiders are similar for me to the Seahawks, see note above.
-The Dolphins played a good game in all three phases, leading to another win on the road. That makes five road wins.
Rams over Broncos
A: -The Rams almost gave this game away but will be happy to get their first road win. Sam Bradford is an absolute stud; he is having as good a rookie season as any quarterback I've ever seen.
-The Broncos have holes all over their roster.
E: -The Broncos allow the Rams' first road win and also Bradford's first 300 yard passing day as a pro.
Chargers over Colts
A: -The Chargers may be playing the best football in the league right now.
-When is the last time you saw the Colts get blown out at home?
E: -With the win, the Chargers ensured that none of the league's division leaders would have more than a one game lead over second place.
49ers over Cardinals
A: -The 49ers are a bad team and didn't play well in this game, yet they won by three touchdowns. That's how bad Arizona is.
-Frank Gore is gone for the year; that really hurts any Niner playoff hopes.
E: -Weren't these two teams supposed to be fighting tooth and nail for the NFC West crown? Instead, it was a matchup between two 3-7 teams, who amazingly still have a shot at that division title. 7-9 for the playoffs, anyone? 6-10?
Adam: -The Lions really hung tough for about three quarters, but New England separated in the latter stages, as they should have.
-Detroit is going to have a very high pick again this year in the draft, and if they find a special player, this team could be a real threat next year.
Eric: -How will the Patriots ever generate offense without Randy Moss? What was a pertinent question eight weeks ago is now completely out the window for the league's top scoring team.
-At least the Lions lost at home this week.
Saints over Cowboys
A: -The Cowboys hung tough in this game and are playing well under Jason Garrett. You wonder what could have been had Dallas played with this intensity from Day One.
-The Saints are still right in position for a first-round bye if they keep things rolling.
E: -This was a hazy game, as I can only remember bits and pieces out of my turkey-induced coma. Play of the game honors go to Malcolm Jenkins for stripping Roy Williams on a big play that would have set up a Cowboy score. Instead, after the fumble, the Saints drive down the field and score the game-winning touchdown.
Jets over Bengals
A: -The Jets finally blow out a team they should.
-My lord, the Bengals are terrible. It's hard to believe a team with this amount of talent is 2-9. Marvin Lewis, your seat is warming up.
E: -This marks the Jets' third big win over Cincinnati in the last two years after beating them in Week 17 of the 2009 season to reach the playoffs and then in the Wild Card round the following week.
Vikings over Redskins
A: -Brett Favre gave new coach Leslie Frazier the game ball. Take that Brad Childress! The Vikings played a little better without the dark cloud of disarray hanging over them.
-The Redskins just don't have enough offense to string together victories.
E: -The Vikings showed some spark that I hadn't seen in a long time. Frazier notches his first win as an NFL head coach and rookie Toby Gerhart filled in admirably after Adrian Peterson's second quarter injury with 76 yards rushing and a touchdown.
-After having the second highest points scored total in the league last season, the Vikings sit third from the bottom this season, ahead of only the Panthers and 49ers.
Texans over Titans
A: -Two words: Rusty Smith.
E: -The whole Jeff Fisher/Vince Young/Bud Adams situation is one bad sandwich, but I'll order the Fisher.
-Smith cannot even lead one scoring drive against a defense that had been looking like one of the worst in league history. When a guy named Rusty Smith is your starter, why are you only giving Chris Johnson 7 carries? Lighten the load on the rook. Kudos to the Texans' defense though who held Johnson to a paltry 5 yards rushing, a career low.
Bears over Eagles
A: -This was a big time validation game for the Bears who many, me included, have doubted. They played Michael Vick better than anyone else this year.
-The Eagles are explosive, but I worry about their ability to sustain long drives and keep Vick healthy.
E: -The Bears were getting so little respect prior to this week because of their seven wins, only one had come against an above-.500 team. Respect them now. With a tremendous defense and Jay Culer making just enough plays, the Bears are poised atop the NFC North with an 8-3 record.
-The Eagles scored their share of points, but the Bears' big plays gave Philly a dose of its own medicine and put Chicago over the top.
Giants over Jaguars
A: -If they could have held on late, the Jags would be alone atop the AFC South heading into Week 13. As it is, they are still tied with the Colts, yet do own the tiebreaker.
-The Giants saved their season with this victory. Had they lost this game, things would have turned really ugly in New York.
E: -Even though they came in with matching records and it took a late comeback, the better team won this one. The Giants snapped their two game losing streak by beating Jacksonville and at the same time ended Jacksonville's three game win streak.
Ravens over Buccaneers
A: -Even though they lost, losing another competitive game against a good team convinced me how good Tampa is. I am trying to get over my own perception of them as a bad team that I am carrying over from last season, and again, this game showed me that they aren't a powderpuff team. They beat everyone they are supposed to, and they have played Atlanta and Baltimore tough on the road.
-The Ravens survive a tough game and now get set for a monster matchup with Pittsburgh.
E: -The Ravens are undefeated at home and the Buccaneers still haven't beaten a team with a winning record.
Browns over Panthers
A: -The Browns are a team that could have something brewing for next year. They aren't very talented now, but they play solid ball and Colt McCoy just might become a pretty good quarterback. Peyton Hillis is a beast and the offensive line is really good. I actually think Eric Mangini has done a good job of making this team play competitively, and with another good draft, this team could be back in playoff contention next year.
-The Panthers have very little in the cupboard right now, and I think trading Steve Smith is a move they need to make this offseason. I've heard DeAngelo Williams could be on the block as well, and though he's a good back, Jonathan Stewart could easily step in. The Panthers need a lot of high picks to restock other positions. Go young Carolina and start over.
E: -And then Mike Goodson says, "I'm not gonna pay a lot for this muffler." But then Hillis says, "Sweet sassy molassy, you are gonna pay a lot! And the cost is gonna be prohibitive." The Browns win 24-23, Stu Pot.
Falcons over Packers
A: -This matchup between two excellent teams featured a marked playoff atmosphere.
-The Packers' main deficiency is their lack of balance on offense, and that is the Falcons' greatest strength. Combined with home field, that was the difference in the game.
E: -This was the first game where the Packers' lack of running game really bit them. Aaron Rodgers can do a lot of good things for this team, but he should never have to be their leading rusher. I know GM Ted Thompson doesn't like to give up his draft picks, but when Marshawn Lynch was made available by the Bills earlier this season, that's a move I would've liked to see Thompson pull the trigger on.
Steelers over Bills
A: -Stevie Johnson, I'm sorry you had to go through that.
-Pittsburgh, wake up!
E: -It took overtime and an inexcusable Johnson drop, but the Steelers pulled out a win in Buffalo to remain tied atop the AFC North with the Ravens. It just so happens that Pittsburgh and Baltimore meet this weekend. Time to watch some sparks fly!
Chiefs over Seahawks
A: -Chiefs remaining schedule looks like this: home games against Denver, Tennessee, and Oakland, and they go on the road to face St. Louis and San Diego. They could easily go 11-5.
-7-9 could easily win the NFC Worst.
E: -The Seahawks are a team I absolutely cannot get a read on. They can play solidly, or just as easily, get blown out in games I expect them to win. It feels like they're the team most responsible for keeping down my Pick-Down record.
Dolphins over Raiders
A: -Put a fork in Oakland, they aren't going to catch San Diego or Kansas City.
-The Dolphins continue to win on the road and still have a faint heartbeat in the playoff race.
E: -The Raiders are similar for me to the Seahawks, see note above.
-The Dolphins played a good game in all three phases, leading to another win on the road. That makes five road wins.
Rams over Broncos
A: -The Rams almost gave this game away but will be happy to get their first road win. Sam Bradford is an absolute stud; he is having as good a rookie season as any quarterback I've ever seen.
-The Broncos have holes all over their roster.
E: -The Broncos allow the Rams' first road win and also Bradford's first 300 yard passing day as a pro.
Chargers over Colts
A: -The Chargers may be playing the best football in the league right now.
-When is the last time you saw the Colts get blown out at home?
E: -With the win, the Chargers ensured that none of the league's division leaders would have more than a one game lead over second place.
49ers over Cardinals
A: -The 49ers are a bad team and didn't play well in this game, yet they won by three touchdowns. That's how bad Arizona is.
-Frank Gore is gone for the year; that really hurts any Niner playoff hopes.
E: -Weren't these two teams supposed to be fighting tooth and nail for the NFC West crown? Instead, it was a matchup between two 3-7 teams, who amazingly still have a shot at that division title. 7-9 for the playoffs, anyone? 6-10?
I'm not sure how I feel about your Sam Bradford comment. What are your thoughts on Ben Roethlisberger's 13-0 start? Matt Ryan going 11-5 and losing in the playoffs to the team that went to the Super Bowl? Joe Flacco taking his team to the AFC Title Game and losing to the eventual Super Bowl champion? Mark Sanchez taking his team to the AFC Championship? Vince Young leading Tennessee to eight wins, including six straight at one point, and four of them fourth quarter comebacks?
ReplyDeleteBen Roethlisberger had an amazing rookie year, but he played with a team capable of going to the super bowl. Sam Bradford is playing for a team that has won 6 games in the past three seasons, and now has them right around .500. Matt Ryan also clearly had more talent around him in his rookie year, with Roddy White and Michael Turner. Bradford's top two recievers went down for the year, Steven Jackson has been banged up all year too. He's completing 61% of his passes for 17 touchdowns and only 9 picks. I said he's having as good a rookie season as any I've seen, not the outright best season I've ever seen, and I stand by that statement. I think when you look at his numbers, and consider his surrounding cast relative to Ryan and Big Ben, he is right on par with those seasons. Bradford is the player most responsible for the Rams bounce back season, whereas Ben and Ryan had a whole lot of help. The Rams have been historically bad, and now they are competitive in pretty much every game, and I give Bradford a ton of credit for that. He's also the most accurate passing Rookie that I have seen.
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