Well, we learned a lot this week about a bunch of NFL teams. A few quarterback changes, some shuffling in the playoff picture and only more chaos on the way. What a time to be alive.
Let's look back on some of the big storylines:
Gross, But Business Handled
The Rams were slight dogs to the Niners but took it to them in rainy conditions Thursday night, pulling off an ugly 12-6 win. They were aided by a(nother) Deebo Samuel drop, but you never apologize for divisional wins on the road. LA's not dead just yet
A Loser and a Quitter
Originally signed this offseason as a placeholder, linebacker De'Vondre Campbell decided to take his place on the suspended list by refusing to enter the game after two superior San Francisco linebackers exited with injuries. It was a pathetic display of heart by a guy whose going to have a lot of trouble finding work for any team in the future.
Life Without Mahomes?
Kansas City's generational QB suffered a pretty gnarly high ankle sprain towards the end of their win in Cleveland, adding some uncertainty to his health over the next month or so. Luckily for the Chiefs, they have a two-game lead on the #1 seed and can afford to rest him for at least one week. On the unfortunate side of things, a 10-day stretch with three games could massively shake up the postseason picture. Carson Wentz SZN uploading...
Sorry You Came Back for This, Nick...
After a triumphant return from a brutal knee injury, Nick Chubb's found himself back on the IR, this time due to a broken foot. Dude's a man among men, but you have to wonder if his best days are now behind him.
Warm That Bench
Three of Will Levis' four incompletions found their way into the hands of Cincinnati defenders-- which is really hard to do given how terrible their defense is. Mason Rudolph quickly reminded us of that with 209 yards and 2 scores on 21/26 passing, but by then, the hole was too big. Curious if Tennessee brings Levis back as the backup or decides to cut him loose.
Not Dead Yet
The Bengals are 6-8 overall, yet somehow still alive in the playoff hunt. The next three weeks will be massive, with a December 28th date against Denver looming large for the wildcard standings. Joe Burrow sneaking in would certainly add some excitement to the AFC postseason.
Officially Dead
Unlike Cincy, the Dolphins are now officially dead. They put up virtually no fight against an underwhelming Houston team, committing four turnovers and giving up 20 points despite allowing just 181 yards. After another lost season, questions should begin to swirl in South Beach regarding the future of their quarterback and head coach.
Ugly, Inefficient, Yet Effective
The aforementioned Texans did pick up the dub, but it was almost unavoidable with how bad Miami was playing. 12 first downs and 181 total yards of offense isn't going to win you many games, as CJ Stroud's sophomore slump gets deeper.
Clockstoppers
Not just a movie from the 90's, but an unlikely assist that almost had Spencer Rattler and the Saints in the win column. With nine seconds left, New Orleans worked their way down to the three yard line, with time running out. Until it inexplicably stopped for about 2-3 seconds, affording them just enough time to throw a touchdown to draw within one. However, in a pure "ball don't lie" moment, the two-point conversion failed, allowing Commanders fans to collectively exhale.
Would've been interesting to see how the Saints hung if they'd have started Rattler from the jump instead of subjecting us to a half of Jake Haener.
Scary Terry
Going to pat myself on the back for being so high on Terry McLaurin this offseason, because the dude's delivered. McLaurin's got 11 touchdowns on the year, good for second in the NFL, plus 969 receiving yards, currently the 7th most league-wide. He's had multiple scores in four games, including Sunday, and is on pace to top his career high for yardage. The Commanders need to put together some depth behind him, but they've got their WR1 in house.
Plane Banners
Apparently the banners aren't going to stop flying over MetLife Stadium until little nepotiz John Mara fires everybody. Last week the anonymous fans wanted him to sell the team. Regardless of what outcome is ultimately reached, it's clear that it's a really bad time to be a fan of the New York Football Giants.
 |
| Photo: X/ SNYGiants |
The Jackson Five
Lamar Jackson did it again: five passing touchdowns compared to just four incompletions in a road dismantling of a far inferior team. This is the fifth time #8 has pulled off such a stat line, putting him alone in rarified air in the annals of league history. And he's only 27 years old...
Damn Dowdle!
Dallas' top dog in the backfield was rumbling once again on Sunday, taking 25 carries for 149 yards on the ground as they handled Carolina from start to finish. In a year many Cowboys fans will want to forget, Dowdle has emerged as a really solid piece the team can work with moving forward.
Welp, That Was Fun
It was the first time the Panthers were listed as favorites in their last 33 games, all but priming them to not deliver. Which is exactly what they did. Four turnovers by Bryce Young doomed them in a very winnable matchup, deflating a team that had seemingly turned a corner over the last month.
Brian Thomas Jr.
When discussing rookie receivers, many are quick to bring up names like Malik Nabers, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Ladd McConkey. Jacksonville's Brian Thomas Jr. has gone far too overlooked in that regard, coming off a game where he caught 10 catches for 105 yards and 2 scores-- from Mac Jones. He's eighth in receiving yards and fifth overall in touchdown receptions, despite having a brutally regressing Trevor Lawrence and Mac throwing him the ball. Can't wait to see what he can do with some competence under center.
More Problems than A-Aron
The Jets have had their issues with scoring this season, but the more disappointing development has been the defense sucking. What was supposed to be a borderline elite unit has been anything but, surrendering over 23 points per game while being routinely exposed in the ground and pass games. A team that was supposed to be a contender appears to have a plethora of holes to fill.
Forgot Something
Jonathan Taylor rumbled down the right sideline, with an uncontested trip across the goal line awaiting him. Instead of cashing a walk in score that would've put the Colts ahead 20-7, he dropped the ball at the half yard line and it rolled out of the end zone for a safety. Denver proceeded to run off 24 unanswered from there, all but eliminating Indy from playoff contention. Absolutely unacceptable mistake by the veteran running back.
Winning Ugly
The Broncos didn't bring their A game, by any means, but they lingered long enough to capitalize on the Colts' implosion. Bo Nix probably ended his longshot chance at stealing the Offensive Rookie of the Year, but he'd surely prefer the win they left with. Denver currently finds themselves in the sixth seed, which Sean Payton needs some credit for. Man can still coach.
Jared Goff's Alternate Universe
5 interceptions? No problem, Goff's bringing home the W. But 5 touchdowns, like he did Sunday afternoon versus the Bills-- no sir. 42 points wasn't enough for the Lions at home, which is a concerning development given the laundry list of injuries on the defensive side of the ball. The clock may be starting to approach midnight for this Cinderella.
Beast Mode
Josh Allen's accounted for 854 total yards and 10 touchdowns over the last two weeks. The Bills are averaging 45 points a game in those performances, yet somehow went 1-1. Lamar Jackson's still very alive in this MVP hunt, but Allen has the inside track as of today.
Exposed?
Not having George Pickens really limits any threat Pittsburgh can put toward an opposing defense. Najee Harris isn't anything special, nor is any other pass catcher-- though we respect Pat Freiermuth. They still control their own destiny, but the Steelers aren't instilling a ton of confidence right now.
Water Under the Bridge
It seems all the AJ Brown and Jalen Hurts scuttlebutt has been laid to rest, with the two connecting eight times for 110 yards and a touchdown. While Philly is always a powder keg for drama, those two not being on the same page should've never been a major concern. The number one seed's now in sight too.
Conner, James Conner
The Cardinals running back had himself a big day in the desert to keep the team's playoff hopes alive. He took 16 carries for 110 yards, finding pay dirt twice along the way and adding 28 yards receiving on 5/5 targets. Incredibly efficient outing as Arizona lingers.
Hot Seat
Jerod Mayo's reportedly in a "live audition" of sorts over the last month of this season and it's not off to a good start. They look undisciplined overall, came out of their bye to get smacked by an average Cardinals team and is now speaking to the media about an inability to overrule OC Alex Van Pelt's play calls? Not sure we'll be seeing him back on the sideline come 2025.
Red Flags
Didn't think JK Dobbins would be this much of a catalyst, but the Chargers offense has been exceptionally bad in his absence. Ladd McConkey is good, but he can't do it alone. Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer and whoever else they have at receiver suck. The Gus Bus has a flat tire. LA's suddenly not the postseason lock they appeared to be a few weeks ago.
Buried Treasure
Bucky Irving falling to round four to Tampa was really a gift that's kept on giving. After raving about him this offseason, the Oregon Duck has lived up to my hype, popping for 862 rushing yards at 5.6 a clip. The Bucs are so dangerous when he gets going but they need to keep him healthy if they want to make a splash come January.
Trouble in the Pacific Northwest
The Seahawks' four game winning streak came to a screeching halt Sunday night at the hands of the Green Bay Packers. A critical development from the loss was quarterback Geno Smith injuring his knee, subjecting America to a sack fest featuring Sam Howell. Smith's apparently going to power through the pain this upcoming weekend, but what he can bring to the table remains to be seen.
Gearing Up
Green Bay is looking really dangerous after that smackdown in Seattle. They're all but guaranteed to enter the postseason as a wild card contender, but they're not someone you want to see round one.
Another Goose Egg
For the third time in three games (three straight), the Bears didn't score a single point in the first half. It's the 5th time they've shut out through 30 this year. They oftentimes look really good in the second half of these games, but you have to wonder how much of that is the other team's shipping it in. Not an endearing first go-round for Caleb Williams.
For Randy
NFL legend Randy Moss announced this week that he's dealing with a cancerous growth between his pancreas and liver-- a harrowing diagnosis for anyone. Loved Justin Jefferson's shout out to the Viking great after his Monday night touchdown, echoing the thoughts of millions around the globe.
Disgusting
Didn't expect much from Las Vegas but boy, was Kirk Cousins disappointing. Michael Penix Jr. gets his first career start this week-- news that was allegedly broke to him while in line for a CostCo hot dog. Who'd have thought it'd be a bad idea to give a 35-year-old recovering from a torn Achilles $90 million guaranteed??
------
@Choppinglines
*I own no rights to any images found in this blog
Comments
Post a Comment