Still a wild year in the NFL. Viewership is down, injuries are still the story of our favorite players, and some folks are getting worried about the future of professional football. They probably should be. I am. But I love what I'm seeing on the field.
Last year, the Cowboys were last in their division., worst in their conference. This year, behind the play of two rookies, they are the best team in the league. This year, they are the first team to clinch a playoff berth. This year pundits are already predicting the Cowboys failure in the playoffs, despite their likely number one seeding. A loose attempt to generate drama in my opinion. These Cowboys are for real. Between Ezekiel Elliot and Dak Prescott it is not at all unlikely that one will be MVP and the other Rookie of the Year, or perhaps Offensive Player of the Year. Unlike last years Panthers, who played with Swagger that the press is so in love with, this year's Cowboys play with heart, determination and teamwork. It's basic football, and a thing of beauty.
What the hell is it when the AFC West plays the NFC South? Three weeks ago, the Saints came back to tie the Broncos with mere moments left on the clock. All they had to do was kick an extra point and the win would be theirs. A Rookie jumped the line and blocked the kick. Another rookie ran that kick back for 2 points, Broncos win. In THE fantastic finish of this week's games, the Falcons came back to lead by a point over the Kansas City Chiefs. They went for 2, as most teams would playing to prevent a field goal win. Eric Berry intercepts the ball and runs it back for two points, giving KC the win by 1. Under the new extra point rules as of last year, these are the things that happen, and they are fantastic. Kicking in the NFL is truly under fire which in my mind is one of the things ailing the game. People like the excitement and tense drama of the longer extra point, even if it makes things less certain. They like the tries for two point conversions. Who in the name of sweet fanny adams really supports getting rid of the extra point try, except among sports writers? In fairness, most of the kicking in the NFL this year has been awful. Many want kick attempts done away with. Fools. I just want better kickers.
Angry Tommy now has the most wins of any NFL QB, at 201. Many are trying to use that to again make the case that he is undeniably the GOAT. I deny it. I do so because not one of those who use the argument of the Rings, or point to wins can show me that it wasn't the system and coach who made Brady great. In 2008, without Brady, the Hatriots went 11-5. That was with QB Matt Cassell, a guy who has flopped in every other system. In 2011 without Peyton Manning before posting his best season ever (the best for any quarterback ever) the Colts went 2-12. Anyone who wishes to explain that anomaly might actually sway me, but no one will rise to such a challenge. And they never will. No, Angry Tommy is a great quarterback and a certain Hall of Famer. But the GOAT? No. It's still Montana or probably Manning.
YAY!!!! No more damned byes.
Thursday:
Oakland (10-2) at Kansas City (9-3) - Chiefs (13-21, Chiefs)
KC has the most to play for and home field.
Notice, all the Chief's points came in the second quarter. But you have to wonder, can Oakland win if Carr can't go under center?
Sunday:
Pittsburgh (7-5) at Buffalo (6-6) - Steelers (27-20, Steelers)
Even MORE LeVeon Bell
All the rediculousness aside, Bell for MVP.
Denver (8-4) at Tennessee (6-6) - Broncos (10-13, Titans)
It will interesting to see what Forsett brings.
Didn't that suck? And I will be extremely disappointed in the league if they don't suspend Douglas. That wasn't just a "cheap shot". It was a career ending launch at an opponent's knee. Does Goodell give one shit about safety or not?
Washington (6-5-1) at Philadelphia (5-7) - Taterskins (27-22, Taterskins)
Wentz played well last week, but he's not getting help.
As I said.
Arizona (6-5-1) at Miami (7-5) - Cardinals (23-26, Dolphins)
When the Dolphins come back to Earth, they hit hard.
Apparently, Bumbles bounce.
Minnesota (6-6) at Jacksonville (2-10) - Vikings (25-16, Vikings)
Defense rules.
Yup.
Houston (6-6) at Indianapolis (6-6) - Colts (22-17, Texans)
Offense rules.
Didn't I just say that defense rules?
San Diego (5-7) at Carolina (4-8) - Chargers (16-28, Panthers)
The Chargers are only one or two injuries away from contention.
Too bad we had to wait all season to see this team.
Cincinnati (4-7-1) at Cleveland (0-12) - Bengals (23 -10, Bengals)
RGIII starts for Cleveland. I don't think that will help.
The Browns are still fun to watch.
Chicago (3-9) at Detroit (8-4) - Lions (17-20, Lions)
The Lions defensive performance last week was impressive.
This team looks like a true contender.
New York Jets (3-9) at San Francisco (1-11) - Niners (23-17, Jets)
The Jets appear to just have fallen apart.
But still better than the 49ers in front of no audience at all.
New Orleans (5-7) at Tampa Bay (7-5) - Buccaneers (11-16, Bucs)
The Bucs are actually contenders.
And they roll.
Atlanta (7-5) at Los Angeles (4-8) - Falcons (42-14, Falcons)
Of all the awful inexplicable things that have happened in 2016, Jeff Fisher's contract extension is the most mind-boggling.
Was this i doubt? The Falcons just scored more touchdowns in LA this season than the Rams have.
Seattle (8-3-1) at Green Bay (6-6) - Seahawks (10-38, Packers)
The closer we get to the playoffs, the hungrier the Hawks look.
There is life on the frozen tundra.
Sunday Night:
Dallas (11-1) at New York Giants (8-4) - Cowboys (7-10, Giants)
Tempted to pick G-Men at home, but no.
I should have gone with the home team. Dallas' record in now 11 - Giants
Monday Night:
Baltimore (7-5) at New England (10-2) - Hatriots
Whatever.
Last Week's Score: 11 - 4, 73% Overall: 120 - 72, 63%
Everybody in the AFC West LOST - except for KC - damn.
I thought KC was a better balanced team, and that Jack DeL Rio isn't smarter than Andy Reid, but I didn't see them running away with the division.
Posted by: Eric | December 12, 2016 at 09:48 AM