National Football League

[SHAD0W93]

My memory is probably being tainted by the painful night game, but all three games were marginal entertainment.
GB good, DET bad.
DAL good, WA bad.
SF good, SEA bad.

One of the few times I was happy I had to sleep for work though will miss today’s game. On a different point last weekend we were in a different time zone and I was all confused when at 5:10 pm the afternoon games were still playing and the night game wasn’t starting till 6:15.

 

[movingtarget]

Goff looked terrible in the first half. Maybe Detroit use those trick plays a little too often. Love had a good game but Detroit just made error after error.

Cowboys beat down a mediocre Washington team. Remember when Washington had a good defense ? Rivera should start organizing his boxes. Very flat looking team. Cowboys still haven't beaten a team with a winning record ! But look good against the low and mid teams although they should have beaten the Eagles with better execution in the final two minutes.

49ers much too good for the Hawks. 49ers defense has recovered after the three game slump and the Hawks just couldn't stop the run and had trouble getting any offense going. Eagles and 49ers in 10 days time should be worth viewing.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Goff looked terrible in the first half. Maybe Detroit use those trick plays a little too often. Love had a good game but Detroit just made error after error.

Three turnovers, almost four. Failed on 4th down three times. Botched a fake punt. Outgained the Packers by nearly 100 yards. Dug a deep hole and couldn't get out. Didn't take Love seriously, too much press coverage on D. Couldn't keep GB out of the end zone in the red zone. Detroit has a high powered offense and too many times tried to get cute with a handful of flashy plays, which was completely unnecessary. When you're a good team you're not supposed to lose games like this, at home. The players were sloppy, playing on a Thursday with a thick playbook probably didn't help, but this loss is really on Campbell and the coaching staff more than anyone.

Cowboys beat down a mediocre Washington team. Remember when Washington had a good defense ? Rivera should start organizing his boxes. Very flat looking team. Cowboys still haven't beaten a team with a winning record ! But look good against the low and mid teams although they should have beaten the Eagles with better execution in the final two minutes.

Rematch in a couple weeks, but I have a feeling the Eagles are going to win that game by a bigger margin. I don't trust the Cowboys to get far. Something just seems off to me. Maybe it's them beating up on weak teams and getting a lot of hype from it.

Jack Del Rio fired this morning from Washington. The only surprise is it was now, not at season's end when they clean house. The only person quite possibly to stay around in January is Biememny. He could end up HC. Everyone else is gone. Jack was a decent HC for the Raiders, but also had a reputation of being a bit of a thug (he was that kind of player) and some players, and support staff didn't care for him. I imagine he can sometimes be difficult to give constructive criticism to, making him an "easy" fire when the team performed poorly.

49ers much too good for the Hawks. 49ers defense has recovered after the three game slump and the Hawks just couldn't stop the run and had trouble getting any offense going. Eagles and 49ers in 10 days time should be worth viewing.

Seattle has to get it's offense going. They have a good QB, and very good receivers, one of the better overall groups in the entire league. Granted Walker was out, but Charbonet is a good RB. I don't know if it was the play calling, gameplan design, or what, but the Seattle offense just sputtered, with Geno frequently in a bind. Their OL is average, but they generally did enough. Credit to SF defense too.

Purdy still makes throws few others can, sees a field few others do. One bad pass, really, and only picked because it was tipped. The guy is amazing. Yet still, no consideration at all for MVP. Never mentioned by any pundit. I think sportswriters and "experts" are mad or jealous they didn't see his talent, and just don't want to credit him at all.

Tim Boyle starting for the Jets. Tim's future is as a backup in the NFL, until he retires. He will be the Jets backup next year behind Rodgers (they are buddies). Zach Wilson has likely started his last game for NY, and may have played his last snap in a Jet uniform. His future is at best what Baker Mayfield has done, at worst he's the next Carson Wentz. More likely he'll be like Sam Darnold, Mitch Trubisky, and be another overdrafted backup. Someone elsewhere wondered if he could have a Geno Smith type future some years from now. I don't see that. Recall Geno had known talent in college, he just fell some on draft day, and was stuck on some bad teams, but Geno's head was always on straight. Zach was way overdrafted based on one throw on his pro day, and I'm not sure I can say the same about his demeanor as Geno.

 

[Nomad]

Tim Boyle starting for the Jets. Tim's future is as a backup in the NFL, until he retires. He will be the Jets backup next year behind Rodgers (they are buddies). Zach Wilson has likely started his last game for NY, and may have played his last snap in a Jet uniform. His future is at best what Baker Mayfield has done, at worst he's the next Carson Wentz. More likely he'll be like Sam Darnold, Mitch Trubisky, and be another overdrafted backup. Someone elsewhere wondered if he could have a Geno Smith type future some years from now. I don't see that. Recall Geno had known talent in college, he just fell some on draft day, and was stuck on some bad teams, but Geno's head was always on straight. Zach was way overdrafted based on one throw on his pro day, and I'm not sure I can say the same about his demeanor as Geno.

He wasn't overdrafted based on just one throw on his pro day. It's his overall arm strength, throwing mechanics, velocity, precision, etc. Plus he had a monstrous senior season at BYU - making fans forget about Jim McMahon & Steve Young. In the runup to the draft, look at one AFC executive  said about Wilson:

https://www.google.com/amp/s/syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2938702-nfl-exec-zach-wilson-maybe-as-talented-an-athlete-as-mahomes-aaron-rodgers.amp.html

You're absolutely right he's DONE at the Jets. The final dagger is the Jets bringing in Trevor Siemian as the backup to Boyle! Lol (I imagine Wilson is just counting the number of days to the end of the season). And unless Boyle and Siemian were to both go down, Wilson has already seen his last snap.

My guess for his future is that some team struggling at QB will give him a chance at starting. His talent level is too much to ignore & just give up on. Furthermore, I don't think Wilson would accept a long-term backup role in the league. This kid has too much pride & would probably rather quit than be another high-dafted QB relegated to a backup role.

At best, as you alluded to, Wilson could end up in a situation like Mayfield - where after failures with 3 teams, Mayfield is finally starting & performing adequately at Tampa (whether or not he leads the team to the SB remains to be seen). Wilson certainly has more talent than Mayfield has - and given the right environment & coordinator that can work with him - he could be that franchise QB that was he initially drafted to be. Time will only tell...

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Wilson certainly has more talent than Mayfield has...

I'm curious what you see that makes you say that? I'm not trying to debate you - I'm not particularly impressed by either of them.

Jalen Phillips carted off the field for Miami. Judging by his reaction, and early report, he tore his Achilles. Another non-contact season ending injury. MetLife replaced their artificial turf this past off season, but Aaron Rodgers went down on this exact same field. This surface is FieldTurf Core. This is the exact same stuff that when New England went back from grass to artificial got several opinions from players (including Brady) before settling on.

While I do believe grass is generally safer, I imagine it would be harder to maintain in New Jersey. There are 17+ games played there, not 8-9 like other stadiums. Los Angeles for example has artificial for this reason (and cost, really). Also, Daniel Jones tore his ACL on a non-contact play in Las Vegas, which uses grass.

When Buffalo builds their new stadium it will use grass.

 

[movingtarget]

Four one sided games in a row. Dolphins barely needed to get out of second gear. Even the announcers sounded jaded ! Jets defense had been hanging in there over past weeks but now that has well and truly cracked as well.

Next Gen stat of the game: Dolphins S Jevon Holland traveled 124.4 yards on his 99-yard INT return for a TD off a Jets Hail Mary attempt, the most distance traveled by a ball carrier on a scrimmage play this season.

NFL Research: With nine catches for 102 yards and a touchdown, Tyreek Hill became the second receiver in NFL history to record 1,300-plus receiving yards and 10-plus receiving touchdowns in a season before December, joining the Rams' Torry Holt (achieved in 12 games in 2003).

 

[Nomad]

I'm curious what you see that makes you say that? I'm not trying to debate you - I'm not particularly impressed by either of them.

I'm specifically referencing his physical skills i.e. his arm strength. According to "Next Gen Stats" his velocity was recorded at 69 mph - which would be tops amongst active QBs (I believe Mahomes & Allen are the only others that throw in the 60's).

Zach Wilson achieves 69 mph on the radar gun, fastest for any QB measured by Next Gen Stats

New York Jets QB Zach Wilson pulled it off. According to Next Gen Stats, Wilson was able to reach 69 mph with one of his throws in Jets camp, a new record.

sportsnaut.com

Additionally, in his rookie season, his time-to-throw (TTT) was 3.19 seconds - which was 7th best in the league at that time.

Is this the insane throw you're were referencing that impressed the Jets' scouts at his pro day?

 

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/QVVjEraSqVE?si=jEgaY8O6vX5TuXvz


No question he's got a special arm - probably one of the all-time bests. But something has happen in the NFL. The speed of the pro game seems to be too fast for him & he hasn't been able to develop & adapt accordingly. Maybe the hits have been too hard on him & he's got stage fright (remember he was injured in his 2nd yr & missed some time due to a meniscus tear/bone bruise). It would be an utter shame if can't make it given that golden arm. I suspect he'll get another chance with a new team - but the clock is ticking on his potential as a franchise QB.

 

[Oldermanish]

Seattle has to get it's offense going. They have a good QB, and very good receivers, one of the better overall groups in the entire league. Granted Walker was out, but Charbonet is a good RB. I don't know if it was the play calling, gameplan design, or what, but the Seattle offense just sputtered, with Geno frequently in a bind. Their OL is average, but they generally did enough. Credit to SF defense too.

Purdy still makes throws few others can, sees a field few others do. One bad pass, really, and only picked because it was tipped. The guy is amazing. Yet still, no consideration at all for MVP. Never mentioned by any pundit. I think sportswriters and "experts" are mad or jealous they didn't see his talent, and just don't want to credit him at all.

Tim Boyle starting for the Jets. Tim's future is as a backup in the NFL, until he retires. He will be the Jets backup next year behind Rodgers (they are buddies). Zach Wilson has likely started his last game for NY, and may have played his last snap in a Jet uniform. His future is at best what Baker Mayfield has done, at worst he's the next Carson Wentz. More likely he'll be like Sam Darnold, Mitch Trubisky, and be another overdrafted backup. Someone elsewhere wondered if he could have a Geno Smith type future some years from now. I don't see that. Recall Geno had known talent in college, he just fell some on draft day, and was stuck on some bad teams, but Geno's head was always on straight. Zach was way overdrafted based on one throw on his pro day, and I'm not sure I can say the same about his demeanor as Geno.

Geno was carrying things while Metcalf let Lamb in his head and screwed up routes and dropped balls. Charbonnet put out well but he's limited outside the tackles compared to Walker. I think that combo and the weakness of O line replacements had the TE trying to contain SF's great rushers. Geno couldn't run outside and almost no one helped out. The broadcast didn't pan out enough to show deeper receivers but they better get it together.

They need to Oline and Walker to heal up to have any playoff success. And Metcalf needs to re-find his Mojo big time.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I'm specifically referencing his physical skills i.e. his arm strength. According to "Next Gen Stats" his velocity was recorded at 69 mph - which would be tops amongst active QBs (I believe Mahomes & Allen are the only others that throw in the 60's).

I'd like to know and see how repeatable that is, or has been. We can then properly compare him to some of the many other QBs with cannons for arms: Jeff George, Jim Druckenmiller, Jamarcus Russell.

Seriously, watching him throw I don't see the same golden arm you do. I don't even see his passes zip like Allen, Mahomes, or Richardson or Levis, or Aaron Rodgers for that matter. Regardless of Next Gen.

Joe Montana, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning all had very average arms. But they had deep field accuracy when they did throw deep, which Wilson never has showed, and likely never will. Not to mention Wilson doesn't seem to process the game very well, forces balls, is inaccurate at almost any range, and a host of other issues.

I'll never forget when Mike Martz was asked what 3 qualities he looked for when scouting for a QB. His answer? "Accuracy, accuracy, and accuracy."

Is this the insane throw you're were referencing that impressed the Jets' scouts at his pro day?

That's it! I am pretty sure he repeated it. It was one of the first passes he threw. Then near the end of his pro day he repeated the throw or something similar. Too bad NFL teams have defenses.

Let's not forget, Vince Young, Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow and Baker Mayfield all had very good pro days. Mike Mayock said the best pro day he ever saw was Jamarcus Russell.

A QB with a mediocre pro day? Aaron Rodgers reportedly. Geno Smith's was so-so as well.

 

[Nomad]

I'd like to know and see how repeatable that is, or has been. We can then properly compare him to some of the many other QBs with cannons for arms: Jeff George, Jim Druckenmiller, Jamarcus Russell.

It's "Next Gen Stats," which is doing a lot of player & ball speed stats for the NFL during real time games. It's sounds like they're using cutting edge technology with tracking systems to record data never done before. Here's their site:

NFL Next Gen Stats | NFL Football Operations

Continuing to balance innovation with tradition, the NFL has expanded its use of player and ball tracking to capture real-time data for every player — on every play, anywhere on the field.

operations.nfl.com

That being said, 69 mph doesn't sound accurate when you examine velocity data from the QB prospects at the Combine from year 2009 to 2020. This was done with a radar gun & Allen holds the fastest velocity at 62 mph. Mahomes was recorded at 60, with 4 players also throwing at 60 - for a total of just 5 QBs able to throw 60 mph or faster from 100+ QBs throwing at the Combine over that time period:

Ball Velocity: Exposing the Power QB

BALL VELOCITY: Exposing the Power Quarterback *updated list here by John Cooney *Article update APRIL 4, 2020 There is not a more exciting offensive play in football than a deep aerial strike...

www.pass2win.com

It's my understanding that velocity is more important that just being able to heave the ball 70 or 80 yds downfield like a javelin. The quicker the ball can get to the receiver for that split second moment he's open makes it more difficult for QBs to pick off or knockdown the pass. It's somewhat like in baseball you'll have outfielders that can rocket the ball from deep center to home plate vs a pitcher who can consistently throw 99+ mph fastballs in the strike zone.

I watch a lot of college ball & saw some of his games at BYU where he lasered some passes over the middle to receivers who hands were stung upon catching it. He was also making crazy throws for big gainers throwing off-balance, on his back foot while being pass rushed, throwing across his body while scrambling to his weak side, etc. Hence, this was the comparision he was getting to Young & McMahon, the two best ever QBs in BYU history (it would be interesting to hear what Steve Young has to say about him).

 

[jmdirt]

Yesterday while watching some good NCAA football I was thinking about the QBs I was watching and how they would/could play on Sundays. What is it that makes good college QB1s also good NFL QB1s? It has to be how they process the game. Yes, there are a lot of factors, but when it comes down to it, processing the game is what separates the top from the bottom.

On that note, what screws many top 10 QB picks is the team that they go to sucks. Not only do they have to process at the NFL level now, but they have to do it without much around them (crappy O line, no run game, no WR weapons, so-so D...). Would Mahomes be as successful as he is had he gone to CHI (instead of Trub)? Obviously there is no way to tell for sure, but IMO, probably not (even though he would still be better than Trub).

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

It's my understanding that velocity is more important that just being able to heave the ball 70 or 80 yds downfield like a javelin. The quicker the ball can get to the receiver for that split second moment he's open makes it more difficult for QBs to pick off or knockdown the pass. It's somewhat like in baseball you'll have outfielders that can rocket the ball from deep center to home plate vs a pitcher who can consistently throw 99+ mph fastballs in the strike zone.

This. I think arm strength really matters when you're trying to throw a ball to the out a good 15 yards downfield right on the sidelines. The ball travels some 35 yards through the air, but it has to get there quickly, very quickly because defenders spend years practicing tight coverage against just this kind of pattern. The other throw is in tight coverage between defenders 30+ yards down the middle of the field, the "threading the needle" type throw. This is where a very strong arm can make up for fractions of timing, a sliver of indecision, or lack of accuracy.

This is different than Peyton Manning, who I think more than any QB in history had the ability to find the one single guy who was open, and toss the ball to him right on the money just before he got open, even though his arm was average.

On that note, what screws many top 10 QB picks is the team that they go to sucks.

This is a good point, and may be what screwed Zach Wilson's chances more than anything. The Jets have been a dumpster fire of a franchise for years. Woody has never been a good owner (brother Christopher bonds well with the players, but he's not so in charge), and they almost always focus on defense.

We can always wonder what if Wilson didn't have a great pro day, but scouts and GMs obviously could see he has a great arm and some mobility, but wasn't sure how refined his decision making was, questioned his youth and leadership. So he "fell" a bit in the draft, and was drafted where he should have been, at Tampa Bay at the end of the 2nd round (where the Bucs took Kyle Trask), and sat a year behind Tom Brady. Or to Minnesota at the top of the 3rd where they took Mond, who also had a lot of raw talent, but since been tossed around as a backup. Perhaps sitting a bit, getting garbage play, learning, getting snaps he needed in times when the franchise wasn't demanding him to win, may have turned him into a better version of Jordan Love?

Zach is still only 24 though. I worry about his psyche being damaged at this point. But if he goes to a team of vets, and sits the next year, two, three, he might be able to resurrect his career. If not a Geno Smith like future, at least someone like Jacoby Brissett, Case Keenum, or Jamis Winston. Someone with plenty of starter experience who can come in and win games for you. Someone you feel comfortable with if your starter goes down. There's a lot of need for QBs like this in the NFL, and will be in the future.

 

[movingtarget]

Yesterday while watching some good NCAA football I was thinking about the QBs I was watching and how they would/could play on Sundays. What is it that makes good college QB1s also good NFL QB1s? It has to be how they process the game. Yes, there are a lot of factors, but when it comes down to it, processing the game is what separates the top from the bottom.

On that note, what screws many top 10 QB picks is the team that they go to sucks. Not only do they have to process at the NFL level now, but they have to do it without much around them (crappy O line, no run game, no WR weapons, so-so D...). Would Mahomes be as successful as he is had he gone to CHI (instead of Trub)? Obviously there is no way to tell for sure, but IMO, probably not (even though he would still be better than Trub).

There were rumors going around that Burrow didn't want to go to the Bengals in his draft year although if that was true he kept it well hidden then Lawrence gets drafted to the Jags and had a crap coach, Herbert still has a mediocre coach, Hawks lose their franchise QB and settle for a journeyman who proved to be better than expected, Rams trade their no one pick QB and pick up a veteran and win a SB in his first season with them and Purdy gets selected last in his draft class and in training camp is 4th on the depth chart on the verge of being cut and somehow winds up the regular QB with one of the best offensive minds in the league, surrounded by talent. You can't make this stuff up and obviously injuries and luck do sometimes give players the break they need. Purdy was not being spoken of when Lance and Jimmy G were still there but players did take note of his play on the practice squad and his processing ability. When the other two were injured which was fairly regular, he finally got his shot.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Yes. Predicting how great a QB will be judging by him shredding NCAA defenses is a crap shoot. I and others have posted several times with examples on all the chances teams took on QBs drafting them high, and having it not pan out For every Joe Burrow, you get a slew of guys like Trubisky, Darnold, Lance, Wentz, Zach Wilson, maybe Bryce Young at this point.

If Burrow didn't want to go to Cincy it was likely because owner Mike Brown has been a cheapskate. But at least Brown doesn't meddle the way owners like Tepper, Haslem, Bidwell, do. In fact, he did pay Joe a big contract, and called him the heart of their franchise for years to come.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Thoughts on some games.

NO@ATL - Battle for first place in the NFC South. Saints are still better on paper, but like all teams led by Derek Carr, they run hot/cold, and I expect to see mistakes against the Falcons D.
PIT@CIN - Here's a real chance for the Steelers to show they have enough of an offence with Matt Canada gone. Bengals will have a hard time scoring in this game.
JAX@HOU - Another battle for essential first place. This could be moderately high scoring. Much more pressure on Lawerence and Jax here. Texans have a very bright future.
TB@IND - Speaking of quality backups. The Colts have played well under Minshew. After starting well, TB has struggled with Mayfield, though it's not all on him. This could be a telling game for TB if they lose handily.
NE@NYG - Patriots are starting Mac Jones here. Recall, they actually cut Zappe early this season before bringing him back. That shows you how sad their QB situation is. Giants D still good, and DeVito has played okay the more snaps he gets. Just okay may be enough to win here.
CAR@TEN - Battle of rookies, with Young and Levis starting. Young's only win was over Houston, but that game was almost a fluke, though Young has gone from looking terrible, to showing some signs of hope. If Tennessee loses here, Mike Vrabel's job will be in jeopardy. He's already on the verge of being the new Jeff Fisher.
LAR@ARI - As far as standings goes, this game means little, but with Murray back, and the Rams coming off a sweep of Seattle, this could be fun to watch.
CLE@DEN - I think this is where Denver's win streak ends. Their opportunistic offense likely to run into a brick wall here. Expect another low scoring game.
KC@LVR - Some Raider fans think they have a chance if Maxx Crosby plays and is healthy enough. I don't see either. KC isn't in a "must win" scenario, but they also cannot afford to lose, and need to right the ship after tough losses to Den and Philly. The Raiders with their rookie QB, iffy OL, and only good pass rusher (Crosby) hurt, and best safety and team captain (Epps) out, could be fodder.
BUF@PHI - This looks like a trap game for the Eagles to me. They should win, but if you look at how Buffalo played last week, and Philly on a high after beating KC. The Eagles have won 9 games, but many of them by 1 score.
BAL@LAC - Bosa either out or playing hurt. Chargers sub-average OL going up against the NFL's best pass rush. Chargers cannot defend the pass. This is the kind of game where Lamar Jackson may look like the MVP, on the featured flex-night game for all to see.

CHI@MIN - Fields was impressive with his feet last week, and so-so with his arm. Same when he was at his best in the past. Dobbs fell back to earth with a bad 4Q last week. But on paper, at home, the Vikings should win, unless Fields runs for over 100 yards.

 

[Unchained]

I hope there a mass email to all NFL defensive players that Zach Wilson's ball velocity is an important metric and that all players should consider it before intercepting the ball or smashing Wilson's not so fast torso to the carpet!!
Patriots can't catch a break.. Nothing is automatic.
Sad about Texans kick one rotation of the ball more or less could have won!!
Cardinals look like turkeys.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Incredible game between Bills and Eagles. Game of the year so far. Felt bad for Buffalo losing yet another close game, one they had in their grasp, but what a win for the Eagles. Hope the Bills at least make the playoffs.

Impressed the way Denver was able to pound out Cleveland, but the Browns made way too many mistakes, and when DTR went down right when it looked like he was getting into a groove, they were done.

The Saints are seeing the same Derek Carr that played for the Raiders for years. A very expensive guy who will tease you with some impressive throws, only to make just enough bad ones to kill drives, lose games, give you ulcers.

Raiders started okay against the Chiefs, but the game went as I expected. I post most weeks about how the Chiefs find ways to win games they should, and this is another. Not sure how well this will hold up in the playoffs though. Raiders still look better than they did with McDaniels. Need help on the OL, not to mention a better pass rush, and DBs.

Nice win for Indy in a good game!

Jags just don't look like an 8-3 team to me, but they won.

The look on Belicheck's face after another horrible loss was something. The terrible pick-6 throw by Jones, and that last missed FG. At this point the Patriots, and Mac Jones saga, is just sad. Their offense is so bad. Neither Jones or Zappe are very good. The can run the ball some, but their OL is bad. They also have the worst receiver group in the NFL (can you name any of them?). The look on Jones face sitting on the bench was just empty. I felt bad laughing at him, them, it was sad.

Other games weren't worth commenting on.

 

[movingtarget]

Patriots game sounded like an offensive masterpiece but I for one will never know............

Denver win streak continues. Eagles prevail over the Bills. Eagles keep winning close games. Raiders hung on as long as they could against the Chiefs.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I didn't bother mentioning all the bad calls by the officials, because it's an every week thing now.

NFL needs to pull it's head out of it's rear end and do what the XFL (and mostly) USFL did last year. No on the field reviews, every play is subject to review, the sky judge makes calls, not referees on the field, there's a time limit to all reviews or the call on the field stands, and all refs (and sky judge) are mic'd up.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Patriots disaster continues on their tanking but not actually tanking season. I forget the safeties name but one of them said they have to hold the opposing offense to zero points in order to win, not ten anymore.

Bucs with a tough loss in keeping pace for the division lead though Evans is getting his touchdowns this season. Evans barring injury looks set to hit 1000 plus yards for the tenth season in a row and Godwin should be able to barely make it depending on how the season ends.

Broncos went from the worst team in the NFL to a good team that’s winning games and could make the playoffs depending on how the tie breakers go.

Another devastating loss for the Bills who played really well, the Eagles just couldn’t be stopped and grinded it out. I thought the game was over after Kelce’s two penalties. Kneeling to end the fourth quarter with a timeout was crazy with how the game was going. But Bills had their chance in overtime but Allen and Davis weren’t on the same page. Eagles maintain a firm hold of their number 1 seed and favorite to go back to the Super Bowl. They’re grinding these games out when down at the half. Bills need to win out and might still miss the playoffs but have a tough game with the Chiefs.

Chiefs for now look back and scored more points in the second half than the Raiders all game. They’ll want to keep this up in two weeks to put the nail in the Bills coffin. One of the few times I root for the Raiders and they disappoint again though my Fiance went to the game and had a blast.

 

[Nomad]

Impressive victory for the Broncos. The turning point was when Baron Browning knock Thompson-Robinson out of the game with a concussion on the targeting call. You knew Cleveland wasn't going to do anything with P.J. Walker in relief. Lol.

The Broncos are the hottest team in the league right now winning 5 in a row after starting 1-4. They're definitely in playoff contention & possibly giving KC a run for the division title. Payton is looking like a candidate for coach of the year.

Chargers are done for the season & I'm getting close to writing off the Bills.

 

[Nomad]

I hope there a mass email to all NFL defensive players that Zach Wilson's ball velocity is an important metric and that all players should consider it before intercepting the ball or smashing Wilson's not so fast torso to the carpet!!

C'mon...man, it's an important metric, along with other physical skills, in evaluating the college talent. Why do you think these college kids are being drafted #1, #2, #3 OA, etc? Their physical skills - specifically their arm strength - is what's getting ownership salivating & opening their checkbooks.

Wilson got an effin $22.9 million signing bonus for basically that golden arm. He gets the last laugh as he could just give the finger to the NFL walking away with all the free money thrown at him.

What you should be doing is criticizing these fat cats in the luxury box for throwing big bucks at these college kids for their genetics - and not waiting to see what their actual performance is on the field.

 

[movingtarget]

Allen played his best game for quite a while and it still wasn't enough to get past the Eagles. The two missed kicks and the missed open receiver in OT was the difference. The Eagles probably had less chances to put the game away but unlike the Bills they converted when they had to. The 4th quarter was good entertainment and Hurts isn't hurting, no pun intended, ,his MVP chances with that performance even though his first half wasn't good.

Ravens got the job done but Ekeler has had a case of the fumbles lately and it's costing them plus the Ravens were having their way with the Chargers O line especially late in the game. Kind of a typical loss for the Chargers. They simply can't sustain their performance for four quarters Be amazed if the coach survives. I still trust the Chiefs and Eagles more than the Ravens in the playoffs and the Bills just keep finding ways to lose games they are in a position to win sort of like the Chargers.

Browns now have Garrett injured as well ! They are barely hanging on now re the playoffs and the Bengals are done. Saints are treading water and Denver should make the playoffs on current form. What a turnaround for them. Jags have a good record but I don't see them doing much post season. Rams have a slim shot at a wildcard spot if they can string more wins together and the Hawks fall completely apart. Don't have much faith in either one of those scenarios. Cardinals slim roster now hit by injuries. Looks like a high pick in the next draft for them.

 

[Nomad]

Jags have a good record but I don't see them doing much post season.

One more win & they will have already equaled last year's win total (9-8). Assuming they get 11 or 12 wins & win the division, don't you think they're expected to go deep in the playoffs?

Last year under Lawrence's 2nd full year of starting, they beat LAC in the wildcard round & then lost to KC in a close one in the divisional round. Now in the Lawrence's 3rd year, and the team playing well, I think the progression would be to at least get to the championship game with the SB being the ultimate target. I don't think "the next Payton Manning" was taken #1 OA to just make & win a playoff game now & then?

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

That whole "next Peyton Manning" thing is a kiss of death. Not as bad though as some idiots on a Raiders forum saying how they drafted Aiden O'Connell "because of his similarities to Tom Brady". I like the kid, but are you f*cking kidding me?!!?

What you should be doing is criticizing these fat cats in the luxury box for throwing big bucks at these college kids for their genetics - and not waiting to see what their actual performance is on the field.

1000% agree.

I said before, NFL coaches, scouts, GMs (fans are the worst) see a kid in college shred an average NCAA defense that any backup NFL QB would destroy, and get giddy thinking this kid will do the same in the NFL. They even think this when looking at a small sample size, and QB playing against questionable college defenses. Trey Lance comes to mind. But I don't blame Trey (Zach, Sam, etc.). I blame the knucklehead "fat cats in the luxury box." Though to John Lynch tiny credit, at least he knew when to cut bait and got something in return for Trey.

The 4th quarter was good entertainment and Hurts isn't hurting, no pun intended, his MVP chances with that performance even though his first half wasn't good.

This is the kind of game (last week too) that separates the wheat from the chaff. You win games like this, games where you struggle, you fall behind by more than 1 score, you play a team that fights hard, in ugly conditions and you manage to win at the end when it matters most - you win playoff games and championships.

I thought the Eagles would still be good, but not this good. That upcoming game against SF looms large.

I still trust the Chiefs and Eagles more than the Ravens in the playoffs.

Same. Posted last week while both KC and Philly look beatable at times, they both find ways to win games, and until someone really knocks them off, I see this being one year where two teams from the previous season play in the SB again.

The Ravens have talent, but Lamar, as amazing as he can be, is streaky. The way KC manages to edge out other teams may not be as impressive on a highlight reel, but those are still wins. KC has a more favorable schedule than the Ravens, so let's revisit this after Christmas. Bottom line for me is I'll believe Baltimore (or anyone) can go into KC, stop (slow) Mahomes, and beat the Chiefs when I see it.

Having posted that, I'm not writing SF or Miami off. Brock Purdy is an unsung MVP candidate teams dismiss at their peril. They have lost 3 games, all when players were injured, and Purdy absolutely should not have even been on the field in the Cleveland game, and arguably not the Viking game either. Miami, Dallas and Detroit could spoil someone's playoff run too. Though Dallas won't beat SF, no matter what. If they have to play the 49ers the game will be over when the team sets foot on the field and sees those red and gold uniforms.