Re: Re:
I agree, while Tampa has run off two very good wins in a row, it was really Seattle that lost yesterday. They couldn't string together anything on offense. I could be smug and say I predicted their OL would "regress" but it was more than that. They couldn't run, Wilson's timing was off, and his passes down the field were often just off target. Still, Tampa overall looks good, and if they can keep this up, they can challenge Atlanta for that division. Tampa has given up big plays and points in the past, but if they keep it together, they could be a dangerous team in the playoffs.
The other danger team to me is Washington. Kirk Cousins looks like the next Aaron Rodgers with his arm. It's impressive how accurate he is on deep throws down field, and at going quickly through progressions. They lost to Dallas, but they looked good in doing so.
KC's win at Denver showed a lot of grit. They are a very balanced team, and played between good, and very good, in every phase, and best when they needed to. I keep wanting to say, "Alex Smith can't do ___" but he does everything well enough to win, which is hard to find fault with. Denver is still a good team, and it's not Simeion, who played okay and made some clutch throws. In this case I'd just say KC outplayed them in the clutch.
I have to feel bad for Carolina, they still have a lot of talent, but they just can't seem to close out games they might be able to win. If they did, they'd be 7-4 instead of 4-7. Oakland on the other hand seems to have a powerful and dangerous offense, but their defense concerns me. However, despite giving up some big plays, the also make big plays when they need to. Mack is just an amazing athlete. Chants of MVP for Carr who really toughed it out after dislocating the pinky on his throwing hand, but I'd give the MVP to OT Donald Penn. Even Latavius Murray was crediting him and the OL.
As to Dallas the one thing they have is an OL and running game that will be able to grind out wins late in the season and into the playoffs. And their QB is good enough that if they have to throw, they can. I would like to see them play a healthy Seattle in the playoffs, certainly. Who wouldn't?
I'm getting sketchy on the Patriots. Yes, they won again, without Gronk, and Bennet limited. But their offensive line is sketchy, and Brady can still make throws, but I'm just sensing he may be nearing the end. It doesn't happen overnight though, so we'll see.
I too like the way the Ravens are playing. Flacco is a bit off, but their defense is superb. I really look forward to their game against Miami. But their schedule is tough. @ Patriots, Eagles, @Steelers, @ Bengals.
Speaking of, I still think the Steelers are a top team in the AFC. If they can stay healthy, look out, especially on offense. They play the Giants, who just eeked out a win against Cleveland. I almost expect a Steeler blowout here. After that, it's @ Bills, @ Bengals, Ravens and Browns.
Props to Matt Barkley. He looked better than he ever has as a QB. This is the Barkley people expected to see when he was a sophomore and junior at USC. Only his arm looked even better. He damn near pulled off an amazing win.
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