Haven't posted in a while. Some thoughts.
In the NFL no one deserves much respect simply for longevity. Just because your last name is Manning may mean a lot to some people, but now when your team is 2-9 it doesn't mean squat. By the numbers, Eli is 24th in QBR, and 15th in passer rating. That puts him on par with Jacoby Brissette. Having said that, it wouldn't shock me to see Eli back starting in a week or two, or in Jacksonville next year, as a transition QB.
As to the Chiefs, I've seen most of their games, and the biggest mistake they have made in my eyes is that they are no longer throwing the ball down the field with any consistency. On many 3rd and long plays, or even 2nd and long plays, instead of doing what worked so well for the first few games in the season, they have gone back to doing things like quick slants, and short WR screens that are almost laterals, even a wildcat on one play. And they're not rolling him out, or moving the pocket much anymore either. Even Tony Dungee said similar, that what they really need to do is put the ball in Alex Smith's hands. If he fails at that, then he really is done in KC. But he wasn't the one who gave up on plays last week.
Historically young QB's don't lead their teams deep in the playoffs. There are exceptions. Marino, Montana, Brady and Roethlesberger. But these QBs are often on veteran teams with an established coach. As powerful as the Eagles look now, can Carson Wentz and Doug Pederson take them all the way?
What happens in Minnesota if, or when, they are in a tight, important game, and Case Keenum blows it, or can't deliver? What happens if they get to the playoffs, and he barely wins a game and looks iffy doing so? As good of a story Bridgewater is, he was still on the rise with room to improve when he got hurt. He's not quite as good (yet) as people remember. But Bradford is on IR and out for the remainder of the regular season. I don't think any coach would bring him back, first game, in the playoffs as a starter.
Are the Chargers for real? I think so. Rivers by the numbers isn't doing great, but he's made some clutch throws, plays and drives this year. That would be something to see a playoff game in lowly Stub Hub stadium, with some 27,000 people crammed in there.
The Patriots keep on winning while no one notices. But their defense still gives up way too many yards. Can the Steelers, or someone else upend them? Maybe, if their defense is enough to at least slow down Brady and co. or in key drives.
Despite the loss to LA and a close win over Washington I still believe in New Orleans. They have the best YPP in the NFL, by far. A number that has actually increased in recent weeks. Upcoming games against Carolina and Atlanta should be fun to watch.
Atlanta is playing very well, and 2nd in YPP, with a decent defense. But they play Minnesota, Carolina, Tampa, and the Saints twice. An acid test for sure.
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