Wednesday, October 02, 2013

The NFL is Poop - Week 4

Peyton Manning is Unbelievable
Peyton Manning continued his ridiculous season against he Philadelphia Eagles, leading the Broncos to a 52-20 win. Through 4 games he has some ridiculous stats including a 138 passer rating (122.5 is best all-time), 75% completion percentage (the record is 71.2%), while still throwing deep often enough to average 9.4 yards per attempt (which would be top 10 all time). And of course for the simple yet important stars, he has 16 touchdown passes (on pace for 64, the record is 50) and 0 interceptions (that too, would be a new record).
It's hard to imagine, based on how great he was, how injured he was, and how old he is, that Manning could possibly be better than ever, but he is. With games against Dallas and Jacksonville coming up, we should see his record-setting pace continue, though the Broncos may be winning by so much that he will have hand the ball off, or just yield to Brock Osweiler.

Even Eli Can't Save You Now
Eli Manning has been known for his ability to break out of cold spells with incredibly hot, and incredibly well-timed, streaks, two of which resulted in Super Bowl victories for the Giants. But I don't see any way he can turn this season around. The Giants are 0-4 and have been pounded 69-7 in the last two weeks against Carolina and Kansas City. Manning has been sacked 14 times this season, and hurried countless more. If they can't protect him better even Eli can't salvage this season.



A Brief Rant About the Redskins
Amazingly one win can turn around a season. Yes the Redskins still played poorly and had to squeak out a win against the lowly Raiders, but that one victory has completely changed their outlook. The Redskins are out this week but when they return they play Dallas, which could be for the division lead.
The defense has scored 3 touchdowns in the first halves of games this year. The offense has scored only one.
RGIII cannot escape pressure the way he did last year. He is not throwing accurately, and as Ron Jaworski pointed out, he doesn't seem to be stepping into this throws, instead throwing off his back foot, costing him accuracy and velocity.
But Alfred Morris is running well again, and it just might be good enough in a division where the three other teams are just as weak.

Game of the Week
Seattle Seahawks 23 Houston Texans 20

The Texans had this game won, they led 20-6, and then had the ball up 7 with 3 minutes left. On 3rd and 4 Matt Schaub chose to throw a horrible pass, telegraphed, which Richard Sherman not only intercepted but returned all the way for a touchdown. Just a horrible pass, and a horrible play call unless you know for sure your quarterback won't do something that stupid. The Texans still had chances to win this game in overtime but blew those too. A horrible loss and another sign that the Seahawks might be special this year.



Game of Next Week
New Orleans Saints at Chicago Bears

There are actually some strong games on the slate this week but I like this one because it seems like the old Drew Brees has returned. He might have a tougher time doing that to the Bears secondary than he did with Miami's. And though it seems strange to say it after so many years of being untrue, the Saints actually have a good defensive line, and the Bears O-line, though not great is improving and probably better than the Dolphins line.

Picture of the Week
A bloody and beaten JJ Watt.



If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Denver Broncos 100 New Orleans Saints 99

Both these teams are playing above the rim offensively right now, so much so that a basketball score (maybe a college one) is not out of the question if these two teams meet.

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