Tuesday, October 15, 2013

The NFL is Poop - Week 6

Game of the Week
New England Patriots 30 New Orleans Saints 27

I gave up on this game when Tom Brady threw an interception with 2:16 left, giving the Saints the ball and a 4-point lead.
The Patriots were able to stop the Saints, use their remaining timeout plus the 2-minute warning, to force the Saints to punt. New England got the ball at their own 30 with a minute 13 left.
He masterfully ran the two minute drill converting on a 4th down, and then dropped a perfect pass in to Kenbrell Thompkins, who didn't drop it.



I know I shouldn't be, but I'm absolutely amazed Brady won this game. He is a great late-game performer, he's quick but doesn't hurry and he makes the right decisions.
But he got a big assist from the Saints who elected to go into "play not to lose mode" and of course, they lost.

What's Wrong With the Broncos?
Something happened on the way to being the most dominant team ever. The Broncos turned in two less than stellar performances in a row. They almost lost to the Cowboys, and they didn't slaughter the Jaguars which is probably even more embarrassing. I'm actually not surprised that they had a small letdown against the Jags, but I didn't expect it to affect Manning who threw only 2 touchdowns, as well as a pick-6 that really helped the Jags stay in it.
I'm being slightly facetious of course, because I believe Denver's offense can score pretty much whenever it wants against pretty much any defense in the league.
But there are some concerns about Denver's defense which will surely be tested in a huge matchup this week against the Colts.

Don't Sleep on the Chiefs
If the Colts do manage to pull off that upset of the Broncos, the Chiefs will be the NFL's lone remaining unbeaten (unless they somehow lose to the horrible Texans this week). I was skeptical about how good Kansas City could be this season. I have little respect for Andy Reid as a head coach. He may well be an offensive genius, but his in-game decision making often leaves a lot to be desired.
But the Chiefs have a good ball-hawking defense, a quarterback who doesn't throw picks, and a good running game lead by Jamaal Charles.
Those do seem like the elements of a team that can go deep in the playoffs.



A Brief Rant About the Redskins
This was the best game RGIII played so far this season. He was back to his old self running the ball, feeling free to take off with it, and actually being able to outrun some defenders but his accuracy was bad and his decision-making was worse. He threw several passes up for grabs, luckily only one was intercepted. He also was stripped of the ball, his 18th fumble in the NFL, though only the 4th he lost.



If Griffin doesn't start passing better, the Redskins are doomed to finish no better than 4-12.

Goat of the Week
Redskins special teams coach Keith Burns
The punt coverage team allowed returns of 86 and 90 yards, setting up two Dallas touchdowns. The first one was the worst because it came on a rekick after an illegal motion penalty. And while watching his unit get burned, Burns got in the official's way and drew a 15-yard penalty.

Picture of the Week
Larry Fitzgerald would have to be 15 feet tall to catch this pass.



Game of Next Week
Denver Broncos at Indianapolis Colts

I know a lot will be made of this one because Peyton Manning is going back to Indianapolis but this should also be a pretty good football game. These two teams are among the best in the AFC but both need to bounce back from less than stellar performances last week.

If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
Denver Broncos 35 Seattle Seahawks 21

The holds these two teams have on these spots in quite tenuous. I still like the Saints but they really blew a huge chance in New England. And of course I love the Broncos and I'm not downgrading them based on performance against Jacksonville. But due to schedule alone, they may be more likely to lose soon than Kansas City.

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