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NFC Overview: Week 6

October 9, 2019October 9, 2019 by bokellner, posted in NFL

Week 5 brought us upsets, blowouts, and nail biters. There are now only two undefeated teams, four winless teams and 10 teams in the league with a record of 3-2. The NFC became even more uncertain in some divisions, but it seems that we may have found the team to beat in the conference. Find out below where each team is trending, and if they will be competing on wildcard weekend.

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay Packers (4-1)

Aaron Rodgers owns Dallas. He was 4-0 when playing the Cowboys on the road coming into Sunday, and this one was never really close. The Packers sprinted out to a 31-3 lead before coasting in the second half. Although the score indicates a closer game, you never felt that the Cowboys had a chance. The Packers proved that they are a top 3 team in the conference. Next week is a big divisional matchup on Monday Night Football as they host the Lions

2. Detroit Lions (2-1-1)

The Lions moved into second place during their bye week thanks to the Bears’ loss. This Lions’ team has looked competitive in every game, and some people are considering them legitimate contenders for the division title. Right now it looks like the NFC North will go through Green Bay, but a Lions’ win on Monday night would change everything.

3. Chicago Bears (3-2)

Sunday was a tough loss for the Bears in London. They came out flat and the Raiders took advantage, putting up 17 points in the first half, exposing the Bears’ defense along the way. The third quarter belonged to the Bears who scored three touchdowns and took the lead. In the end, the Raiders put together a 93-yard drive for the winning score late in the fourth. The Bears head into the bye week with many injuries and are hoping to get back Mitchell Trubisky for a big game against the Saints in two weeks

4. Minnesota Vikings (3-2)

The Vikings responded well to the criticism they received during last week. They threw the ball well and took care of the Giants to remain just a game back of the Packers. Next up is a tough game at home against the Eagles who seem to have found their identity in the past few games. A win at home could loom large for wild card tiebreakers later in the season. Although the passing game looked corrected, Stefon Diggs still might not be sure if he wants to be in Minnesota. Check out his reaction to being asked: “Do you want to be in Minnesota?”

NFC WEST

1. San Francisco 49ers (4-0)

The 49ers look for real. They beat up on the Browns on Monday night forcing four turnovers and rushing for over 200 yards. Although the Browns certainly have their own issues, the 49ers embarrassed a team that put up 40 points last week in Baltimore. Now, the 49ers have a target on their back and will get everyone’s best shot. Week 6 takes the ‘Niners to L.A. for a big divisional game against a Rams team looking for a bounce-back win after back to back losses.

2. Seattle Seahawks (4-1)

The Seahawks and Rams put on the best Thursday night game of the season. Russel Wilson looked unstoppable and the Seattle defense came up with a big interception to seal the game late in the fourth. This game also contained an early “play of the year” candidate in Russel Wilson’s Touchdown throw to Tyler Lockett during the second quarter (see below). At 4-1, the Seahawks look like an elite contender in the NFC. This week the Seahawks travel to play the Browns who haven’t lived up to their preseason hype just yet.

3. Los Angeles Rams (3-2)

The Rams have lost two in a row and are not looking like last year’s 13-3 division winners. Jared Goff is having a terrible start and Todd Gurley doesn’t seem like he will ever reach the level he did last year. The defense looks uncertain on every drive and they have now given up 85 points in the last two games. With the NFC West looking this good, the Rams need to straighten things out to remain in wild-card contention. A win against the 49ers this Sunday would put them right back into the mix for the division crown, but that’s easier said than done against this ‘Niners’ team.

4. Arizona Cardinals (1-3-1)

Winless no more! The Cardinals won the battle of the worsts with the Bengals and secured their first victory of the season 26-23. Kyler Murray rushed for a touchdown and the defense did just enough to hold off Cincinnati. Now the Cardinals come home to host the abysmal Falcons for a chance to start a nice win streak.

NFC EAST

1.Dallas Cowboys (3-2)

The Cowboys got dominated by the Packers. Sure they showed some life in the second half, but they never had a chance. Dak Prescott had another forgettable performance when facing a good team, and just like that the Cowboys and the Eagles have drawn even. After a trip to New York to face the Jets, the Cowboys will host the Eagles in two weeks on Sunday Night Football.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)

The Eagles quietly took care of the Jets and improved to 3-2. The Eagles look to have found themselves and are gaining a lot of momentum before their first showdown with the Cowboys in two weeks. Standing in between that is a tricky road game in Minnesota where the Vikings are 2-0 this year.

3. New York Giants (2-3)

Although this Giants’ loss proves that they aren’t quite playoff competitive yet, they still show great signs of growth. Week 5 will be a forgettable one, but with Saquon Barkley’s return on the horizon, the Giants could definitely upset some teams who are overlooking them down the road. That first chance for a huge upset will come this week on Thursday Night Football against the undefeated Patriots in Foxborough.

4. Washington Redskins (0-5)

The deed is done! Gruden is gone! The only problem is the Redskins are still winless and now without a head coach. Whatever they do, they need to find someone interested in developing Dwayne Haskins while the team continues to lose. It’s looking like the Redskins and Dolphins are leading the charge for next year’s number one pick…and how convenient that they play each other this week. Don’t miss the tank bowl!!

NFC SOUTH

1.New Orleans Saints (4-1)

Teddy Bridgewater is 3-0 as the Saints’ starter and as it stands right now, they look like one of the top teams in the conference, even without Drew Brees. This week the Saints head to Jacksonville to take on Gardener Minshew and the Jaguars. The Saints are the team to beat in the conference, and considering the lack of competition in this division, it looks like the Saints could have the South clinched by December.

2. Carolina Panthers (3-2)

The Panthers put together a nice win against the Jaguars last week and are back above .500. Cam Newton continues to remain on the sideline and has already been ruled out for Week 6. With a win this week, the Panthers would remain just one game back of the Saints, while virtually erasing any chance the Bucs had of winning the division crown.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)

The Bucs put up a good fight in New Orleans last Sunday but ultimately fell short against the Saints. This is a tough game to swallow as the Bucs are now two games behind for the division lead. This week, the Bucs head to London for another big divisional matchup with the Panthers whom they have already beaten this season. A win would draw them even with the Panthers, and keep them within shouting distance of the Saints. A loss might derail any slim playoff hopes the Bucs still have.

5. Atlanta Falcons (1-4)

The Falcons continue to lose. The offense put up 32 points, but giving up 53 points will never win a game in the NFL. Clearly, the Falcons are the biggest disappointment of the season thus far. Many thought they could compete with the Saints, but even with the weapons the Falcons have, they remain in the basement of the NFC. Week 6 takes the Falcons out to Arizona where they should have a good chance to get back in the win column. With each week, their win against the Eagles in Week 2 looks even more surprising.

NFC POWER RANKINGS (Week 4 Ranking)

New Orleans Saints (1)
Seattle Seahawks (6)
Green Bay Packers(3)
San Francisco 49ers (8)
Detroit Lions (7)
Los Angeles Rams (2)
Chicago Bears (4)
Dallas Cowboys (5)
Philadelphia Eagles (9)
Minnesota Vikings (12)
Carolina Panthers (13)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11)
New York Giants (10)
Atlanta Falcons (14)
Arizona Cardinals (15)
Washington Redskins (16)

NFC Overview: Week 5

October 2, 2019 by bokellner, posted in NFL

With Week Four in the books, we’ve gained some more clarity on which teams will be playoff contenders come January. As it stands now, the conference looks very competitive with a log jam of teams at 3-1. Some teams impressed, and others didn’t show up. Here is the Week 5 overview in the NFC with the updated Power Rankings below.

NFC NORTH

1. Green Bay Packers (3-1)

The Packers had a tough game against the Eagles on Thursday night, and Carson Wentz and his squad delivered. Beating Rodgers and the Packers in Lambeau is tough to do especially in a short week. The offense looked a little better, but still has room to improve. The Packers would have loved the 4-0 start but are still sitting atop the NFC North heading into a big game against the Cowboys this week.

2. Chicago Bears (3-1)

The Bears won a huge divisional game against the Vikings on Sunday despite being without 3 defensive starters, a starting offensive lineman, and Mitchell Trubisky. On the first drive Trubisky went down with a shoulder injury and backup Chase Daniel came into the game and played very well. The Bears defense overpowered the Vikings in every aspect and showed why the Bears can be a Super Bowl contender despite the uncertainty on offense. Next up is a trip to London to face the Raiders. Trubisky will not play in Week 5. The early indication is a dislocated shoulder, but he will not need surgery.

3. Detroit Lions (2-1-1)

Although the Lions were not able to pull off the upset against the Chiefs, they definitely proved that they are no pushover. In recent years the Lions have been mediocre at best, usually at the bottom of the NFC North. After the start through four games, folks in Detroit are very excited. Yes, the loss does bump them in the standings, but in the large scope, the Lions took large steps this past week. To get back in the win column, the Lions will have to wait until their trip to Lambeau field in two weeks on Monday Night Football after their bye.

4. Minnesota Vikings (2-2)

The worst performance on Sunday belonged to the Vikings. I understand they played the Bears’ defense on the road, but that’s no excuse for the pitiful effort they put out. The offense certainly has some soul searching to do after this one. Even though their rushing game should bounce back against the Giants, we found out how bad the Vikings pass attack is. Kirk Cousins is essentially stealing from the Vikings with his forgettable performances in primetime games. Next week the Vikes head to New York, which is looking like a much tougher game than many originally thought after the emergence of Daniel Jones.

NFC WEST

1. San Francisco 49ers (3-0)

The 49ers took Week 4 off and benefitted from the Rams loss. San Francisco sits atop the NFC West and is the lone unbeaten team in the conference. This Monday the 49ers host the Browns who impressed many with their win on Sunday in Baltimore. A Monday night win at home to improve to 4-0 will surely boost their stock and put them into serious playoff talks.

2. Los Angeles Rams (3-1)

The Rams were the biggest surprise of the weekend…in a bad way. The offense looked out of sync, Todd Gurley only rushed for 16 yards, and Jared Goff turned the ball over four times. Although the Buccaneers gave the Rams a few chances to get back into the game, a better opponent would almost certainly not allow for those opportunities. A loss at home giving up 55 points is a real gut-check, and the Rams need to do some soul searching. This comes at a horrible time, as the Seahawks await Thursday night in Seattle.

3. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

The Seahawks beat up on the Cardinals this past week. Russel Wilson is playing some of the best football of his career (must be the fat paycheck) and the Seahawks are right in the thick of things at 3-1. The biggest concern with the Seahawks is their weak schedule to open the season. The three wins have come against teams with a combined record of 1-10-1. This Thursday they welcome the Rams for a pivotal division matchup that could loom large come December.

4. Arizona Cardinals (0-3-1)

On Sunday the Cardinals got a real taste of how far away they form being competitive. This organization is focused on piecing together a roster to compete for division titles in a few years. For now, developing Kyler Murray and seeing if Kliff Kingsbury is the right fit are the top priorities. This week they travel to Cincinnati where they will play the winless Bengals.

NFC EAST

1.Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

The Cowboys played a tough game in New Orleans but fell short despite scoring the game’s only touchdown. The offense looked a bit confused at times and had trouble establishing the run game. Although there were questions surrounding the Cowboy’s ability to compete against playoff-caliber teams, they definitely proved that they should still be considered a top team in the conference. Putting up a close game in New Orleans is a tough feat with or without Drew Brees suited up. The road doesn’t get much easier though, as the Packers come to Dallas next Sunday looking for a bounce-back win.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

The Eagles put on one of the more impressive performances of Week 4. Even with some injuries, and a Thursday night game on the road, the Eagles came out and weathered the storm from the Packers. In the second half, they made some big plays and despite some questionable play calls from the Packers late in the game, the Eagles rose up to the challenge and picked-off Aaron Rodgers to seal the road win. This seemed to be a turning point for the Eagles who were sort of spiraling. Now, they look like they will give the Cowboys a run for the division crown. This week the Eagles host the Jets looking to build off of Thursday’s progress.

3. New York Giants (2-2)

Daniel Jones is 2-0! The Giants took down the Redskins rather easily on Sunday and are back at the .500 mark. Daniel Jones didn’t look quite as sharp this week, but a win is a win. The Vikings are coming in this week, and getting to 3-2 seems a bit more doable, especially after the Vikings performance in Chicago. Despite the rough start, the Giants’ season is still alive and well.

4. Washington Redskins (0-4)

…Fire Gruden and move on. An all-time horrible coaching move putting your rookie quarterback into the middle of a game on the road. The Redskinds should move on from Gruden and find someone to develop Haskins. This franchise is scrambling right now and the fan base is uneasy. Oh, and the Patriots come to town on Sunday as 16 point favorites. Prayers go out to Redkins faithful everywhere.

NFC SOUTH

1.New Orleans Saints (3-1)

No Drew Brees? No problem. The Saints took care of the Cowboys Sunday night and look like they will be just fine until Brees returns. Nobody expected the Saints to be 2-0 after losing Brees (especially with their schedule) but here they are at 3-1 with a home contest with the Bucs to get to 4-1. When Brees does come back, it will be hard to say they aren’t the team to beat in the NFC.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2)

The Bucs won a big game in L.A. on Sunday and looked pretty good while doing it. There were still some defensive issues and a pick-six thrown which opened the door up to the Rams, but they got the win. There is definitely room to improve still, but with each week it seems less and less improbable to see the Bucs snag a wildcard spot. Remember, this team is a missed field goal away from being 3-1. The Bucs now have a trip to New Orleans where a win would put them in first place.

3. Carolina Panthers (2-2)

The Panthers didn’t play particularly well this past week, but they got the win against the Texans despite 3 Kyle Allen fumbles. At 2-2 and no Cam Newton timeline, it is unclear if the Panthers can still push for a playoff spot. For now, beating the Jaguars at home would keep them on track to make a wildcard push in December.

4. Atlanta Falcons (1-3)

The Falcons 2019 season is already a disappointment. Many people thought they could surprise and compete with the Saints. Instead, they have made no progress and sit at the bottom of the division. This week, they travel to Houston to face a tough Texans team. A 1-4 start for the Falcons may turn up the heat in Dan Quinn’s seat.

NFC POWER RANKINGS (Week 4 Ranking)

New Orleans Saints (4)
Los Angeles Rams (1)
Green Bay Packers(2)
Chicago Bears (9)
Dallas Cowboys (3)
Seattle Seahawks (7)
Detroit Lions (6)
San Francisco 49ers (8)
Philadelphia Eagles (11)
New York Giants (12)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (13)
Minnesota Vikings (5)
Carolina Panthers (14)
Atlanta Falcons (10)
Arizona Cardinals (15)
Washington Redskins (16)

NFC Overview: Week 4

September 26, 2019September 26, 2019 by bokellner, posted in NFL, Uncategorized

After three weeks of football, I think it is finally appropriate to analyze each team’s progress and future path with three performances to critique. The NFC is shaking out to be a very competitive conference with many teams sitting at 2-1 or better. Read below to find out how I see each division playing out, as well as a preview for Week 4. Finally, in the end, I will provide a power ranking for each team in the conference.

NFC NORTH

I think it is only fitting, to begin with the NFC North because of its combined record of 9-2-1. Every team looks like it could make a run for the playoffs. Although some teams may have executed and performed better in some games, I think we can get a true sense of each team’s identity heading into Week 4.

1. Green Bay Packers (3-0)

Heading into the season, Green Bay was holding its breath as new coach Matt LaFleur was beginning his tenure as the leader of one of the NFL’s most coveted franchises. Of course, there has been some drama regarding Aaron Rodgers in the past few seasons on his coachability, but thus far that doesn’t seem to be an issue. After three games, the Packers are undefeated and their defense is leading the way. The offense has had some forgettable moments (The ugly win in Week 1 at Chicago) but it seems to be trending in the right direction. Being 2-0 in the division is certainly an added bonus to this unbeaten start, and they will look to improve to 4-0 on Thursday Night Football as the Packers will host the Eagles who have gotten off to a rocky start themselves. I predict the Packers to win against a beat-up Eagles squad who is having difficulty on the defensive side of the ball. Look for the Packers to get an early lead and coast.

2. Detroit Lions (2-0-1)

WOW! What a start for the Lions. Coming into the year I don’t think many people expected much from this team, but they have proven everyone wrong. At times, they have looked sloppy (4th Quarter against the Cardinals Week 1, and Most of the game against the Chargers) but at the end of the day, they have beaten two playoff teams from a year ago, and have been able to withstand late-game pressures. Matthew Stafford looks solid again this year, and the team is playing well in the early parts of the game, which was often a problem in recent seasons. This week the Lions host the Chiefs. Although it seems like a daunting task, I think the Lions are a pesky team that could hang around for a little in this game. In the end, I expect the Chiefs to remain undefeated and the Lions to fall to 2-1-1, which is by no means a failure considering their early-season opponents.

3. Minnesota Vikings (2-1)

The Vikings look like a playoff team. They have dominated the Falcons and Raiders at home, but in between, they fell to the Packers at Lambeau. Although they need to improve their ability to play on the road, the Vikings defense is once again looking dangerous, and Dalvin Cook has returned to his rookie form. Kirk Cousins, however, still leaves questions about his ability to be a reliable quarterback each week in the NFL. Upcoming, the Vikings travel to Chicago where a very important road divisional game awaits. As good as the Vikings may seem, if they fail to win road games, especially in the division, they could be a team that misses out on a playoff spot with a seemingly worthy record. All that said, I don’t think the Vikings will be able to pull out a victory against the Bears this week. The game being at 3:25 pm will only add more pressure to Kirk Cousins who can simply look overwhelmed when he faces pressure, and I expect the Bears to be very hungry to win at home after their Week 1 letdown.

4. Chicago Bears (2-1)

The Bears came into this season with Super Bowl aspirations. After adding pieces to an already stellar defense (HaHa Clinton-Dix) the Bears seemed like they might be on their way to just that. Although being 2-1 isn’t bad, the Bears have certainly left room for improvement on the offensive side of the ball. Third-year quarterback, Mitchell Trubisky showed some signs of development and growth last season but hasn’t been able to put together a complete performance. His play on Monday Night Football against the Redskins was the best it has been, but he still threw a poor interception in the endzone and missed some rather simple throws. I like the Bears to win this week against the Vikings, but the only way for them to accomplish that is with a good performance from Trubisky.

NFC WEST

The NFC West is another strong division with a combined record of 8-3-1. The Rams look like they are definitely capable of returning to the Super bowl. The Seahawks and 49ers have good records but haven’t beaten any team with a winning record yet. Although the Cardinals have a poor record, they have shown positive signs with a rookie quarterback.

1. Los Angeles Rams (3-0)

The Rams are coming off a solid win in Cleveland on Sunday night. The most promising part of the Ram’s performances up to this point is the fact that Todd Gurley hasn’t gotten going. He still has much more to offer in this fire-powered offense, which is benefitting immensely from the return of Cooper Kupp. The defense looks solid yet again, and I expect them to handle the Buccaneers rather easily this Sunday before a tough Thursday Night Football matchup with the Seahawks in Seattle. A return to the Super Bowl certainly seems possible if things continue this way.

2. San Francisco 49ers (3-0)

The 49ers look like the team everyone expected last season before Jimmy Garoppolo got injured. The offense is producing very well even with injuries and uncertainty in who the top receiver is. The biggest concern at this point is the quality of the opponents they have faced. Combined, the Buccaneers, Bengals, and Steelers are 1-8. This Monday the 49ers host the Browns who are still trying to find themselves as well. Nonetheless, a Monday night win at home to improve to 4-0 will surely boost their stock and put them into serious playoff talks.

3. Seattle Seahawks (2-1)

The Seahawks hosted the New Orleans Saints last Sunday who were without Drew Brees. Even so, the Saints dominated that game. Although the final score was 33-27, the game was over halfway through the third quarter. With their two wins coming against winless opponents, (By slim margins) I still cannot tell if the seahawks will be true playoff contenders. They have a divisional game at Arizona this Sunday which they most likely will win, but I think the Seahawks’ true colors will show next Thursday against the Rams.

4. Arizona Cardinals (0-2-1)

The Cardinals will not make the playoffs this year. The focus is all on developing Kyler Murray and preparing him for important games in November and December for seasons to come. Coach Kliff Kingsbury was criticized for not exploring enough with Murray in the first few weeks. In week three Murray looked overwhelmed at times in the second half against the Panthers, and turnovers killed any chance of pulling out the victory at home. As disappointing as it may be for a Cardinals fan, every young quarterback needs games where they perform poorly because it motivates them for weeks to come. I am excited for this team’s future with Murray at the helm.

NFC EAST

1.Dallas Cowboys (3-0)

The Cowboys look unbeatable right now. Dak Prescott has shown up this season. The move for Amari Cooper gets better with each game he plays, and Zeke is…being Zeke. The defense is strong, and the Cowboys have cruised to every win easily. The strong start is nice, but this Sunday night they will travel to play the Saints in New Orleans. This is the most intriguing matchup this week, but I am leaning slightly towards the Saints at home. Even still, the Cowboys look to be on their way to winning the NFC East again.

2. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)

The Eagles are in a tough spot. after three games they are 1-2 and have a difficult road game in Green Bay on Thursday. Starting out 1-3 was not on the agenda for anyone in Philadelphia, but maybe this game could turn everything around. They haven’t looked particularly sharp in any game. The offense is banged up and the defense can’t keep teams out of the endzone. If a 1-3 start is the case, the panic meter will be tapped out.

3. New York Giants (1-2)

The Giants have entered the Daniel Jones era. Week 3 marked Jones’s first start in a Giants uniform and boy did he show up. Although a missed field goal from the Bucs ultimately decided the game, it would be hard to imagine the Giants in that position with Eli Manning under center. No disrespect to Eli, I believe he will be in the hall of fame someday. For now, he should either find a team who needs another quarterback or just retire. This week I think they will easily handle the redskins and be 2-2. As for the Giants season, I don’t expect them to make the playoffs but they should be much more fun to watch and be competitive each week.

4. Washington Redskins (0-3)

Jay Gruden should be sweating after Monday night. The Redksins did not show up at all, Case Keenum turned the ball over 5 times, and the “boos” were out early and often. Dwayne Haskins should be ready at any moment because at this point they have nothing to lose. The lone bright spot has been rookie receiver Terry McLaurin. He has made an instant impact and scored a touchdown in each game. Things only get worse as the ‘Skins travel to New York to face Daniel Jones in his first home game.

NFC SOUTH

1.New Orleans Saints (2-1)

The Saints got robbed last year in the NFC Championship. With most of the team returning, reaching the Super Bowl is almost the expectation in New Orleans. Everything was on course until Drew Brees broke his thumb and needed surgery which sidelined him for 4-6 weeks. The game against the Rams wasn’t pretty and losing Brees just added insult to injury. The bounceback against the Seahawks was impressive, but another tough test against the Cowboys awaits this Sunday. Although Brees is crucial to the Saints’ success, I think they will stay afloat and then capture the division after his return.

2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2)

The Bucs do look improved under Bruce Aryans. Jameis Winston looks more like himself and although they had a tough loss to the Giants Sunday, I wouldn’t be surprised if they won 7 or 8 games this season. The winning, however, might have to wait a few weeks as road games against the Rams and Saints are up next.

3. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)

The Falcons are a tough team to figure out. After a poor performance week 1 against the Vikings, they responded with a hard-fought, dramatic victory against the Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Week 3 however, they could not secure a road victory against the Colts on the road and are now at 1-2. This week they travel to Houston to play a tough Texans’ defense and Deshaun Watson and Deandre Hopkins. I truly think the Falcons are better than their record, but that doesn’t mean much in this league. Each week is a crapshoot and you have to execute to earn victories.

4. Carolina Panthers (1-2)

I have lost all faith in Cam Newton. Even before his injury in week 2 he looked awful. Kyle Allen, on the other hand, seized his opportunity, and after an impressive win in Arizona, some people are saying there could be a quarterback competition in Carolina. I know it seems impossible that a former MVP could have his job at stake, but this is an unforgiving league and winning is the most important. If that isn’t being done, then changes will be made. Carolina hosts the Jaguars this Sunday and has a good chance to get back to .500.

NFC POWER RANKINGS

Los Angeles Rams
Green Bay Packers
Dallas Cowboys
New Orleans Saints
Minnesota Vikings
Detroit Lions
Seattle Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers
Chicago Bears
Atlanta Falcons
Philadelphia Eagles
New York Giants
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Carolina Panthers
Arizona Cardinals
Washington Redskins

Bears Dominate Redskins

September 24, 2019 by ollimaatta3, posted in NFL

The Chicago Bears jumped out to a 28-0 lead in the second-quarter on the road against the Washington Redskins when Mitchell Trubisky threw a 36-yard touchdown pass to Taylor Gabriel with 49 seconds remaining.

The play was not called a touchdown on the field, but their was a booth review because there was less than two minutes remaining in the first-half. Chicago looked more energized than Washington in the first-half.

Dustin Hopkins made a 35-yard field goal before halftime for the Redskins. Washington made it 28-15 at one point, but a Case Keenum fumble with 7:08 remaining in regulation on a fourth-and-1 at the Bears 22-yard line was forced by Danny Trevathan and Chicago recovered and hanged on for a 31-15 victory.

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix picked off Case Keenum in the first-quarter for the Chicago Bears and Clinton-Dix returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. He picked him off twice in this game.

In the second-quarter, Trubisky threw a 3-yard touchdown pass and also a 1-yard touchdown pass to Gabriel along with the 36-yard touchdown pass before the end of the first-half.

Mitchell Trubisky completed 25-of-31 passes for 231 yards three touchdowns and one interception. He also rushed for two yards on one carry.

Taylor Gabriel caught six passes for 75 yards receiving and three touchdowns. He also rushed seven yards on one carry.

Chicago’s leading rusher was David Montgomery with 67 yards rushing on 13 carries. Cordarrelle Patterson also rushed for 14 yards on four carries.

In the third-quarter, Case Keenum threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Trey McLaurin (missed 2-point conversion). McLaurin caught six passes for 70 yards receiving and a touchdown.

Keenum threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Paul Richardson Jr. in the fourth-quarter for Washington (failed 2-point conversion). Case Keenum completed 30-of-43 passes for 332 yards two touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed for three yards on two carries.

Keenum had a total of five turnovers in this game.

Richardson caught eight passes for 83 yards receiving and a score.

Adrian Peterson was the Washington Redskins leading rusher with 37 yards on 12 carries. He also caught one pass for -3 yards receiving.

Washington’s Head Coach Jay Gruden was asked after the game if would consider switching to rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins in Week 4 and Gruden is not considering the option.

Haskins was taken with the 15th overall pick out of Ohio State University in the 2019 NFL Draft.

A lot of people want to see this because of how well Daniel Jones played for the New York Giants on the road this past Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With not starting Haskins, this proves that he is not ready and Gruden doesn’t want to get him killed by this horrendous offensive line.

Their is speculation that Jay Gruden might be fired before the end of the season if this dumpster fire keeps up and it is very possible that offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell would take over as the interim head coach.

The Redskins would want to make this move because they are afraid he will be a head coach somewhere. Washington had Sean McVay as the offensive coordinator a couple of years ago and he then took the Los Angeles Rams head coaching job.

The biggest problem with Washington is team President Bruce Allen. They have only won 39 percent of the time in his tenure. Allen needs to be shown the door along with Gruden when the time comes.

The Chicago Bears (2-1) will host the Minnesota Vikings (2-1) next Sunday. The Washington Redskins (0-3) will be on the road and face the New York Giants (1-2) next Sunday.

Jon Gruden-Not Antonio Brown-is the Raiders Problem

September 7, 2019September 7, 2019 by obstructedviewer, posted in NFL

Yes, another post or comment about Antonio Brown and the saga that has just become stranger, stranger, and stranger. Ever since the last week of the 2018 season when Brown was suspended from his former team the Steelers, it has been a whirlwind of silliness honestly. People blamed the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger for Brown’s actions. He then gets traded to Oakland for a 3rd and 5th round pick. Things were semi-subdued to start as there wasn’t much drama. But when the football helmet issue came to play, that’s when everything began.

Needless to say, Antonio Brown is probably done as a Raider before Week 1 ever gets here.

Or is he?

The one guy that has been front & center of the whole thing aside from Antonio Brown has been Jon Gruden. When word passed on Thursday that Brown was going to be suspended by GM Mike Mayock after “conduct detrimental to the team” (let’s just say that to avoid any major details), Gruden did not come out and really support the idea that Brown was going to be suspended.

For me, at that minute, I figured Brown would not be suspended or at least get it overturned.

Friday arrives and the “breaking” came up on my phone: “Jon Gruden says Antonio Brown will play Week 1.”

Brown apologized to his team “with tears in his eyes” and then apologized in front of cameras. Okay, fine. The team captains said they “would back whatever Gruden wants to do with Brown.”

Then the video of Brown talking to Gruden on the phone on what felt was like his own Nike ad. Gruden found it amusing and loved it. Okay…..(personal note: if I was being secretly recorded on a phone about a matter like this, it’s probably not something I’d find amusing.)

Wake up this morning and now Brown wants his release and that is “no way he will play for the Raiders” after Oakland voided his guarantees. Now the rumor is already going around that Gruden still expects Brown to play and still planning it like Brown will play.

Now, I want to hit on a few things here, notably about the team captains. Nobody has really come out in public and defended the embattled wide receiver and if the message was “whatever you think is best, coach” towards Gruden, that to me is a tell-tale message that the players don’t want Brown to be back there. But Gruden is already insistent of keeping Brown in Oakland, no matter what the issues are with the Raiders.

And that’s the problem.

Brown apologists and Gruden apologists alike will say that Gruden is giving Brown a second chance. Fine. But he’s blown that already when he bucked up to the boss. He blew that when he did a holdout for his helmet. So now we are on the 4th or 5th chance at it. Another thing has been somebody erroneously said how Gruden won a Super Bowl with another diva prima donna receiver in Keyshawn Johnson and having Warren Sapp. To those arguments, Gruden and Johnson hated each other and by the second season Gruden was with the Bucs he suspended Johnson for the second half of the season. And Sapp was not an issue. PS-Gruden won a Super Bowl with Dungy guys on defense. Just saying. After that, he was just an “average” head coach with the Bucs as the Dungy guys started to leave or retire.

Secondly Gruden has already undermined his GM Mike Mayock for all of this. From the moment when Mayock told Brown you’re “all in or all out” to even now, Gruden has been what from the outside has been the opposite of Mayock. It looks bad from that perspective that the head coach (who has an insane deal to stay) and the new GM there are not on the same page. That is a key issue.

We have already seen Gruden have his issues with the Raiders since he came back, notably with his prior GM Reggie McKenzie. The trades of Khalil Mack (which is the most dumbfounding of all of the moves until Brown arrived) and Amari Cooper are just unexplainable. If anything they came to work and did their jobs. But if Gruden has total control of the team over the GM, then why does Oakland have a GM at all when he keeps undermining the decisions Mayock makes?

Again, we know Antonio Brown has baggage. We saw that in full force last year in Pittsburgh. But what Jon Gruden is doing is enabling his behavior time after time to the point that it may just plague the team in what looks to be the Raiders final season in Oakland. It doesn’t set a good precedent for the other players and it is very harming if you are a teammate that is watching this on the side going “how many chances will Brown get from this guy?” or “if it was me, I’m out of a job!” or “well, Khalil Mack was pretty much kicked out of here because he wanted a new contract though he’s a stand-up guy and wants to play here.” Just because somebody may be very talented and have a strong practice regiment does not necessarily mean it off-sets all the issues. Gruden fails to see it right now that it is killing his team.

Maybe the guy that needs to miss the first week of the regular season and the entire season is Jon Gruden. All he’s doing is taking the Raiders into a black hole of futility. And trying to fight to keep Antonio Brown on the team is just another example. And the question is, what is the next example for Gruden and the Raiders? Or better yet how many examples will it take before the Raiders figure out Gruden is not any answer at all? Maybe Gruden is the one that has the issues destroying the team, not Brown.

-Fan in the Obstructed Seat

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Mookie Betts Lifts Red Sox over Twins

September 5, 2019 by ollimaatta3, posted in NFL

The Boston Red Sox entered the game against the Minnesota Twins with being 5.5 games back for the second wild card spot in the American League. Mookie Betts hit a solo home run on the first pitch he faced in the first-inning off of Jose Berrios for Boston.

Betts also hit a three-run homer for the Red Sox in the second-inning off of Berrios. The Red Sox won the game 6-2 over Minnesota.

Boston remains 5.5 games back of the Cleveland Indians and the Oakland Athletics for the second wild card spot in the American League.

In the sixth-inning, the Boston Red Sox scored two more runs on a Christian Vazquez double and a Mooke Betts RBI single. He went 4-for-5 in the game.

Eddie Rosario hit a two-run homer in the eighth-inning off of Ryan Brasier for the Twins.

Eduardo Rodriguez (17-5) was the winning pitcher for Boston. He pitched seven scoreless innings and gave up five hits. Rodriguez walked four batters and struck out eight.

Jose Berrios (11-8) was the losing pitcher for Minnesota. He pitched five innings and gave up eight hits and six runs. Berrios walked three batters and struck out six.

Brandon Workman recorded his 11th save of the season for the Red Sox. He pitched 0.2 innings.

The Minnesota Twins currently led the Cleveland Indians by 5.5 games in the American League Central.

The projected starting pitchers for the rubber game of this three-game set on Thursday night at Fenway Park in Boston will be between Martin Perez (9-6, 4.89 ERA) for the Minnesota Twins and Nathan Eovaldi (1-0, 6.23 ERA for the Boston Red Sox.

Cubs Top Pirates in Little League Classic

August 19, 2019August 19, 2019 by ollimaatta3, posted in NFL

For the third straight season, there would be a Major League Baseball game played at historic Bowman Field in Williamsport, Pennsylvania in honor of the Little League World Series.

The Chicago Cubs took care of business early and often en route to a 7-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the Little League Classic.

Chicago was the road team and Pittsburgh was the home team.

Nicholas Castellanos hit a solo home run off of Mitch Keller for the Cubs in the first-inning. Jason Heyward also hit a solo home run off of Mitch Keller in the third-inning.

Kyle Schwarber had a two-run single in the fourth-inning for Chicago. They tacked on three more runs in the fifth-inning on a RBI double by Kris Bryant and a two-run homer by Anthony Rizzo off the scoreboard in left field. Rizzo hit the home run off of Stratton.

The Pirates hit a solo home run in the ninth-inning by Starling Marte off of Craig Kimbrel on the first pitch.

Pittsburgh loaded the bases with two outs in the ninth, but Melky Cabrera struck out swinging to end the game.

Jose Quintana (11-7) was the winning pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. He pitched seven strong innings. Quintana gave up five hits and zero runs. He walked zero batters and struck out seven.

Mitch Keller (1-2) was the losing pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates. He pitched 4.1 innings and gave up seven hits and six runs. Keller walked two batters and struck out five.

He is 23 years old and Mitch Keller has a ton of potential, but he needs the right coaching staff in order for him to succeed.

As bad Pittsburgh has been in the second-half, they did not get swept in this series.

These two teams will play each other twice (three-game sets) down the stretch.

The Chicago Cubs are technically tied for first place in the National League Central with the St. Louis Cardinals, but Chicago’s win percentage is .532 and St. Louis’s is .533 and that’s why the Cubs are in the second wild card spot in the National League.

Chicago has a two-game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers, the New York Mets, and the Philadelphia Phillies for the second wild card in the National League.

The Chicago Cubs will host the San Francisco Giants for a three-game set starting on Tuesday night. The Pittsburgh Pirates will host the Washington Nationals for a four-game set starting on Monday night.

Daniel Jones New York Giants Week 1 Starter?

June 13, 2019 by ollimaatta3, posted in NFL

Remember when everyone was criticizing New York Giants General Manager David Gettleman for drafting quarterback Daniel Jones out of Duke with the sixth overall pick in the NFL Draft at the end of April? Well, he might have known something that the people on the outside may not have.

Jones is apparently ahead of his schedule because he has impressed people within the organization during offseason workouts. Training camp doesn’t start until the end of next month, but Daniel Jones will be a hot name to keep an eye on for the New York Giants and the rest of the league during training camp and the preseason.

Head Coach Pat Shurmur has made it clear he expects quarterback Eli Manning to be the Week 1 starter, but Shurmur made a statement the other that Jones is preparing like he is going to be the starting quarterback Week 1.

Manning is in the final year of his contract and he is 38 years old. Eli Manning completed 66 percent of his passes last season for 4,299 yards 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Even though Manning threw for so many yards last season, a lot of those yardage came in garbage time and he didn’t have a very strong arm last season.

The New York Giants didn’t have a very good record once again last season and they finished with a 5-11 record. They need to get off to a good start this season with Manning or Shurmur will decide to pull the plug early in the season on him and go with Daniel Jones.

Jones is a lot more athletic than him and he also only 22 years old. Daniel Jones played his college ball at Duke University.

He will have some solid weapons to throw the ball to like Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard, Golden Tate, Darius Slayton, and Evan Engram.

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was traded to the Cleveland Browns and it didn’t please a lot of New York Giants fans at first, but there has been less drama ever since.

I don’t think Jones will be the Week 1 starter, but I could see him starting the season by Week 8 or Week 9. The New York Giants open up the season on the road against the Dallas Cowboys on September 8th.

Why the Cowboys will have to overpay for Dak Prescott

May 25, 2019May 25, 2019 by obstructedviewer, posted in NFL, Uncategorized

With technology and social media at an all-time high, the world in sports has evolved. Why am I bringing this up? Well, anybody who goes on Twitter (myself included) seeing sports-related Tweets or posting sports-related Tweets about teams, players, etc. is posting it right there on emotion, most of the time having a “hot take” at that moment.

For those who are saying I’m a hypocrite for pointing this out, well, I have done my share in venting and taking hot takes on Twitter (I try not to, but human emotion does take over).

Why am I bringing this up? Rewind to 2016 when the Dallas Cowboys were the toast of the town, dominating with two young rookies of Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott. Elliott was a first round pick by the Boys in the draft, but Dak was drafted in the 4th round as a backup to Tony Romo. Well, we know the story: Romo gets injured and Prescott takes over. And wins game after game after game for the Boys.

The toast on Twitter? Dak Prescott. He did no wrong. He was considered a front-runner for both rookie of the year and MVP. He had a great background story, a sympathetic one, etc. Life was good for the young quarterback. People went “there is no earthly way Romo should return at quarterback given how Dak is playing” But then…things started to change.

Dak’s Cowboys owner, Jerry Jones came out and said he wasn’t sure if Dak should remain the quarterback if and when Romo returns from injury. Nearly a week later, Dallas’s torrid run at 11-1 ended in New York, losing to the Giants. Many on Twitter went after Jones, who made the comments during that week. Other people started to question Dak’s ability to lead the team into the post-season and wondered if Dak was the right man, especially that Romo was on the mend.

Dallas kept Prescott as the quarterback and had homefield throughout the playoffs. They lost to Green Bay at home in a classic battle though Prescott did nothing wrong (more of what Aaron Rodgers was doing was the reason why Dallas lost).

After the season, it was reported Elliott would be suspended due to violating the NFL personal conduct policy. While he appealed his case and played early on, Elliott struggled as did Prescott. When Elliott had to serve his suspension, Prescott and the Cowboys really struggled. They went 3-3 without him, but the three losses were embarrassments, and were ones who were fighting for the playoffs (Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chargers) and the wins were to teams who were pretty much done for with the season (Giants, Raiders, Redskins).

Dallas finished at 9-7, but many wondered if Dak is the right guy for the job.

The next season a healthy and suspension-free Elliott came back. Dak’s numbers however, didn’t show the improvement or growth like some had believed and many questioned his ability to be that guy getting the Cowboys back to the promised land for the first time in 25 years. However, the trade of Amari Cooper helped things for Prescott as he finally got that big time receiver he lacked since Dez Bryant left after 2016. His numbers were stout after the Cowboys traded for Amari Cooper and Dallas won the NFC East for the second time in 3 years. A win over Seattle in the first round, but the Boys fell to the eventual NFC Champion Rams. Many pointed to the fact that Dak did not make the necessary plays as Los Angeles stopped Elliott on the run and made him pass. Of course, the take is “Dak is not an answer at quarterback and doesn’t deserve any contract extension that he is asking for.”

Which, the extension value? $30 million per year.

Needless to say, the Cowboys are in a bind. Is Dak worth that much in the scheme of things for NFL quarterbacks? No. But we have to realize a key issue here: he is an adequate, if not good quarterback. And in the NFL, you DO NOT let a franchise quarterback go unless you know you have another franchise quarterback right behind. Teams who haven’t that franchise quarterback are the teams who often languish at the bottom (see the Cleveland Browns pre-Baker Mayfield, Detroit Lions pre-Matthew Stafford, Buffalo Bills). Sure, they may have a year or two with some backup quarterback who has a nice run, but they still don’t sniff a post-season berth or they remain near the bottom and will continue to be that way. Prescott is at anything a constant for Dallas. Yes, he isn’t going to put up those massive numbers like a Brady, Brees, or Rodgers. But he doesn’t need to. He has to make sure he plays smart (which overall he does), and makes those needed plays to win games (still has SOME work there, but overall, he’s not the worst at it).

Again, I don’t think Dak is worth $30 million, but to Dallas, they may have to pay him that regardless. Not having a franchise quarterback really destabilizes a franchise. And in Big D where the owner is desperately wanting to return to the glory years of the early/mid 90’s, it is not great to have massive question marks at the one position you don’t need to have the question mark.

-Fan in the Obstructed Seat

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The Top 10 Current NFL Quarterbacks-Obstructed Edition

April 21, 2019April 21, 2019 by obstructedviewer, posted in NFL

Everybody ranks NFL quarterbacks differently. I am no different. Now, people can rank them through their God-given ability, statistics, ability to win, leadership, etc. It is all in the eyes of the beholder. Last year was an interesting year for quarterbacks. We saw quarterbacks rise up from the ashes, quarterbacks take a step back, quarterbacks get injured, quarterbacks start to possibly decline via age, quarterbacks that can’t be trusted as quality leaders, etc. So I will look at it from my perspective (which is likely flawed, but to each his own).

I factor in as much as possible with the quarterbacks. Yes, I look at numbers, ability, skill, ability to win, leadership, poise, high-pressure situations, and so forth. So when I was thinking about this for the last few days after seeing a fellow blogger write their own ranks, it made me think heavy about it. So let’s take a look at who I think is in the top ten at what spot?

#1. RUSSELL WILSON, SEAHAWKS: Surprised to see him as my top guy? The most surprised person on here is me actually. While Wilson didn’t throw for 4,000 yards in 2018, he threw for a career-high 35 TD’s and only 7 INT’s. His ability to scramble around and still be able to keep his head down the field to throw the ball is immense. For now, he is the best mobile quarterback in NFL history as he has the ability to make key passes and remain poised despite the numerous hits he takes. He really helped guide a relatively rebuilding Seahawks squad into the playoffs and has done everything necessary to be an elite quarterback.

#2. PATRICK MAHOMES, CHIEFS: Save for maybe Kurt Warner in 1999, no quarterback burst onto the scene like Pat Mahomes did. I also was proven wrong as I thought he was more of a systematic quarterback under the Kliff Kingsbury Texas Tech Air Raid scheme. But his mobility sets him apart from others. He is a passing quarterback but he can run when he needs to and run for big yards. He is very poised, cool, and collected, which is big for a youngster like Mahomes. He also seems to have the respect and following of all the teammates in the locker room. If there is ONE thing he needs to do, it is win those big games (notably against New England, but he isn’t the only one), but that will come in due time.

#3. TOM BRADY, PATRIOTS: Brady has cemented himself as the greatest of all time. My apologies to those who think otherwise. Did his overall play dropped from previous years? Yeah, a little bit and his play in the Super Bowl LIII was not that of legend (0 TD’s, 2 turnovers). That said, if you need a comeback, or a key play needed, or making guys better around him, he is still the guy you know you can rely on. And it was shown in the AFC Championship vs. Kansas City. Now, moving forward, is Father Time finally catching up? Brady looked very human at times in 2018, more human than in prior years.

Jan 5, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Dontrelle Inman (not pictured) against the Houston Texans in the second quarter in a AFC Wild Card playoff football game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports

#4. ANDREW LUCK, COLTS: No quarterback rebounded like Andrew Luck did in 2018 after missing the entire 2017 season and possibly his career being over due to the shoulder surgery. His numbers paralleled those of 2014, where many considered him to be one of the NFL’s elite. He gave the Colts a major jolt and with a more rounded team have become a Super Bowl contender. Adding on, while TY Hilton did fine in 2017, he was at the forefront of being one of the best receivers in the game in 2018. You can thank Luck for that. Luck is cool, calm, and poised when he is out there and players want to play with him. My only question and maybe it is unfair is did the shoulder come into play in the Playoff game against Kansas City? He looked like the total opposite of what he was in the season. If it is more of an endurance thing, he should be ready in 2019.

#5. DREW BREES, SAINTS: This may be very debatable given that Brees slipped down the stretch including the playoffs. He was really an MVP frontrunner midway through the 2018 season and then it really inexplicably fell apart on the Saints hero. He sputtered somewhat and failed to eclipse the 4,000 passing yards mark since joining New Orleans (to be fair, he sat out the final week given the Saints clinched homefield throughout the playoffs and would have thrown for a few passing yards to get it). And perhaps there would be no “no-call” in the NFC Championship had Brees not thrown a duck on a slant pattern which would have given a touchdown for New Orleans. But to each their own. However, Brees is the unquestioned leader of the Saints and is that one quarterback that you think you have rattled, but he will still keep punching. Of course, the question is on Brees, much like Brady, has Father Time arrived on him?

#6. AARON RODGERS, PACKERS: Nobody won’t or will ever deny Aaron Rodgers overall physical ability. He sees things on the field nobody else often sees. His mix of scrambling and passing have made him a deadly weapon for Green Bay over the years. So why is he taking a dip in the rankings? Perhaps it is what is between his ears as in leadership. While many Packer teammates past and present have come to Rodgers aid on his leadership abilities, the phrase “when there’s smoke, there’s fire” come to mind. People will also agree that Rodgers plays with that famed “chip on his shoulder” moniker since he nearly wasn’t drafted in the first round in 2005, which is fine. But for him it could also very well be a problem if he is making grudges instead. And I do think he’s not a happy person because of it. In his early years in Green Bay you saw a guy who loved to play and it showed. He was like Favre (who he held a grudge for as well), laughing, cutting up, etc and he was winning Super Bowls and playing like an MVP. Now he just looks irritated at points and he can at times try too hard to show everyone why he is the best. He needs to go back and do what he loves and R.E.L.A.X.

#7. MATT RYAN, FALCONS: I had actually flip-flopped Rodgers and Ryan a few times doing this. Had the Falcons finished the drill in the Super Bowl two years ago, Ryan is probably considered elite all the way. However, people still doubt he can win the big one, even in Atlanta. Ryan’s numbers in 2018 paralleled to those in his MVP year in 2016. However, the Falcons went 7-9 and were out of any playoff race by November. But again, it is “can you win?” despite the Falcons woes on defense. The one thing that I think makes Ryan “overlooked” is his Matty Ice name hasn’t been what it was when he first started out. If the Falcons were down in the 4th, he’d come back and you knew the game was his for the taking. Now it isn’t as evident.

#8. PHILIP RIVERS, CHARGERS: Speaking of looking big winning, Rivers’s numbers in 2018 is on par with every other year of his career. However given how we do factor in the winning percentage, Rivers was considered an MVP candidate in 2018. He won a road game in the playoffs against Baltimore which helps his cause, but like throughout his career, Rivers is that quarterback if you frustrate often, he goes into meltdowns and can be a liability to his team. Aside from a few spots however, Rivers was actually pretty poised in 2018.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 30: Deshaun Watson #4 of the Houston Texans runs past Telvin Smith #50 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

#9. DESHAUN WATSON, TEXANS: So far, Watson is the NFL’s Timex Watch: he’s taking a licking. But he played all 16 games after his ACL injury in 2017 and helped Houston win the division. Watson is also a dual threat QB where he can pass or run in key situations. He threw for 4,000 yards in 2018 which is an impressive feat. However, he can still be rattled with the excessive amount of sacks and his under 60% completion percentage can show is that he can be slightly indecisive at times. But it is understandable as he is still young. He may need to be more of a pocket passer if he is to survive the NFL for a long time.

#10. BEN ROETHLISBERGER, STEELERS: Roethlisberger puts up big numbers on a yearly basis. We’ve known that for a while. Last year he threw for 5,000 yards and 34 TD. And he can get his team to wins. However, what has been dooming him has been his attitude and leadership issues. In the past he has wavered a few times about hanging it up. Whether or not he is an effective leader and unable to handle the situation with Antonio Brown, it really looms bad on his character. Moving forward, Roethlisberger, like Rodgers and a few others, is getting up in age. While he has been healthy throughout his career, a rough season in some manner may have Big Ben go “I’m tired of this, I will retire after the season.”

That is it for my top ten. Of course it will always be a debate, but remember, to each their own.

-Fan in the Obstructed Seat

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