Back to the Future Week 10 was perhaps the most interesting week in the NFL in quite some time. With two games going into overtime and three more coming close, the parity in the NFL has never been clearer. No division has a dominant team and the difference between first and second is only separated by one game or tied in all divisions. To give you an idea of how strange this is, last year at this time, the Vikings were first in the NFC North at 8-1 and Greenbay was in second at 5-4. Indianapolis and New Orleans were both 9-0 with Atlanta and Houston in second both at 5-4. The Bucks, Rams, Raiders, and Chiefs are all in first or a game out and only had at most two wins at this point last year. The cowboys were 6-3 at this point last year. The Vikings, 8-1. Arian Foster was deep in the bowels of the Texan’s depth chart, Vick was the number 3 QB in Phili, Randy Moss had a lot less frequent flyer miles and the best player in Fantasy Football was whoever was playing the Browns.
Games that make me think there’s hope:
Ravens: 21 – Falcons 26 -- Matt Ryan silenced the questions around who the better 2009 draft QB was throwing for 316 yards and three TDs with no picks going 18-1 in the GA dome. He looked a lot like a young Peyton Manning controlling the line of scrimmage and change the plays on the fly. While it was a back and forth game ending on a controversial Pass Interference non-call on Mr. White, I think most people left that game thinking the Falcons are the better team.
Jets: 26 - Browns: 20 – No Brownie! That’s clearly why they lost. Although I suppose that’s a play you can’t run every week. I continue to be impressed with how they are playing. I know the story this week is proclaiming Sanchez an elite quarterback but I am loving what the Browns are doing. They are looking like the new Jets. Young QB, strong running game and solid defense. Ground and Pound. Jets continue to do what they do and coming up with wins. You have to be impressed with Rex Ryan but I have a strong feeling they will continue to offensive issues that will cost them in the post season. This game should have been won long before it got to OT.
Vikings: 13 - Bears: 27 -- Bear down! Chicago Bears! It was a solid and decisive win for the first time in a while. While the hole may be plugged, I still believe the ship is going down. Why do I say that? The picks just keep on coming. The offense is beginning to take shape but stupid mistakes are still being made a crucial times that have cost us in the past. I didn’t see anything that made me more optimistic regarding the decision making in the red zone. That being said, I have been a little more pleased to see Cutler moving out of the pocket and not just going down after his first read. The O Line is picking it up a bit but still has a little ways to go. Poor Brett. With Berrien out and Camarillo looking like he couldn’t catch syphilis sleeping with Lindsey Lohan, his storied career is coming to a horrible end reminiscent of the movie Skyline.
Games that make me say “eh”
Titans: 17 - Dolphins: 29 -- Randy Moss: 1 Catch. Verdict: Shut up! If you only get one catch fifty minutes into the game, then you don’t have the right to bitch about everything. Chris Johnson was back to form. Although they pulled out the win, the Dolphins O line looked similar to another team’s we all know and love here in Chicago getting two QB’s destroyed for the season. Tyler Thigpen for MVP!
Panthers: 16 - Bucks: 31 -- My how the fallen have grown. Josh Freeman is going to an elite quarterback sooner then we think. The Bucks also discovered their long lost running game Blount breaking out with 91 yards and a TD. Even the old Cadillac was pulled out of mothballs for 62 yards on 5 carries and a TD. I like where this team is going and think they are a lot better then most people think.
Lions: 12 - Bills: 14 -- The Lions’ road woes continue. But on a plus note, yay Bills. Buffalo has a lot to hope for now with their first win of the season. Almost makes you forget about the snow, the ice, CJ Spiller being out for the season and, oh yeah, you live in Buffalo! The Lions record doesn’t speak to the fact that they’ve been in almost every game they’ve played and are becoming a force to be reckoned with… Next year.
Bengals: 17 - Colts: 23 -- The easy story is that the Bengals are done and while that story isn’t wrong, what I found much more interesting and surprising is that Peyton Manning went 20 for 36 185 yards and no TDs no Ints. That’s right, Peyton Manning threw no touchdowns. I know a lot of people have him at the top of the MVP list but with a team with three losses and a game like that, I’m not seeing it. I know he has lost a lot of people but so has everyone. Special Note for T.O. If you give up on a play like that again, you’ll end up with a crappy reality show, be on a team no one watches, and the worst part? You’ll end up living in Cincinnati.
Games I don’t even care about enough to write about:
Squawks: 36 - Cardinals: 18 -- Wow.
Patriots: 39 - Steelers: 26 -- Everyone else been talking about it. Yay coaching. Steelers overrated.
Rams: 20 - 49ers: 23 -- Welcome to almost mattering other Smith.
Cowboys: 33 - Giants 20 -- See what happens when you actually play?
Chiefs: 29 - Broncos: 49 -- You used the wrong finger Haley.
Game of the Week:
Eagles: 59 - Redskins: 28 -- This game’s first play from scrimmage was an 88 yard TD pass to DeSean Jackson. I’ve never seen a half of football (nor has anyone really) that was played more perfectly then this one. Michael Vick is not only putting up insane passing numbers (20 for 28, 333 yards, 4 TDs) and insane rushing numbers (8 for 80 yards and 2 TDs), he is reinventing the QB position. You can’t simply “spy” him as most teams have tried. You need to reinvent the way you play defense. He simply can’t be contained in the pocket. My recommendation? Don’t try. It doesn’t make sense to put 4 people on the line for the defense. I’d rush two up the middle, put 2 linemen just inside the numbers who’s sole job is contain. Keep the spy and keep the other 2 linebackers in the middle, and the two safeties deep. Right now, there is simply no way a traditional defense is going to stop him. If he remains healthy, he will not only be the MVP but shatter all offensive records while doing it. My favorite Stat? 0 picks for the season. He is the anti-Cutler.
Note of the Week
What the hell is going on with kickers this year? I’ve seen more missed field goals this year then I’ve ever seen in the NFL. It is not just this week but it seems like at least two kicks are missed a game and they are often kicks that matter. Look at Jets or the Jags. Both missed kicks that would’ve put their games away and both got lucky. However other teams aren’t so lucky. I wouldn’t be surprised if we start to see more people going for it on fourth because they can’t rely on their kickers to make field goals. That isn’t necessarily bad but it just seems strange since most people think FGs shorter then 40 should be automatic.
Things that make me sad
-The power at the New Medowlands Stadium
-NFL network’s coverage of Thursday Night Football. I counted 15 people in their pregame coverage. Looks like the recession is over with all the people they employ.
-The movie Skyline
-All that Sanchez talk. Matt Ryan looks so much better then him but doesn’t get nearly as much attention (granted he has an extra year under him)
-Detriot’s and Buffalo’s records. These two teams are much better then their records indicate. I love what Detroit does on defense and what Buffallo does on offense… Hmmm. Perhaps instead of moving to Toronto, they should send their offense to Detriot.
-San Diego’s special teams. Don’t think because you were on bye we wouldn’t notice!
-Houston’s Defense is a new level of sad.
-Randy Moss
-Sunday could very likely be Brett Favre’s last game
-NFL network’s calling of Thursday Night Football. Yes, it was that bad.
-18 game schedule: What makes the NFL good is that there are only so many games. Also look at the Vikings and the Colts. Do we really want to watch 3rd and 4th stringers in games that won’t matter because everyone is injured or the best teams are so far ahead of the pack?
Things that give me hope (even if only for a moment):
-Watching Vick play
-L.A’s progress at getting a team. Looks like 2012 is a very real possibility.
-Sundays line-up: GB vs. Min at noon, Colts vs. Patriots at 3, Giants Eagles at 7.
-This new blog
-No more Bye weeks!
-NFLPA’s response to the 18 game season. Don’t think it will help with the CBA but at least they are making reasonable demands and aren’t completely overreaching
-The parity in the league. I love the fact that every game matters. The Browns can beat the Patriots and are a force. The Bills and Lions play like it’s their last game even though they have bad records.
Last Word of Warning
Right now the NFL is in an interesting place. Everyone says that November is the month where the cream rises to the top. I disagree. December is going to matter for the first time in a while a lot more then it has ever had. For those of you planning to go home for Christmas, don’t forget to turn on the TV. Week 17 (Jan 2nd) (all division match ups) could be like a mini playoff weekend because of all the games that are likely to matter for who is going to make the playoffs. The superbowl winners regular season record might be 9-7 or even 8-8 (last year Colts 14-2, Saints 13-3). I may be in the minority but I think that is why the NFL is great this year. It’s anyone’s game (unless of course you are the Seahawks) at the end of November and the parity gives me hope for the remainder of the year.
Hawks not Squawks
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