WEEK 10
This week we felt the oddities of 2020 as a season in a scheduling manner. The flex scheduling managed to give us six late games while only 5 early games on the Sunday schedule. The early window honestly felt sad considering that the norm is to be bombarded by games early on Sunday. There weren’t many good games early on or many with significance to the season. This Sunday, we witnessed some thrilling endings but in the end, the mismatches took their tolls.
Buccaneers-Panthers
After last Sunday’s embarrassment, we knew the Buccaneers would bounce back. The interesting element of this game was a reminder that the Bucs need to establish the run. After running the ball only five times a week before, we saw Tampa run the ball 37 times in the decisive 46-23 victory. The game was close at halftime but any doubt of the Bucs ability to close out was put away after Ronald Jones ran 98 yards for a touchdown to put Tampa ahead by two scores. This game reminded us not only that the Buccaneers can win but they will win with a balanced attack and a defense that can get better in the second half.
Texans-Browns
Once again, we had terrible weather in Cleveland and thus the style of play was instantly altered. With the game being 3-0 in the third quarter, the Nick Chubb touchdown run felt like the dagger in the game. Once again, it is difficult to evaluate a team based on unusual circumstances. The Browns only inch closer to the goal of reaching the playoffs and based on what we’ve seen, the defense can carry them to that goal. The issue with declaring their defense good after this victory is once again the conditions of the game. The Browns collectively look like they will pounce on the weakened teams on their schedule, unfortunately, there doesn’t appear to be many of those left.
Washington-Lions
The Lions have been deceptive in their record. Yes, they had three wins entering this game, but these wins have been the Lions simply pouncing on terrible teams (except for the Cardinals, that win still confuses me). This week came as no expectation to the rule as the Lions controlled the majority of the game and have found their number one back in D’Andre Swift. Of course, the other important rule of the Detroit Lions is that they must blow whatever lead they have even if that means surrendering 21 unanswered points to the Football Team, which can barely score 20 points in any game. A Matt Prater 61-yard field goal bailed out the Lions but this victory once again shouldn’t fool anybody.
Eagles-Giants
I honestly find it hard to believe that either team wanted to win this game. I know the players are fighting for their jobs and are playing to win. One has to wonder if the winner of this game won the battle but lost the war. The Giants got the better of the Eagles at the end of the day and oddly look like they can win the NFC East.
The 27-17 victory by the Giants had few bright spots that we can look at as we consider them potential contenders in the NFC East. For one, the defensive line showed up today and it might be better than most people give them credit for. The other positive for the Giants is the ability to find the rare matchups in Evan Engram or Darius Slayton that can win them three or even four more games (and that would be enough to catapult them to the playoffs).
Jaguars-Packers
The Packers entered this game as 14-point favorites and in all logical ways they should have blown out the one-win Jaguars. This led to the sad reality that the Packers played down to their opponents once again. It’s games like these that make you wonder if the Packers or any NFC team for that matter, can win the Super Bowl. Sunday proved little of the qualities that one would like to see in a Super Bowl team and this win in all psychological ways felt like a loss. The Packers won in the end 24-20 and will continue to climb in the standings while the Jaguars continue the important mission of losing every game after accidentally losing their first one.
Bengals-Steelers
As though the weather wouldn’t be enough of an obstacle, Joe burrow was forced to face the best defense all season this Sunday. As much as Burrow has improved in every game, this game was a wake-up call. The Bengals couldn’t move the ball all day. This reminded us why the Steelers are one of the most complete teams in the NFL. The offense didn’t need to do much to win but Ben Roethlisberger did throw four touchdown passes.
Many of us thought this could be a trap game for Pittsburgh considering the performance last week. This week we were reminded not only that the Steelers could beat anybody, but they can win any situational game. They have won shootouts, run-heavy battles, and by shutting down teams with their defense. As skeptical as I have been throughout the season, I must say that this Steelers team continues to prove me wrong and continue to look Super Bowl worthy.
Bills-Cardinals
Everyone will talk about one play and that is the final one. Kyler Murray heaving the game-winning hail mary to De’Andre Hopkins who hauled it in over three Bills defensive backs. This game had many twists and turns prior to the final play. Anyone felt that both teams did enough to win and lose at the same time. The Bills made costly penalties and Josh Allen threw two costly interceptions. The sure-handed Larry Fitzgerald bobbled a pass that was intercepted and gave the Bills life.
In the end, this game showed us two great teams and a game that one team had to lose. This loss of course leaves the Bills in peril of losing the division. The AFC East appeared to be a lock for them from the start of the season, now it’s slipping. The Bills will have to rebound from this game and can’t let this heartbreak spiral their season out of control.
Seahawks-Rams
This is what happens when you invest entirely in letting Russ cook but don’t build the other pivotal positions required to win a Super Bowl. For weeks, I have said the Seahawks are the best team in the NFC. I was clearly neglecting their offensive line, running game, defensive line, and secondary. On Sunday, we saw all those units exposed as the Seahawks lost their second game in a row. Russell Wilson hasn’t looked like his MVP self in the last two games. At this point, one has to wonder if the Seahawks season is going to fall off a cliff. Thursday night’s game at home against the Cardinals can likely determine if Seattle is merely a playoff team or have a viable argument for still competing for the NFC crown.
Broncos-Raiders
The Raiders reminded us why they are a playoff team with this win. It isn’t because they beat the Broncos (they were supposed to do that anyway). It was the fact that this was a game against a noticeably inferior opponent and required that the Raiders couldn’t play down to them. The Raiders have been pleasantly consistent this season and part of their success is the ability to avoid trap games. The Raiders have only lost three games this season. Those losses have been to the Bills, Patriots, and Buccaneers, none of those games were they favored. Sunday didn’t prove anything new other than the Raiders reminding us that they have a balanced attack and a defense that is good enough to preserve leads.
Chargers-Dolphins
I have been saying for a while that the Dolphins are legitimate AFC East contenders. This is a team that has little to no roster flaws and a rookie quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa that only gets better with each game. On Sunday, we saw how the Dolphins not only have a potent offense but a defense that is top ten in the NFL. Justin Herbert has been a good quarterback in this rookie season but the defense made him look amateur. The 29-21 victory is truly a testament to how Brian Flores built this team and built this defense. The Dolphins defensive line is filled with game-changers like Emmanuel Ogbah and Shaq Lawson. The secondary is anchored by Xavien Howard and Byron Jones. And the linebackers are just consistent with Kyle Van Noy and Jerome Baker leading the group. Keep an eye out for this Dolphins team.
49ers-Saints
This game looked to be a trap game in every possible way and looked like it was going to be one when the 49ers jumped out to a 10-0 lead early. The Saints won in the end and won easily by a two-score margin. Once again you just wonder how good the Saints truly are. They didn’t have Drew Brees in the second half but this game, as for most of this season, led to a win that felt like a loss. The Saints might be the best team in the NFC from a record standpoint. Yet, it’s hard to say if beating a 49ers team that is starting literally their third-string is worth changing anyone’s opinion. It feels odd but this win leaves me with more questions than answers.
Ravens-Patriots
As though there weren’t enough bad weather games, we had the final game of Sunday in a literal hurricane. As mentioned previously, it’s hard to make judgments based on the game since the weather altered the game to a form that didn’t suit either team. The Patriots upsetting the Ravens would make one think that New England is back. Likewise, this loss almost ends any optimism for the Ravens’ quest to win a Super Bowl. The loss casts doubt if the Ravens offense is capable of taking that step needed. However, we have to consider that the conditions left Bill Belichick at an advantage. Belichick was able to adapt his roster to suit the flooding conditions. The only thing I am reminded of is that both teams still have plenty of games left to play.
