The NFL season is officially half way through, and as of right now we’ve been able to play football without COVID interfering too much. *knock on wood*
This past week there were some wild games in the NFL, including some big upsets, and some big let downs. Let’s break down all the games, and see where teams can go from here.
Falcons vs. Panthers – Falcons win 25-17
In a game that didn’t mean much, the Falcons surprisingly didn’t blow a late lead. This game wasn’t very interesting, and due to bad weather, it was tough to throw the ball down the field. Teddy Bridgewater proved on the last drive that he isn’t a starting quarterback in the NFL.
What I learned:
Panthers: They have a bright future. The Panthers have a good receiving core in Anderson, Moore, and Samuel. They have an elite running back in McCaffrey who’s coming back next week, and they have a solid young defensive core to build around. All the Panthers are missing is a quarterback, and Bridgewater is not the answer.
Falcons: This team stinks. They have a decent offense, but they’re not getting any younger. They have one of the best wide receiver tandems in the NFL, but Julio is getting up there in age as well. They can’t protect the quarterback and they can’t get after the quarterback on defense. The Falcons should be in full rebuild mode.
Colts vs. Lions – Colts win 41-21
Old man rivers leads the Colts to a huge win over the Lions. Philip Rivers has looked surprisingly decent the last two weeks for the Colts, throwing six touchdowns to just one interception. Nyheim Hines looked like a weapon in the passing game for the Colts, and the Colts defense remained dominant.
What I learned:
Colts: The Colts defense is legit. They sacked Stafford 5 times, had a fumble recovery on a strip sack and they picked him off once returning it for a touchdown. They are second in the league in yards per game allowed, and fifth in points per game allowed. What seemed to once be the downfall of the Colts in the recent years, is their strength this season.
Lions: This is a bad 3-4 team. I think everyone knows this except them. Matt Patricia is a terrible head coach, and would of been best staying as the defensive coordinator in New England. Matthew Stafford is a decent quarterback but always seems to make a big mistake in a crucial time. The defense is young and could possibly be good in the future, but right now there’s not much to like in Detroit.
Patriots vs. Bills – Bills win 24-21
In what looked to be a heartbreaking loss for the Bills, turned into their first victory against the Patriots in their last 8 games. Bills seemed to have this game in their hands, until the Patriots began running the ball all over them. Down three points with under a minute, Cam Newton rushed left end and had a pick up of about six yards, until former CFL player, Justin Zimmer punched the ball out of Cam’s grasp and sealed a Buffalo win.
What I learned:
Bills: The AFC East is the Bills division to lose. It has never been more setup for the Bills to win their first division title since 1995. The Dolphins are starting to play better, but they’re relying on a rookie quarterback. The Bills have no more excuses, they need to go out and take the AFC East title.
Patriots: The Pats are no longer a good football team. Boy does it feel good to write that. For my whole life, the Patriots have been a dominant team, and have constantly won. It’s finally over. Brady left, and Cam Newton looks like he’s throwing a shot put instead of a football out there. Seriously, I don’t know what’s up with Cam’s shoulder, but he looks done.
Game of the Week: Steelers vs. Ravens – Steelers win 28-24
In what was anticipated to be the game of the week, the Ravens and Steelers game was very entertaining. Ravens went down early when Lamar threw a first quarter pick six, but then dominated the rest of the half, going into the locker room with a 17-7 lead. Steelers defense was able to create turnovers and finally got their offense going in the second half, and were able to sneak this one out 28-24.
What I learned:
Steelers: They are a top three NFL team. I had my doubts about the Steelers before the season, but they have proven me wrong. The defense is amazing, especially the front four, and their offense does just enough to win games. The Steelers are a dangerous team come playoff time, as long as their defense stays healthy.
Ravens: Lamar Jackson looks nothing like an MVP. I drafted Jackson in fantasy this year, and wow has he been a let down. He can’t throw the ball down the field. His only weapon is his legs. He hasn’t thrown for more than 200 yards since week 2. Teams are starting to force him to stay in the pocket and it’s working. Steelers forced him into two bad interceptions, and also forced him to fumble twice. Ravens look less and less like a serious Super Bowl contender each week because of him.
Viking vs. Packers – Vikings win 28-22
In what was one of the biggest upsets of the week, Dalvin Cook ran all over the Packers. Cook finished with 30 carries for 163 yards with 3 touchdowns on the ground, and added 2 catches for 63 yards and a touchdown receiving. The Packers got ran all over and never really looked like they had a chance in this game.
What I learned:
Vikings: They are an average team with some superstar players. The Vikings are such an up and down team, and it’s not surprising when they win a game, and it’s not surprising when they lose a game. They have elite talent with players like Cook, Thielen and Jefferson, but Kirk Cousins is not the answer.
Packers: They need help on defense. The Packers run defense was their downfall last year, and it continues to be their achilles heel this year. They need help on defense, whether it’s a big defensive tackle or a linebacker. This team will always go as Aaron Rodgers goes, but even he can’t help this defense.
Upset of the Week: Titans vs. Bengals – Bengals win 31-20
In what was expected to be an easy win for the Titans, the Bengals pulled off one of the bigger upsets this season, beating the Titans by 11. They were seven point underdogs coming in, but they lead the whole time in this one. Joe Burrow continued to impress, and the Titans couldn’t get anything going on offense.
What I learned:
Bengals: You got your guy. Joe Burrow is the real deal. He’s now thrown for 2,272 yards, with 11 touchdowns to 5 interceptions. It’s clear to anyone watching the games, that this guy is a franchise quarterback and will soon be a top ten quarterback in the league. If the Bengals can start putting together a defense, they can have a contender in a few years.
Titans: They are a good team when leading, and a bad team when behind. The key to beating this Titans team is to jump ahead early, and force Ryan Tannehill to beat you. The Bengals knew once they had a lead, that the Titans were going to be forced to throw it, and Tannehill couldn’t consistently find receivers. If the Titans get out to a lead, they’re dangerous because it sets up their play-action, and that is when Tannehill is at his best.
Raiders vs. Browns – Raiders win 16-6
Due to the weather, this was the most boring game of the weekend. Both teams couldn’t throw the ball effectively, and had a tough time kicking as well. There was only one touchdown scored, and the Raiders came out on top in a game that is huge for the playoff standings.
What I learned:
Raiders: Not much. The Raiders were an average team before this game, and they’re still an average team who might be able to sneak into the playoffs. All I know is they need to get Josh Jacobs more involved for my fantasy purposes.
Browns: Also, not much. The Browns are middle of the pack, and now with the loss of OBJ, I don’t know what to make of them. They are certainly missing Chubb, and will be better once he comes back, but I just don’t know how far they can go with Baker as their QB.
Jets vs. Chiefs – Chiefs win 35-9.
Jets were somehow only down 14-9 late in the second quarter, and honestly, that should count as a win. This game quickly got out of hand in the third quarter when Patrick Mahomes started going up and down the field, finishing with five touchdowns. The Chiefs covered the massive 19 1/2 point spread, and the Jets season ended about eight weeks ago.
What I Learned:
Chiefs: They are the best team in football. I understand the Steelers are undefeated, but the Chiefs are better. In today’s NFL you need a dominant offense, and the Chiefs have that, the Steelers do not. The Steelers have a better defense but I’d still take KC over Pittsburgh.
Jets: They better hope Lawrence comes out. The Jets are bad, really bad. They’re so bad I really question if Clemson could beat them. Adam Gase is the worst coach in football, and the Jets only have a few good players. I feel bad for Darnold, but the Jets have to move on. Hopefully Darnold gets a chance elsewhere but if you’re the Jets you can’t pass on Lawrence.
Rams vs. Dolphins – Dolphins win 28-17
Tua Tagovailoa made his first career start for the Dolphins, and it was anti-climactic. He didn’t play poorly, but he didn’t play great. He didn’t need to be great though, with the Dolphins defense absolutely dominating. They picked Goff off twice, and forced two fumbles. They also returned a punt for a touchdown, leading to a massive 28-10 lead at half. The second half was boring, as the game ended 28-17, and I don’t know if NFL Redzone showed more than a few plays.
What I Learned:
Dolphins: The Dolphins paid a lot of money for their defense this offseason and it is paying off. Usually just throwing a lot of money at free agents isn’t the way to create a winning team, but the Dolphins are proving that theory wrong. They gave big money to Bryon Jones, Kyle Van Noy, Emmanuel Ogbah and Shaq Lawson, this past offseason, and that defense is balling out. If they can get consistent quarterback play from Tua, they have a chance to make a playoff push.
Rams: We’ve seen the best of Jared Goff and this offense, and it was two years ago. I think Goff has hit his ceiling and what we have seen is the best that he can be. McVay isn’t a genius coach anymore, as more and more teams are adapting the style that he brought into the league a few years ago. His plays and his offense aren’t catching anyone by surprise, and it’s making Goff look very average.
Chargers vs. Broncos – Broncos win 31-30
Chargers blow another big lead. This time it was 21 points. The Chargers led 24-3 halfway through the third quarter and somehow lost by one. The Chargers have now blown two 17 point leads and a 21 point lead. Drew Lock brought Denver back and orchestrated a game winning drive that was saved by a Defensive Pass Interference in the end zone with one second left.
What I Learned:
Broncos: I have no idea what to make of this team. Their defense seems decent but not great, and their offense is very average as well. Drew Lock seems like he could be a decent quarterback but I don’t think he’s a franchise guy.
Chargers: You got your guy, but you need a new coach. Blown leads reflect poorly on the team, but especially on the coach. You can’t lose games where you have more than a two touchdown lead. Anthony Lynn has to go. It’s time to find a new coach, and give Herbert a chance to win some games, because the kid is playing out of his mind right now.
Saints vs. Bears – Saints win 26-23
In a back and forth game, the Saints came out on top in overtime. This game wasn’t pretty, and it wasn’t fun to watch. Neither team could really throw the ball down the field. It was constant check down, and short outs, without a ton of explosive plays. The Bears tied this one up late, and after each team possessed the ball in overtime, the Saints snuck it out.
What I Learned:
Saints: The Saints are not Super Bowl Contenders. My pre-season pick for the Super Bowl was the Saints over the Chiefs. Halfway through the year and I don’t think the Saints can make it there. Drew Brees doesn’t seem like he can throw the ball more than ten yards down the field, Michael Thomas has played one half, and their defense isn’t as dominating as I was expecting. My future bet on the Saints to be champs is not looking good.
Bears: Bears need a quarterback. The Bears are a quarterback away from being contenders. Their defense is back to being great, and they have enough weapons on offense to get by, but they have no one to throw them the ball. The Bears have to stick with Nick Foles, but he is only good enough to bring them to the playoffs, where they will have a first round exit.
49ers vs. Seahawks – Seahawks win 37-27
The score is closer than how this game actually went. Seattle dominated this game with their passing attack, specifically DK Metcalf. The 49ers couldn’t get much going until garbage time, when Garoppolo already exited the game due to an ankle injury. Russell Wilson added to his MVP campaign with another four touchdown passes.
What I Learned:
Seahawks: Arguably the best offense in football. It is right up there with the Chiefs. In my opinion, Russell Wilson is the best quarterback in football and with the wide receiver tandem that Seattle has, in Metcalf and Lockett, the Seahawks may be better offensively than the Chiefs.
49ers: Garoppolo time is over. The 49ers need to move on from Garoppolo and try to find a new quarterback. They have been winning in spite of him this season, and with the team they have built around him, all they’re missing is a better QB. If they could somehow bring in Matt Ryan, and re-connect him with Kyle Shanahan, the 49ers could be a dangerous team.
Cowboys vs. Eagles – Eagles win 23-9
I think we need to start a petition to never have an NFC East team on primetime. This football game stunk because both these teams are terrible. The Eagles barely beat a Dallas team starting a third string quarterback. Cowboys also have the worst defense in football but based on how poor Carson Wentz played you’d never know.
What I Learned:
Eagles: Maybe it’s Jalen Hurts time. Carson Wentz now has 12 interceptions and 7 fumbles on the season. He has looked horrendous, and the only reason the Eagles haven’t gone to Hurts is because the Eagles are still first in the NFC East. You drafted Hurts in the second round for a reason, it’s time to give him a chance.
Cowboys: Something drastic needs to be done in Dallas. I’m not sure what it is, but something ain’t working there, and it wasn’t working when Dak was healthy. They have amazing weapons on offense but still can’t put it together, and their defense is laughable. Something needs to change for “America’s Team” and it needs to change fast.
Buccaneers vs. Giants – Bucs win 25-23
In what looked like might be a huge upset, the Giants once again found a way to lose. Daniel Jones threw another two interceptions, and the Bucs came back from a 14-6 halftime deficit. Giants defense played pretty well, and definitely played well enough to win, but timely turnovers by Jones led to the Bucs narrowly winning this one.
What I Learned:
Bucs: The Bucs are Super Bowl contenders. I know they didn’t play great against the Giants, but their defense has been great, and Brady looks like he has found something again. This team will only get better once they get all their weapons back, and a guy named Antonio Brown. Look out for the Bucs this year.
Giants: Start looking for another quarterback. Daniel Jones isn’t the answer. He turns the ball over way too much, and the negatives greatly outweigh the positives with him. The Giants defense is a lot better than expected, and they do have weapons for next year on offense. They need to find a new guy to run the show, maybe Justin Fields?
Cam's Corner 