The Good, The Bad, The Ugly
Opinion
San Antonio-(RYM)-Week 15 was crazy but hey at least it was interesting
Chiefs 34, Chargers 28-OT
Great Game
Chiefs TE Travis Kelce runs into the end zone for the game winning TD in OT versus The Chargers(Andew Mather/Kansas City Chiefs)/Kansas City Chiefs
Good:
Travis Kelce came into the game with concerns about his age and ability, given that he had four games with 30 or fewer yards during the season, but after the ending of that game, I think we can all honestly say HE STILL HAS IT!!!!
Even though we all question Brandon Staleys decision to go for it on fourth down, they are still close to being a real threat to The Chiefs and The AFC. Had they scored, they won the game and are at the top of the division, so sad ending, but many positives to take from it.
Bad:
What makes me a little worried about The Chiefs defense. The Chiefs came into the Thursday night only giving up 27 points, yet they gave up 28 to The Chargers. Now the argument here is that the reason they gave up so much was that they were missing their top DL in Chis Jones plus two other players, but The Chiefs knew in advance who was going to be missed and who they were playing. I did not lose confidence, but I am worried they did not step up.
The Chargers did need to show that they are growing and the only way to do that is to win close/challenging games; otherwise, what is the point.
Ugly:
Nothing Ugly here
Overall:
The Chiefs played well but can always be better. The Chargers are still in the hunt for the playoffs, but they are now looking at the wild card spot.
Colts 27, Patriots 17
JT for MVP
Good:
The Colts have a cinderella story in the making. A few weeks ago, they were outside looking in, and now they are in the fifth seed and control their future.
The Patriots did not get a shutout, which is all that matters.
Bad:
The Patriots dug too big a hole, and their late comeback failed. A disastrous first half turned out to be too much to beat. The Patriots made too many mistakes in that first half. Mac Jones threw his first interception in the red zone of the season and then opened the third quarter with a pick. Of two interceptions during the Patriots' seven-game winning streak. He recovered a little in the second half, but it was too late.
The Colts need to look at Carson Wentz. The game could have been different if it was not for the dominating defensive performance and JT running like a bulldozer. He threw one INT and almost had two others; he will need to play 100% better for them to make a run.
Ugly:
The Patriots had the opportunity to take first place under control, but they are no longer in that position. At 9-5, they are behind the Chiefs (10-4) and still have games against the Bills, Jaguars, and Dolphins. It is hard to think they can keep the driving seat for the number one spot.
Overall:
The Colts are in a great spot to make the playoffs, and it is all in their hands. The Patriots suffered a setback and could spell disaster for them in the short term.
Bills 31, Panthers 14
Easy trap game for The Bills
Colts LB E.J. Speed recovers a blocked punt for a TD during Saturday’s game (Indianapolis Colts)/Indianapolis Colts
Good:
The biggest test of the year is still ahead. That game against the Panthers was a must for the Bills. Next up is possibly the biggest game of the season. AFC East is at stake with a trip to New England, and Buffalo will have much to prove after losing in 14-10 in Week 13.
I mean, The Panthers made it a game in the first quarter.
Bad:
Nothing terrible for The Bills
Everything terrible for The Panthers
Ugly:
During the pre-game warm-up, losing kicker Zane Gonzalez (Quad) added another uncertainty to a poor Carolina team. As for most of the game, it's evidence that the defense continues to play hard while the offense continues to stink, especially in the passing game, which provides further evidence that the offense needs a complete overhaul during the offseason.
Overall:
The Bills needed the win, but it was too close for too long to feel safe. The Panthers need to start thinking about the offseason.
Texans 30, Jaguars 16
I was rooting for The Jaguars
Good:
The Texans played well and did all they needed to do to win the game, and I am proud of them for that.
The Jaguars almost guaranteed themselves the number 1 pick in the draft, and boy, do they need it.
Bad:
The Texans probably lost their chance at number 1. The Texans can still win the number two spot because they are half a game behind the Lions. But that is questionable since QB Davis Mills is playing well, and The Lions are on a hot streak at the moment.
Same Jaguars as always.
Ugly:
Even if coach Urban Meyer was a problem, his dismissal had zero effect on the team's offensive issues, while the Jaguars scored 16 points, almost a complete touchdown more than the average of the seven games (9.1). It is time to start thinking about how to fix the offense, develop rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and the chances of success of the franchise. All that will now fall on Owner Shad Khan to make the right choice at HC.
Overall:
The Texans are in the fight for a top 5 spot. The Jaguars are in the front for the top spot.
Steelers 19, Titans 13
When will teams learn
Good:
A tackle by Joe Haden, The Steelers' playoff hopes alive. The interception helped Pittsburgh win the turnover battle for the third game in a row. They needed a win when it mattered most and gave the Steelers a pivotal victory in the AFC.
The Titans dominated the first half and had a significant lead going into the half.
Bad:
Pittsburgh looked sluggish and unimaginative for another week in the first half, losing 13-3 at halftime. On Sunday, the Steelers lost time of possession in the first half from 21:19 to 8:41, and both phases of the game did not look good. They had 16 rushing yards in the first half, the third-fewest of the season, while the defense allowed a rushing touchdown for the ninth straight game. If they want a chance to make a run, they will need to change the sluggish start or catch up to them.
In the second half, the situation changed dramatically due to turnovers. Three of Tennessee's four turnovers were in the second half, and two were in the fourth quarter. That opened the door for the Steelers to roar again, scoring 16 unanswered points. This season, Tannehill has five multi-turnover games more than his first two Titans seasons combined. Even with the loss, they are still on the hunt for the top seed in the AFC.
Ugly:
The Titans offense has everything wrong going for it from the OL by allowing Tannehill to be sacked four times, and Julio Jones was only targeted once in the first half and nothing else before being ruled out in the third quarter with an injury. The Titans proved that you need their playmakers because their lack caused them to lose their ability to find any rhythm.
Overall:
Joe Haden was the MVP of the game, but problems are still there that need to be fixed sooner rather than later. The Titans are on the hunt for the division and top spot in the AFC, but it is theirs to lose.
Dolphins 31, Jets 24
BIG BOY TD!!!!!!!!!!!
Dolphins DT Christian Wilkins celebrates a TD with fans during Sunday’s game (Sokin)/Miami Dolphins
Good:
Good teams find a way to win in challenging conditions, and The Dolphins faced them on Sunday's win against The Jets, recovering from an initial 10-0 deficit. 21-7 in the second half. Overcoming adversity isn't something the Dolphins had to do in the first five games of their winning streak; The win marked the first of the season. Overcoming a multi-point deficit without catcher Jaylen Waddle or Safety Jevon Holland should be a source of pride, as should the ability to overcome a shaky performance from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
The Jets lost, but it can be a good learning experience for QB Zack Wilson; he played well, and even though he came up short, he hung in under pressure. He handled the game well in the first half helping the Jets take a 10-0 and a 17-10 lead.
Bad:
Nothing terrible for The Dolphins.
Overwhelmed by Miami's onslaught, Wilson was sacked six times, which led to a fumble and a strip-sack. Wilson failed to make big moves without LT George Fant. Sometimes Wilson had that stag look in the headlights. The trick games and dink and dunk passes that led to the offense in the first half failed. In the second half, Wilson had two series in the last five minutes with a chance to level the game and calm his critics but failed.
Ugly:
The Jets are struggling with defense. The Jets allowed 183 yards of rushing, Miami's season-high. It's front four are the team's strength, but Quinnen Williams, John Franklin Myers, and Co. were invisible. If your best unit doesn't make it, you have to. But that was the story of the Jets' lousy season. Folorunso Fatukasi was out, but that was no excuse. As always, his tackles were terrible.
Overall:
The Dolphins are rolling while The Jets are struggling.
Cowboys 21, Giants 6
I get to say it again
HOW ‘BOUT THEM COWBOYS!!!!!!!!!!!
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs intercepts a pass meant for Giants WR Kenny Golladay making that his 10th interception in the season (AP Photos/Seth Wenig)/Dallas Cowboys
Good:
Before I jump down the rabbit hole where I smoke with a worm and drink tea with a mad hatter, a rabbit, and a mouse, let me get this out there. The Cowboys will win the division and make the playoffs, but seeding is essential. As long as The Bucs lose two games and we win out, we can command the lead for the number two spot, but we need Green Bay to lose so we can take the number one spot. The Jan. 2 game versus The Cardinals will be essential for seeding purposes.
Nothing good for The Giants.
Bad:
To be successful in the playoffs, teams cannot be satisfied with field goals. In their last two games, the Cowboys have scored touchdowns on three of eleven trips to the red zone. There are too many inconsistencies for a crime with so many tools. This year, the Cowboys have scored 10 of 29 red zone touchdowns on the road, leading to good and bad news. We have one road game before the playoffs, but unless other teams lose, we may have to play at least two playoff games on the road.
How about we look at the ugly for The Giants.
Ugly:
The Giants offensive is incompetent. In the last five games, they have averaged 11.8 points. Coach Joe Judge has spoken about doing whatever it takes regarding the offensive game plan to win. Well, it is not so. Whenever the Giants are in an overtaking situation, their quarterback has no chance. On Sunday, the Giants had gone 99 yards in their loss to the Cowboys. The Giants could realistically lose and finish 4-13. Who can they realistically beat? Maybe Chicago? But the situation isn't pleasant.
Overall:
The Cowboys are looking at seeding now, which is good, but with two games left, a lot can change. The Giants are terrible.
Lions 30, Cardinals 12
Christmas came early in Detroit!!!!
Lions WR Josh Reynolds catched a TD over a Cardinals defender(Jeff Nguyen/Detroit Lions)/Detroit Lions
Good:
The Lions beat The Cardinals on the road and are the first to do that all season. The Lions are playing like.......well, Lions...........for first-year coach Dan Campbell and it helps to play the role of spoiler to teams that are in playoff contention.
They did not get shut out.
Bad:
Nothing terrible for The Lions.
The Cardinals will face a hot Colts team on Christmas and then a good Cowboys team before ending the season against the Seahawks. If they can't fix their running defense (which allowed a 3.7 yard carry against Detroit) and can't get their offense to produce touchdowns again, the boat will continue to deviate from course.
Ugly:
It feels like last season. The Cardinals played their worst game of the year against the NFL's worst team. Their loss was the second in a row, and now they have lost three of their last seven. The postseason is unlikely to be missed at 10-4 at this point. Still, the end of the year could end badly, with coach Kliff Kingsbury and the once top team in the NFL. Detroit was in control and kept the Cardinal's offense off the field for a long time. The offense was on the field, barely producing, and only had 84 yards in the first half due to passes from quarterback Kyler Murray and questionable game calling from Kingsbury.
Overall:
The Lions are playing spoilers, and we love it. The Cardinals are heading in the wrong direction.
49ers 31, Falcons 13
The 49ers are coming with a vengeance
Good:
The 49ers are taking care of business and are in the driver seat for a playoff spot, and as long Jimmy G, the defense, and offense keep playing as they have, they will be trouble in the playoffs.
The Falcons tried their best what more can we ask.
Bad:
Nothing wrong with the 49ers.
Let us look at the ugly.
Ugly:
At the start of the season, there were significant questions about the Falcons, and every team The Falcons lost to were playoff teams or teams with a chance at the playoffs. Which made the question even more glaring, and for the sixth time this season, the Falcons lost double digits. Although the Falcons have been as competitive in the games, they don't have enough to hold their own in games against potential playoff teams.
Overall:
The 49ers are moving in the right direction. The Falcons have too many questions to answer in the offseason.
Bengals 15, Broncos 10
We hope Teddy Bridgewater is okay
Good:
It wasn't pretty, but The Bengals got a much-needed win over The Broncos to keep up in a busy AFC playoff race. The offense did just enough and got a lot of help from the defense. Everything is ready for a great AFC North showdown against Baltimore next week, with both teams tied for the championship lead.
The Broncos are hanging on by the skin of their chi chin chins in the AFC Playoff race, but they might have to go without Teddy Bridgewater for the rest of the season.
Bad:
Without a doubt, the offensive failed again early and achieved absolutely nothing in the first half. The Bronco's defense is excellent, but the Bengal's offense finished with 250 yards. The biggest problem is given The Bengal's slow startup trend. This team's environment remains a massive problem, with three games remaining in the regular season. The offense is playing horrible, and the defense and special teams are baling them out, but their slim playoff chances will be gone if they cannot figure it out.
Bridgewater has been the emotional leader of the Broncos. If Bridgewater misses time, Drew Lock will have a chance to start. Still, they will need to hope they get a new Drew Lock, not the old Lock that led the league in interceptions, and he didn't start well when he came in for Teddy and flipped the ball on his second drive against the Bengals, a mistake that effectively ended the Broncos' chances to win.
Ugly:
The only ugly thing here was Teddy's injury, and we hope he makes a speedy recovery.
Overall:
The Bengals are at the top of the division but still have a long way to go before the playoffs start. The Broncos are hanging on a hair-to-playoff contention, but it's not looking good.
Packers 31, Ravens 30
Tyler Huntley played like an MVP, The Packers should be ashamed it was so close
Good:
That is one heck of a resume for HC Matt LaFleur with three seasons and three division titles. Now they are looking at a 13 win season, if not better. And this was the most demanding game in the last part of the season—Aaron Rodgers will also have a chance to tie and pass Brett Favre for the TD pass franchise record with 442.
Tyler Huntley played terrifically, and his connection with TE Mark Andrews was terrific.
Bad:
Well, The Packer's special teams are still having issues. They did not have the game they had last week, but it was still pretty bad: CB Isaac Yiadom was called for a fair catch interference when he blatantly collided with Raven's returnees; Patrick Taylor let a squib kick go past him, but lucky for him Jonathan Garvin recovered it; a holding penalty annihilated a decent return, and in the fourth quarter a punt delayed the game with the Packers behind. If they want to make it to the SB, they need to fix the special teams ASAP.
The Ravens are no longer confident that they will make it into the postseason. The Ravens showed no fear as they faced the NFC's best team with no Lamar Jackson and an exhausted offensive line and secondary. With three games left, The Ravens sit as the 8th seed in the AFC and are close to being left out of the postseason.
Ugly:
The Ravens have to decide what to do with QB Lamar Jackson; if they choose to bring him back and not 100%, they may hurt him more.
Overall:
The Packers are unstoppable right now. The Ravens are outside looking in.
Saints 9, Bucs 0
GOOSE EGG FOR THE GOAT
Saints CB Chauncey Gardner-Johnson taunts Bucs QB Tom Brady after fumbling the ball(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)/New Orleans Saints
Good:
The Saints saw their season come back to life with an absolute monster of a performance by the defense that has become Tom Brady's kryptonite for the past few years. The Saints will need more from the offense, but they are legitimate playoffs contenders again.
The Bucs can now win The NFC South title at home, but let us move to the bad and ugly.
Bad:
Taysom Hill's performance was subpar at best; he was off target and had a lot of three-and-outs. Lucky for him, the defense is playing lights out. If they want to keep winning and make a good run in the playoffs, he will need to improve in all aspects.
Look down below.
Ugly:
The loss to The Saints resulted in a seven-game streak of scoring at least 30 points at home to come to an end, the third-longest streak in NFL history. Brady also dropped out of his streak of 255 straight starts without scoring any points. The Bucs also lost offensive weapons: WR Chris Godwin (knee), Mike Evans (thigh), and Leonard Fournette (thigh), but even with them in the game, they had no spark, no intensity. Brady was sacked for time and intercepted two more times. He also failed several times to hit his favorite target, Rob Gronkowski.
Overall:
The Saints should be favored in the last three games of the season, so now it's time to look at the playoffs and help they need to stay in the hunt.
Raiders 16, Browns 14
It was a close game
Good:
The Raiders did all they could to come back and fight to win the game and are not even close to being done (at least not yet). As long as The Raiders keep winning, The Raiders will stay in the thick of the playoff race.
The Browns put up one heck of a fight even with 18 players out due to covid protocols.
Bad:
The Raiders have a terrible habit of dominating games with stats but always seem to put themselves in a position to lose games and make the playoffs; they will need to change it.
The Browns could not come up with a last-minute stop, which now cost them a position in the AFC playoff race. They have to make sure they do not lose steam and become demoralized from this.
Ugly:
Covid is ugly, simple as that.
Overall:
The Raiders are alive.........for now. The Browns lost a hard one.
Vikings 17, Bears 9
I still don’t trust The Vikings
Vikings WR Justin Jefferson catches a TD pass during Monday nights game/Minnesota Vikings
Good:
The Vikings are back in the postseason and, even better, are back to .500; as long they keep winning, they can support planning for the postseason.
The Bears have the parts to make a playoff team and have shown flashes of it, a lot to look forward to in the future.
Bad:
The Vikings are a playoff team, but their win over The Bears raises many questions. Unable to benefit from a Chicago defense badly hit by COVID19, Minnesota struggled to counter the Bears' passing game. The offense didn't move the ball well and stuttered as the game progressed, which is a worrying trend lately. Can they keep winning with the way they are playing? I don't think so, but only time will tell.
The Bears moved the ball well, but they could not get it done; that is worrisome considering they had six drives in the red zone. For them to grow, they must work on the red zone offense because they are growing in the ball movement, but now it just has to end in points, and we can see a whole different team.
Ugly:
The Bears have been eliminated from playoff contention, so it is time to start looking at the HC Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace. Will they keep their job? I think Ryan Pace will keep his job, considering his draft picks have worked out, but as for Matt Nagy, I do not think he will have a job by the end of the season. He has done poorly at taking what he has and developing it throughout the season; if they genuinely want Justin Field to grow, it's time to move on from Nagy and give Pace two more years to build around Justin Fields.
Overall:
The Vikings are in a playoff spot, but for how long? We are not sure. The Bears need an overhaul in the coaching staff.
Eagles 27, WFT 17
History was made with Assistant Jennifer King becoming the first Black Women to serve as a position coach during an NFL Game.
Good:
The Eagles dominated Washington; they outgained them in every aspect and shut any chance to make a comeback. The Eagles become the first team in both the NFL and franchise history with 175+ yards on the ground in seven consecutive since the 1985 Bears.
Washington took a 10-0 lead with help from a dominating OL and did all they could to keep the game close with all the Covid absences.
Bad:
The only bad thing here was the INT of Dallas Goedert's right foot that he should have caught, and instead was caught by Landon Collins, I mean, it was a random jump of the ball, and it became an INT.
Lets us look at the ugly.
Ugly:
Even though they moved the game back 54 hours, Washington could not get any Covid protocol players, which hurt the team in the end. If they had even half of the missing players, the game could have been different.
Overall:
The Eagles have found their identity. Washington needs to come; people can clear the protocol or say goodbye to the playoffs.
Rams 20, Seahawks 10
Cooper Kupp for MVP!!!!!!!!
Rams WR Cooper Kupp Runs in his second TD during Tuesday’s night game versus The Seahawks(Will Navarro/LA Rams)/LA Rams
Good:
Cooper Kupp came to the rescue for The Rams on Tuesday Night with two TD passes for 136 yards to win over The Seahawks. The win gets them closer to the division crown even with the tiebreaker going The Cardinal's way. The Defense also played out, holding The Seahawks in the first half to just 3 points.
Even with the loss, The Seahawks are still in the playoff hunt. The Defense helped as much as possible, even with missing D.J. Reed in the secondary. The Defense was able to sack Stafford four times and keep him uncomfortable for most of the game.
Bad:
The Rams were frustrated for most of the game, and the lack of connection between WR Cooper Kupp and QB Matthew Stafford showed. In the playoff, the way they played cannot happen, and this is a challenging game that added more questions than answers for The Rams.
The Seahawks could not get any stops when it counted, while Russell Wilson underthrew DK Metcalf on plays that could have changed the game's outcome.
Ugly:
Change is coming to The Seahawks; what that change is, we are not sure.
Overall:
The Rams won a much-needed game. The Seahawks are done.