NFL WEEK 12, WHAT I SAW & A LITTLE MORE
Watched ten games today, including our Chiefs which is reviewed below this post. Here's what I saw.
So who is T.J. Yates & why should Houston fans care?
Because he's your new quarterback for the rest of the year or until he get's sidelined for the season like your other QB's. Matt Leinart started for the Texans in Jacksonville, he had taken the reins after starter Matt Schaub suffered a season-ending foot injury. Leinart lasted about a quarter & a half. He suffered a broken collarbone & will be lost for the season as well. Enter T.J. Yates who lead the Texans to 3 points & 1 first down in two & a half quarters of work. In fact Houston managed only 215-yards of total offense winning the game 20-13. Their defense is real, but without a viable QB, I seriously question their chances in the playoffs. By the way WR Andre Johnson returned after six weeks off nursing a pulled hamstring, he caught one pass. On the Jags front, after TE Marcedes Lewis dropped a touchdown pass in the endzone, starter Blaine Gabbert was removed in favor of Luke McCown. Neither was effective, the Jacksonville offensive line was awful & their receivers don't get any separation, a deadly recipe for a whole bunch of sacks. The Texans had seven with 12 additional quarterback knock downs. The Jags defense played as well as Kansas City's with just as much help from their offense.
Tennessee wins Turnover Bowl 23-17.
This was painful to watch, nine turnovers makes for a really sloppy game. It was raining a little & somewhat blustery, but that didn't excuse the 8 fumbles, 6 were lost & 3 interceptions. Tampa Bay continued their meltdown from 10-6 last season, they'll be lucky to win 6 games this year. Tennessee on the other hand is back in the playoff hunt with Matt Leinart going down to injury. They trail Houston by 2 games but play them in the season's last weekend, so you never know. One very important plus for the Titans, RB Chris Johnson looked like his old self, rushing for 190-yards.
Is Patrick Peterson the new Devin Hester?
Could be, could be. Peterson had already returned three punts for scores this season, each for huge yardage, 92, 88 & 82-yards. The Arizona Cardinal did it again on Sunday, taking one back from 80-yards & it was the difference in the game, beating St. Louis 23-20. The Rams also got a punt return touchdown from 88-yards by Nick Miller, who was sitting on his couch last week before being signed on Thursday. But the Rams couldn't get 228-yards out of Steven Jackson like the Cards got out of Beanie Wells. He set the Arizona franchise record for rushing yards in a game with 27 carries for 228-yards & a touchdown. Sam Bradford had a fumble that lead to a Cardinal field goal & TE Lance Kendricks fumbled in the redzone. The Rams are really bad.
Another bad snap on Cleveland field goal attempt insures a 23-20 Cincy win.
Ryan Pontbriand, Browns long snapper, could face the music on Wednesday after the team brings in a few prospects to take his job. Once again, Pontbriand rolled the snap back to holder Brad Maynard, causing kicker Phil Dawson to miss a field goal that would have put the Browns ahead late in the 4th quarter. The Bengals took over & drove to their own field goal, the eventual game winner.
Stevie Johnson's been on my sh*t list since he cheap-shot Eric Berry, now he's topping that list for many Buffalo players & fans.
The Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson is a pretty decent player who has very little concern for others. Whether it's tearing up Eric Berry's knee on opening day or the total crap he pulled against the Jets in Buffalo's, Johnson needs to grow up & act like a man, not a selfish punk. Right before half Johnson caught a Ryan Fitzpatrick touchdown pass but after scoring, Johnson began to pantomime shooting himself in the leg(Plaxico Burress) & soaring like a jet airplane only to trip & fall(Santonio Holmes). Falling to the ground in celebration is against the rules & Johnson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. With just 2-minotes to go in the half, the Bills were penalized 15-yards on the kickoff which aided the Jets in scoring seconds before the half ended. Plaxico Burress caught the touchdown but he didn't mock Johnson, apparently he's learned something from all his troubles. Late in the fourth quarter with the Bills down 28-24, Johnson dropped a pass Fitzpatrick delivered right on target deep down the middle. Where was the celebratory antics then? This clown really cost his team on Sunday, going into this game it was pretty much assumed the loser would be out of any playoff contention. The Bills are out & Stevie Johnson ought to look long & hard at himself in the mirror to see one of the reasons why. The saddest part of all this is I've already received two emails applauding Johnson's antics as "funny as hell" & "loved it." I don't know what to say.
Caleb Hannie fails in his first test replacing Cutler as Bears lose 25-20.
Bears' fans could be in for a long stretch drive with Caleb Hannie behind the wheel. He threw three interceptions in Oakland & the Raiders converted all of them into points, specifically 3 of Sebatian Janikowski's 6 field goals. The Raiders maintained their perch atop the AFC West with the win. QB Carson Palmer threw well downfield which was crucial since the normally run-first Raider offense never got going on the ground.
Tebow-Schmeebow, the Broncos win with a smothering defense.
No more talk about the Chargers, they're officially done, let's discuss the AFC West's 2nd place team, the Denver Broncos. They've won 4 straight & 5 of 6 since Tim Tebow took over at quarterback. He didn't make too many miraculous plays in San Diego, but his teammates believe in him & they won another game they probably should have lost. Charger placekicker Nick Novak missed a 53-yard overtime field goal after making one from the same distance earlier. Denver used a few runs by Tebow & a 24-yard gallop by Willis McGahee to set up the game-winning 37-yard field goal by Matt Prater. But this game was won by the Denver defense & offensive line. Linebackers Elvis Dumervil & Von Miller came up big rushing the passer & cutting down outside runs by Charger backs. The Bronco O-line gave Tebow all day to throw the ball. The Chargers seemed content on sitting back in coverage with 7 guys. Unfortunately, it was a flawed plan. Give Tebow 7-8 seconds to find a receiver, even he can complete some timely throws. Denver plays a tougher schedule down the stretch than the Raiders, but never, ever count out the Denver Tebows.
Eagles as bad as it gets, an extreme house-cleaning may be in order starting at the top.
I'm not going to mock the"Dream Team" they've done enough on their own to make a mockery of the potential they had before the season started. This team has all but quit & the only way out just might be a full-fledged house cleaning from head coach Andy Reid on down. There are guys not playing because of injury, others sidelined by poor performance & then there's DeSean Jackson. He epitomizes the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles. He's a selfish clown who cares little for the team concept. Reid benched him in the 4th quarter of their 38-20 beatdown by the New England Patriots. This is a team playing out the string, trying to remain injury-free while the Patriots continue their run to the AFC Eastern crown.....again. I still have serious doubts about the Pats long term chances in the playoffs, but with Houston on QB #3 & the Raiders or Broncos emerging from the West, only Baltimore & Pittsburgh probably have what it takes to derail the Patriots.
Seattle lays an egg at home, losing to visiting Redskins.
This was a tough one to pay a lot of attention to, too many interceptions, too many penalties & a lot of poor 4th quarter play by Seattle. They allowed a 17-7 lead slip away in the final 10-minutes losing 23-17. Tavaris Jackson was dreadful, reverting back to bad T-Jax. In a year where we may see four quarterbacks drafted in the top-10 picks, Seattle really needs to be a part of that harvest.
Steelers lose another defensive star, but they continue winning...somehow.
Playing the Chiefs certainly makes that task easier. But the Steelers lost another big play guy on defense, safety Troy Polomalu sustained "concussion-like symptoms" after tackling Chiefs TE-T Steve Maneri. He didn't return & without OLB Lamar Woodley, this defense isn't the same. With only James Harrison to worry about, the Chiefs did a pretty decent job protecting Tyler Palko. K.C. LT Brandon Albert played an excellent game. Pittsburgh was very fortunate it was the Chiefs & not a real NFL offense, Palko helped his hometown team with three interceptions & a fumbled snap. Pittsburgh has Cincinnati & San Francisco sandwiched between a pair of games with Cleveland & one with St. Louis, so they should make the playoffs, but if they expect to return to the Super Bowl again this season, they're going to have to find something to separate from the rest of the playoff pack. I never doubt the Steelers, those six Super Bowl trophies & eight total appearances makes the football world know they're to be taken seriously.
What about Suh? How bad is it going to get?
I said Saturday I expected a two game suspension & a $75,000 fine. My opinion hasn't changed, sorry MrHusker. I love his ability, tenacity & work ethic, but that kind of temper is downright scary. He needs a sit-down with someone he respects to listen to the truth or he can kiss those big Subway & Chrysler bucks goodbye along with large chunks of his Detroit Lions' paychecks. The commissioner needs to convince Suh this won't be tolerated in any fashion.
So who is T.J. Yates & why should Houston fans care?
Because he's your new quarterback for the rest of the year or until he get's sidelined for the season like your other QB's. Matt Leinart started for the Texans in Jacksonville, he had taken the reins after starter Matt Schaub suffered a season-ending foot injury. Leinart lasted about a quarter & a half. He suffered a broken collarbone & will be lost for the season as well. Enter T.J. Yates who lead the Texans to 3 points & 1 first down in two & a half quarters of work. In fact Houston managed only 215-yards of total offense winning the game 20-13. Their defense is real, but without a viable QB, I seriously question their chances in the playoffs. By the way WR Andre Johnson returned after six weeks off nursing a pulled hamstring, he caught one pass. On the Jags front, after TE Marcedes Lewis dropped a touchdown pass in the endzone, starter Blaine Gabbert was removed in favor of Luke McCown. Neither was effective, the Jacksonville offensive line was awful & their receivers don't get any separation, a deadly recipe for a whole bunch of sacks. The Texans had seven with 12 additional quarterback knock downs. The Jags defense played as well as Kansas City's with just as much help from their offense.
Tennessee wins Turnover Bowl 23-17.
This was painful to watch, nine turnovers makes for a really sloppy game. It was raining a little & somewhat blustery, but that didn't excuse the 8 fumbles, 6 were lost & 3 interceptions. Tampa Bay continued their meltdown from 10-6 last season, they'll be lucky to win 6 games this year. Tennessee on the other hand is back in the playoff hunt with Matt Leinart going down to injury. They trail Houston by 2 games but play them in the season's last weekend, so you never know. One very important plus for the Titans, RB Chris Johnson looked like his old self, rushing for 190-yards.
Is Patrick Peterson the new Devin Hester?
Could be, could be. Peterson had already returned three punts for scores this season, each for huge yardage, 92, 88 & 82-yards. The Arizona Cardinal did it again on Sunday, taking one back from 80-yards & it was the difference in the game, beating St. Louis 23-20. The Rams also got a punt return touchdown from 88-yards by Nick Miller, who was sitting on his couch last week before being signed on Thursday. But the Rams couldn't get 228-yards out of Steven Jackson like the Cards got out of Beanie Wells. He set the Arizona franchise record for rushing yards in a game with 27 carries for 228-yards & a touchdown. Sam Bradford had a fumble that lead to a Cardinal field goal & TE Lance Kendricks fumbled in the redzone. The Rams are really bad.
Another bad snap on Cleveland field goal attempt insures a 23-20 Cincy win.
Ryan Pontbriand, Browns long snapper, could face the music on Wednesday after the team brings in a few prospects to take his job. Once again, Pontbriand rolled the snap back to holder Brad Maynard, causing kicker Phil Dawson to miss a field goal that would have put the Browns ahead late in the 4th quarter. The Bengals took over & drove to their own field goal, the eventual game winner.
Stevie Johnson's been on my sh*t list since he cheap-shot Eric Berry, now he's topping that list for many Buffalo players & fans.
The Bills wide receiver Stevie Johnson is a pretty decent player who has very little concern for others. Whether it's tearing up Eric Berry's knee on opening day or the total crap he pulled against the Jets in Buffalo's, Johnson needs to grow up & act like a man, not a selfish punk. Right before half Johnson caught a Ryan Fitzpatrick touchdown pass but after scoring, Johnson began to pantomime shooting himself in the leg(Plaxico Burress) & soaring like a jet airplane only to trip & fall(Santonio Holmes). Falling to the ground in celebration is against the rules & Johnson was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. With just 2-minotes to go in the half, the Bills were penalized 15-yards on the kickoff which aided the Jets in scoring seconds before the half ended. Plaxico Burress caught the touchdown but he didn't mock Johnson, apparently he's learned something from all his troubles. Late in the fourth quarter with the Bills down 28-24, Johnson dropped a pass Fitzpatrick delivered right on target deep down the middle. Where was the celebratory antics then? This clown really cost his team on Sunday, going into this game it was pretty much assumed the loser would be out of any playoff contention. The Bills are out & Stevie Johnson ought to look long & hard at himself in the mirror to see one of the reasons why. The saddest part of all this is I've already received two emails applauding Johnson's antics as "funny as hell" & "loved it." I don't know what to say.
Caleb Hannie fails in his first test replacing Cutler as Bears lose 25-20.
Bears' fans could be in for a long stretch drive with Caleb Hannie behind the wheel. He threw three interceptions in Oakland & the Raiders converted all of them into points, specifically 3 of Sebatian Janikowski's 6 field goals. The Raiders maintained their perch atop the AFC West with the win. QB Carson Palmer threw well downfield which was crucial since the normally run-first Raider offense never got going on the ground.
Tebow-Schmeebow, the Broncos win with a smothering defense.
No more talk about the Chargers, they're officially done, let's discuss the AFC West's 2nd place team, the Denver Broncos. They've won 4 straight & 5 of 6 since Tim Tebow took over at quarterback. He didn't make too many miraculous plays in San Diego, but his teammates believe in him & they won another game they probably should have lost. Charger placekicker Nick Novak missed a 53-yard overtime field goal after making one from the same distance earlier. Denver used a few runs by Tebow & a 24-yard gallop by Willis McGahee to set up the game-winning 37-yard field goal by Matt Prater. But this game was won by the Denver defense & offensive line. Linebackers Elvis Dumervil & Von Miller came up big rushing the passer & cutting down outside runs by Charger backs. The Bronco O-line gave Tebow all day to throw the ball. The Chargers seemed content on sitting back in coverage with 7 guys. Unfortunately, it was a flawed plan. Give Tebow 7-8 seconds to find a receiver, even he can complete some timely throws. Denver plays a tougher schedule down the stretch than the Raiders, but never, ever count out the Denver Tebows.
Eagles as bad as it gets, an extreme house-cleaning may be in order starting at the top.
I'm not going to mock the"Dream Team" they've done enough on their own to make a mockery of the potential they had before the season started. This team has all but quit & the only way out just might be a full-fledged house cleaning from head coach Andy Reid on down. There are guys not playing because of injury, others sidelined by poor performance & then there's DeSean Jackson. He epitomizes the 2011 Philadelphia Eagles. He's a selfish clown who cares little for the team concept. Reid benched him in the 4th quarter of their 38-20 beatdown by the New England Patriots. This is a team playing out the string, trying to remain injury-free while the Patriots continue their run to the AFC Eastern crown.....again. I still have serious doubts about the Pats long term chances in the playoffs, but with Houston on QB #3 & the Raiders or Broncos emerging from the West, only Baltimore & Pittsburgh probably have what it takes to derail the Patriots.
Seattle lays an egg at home, losing to visiting Redskins.
This was a tough one to pay a lot of attention to, too many interceptions, too many penalties & a lot of poor 4th quarter play by Seattle. They allowed a 17-7 lead slip away in the final 10-minutes losing 23-17. Tavaris Jackson was dreadful, reverting back to bad T-Jax. In a year where we may see four quarterbacks drafted in the top-10 picks, Seattle really needs to be a part of that harvest.
Steelers lose another defensive star, but they continue winning...somehow.
Playing the Chiefs certainly makes that task easier. But the Steelers lost another big play guy on defense, safety Troy Polomalu sustained "concussion-like symptoms" after tackling Chiefs TE-T Steve Maneri. He didn't return & without OLB Lamar Woodley, this defense isn't the same. With only James Harrison to worry about, the Chiefs did a pretty decent job protecting Tyler Palko. K.C. LT Brandon Albert played an excellent game. Pittsburgh was very fortunate it was the Chiefs & not a real NFL offense, Palko helped his hometown team with three interceptions & a fumbled snap. Pittsburgh has Cincinnati & San Francisco sandwiched between a pair of games with Cleveland & one with St. Louis, so they should make the playoffs, but if they expect to return to the Super Bowl again this season, they're going to have to find something to separate from the rest of the playoff pack. I never doubt the Steelers, those six Super Bowl trophies & eight total appearances makes the football world know they're to be taken seriously.
What about Suh? How bad is it going to get?
I said Saturday I expected a two game suspension & a $75,000 fine. My opinion hasn't changed, sorry MrHusker. I love his ability, tenacity & work ethic, but that kind of temper is downright scary. He needs a sit-down with someone he respects to listen to the truth or he can kiss those big Subway & Chrysler bucks goodbye along with large chunks of his Detroit Lions' paychecks. The commissioner needs to convince Suh this won't be tolerated in any fashion.
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