Notes From NFL RedZone: Week 14
After 14 weeks of the 2017 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers (11–2) are looking down at the rest of the league. The Steelers have won eight consecutive games, and all those other amazing winning streaks by the other division leaders have ended. Currently, no team in the NFC has won more than two straight games. Same goes for the AFC, minus the aforementioned Steelers, and the L.A. Chargers, which bullied the Redskins this week; they have won four straight. See, the Chargers have veteran leader Philip Rivers — 3,611 passing yards, 23 TD’s, 7 INTs, and a 97.2 rating — at quarterback, and they’re coming on strong at the correct time. L.A. (7–6) is tied with Kansas City (7–6) atop the AFC West; the two play in prime time on Saturday night. Well, looks like we have a plan for Saturday night.
The New England Patriots (10–3) were the best AFC team until all of its wheels came off in Miami on Monday evening. Credit the Dolphins (6–7) for playing out of their minds — constantly getting pressure on Tom Brady, making his life a living hell — as Miami gets to save some face for the time being. The Dolphins probably won’t make the post-season, but at least they’ll have the memory of an exciting night on their home field, destroying the Patriots. New England was 0-for-11 on third down conversions. The Patriots have a game at Pittsburgh next week; Brady is 10–2 against the Steelers. Looks like we have a plan for Sunday, too.
Guess what team last beat the Steelers? The Jacksonville Jaguars (9–4), which has had the best overall defense in the league for pretty much the entire season. The Jaguars held the Steelers to nine points on Oct. 8, and has given up just 202 points over 13 games (15.5 points per game). Next in line to Jacksonville’s defense, as far as points against is concerned, is the L.A. Chargers (225 points allowed). Jaguars vs. Steelers and Jaguars vs. Chargers are, at this point, two possible playoff match ups. Very intriguing.
Finally, Carson Wentz is done for 2017 with a torn ACL in his left knee; very disappointing. The Most Valuable Player award would have looked good on that kid. Next time, Mr. Wentz, hand the ball off to a running back during a goal-line play; you won’t get crushed.
As always, here are my important notes/opinions while watching NFL RedZone. December 10, all times Eastern:
(1:20 p.m.): Josh Gordon, who has a past full of bad decisions, is playing for Cleveland, and he catches a touchdown on a quick slant. Can he stay out of trouble?
(1:26 p.m.): Doug Martin is back in the line up for Tampa Bay, and he’s really close to a touchdown…the three-inch line to be exact. Martin gets another try; he bulldozes through. Brenton Bersin (Panthers) goes head over heels, but catches the football; landed on the back of his head.
(1:29 p.m.): Three of the eight games — Panthers-Vikings, Packers-Browns, and Lions-Buccaneers — are all tied up at 7 to 7. The Giants, Raiders, 49ers, Bengals, Bills, and Colts all have zero points. In Buffalo, it’s snowing mad; Colts and Bills will not have many scoring opportunities. Buffalo always gets crushed with snow. Must be a great place to live.
(1:33 p.m.): Double Box with Giants-Cowboys and Panthers-Vikings. End of the first quarter in Carolina. Aldrick Rosas (Giants) lines up a field goal, but off sides is called on John Greco; it is now a 39-yard field goal. Am I really reporting on a Giants’ field goal? Travis Kelce (Chiefs) scores a touchdown off of an initial blocking job; he created a lane. Kelce is being escorted off the field by the training staff as the referees try to figure out if Kelce’s knee was down before the ball crossed the goal line…yup, no touchdown. The Giants made that field goal, guys! In the Buffalo snow-fest, the Colts have not attempted a pass.
(1:43 p.m.): Did Brandon LaFell (Bengals) used to play for the Patriots? Regardless, he scored a touchdown on a scissor-route with A.J. Green. If you look at the highlight box at the top right of the link below, you can see what I’m talking about:
And LaFell played for New England in 2014 and 2015, amassing 1,468 yards and seven touchdowns; he didn’t score a touchdown in 2015. That 2014 season was the best of his career.
(1:51 p.m.): Who do you got in the AFC West? Chargers, Raiders, and Chiefs each have a 6–6 record (entering Sunday). Oakland is playing in Kansas City right now. Which team is least threatening to New England? The Chiefs handled the Pats in Week 1, but have been playing terribly. My pick is the Chargers to win the division. Philip Rivers needs a career highlight. Did you know that he has eight children? Or is it nine now? Ugh.
(2:00 p.m.): Can the Browns beat the Packers? From the eight-yard line, shovel pass to Duke Johnson, untouched into the end zone; 14 to 7, Cleveland. How many times have the Browns led in a game this season? Has to be a low amount. Way too early in the game to have confidence in the Browns, which can find any way to lose any game.
(2:03 p.m.): Tom Savage (Texans) got sandwiched between the turf and a 49ers’ defensive line man; Savage’s left hand was shaking. He’s headed to the locker room. The Texans are now onto its third-string quarterback, T.J. Yates, which reminds me of this play from 2008:
Sage rose, then fell. I stole that from a YouTube comment. Wish DeShaun Watson was still playing; Houston would be a wildcard team, at least.
The Chiefs, ahead 13 to 0, completed an interception; Terrance Mitchell grabbed the ball after a pop-up deflection. Maybe Kansas City is turning a corner?
(2:11 p.m.): LeSean McCoy (Bills) is loose in the snow — two large rushing gains. What’s better than football in the snow? Nathan Peterman is playing quarterback for the Bills. Is Tyrod Taylor hurt?
(2:16 p.m.): Browns, Lions, and Panthers each have 14 points; each team has the lead in its game. Dez Bryant (Cowboys) loses Brandon Dixon (Giants), one-on-one, for a 50-yard touchdown. Reggie Nelson (Raiders) picks off Alex Smith (Chiefs) in the end zone, but Bruce Irvin negates the play by being off sides. The Raiders need to play smarter. The Colts and the Raiders have no points.
(2:25 p.m.): Poured a Founders Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale. Dark amber in color, dangerously smooth. Haven’t had this beer in a few years; it’s a special day. Meanwhile, Case Keenum (Vikings) has been doing well for Case Keenum, stepping up in the pocket to make things happen. Minnesota, down four points, third down from the four-yard line…corner route to Adam Thielen; he juggled the football while falling through the pylon. Savage, who was evaluated for a concussion earlier, is trying to put himself back into the game. Probably not, buddy! The Vikings had to kick a short field goal; Thielen’s catch was overturned. Minnesota is down by one point as the game against Carolina heads into halftime. Thielen has 80 catches for 1,161 yards this season.
(2:32 p.m.): Matthew Stafford (Lions) is currently 10 for 10, but, wait, he’s picked off in Tampa Bay. Or did Stafford just start 10 for 10? Explain more, RedZone. Snow in Buffalo looks like a buzzing swarm of bees on the television screen. Dude, there’s so much snow!
(2:54 p.m.): Big fan of Devin Funchess, the young wide receiver for Carolina, who has been making big catches all season; he has seven touchdowns and averages 13.4 yards per play. Here, Cam Newton airs a back-foot throw to Funchess, who sheds his defender at the right time, touchdown. Minnesota’s winning streak is in jeopardy today.
(3:19 p.m.): The Chiefs! 26 to 0 over the Raiders, a team that was supposed to be better this year. What if Kansas City runs the table? They have the Chargers, Dolphins, and Broncos to finish the 2017 regular season…it’s a possibility, but anything is possible.
Editors Note: Miami made New England look mediocre on Monday Night Football. Maybe the Dolphins run the table? I just don’t know anymore…
The Cowboys and the Giants have been tied at 10-to-10 for a long time. New York needs to ruin Dallas’ season, once and for all.
(3:32 p.m.): The Bengals are a train wreck. Losing badly to the 3–8 Bears, going to drop to 5–8. A.J. Green got lazy with the football after he caught it, fumbling right before he stepped out of bounds. Five of the eight games are within one possession. This is where RedZone shines.
(3:36 p.m.): Legend Jason Witten breaks the 10-to-10 tie in New York on a straight go route, perfect throw by Dak Prescott. Dallas might break this game open…The Colts are going for two points in the thunder-snow (yes, they’re calling it a thunder-snow) in Buffalo. There’s six inches of snow on the field…Keenum (Vikings) is intercepted by James Bradberry; the winning streak is over. Back to Buffalo…Jacoby Brissett (Colts) throws — yes, he’s throwing — to Jack Doyle, who has more yards (564) and catches (64) than you would ever imagine; he’s wide open for two points. But the refs are talking…offensive pass interference is called. On who? Within five yards? What? Adam Vinatieri, who knows a thing or two about kicking field goals in the snow, is out to try and tie this game, 7 to 7. A group of Colts’ players are clearing a spot for the ball, kicking as much snow away as they can. Timeout, the snow clearing continues as Bills’ players talk some trash. Vinatieri is 11 for 21 in Buffalo in his career. His kick starts wide right, but bends through the uprights for a tie game. Overtime in the snow?
(3:47 p.m.): Rob Smith (Cowboys) up the gut for 81 yards; great read by Prescott. In Carolina, Keenum finds Thielen for 55 yards and a score. The Vikings set up for two points, got it. Panthers ahead, 24 to 21. Minnesota can clinch the NFC North with a win. With 55 seconds left in regulation in Buffalo, Bills’ unsuspecting quarterback, Joe Webb, throws an interception. Vinatieri is warming up for the Colts…I can’t see the yard markers. What part of the field is this? Vinatieri is no good, wide left. Minnesota is in the red zone again? REWIND. Cam Newton threw an interception, a ball that was in Christian McCaffrey’s hands. The Vikings tie the game, 24 to 24, with a field goal; Keenum was sacked. Dallas is blowing it open in New York; worst season in Giants’ history. Newton runs for 62 yards, looking like the amazing athlete that he is — Carolina is at the five-yard line.
(4:00 p.m.): Are the Browns cursed? Do they have no sustainability? The Packers are on the half-yard line, 10-second clock run-off with 33 seconds remaining — 23 seconds. Brett Hundley (Packers) was able to run, but was short. Next, Davante Adams catches a quick throw by Hundley, who, game after game, is coming into form. Cleveland, once up 14 points over Green Bay, is now tied, 21 to 21. In Carolina, Jonathan Stewart (Panthers), who averages only 3.5 yards per carry, jumped like 10 feet into the air to try to get the ball across the goal line…the Bills are punting with 4:13 remaining in overtime…Minnesota is a loser in Carolina. No NFC winning streaks remain.
(4:13 p.m.): DeShone Kizer (Browns) loses another deflected pass to an interception; this has happened to him a lot, and he’s accountable for 17 picks this season. Kizer threw the ball sky high to avoid being sacked in overtime, but he needs to just take the sack. Maybe the Browns don’t deserve a victory? The biggest losers in the NFL might also be the most dumb.
Double Box. Double Overtime (two games in overtime). McCoy (Bills) ends the game with a 21-yard scamper to the left. The Packers are faced with a third-and-six in Browns’ territory. Adams breaks out on a screen play that had two blockers by design — awesome play call. It’s a literal “walk off” for Adams and the Packers; Cleveland is 0–13. The Browns have remaining contests against the Ravens, Bears, and the Steelers — they have a chance against Chicago, but 0–16 is imminent. The Packers get the Panthers, Vikings, and the Lions as Aaron Rodgers faces a complex decision to return to the line up — will they make another run?
(4:45 p.m.): Aqib Talib is still playing in the NFL? Tear up his contract. Show us Eagles vs. Rams or Jaguars vs. Seahawks, exclusively.
(5:03 p.m.): Looks like my Chargers’ pick from earlier is working out. L.A. (still strange to write that) is ahead of Washington, 20 to 6. The Bolts must win to keep pace with the Chiefs. Head-to-head, I like the Chargers, the dark horse.
(5:16 p.m.): Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals) needs 17 yards to pass Randy Moss for third on the all-time receiving list. Fitzgerald dives for a catch, incomplete on the face plant.
(5:32 p.m.): Austin Ekeler (Chargers) bursts for a long run, but costs his team three points by forgetting to go down before the first-half clock ran to zero. Rookie problems. Still, L.A. is ahead by 17 points.
(5:44 p.m.): 15,303 receiving yards for Mr. Fitzgerald, third all-time. Terrell Owens is 623 yards away (15,934) in second place. And ain’t no one ever catching Jerry Rice (22, 895). Meanwhile, the Jaguars have the best defense in the league, currently holding the Seahawks scoreless.
(6:18 p.m.): N.Y. Jets vs. Denver Broncos. Questionable QB vs. Questionable QB. Doldrums vs. Doldrums. Denver, 23, N.Y., 0. Unexplained.
(6:22 p.m.): Seattle Seahawks: most dangerous second-half team in football with probably the most dangerous quarterback in football. Not sure if they’ve had a first-half lead this season. No opposition is prepared.
(6:35 p.m.): The Rams just blocked an Eagles’ punt, and the ball ended up in the end zone. Happened quick.
(6:36 p.m.): Jaydon Mickens (Jaguars) takes the timely hop off the Seahawks’ punt and explodes for 72 yards, one yard short of a touchdown. Plays of that caliber deserve to be a score. Leonard Fournette finishes it off (he ended up with 101 rushing yards in the game). Jacksonville is ahead by two scores, but too much time is left for Seattle.
(6:51 p.m.): Alshon Jeffery (Eagles) just made one of the better catches I have seen; the ball was behind him and way low. Jeffery secured the ball with his fingers, two inches off the ground. Touchdown. And was that a fourth-and-goal?
(6:56 p.m.): Hey, Washington, that was a nice pick-six, but it’s too late. The L.A. Chargers have been rolling you all day.
(7:04 p.m.): Eagles-Rams is probably an NFC Championship preview. It’s off the hook, currently. Score after score after score after…fire!
(7:07 p.m.): Carson Wentz has a knee injury (he tore the ACL in his left knee, costing him the season). Earlier, Wentz dove for the end zone, and his legs got crushed. Wasn’t a run that Wentz needed to make.
(7:31 p.m.): Can any opposition put the Seahawks away? Ridiculous. Sick of seeing Seattle hang around, come back, and win every week (they didn’t win this time). Put them away!
