While all this was going on, we saw in week sixteen, the Eagles fall apart. We saw Arizona having a bit of a fall from grace, Odell Beckham continue to dazzle and the Cowboys win their first division title since 2009.
With all that being said, here's some of the best and worst from week sixteen in the NFL.
Best:
Seattle Seahawks (Offense and Defense)
They had a big game last week against the Cardinals and they really didn't disappoint. They showed up in a big way, whipping Arizona 3-5, the win moving them into the top spot in the NFC (based on tie breakers). Offensively, Seattle was lead by three guys: Russell Wilson (339 yards and two TDs passing, plus 88 yards and a TD rushing), Marshawn Lynch (113 yards on the ground, including mind-blowing 79-yard TD dash) and surprisngly Luke Willson (three catches, 139 yards, two TDs). Those three combined for a huge chunk of Seattle's 596 total yards of offense. And lets not forget about the resurgence of the Seattle defense as well. In their last five games, all wins mind you, this group has allowed 33 points and fewer than 1,000 total yards. It looks like the Seattle LOB is going to have given up the fewest points in the league for the 3rd year in a row. Yeah I'd say they're firing on all cylinders at just the right time.
Worst:
Arizona Cardinals
Up to this point, the Cardinals have been able to overcome every obstacle that has been thrown in their way. That's why they are, once again, 11-4 and in a playoff spot right now. At the same time though, they have taken a bit of a hit the last few weeks. Sunday the Cards ended up using a fourth-string quarterback who's never thrown a TD and forcing the defense to constantly take risks to compensate finally took its toll. Arizona held the NFC's No. 1 seed when Sunday dawned but had fallen to No. 6 by day's end following an ugly comeuppance to the Seahawks. So now they go from sitting atop the NFC to holding on to a wild card spot. Yes they are in the playoffs this year, but it don't look too good right now in Arizona.
Best:
Derek Carr, Quarterback Oakland Raiders
The rookie QB was able to do something on Sunday that Aaron Rogers and Payton Manning weren't able to do in the weeks prior against the Buffalo Bills. Carr managed to throw a touchdown pass. In fact he threw two of them, which was more than Manning and Rogers had combined against the Bills. Carr finished the day going 17 of 34 for 214 yards and those two touchdown tosses. Not astounding numbers by any means, but still Carr had more touchdown tosses against Buffalo than the two other MVP QB's combined. It was good enough to help the Raiders to their 26-24 win over the Bills, ending any hopes Buffalo had of making the playoffs this season.
Worst:
Joe Flacco, Quarterback Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore had a golden chance to handle their business and deal with a playoff spot this past Sunday.Houston was the opponent and Joe Flacco had a chance to lead the Ravens once again to the promise lad of playoff football. But that had to wait till the final game of the season for it to possibly happen. Why? Flacco's three INTs led directly to 13 Houston points in a game the Ravens lost 25-13. Baltimore surrendering its playoff destiny to the Chargers.
Best:
Joe Philbin, Head Coach Miami Dolphins
Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin got a vote of confidence from owner Stephen Ross and assurance he'll be back for the 2015 season. Why you ask? Alot of it had to do with QB Ryan Tannehill's career-best four TD passes and nine Miami points in the final 71 seconds of a 37-35 home win over the Vikings. Philbin had his guys ready to go and made sure they took advantage of what Minnesota gave them on Sunday. If Miami beats the Jets in Week 17, Philbin will earn his first winning record for a season and improve to 24-24 after three years. He gained trust of his owners so he knows he has a job next season.
Worst:
Rex Ryan, Head Coach New York Jets
Rex has always been compared to Bill Belichick, it's been going on ever since he came here to New York. Rex has had his moments, but Sunday wasn't exactly one of them. His Jets made Tom Brady look mortal and actually outgained the Patriots 307-231 as the teams kept the outcome within three points for the fifth time in their last six meetings. Unfortunately for Ryan, New England won four of those contests, including a 17-16 victory Sunday that clinched a first-round bye. This loss the Jets to their first 12-loss season since 2007. The bitter defeat likely will be Ryan's final appearance as New York's coach at MetLife Stadium.
Best:
Green Bay Packers Defense
A normal power of the Packers game, at least this season anyway, has been their offense. No disrespect to the defense, but the offense has been carrying the load this year. Well on Sunday, it was the defense that played the biggest role. It was dominant while helping Green Bay sew up a playoff berth in Tampa. The Pack limited the Bucs to three points, six first downs and 109 yards while sacking QB Josh McCown seven times, 2½ courtesy of Clay Matthews. Green Bay showed that while the offense has been outstanding, their defense can be just as good if not better when it has to be.
Worst:
Kansas City Chiefs Offense
A strange occurrence happened this past Sunday. Kansas City tried to go head to head with the Steelers high powered offense. Surprisingly, Kansas City actually managed to outgain Pittsburgh by 45 yards (327-282). But Kansas City continually settled for field goals, going 0-for-4 in the red zone, and couldn't get primary threat Jamaal Charles (77 yards) loose. The 20-12 loss, the Chiefs' fourth in five games, will likely deep-six their season. Kansas City had a real shot to possibly overtake teams and make the playoffs this year. But with the offense seeming to go cold at the worst possible time, that pretty much took out any chances the Chiefs had of making the playoffs this season.
Best:
DeMarco Murray and Tony Romo, Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas duo combined for five TDs on Sunday, four came on throws by Romo, while the other was on a run by Murray. Each hit the showers early while avoiding further injury as the Cowboys wrapped up the NFC East with a shocking 42-7 win over the Colts. Now coach Jason Garrett must decide how to divvy up his stars' snaps next week with Dallas in play for a bye but also presented with an opportunity to give Murray and his surgically repaired hand immediate relief.
Worst:
Philadelphia Eagles Offense
Are they really human after all? As prolific as the Eagles offense can be, its league-high 35 turnovers short-circuit way too many opportunities. Mark Sanchez's ill-timed pair of giveaways Saturday ultimately cost Philly a winnable game at Washington and, ultimately, their playoff shot as the Eagles spiraled from 9-3 last month to home for the winter next month. You really have seen down the stretch this season how much not having Nick Foles under center has hurt Philly. They went from leading the pack in the NFC East to missing the playoffs altogether. Mark Sanchez did all he could but now many are starting to realize why he is more of a backup than a number one passer.
So there you have it. The best and worst of week sixteen in the NFL!
No comments:
Post a Comment