Interesting Thought of the Week:
The only rookie QB to win a playoff game wasn’t the #1 or #2 overall pick who came in as the “savior of the franchise.”
Interesting Thought of the Week #2:
Adrian Peterson ran for 405 yards in 2 games against the Packers during the season. Analysts across the league said that they successfully “Shut Down” AP on Saturday. He had 99 yards at 4.5 yards per carry! Now there’s a testament to how good he is if that’s considered being “shut down.” For the record, if AP was “shut down” for 16 games a season, he would have a 1584 yard season.
Horrible Thought of the Week:
There are only 7 more football games left in the season…
Stat of the Week:
Vikings Kicker Blair Walsh was 12 for 12 of Field Goals longer than 48yds
Stat of the Week #2:
The 8 QB’s in last weekend’s contests only accounted for 7 TD’s (so much for it being a Passing League)
Stat of the Week #3:
3 of the winning teams each scored 24 points, the 4th was close with 19.
Quote of the Week:
“Well, now everybody who wanted to bench Ponder for Webb can shut up” FMQB
Quote/Tweet of the Week:
“Deadspin came out and said the reason Ponder didn’t start was because he couldn’t throw the ball more than 10 yards. I didn’t see the problem, he hasn’t thrown the ball more than 10 yards all year!” FFMQB
Nickname Watch:
The wide receiver duo in Denver are apparently pretty close. Demarius Thomas and Eric Decker apparently refer to themselves as “Black and Decker.” Classic!
WildCard Recap:
Below are my thoughts about last weekends’ games:
- Only a decent showing by the Texans. They are undefeated against the Bengals in the playoffs, but have never defeated another team.
- Very disappointed when I heard Ponder was inactive about an hour before gametime (yes Chris, I am a hypocrite). I still don’t think Ponder gives the Vikings the best chance to win, but he is a better quarterback than Joe Webb. Would it have made a difference in the game? Probably not, but it would have been much more interesting and closer game.
- Fun to see the Ravens rally around Ray Lewis’ final home game. Their defense won them that game. On a side note, Andrew Luck is going to be one heck of a QB!
- RGIII single-handedly lost the game for the Redskins, I’m bold enough to say it. He was selfish as an athlete. He put his own individual accomplishments ahead of the team. RGIII said that he thought he gave the team the best chance to win, but that’s BS. He was hobbling around like no other, couldn’t step into his throws, and the bad snap turned fumble (play RGIII tore his knee up) wouldn’t have happened if he wasn’t in the game. I truly think that once up 14-0, had Shanahan put Kirk Cousins in the game, the turnover doesn’t happen (7 less points there), and Cousins can lead at least 2 FG drives which wins it for the Skins. But props to Russell Wilson for staying calm down 14 and leading a comeback.
Age of the Running Quarterback:
Here’s my thoughtpiece for the week. With RGIII, Cam Newton, Johnny Football, Tim Tebow, etc. tons of analysts are saying that this is what the NFL is turning into. Everytime a Running Back gets the ball, it turns into a 9 on 11 game. Your QB is out of the blocking picture, and the RB has the ball, hence you have 9 blockers and need to beat 11 guys. You have to beat 2 guys on your own just to make it an even matchup (this is why 90 yard runs are so rare). When a QB runs from the shotgun, you get an extra man, making it 10 on 11! This causes an increase in offense (which should theoretically mean an increase in wins). This does seem to turn into wins in the regular season, but there is very little correlation in the postseason. The accurate and intelligent QB’s are the ones with the final glory and excitement.
In fact, take a look at the recent Super Bowl winners to look at the “mobility” of each guy: Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Roethlisberger (x2), Eli Manning, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady (x3), Brad Johnson (no), Trent Dilfer (Hell No!), Kurt Warner (don’t even tell me about it!). NONE of them are running Quarterbacks. I can see an argument regarding Roethlisberger, but he moreso avoids sacks and throws on the run (the most rushing yards he’s had in a season is 204). The fact of the matter is, Vick never made it to a Super Bowl, McNabb made it once in 5 tries (and got tired by the end of the game), McNair couldn’t win it, even Tarkenton who was the first mobile quarter back went 0-4 in Super Bowls. Cunningham never made it, Vince Young never came close. Analysts claim this is going to be the new NFL, but I need to see some hard evidence that it actually brings championships to the teams.
Divisional Round Predictions:
Green Bay at San Francisco– Expect another very close game, similar to Week 1 (San Francisco won 30-22 in Lambeau). San Francisco is a very different team than at the start of the season, including a new QB. But with a shaky Run D, and facing a strong RB and mobile QB, I think it’s going to be a bit too much for Green Bay to handle. And against a staunch D, I don’t see Aaron Rodgers being able to keep up with points his defense gives up. I give the nod to San Fran.
Seattle at Atlanta– This is my toss-up for the weekend. The past 4 years, the Falcons have failed to show up in January after posting strong seasons. The Falcons are a strong team, but take a look at who they beat this year. They had a crazy easy schedule (only playing 2 playoff teams), their toughest opponent was a Broncos team who’s QB was in his 2nd start with the team. They also have zero run game and the 22nd overall defense. The Seahawks put up 50 points 3 times this year, so they have the offense to exploit this D. Also, the Cardinals D was able to force 5 Matt Ryan INT’s in Atlanta, and the Seahawks D is very similar. This is my only upset of the week, Seahawks win it!
Baltimore at Denver– Although this is one of the games I’m more excited to see, this may also be the easiest to call. Denver routed the Ravens (in Baltimore) towards the end of the season, and coming off a bye week and at home, I see more of the same. I expect a similar score, Broncos win 38-16.
Houston at New England– Another exciting game between a matchup that got a ton of hype several Monday’s ago, but ended with a New England blowout. I don’t see a blowout by any means again, but this is the second easiest call of the week. Patriots should roll with little effort, but with a closer matchup winning by 10.
It has been 1 day since our last arrest…
FMQB 