FMQB: Puddin’ Pops
Buccaneers disappointing
What happened to Jameis “Puddin Pops” Winston this year? Came into the season with so much promise. Analysts were basically putting him as a top 7 or 8 QB this year, with the team making the playoffs. Granted Hard Knocks can make any team look like a Super Bowl contender (case in point, watch the Rams one from last year). But they seemed to show a ton of promise on that show too.
For Liberty and Justice For All!
As you know I’m staying out of the politics of the national anthem, but the Ezekiel Elliot back and forth is utterly ridiculous this year. This truly highlights what’s wrong with our court system in America. His suspension has been imposed 3 times, and successfully appealed all 3 times. Make a decision already! Look at this below, why the heck are there so many chances to appeal? For the record, had Elliot served the 6 games, he’d already be a game into his season, with fresh legs and the ability to carry his team into the playoffs. Take a look at this (it’s not fair that I have lawyer friends who read this. I’m sure I’ve butchered this so take it with a grain of salt).
8/11: Goodell imposes 6 game suspension on Ezekiel Elliot
9/8: After taking the NFL to court, Elliot was granted an emergency injunction that allowed him to play Week 1.
9/15: NFL files an emergency motion to stay the injunction
10/12: Court rules in NFL’s favor, re-states 6 game suspension
10/16: Elliot’s lawyers ask for an emergency hearing. Is granted a temporary restraining order allowing him to play
10/30: Judge denies temporary injunction, thus re-instituting the 6 game suspension
11/3: Court of Appeals grants a request for an administrative stay, allowing Elliot to play
Bumbling Browns:
People always joke about the Browns QB situation, and the now 22+ who have started since whenever (the guy who had the jersey with all the names had to retire it because it got too long!). But it’s just not the QB’s, look at the coaches, and then for sure the front office. The front office is known for giving a coach 1 year to prove themselves and then canning them. The Cowboys could have canned an 0-11-1 Tom Landry too, but missed out on a Hall of Fame coach. Anyway, hearing about the trade debacles this week are uncanny. Apparently the Browns were about to pull the trigger to get Garrapolo, have multiple 2nd round picks so they have the ability to use one. Coaches are excited about it and go to talk to the front office, all of whom left early on Monday so the call was never made. 4 hours later, the 49ers make the call and the deal is done. Flash forward 24 hours: It’s 3:55, 5 minutes before the trade deadline. They agree to a trade with the Bengals, who call the deal into the NFL. The front office is CELEBRATING, and forget to call it in!!!! How does this even happen in professional sports??? Try calling in after the deadline but the NFL denies it; no deal. If you want one reason why they are 0-8, start looking at the top.
Seahawks vs. Houston, and the Birth of a Super Star.
The Texans Seahawks game will easily be the game of the year. There were 952 passing-rushing yards between Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson. The 2nd half scores looked like this: tie, Texans lead, tie, Seahawks lead, Texans lead, Seahawks lead, Texans lead, Seahawks lead, Seahawks win. Deshaun Watson has been the story of the season so far, putting up rookie numbers better than Kurt Warner and Dan Marino. He showed great poise, running some very advanced plays and reads on Sunday. And man can he chuck the ball, he’s not just a mobile QB.
The Death of a Super Star:
And as quickly as I say that, Deshaun Watson suffered a heartbreaking injury in practice, tearing his ACL and is out for the season. He’s a down to earth guy, remember he donated his first paycheck to three Houston residents (he’s a rookie, not like he already has a ton of money built up). He also comes across as humble, wiling to learn, not cocky or full of his success so far. Just terrible news.
Quick Hits:
- How do you get tackled for a safety when you catch a punt at the 11?
- The Bills sure are beating some solid teams (written before last night). They’ve taken down the Raiders, Bucs, Falcons, and Broncos, and just acquired Kelvin Benjamin! Could be scary come playoff time
- The Saints are also clicking. After their 2009-2013 run, it seems like they’ve opened 0-2 every year, but they’ve figured out how to bounce back this year and are in 1st in the division.
- Roger Goodell is in a contract year, and he has gone from 1 owner opposing him to 17. He probably won’t get to the ¾ needed to oust him, but that should scare him a bit.
Make Every Day Count:
Jimmy Garrapolo woke up at 6-2, and went to bed at 0-8. Similarly, Houston won the World Series on Wednesday night, and by Thursday afternoon they lost their starting quarterback.
If the Playoffs were to start today:
The Bills, Jaguars, Titans, Rams and Saints would all be in.
Stat of the Week:
It was the first time in 4 years that both QB’s threw for 4 TD’s and 400 yards
Stolen Stat of the Week #2:
By Nov. 3, the Jets will have played five division games in nine weeks, and will be finished with their season series against Miami and Buffalo.
By Nov. 3, the Falcons will have played zero division games. They have five NFC South games after Thanksgiving.
Stolen Stat of the Week #3:
The NFL has staged 21 contests in London, and not a one has pitted two teams that both had winning records at kickoff. Combined score of this season’s London games: Victors 130, Vanquished 23.
Stolen Stat of the Week #4:
Since the start of the 2016 season, Oakland has followed a 12-3 stretch with a 3-7 stretch.
Quote of the Week:
“The best game any quarterback has ever played against us, and we’ve played all the legends” Richard Sherman, referencing rookie Deshaun Watson
Quote of the Week #2:
“Do the Rams have a Bye this week?” Coworker
“No, they play the Giants… So essentially they have a bye this week.” FMQB
Tweet of the Week:
“Jimmy Garrapolo was traded to the 49ers for a 2nd round pick” Adam Schefter
“He must have asked for Von Miller money too” Jamie Collins who was traded to the Browns last year
Meme of the Week:
Photo credit: NFL.com (Michael Dwyer/Associated Press) and NFL Memes
FMQB 