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FMQB: Packerland

Posted by fmquarterback on December 28, 2018
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FMQB: Packerland

Bittersweet time, it’s the final week of the season! The stakes are finally here, but the games we get are also limited. 20 teams’ seasons end on Sunday.

 

Highlights:

  • The Titans snuck out a win after Mariotta went down to stay in the playoff hunt
  • I didn’t expect Ravens over Chargers on the road. Lamar Jackson isn’t putting up exciting stats at all, but they’re doing enough to win
  • Nick Foles has now also “shocked” the Texans to keep the Eagles in contention
  • I took a nap when the Packers were down 35-20, and woke up hearing they won the game in OT
  • Saints vs Steelers was the game of the week. Steelers totally had that game, but had 2 fumbles and a turnover on downs in the 4th quarter.
  • Mahomes vs. Wilson as also a good matchup, and it stinks we get that once every 4 years

 

Stat of the Week #1:

Christian McCaffery now has most receptions for a RB with 106

 

Stat of the Week #2:

Eli Manning has more passing yards this year than Drew Brees

 

Stat of the Week #3:

There have only been 9 seasons of 5000+ passing yards (Drew Brees has 5 of the 9). And only 5 QB’s have hit the mark. We’re about to get 2 more on that list, with Ben Roethlisberger and Patrick Mahomes less than 200 yards away

 

Stat of the Week #4:

Adrian Peterson just went over 1000 yards for the 8th time in his career, and the first time since 2015.

 

Stat of the Week #5:

In games where he started and finished, DeShaun Watson has not lost by more than 1 TD since he was a sophomore in high school.

 

For the Record:

  • Panthers were once 6-2, and are now in last place in their division
  • The Browns actually have a chance to finish above .500!
  • By this time 72 hours from now, likely 4 coaches won’t have a job anymore
  • 7 of the 10 Giants’ losses have been within a score.
  • Lamar Jackson is now 5-1 as a QB, and has taken down the Chargers and nearly the Chiefs
  • The Steelers celebrating fake punt that came up short was embarassing

 

Hit of the Season:

The hit of the season was just put on by a kicker…proof of how bad the new defensive rules have become. But dang, look at this! If you want a metaphor to how the Panthers’ season is going, it’s here: https://twitter.com/SBNation/status/1076919562715742208

 

What to watch for:

The NFC is fairly set, all 4 division winners are known. Only the Patriots have the division in the AFC, while the other 5 teams have some crazy volatility! Houston could be the #1, 3 or 6 seed, or the Chargers could also be set at #5, but jump up to #1. Even the Titans, which are currently the #7 seed, could secure a first round bye or miss out entirely.

Colts at Titans is the main game to watch, as the winner is in the playoffs as the 6th seed.

Bears at Vikings have some intrigue, Bears have a very outside shot of getting a first round bye (Rams would have to lose to the 49ers at home), so they could rest their players. Vikings can leapfrog the Seahawks if they lose and get the #5 seed, and in a worst case scenario the Vikes could be out if they lose and the Eagles get an anticipated win against the Redskins.

Browns at Baltimore is the last matchup to watch. The Browns are hot, and if they take down the Ravens the Steelers are in. Could the Ravens lose out on the playoffs for the 2nd straight year in Week 17?

 

The Chargers have likely locked up the #5 seed, but in the off chance the Chiefs slide continues, they’re up for the #1 seed!

 

 

Packers’ History:

I got to go to the Packers Hall of Fame inside Lambeau Field. Even as a non-Packer fan, I was in awe of the history! Everything from the beginning of the NFL, to Vince Lombardi, the other championships; I was geeking out as a football fan.  To all you Steelers fans out there, this is a reminder that the Packers have 13 NFL championships (in 100 years). The final room had 6 Earl Thorpe trophies (the trophy before the current design), their 3 NFC Championship trophies, and 4 Vince Lombardi Trophies. The plaque said that even with the fact that trophies weren’t given for their first 3 championship games, “you are still standing in the most decorated trophy room in the NFL.” Wow, chills.

 

This is the first Super Bowl trophy. Notice how it doesn’t say “Vince Lombardi Trophy” yet.

 

 

Memes of the Week:

 

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FMQB: C’mon Finland!

Posted by fmquarterback on December 21, 2018
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FMQB: C’mon Finland!

 

2 more weeks left! The playoff picture is starting to form, with the Packers, Giants (yes I said it), Dolphins, and Broncos basically losing their chance to extend at this point. Another fairly surprising week, with the Seahawks, Patriots, and Rams getting upset.

 

Highlights:

  • Browns take out Broncos on the road, eliminating them from playoff hopes
  • Is Nick Foles like the biggest known secret in the NFL? He is 4-1 in his last 5 starts, including taking down the 2017 Falcons, winning the NFC Championship, Winning the Super Bowl, winning opening weekend, and now taking down the high powered Rams.
  • Bears clinch first division title since 2010, went from worst to first
  • Colts blank Cowboys, their first shutout since 2003 (which is surprising, they’ve basically been mediocre this whole time).
  • 49ers shock the Seahawks
  • Steelers give Patriots their 2nd straight loss

 

Stat of the Week #1:

Despite not starting Weeks 1 and 2, Baker Mayfield has more passing yards than Russell Wilson, Mitch Trubisky, and Marcus Mariota. Mayfield also has more TD’s than Matthew Stafford, Derek Carf, Eli Manning, Dak Prescott, Case Keenum, and Mariota. Fewer INT’s than Andrew Luck, Roethlisberger, Goff, Newton, and Trubisky. And a better rating than Manning, Mariota, Stafford, Dalton, and Alex Smith.

 

Stat of the Week #2:

The stat line for Derek Henry’s last 2 games, 408 yards rushing and 6 TD’s. Before Week 14, Henry was 28th on the rushing list, but has jumped to 11th.

 

Stat of the Week #3:

The difference a defense makes: The 49ers have a measly 2 INT’s this season, while the Bears have 26!

 

Stat of the Week #4:

Stat to Watch: The Saints are 68% kicking Field Goals, and a league worse 86% on extra points. Something to potentially watch come playoff time…

 

Stat of the Week #5:

The Jags had 43 offensive plays and a total of 20 yards passing.

 

Stat of the Week #6:

The Browns are 4-2 since Gregg Williams took over. That means it took 6 games for Gregg Williams to surpass the number of wins that Hugh Jackson had the previous 40.

 

Stat of the Week #7:

Stat to watch: Adrian Peterson is 78 yards shy of a 1000 yard season, and will pass Eric Dickerson to become 8th all time in rushing yards.

 

Headline of the Week:

“Raiders Power Rankings shoot up after Nathan Peterman signing” The Onion

 

For the Record:

  • The Patriots scored a TD on the 3rd offensive snap, and didn’t get in the endzone the rest of the day.
  • Remember the Titans came out 19 years ago. How in the world is this the first time the Titans team has done that celebration?!?!
  • Something seriously wrong with New England. Both Brady and Gronk don’t look like their normal selves
  • Something is also seriously wrong with Jared Goff. After being in the MVP race (and still making the Pro Bowl), in his last 3 games he’s 72-131 for 1 TD and 7 INT’s.
  • Despite the last minute FG, the Redskins Jags matchup had to have been the worst of the season. A team with a 4th string QB beat Cody Kessler who only threw it 17 times.
  • Seriously, the Raiders actually signed Nathan Peterman?!?! Although the thinking behind if makes sense, that makes Derek Carr look like a GOD compared to his backup. It’s about the same discrepancy between Drew Brees and myself, and that’s not exaggerating because Peterman has only 3 more TD’s but 12 more INT’s than I have.

 

Quote of the Week:

“Christmas comes at an inconvenient time, right in the middle of the football season” Bill Belichick

 

Quote and Stat of the Week:

“There were nine mistakes ahead of me” Josh Rosen. Um, looks like there may have been one. Only Josh Allen has a worse passer rating on the season.

 

Thank You:

So I get to see stats on where the blog reaches and how many clicks I get. Honestly, I enjoy doing it enough for the 12 avid readers to continue doing it, but diving in and looking at the reach that one guy who’s a bit more than a casual football fan can have, is truly remarkable. Not that they’re earth shattering numbers, but look at this map. People from every country that isn’t grey have clicked or read my article. Thank you for everybody who have given me 8 years! I plan on continuing, just humbled to see this. Although what the hell Finland?!?!

Memes of the Week:

 

 

FMQB: 26 Years of Mikes!

Posted by fmquarterback on December 7, 2018
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FMQB: 26 Years of Mikes

We’re down to the final 4 weeks of the season, which means….dun dun dun, my favorite website of all time is back up! http://www.espn.com/nfl/playoffs/machine

 

Play around with it, and compare to my predictions below.

 

Week 13 Highlights:

 

  • Lamar Jackson is the last rookie 1st round QB to start, but he’s 3-0
  • The Broncos are getting hot at the right time
  • Cardinals over Packers in Lambeau? McCarthy deserved to get fired just for that
  • Crazy last play for the Bills. Guy was wide open, how do you miss that throw. I mean WIDE open, nobody within 15 yards of him in the endzone
  • The Panthers are getting cold at the wrong time, have dropped 4 straight and still have to play the Saints twice to end the season
  • How do the Colts win 5 in a row, and then put up 0 against the Jags?
  • The Chargers comeback was insane

 

 

Stat of the Week:

Phillip Rivers tied Peyton Manning with the most comebacks of 16 points or more. Both now have 7

 

Stat of the Week #2:

In their last 8 games, the Colts were averaging 33.1 points per game. They put up 0 on Sunday, against a team they scored 29 on 3 weeks prior

 

Stat of the Week #3:

Aaron Donald is 6 sacks short of tying the all time record. He has 4 games to do it. He’s on pace to be a half sack short.

 

Stat of the Week #4:

If/When the Patriots clinch their division, they will be the only team in the 4 majors to do so in 10 straight seasons; the other being the Atlanta Braves

 

Stat of the Week #5:

The stat line does enough justice. Derrick Henry: 17 carries, 238 yards, 4 TD’s, and 14 yards per carry. Became the 2nd person ever with a 99 yard TD run.

 

Stat of the Week #6:

Coming into Sunday’s game, the Steelers were 174-0-1 when leading by 16 points.

 

Stat of the Week #7:

 

 

The Situation:

I’d be remiss if I didn’t talk about Kareem Hunt, the breaking news that came out literally minutes before I published last week’s article. I credit the Chiefs over the NFL in this situation. I think the NFL truly botched this one, and if it wasn’t for the video then Hunt would still be playing in the league. They didn’t even interview Kareem or the woman in question, it feels like they turned the other cheek. Credit the Chiefs on this one, it’s incredibly hard to straight up CUT a superstar, especially when you’re on a Super Bowl run. And they technically cut him for lying to them, not even the abuse. So kudos to them, that’s a hard business decision but the right one.

 

Mike Mike Mike:

Do we think the new Packer’s head coach will be another Mike? Their last 3 have been Mike McCarthy, Mike Sherman, and Mike Holmgrenn. That’s 26 years of Mikes!

 

Quick Hits:

  • Still can’t get over the Packers losing to the warmest of warm weather teams, at home, in December.
  • Mike McCarthy being fired was a foregone conclusion, but still crazy to me that a guy who took a team to the playoffs 9 out of 11 seasons isn’t good enough?
  • Laughed at the fact that Tom Brady FINALLY hit 1000 career rushing yards on the dot, and was afraid to kneel and lose a yard, so he awkwardly knelt forward to end the game.
  • The final field goal in the Chargers Steelers game was nuts. 3 straight offsides flags. First kick was wide right, but offsides. Second kick was blocked, but offsides. Third kick was made, but also offsides.
  • Crazy call for the Bears to have 1 play left with 3 seconds in the game, at the 1 yard line and down by 7. They put the ball in the hands of their RB to throw a pass, and converted!

 

 

FMQB’s Playoff Machine Predictions:

 

Whoah! Tennessee? Seattle? And Vikings? It looks like the AFC is actually more exciting than the NFC despite what it looks like now. I had the Broncos, Ravens and Titans all jumping into the 6th spot as I played around.

 

Meme’s of the Week:

 

 

 

 

I want to preface this last one, letting you know how wrong I know it is. However I did that “it’s offensive but I’m laughing” uncontrollably thing when I first saw it, so sorry in advance if you’re offended. (watch Facebook pick this as the cover photo)

Friday Morning Quarterback: 54 to 51

Posted by fmquarterback on November 22, 2018
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FMQB: 54 to 51

Special early edition of FMQB! I traditionally do an earlier Thanksgiving one so on can avoid family for 10 minutes. I mean, so I can talk about Thursday’s games next week… Before we get to the best regular season game of all time (trust me I could have written the entire column on that game), let’s look at the rest of the week.

 

Week 11 Highlights:

  • If there was any doubt in the Bear’s division lead, I think they proved they meant to be there on Sunday
  • The Chargers actually had the best record in the NFL dating back to mid-season last year. And they lost to the Broncos at home…
  • The Jags looked like the team of old for the first 50 minutes of that game. The comeback was pretty sweet, game winning score with 4 seconds left.
  • Yikes, Alex Smith’s injury was brutal. Feel terrible for the guy. There goes the Redskins chances this year.
  • Because…wow, Dallas. They’ve found their groove, and it’s handing it off to Zeke. The fact that wasn’t happening the first 6 games is a bit disturbing.
  • The Saints demolished the Eagles, it was the worst loss for a defending Super Bowl champ

 

Stat of the Week:

Lamar Jackson had 27 Carries for 117 yards. He ran the ball 8 more times than he threw it! 27 carries was 5 more than the most QB carries in the past 60 years.

 

Stat of the Week #2:

Todd Gurley already has a 1000 yd season. By next week, Patrick Mahomes will likely be at 4000 yards

 

Stat of the Week #3:

The Ravens rushed the ball 54 times! Versus 19 passing attempts. What is this, 1967?

 

Stat of the Week #4:

Saints have scored 45+ points in 3 straight games, becoming the first team ever to do so

 

Colts Stats of the Week #5:

In Indy’s last 5 games have put up 34, 37, 42, 29 and 38 points. They started the season 1-5 and have rattled of 4 straight wins. Their last loss they gave up 42 against the lowly Jets. Andrew Luck has also had 7 straight games with 3+ TD passes.

 

Stat of the Week #6:

The Bears franchise record for most 300 yard passing games in a season is only 4. Mitch Trubisky has tied that record through the first 10 weeks.

 

Stat of the Week #7:

Aaron Donald leads the NFL in sacks, and is nearly on pace to match the single season sack record, and yet faces a double-team on 72% of snaps played.

 

Most Overused Stat of the Week:

Alex Smith’s gruesome leg injury happened 33 years to the day of Joe Theismann’s career ending sack by Lawrence Taylor. The result of that game was also 23-21.

 

 

For the Record:

  • Not a fan of the Riverboat Ron call to go for 2. That’s more of a desperation move if you’re 3-6 and need to win out to make the playoffs. The Panthers were outplaying the Lions and they’ll need wins to stay in the wild card hunt.
  • In back to back games, Derek Carr has made two huge mental mistakes. Last week he threw the ball away on 4th down, and this week got a penalty for calling back to back timeouts.
  • Bucs are struggling, but they only show up in the 4th quarter. They have had 4 games now where they’ve scored at least 14 points in the 4th quarter to pull within a possession but lose. Games against PIT, ATL, CIN, and NYG.
  • Believe it or not, I’m giving the division to the Cowboys. The Redskins are likely going to fall apart. Philly is a shell of what it was last year. And the Cowboys end the season playing the Bucs and Giants.
  • The Titans have taken out both AFC Championship teams from last year (NE and JAX) as well as the Super Bowl Champ Eagles, but have lost to the Bills, Dolphins, and Colts.

 

 

Stat/Quote of the Week:

The Over/Under for Rams and Chiefs was 63.5 points. It was the highest over/under since 1986. My first reaction literally was “holy crap that was a long time ago!” Only to realize it was the year I was born, boo…

 

Best Regular Season Game of all time:

For the rest of the column, we’re talking about one game. But OH what a game! Somehow Monday night’s matchup surpassed the huge expectations. It felt like a Super Bowl. It has been hyped for 5 weeks, and the crowd was electric. It was a pure back and forth, and even when defense stepped in, they were scoring TD’s as well.

 

Notable Stats:

  • There were 1001 total yards
  • Teams combined for 105 points, which is 3rd most all time
  • It was the first time in NFL history that both teams scored 50 points
  • Mahomes became first QB to throw 6 TD passes and have 5 turnovers
  • Rams Samson Ebukam was first ever with a sack, interception, and 2 TD’s.
  • The Chiefs are the first team in NFL history to score 50 points and lose. In every other game, teams that scored 50+ were 216-0.
  • Jared Goff had never thrown a go-ahead TD in the last 10 minutes of the 4th quarter. He did it twice on Monday
  • The Rams and Chiefs combined for 14 TD’s on Monday night football. Through 10 games, the Bills have only scored 13 all season (8 of which came in their two wins against MIN and NYJ).
  • Last week, the Buccaneers recorded more yards (501) than the Rams did on Monday night (455), but the Bucs scored 51 less points than the Rams.
  • Despite a whopping 7 TD’s, somehow Todd Gurley’s 13 game TD streak was snapped
  • There were 4 lead changes in the 4th quarter
  • Surprisingly there were 7 punts, but they scored so quickly that each team had the ball 15 times in the game (30 total possessions). That’s insane! It averages less than 4 minutes per possession.
  • From 1970-2017, only 3 teams made it through a season averaging 35+ points. So far in 2018 alone, 3 teams are averaging 35 pts.

I know the recency of this game is why people are overreacting, but I’m also having trouble not arguing that this was the greatest NFL game ever played. My only hesitation is the very first point is “well a playoff game or Super Bowl actually means something.” And I fully agree, but here’s my problem with that. Look at some of the greatest Super Bowls, and many are either low scoring, or only BECAME great because of a single play. I’m talking the helmet catch, Kevin Dyson’s tackle at the 1, or Malcolm Butler’s interception in the endzone. But the games themselves could be considered “boring.” The Helmet Catch game featured only 31 points scored, with 8 Punts and 4 turnovers, it was 7-3 going into the 4th quarter. You could easily put Falcons vs. Patriots in that sentence, but it’s essentially a 1 sided game; the first 3 quarters was all ATL with NE struggling, and the 4th and OT was the opposite. Hell of a comeback, but greatest overall game is hard to argue with only one side dominating each segment. The back and forth between the Chiefs and Rams with nearly a score every possession was riveting.

 

Proof it’s the Best Game Ever:

Awesome article by ESPN’s Bill Barnwell. He ranks the top 10 and has criteria on which games he chose. http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/25328333/2018-nfl-los-angeles-rams-win-kansas-city-chiefs-was-greatest-regular-season-win-ever

 

For the Record #2:

My DVR records any Rams game that’s on TV. It’s sitting in my DVR, I may just have to watch it again

 

Quote of the Week:

“They’re not the reason the game’s in primetime, we are!” Kirk Cousins…

 

Quote of the Week #2:

“He’s putting Father Time in a chokehold and giving it a noogie!” NFL Network analyst about Frank Gore

 

Quote of the Week #3:

“God, if you are a football fan, please please PLEASE make Super Bowl LIII the Rams and Chiefs” FMQB

 

Question of the Week 4:

I found it a bit surprising that the announcers talked for 15 minutes about the wildfires in California, then cut to the first responders on the field for the national anthem, and then proceeded to light off a crap ton of fireworks and light a giant torch…

 

Memes of the Week:

 

 

 

 

Quota Met:

Turducken, there

FMQB: Tripped on the 41 yard line

Posted by fmquarterback on November 16, 2018
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FMQB: Tripped on the 41 yard line

Week 10 Highlights:

  • Shocked is an understatement, to see the Cowboys beat the Eagles at home.
  • Shocked for a 2nd time to see not only the Patriots lose to the Titans, but get demolished
  • Shocked for a 3rd time to turn on the 2nd half of 49ers vs. Giants and actually watch a very good game!
  • The Rams’ emotions are going to lose them some games, almost did on Sunday
  • Dang Cleveland!
  • Dang Matt Barkley!

 

Stat of the Week:

The Bucs became the 2nd team ever to have over 500 yards of offense, but only rack up 3 points

 

Stat of the Week #2:

We’re through Week 10, and Patrick Mahomes already has the team record for most Passing TD’s in a season. Pretty surprised that none of the Trent Green or Montana years had more.

 

Stat of the Week #3:

Larry Fitzgerald now #2 on receiving yards list. Only 6,943 away from Rice’s record

 

Stat of the Week #4:

We’re through week 10, and Aaron Donald just hit a career high number of sacks in a season at 12.5

 

Stolen Stat of the Week #5:

42 QB’s have started games this season in the NFL. In regards to passer rating, the 3 QB’s the Bills have started rank 40th, 41st, and 42nd.

 

Stat of the Week #6:

The Bengals became the first team to allow 500+ yards in 3 straight games

 

Stat of the Week #7:

Stat of the Week #8:

Brady and Jerry Rice are now the only players in NFL history to catch a pass at 41 years old

 

Bonus Pics:

 

For the Record:

  • RGIII was the only QB to practice on Thursday. OOOOOOOOO
  • Jacksonville went from AFC Championship, to 1st in the Division by Week 3, to now alone in last place after 6 straight losses.
  • You have one of the Greatest QB’s of all time, and punt on 4th and 2 with 4 minutes left in the game and 1 timeout? I think that’s the play that pushed me over the edge in agreeing Mike McCarthy should be fired this season
  • Falcons, Eagles and Packers are on their last breath. Another loss will kill any playoff chances
  • Ezekial Elliot went off on Sunday, holy cow!
  • Dude, LeVeon Bell, what are you doing? You’re 27 for a position with a short shelf life, and pass up $14.5M this year?

 

New RB trend:

Back in the day, you’d hand the ball off to Shawn Alexander or Larry Johnson 25+ times a game. Which made it easy to rack up 100 yards if you maintain even a normal average. The new trend I’m seeing is RB’s getting like 8-12 carries a game, but still racking up some pretty crazy yards. For example, Todd Gurley had only 16 carries but 120 yards, Mark Ingram had 13 for 104 yards, Aaron Jones 15 for 145. These are like 8-10 yards per carry games, and I’ve been seeing more and more of this. Watch for this trend this week.

 

Total Domination:

The Steelers possession results vs. the Panthers were touchdown, touchdown, touchdown, field goal, touchdown, half ends; touchdown, touchdown, touchdown, starters leave game.

 

Quick Hits:

  • Bears K Cody Parkey hit the upright 4 TIMES on Sunday! If you had told a pro to do that, you couldn’t replicate that again
  • Loved coach Vrabel calling the same play that Brady screwed up, Brady was wide open and somehow tripped over the 41 yard line
  • There are more and more trick plays this year. I think I mentioned this last week, but literally every week now!
  • Moving MNF from Mexico City to LA was the right call. Very embarrassing for the league, and embarrassing for Mexico City, but the right call
  • Sean Payton destroyed a fire alarm because it was annoying. That’s the kind of coach the NFL needs!
  • Patrick Mahomes puts Ketchup on steak. And yes, this is what we’re reporting nowadays.

 

Quote of the Week:

“I wanted to see if ours looked any better than theirs” Mike Vrabel, on why he called an identical trick play that didn’t work for the Pats

 

Quote of the Week #2:

“When I woke up this morning, I was feeling dangerous” Baker Mayfield

 

Memes of the Week:

 

FMQB: Hill has the runs and it TyREEKs!

Posted by fmquarterback on November 9, 2018
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FMQB: Hill has the runs and it TyREEKs!

I’ll get to the title later, but poop jokes have infiltrated the NFL! We are halfway through the season! Teams are pulling away, teams are falling apart, and there are plenty of questions and playoff races abound.

 

Week 9 Highlights:

  • For those who stuck with the game, Rams at Saints lived up to the hype. I am convinced this will be the NFC Championship this year. I went from being depressed down 21, to saying “holy crap I can’t believe they came back to tie it!”
  • The only TD scored in Jets at Dolphins was a pick 6
  • Vikings set a franchise record of 10 sacks on Matthew Stafford.
  • The Falcons look like they may make a playoff run even at 4-4
  • Demarious Thomas had the unique distinction of being traded on Tuesday, and then playing IN DENVER on Sunday again, but wearing a different jersey. Texans stole a win from the Broncos to extend their win streak to 6.
  • The Seahawks having multiple chances to tie the game on the last play was exciting
  • Have to admit, despite being completely outplayed, the Packers hung in with the Patriots for much longer than I expected.

 

2003 Celebrations:

Let’s take you back 15 years, where there are no rules, and people are standing on the Cowboys star at midfield, and pulling out cell phones for the Saints. Wait, what? It’s 2018! I know a lot of people don’t like it, but it was really cool to see the throwbacks. The Titans celebration was a tad ridiculous, they were still losing at that point, but at least it was nostalgic (how has nobody done that in 15 years?). Even as a Rams fan, and with the play being a dagger to the game, I laughed when I saw Michael Thomas grab the cell phone from the endzone. He even legitimately got a flip phone like Joe Horn had years ago!

 

Quick Hits:

  • Not trying to go undefeated is a blessing in disguise. The Rams end the season with San Fran and Arizona. If they lock up a first round bye, one could argue you have nearly 4 weeks between meaningful games. The Rams also have the Chiefs which will be a bruiser, and the Bears, but otherwise 5 of the last 7 games are against teams with losing records.
  • The Saints needed that win. Not only could you tell that home field advantage was key to them, but they finish the season with Atlanta, at Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Carolina.
  • The last 6 Browns coaches to be fired were all fired within 24 hours of losing to the Steelers.
  • Dude, everybody and their Mom knew that Brees was going to Michael Thomas, someone stop him! He had a league-wide season-high 211 yards

 

Stat of the Week:

The Steelers and Panthers scored 3 TD’s in a 23 second span, setting an NFL record for the fastest 21 points scored in history.

 

Stat of the Week #2:

Sam Bradford has played 83 games and thrown 103 TD’s. His career record is 34-48-1, but has earned $130M.

 

Stat of the Week #3:

Nathan Peterman threw 3 INT’s Sunday (big surprise there). He has played in 8 games, in which he has 3 TD’s, 12 INT’s, and a 32.5 quarterback rating. To put this into perspective, the punter who goes 0-1 with 0 yards and 0 INT’s will have a passer rating of 39.6.

 

Stat of the Week #4:

We bid adieu to Adam Theilen’s 100 yard streak, ending at an NFL record 8 games to start a season. He did not look right out there Sunday, and not having Diggs to take away some of the doubles also hurt.

 

Stat of the Week #5:

On a happier note, we also bid adieu to Julio Jones’ 343 day TD-less streak! Despite putting up massive yards, it took him until Week 9 to make it into the endzone.

 

Stat of the Week #6:

The Bills faced the toughest NFL schedule through the first 8 games, and have the easiest schedule remaining for the last 8. I still blame Nathan Peterman…

 

Stat of the Week #7:

Todd Gurley has scored more points than the entire Bills team. Keep in mind, 2 team FG’s equals one of Gurley’s TD’s.

 

 

Story of the Week:

Apparently when Jamarcus Russell was in the league and bombing, coaches weren’t convinced he was watching film and preparing for games. It came out this week that they used to send him home with blank tapes. The next day they’d ask how the film was, and he would say “yeah, great to see those blitz packages and how I should avoid them.” Wow!

 

For the Record:

  • Doesn’t it seem like the amount of trick plays are fairly staggering? The Panthers seem to run something every week, but nearly every game I see a flea flicker or some other crazy end around where the WR throws it. Not complaining one iota, just making the observation.
  • Steelers Panthers was the Thursday night game I was most excited to watch this year, and I suppose if you like offense we got it. Holy cow, it was 52-14 by the end of the 3rd! Even so, Christian McCaffery looks like the real deal.
  • Bills fans have started a Go-Fund me page so Nathan Peterman can retire from the NFL. It has a goal of $1M, but is only hat $157.
  • Dez Bryant’s waiting game couldn’t have gone more perfectly. And now somehow the Saints look even more scary on offense!
  • So apparently on Sunday, a Bills fan found human poop in the stands. POOP! In section 122! The best part is that it looked “old” and they think it was leftover from the Monday night game against the Patriots.

 

Tiny Rant:

I am sick of Giants and Cowboys and other crap teams being in primetime. I don’t care if they’re America’s team, nobody wants to watch a 3-5 team that can’t convert 3rd downs every other week. If you want to know an actual problem with NFL ratings, it’s the fact that these mediocre teams in major markets keep getting primetime games. The Giants have 4 games this year, Cowboys 5, Raiders 4. The Chargers have 1, but it’s the Thursday game everyone gets, so none by choice.

 

2nd Half Predictions:

Midway point is always sad and exciting. Here’s a few predictions as well as playoff predictions.

  • NFL MVP goes to Mahomes or Brees. Brees has never won it believe it or not!
  • Raiders get the #1 overall pick
  • Packers miss the playoffs despite Rodgers playing all 16 games
  • Nick Mullens ends up starting most of the games, and for a different team next year

 

AFC: (I’m being lame, saying that all teams remain the same, just some shuffling)

  1. Patriots
  2. Chiefs
  3. Steelers
  4. Texans
  5. Chargers
  6. Bengals

 

NFC:

  1. Saints
  2. Rams
  3. Vikings
  4. Eagles
  5. Panthers
  6. Bears

 

I am super tempted to throw the Falcons in, I just couldn’t pull the trigger.

 

Quote of the Year!

“Tyreek Hill is the fastest player I’ve ever seen. The only thing faster than him is the jambalya that ran through me last night” Rex Ryan

Here’s proof: https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/watch-rex-ryan-makes-poop-joke-on-sunday-nfl-countdown-rattles-sam-ponder-to-her-core/

That’s poop joke #2, for the record.

 

Quote of the Week #2:

“I fully intend to be around for the 2022 rematch” Tom Brady, regarding the next time him and Rodgers would meet

 

Quote of the Week #3:

“We need volunteers, not hostages” Mike Tomlin, referring to LeVeon Bell

 

Meme’s of the Week:

 

 

 

And for everyone who voted…

FMQB: The End to Brock-Tober :(

Posted by fmquarterback on October 26, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

Most recent Week here: https://fmquarterback.com/2018/11/09/fmqb-hill-has-the-runs-and-it-tyreeks/

FMQB: The end to Brock-tober ☹

Week 7 Highlights:

  • Panthers are quiet this year, but beating the defending champs on the road after being down by 17 in the 4th quarter is pretty special
  • I like the call by Vrabel going for 2 and going for the win in London after scoring a TD in the waning seconds. Not so much the execution, they had 2 shots at it due to a penalty. Roll Mariotta out and have him run it if nobody’s open
  • Aaron Donald went off on Sunday with 4 sacks!
  • The Bears Hail Mary down to the 1 yard line was the most exciting play of the year
  • Wow the Jags have fallen quickly. Blake Bortles looked awful Sunday against a very winnable game

 

Stat of the Week #1:

Patrick Mahomes, 22 TD passes is the most for a player’s first 8 starts ever

 

Stat of the Week #1:

After having no 100 yard rusher in the past 5 seasons, the Lions have 2 through 6 games this year.

 

Stat of the Week #1:

Odell Beckham Jr. is the fastest player to 5,000 receiving yards.

 

Stolen Stat of the Week #1:

In the first three quarters at Philadelphia, Cam Newton was 9-of-17 for 68 yards. In the fourth quarter Newton was 16-of-22 for 201 yards and two touchdowns.

 

Stolen Stat of the Week #1:

Until Sunday, Justin Tucker went 40-40 on PAT’s in High school, 71-71 in college, and 245-245 in the pros.

 

Stat of the Week #1:

Chandler Catanzaro missed an extra point, missed a 30 yard FG in the 4th, but nailed a 59 yarder to win the game in OT

 

Stat of the Week #1:

The Saints were 4 for 5 on 4th down conversions on Sunday, including one in the 4th quarter where a FG would have tied the game, or a failed conversion would have left them trailing.

 

Stat of the Week #1:

The fact that somebody has 4 blocked punts in 2 seasons should not be underappreciated!

 

Stat of the Week #1:

Patriots have scored 38 pts in 4 straight games, that has only happened 4 other times in last 20 years

 

For the Record:

  • Eagles vs. Jaguars LOOKED like a good London matchup, but both teams have struggled. It will be the 24th game played in London, and not 1 has offered 2 teams with winning records.
  • The fact that Justin Tucker can miss an extra point means the longer extra point is working. It’s not a gimme anymore and makes the play more exciting.
  • Blake Bortles was benched for Cody Kessler, who once went 0-8 with the Browns
  • There’s a lot of controversy in the Cowboys penalty, but fact of the matter is, the center is clearly moving the ball. I don’t care if that’s how he’s done it for years, that’s a penalty.
  • The Browns have 4 overtime games through only 7 weeks
  • Coming into Sunday, the Titans hadn’t scored a TD in 2 games. Which is also why I like the call to try to win the game right there.

 

Record Watch:

  • The Eagles and Jaguars; teams in last year’s Championship games, are 3-4 this year
  • The Bears could easily be 6-0 right now, with heartbreaking losses to the Packers in Week 1, Dolphins in OT last week, and both turnovers and 1 yard separated a win last Sunday.
  • After starting 0-3, the Texans are in 1st in their division after winning 5 in a row.
  • If the Playoffs started today, the Steelers would host a playoff game despite having 3 wins, while the Chargers would play on the road with 5 wins.
  • The Steelers, with a BYE, went from 3rd to 1st in their division despite both the Bengals and Ravens having 4 wins to Pittsburgh’s 3.

 

Sequence of the Week:

Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes went down with an injury. As rookie CB Holton Hill came in, the announcers said “This is a great time to attack the rookie, watch for Darnold to throw that direction.” Throw he did, and Hill got the first interception of his career.

 

Surprise ages:

Doesn’t it seem like Odell Beckham Jr. and Amari Cooper have been in the league for several seasons? Odell is in his 5th season, but is only 25 years old. Cooper is in his 4th, and is only 24. That’s nuts to think they both could have another decade in them!

 

Arrest of the Week:

The Broncos just released their backup QB Chad Kelly (nephew of hall of fame QB Jim Kelly) after his criminal trespass charge. The homeowner also beat him with a vacuum cleaner tube. Can’t make this stuff up!

 

Games of the Week:

Saints at Vikings: Should be an awesome offensive matchup, Minneapolis Miracle part 2?

Packers at Rams: Could be an early playoff preview

Browns at Steelers: I’m praying for another tie

 

 

 

Memes:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FMQB: Brock-Tober!

Posted by fmquarterback on October 19, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

FMQB: It’s Brock-Tober!

 

 

Week 6 Highlights:

  • There were 3 awesome games this week, but I called the highlight being Bears vs. Dolphins. Tannehill was surprisingly out of the lineup at the last minute, so ol’ trusty came in and Brock Osweiler delivered a win. It’s Brock-tober baby!
  • The Rams struggled, but Gurley’s 200 yards were a thing of beuty. All the comparisons to Marshall Faulk and 2001 have me excited!!!
  • Mason Crosby, wow. Short term memory (and forgiving coaches) are the key to kickers. After the debacle against the Lions he really redeemed himself. 4/4 on Field Goals and 3/3 on Extra Points.
  • Chiefs Patriots was the game we all wanted to see. A back and forth shootout. It was awesome how the Pats kicked a FG to go up by 7 with 3:15 left in the game, giving Mahomes plenty of time to drive down the field. By 3:03, the game was tied
  • 49ers Packers also exceeded expectations. The final drive by Rodgers was insane, especially with no timeouts.

 

Stat of the Week #1:

The Ravens sacked Mariotta 11 times! This meant that Mariotta was sacked more than he had completed passes (10)

 

Stolen Stat of the Week #2:

Despite being 1-3 in his last 4 starts, Matt Ryan has put up ratings of 148.1, 134.5, 99.1 and 125.5 in those games with 12 TD’s and 0 INTs.

 

Stat of the Week #3:

Comparing the first 6 games of 2017 vs the first 6 games of 2018. James Connor has more scrimmage yards and 3 more TD’s than LeVeon Bell had last year.

 

Stat of the Week #4:

Tom Brady now has 200 career regular season wins, which is a record.

 

Stat of the Week #5:

Aaron Rodgers became the first QB with back to back 400 Passing Yard games with 0 INT’s.

 

Stat of the Week #6:

Peterman has 9 INT’s in 79 attempts. Brees’ last 9 INT’s took him 736 attempts

 

Stat of the Week #7:

Ravens have not given up a TD in the 2nd half all season. Last time there was a streak this long was 1934

 

Stat of the Week #8:

Adam Theilen is on pace to break the receptions record by 11!

 

Stat of the Week #9:

Patriots didn’t punt nor get a penalty called on them. First time in NFL history that has happened

 

Quick Hits:

  • 49ers Marquise Goodwin isn’t Tyreek Hill, but he’s dang close. Crazy speed!
  • How did the Chiefs get 2 Sunday Night games in a row? Not that I’m complaining, but it was on the original schedule, not even flexed in.
  • For everyone questioning (or rooting for) the Patriots slow start, they are now in 1st in their division, would have a first round playoff bye, and have beaten the best team in the AFC.
  • For all the injuries the 49ers have faced, I hope they stick with Kyle Shanahan. He has done an excellent job with CJ Beathard

 

For the Record:

  • I didn’t know there was a game in London until 2 days after it happened. Maybe not as much of a selling point anymore?
  • I rarely turn off NFL games, but I did last night, at halftime
  • Byron Leftwich is the new offensive coordinator for Arizona. So yeah, things aren’t turning around this year
  • Jags fall from grace has been swift, and nobody seems to be talking about them anymore. In fact there was optimism about the Texans, Titans, and Jaguars this year, and at 3-3 it’s likely only 1 will make the playoffs.

 

The Number 27:

Our local radio station has determined that the number 27 is cursed for the Minnesota Vikings. The last play before moving into US Bank Stadium, Blair Walsh missed a 27 yard field goal against the Seahawks to lose in the playoffs thus starting the curse of 27. Last season, Dalvin Cook tore his ACL on the 27 yard line on the west end of US Bank Stadium. On Sunday, CB Mike Hughes tore his ACL on the 27 yard line on the west end of US Bank Stadium. Their first and shocking loss of the season, they lost to the Bills when they scored 27 points. And one of Kirk Cousins 2 fumbles happened, you guessed it, on the 27 yard line on the west end of US Bank Stadium. Probably the most famous Viking to wear number 27? Fred Smoot. And we all know what happened there…

 

Quote of the Week:

“Is his name really Beat Hard?” FFMQB…yep…

 

Quote of the Week #2:

Josh Rosen on being drafted 10th: “There were nine mistakes ahead of me.”

 

Quote of the Week #3:

“Sun’s out, let’s go!!!” Vikings fan. There’s a little bit of a backstory to this. It SNOWED here on Sunday, ugh. And yours truly had awesome tickets to the Vikings game. Not wanting to deal with parking or traffic, I decided to ride my bike, which was fun but cold. But there are some benefits to being a short 15 minute bike ride to the stadium!

Games of the Week:

Patriots at Bears: I think this could be a much closer game than people are thinking

Texans at Jaguars: Not that it’ll be pretty, but it’ll be important

Saints at Ravens: Should be really competitive

Bengals at Chiefs: Another tough matchup for Kansas City, and the Bengals need to keep winning in their uber tough division

 

Meme of the Week:

 

Meme of the Week #2:

 

Meme of the Week #3:

 

Nice one, the Chiefs are from Missouri…

 

Posted by fmquarterback on September 28, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

FMQB:

Week 3 was the weekend of surprises. I’m not sure if it was a bigger surprise that the Bills won, or that the Vikings lost. The Patriots laid an egg against the 0-2 Lions, and now they’re 1-2. The Jaguars, who had just slain the mighty beast the week before only put up 2 FG’s. Drew Brees, at 39 years old, also had 2 rushing TD’s including a 7 yard run where he juked 2 defenders!

 

 

Quick Hits:

  • Is Marcus Mariota not the starter anymore? I missed something, and he came in after Gabbert got injured
  • Carson Wentz to Dallas Goedert for the TD, means it was North Dakota to South Dakota. Cool!
  • I went from skeptic to genuinely excited for the Monday night game just to see Patrick Mahomes play
  • Adrian Peterson looked like the 2012 version of himself on Sunday
  • Jimmy Garropolo going out for the 49ers is heartbreaking, even from a fan who sees the 49ers as the biggest threat in the division
  • Week of the rookie QB’s! Baker Mayfield and Josh Allen shined, while Darnold and Rosen did not
  • I’m shocked Matt Patricia got the best of his old boss

 

Bar Observations:

I went to a bar in the #BoldNorth to watch the Vikings vs. Rams game. While living in Minneapolis helps me hear about the Vikings more than any other team, I had a few interesting observations:

  • Vikings fans were cheering just as loud for the successful extra point as they were TD’s
  • Kirk Cousins is apparently the greatest thing that’s happened in this town since Kevin Garnett
  • Minnesota Nice Quote of the night “HOLDING, HOW IS THAT HOLDING???” <tv shows replay> “Eh, that was actually a pretty good call.” Vikings fan

 

Stolen Stat

The Raiders have not trailed in any part of the first 3 quarters of any game, but are 0-3.

 

Stolen Stat of the Week #2:

In 2016 only 1 QB threw for 5 TD passes, in 2017 2 QB’s did it. So far through 3.0625 weeks, 3 QB’s have done it in 2018.

 

Stat of the Week #3:

Jared Goff is the 3rd QB in NFL history to have a perfect passer rating while throwing for over 30 attempts

 

Stat of the Week #4:

Proof the game is changing: Goff and Cousins both had at least 400 yds, 3 TD’s, and 0 INTs. Prior to 2018 this had only happened once in the same game, but this is the 2nd time this has happened this season.

 

Stolen Stat of the Week #5:

Ryan Tannehill is 9-1 in his last 10 starts

 

Stat of the Week #6:

Patrick Mahomes 13 TD passes through 3 games is an NFL record. Keep in mind he has 4 career starts in the NFL too

 

For the Record:

  • The Vikings didn’t miss a FG on Sunday
  • The Bills upsetting the Vikings was the biggest upset since 1995
  • Stiff arm in the Steelers Bucs game was just brutal, in a good way
  • Fitz-magic turned into Fitz-tragic in the 2nd quarter. 3 picks, ouch!
  • Pulling Sam Bradford from the game with 4 minutes left was a bit of a head scratcher to me. I realize he fumbled but that’s not the time to make the switch.

 

Mo Money Mo Problems:

Pricetag of Thursday night’s Vikings vs. Rams roster? $448,269,294 in guaranteed money (over several years). To put this into perspective, the Golden State Warriors alone have $313M in guaranteed money.

 

Coulda Woulda Shoulda:

Adrian Peterson will go down as one of the best RB’s in history, despite being 5843 yards shy of Emmit Smith’s rushing record. This is one of those records we’ll never see beat, and he very well could have surpassed that mark. In 2014 he had the child abuse suspension, 2016 he was on injured reserve early in the season, and 2017 was a bit of a joke with him bouncing around between teams. His last full season he ran for 1485 at age 30 mind you. I realize that’s a killer season, but if you figure he can pull that off in his 3 off-years, that puts him at 16,428 coming into this year! Or only 1927 shy of Smith’s record. At his current pace, you’d think he could have knocked that out in two seasons.

 

Rant of the Year: Penalty on the NFL for Roughing the Fans:

Ok, here is my one rant for the year…I don’t know what it is, but I’ve never been more upset with a rule than what the new roughing the passer has become (and it hasn’t even affected my team yet). After what happened last week, the refs were at it again. Before people debate me, I realize this is how the rule is written, so my problem is more with the rule and the league rather than the refs. I also realize that this was my argument supporting the catch rule for the 7ish years that was in place. SO in reality, my argument is that the rule needs to change, and not that these were bad calls. But here’s my problem:

 

  1. Clay Matthews is 100% right, the game has become WAY too soft.
  2. There’s zero consistency in the calls. In the Redskins game, one play had Aaron Rodgers get completely swung around and body slammed WWE style. There was intent there, but no flag. Next series Clay Matthews does what’s considered a form tackle, with Smith holding the ball still, and he gets a flag
  3. This problem is 100% self inflicted, just like the catch rule was and just like the Anthem controversy is (I did it, I said the “A” word). Just makes you more and more wary of how the NFL as an organization as a whole is run.
  4. Big Ben also realized a nuance to the rule; you can now flop and get a flag. That’s all we need in football now!
  5. Dolphins William Hayes tore his ACL trying to avoid putting his body weight on the Derek Carr. Carr even later came out and said “I wish he would have just landed on me.”

 

I also can’t stand how the NFL keeps supporting this. The NBA will flat out admit when they have mistakes and blown calls. And for some reason, the psychology behind it is to say “ah, oh well that happens to the best of us. We’re all human” rather than to continue blaming the refs. There was even a slim chance for hope when they announced Wednesday that they were going to review the rule and that they were “concerned with the amount of flags thrown,” but then they came out AGAIN and said this is the rule and this is the “point of emphasis.”

 

If they continue to call this a foul, you’re completely limiting the point of even pressuring the QB. If going for a clean sack has the inherent risk of a 15 yard penalty, why not put 11 cornerbacks out there and go for an INT everytime?

 

I can see the side of protecting the QB however. You don’t want star players getting hurt like Brady in 2008, or Wentz last year or Jimmy Garrapolo. It basically ruins that team’s season, so I understand that. But still, 34 Flags through the first 3 weeks, vs 16 flags at this same point last year shows this is an issue.

 

Quote of the Week:

Two or three years ago, it probably doesn’t get flagged” Terry McAulay, who has refed 6 Championship games and 3 Super Bowls

 

Throwback Quote of the Week#2:

After the Bears had a 4th quarter comeback against the Cardinals, you couldn’t help but replay “The Bears are who we thought they were, and we let ‘em off the hook!” in your mind.

 

My Meme of the Week:

Just look at the beak on Josh Rosen! Almost as big as the Cardinal on his helmet.

 

Meme of the Week #2:

 

Meme of the Week #3:

 

Scavenger Hunt:

Alright play with me guys. I’m going to end the week by sending you on a little scavenger hunt that should get you laughing. This will probably work better on a computer than a phone, but here’s how it’ll go: I want you to click on the first link. Get the video playing with the volume up, and then as that’s playing, open the 2nd link in a new tab and focus on that picture as you’re listening to the video. You’ll never look at this guy the same again! and you’re welcome!

 

https://www.facebook.com/KansasCityChiefs/videos/patrick-mahomes-postgame-press-conference/1666170423506449/

 

http://www.stickpng.com/es/img/al-cine/los-muppets/rana-gustavo-rene-timido

FMQB: Whoah-Oh FitzMagic!

Posted by fmquarterback on September 21, 2018
Posted in: Uncategorized. Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a comment

FMQB: Whoah-Oh FitzMagic!

Whoah-oh Fitz Magic!

If you had Ryan Fitzpatrick slated as the early MVP frontrunner, and beating the Super Bowl champions and a popular Super Bowl pick in the Saints on the road, then prove it. His season is truly magical so far. I agree with DeSean Jackson, how can you take him out and give Jameis Winston his job back?

 

Believe-land:

The range of emotions this team had in a 4 day stretch was pretty crazy. On Sunday, they had 2 missed FG’s and 2 missed extra points. The last extra pt. one was rough, which came right after an exciting 4th and 5 play late in the 4th quarter. It wouldn’t have mattered, as the Saints went up by 3, but they miraculously got back into Field Goal range. Watching Gonzalez march out onto the field for the 52 yarder with his head hanging, you just knew he was going to miss. He basically lost the game for them for the 2nd straight week. Keep in mind, the Browns, the LOWLY Browns, have gone toe to toe with the Saints (pun intended) and the Steelers. Two top-tier teams. They could easily be 3-0.

 

Ah, but Thursday night! The Browns finally won! It’s been 635 days since they’ve tasted victory. They struggled against the Jets and then Tyrod Taylor goes down, Browns fans must have been thinking “not again.” But the curse is broken and the Bud Light fridge unlocked! Congrats Cleveland.

 

The Most Exciting Tie you could see!

Pro-tip, if you’re looking for an exciting game to watch this year, turn on the Packers. They’ve been in two doozys, and the battle for the NFC North was another great one on Sunday. Full disclosure, the refs did not play favorites in this one and both sides have a right to be upset. Even on Rodger’s bum knee, the Packers were up 20-7 in the 4th quarter, partially thanks to a couple bad penalties especially one roughing the passer (although this one was close). But wow, Kirk Cousins turned it on in the 4th quarter. He actually looked fantastic this game, but they scored 21 points in the quarter and a 2 pt conversion to tie it up. The controversy came on the final drive, when he heaved one up as he was getting hit by Clay Matthews. INT, end of game, but hold on a flag for roughing the passer. There is literally a picture from the perfect angle that shows Matthews making contact and the ball is still in Cousins’ hands. He doesn’t wrap Cousin’s up, nor drive him into the ground, nor does he land with all of his weight on Kirk. You can also see Clay put his left hand down and try to brace his fall. This flag was absolutely terrible, but ended up making for an exciting game. The icing of Crosby after making a kick and having him miss, and then the Vikings kicker missing 2 OT FG’s yielded the tie. I will scream this one more time from the highest mountant, the 10 minute OT rule change is garbage! After the Vikings missed their FG, the Packers were driving and punted away with 3:57 left. You’re essentially limiting the number of drives to 3 if you’re lucky. Should have kept it at 15 minutes or at least switch to college football OT rules. I foreshadowed more ties last week, I just didn’t expect it to come the next week. I wouldn’t doubt this is talked about in the offseason, especially if there’s a 3rd tie.

 

Stat of the Week #1:

Ryan Fitzpatrick, a backup QB, is leading the league in TD’s, Yards, and passer rating

 

Stat of the Week #2:

Saquon Barkley had 14 receptions on Sunday, setting a team record. That’s more than Devante Adams, Stefon Diggs, AJ Green, Amari Cooper and Larry Fitzgerald have all season.

 

Stat of the Week #3:

Patrick Mahomes, first player with 10 TD passes in first 2 games. Keep in mind Sunday was his 3rd career start. Even the year that Peyton threw 55 TD’s, he only had 9 TD’s after Week 2.

 

Stat of the Week #4:

Ryan Fitzpatrick has 4 TD’s of over 35 yards, no other QB has more than 1.

 

Stolen Stat of the Week #5:

Oakland defense in first 2 games:

2 sacks

1 forced fumbles

0 fumbles recovered

1 interception

0 touchdowns

 

Khalil Mack in first 2 games:

2 sacks

2 forced fumbles

1 fumble recovered

1 interception

1 touchdown

 

Surprising Stat of the Week #6:

The Dolphins, Bengals, Buccaneers, Rams and Jaguars are in sole possession of 1st place in their division. Tell that to 2016 fans and they’d never believe you!

 

Stat of the Week #7:

In the Patriots Jaguars game, one QB threw the ball 45 times for 376 yards and 4 TD’s; and it wasn’t Tom Brady…

 

Stat of the Week #8:

Baker Mayfield’s first drive ended in points, and in his 1 half of play he threw for 201 yards and a QBR of 94.9 (out of 100).

 

Stat of the Week #9:

This is the first time since the new OT rules were introduced in 1972 that there were tie games in Week 1 and Week 2.

 

For the Record:

  • We’re 2 weeks in, and I wholeheartedly repeal my questioning of Andy Reid’s decision to trade Alex Smith and let Patrick Mahomes lead the team. I was dead wrong and I admit it. Mahomes looks like a star in the making.
  • The NFL eliminated their Catch Rule controversy just to replace it with Roughing the Passer. The Vikings game calls were abhorrent, and the fact the NFL agreed with the refs is an even bigger problem.
  • The Bengals are surprising, after two bum years they may have rebounded and be on their way to winning the division.
  • The Texans on the other hand are not living up to expectations, with everybody healthy
  • The Rise of the Rams is almost as abrupt as the fall of the Seahawks. They went from Super Bowl contender, to .500 team, to garbage in just 17 games
  • The Broncos comeback and final drive was pretty slick. John Gruden’s reaction to them making the kick was 100% Chucky too.

 

 

Divisional Deep Thinking:

Ties are weird, but the cool thing about the Vikings and Packers is that they now cannot tie the season series. They’ll go into their final game knowing that whoever wins will have the tiebreaker.

 

 

What it takes to Excel:

Blame me for being a homer, but this video of Rams coach Sean McVay is absolutely insane. A reporter gives him a situation such as “2015, Redskins vs Saints, 2nd and 12 on the 16 yard line with 4:24 left in the 3rd quarter.” And Sean will literally interrupt him and tell him the formation, the route, or what happened on the play.

https://sports.yahoo.com/sean-mcvays-power-recall-must-seen-believed-033739946.html

 

Video of the Year:

A few of you may have seen this, but it’s definitely worth watching again

http://dailysnark.com/colorado-mascot-shoots-himself-in-the-balls-after-accidentally-facing-t-shirt-cannon-wrong-way/

 

Quote of the Week:

“Is any of that yours?” Reporter- asking Ryan Fitzpatrick about his post-game outfit that he claimed to have borrowed from DeSean Jackson

“Just the chest hair”- Ryan Fitzpatrick

Quote of the Week #2:

“What came into the decision to let Dan Carlson (Vikings kicker) go?” Reporter

“Did you see the game?” Mike Zimmer

 

Quote of the Week #3:

“Hey, when’s the next article come out?” Reader

“Friday…hence the name” FMQB (sorry bro, I had to!)

 

Stolen Quote of the Week #4:

“The Bills are so bad, their players are retiring at halftime.” Still utterly astounded that Vontae Davis went into the locker room, put on his street clothes and just left. Never heard of anything remotely close to that. Completely disrespectful to the team, I don’t care what he says. If anything, tell the trainers you’re not feeling right or even sick and sit out the 2nd half.

 

Meme of the Week:

Meme of the Week #2:

Meme of the Week #3:

 

Meme of the Week #4: