Another week is in the NFL books as we saw teams pick up much needed wins, we saw some unexpected upsets, and we saw some teams go on the road and play very well. We'll get after it here on this Tuesday morning.
SEAvsARI - I know this was the Thursday game, my only take away from this is the Seahawks are playing well, both on the road and at home. They seem to be the favorite in the NFC right now because of that. Also of interest, they could be close to getting Percy Harvin, and how dangerous will they be then? You add that to Mershawn Lynch and Russell Wilson who are playing stellar right now. That really adds a new dimension to the team.
TBvsATL - I know Atlanta is beat up, but at home against an absolutely awful Tampa Bay team, this game should not have been this close. A win is a win is a w in, but the Falcons are completely desecrated by injury. And what a big loss for Tampa losing Doug Martin. A lot of concern going forward for both these clubs.
CINvsDET - What a quality football this was. An old fashion shootout and Andy Dalton did enough late to get them to a win. It's never easy containing Reggie Bush and Calvin Johnson at the same time, so I give the Bengals a pass on defense. But the offense is coming around. Some very winnable games going forward into their week 12 bye, the Bengals could create some separation in the AFC North.
NEvsNYJ - I feel zero for the sympathy for the Pats being screwed by a terrible rule. It was the right call in that situation. Yes it probably was not the place to first call it, but apparently the Pats were warned about doing that and still did. The Pats are just fine going forward, but the Jets, my goodness, the up and down season continues, and I still like this defense. The offense is going to continue to be the question mark this season.
DALvsPHI - The Cowboys did themselves a huge favor going on the road in the NFC North and pulling out the win. The Cowboys right now are the favorite in the division that is incredibly weak. Romo looked good again. Unless the Eagles can get Vick back into vintage form, they are going to struggle on offense, while they can continue to struggle on defense.
HOUvsKC - The Chiefs just squeeked out a win this week, but the Texans actually looked good. Brian Cushing is a huge, huge loss for an already struggling defense. But the Chiefs continue to roll and their pass rush is unbelievable, and they're doing it with mostly their front four. I expect them to give the Broncos a great game in a few weeks. Case Keenum I thought played well. He made some plays. I like him going forward.
BALvsPIT - This was one of the ugliest games you'll ever see. Most people want to call it an old fashioned defensive battle, OK. That's fine. But I think it was just incompetence for both offenses. The Steelers seem to be bouncing back, but I still don't buy them. They are completely depleted up front. The Ravens are struggling in a big way right now and desparately need a win. The upcoming schedule is pretty tough for them, but they are definitely winnable games.
DENvsIND - This game lived up to the hype. When Indianapolis is at home, they are tough. With the struggles of the rest of the division, they can absolutely win a playoff game, if they don't get a bye, which as this point, they are a contender for one of those. I don't worry about Denver. Like I said, Indy is so tough at home. The Broncos are going to be so dangerous if they can get Von Miller back to his old form. We'll see how Indy responds to a big injury loss in Reggie Wayne.
Big Winners from Sunday:
Cincinnati Bengals - The defense is playing well. And now the offense is gettig back into form. They got a great road win and are very much a contender for a first round bye, and have to be the front runner for this division. I really like the Bengals going forward.
Washington Redskins - RGIII looked very good against the Bears, who are very beat up and continue to slide after a very good start. If the Skins can figure out their defensive woes, I can't say they are out of it in the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys went on the road and got a great win. Any road win is a good win. The Eagles struggles at home are remarkable, but still, the Cowboys didn't play their best and were able to win. Says a lot about them.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Maybe a week of rest was what this team needed. The Steelers are now 2-0 out of their bye, and have some very winnable games coming up. I don't buy the Steelers yet, but a few wins on the road in the next month might change my mind. We'll see.
Indianapolis Colts - A lot of people felt the Colts could win this game, but I think were quietly reserved about it being Peyton's return to Indy. I've said it before and I'll say it again. Chuck Pagano doesn't have the most talent, but man he can game plan with the best of them and really get the most out of what he has.
Biggest Losers:
New England Patriots - The Pats played well enough to win this game, but they are beat up and they are definitely exposed if they let the Jets move the ball all over the field on them. The Pats are vulnerable and don't have a lot of options.
Baltimore Ravens - Yes this is always a dog fight, but the Ravens let a winnable game slip. They are really struggling and have to find somewhere to get a win somewhere with a couple tough road games in the next few weeks.
Chicago Bears - The injuries continue to mount for the Bears as they try to turn things around under first year head coach Mark Trestman. Obviously injuries are hard to overcome, but after a great start, things continue to turn south for the Monsters of the Midway.
St. Louis Rams - Yes they were on the road, but Sam Bradford's ACL tear is huge loss. I have to say, he was having a quietly good year, but things look like they may have hit the fan for him now. I hate to say it, but I think Tim Tebow could be a very good influence there and I would think he could give them a chance to win games going forward. With how bad they've been in some games, believe it or not, the Rams are just one game under .500.
Denver Broncos - The Broncos have been exposed. If you have any sort of a four man rush and you can get to Peyton Manning, you can beat the Broncos. The biggest problem is, right now, the front four in Kansas City are playing as good as anyone in football. That's worrysome if you're a Broncos fan or coach.
That's a wrap, I'll be back with the power rankings next week.
Look for a brief World Series preview between now and tomorrow morning.
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