Week 8 of the National Football League is in the books, and what a brutal week of football. I'm not sure there is a lot here to discuss, but we'll dive right in with these recaps.
DALvsDET - This game was just weird. Calvin Johnson over 300 yards of receiving yards. The Cowboys again find a way to lose a game they should have won. Detroit really came through in a big spot, and the depleted Cowboys defense gets a pass I think. I don't think things come down to Romo only on the offense. The offense played terrible for Dallas. Dallas had a chance the past few weeks to solidify themselves in the NFC East, and once again could not. I'm buying Detroit going forward.
CLEvsKC - The Chiefs struggled, which surprised me. But man, the Browns are not good, but they are playing with a lot of heart. I'm not completely buying the Chiefs, but I wouldn't go as far as to say they're not legit. Because they are. Their defense is absolutely tremendous.
MIAvsNE - Just when it looked like the Pats were going to implode on themselves, their defense comes out and bails out the incredibly beat up offense for New England. The Pats shut down Tannehill and the Dolphins completely in the 2nd half. After a tough loss to the Jets last week, the Pats started slow but turned in on late.
NYJvsCIN - I don't know about anyone else, but I am not surprised by the 40-point difference here. The Jets have been up and down consistently this year. And this was the down week, right on schedule. The Bengals are also ridiculously loaded on offense, and their defense is solid. The Bengals D against an offense that is a little overrated at times. Not surprised by this game what so ever.
PITvsOAK - Also not surprised by this at all. It is so hard for any team to go across the country and win, the Steelers are just another example of this. It's not impossible, but it is incredibly difficult. I am impressed with Terrell Pryor. He has guys that can make plays around him. While I don't expect Oakland to win a lot of games, but if they can play some games close, I would be impressed if they at least compete in a pretty tough AFC.
WASvsDEN - I watched a good portion of this game, and the Redskins defense looked much better until things fell apart in the 4th quarter. And the Broncos offensive line is very compromised. If you can get pressure on Manning with your front four, you've got them in a pickle. I thought Washington played well in the first half, but RGIII is not making smart decisions. He looks much better, but he was fortunate some of his throws did not get picked off.
ATLvsARI - If you didn't think the Falcons were depleted to the point of their season being over, now you're a believer. Arizona is not this good. The Falcons are not this bad either, but they are so beat up, it's hard to see them doing anything going forward. I don't mind the Falcons playing for next year at this point. They need some defensive playmakers. They are loaded on the offensive side of the ball, but I think they need to be assessing the future of their defense.
SEAvsSTL - Well, the Rams front seven showed why I was so high on them last night. They shut down the very good Seattle run game. And Russell Wilson did not have a great game. I very much wonder if Sam Bradford plays this game if the Rams pull off the upset. I have to think they do. The Rams crazy enough had a shot at winning this game at the end and couldn't execute. It may not be this year, but the Rams have something cooking on defense. They have a very, very good front 7, and a secondary that may be a playmaker away from a Seahawks like defense.
NYGvsPHI - Chip Kelly will get a pass this year because his offense has been so banged up, but I think if next year, they struggle this much, his leash will be short. Their offensive decision making is terrible and yes, the defense didn't allow a TD, but the Giants offense is not a very good offense right now. And after an 0-6 start, the Giants are unbelievably still in the hunt for the NFC East. I mean it is a long shot, but how many times have the Eli Manning and Tom Coughlin led Giants been in this situation and turned things around very quickly. The NFC East could easily be won by a 7-9 team.
Big Winners from Sunday:
1) Detroit Lions - The Lions had their backs against the wall and Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson made plays down the stretch and really showed the NFL some grit and said they were legit.
2) New England Patriots - The Pats also showed some grit and toughness Sunday after a terrible start. They rallied together and even though their parts are a little beat up, they showed the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts.
3) Denver Broncos - The Broncos offense bounced back after about six quarters of very suspect play. I liked the toughness I saw from Peyton and the offense and the defense stepped up and played aggressive even though they were playing from behind for a while.
4) Cincinnati Bengals - The Bengals are starting to roll and click on all cylinders. I really think this team has big things in store for the second half. Andy Dalton is a streak QB and I think he's about to go on a big hot streak.
5) New York Giants - I know it was ugly, but a win is a win and a team that needed a win got the win. The Giants have built up some momentum. While I still take a wait and see approach, I think the Giants could have a big run in them if the offense can get themselves together because the defense is playing rather well.
Biggest losers - This was tough because the football was so ugly and some games I thought, were pretty predictable.
1) Miami Dolphins - The Dolphins just melted down in the 2nd half of their game and to lose the game that way has them reeling. Their taking more steps back than steps forward.
2) Pittsburgh Steelers - It looked like the Steelers were building up some momentum, and a game a lot of people thought they should win with ease, they instead can't get anything going against a surprising Oakland team.
3) Seattle Seahawks - Even though the Seahawks won, I think the rest of the league has been served notice the Seahawks cannot win on the road. Yes they won at Houston, but I mean let's look at where Houston is at right now, and that victory looks less and less impressive. I think the Seahawks are a very solid team, but on the road they are not as strong.
4) Atlanta Falcons - If the Falcons weren't finished before this week, they are now.
5) Dallas Cowboys - You can't let a game like this slip away. Especially when you are less than two minutes from a very impressive road victory and all you need is a first down. The Cowboys once again are letting the NFC East slip through their fingers, and if their not careful, it very well could.
Power Rankings
1) Kansas City Chiefs
2) San Francisco 49ers
3) New Orleans Saints
4) Indianapolis Colts
5) New England Patriots
That's a wrap for another week of NFL action. I can't believe we're halfway through the year.
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