Jay Gruden, (former) head coach of the Washington Redskins, became the 1st coach to be shown the door on Monday morning.
This move came 5 weeks too late if you ask me.
Maybe the Redskins will FINALLY put Dwayne Haskins on the field and see what they’ve got.
But, then again, they are the Redksins….so who the hell knows what they’ll do.
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The NFL is simple.
You can’t win without a quarterback.
Rather than waste time we can never get back, just trust this is an indisputable fact. Skeptical?? The list of Super Bowl winning QBs is all the evidence one would ever need. Listen, if you still think the “Trent Dilfers” of the world are a sustainable option at the QB position, you probably still think jean shorts are socially acceptable….
Jean shorts. The perfect segue to the New York Jets.
This past Saturday, the New York Jets shook up the NFL Draft. They traded up from the #6 overall pick to the #3 overall pick:
New York Jets Receive:
Indianapolis Colts Receive:
From the Colts point of view, this trade makes sense. With Andrew Luck set to return, the Colts don’t plan to draft a QB in the 1st round. Also, they’re in the midst of a rebuild, and stockpiling draft picks during a rebuild is never a bad idea.
As for the Jets, this is a SMART TRADE. I’ve listened to countless Jets’ fans criticize this trade, claiming they gave up TOO MUCH. That’s idiotic. The name of the game is find a franchise QB. In this QB rich draft, the Jets have that unique opportunity. Therefore, they had to do whatever possible to land a top-3 pick in the draft.
While you’re crying about three 2nd picks, I’m applauding aggressiveness.
The Jets HAD to jump ahead of the Denver Broncos. While they signed Case Keenum this offseason, they’re still in search of a REAL QB. Also, the Buffalo Bills were trying to acquire the #3 overall pick as well, so beating them to the punch was necessary. The Jets MUST love each of the top-3 QBs (Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Josh Allen) equally, for this trade can’t be made if they feel otherwise.
Dumb dumb fans should applaud general manager, Mike Maccagnan, for getting this deal done without including any future 1st round picks.
The Jets’ QB situation went from an absolute mess to pretty attractive overnight. Jeremy Bates is the Jets’ new offensive coordinator and has been a QB coach for years. Josh McCown may stink, but there are worse QBs to learn from. And Teddy Bridgewater, if healthy, will spark the competitive juices of the Jets’ newest QB.
Well done Mike Maccagnan!! Now, all you have to do is not screw this up. If Maccagnan drafts the Jets’ QB for the next 10-12 years, he’ll find his pot at the end of the rainbow; job security in New York.
Many different paths often lead to the same place. For some, that place is familiar. For others, it’s folklore. That place is the Super Bowl. To understand how the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles’ paths led to Super Bowl LII, we must look to Championship Sunday: 1 part same old story, 1 part shock and awe….
What Else Is New?!
No Gronk, no problem.
The New England Patriots deserve praise. Hell, they deserve their own holiday on the calendar. What the Patriots continue to do, against the toughest of odds, is incredible. The Jets fan inside dies a little bit every time I compliment the Patriots.
Tom Brady received stitches on his throwing hand just days prior to the AFC Championship. It didn’t matter. The Patriots were down 14-3 in the 1st half. It didn’t matter. The Patriots lost Rob Gronkowski (concussion) for the game just before halftime. It didn’t matter. The Patriots were down 10 points, with 9 minutes to play. It didn’t matter. No matter the adversity, they persevere.
In any significant Patriots’ victory, there’s always a play that stands out. A play you can point to, and say, there it is, NOW they’re going to win. Most teams wouldn’t understand. 3rd & 18, down 10, with 10:49 to play, Brady connected with Danny Amendola for a 1st down (21 yards). It sounds simple, but it embodies the Patriots’ spirit. This is why scoring a game-winning touchdown, with 2:10 to play, is not as dramatic as it sounds. A Patriots’ victory was never in doubt.
The Jaguars, however, deserve credit (sort of). They played a near perfect 1st half, carrying a 14-10 lead into the locker room. The offensive play calling was perfect, easy throws for Blake Bortles and plenty of rushing attempts. Bortles impressed, completing 17 of 23 passes (73.9%) in the 1st half. But then, Bortles turned back into a pumpkin, going 6 for 13 (46.1%) in the 2nd half. And that, as they say, was all she wrote.
With their 24-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, the New England Patriots will play in their 8th Super Bowl in the last 17 years (10th appearance in their history). They’ll look to win back-to-back Super Bowls for the 1st time since 2004, when they defeated the Eagles (24-21). For New England, the cast of characters are practically the same. As for Philadelphia, it’s a lifetime ago.
I Did Not See That Coming!!
The Philadelphia Eagles entered the NFC Championship as underdogs. They left as champions. Despite being underdogs in consecutive games, the Eagles have overcome. Doubt. Injury. Public perception. They overcame it all and find themselves in their 3rd Super Bowl in franchise history.
If you tried to adjust your television set during yesterday’s game, you weren’t the only one. I thought there was a Tom Brady sighting in both games too. Yes, Nick Foles played that good of a game. Foles, who finished with 352 yards passing and 3 touchdowns, tore up a stringent, Vikings defense. This was a Vikings defense who ranked top-5 in nearly every statistical category during the regular season.
After a dramatic win over the Saints in the Divisional Round, it appeared the Vikings were simply happy to be here.
The Vikings marched down the field on the opening drive for a touchdown. Then continued to force a punt on the Eagles’ 1st possession. The city of Philadelphia was probably collectively hurling things at their TVs. But after an interception returned for a touchdown, it was all Eagles. With 14:10 left to play, the Eagles took a 38-7 lead, and I, turned off my TV.
Did you doubt the Patriots yesterday?? Did Nick Foles play the best game of his career?? Tell me the truth in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
And then there were 4.
Wellllll, there’s really only 1, but technically 4 teams can still win the Super Bowl. With just 2 days left until Championship Sunday, final preparations are being made by 3 guys still trying to figure out how they arrived at this moment — and Tom Brady. Blake Bortles, Nick Foles, and Case Keenum are living proof you can ride someone else’s coattails to the promised land.
(3) Jacksonville Jaguars @ (1) New England Patriots – 3:05 P.M. EST (CBS)
All those who were excited to watch the Steelers take on the Patriots, we have an excellent consolation prize for you….
Blake Bortles.
No, you can’t return your prize!
Blake Bortles is getting ready to play in the biggest game of his life. Hopefully he bought his coaching staff, defense, and running game something nice, for without them Bortles wouldn’t be in the NFL anymore, let alone in the AFC Championship. The question this Sunday is:
Can this Jaguars defense follow the “beat Tom Brady blueprint”??
Listen, the Patriots are not losing, at home, to the Jaguars. But, if, and that’s a big IF, they lose, it’ll be under very specific conditions.
Here are the conditions (all of the below must happen):
1.) The Jaguars must sack Tom Brady at least 5 times
2.) The Jaguars must intercept Tom Brady at least once
3.) The Jaguars’ defense must score at least 7 points
4.) Blake Bortles must throw 0 interceptions
If the world finds itself in an alternate universe on Sunday, and ALL of these things occur, Blake Bortles will play in a Super Bowl.
Until then, I’ll confidently pick Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the Patriots to play in their 8th Super Bowl in the past 17 years. And for all my gullible fans, Tom Brady IS NOT HURT!! His hand is fine. This is a typical, very simple, Belichick mind game. We’ve been watching this same channel for nearly 2 decades now.
Prediction: Patriots 30, Jaguars 20
(2) Minnesota Vikings @ (1) Philadelphia Eagles – 6:40 P.M. EST (FOX)
The Minnesota Vikings are still riding high after the most dramatic playoff victory in NFL history. The question is:
Will that help or hurt them come Sunday??
The Vikings are looking to become the 1st team in NFL history to host a Super Bowl. But first, they must escape from a hostile Philadelphia environment with a victory. This is a very even matchup. Both teams play very solid defense. Both teams have an above average rushing attack. And both teams are well coached.
While both quarterbacks aren’t being confused with MVP candidates anytime soon, it’s safe to say the Vikings have an advantage under center. The Vikings also have the edge on defense, as this is as good a defense as the NFL has seen since the Seattle Seahawks “Legion of Boom”. The Eagles’ home field advantage offsets all of the above, making this game a “pick ’em” in my mind. Sit back, relax, and enjoy another tight one.
Prediction: Vikings 20, Eagles 19
Final Thought: Why the hell do these games have to start so late?!?! What, because it’s Championship Weekend, the games need to be played at “special” times?!?! I don’t understand. It’s Sunday. I’ve been watching football games at 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. EST all year. Why must I stay awake until 11:00 P.M. to watch this game?!?!
On that note, enjoy the games!!
Who do you think will play in the Super Bowl?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
Wow.
Wait, I didn’t say that right.
That’s more like it.
I’ve graced planet Earth with my presence for 31 years, 8 months, and 21 hours, and that was easily the craziest thing I’ve ever seen on a football field — EVER!! I asked for better football, I received better football:
Minnesota Vikings 29, New Orleans Saints 24
Insane. Crazy. Wild. Complete stupidity. Total elation. There are countless ways to describe the improbable nature the Minnesota Vikings beat the New Orleans Saints….
The Vikings completely dominated the 1st half, taking a 17-0 lead into the locker room. Here are the Saints’ 1st half possessions:
Punt, Punt, Punt, Interception, Interception, Missed field goal. That’s not a recipe for success.
The 2nd half went slightly better for the Saints. Their 1st possession ended in a Michael Thomas touchdown. And after a horrible interception by Case Keenum, their 2nd possession ended in a Michael Thomas touchdown. 17-0 quickly became 17-14.
Sean Payton has been the head coach of the Saints for 12 years. He has a winning record. And he’s won a Super Bowl. However, he is NOT a good coach. Just minutes into the 4th quarter, when timeouts are crucial, Payton used TWO challenges over a span of 4 plays. Both plays were obvious, so Payton decided his TWO red flags were better served as toilet paper.
After a Kai Forbath 49-yard field goal, the Vikings took a 20-14 lead. Just 4 minutes and 44 seconds later, the Saints blocked a punt, setting Drew Brees up with great field position (the Vikings’ 25-yard line). Just 2 minutes and 20 seconds later, the Saints would take their 1st lead, 21-20, on a beautiful ‘wheel route’ by Alvin Kamara.
With just 3:01 left to play, it was time for Keenum to do what he’s been doing all season; prove his worth. He did just that, setting his team up in field goal range. Kai Forbath’s 53-yarder was as true a kick as you’ll ever see. Now trailing 23-21, Drew Brees was left with 1:29 and 1 timeout (thanks to his genius head coach). After 2 first down completions, followed by 3 straight incompletions, the Saints’ season came down to a 4th & 10 from the Vikings’ 46-yard line. Drew Brees dropped back and threw the most confident, perfect pass of the season, a 13-yard completion to Willie Snead. And with just 25 seconds left to play, Will Lutz drilled a 43-yard field goal, putting the Saints up 24-23. Case Keenum’s back must be getting used to that wall….
With just 18 seconds remaining and no timeouts, the Vikings had 4 downs, from the Saints’ 39-yard line, to pull off a miracle. And with 10 seconds left, on 3rd & 10, Case Keenum made believers out of many of us. Stefon Diggs rose for the reception with 5 seconds left. When his feet hit the ground, at the Saints’ 34-yard line, he was surprised as anyone he wasn’t being brought to the ground, so he took off. Diggs crossed the goal line as time expired, doing the impossible.
Watch the play here, then we’ll continue our conversation.
There are no excuses for this play. Yes, we should all blame Marcus Williams for not tackling Diggs upon catching the ball. Seriously, Marcus, what were you thinking (or not thinking)?!?! However, this is ultimately on the head coach. If you’re the Saints, all you have to do is keep Diggs inbounds and the game’s over. Why weren’t the Saints in the most ridiculous prevent defense ever?? There should have been 3 Saints behind Diggs, not just Marcus Williams.
But I still need to talk to my man Marcus here….
Marcus, I don’t want to hear about how you were trying to avoid the defensive pass interference penalty. And I don’t want to hear ANYONE (ahem, Ryan Clark, ahem) justifying ducking under Diggs to avoid the penalty. All you had to do, Marcus, was wait 2 yards behind Diggs, and tackle him inbounds the second he touched the ball. Game over. Vikings finished. Saints move on to the NFC Championship.
Instead, the Vikings move 1 game closer to hosting the Super Bowl. They’ll travel to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles next Sunday. If the Vikings win, they’ll become the 1st team in NFL history to host a Super Bowl.
______________________________________________________________________________
Oh no, I didn’t forget about my gamblers. For those who bet the Vikings, I feel for you. The Vikings closed at 5.5 point favorites. With the Vikings up 17 points, this bet seemed like a lock. As the Saints mounted their comeback, Vikings bettors watched their winnings slip through their fingers. However, with the Vikings’ miracle, walk-off, touchdown, hope was sprung back into their lives. All the Vikings had to do was kick the extra point, and they’d win by 6 points, covering the 5.5 point spread. Unfortunately, after the dust settled from the Vikings’ on field celebration, they chose to kneel on the extra point. This was the moment when degenerates, who double as Vikings’ fans, experienced the most bittersweet moment — ever.
Was this the craziest football game you’ve ever watched?? If not, please tell me in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
I’m in a forgiving mood.
I’m going to give the NFL another chance. A chance to redeem itself after the least entertaining Wild Card Weekend I can remember. Despite the little voice inside my head screaming, “this is a bad idea!”, I’m going to prepare the couch for Divisional Weekend. Join me….
Atlanta Falcons (6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (1) – Saturday @ 4:35 P.M. EST (NBC)
The Philadelphia Eagles are about to do something that’s never been done before. No, not bring a Super Bowl to Philadelphia. Start the playoffs, as a #1 seed, as an UNDERDOG. The Eagles finished this season with a 13-3 record, in large part to a fantastic sophomore season from Carson Wentz. Thanks to Wentz’ Week 14, torn ACL, Nick Foles calls under center home. That’s why the peaking at the right moment, Atlanta Falcons are 3-point, road favorites.
This is the toughest game to call. Nick Foles is the ‘x-factor’. Will we see 2013 Nick Foles (64%, 27 TDs, 2 INTs), or 2015 Nick Foles (56%, 7 TDs, 10 INTs)?? Secret door #3 is probably the way Foles’ day will go. On the other hand, can the Falcons continue their strong play and get 1 step closer to returning to consecutive Super Bowls?? If they do, Falcons’ faithful will be thanking Matt Ryan’s right shoulder. However, I don’t think the Falcons are destined to follow in the footsteps of the 1990’s Buffalo Bills.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Falcons 21
Tennessee Titans (5) @ New England Patriots (1) – Saturday @ 8:15 P.M. EST (CBS)
There’s not much to talk about here. The Tennessee Titans didn’t deserve to be in the playoffs, and they certainly don’t deserve to be in the Divisional Round. With their annual, playoff bye week behind them, the New England Patriots are well rested and ready to put that scoreboard to work. Expect this game to get out of hand. Oh, and not that the Patriots needed any extra motivation, but Titans’ safety, Kevin Byard, thought it was a good idea to poke the beast. Byard said, “I want to make him (Tom Brady) look like Blake Bortles.”
That’s not the smartest thing I’ve heard this week.
Prediction: Patriots 45, Titans 17
Jacksonville Jaguars (3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2) – Sunday @ 1:05 P.M. EST (CBS)
Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars demolished the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5 of the regular season, 30-9. Ben Roethlisberger threw NO touchdowns and 5 interceptions (2 were returned for TDs). But that was a dress rehearsal. This is show time. As good as the Jaguars’ defense is, returning 2 interceptions for TDs, in the same game, is an anomaly. Do you know what isn’t an anomaly?? Blake Bortles throwing for less than 200 yards and committing a turnover.
Bortles threw for less than 200 yards 7 times this season (including 87 yards last week). He also had 19 total turnovers in the 17 games he’s played. That’s not a recipe for success. A well rested Ben + a healthy Brown + Bell in the backfield = success.
Prediction: Steelers 27, Jaguars 19
New Orleans Saints (4) @ Minnesota Vikings (2) – Sunday @ 4:40 P.M. EST (FOX)
For consecutive weeks, the NFL has saved the best for last. Drew Brees, who turns 39 the day after this game, is looking to make 1 last Super Bowl push. He still has the arm. He has the offensive weapons. And for just the 2nd time in his life, he has a defense worth talking about (last time he had a good defense, he won the Super Bowl). But he must get past a tough, Minnesota Vikings defense, on the road, before he can set his sights on another Lombardi Trophy.
The Vikings’ defense, overshadowed by the Jaguars, may actually be the best defense in the league. They rank 1st in total yards and points allowed per game. And they rank 2nd in passing and rushing yards allowed per game. And just like the Eagles, they have an ‘x-factor’; Case Keenum. While Keenum has had a consistently good season, regression to his previous 4 seasons mean seems likely at any moment.
If the Falcons beat the Eagles, the Saints and Vikings will be playing for the right to host the NFC Championship.
If the Vikings reach the Super Bowl, they’ll become the 1st team in NFL history to play the ‘big game’ on their home field. They’ll have to get past Brees and the 2-headed monster in his backfield first.
Prediction: Saints 23, Vikings 21
Who do you think will win this weekend?? Post your predictions in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
I’m full!!
With another successful Thanksgiving in the books, it’s time to review the amount of calories I consumed. I’ll give you a hint, it’s more than any human being should consume in a week. Turkey, stuffing, gravy (oh the gravy), pumpkin pie, and apple pie. All fantastic. All delicious. All useless without a side of football.
Vikings Vs. Lions
The Detroit Lions typically play well on Thanksgiving, as they had won their past 4 Turkey Day matchups. Unfortunately, they ran into a Minnesota Vikings team who is playing as well as anyone in the league. In taking down the Lions (30-23), the Vikings extended their winning streak to 7 games. Adam Thielen is playing at an elite level at the wide receiver position, topping 1,000 yards for the first time in his career. Case Keenum is doing his best Peyton Manning impersonation, averaging 288.5 yards and 2.25 touchdowns per game over his past 4 games.
The question is, will Keenum be able to duplicate this success come January??
Chargers Vs. Cowboys
If you want to know how the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving went, just look at Philip Rivers’ stat line:
27 for 33 for 434 yards and 3 touchdowns.
That’s a lot of yards. The Cowboys stink!! After a 28-6 drubbing from the Chargers yesterday, the Cowboys have now lost by 20 or more points in 3 consecutive games (giving up 70 combined points). I know Ezekiel Elliot’s worth (on a football field), but last time I checked, he doesn’t play defense.
And can all those Dak Prescott supporters admit he’s simply not that good?! The writers who had Dak Prescott #14 on NFL.com’s preseason player rankings should be ashamed of themselves. Dak is a game manager who needs an elite offensive line to succeed. He’s not a quarterback who can carry his team across the finish line.
Redskins Vs. Giants
The New York Giants are really bad at football.
No, that’s not a revelation, it just rolls off the tongue really nicely. Listen, the Giants’ season has been lost for months now, but at least their defense is trying (again). They’ve only given up 32 total points in their last 2 games, squeezing in a 6-quarter stretch without giving up a touchdown. But the team as a whole is a disaster.
The Giants’ franchise has made numerous head scratching decisions over the past few seasons, but leaving Eli Manning at quarterback, at 2-9, may take the cake. This is not a direct shot at Eli (even though I’ve never been a big fan of his work), rather an opportunity to highlight the ineptitude of the Giants’ front office. They have Davis Webb, a 3rd round pick, waiting in the wings. And while the Giants should start Webb in every game the rest of the way, for the future of the franchise, they won’t. They’d rather preserve a meaningless, games started streak for Eli Manning. Yes, starting 209 games is impressive, but it doesn’t help the 2018 or 2019 New York Giants.
How was your Thanksgiving?? Which games did you watch?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
Dave Talks Sports 