The NFL Schedule Release Is The MOST Exciting Day Of The Year!!

April 20, 2018April 26, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

The NFL doesn’t understand the word off….sea….son.

Technically defined as the time period between the end of the Super Bowl and the start of training camp, NFL players, and hopefuls, aren’t exactly on vacation from February through July. The scheduling of the NFL’s offseason brings significant happenings virtually every month.

The 2017 NFL season officially came to a close when the clock struck 0:00, and the Philadelphia Eagles became Super Bowl champions. That was February 4th, 2018. Just 75 days ago. Since then, the following has happened:

February 27th (Combine)

March 14th (Free Agency)

April 19th (Schedule Release)

And the best, is yet to come:

April 26th (Draft)

Mid-July (Training Camp)

September 6th (Start of Season)

Thursday night at 8:00 P.M. EST, the full NFL schedule was released. That means it’s time for “geniuses” to predict team records. YAY!! Because that’s a rational thing to do before the draft and nearly 5 months prior to the start of the season….

The 2018 season will kick-off with the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Atlanta Falcons (Thursday, September 6th @ 8:20 P.M. EST on NBC). Traditionally, the defending champions host the first game of every season.

As for the local trainwrec….I mean local teams, the New York Jets and Giants will both be seeking bounce back campaigns in 2018-19:

New York Jets

Check out the Jets’ schedule here.

Their out-of-division schedule consists of the NFC North, AFC South, Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns. Not the easiest schedule in the world, but their distance traveled will be in the bottom-five. That never hurts. The Jets kick things off, in Detroit, on Monday Night Football (September 10th).

Jets’ Record Prediction: Wait, you thought I was going to mock people for predicting team records in April….and then turn around and predict the Jets’ record?!

You’re silly.

Check back with DaveTalksSports.com for record predictions in August.

New York Giants

Check out the Giants’ schedule here.

Their out-of-division schedule consists of the AFC South as well, NFC South, San Francisco 49ers, and Chicago Bears.

My favorite part of the Giants’ offseason, so far, is Brandon Marshall being severely out of touch with reality. Marshall responded to Dez Bryant’s desire to play for the Giants following his release from the Dallas Cowboys by saying, “sorry baby bro, no room.” Marshall was promptly released from the Giants the next day.

HAHAHAHA!!!!

What a JACKWAGON!!

The NFL schedule release is yet another reason to get overly excited about football while it’s still months away.

Do you get excited about the NFL in April. Tell me in the comment section below.

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The Jets Did Something SMART?!?!

March 20, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

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:

2018 #3 overall pick

Indianapolis Colts Receive:

2018 #6 overall pick
2018 2nd round pick (37)
2018 2nd round pick (49)
2019 2nd round pick

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.

The Results Are In: THE NFL IS INSANE!!

March 14, 2018March 14, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

So I sat here for approximately 10 minutes, staring at a blank screen, trying to think of the most creative way to describe the (unofficial) start to the NFL’s free agency. And then, I realized I should just tell it like it is….

The NFL is wild. The NFL is insane. The amount of players that change teams every year is astronomical. Redskins become Vikings, Patriots become Dolphins, Browns become Jets, and Cats and Dogs are living together. It’s madness I tell you. MADNESS!!

Monday, March 12th, marked the unofficial start to free agency. The official start to free agency is Wednesday, March 14th at 4:00 P.M. EST. The league calls this the “legal tampering” period. While Monday created some buzz, the NFL world didn’t tilt on its axis until Tuesday. As usual, we’ve made a list to attempt to organize the insanity (today, let’s go most important to least important):

1.) Kirk Cousins (Vikings)

While this is the biggest story of free agency, it’s not surprising. Not even a little bit. It was rumored the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings were finalists in the Kirk Cousins’ sweepstakes. That made this equation rather simple; Money Vs. Winning. What will it be?? We know where Carmelo Anthony stands on the matter. Anyone who thought Cousins would choose the Jets doesn’t understand football, or the Jets.

Players don’t actively CHOOSE to play for the Jets. They sign with the Jets when there is no other viable option (or when the contract is twice as much as the next offer). Kirk Cousins went with the team that provides the best opportunity to win (and he’s also getting paid a few bucks). Cousins will reportedly earn $84 million over the next 3 seasons (fully guaranteed). This is the 1st multiple year, fully guaranteed contract for a QB in NFL history.

2.) Jimmy Graham / Jordy Nelson / Muhammed Wilkerson (Packers)

The 2nd happiest man in the NFL right now is….Jimmy Graham. “They’re going to pay me to play with the best QB in the history of the world?! You’re joking!”

No Jimmy, they’re not joking. Just be happy the Packers enjoy making a splash rather than fixing their offensive line. Get used to hearing, “Rodgers to Graham for the touchdown!!”

The end of an era is upon us in Green Bay. Jordy Nelson was released by the Packers Tuesday. This move will save them $10 million, however, it’s rumored they could bring him back on a cheaper deal.

And the Packers will throw their hat in the ‘draw out Muhammed Wilkerson’s potential’ ring. As a Jets’ fan, all I have to say is, good luck!!

3.) New York Jets

The New York Jets were busy on Tuesday. After swinging and missing on Kirk Cousins, they turned their attention to an oft-injured, 39-year old, train wreck in Josh McCown. The Jets will bring back ol’ man river on a 1-year, $10 million deal. Thankfully, that wasn’t the only QB move they made. Teddy Bridgewater will reportedly join the Jets’ band of misfits under center. Bridgewater, who’s still fighting his way back from a gruesome injury in 2016, will compete for the starting job. He’ll also be on a 1-year deal (reportedly for $5 million). At least this will spark QB competition, while simultaneously incentivizing Bridgewater to earn his next contract.

If the Jets don’t draft a QB with the #6 pick, because of these moves, I’ll lose my mind!!

The Jets will also add RB Isaiah Crowell, CB Trumaine Johnson, and LB Avery Williamson.

Crowell is an average running back with good break away speed. While it wasn’t the Jets’ biggest need, there are worse RBs out there (ahem..New York Giants..Jonathan Stewart..ahem). Williamson is a tackling machine, and should plug in very nicely when the Jets don’t retain Demario Davis. And the prize of the Jets’ offseason, SO FAR, is Trumaine Johnson. He’s the best cornerback available, and CB is a position of need for the Jets.

4.) Danny Amendola (Dolphins) / Malcolm Butler (Titans) / Dion Lewis (Titans)

Nothing makes me happier than watching the Patriots lose good football players. The only problem is, it doesn’t matter. As long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are upright, they’ll continue to own the AFC East. Butler will go from being benched in the Super Bowl, to being the Titans’ top CB, and Lewis will join Butler on a Titan’s team that’s trending upward. Amendola choosing to stay in division makes me chuckle….

Honorable Mentions

Drew Brees – Brees was reportedly offered a 2-year, $60 million contract to play for the Arizona Cardinals. He took $50 million to stay with the New Orleans Saints. He’s smart.

Sammy Watkins – How is it that this guy is still getting paid so much?! 3-years, $48 million (Chiefs) for a receiver who will undoubtedly be injured by Week 10 is just stupid.

Sam Bradford – How is it that this guy is still getting paid so much?! Bradford will “play” quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals next year, for $20 million. All I have to say is, HAHA!

With official free agency starting today at 4:00 P.M. EST, stay tuned for the latest news and notes from around the NFL.

Which team has had the best free agency so far?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Spring Cleaning In February!!

March 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

It’s time for some Spring cleaning!!

Yes, I know it’s not Spring yet, but it’s time to organize that mess and take out the garbage. Some NFL teams couldn’t wait until March to throw away their unwanted trash, so they started cleanin’ house yesterday.

New York Jets

You have to know when to move on. We all make mistakes, but not everyone has the courage to put the past behind them. The New York Jets did that on Wednesday. By cutting Muhammad Wilkerson prior to March 16th, the Jets will save $11 million in salary cap space and $16.75 million overall.

After signing Wilkerson to a 5-year, $86 million deal in 2015 ($37 million guaranteed), the Jets thought they’d solidified one of the most important positions on the field. They thought wrong. VERY WRONG!!

It’s funny how some players’ stats rapidly decline the instant they sign on the dotted line. Wilkerson earned his $86 million contract with a career-high 12 sacks in 2015. But over the past 2 years, Wilkerson missed 4 games while only totaling 8 sacks. He showed up late 4 times (that we know about), and he genuinely looked like he lacked interest in playing football. Thanks for absolutely nothing Muhammad!! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!!

Chicago Bears

Speaking of wasting money, the Chicago Bears know what we’re talking about. After signing Mike Glennon to an unbelievably bad 3-year, $45 million contract, the Bears have released Glennon. He was paid $18.5 million for his “services” this past season while only appearing in 4 games. That’s $4.625 million per game. That’s a lot of moola.

By cutting Glennon, the Bears will save $9 million in salary cap space and $12.5 million overall. This was clearly a smart move, as Glennon is fit to be a 3rd-string quarterback for the rest of his career.

Matt Forte

In combined Jets and Bears news, Matt Forte is hangin’ em up. Forte is calling it quits after 10 years in the NFL (8 with the Bears, 2 with the Jets). In his prime, Forte was one of the best dual-threat running backs in the game. In 2014, he rushed for 1,038 yards while also catching 102 passes for 808 yards. Even though, as a Jets’ fan, I didn’t receive his prime, I always liked Matt Forte. He played the game the right way.

Carolina Panthers

It’s absolutely amazing Jonathan Stewart lasted this long in the NFL. Who knew you could get paid millions to be bad at something (insert Blake Bortles joke here)?? Stewart has played his entire 10-year career with the Carolina Panthers and is their all-time leading rusher. That’s sad. Stewart’s release will save $3.7 million in salary cap space and $5.2 million overall.

I can’t believe it took this long to cut Stewart. This doesn’t need to turn into a Jonathan Stewart bash session, but WOW. One. Jonathan Stewart had one thousand-yard season in 10 years. I’ll be shocked if he’s working in the NFL next season.

As the “start” of the NFL season approaches (March 14th), stay tuned for ALL of the Spring cleaning moves that are going to be put out to the curb.

Do you agree with these moves?? If you don’t, I’m not sure I can help you….

Kirk Cousins Will Look Nice In Green

February 23, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

I’m the most popular kid at school.

I wasn’t always SO popular, but all the smarter, better looking kids graduated, leaving all the popularity — to me!!

I’m….Kirk Cousins.

Kirk Cousins has been the biggest, offseason storyline in the NFL. Since Washington brought in Alex Smith, it’s all but assured that Cousins will call a new city home in the coming weeks. Free agents can officially sign on the dotted line on March 14th @ 4:00 P.M. EST, so until then, rumors, speculation, and fantasy land will persist.

Where will Kirk Cousins play next season?? That, is the $150 million question….

New York Jets

The early favorite in the clubhouse is the New York Jets. With nearly $100 million in salary cap space this offseason, the Jets are expected to make a serious run at Cousins. Of course, with nothing but time and money on their hands, fabricated stories become “reality”.

I don’t know which story is my favorite so far….

It could be $60 million guaranteed in the 1st year of the contract. It could be the 1st fully guaranteed contract in NFL history. Or it could be offering Cousins ownership stake in the Jets. Okay I made that last one up, but the direction these stories are heading, it’s not as far fetched as it’d seem.

I like Kirk Cousins. As a Jets’ fan, I want him under center this coming season. However, the Jets MUST be reasonable (hahahahaha). Jimmy Garoppolo is set to make $27.5 million per year, so offer Cousins $28, and negotiate up to your limit — if necessary. That limit should be $30 million.

Cleveland Browns

Kirk Cousins is not deciding, under his own volition, to play for the Cleveland Browns.

Denver Broncos

Many “experts” have tossed the Broncos’ name around as a potential landing spot for Mr. Cousins. Admittedly, being wined and dined by John Elway doesn’t hurt, but Cousins isn’t going to Denver. They’re likely to part ways with their top wide receivers, and they have just $26 million in cap space.

Minnesota Vikings

This is the team to worry about (as a Jets’ fan). The Vikings are literally only a quarterback away from winning a Super Bowl. And with $57 million in cap space (8th most in the NFL), they have a realistic chance here. Be afraid New York. Be very afraid.

Ultimately, I think the Jets are going to make Cousins an offer he can’t refuse:

Will Kirk Cousins be wearing a Jets jersey next season?? If not, where will he play?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.

Jets’ Wide Receiver Arrested For 2nd Time — In 8 Months

January 19, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ 1 Comment

Robby Anderson, New York Jets wide receiver, is having a rough year. This morning in South Florida, Anderson was arrested for the 2nd time in 8 months. This time he’s facing 9 charges, including fleeing police, resisting an officer (with the siren on), harming a public servant, and 6 other traffic related charges. Allegedly Anderson was driving 105 mph in a 45 mph zone. Anderson’s previous arrest occurred in May of 2017 when he resisted arrest at a Music Festival. His trial for the 1st arrest is scheduled to begin on March 19th.

Despite Anderson’s on-field improvement, catching 63 balls for 941 yards and 7 touchdowns, it seems he has a lot of maturing to do. As an undrafted, 2nd year receiver, Anderson has overachieved in his short time in the NFL. If Anderson can’t control his off-field behavior, his short time in the NFL may be permanent.

A New York Jets’ spokesman had little to say on the matter, “We are aware of the situation, but this is a pending legal matter and we will have no further comment.”

Check back for updates on this story.

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 .

The Jets Make My Soul Hurt

January 1, 2018 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

todd-bowles-coaching-jets-sunday-patriots-hospital-1-768x432

Painful.

That’s probably the best word to describe being a Jets’ fan. With another season in the books, it’s time to watch other teams play football in January and February — again.

5, 5, 10, 4, 8, 6, 8. Those would be the Jets’ win totals over the past 7 seasons. 1 of these things is not like the other. You’ll notice just 1 winning season (they still missed the playoffs) over that time span.

The Jets are stuck in NFL purgatory. Never bad enough to possess the #1 overall pick in the draft. Never good enough to make the playoffs. Their 5 wins earned the #6 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. If they don’t draft a quarterback, I will literally rip the hair out of my head!!

The world will collectively sit at the edge of their seat, awaiting general manager, Mike Maccagnan’s, draft choice. Maccagnan, as well as head coach, Todd Bowles, fresh off contract extensions, will remain at the helm through the 2020 season. Which brings me to my next point….

Everyone and their grandmother kept telling me the ONLY reason Todd Bowles refused to play Christian Hackenberg was because Bowles didn’t have job security beyond this season. And without job security, Bowles HAD to continue running the players onto the field who gave the Jets the best chance to win. Well if that’s true, what does it say when Bowles received a 2-year contract extension, and continued to walk the plank with the same old, tired strategy????

With the season in the rearview mirror, and the Jets trailing the Patriots 21-3 at halftime (OF THE FINAL GAME OF THE YEAR), how is it possible Christian Hackenberg doesn’t play in the 2nd half?!?! There is no logical, reasonable, rational explanation Todd Bowles, Mike Maccagnan, or any other genius in the world can give me that will ease my mind. I don’t care if Hackenberg is the worst practice player in the history of the NFL, PUT HIM ON THE FIELD!!!!

Apparently, the Jets plan to move on from Hackenberg without ever playing him in an actual game. That’s the definition of head-scratching. And the biggest indictment against the Jets’ current regime.

**Which is worse: Drafting a kicker in the 2nd round (Mike Nugent, 2005) or drafting a quarterback in the 2nd round and NEVER playing him????

Yeah. We should extend these geniuses for 2 more years. Sounds smart.

The Jets continue to boggle the mind, toy with emotions, and ruin Sundays.

Why is it again that I’m a Jets’ fan????

What do you think of Todd Bowles and Mike Maccagnan’s contract extensions?? Am I insane for remaining a Jets’ fan?? Tell me how you feel in the comment section below.

Week 14 Had It All

December 12, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

bills-colts-600

That throw.

How many can make that throw?? Click here to see the spectacular precision only a handful of men on the planet possess (it happens at the 2:00 mark of the video). That’s “Big Ben” doing what “Big Ben” does.

Instant Classic

Ben Roethlisberger has been a really good quarterback for a really long time. His performance on Sunday Night Football is a microcosm of his career. With 6:44 left to play, the Pittsburgh Steelers trailed their division rival, Baltimore Ravens, by 9 points. Roethlisberger, poised as ever, drove his team 68-yards for a touchdown in just 3 minutes and 15 seconds. After a 3 and out that lasted just 1 minute and 4 seconds, Roethlisberger went back to work.

See, it’s not just the throw. It’s the moment. When the moment calls for a perfect, 34-yard pass that looks like it was gently placed into the hands of Antonio Brown, Roethlisberger produces that throw. On that play, Roethlisberger not only clinched the game, but became the only quarterback in NFL history with 3 career 500-yard passing games. 39-38 Steelers. If you didn’t catch this one live, go find a replay. It’ll be worth it.

Do You Want To Build A Snowman??

Football in a blizzard is awesome!! It’s unique. It’s different. It draws eyes to the TV. Eyes that would otherwise be glued to an iPhone, iPad, or videogame. It also gave us a wildly entertaining football game. The Indianapolis Colts struggled in the elements in Buffalo, scoring their 1st points with just 1:16 left in the game. With 40-mph wind gusts staring Adam Vinatieri in the face, the Colts opted to go for 2. It worked!! The Colts went up 8-7 in the most improbable of comebacks….until they didn’t. In came a flag, 45 seconds after the play, nullifying the conversion. Vinatieri would be forced to attempt a 43-yard extra point. He nailed it!! To overtime we’d go. As the 1st tie of the NFL season was staring each team in the face, the Buffalo Bills did the impossible. 3rd string quarterback, Joe Webb, hit Deonte Thompson for a 34-yard bomb. This would set up a Lesean McCoy scamper from 21-yards out for the 13-7 overtime victory!!

What A Weird Season

The New York Jets beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 23-20 in Week 4. The New York Jets lost to the Denever Broncos 23-0 in Week 14. Make sense of that….

Overshadowed By Injury

The Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Los Angeles Rams was supposed to be the game of the week. The battle for NFC supremacy. Carson Wentz vs. Jared Goff. What could be more exciting??

While it was an entertaining game, it was marred by Carson Wentz’, season ending torn ACL. Wentz was sandwiched between 2 Rams as he dove into the endzone in the 3rd quarter. Check out the play here. Down 28-24, he hobbled back to the huddle after the touchdown was called back on a holding penalty. Wentz, left immobilized, stayed in the game long enough to throw a 1-legged touchdown!! The Eagles would hold on for a 43-35 victory, clinching the NFC East Division Title. However, Wentz’ MVP hopes circled the drain hand-in-hand with the Eagles’ Super Bowl dreams….

Last Time I Checked, You Can’t Do That

Reminiscent of the “Malice at the Palace”, a Seattle Seahawks’ player tried to fight a fan.

Let me repeat that: A SEATTLE SEAHAWKS PLAYER TRIED TO FIGHT A FAN!!

Watch Einstein here.

Quinton Jefferson, unhappy that some of his teammates are dirty players, and that his team lost, decided it would be a good idea to try to climb into the stands and fight a fan. Yes, of course fans should NEVER throw objects on the field. But, a player, no matter the circumstance, should NEVER EVER try to climb into the stands to assault a fan.

I thought that was understood….

What was the most exciting part of Week 14?? Tell me in the comment section below.

Thursday Helped Me Procrastinate

December 8, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

jeter trades dee gordon

I haven’t started my Christmas shopping yet. Hell, I haven’t even thought about starting my Christmas shopping — until now. What you call procrastination, I call waiting for the right moment. Can I blame Thursday?? I’m going to blame Thursday.

Trade #1

The first of 2 major trades came from NBA land. Jhalil Okafor, the #3 pick in the 2015 NBA Draft (Duke), has had a rocky start to his professional career. Prior to being shipped out of Philadelphia on Thursday, Okafor had played just 25 total minutes this season. The 76ers are giving him a fresh start, as his new zip code will be 11218….

Brooklyn Nets Receive:

Jhalil Okafor, Nik Stauskas, and a 2019 2nd-round pick

Philadelphia 76ers Receive:

Trevor Booker

While I like Trevor Booker, this trade is a win for the Brooklyn Nets. Nets general manger, Sean Marks, continues to prove he knows what he’s doing. Most Gregg Popovich disciples do. This season alone, Marks has acquired the #2 and #3 picks from the solid 2015 NBA draft. I guess he was listening when Coach Popovich was talking.

Trade #2

Let the salary dump begin!! The Miami Marlins, are in the midst of a complete tear down. EVERYTHING MUST GO!! Marlins fans have seen this movie before. The only difference is, Derek Jeter has his finger on the button this time around. Jeter became Marlins’ CEO when he and his group purchased the team back in August. And he made his first major move yesterday.

Seattle Mariners Receive:

Dee Gordon

Miami Marlins Receive:

3 Minor League Players (Robert Dugger, Nick Neidert and Christopher Torres)

With a log jam in the middle infield, the Mariners plan to play Gordon in center field. This is a very solid trade for the Mariners, as they also receive $1 million in International money. This makes them leaders in the clubhouse in the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes.

Thursday Night Football

Thursday night provided an entertaining football game, however, the moral of the story is simple; you HAVE to score more than 17 points when the opposing quarterback throws 3 interceptions. Yes, Matt Ryan threw 3 interceptions last night. No, the Saints did not capitalize on those opportunities. Being held to a season-low 50 rushing yards probably didn’t help matters.

And I don’t care that they got it. Going for it, on 4th and 1, on Atlanta’s 24-yard line, trailing 20-17, on the road, with under 2 minutes left, was STUPID!!

A decision and the result are 2 separate entities.

Drew Brees iced the game, as he threw an interception in the end zone with 1 minute and 25 seconds left. Brees’ interception was just his 2nd since October 22nd!! Brees and company will look to bounce back when they host the New York Jets next week. And they won’t have to wait long for a shot at redemption. The Falcons come to town on Christmas Eve. You won’t want to miss that rematch, as it could determine the NFC South champion.

What was the biggest story from Thursday?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

Favorites Are Favorites For A Reason

November 27, 2017 ~ Dave Ettinger ~ Leave a comment

mccown fumbles

Week 12 was not a good week for underdogs. Of the 15 games played, so far, only 2 “upsets” have occurred.

Bills Vs. Chiefs

Personally, I didn’t consider this game an upset. The Kansas City Chiefs are playing as poorly as anyone in the league (losers of 5 of their last 6). Inexplicably, they were favored by 8.5 points against the Buffalo Bills. Yes, they were at home (Arrowhead Stadium is a tough place to play). And yes, the Bills weren’t exactly trending in the right direction either. But, that spread assuredly cost Las Vegas a lot of ‘Monopoly Money’. The Bills won the game 16-10.

The Buffalo Bills run defense had turned into Swiss cheese prior to their trip to Kansas City. In the Bills’ previous 3 games, they had allowed an average of 212.6 yards per game and 11 total rushing touchdowns. Guess how many yards the Chiefs rushed for on Sunday….Seriously, guess.

55.

Their leading rusher was quarterback, Alex Smith (35 yards).

What once looked like as uneven a matchup as the NFL could find (in Week 13), is now a battle of mediocrity: Kansas City Chiefs @ New York Jets

Cardinals Vs. Jaguars

Heading into Week 12, the Jacksonville Jaguars were leading the AFC South with a record of 7-3. That doesn’t look, or sound right does it?! The Jaguars’ early season success has been predicated on stellar defense and a strong running game. Rookie sensation, Leonard Fournette has had a tremendous season, however, since he tweaked his ankle in Week 7, hasn’t had the same explosiveness. And Blake Bortles isn’t to be relied on — ever.

In case you haven’t guessed yet, the Jaguars lost 27-24.

Let’s take a look at how Blake Bortles stacks up against the competition:

Passing Yards: 21st (2,244)

Touchdowns: T-22nd (12)

Completion Percentage: 31st (58.3%)

As you can see, he’s really REALLY bad. He should buy his defense the best Christmas present ever, because they are saving his job, 1 sack at a time.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Ah yes, and then there’s my Jets. They don’t disappoint me — anymore. I am a seasoned veteran as it pertains to New York Jets’ letdowns. At no point during Sunday’s game did I think the Jets would win. No, not even when they were winning 20-18 heading into the 4th quarter.

And right on cue, Josh McCown inexplicably attempted a pass, while in a defenders grasp, and lost the ball. Panthers’ linebacker, Luke Kuechly, promptly scooped up the ball and pranced into the end zone.

Lead blown.

As if that wasn’t enough torture for one afternoon, the Jets surrendered a 60-yard punt return for a touchdown just 2 minutes and 11 seconds later. YAY!!

Only the Jets (yes I know the Browns still have a team), can lose in such horrific fashion.

Final Score: 35-27 (not the Jets)

If there’s a silver lining, Jets’ wide receiver, Robbie Anderson, has scored a touchdown in 5 consecutive games. At least we have that going for us….

Which football game(s) were you watching on Sunday?? Tell me all about it in the comment section below.

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