Hello again, football fans and welcome to our post Turkey Day edition of the NFL Roundup. One that once again features a bevy of juicy topics to discuss since Week 12 in the NFL was all over the place. Since once more, elite teams weren’t elite, allowing for unexpected heroes to rise to the occasion and of course… more incredible storylines emerged from this week’s games so without further ado, let’s dive into the week that was and all the tea it sent our way.

The Chicago Bears are a mess right now.
Look, I’ll just come out and say it… what the hell is going on in Chicago? Because despite enjoying a big win over the Lions on Thursday, there are still all kinds of rumors surrounding their embattled coach, the kind that still see him getting fired and management is keeping mostly silent on the matter or they’re saying cryptic things and just… this doesn’t make any sense. Because you either want him as the guy or you don’t, so just say which one you want and roll with it. Quit with the secrecy, quit with the silence, and just announce the direction you want to go and stick with it and quick. Because the fans feel confused and betrayed, the players want to know what the future looks like, and ownership just needs to step up to the plate and reassure its loyal fan base ASAP so this messy and disorganized look they are projecting comes to a close.
 
The NFL needs to re-think which teams play on Thanksgiving.
One thing we all definitely enjoy, is football on Thanksgiving. Since it really does give us a chance to connect with our family or help nudge us to sleep after we’ve eaten more turkey than is medically safe. But while the games are a proud tradition, some aspects of that tradition need to change. Specifically, the teams that play on this proud holiday. Because every year, the Lions stink up the joint and Dallas tends to either go hard or not at all and uh, it’s time to give other teams the Turkey Day spotlight. Just to keep things interesting and to put better teams on display. So, here’s to hoping the league starts to re-think the Thursday games and puts some quality teams in the earlier windows… so that we as fans get a better experience before or after our Thanksgiving Dinner.
 
It’s time for Cam Newton to retire.
There really does come a point where the game passes a player by in the NFL and when it does, it’s best they just walk away and let their legacy stand pat. But alas, few ever get sage advice to do so and some simply think they can will their way to a second act a la Peyton Manning or Tom Brady. But those guys are exceptions to the rule and even Manning, ran into this moment and sadly, that moment has arrived for Cam Newton. Because he hasn’t been the same mentally, after Von Miller blew him up in Super Bowl 50 and oddly enough his skill set went into decline after that game as well and teams know his weaknesses and how to beat him and if you don’t believe me, just look at his embarrassing Sunday stats. Which means the time has come for Cam to bid football farewell and I certainly hope he realizes that quickly and does so, before he becomes an outright laughingstock.
 
The Los Angeles Rams ‘Yankees’ moment appears to have backfired.
One cannot fault the L.A. Rams for going all in on a Super Bowl by going out and trading for Von Miller and signing Odell Beckham Jr. Because both of those guys are great players, and on paper, their addition should have indeed made this team even more elite than it already was. But alas, they’re 0-3 since trading for Von and well… it just seems like something has changed for this team and I hate to say it, but their attempt to build a team a la the New York Yankees appears to have backfired. For it seems to have sent the message that the guys currently on this squad weren’t getting it done, despite going 7-1 and that lack of faith in them, has prompted a regression and well… it is up to Sean McVay to fix that. Since he helped the team get into this mess and he needs to get everyone’s head in the right space before this slide becomes impossible to recover from.
 
Who are the AFC frontrunners?
While the NFC is doing a wonderful job of establishing which of its teams are elite and heading to the playoffs… the picture is far more muddled in the AFC. For a vast majority of the teams that are in the hunt are 6-5 and don’t look all that great sometimes, and the ones that should be ‘elite’ look anything but. Since the Bills and Chiefs are shells of their playoff selves from last year and the Titans are a flipping mess. Which begs the question, who are the frontrunners in this conference? And honestly… I just don’t know. Because no one is really digging in and separating themselves from the pack and that is going to make for an interesting playoff run. One that is going to be unpredictable and stunning in nature and all we can do… is sit back and enjoy the ride.

Hello, again football fans and welcome to an early edition of the NFL Roundup and there’s good reason for talking about football, today. Because tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and much like everyone else, this writer will be digesting his weight in turkey and trimmings and will have little time to post. So, it’s best we talk about this week’s slate of games before the gobble coma settles in and boy, do we have some great stuff to talk about. Because this is it, we’re in the thick of the playoff race and there are epic storylines and games awaiting us. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into our pre-Thanksgiving football meal and feast upon all the delicious wonder that Week 12 in the NFL is going to send our way.
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Is this the last game that Matt Nagy coaches for the Bears?
Things are super weird in the Windy City right now. Since there are now reports coming out that Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy has been informed he will be fired after Thursday’s game (per Mark Konkol and Jeff Arnold from Patch.com) and earlier today Brad Briggs with the Chicago Tribune, reported some seriously bizarre things happening at Bears HQ (read the article, it’s wild). Which does lead one to wonder, is this it for Matt Nagy? Is he indeed being fired after Thursday’s game against the Lions? Well, I certainly hope so. Because Nagy just isn’t getting it done and Chicago has regressed under his leadership. So, hopefully after tomorrow there’s no more speculation and/or bizarre shenanigans and the Bears just cut him loose and move on.
 
Which Denver Broncos squad will show up on Sunday?
The Broncos are a team with a fractured identity. Because they don’t know if they want to be elite or a hot steaming pile of garbage on a cold winter’s day. Because that’s basically the two arenas they thrive within this season and well, that definitely has fans wondering… which iteration of the Broncos will show up on Sunday at Empower Field and the answer to that question is anyone’s guess. Because this team is just plain fickle through and through and hopefully the good Denver squad pops up, since they are just a joy to watch. But until this coaching staff and this team decides they actually want to commit to winning, this question will continue to pop up and it will be quite interesting to see which Broncos team takes the field come game time.
 
Will the Bills actually win their game against the Saints on Sunday?
A few weeks ago, this question wouldn’t have popped up in this article, because the Bills were playing at a high level. But now, they’re all over the place. They’re elite one week and the Bills of old the next and there is a real chance that New Orleans could embarrass them on Sunday and honestly, there’s a good chance they will. For the Bills seem shell shocked over the fact that teams don’t fear them and well… when you’re inconsistent… they won’t. So don’t be surprised to see the Bills drop another important one because their real problem this year, is that they command respect but have yet to earn it, and that’s a dangerous mindset to have in the modern NFL.

​The first game on our ‘Must Watch’ list this week, is filled to the brim with AFC playoff implications. For both of these teams lead their respective divisions and a win here would help their playoff seeding and well… they’re likely going to have to fight hard for the dub. For the Pats are one of the season’s biggest surprises, since they are finally jelling on offense and defense and are hungry to win and the Titans, are elite more often than not and dominate when they’re playing on all eight cylinders. But they do have a weakness in their run game and if by chance Coach Belichick and his staff have cued in on that… then there’s a fair chance the Patriots will win this game and honestly, I think they will. Just because the Titans aren’t properly compensating for their biggest weakness and Big Bill loves to exploit a team’s softest spot.

​Now this is a game worth watching, primarily because of the Rams. For there is a sense of desperation surrounding Los Angeles. Because their blockbuster trade for EDGE Von Miller and the acquisition of WR Odell Beckham Jr., has brought about some disappointing results. In fact, they’re 0-2 since making those moves and that’s a tad embarrassing. Which means this game means the world to them, and they need a win to show the football world they aren’t just attempting to collect top tier plays a la Pokémon and that they’re making smart moves and well… it will be interesting to see if this cobbled together ‘super squad’ can indeed beat the Packers or if this team will continue to invite speculation by way of another devastating loss.

​I’ve said it before and I’ll saying it again… there is nothing quite like a prime-time AFC North matchup and this one look as though, it is going to be a great one. Because it features a hungry and battered Cleveland Browns squad that are beyond eager to make the playoffs again. And they’re looking to win big over a Ravens team… that is downright difficult to beat and has their superstar QB returning from an ugly illness. Which means this is going to be a knockdown, drag it out fight for the playoffs, one that does not have a clear-cut winner. For this is also the 2021 season, where everything is upside down. But regardless of which way this goes, it will definitely be an entertaining and engaging game and that’s all you can ask for.

Hello again, football fans and welcome back to another edition of the NFL Roundup. One that gets to spotlight the fact, that a great deal of teams are still eager and hungry to claw their way into the playoffs. Since there were more upsets and questions that came about from this week’s games, alongside some hard truths about some of the NFL’s ‘elite’ and well, without further ado… let’s dive in and discuss some of those questionable squads and some of the other surprises and observations that came about during Week 11 in the NFL.
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So, are the Bills good… or nah?
The Buffalo Bills are perhaps the most perplexing team of the 2021 season. Because at times, they are shockingly dominant and just embarrass their opponents on the field. And then there’s games like Sunday. Where they look like the Bills of the 1990s, kicking included, and more on that in a moment. Because really, what matters here is that no one, this writer included… can figure out if the Bills are good or not. Because this kind of inconsistency makes them fickle, and you simply don’t know which team is going to show up on Sunday and really… this is a question that won’t be answered anytime soon. So, for now, all we can do is watch and wait as we try to figure out if this team is legit or if the problems, they’re experiencing are fundamental flaws that will take them back to the drawing board.
 
The NFL’s weird kicking problem returned on Sunday.
One of the most reliable aspects of the modern game, is the kicking game. Because it’s setup for success and for many years, kickers made PATs and Field Goals with minimal fuss. But the last few years, inconsistency in the easiest part of the sport has popped up and Sunday, it reared its head once again. Since we saw a bevy of kickers miss easy targets in the most embarrassing of fashion. Leaving one to wonder why on earth this keeps popping up. Because there’s really no rhyme or reason for it, especially now that the new PAT rule has been in place for ages. If anything, it could be related to a need for better special teams coaching or it’s just a weird psychological quirk. Scott Norwood Syndrome if you will. But either way, hopefully Week 11 was the last time we’ll see it this year since it was both ugly and annoying.
 
The Tennessee Titans are struggling to find a new offensive identity with Derrick Henry out.
For a short while there, it seemed as though the Titans were going to be just fine without their star tailback, whom that the offense is designed around. But as the weeks have progressed, it is becoming obvious now that teams are figuring out the shift that the Titans created on offense to compensate for Derrick Henry’s loss and adjusted accordingly and well, after Sunday’s game… it is equally as obvious that the Titans can no longer hide their flaws and need to find a new offensive identity late in the season and I’m not sure they can. Because as mentioned before, this is a run heavy offense, and all the good tailbacks are on teams right now… so unless these coaches can quickly whip up something serviceable, there’s a fair chance their reliance on one man, may come back to haunt them.
 
There is hope in Carolina once again.
Love him or hate him, Cam Newton gets a conversation going and he can get a team going when his head is in the game and for proof… look no further than Sunday’s game. Because a beat down and struggling Panthers squad hung in there when the going got tough, and a lot of that is due to Cam and his positive energy and well… that definitely engenders hope amongst the fans that maybe, this team can start winning again and I hope it does. Because there is some genuine talent in Carolina and these fans deserve a good season. But they best not forget that the person giving them great hope, is also the one person that can take it away on a moment’s notice. Since Cam is known for his diva mentality, one that can make him a villain and a roadblock to this team’s success. So, if Cam has finally grown beyond his Super Bowl 50 tantrums, and no longer let’s a bad day hang over his head… then that hope should continue unfettered. But if not, well… then we know how the story is going to end.
 
The time has come for the Bears to fire Matt Nagy.
Let’s not mince words here, the 2021 season has been an utter dumpster fire for the Chicago Bears. Because they stink at every position and every team has them figured out and sadly, that falls upon the head coach. Since it is his job to prepare and grow a team and well, let’s be honest… Matt Nagy hasn’t done that in Chicago. Sure, he’s been to the playoffs twice, but they backed into it the second time around. Which means his teams are consistently mediocre or bad and that’s not a recipe for long term success and it also means… he’s not the guy. So, while the Bears have never fired a coach in the middle of the season… the time has come for them to break that tradition. Because Matt’s not going to fix this, and it is best to just move on and start the search now… so that the team can find the right guy at last.

Hello again, football fans and welcome to another edition of the NFL Roundup. One that is going to spotlight a bit of a turning point in the league year. Because at long last, we are in the thick of the playoff race and the games taking place now will help decide who reaches the postseason and who is staying home and that means we will be spotlighting some supremely important games related to the playoff race, alongside some discussions revolving around the other juicy storylines brewing around the league. And with that mind, let's dive right in and preview Week 11 in the NFL!
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Will the Cardinals rebound from their difficult loss last week?
One of the biggest surprises in Week 10, is the sheer fact that the Cardinals lost. Because all season long, their players have understood the importance of unity and next man up. So, to see this deep roster falter, really was quite the sight and now… the question is whether they can resbound from that loss and get the season back on track and I think they will. Because they are facing a terrible Seahawks squad, and that should allow for this team to quickly find a rhythm and put up some points and rebuild their confidence. All of which will help them get back to their winning ways.
 
Will the Detroit Lions be the first team to go 0-16-1?
We don’t talk about the Lions all that much in this blog, simply because… they stink and there’s little to celebrate or analyze in regard to them. But after last week’s tie and the fact that they are facing a hungry Cleveland squad, we do need to postulate the possibility that this team might make sour NFL history again. After all, they’re one of the few teams to go 0-16 and in the modern era and well… could they now go 0-16-1? And honestly, I think they can. Because Jared Goff is crumbling before our eyes, the defense is terrible, and Dan Campbell is this side shy of losing the team. So don’t be shocked to see this team lose on Sunday to the Browns and then lose for the rest of the season. Because they are an awful, awful team.
 
Will Cam Newton finally be the spark to ignite the Panthers offense?
It’s definitely been a weird season in Carolina. For it started off with such promise on offense with Sam Darnold at the helm and well… we know how that story goes. But hey, Cam Newton is back where he started and never wanted to leave and the renewed vigor he showed on Sunday, does leave one wondering if he will provide a giant spark on offense to a team that is desperately in need of one and well… he could. Provided of course the Cam Newton of old, the one that isn’t haunted by nightmares of Von Miller in Super Bowl 50, takes the field on Sunday. Because hasn’t been himself since that game and his passing mechanics have been suspect. But if he’s taken this time to work on that and find his center as a leader once again, Carolina should net the win and it will be quite interesting to see which Cam shows up come game time.

​This game is of note, because it might end up featuring an outright clash of the titans. Because the Colts are starting to find their groove and surprise teams and they’re also aware, that they have a shot at the playoffs and they’re squaring off against a Buffalo squad… that’s angry. For they have yet to be dominant in a season and quell their critics. Which means they and the Colts are going to bring their A game to the field and that could mean we are in for one heck of a game. One where Wentz and Allen take shots at the End Zone often and that’s always a good thing for the fans. So, yes. Absolutely keep an eye on this game come Sunday, because it really does have the potential to be something special.

​This is a game that also has the makings of an instant classic, for several reasons. First and foremost, because the Cowboys are riding cloud nine right now. For they’re having a great season, they’re clicking on offense, their defense is finally playing well, and they want to continue to win games and make the fans happy and quiet their doubters. On the other hand, though, they’re facing a borderline desperate Chiefs squad that wants to continue their utter domination of the AFC West and win another championship within their window. Which means both teams should come out hot in this game and with two elite quarterbacks under center, there’s also a fair chance it will be a high scoring affair as well. One that I honestly think, the Cowboys will win. Because they’re the more put together team right now.

​This particular matchup is of note, because it features a pair of teams that are eager to make the postseason and know their journey to it won’t be easy. Because the Steelers are struggling to keep wins in the win column and need a big win to continue to inch toward the #7 seed at the least. As for the Chargers, they’re a young team that is unfamiliar with, but hungry for success and they keep making enough silly mistakes to keep real glory out of reach and it doesn’t help that they’re in the AFC West. Which means that both of these teams are going to fight hard to earn a much-needed win and that will benefit the fans for certain. Since this one could become a shootout or be a defensive struggle and most likely, the winner of this one will be the team that simply wants it more since they are so evenly matched and who that will be… is anyone’s guess.  

Hello again, football fans and welcome to another edition of the NFL Roundup, one that is going to recap another wild week of NFL action. Because not only did this past weekend’s game feature more incredible and unexpected upsets, but there were some incredible storylines to come out of this week’s games. The kind that reminds us that maybe buying a championship team isn’t possible this late in the year and that sometimes, everything old is new again… especially when you’re having a quarterback crisis. So, without further ado, let’s reflect upon Week 10 in the NFL and all the outlandish moments it sent our way.
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The Rams attempts to collect a championship roster offered up… mixed results.
Make no mistake about it, the Rams want to win a world championship and if you don’t believe me, just look at their roster transactions over the past couple of weeks. Wherein they sent a bevy of draft picks to Denver to bring Von Miller into the fold, and they even went out and signed Odell Beckham Jr. once he was available in free agency. But alas, their attempts to be the Yankees of football met with some mixed results for certain. Because Miller and Beckham… didn’t do a whole lot in their debut games. Sure, Von put on some fancy moves, but he didn’t net one of his patented game wrecking sacks and OBJ was nowhere to be found on the field and well, time will tell if these investments are going to pay off, but in the short term… these moves appear to be nothing special.
 
The Carolina Panthers appear to be ready to move on from Sam Darnold.
Let’s be honest, the Sam Darnold era in Carolina, has been an utter disaster. He’s a bust, he’s played poorly for weeks now and the return of Cam Newton, seems to indicate that the team is ready to move on from Sam, and they’ll let Cam be the guy to replace him. After all, Cam is a fan favorite, he knows the offense as evidenced by Sunday’s execution and of course… he wants to start somewhere badly, and the Panthers need a QB that can do what he did. So, don’t be shocked if the Panthers quietly put Darnold on season ending injured reserve and let Cam audition the rest of the year, so they have time to figure out how to move Darnold and maximize their cap space for the return of Carolina’s Superman, provided his second chance works out.
 
The Denver Broncos have no identity or direction.
I honestly don’t know at his point… who the Broncos are or what they stand for. Because they are just up and down every single week and they are not consistent in the slightest and its infuriating because when this team is clicking, they’re shockingly good. But this just speaks volumes to the fact that Vic Fangio is in over his head and hasn’t a clue how to lead this team or guide them and well, hopefully he figures it out soon. Because the temperature from the fans is rising, they want better from this team and if they don’t get it… they will be calling for Fangio’s job and new direction. So, here’s to hoping Vic uses the bye week to refocus and reset and figure out what he wants this team to be. So, the Denver Broncos can finally have an identity and direction.
 
The upset fiesta continues.
Upsets happen in the NFL, because this is a game where a single moment can change momentum for an underdog and give them a chance to succeed, but this year has been vastly different when it comes to that. Because we have been treated to a bevy of wild upsets every single week, the kind that are devastating in nature and honestly, I think it is here to stay. Because the bad teams just seem to know that if they wake up one morning and want a win bad enough, they can have it and surprise their opponent and if you don’t believe me… just look at the Ravens/Dolphins game. Because Baltimore had no business losing that game, but they did. Because the good teams are puffing their chests out way too much and the underdogs want their shot… so, it’s best we just buckle up and enjoy the wild ride.
 
Another year, another ridiculous tie.
Look, let’s just get it out there now. Tie games are stupid, and they need to go away. Because this is the modern NFL, where offense rules the day and where opportunity is abundant. So, to see two franchises lock up in a tie, is infuriating. Especially when the league continues to have opportunities to change the overtime rules to ensure a victory for someone and when one considers how easy quarterbacks have it. So hopefully, the embarrassing nature of the tie the Lions and Steelers now have on their record, motivates the league to finally change OT so that someone wins the game, so the fans don’t feel as though they outright wasted their time in watching an inconclusive matchup.  

Hello again football fans, and welcome to this week’s edition of the NFL Roundup, one that is going to be filled with outright anticipation and speculation. Largely because, there are a lot of questions surrounding the elite teams in the NFL right now, since so many of them have allowed for ugly losses that shouldn’t have happened, to happen, and that really does have us wondering if they are imposters of sorts. The kind that might buckle under pressure and cost themselves a shot at the playoffs. So, with that mind, let’s dive in and look at some of those potential trap games and discuss all the juicy storylines and questions that Week 10 in the NFL is going to send our way.
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Can the Broncos go 6-4?
Truly there has been no team more puzzling than the Denver Broncos this year. Because at times, this team has been downright dominant in all three phases of the game, making it appear as though Vic Fangio has finally figured it out and should stay as the team’s head coach. While at other times… they stink, plain and simple, and well… while their big win over Dallas should engender hope in the city of Denver, it only leaves the fans wondering, as to whether or not the Broncos will be able to beat the Eagles at home at and go 6-4 and honestly, that’s hard to say. Because of this team’s woeful inconsistency. So really, everything hinges upon which Broncos squad shows up this weekend, and if the good one swings by, it’s good news for all in Broncos Country and if not… then more frustration will hang over the Mile High City.
 
Will the Cowboys be stunned by the Falcons this week?
Make no mistake about it, the Dallas Cowboys straight up got slapped in the face by the Denver Broncos last week, a team that many consider to be inferior at best, and they are once again facing a sub-par squad in Atlanta, one that they should beat. But will they? And well, the answer to that question hinges on one particular thing. In that, the Cowboys can’t get cocky and take Atlanta for granted. Because that’s what they did against Denver, and it cost them dearly. So, if they go out and play smash mouth football, they should come out of this okay, but if they fall to another bleh team… then questions about their standing and talent will arise once again.
 
How will Green Bay respond on the field to its latest quarterback controversy?
Sunday’s Green Bay/Seattle game on paper, looks like a lock for the Packers. After all, they boast a strong offense and solid defense, and the Seahawks are in disarray defensively. But there are no guarantees that the Packers can win this game, because of the question marks surrounding Aaron Rodgers. For if he doesn’t clear Covid protocols on Saturday, he’s out another week and we know how that will go with Love under center, but even if he starts… will this team be able to win? Because let’s be honest, things are going to be awkward on the field when #12 returns since he’s made a fool of himself and considering how things went in Week 1 for the Packers when they dealt with more drama from Rodgers… there’s a fair chance the Packers will lose on Sunday… all because their star quarterback is a legend in his own mind.

​This game is of note, simply because it features two teams that find themselves in unexpected positions. For the Browns expected to have a better record at this point and be in command of the AFC North. But injuries and receiver drama has kept them fighting for their playoffs lives and they’re taking on a team… that is happy to be in its current position. Because few thought the Patriots would be in playoff contention this early in the middle of their post-Brady rebuild. But Mac Jones has given them a fighting chance to compete and make the postseason. Which means this will be an intense game, one filled with big plays and a potentially tense finish, and you can never go wrong with that. 

​Normally a game that boasts such disparate records, wouldn’t be worth discussing. But the fact of the matter is, the Jets might have a QB phenom on their hands by way of Mike White and the Bills… are suddenly struggling to beat bad teams. Which means that if the Jets can follow the containment procedures for Josh Allen that the Jaguars did last week and lock down and disrupt the passing routes for Buffalo… all while putting up some serious points on the board… they’ve got a shot at winning this game. Which means at this point, it’s all up to Buffalo to not take this hungry team for granted and to bring their A game and toughness to the field. And if they can’t do that, expect the Jets to stun the league by way of an epic upset.

​This is a game that is on our radar for one reason and one reason alone. In that, it features a pair of teams in crisis. For the Kansas City Chiefs are a shell of their former Super Bowl Dynasty selves and are desperately searching for a way to get back on track so they can keep their domination of the AFC West rolling and the Raiders are looking to rise above a year full of scandals. The kind that has completely transformed the sidelines and the roster for this team. Which means that this is a matchup that should be filled with outright intensity as they both try to get their respective seasons back on track, and as to who will win… is anyone’s guess. Because both squads really are struggle bussing right now, but if I had to guess… Kansas City does have the edge here. Because when their offense is clicking, it’s dangerous and I’m of the opinion that they’ll rally together and lead the Chiefs to victory.

Hello again, football fans and welcome back to another edition of the NFL Roundup, one that is basically going to spotlight, the Bizarro NFL World we are currently residing within. Because normally this time of year, we have a solid idea of who is heading to the playoffs and which teams are elite. But after two weeks of upsets galore and bad play from ‘great’ teams… who knows which way is up. But either way, the upside-down world of the NFL still provided us with some compelling stories, so let’s dive right in and recap those stories and all the lessons that Week 9 in the NFL sent our way.
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There might be some life left in the Denver Broncos after all.
Normally trading away a franchise player at the trade deadline leads to all kinds of disaster. Because not only is there a void where they played, but it sends a strong message to the team that the season is over, and more people will be moving on, and that message brings down morale and brings forth poor play. But the Denver Broncos saw the trade of Von Miller, as a wakeup call. One that informed them that new GM George Paton expects the best and expects his players to contribute and for proof… then look at Sunday’s result. Because they utterly answered the call and obliterated the Dallas Cowboys in their house and well, clearly there is still fight in Denver and they do want to win and hopefully they can keep the message close to heart and play like this more often so that Broncos Country, can enjoy a little joy for a change.
 
It is official, Sam Darnold is a bust.
Whenever a player at any position is struggling badly to succeed, sometimes the right thing to do is release them or trade them. Because such a move sometimes provides them with a necessary wake up call to get their head in the game and play, plus a change in scenery might be what they need, since they weren’t the right fit for their original team. But sometimes, going this route also helps to inform everyone in the league, as to whether or not this player can in fact… handle life in the NFL and well, it is safe to say that Sam Darnold is not long for this league. Because after getting his fresh start and after starting the season off hot, Sam has regressed and is struggling badly, and it really seems as though the game is too much for him. So, it’s unfortunate, but obvious, that Darnold is a bust and now it is only a matter of time before the Panthers move on from him and he is relegated to backup duty for the rest of his career.
 
The Tennessee Titans are not to be underestimated.
More often than not, when a team loses its centerpiece star for any length of time, things go south real quick. Because that star is a transformative player, the kind that can dictate the fate of a game and that’s precisely why this writer, believed that the Titans were going to lose on Sunday Night. Because Derrick Henry is that kind of player and not having him in the lineup should have led to disaster. But the offense rallied around Ryan Tannehill and the defense played inspired ball and for their efforts, the Titans upset the Rams in their own house, in prime time and well… clearly it is unwise to underestimate the Titans going forward. Because they are a team that understands the importance of next man up and stepping up and it will be quite interesting to see how this team continues to push ahead without #22 in the lineup.
 
Where do the Packers go from here at quarterback?
Things are not good in Green Bay. Because despite the wonderful 7-2 record they boast, there is some serious trouble in their locker room. For Aaron Rodgers exposed himself to be a selfish teammate that is putting his own fame and legacy and (incorrect) beliefs ahead of the players that share the field with him and to make matters worse, his understudy is terrible. Which really does beg the question… where do the Packers go from here at quarterback and honestly, I dunno. Because there is indeed friction between them and their star QB. The kind that extends beyond this one incident, as evidenced by his reworked contract and they really have no backup plan QB wise in the event he bounces. So, for now, all we can do is sit back and watch this ugly rollercoaster ride play out and hope the front officer in Green Bay figures out a fix and fast.
 
Kudos to Josh Allen for beating Josh Allen in Josh Allen v. Josh Allen.
Okay, so, it’s best we end today’s recap on a high note and spotlight the awesomeness that happened in the very weird Bills/Jaguars game. Because how cool is it that Linebacker Josh Allen, of the Jaguars, managed to sack, intercept, and recover a fumble from Josh Allen… of the Bills? It’s just one of those weird, hardcore football moments of fate that might never happen in league history ever again. So, it’s definitely worth nothing and celebrating, as is the Jacksonville win over Buffalo. Because that was another upset that shouldn’t have happened. But it did and it really is the icing on the cake of this rare and wonderful feat.

Hello again, football fans and welcome to another edition of the NFL Roundup and wow, do we have a lot to talk about today. Because the trade deadline and some other surprises prior to today, have left some of the league’s teams reeling. To the point where the winds of fortune might change for teams that were riding momentum’s wave and well, with that in mind… let’s not waste any more time and get right down to discussing all the big storylines hanging over Week 9 in the NFL and spotlight the best games to watch this weekend. 
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Will the Packers be able to win without Aaron Rodgers this weekend?
It is definitely safe to say that the Green Bay Packers have been on cloud nine. After all, they rebounded from their devastating week one loss in a dynamic manner, by winning every single game thereafter. In fact, they’ve been so dynamic and so red hot that they even toppled the best team in the NFL in the Cardinals. But alas, a single poor choice might change their fortunes this weekend. For Aaron Rodgers is out with Covid-19 and that means the oft shaky Jordan Love will likely get the nod and well, I don’t think the Packers will beat the Chiefs. Because Love just isn’t ready for prime-time and Kansas City is going to use that to their advantage.  
 
What will the Dolphins look like on offense after their trade deadline drama?
Whether you love Tua Tagovaiola or not, we can all agree on one thing, the Dolphins did him dirty. Because it doesn’t matter how many times Head Coach Brian Flores has said Tua is his guy, the fact that the front office was working on a trade with Houston for Deshaun Watson, lets Tua and the team know… they don’t believe in #1 anymore and that… can impact how this team’s offense will perform on the field. Because a vote of no confidence in a QB, immediately makes him a lame duck. The kind that no one listens to, and it will be quite incredible to see how the offense operates on Sunday, now that the team has made it clear they’re moving on from Tua in the offseason. 
 
The NFL needs to provide its players with the best mental health care programs out there.
At this point, you’re already aware of what happened with Henry Ruggs and the decision that Calvin Ridley came to and well, that moment and that decision, underscore the fact… that the time has come for the NFL to offer its players the best mental health care programs available. Because clearly, the league has players in need, and I can guarantee there are other players struggling with substance abuse and their mental well-being as these men currently are. So, it is time for the league to shed all the bravado surrounding mental toughness and just do whatever it takes to ensure that their players feel good both mentally and physically.

So, this particular game is of note, simply because… it’s the last chance for Vic Fangio and his coaching staff to show the football world that they’re worthy of their positions. Because 4-4 is not where the Broncos are supposed to be, not after all the moves GM George Paton has made, and his decision to jettison the team’s best defensive player in history, speaks volumes to the fact that he is ready to start the rebuild of this team, and if Vic can’t get this team to play in a competitive manner against the Cowboys… then the clock will starting ticking for Fangio and honestly, I think this really is going to be the beginning of the end for him. Because his Broncos haven’t been able to beat quality teams under Vic’s tutelage, and they often look unprepared, and they won’t beat Dallas. So, this game should solidify the fact… that George Paton needs a different guy on the sidelines and the search for a new coach will either quietly or loudly begin, after Fangio loses this game.

​This game is of note, because it features a pair of teams that are genuinely at a crossroads. For both squads are at .500 and their season could go in any direction at this point and this game will help give us a great idea of which team is going to enjoy a solid future, and which one is in long-term trouble… based upon their play and their drive, and how they handle the adversity that will come their way as the game plays out. Plus, this is a matchup that features a pair of quarterbacks that have everything to prove to the league, so this really does have the makings of a solid game. One that could be a defensive struggle or fireworks show if the QBs get hot.

​Let’s be honest, it is the Los Angeles Rams that have made this matchup one of note. Because they went wild this week and traded for one of the best linebackers to ever play the game in another all-in effort to get back to the Super Bowl and well… we are all dying to see how Von Miller is going to fit in with the Rams and what he has left in the tank and my guess is that the Miller will indeed snag a couple of sacks since the Rams rush system is designed for guys like him. Oh, and I’m also expecting a Los Angeles win as well. Because the Titans are missing Derrick Henry and that’s a huge deal. Because he’s the centerpiece to the Tennessee offense and without him, I don’t see how this offense is going to put up that many points, and that is something that is a must for any team that is playing the Rams.

Hello again, football fans and welcome to a supremely juicy edition of the NFL Roundup. Because this past week in the NFL was filled to the brim with stunning surprises. For the trade deadline brought about quite the shocker for one franchise player and on the field, we saw a titan fall and saw a bevy of backup quarterbacks make life hell for the league’s elite and what’s amazing, is that is but a handful of the storylines that Week 8 in the NFL sent our way. So, with that in mind, let’s dive into the week that was and ponder upon what turned out to be a transformative week of NFL football.
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The Von Miller trade is both heartbreaking and logical.
Make no mistake about it, seeing Von Miller leave Denver without another ring and in such an unceremonious manner, really is heartbreaking. Since you always want to see a legend finish their career with the team that drafted them. But alas, that modern NFL isn’t about that at all and now Miller’s twilight years will happen elsewhere. But at the same time… this move makes total sense. Because Miller isn’t going to win another ring in Denver anytime soon, and this move gives him a chance to do just that, and it gives the Broncos the opportunity to re-load their roster. Because they badly need an infusion of talent, at every position, and Miller’s exit helps to stack the 2022 draft for the Broncos. But while that might not ease the pain for some fans…. what’s done and done, and the business side always prevails, and all Denver fans can do now, is move on and look toward tomorrow.
 
It is time for the Dolphins to bench Tua Tagovailoa.
One thing that we can all agree upon, is that admitting we made a major mistake is hard. Because we likely poured our heart and soul into a particular decision or move, and seeing it blow up in our face just plain stinks. To the point where we will forge ahead as though we didn’t make a mistake at all. But the right thing to do, is to admit we screwed up and apologize and move forward in the best way imaginable and that’s what the Dolphins need to do regarding their ‘star’ QB. Because Tua, is a bust, and the team made a horrible mistake in drafting him and there’s no amount of coach speak that will change anyone’s mind. The league sees his issues, the fans see it too and undoubtedly so do Miami’s coaches. So, the best way for the Dolphins to apologize to their loyal fans for drafting a sub-par QB, is to bench #1, start Brissett and aggressively go after a great quarterback in the offseason.
 
The Arizona Cardinals finally endured a loss.
Truly, it seemed as though the Arizona Cardinals were invincible this year. Because no matter how hard an opponent fought back or how much they scored, Arizona was always ready to answer and that allowed for them to win seven straight games. But alas, the Green Bay Packers did their homework and figured out how to neutralize Kyler Murray’s game and Aaron Rodgers took advantage of the team’s tendency to play deep cover often and in doing so… handed the Cards their first loss of the season and well, that’s probably a good thing. Since now the team knows what their weaknesses are, and can adjust accordingly (hopefully), and… they will undoubtedly use this moment as fuel to put together another win streak, so they can quickly forget what Sunday felt like.
 
It turns out the Cincinnati Bengals may not be as good as advertised.
For a short while now, I’ve heaped some praise on the Bengals and with good reason. Because they’ve won some important games and they’ve hung with some great teams on their way to first place in the AFC North. But alas, we need to talk about the Bengals in a negative light today, because they simply embarrassed themselves on Sunday. I mean, come on, they lost… to the New York Jets. A team that can’t get out of its way and stinks in every aspect of the game. And to make matters worse, it was a shootout. So, I think it is safe to say that the Bengals might not be as good as we initially thought. Since they clearly will underestimate an opponent that they consider to be beneath them and that is definitely the mark of a team that doesn’t know how to handle success.
 
The Minnesota Vikings are in need of a roster shake up.
The Vikings are a team that quite frankly, have some genuine talent on their roster. They’ve got some ballers in the secondary, the D-line is strong and there are some stars on this team at wide receiver. Which in turn begs an important question, why the heck are they 3-4? And honestly… it’s because Head Coach Mike Zimmer, keeps putting his faith in the sub-par players that are underperforming at key positions. With the most obvious of those being Kirk Cousins at QB because he simply cannot lead this team into the endzone or to victory. Which means Zimmer honestly, needs to shake this roster up and bench some if not all of those underperformers. To send a message to the rest of the team that they need to bring their A-game every week. Because they’re on the cusp of missing the playoffs again and could be looking at a coaching change, and well… if ‘Zim wants to keep his job and motivate this squad, now is the time to park some poor players and shake things up.