NFL Week 13 - What We Learned

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There's a certain level of anticipation that I have not experienced before this year when it comes to watching the NFL. Every single time I sit down to enjoy a game there's a level of anticipation I've never experienced simply because this season is giving us some of the most incredible games I've seen in years. Every single week, something amazing happens and I can't wait to see what it will be and this week was no exception. Some incredible games were on display and that of course brought forth some incredible stories and here are some of the top ones from the field from Week 13.

1. Was there any game more incredible this past week then Thursday Night with the Lions and the Packers? I think the safe answer is no because wow...this one turned out to be one hell of a show. You had Detroit going into the second half with a three touchdown lead and next thing you know, the Packers come alive and bring it within two before that stunning penalty and that amazing Hail Mary from Aaron Rodgers to win the game. This was simply one of those instant classics and it showed that the Packers had had enough of being pushed around and losing and with a little help, took advantage of a big opportunity. This is the kind of game that ignites a team in powerful ways, I expect more big things from the Pack after this. 

2. The Atlanta Falcons look like a team that has completely given up. A promising season that kicked off with a 5-0 start and a shot at the playoffs has turned into an absolute nightmare. Suddenly the Falcons are 6-6, tied for 2nd/3rd in the NFC South and their season continues to slide away from them after dropping another game to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I say that this team looks like they've quit...because you can see it on the field. There's no fight in them anymore. No unity between these men and Roddy White's complaining continues to demonstrate the rift between everyone. I'm not sure when this team fractured like this, but if they don't find a way to come together soon, we will be looking at one of the greatest season collapses in the history of the league. 

3. The Denver Broncos finally looked like a complete team this last Sunday and the San Diego game should draw concern for their upcoming opponents for several reasons. For starters, Brock Osweiler, who continues to Brock and roll under center, is more than just a game manager, he is responsible with the ball. He makes strong decisions in the pocket and doesn't turn over the ball in dangerous fashion. Second, the run game is white hot right now, wearing out opposing defenses and helping to set up the pass and most importantly, the defense has finally found a way to play their game without drawing costly penalties. All of these things led to a strong win over the Chargers and if they put together more complete games like this, the wins are going to keep piling up and make life hell on the remaining teams the Broncos face. 

4. Well it turns out that the New England Patriots are human after all. Yes, I know they lost to Denver last week, but even then they kept it competitive. But this week...they lost to the freaking Eagles! Philadelphia is one of the most predictable and one dimensional teams out there and they managed to put the Patriots away courtesy of some sloppy play and sloppy play calling. I would honestly venture to say this loss is far more humbling than the one to the Broncos because of the fact they came into this game simply expecting to win. It was a fine lesson to never underestimate your opponent and never expect the win. Should be interesting to see how the Pats respond to this loss. 

5. So how bad are things in Cleveland? They're so bad the team is going back to Johnny Manziel as the starting quarterback...again. That's right, Johnny Football is back after a dismal performance from Austin Davis this Sunday where the offense didn't score a single touchdown and well...this is just ridiculous. I get they need to see what they have in their first round pick, but let's be honest, this is just another weird misstep from a franchise that is completely and utterly lost and this move essentially nullifies Johnny's "punishment." He knows now that this franchise doesn't mean business about him acting like a professional, and that he can continue to do whatever he wants because they need him more than he needs them. It's a stupid move through and through and I feel bad for Cleveland fans for having suffer through all of this. 

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