You know, the longer this season continues along, the more it becomes truly obvious, that a changing of the guard is underway. Because elite teams that ruled the football landscape a year ago, are suddenly looking at missing the playoffs, and are being embarrassed by teams that they once beat handily. Which is shocking to say the least, since struggling franchises usually take a few years to properly jell and contend. But their fine performances this weekend, speak volumes to how drastic changes can in fact, change a team’s fortunes and that means, it is high time to dive into one wild weekend of football. In order to properly reflect upon this dynamic shift in the league and what it means for some of the teams that are suffering or benefitting from it. 
​
The Pittsburgh Steelers are scary good this year.
Truly, one of the biggest tests for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season, was Sunday’s game. For the Titans are no slouch of a team, and they’ve proven to the league that they are a franchise to contend with, thanks to their playoff run last year. But the Steelers are simply on fire this year and they passed their test with flying colors, by handing Tennessee its first loss of 2020. But how they pulled off this particular feat is what makes this team of note. Because they were simply unstoppable on offense, and while their D faltered at times, they made the big plays when needed. Which makes this team quite the contender in the AFC, one that might give the top-tier squads in the conference a run for their money. And it should be interesting to see how far the Steelers are going to go this year, because they are scary good and ready to challenge all comers.
 
The New England Patriots are in desperate need of a quality quarterback.
Early on this season, it seemed as though the Pats were going to be just fine without Tom Brady. After all, Cam Newton is an NFC Champion and former MVP, and his healthy legs would allow for OC Josh McDaniels to modernize the Patriots offense and for a brief time, this all worked. But a funny thing happened after Week 2. In that, teams started to attack and neutralize New England’s run heavy, RPO hybrid offense and dared Cam to be a pocket passer and well, that’s been quite the disaster to say the least. Because clearly, Newton isn’t the QB he used to be since he’s throwing INT’s left and right anymore, and the guys behind him aren’t that great either as evidenced by the Chiefs game and well… this team needs a QB and quick. Because they are sinking behind the guys they currently have and if New England cannot acquire a decent one before the trade deadline, or figure out how to get these guys to settle down and ball, it’s going to be a lost season for this team.
 
Stick a fork in the Dallas Cowboys, they’re done.
Well that’s it, ladies and gents, the Cowboys definitely tried to make a go of 2020 and failed miserably in the process. So, stick a fork in them, because their season is done. For when you lose two solid quarterbacks to injury and drop an important divisional game to the lowly Washington Football Team, that’s it. Season’s over. And for those thinking that maybe they’ll be fine when Dalton recovers from his concussion, they won’t. Because their defense is abysmal and couldn’t stop a paper bag from flying into the end zone. So hopefully the Cowboys use the rest of the season to evaluate some of the younger guys on this team and fire their entire coaching staff no later than season’s end. Because what they’ve fielded is an outright embarrassment and starting over is the way to go.
 
The Bengals clearly made the right call in drafting Joe Burrow.
These days going #1 overall as a quarterback in the NFL, is a genuine gambit. Because the college game and the pro game are so incredibly different anymore. But once in a while, teams are able to draft a pro ready guy at that spot and get some instant results from them and for proof, then look no further than the Cincinnati Bengals. Because Joe Burrow showed the entire football world on Sunday that he is the real deal, since he did some incredible things on the field. And while the team didn’t win against Cleveland, at least now they know that they have a quality quarterback under center. And it will be quite the treat to watch this kid grow into a franchise QB in the weeks and years to come and if they get him a defense and some solid receivers to work with, then the AFC North will become a supremely competitive division. 
 
The Arizona Cardinals are the real deal this year.
For quite some time now, the Arizona Cardinals have been the laughingstock of the NFL for various and consistent reasons that are too long to list here. But what matters more, is that no one is laughing at them anymore, not after that inspired performance on Sunday Night. Because this team hung with the Seahawks every single step of the way and exploited their greatest weakness in the process and for their efforts; they’re still in the hunt and they’ve earned the respect of fans and football minds everywhere. Because this is a huge turnaround to say the least and if this team can keep the momentum going and take advantage of opponents that underestimate them, they’re going to have a great season. One that will likely end in a thrilling playoff run.

Well, for the first time in a long time, football suddenly feels normal again. Because as of press time today, the entire schedule is a go and teams are starting to heal and add stars back to the rosters and that adds a real sense of routine. But that is a feeling that is quite deceiving. Because once game time gets underway, the surprises and incredible effort that we’ve been seeing take place all season long, will return and allow for stunning moments to happen. The kind that will undoubtedly shake up a division or a team’s fortunes and that means that the time has come to examine Week 7 in the NFL in great detail, in order to get an idea of which games are going to blow us away and which one are going to provide us with some compelling storylines.

The Arizona Cardinals have an opportunity to prove they are the real deal this weekend.
Perhaps one of the best surprises of the 2020 campaign, is the Arizona Cardinals. Because last year this team looked lost, and outside of a blockbuster trade this offseason, the other moves the team made before the season, didn’t exactly engender hope or belief that they would go far this year. But this team is playing well, and surprising their opponents left and right and well, they have an opportunity to prove to the football world that they are in fact on the right path, and an outright contender, by beating the Seattle Seahawks this weekend. Which is something that is actually feasible, believe it or not. Because the Seattle defense lets everything through, so if Kyler Murray and the offense can put up some serious points, and the Arizona D can step it up and slow down Seattle, they’ve got a shot at winning this thing.
 
Is this the week the Dallas Cowboys finally turn their season around?
At this point, every football fan out there knows the Cowboys are in turmoil, so we don’t really need to spend a lot of time breaking down their misfortunes once again. Instead, it’s best we get right down to business and ponder upon whether or not this team can reverse its fortunes against the Washington Football Team and well, I’m not so sure they can. Because the only way they get a win here is if the coaching staff has made some serious changes to their one-dimensional schemes on offense and defense and I honestly don’t think they have, since Mike McCarthy keeps hammering home that they need to stay on their disastrous course. So, truly, don’t be shocked if the Cowboys go down in flames in this game, because they don’t seem inclined to admit the fact that what they’re doing this year, isn’t working and until they do, they're going to continue to lose games.
 
Can the Broncos play the spoiler again?
Truly one of the most surprising games of Week 6 was the Broncos/Patriots game. Simply because Denver really did pull off quite the upset by shutting down Cam Newton and the Patriots O, while scoring just enough to lock up the win and well, that kind of victory is huge for a team that's lost a ton of games, and it leaves one to wonder if Denver can pull off that kind of upset again when they host Kansas City and honestly… it is possible. Because KC has shown some weaknesses on offense, as evidenced by their games against Las Vegas and Buffalo and if Denver can exploit those weaknesses and find a way to disrupt the passing game in the process, then they have a shot at this one. But truth be told, KC is a tough team to beat and with Denver being so beat up on both sides of the ball, they’re probably going enjoy a moral victory in this one and nothing more.

​Truly there is no finer treat in the NFL than a game that offers an immovable object and an unstoppable force and that’s what we are getting in this one. Because both of these teams have accomplished wonders on the field and they simply do not quit when faced with adversity and that’s going to lead to one wild matchup. One that could treat us to a bevy of options. Because this game could become a shootout if Big Ben or Mister Tannehill get loose under center, or a ground battle if Connor and Henry get into full on juggernaut mode. Or this one could just simply turn out to be a defensive chess match, one where a single mistake will decide this game. As to which kind of game we are going to get, or who is going to win… who knows and who cares? Because all that matters it that we are going to be treated to some quality football, the kind that will keep us on the edge of our seats for sixty minutes.

This is a matchup that is worth keeping an eye upon, simply because the Las Vegas Raiders are eager to embarrass anyone that steps into their house, and that includes legends, and it just so happens that a big one named Tom Brady, is heading their way. Which means that this particular game is going to be an intense one. One that should see plenty of back and forth between both teams as they jockey for the win and well, the keys to this game are simple. In that, the Raiders need to go to the old school playbook if they want to beat #12 and offer up long and sustained scoring drives on offense, and intense man coverage on defense. And if they can do that, they get a huge win at home. But if they go with zone and try and score in flashy fashion, the Bucs will make them pay. But since neither of these teams are outright elite, it’s hard to declare a winner. So, it really is best that we just sit back and enjoy the ride, one that will likely come down to execution and the old adage of who wants it more.

​The old saying, ‘defense wins championships’ exists for one reason and one reason alone, because it is absolutely true. For time and time again, great defenses have taken teams either deep into the playoffs or toward a Super Bowl victory and defense is definitely what is top of mind when it comes to this particular game. Because both of these teams boast solid ones, in fact, their respective stats are almost identical. Which means that this game is likely going to be a defensive struggle, the kind where Jared Goff and Nick Foles are going to have to exercise extreme patience so they can take full advantage of whatever opportunity comes their way. Which means that mistakes will prove to be quite costly in this one and if I had to choose a winner, it would have to be the Bears. In part, because Chicago is doing their best to make quite a statement in 2020 and is laser focused on winning, but also because their defense comes up with some huge stops when the game is on the line.

It’s funny, but it seems as though the wild year that is 2020, is actually bringing out the best in sports teams. Because we keep seeing teams from every league out there, seize the moment and offer up incredible play, as if they understand now is the perfect moment to do something special with everyone watching, and that includes the NFL. Because we saw some inspired performances take place over the last few days, the kind that left us in awe and left us talking long after the clock struck zero. Which means that the time has come to reflect upon those epic moments and all the important lessons that they, and every other game from Week 6 in the NFL, sent our way.

A coaching change is exactly what the Atlanta Falcons needed.
It's always tough when a head coach has be relived of their duties, since so much time and effort went into their scheme and development and plans for the future. But the instant their message no longer resonates with the locker room, a change has to come about and that's exactly why Dan Quinn was let go in Atlanta. Because the team was no longer responding to him or his teachings and for proof, then just look at Sunday's game. Because interim coach Rahim Moore ignited something special in regard to this team. Because they played some inspired football on Sunday, the kind that showed everyone that the talent they have on this roster is solid and productive and hopefully this resurgence on the team and Morris' dynamic new message will allow for this squad to finish the season on a far more hopeful note, and who knows? If Morris completely turns this season around, then his message and direction, might become the standard for the Falcons.

The New England Patriots need to be concerned about their offense.
While Cam Newton claims that there is ‘no need to hit the panic button’ (Per ‘The Greg Hill Show’ on WEEI) after losing to the Denver Broncos, there actually needs to be some serious cause for concern out in Foxboro. Because the Broncos Defense exposed the flaws in the New England offense. Because their heavy blitz packages contained the run game and Newton’s ability to scramble, which forced Newton to throw and that was uh… that was bad. Because Cam was off target all day and that’s what this team really needs to be worried about; the fact that the Pats offense is one-dimensional at best and is designed around a heavy dose of RPO over anything else. Which means that if the Pats can’t get Cam to be a dual threat, more teams are going to do what Denver did and it should be interesting to see if Josh McDaniels can morph Cam Newton into a dynamic pocket passer, this late in his career.
 
The road to the Super Bowl in the AFC, might have to go through Pittsburgh and Nashville.
For the most part, the Kansas City Chiefs have been viewed as the team to beat in the AFC and understandably so. Because they’re the champs, they invested internally in the offseason and they’re having a great start to the year. But one cannot discount what Pittsburgh and Tennessee are accomplishing right now. For both of those teams are playing some incredible football, to the point where they seem outright invincible, and when considers how well they are playing and the fight they exhibit when they take the field, there is a strong chance that home field advantage and a spot in the Super Bowl might go to one of these two teams. Granted, it is still early in the season, but this kind of quality play cannot be ignored, and no one should be surprised if these two teams remain undefeated for a better part of the season, as they continue to work toward locking up their respective divisions and the conference.
 
Is it time to think about a coaching change in Dallas, already?
One would think, that having a former franchise quarterback as your backup is a good thing. Because they have the experience and the ability to carry your team when your franchise quarterback goes down, as evidenced by what happened in Philly when Nick Foles took over for Carson Wentz. And a strong showing from Andy Dalton is what should have happened during his first start under center for the Dallas Cowboys, since he’s done it all. But instead… his first outing was a disaster. The kind that made him look like a rookie and well, that speaks more to the coaching than the player. Which leaves one to wonder, if Jerry Jones made the wrong hire in Mike McCarthy and whether or not he needs to make a change now, and that isn’t a bad thought at this point. Because the Cowboys just look lost on the field and there is no reason that this should be happening with the talent present on this team. Which means that maybe it is time to just let McCarthy go, so that the franchise can get a head start on finding the right person to coach his team.
 
Where do the New York Jets go from here?
At this point I think it is outright safe to say, that the New York Jets are a disaster this season. After all, they can’t get a quarterback to stay healthy or play well, the offensive play calling stinks, the defensive play calling stinks. Coaches are starting to revolt since DC Gregg Williams is throwing shade at his boss and their 0-6 record is an accurate reflection of this long list of issues. So, with that in mind, where the heck does this team go from here? Because this is about as low as it gets and well, at this point, firing Adam Gase would be a great way to improve this team immediately, since he is ineffective as a leader. Plus, now is the perfect time to purge the roster a la Miami to prepare for the future, and the team should start playing some of the young guys over veterans that aren’t producing. Because at this point, the season is done and the future is all that matters and making some hard choices and trying new things at least lets the fans know, that this once storied franchise still cares about winning and will do whatever it takes to reverse their sour fortunes.

Normally Week 6 in the NFL is a time of reflection. Since fans everywhere begin to ponder upon their team’s chances for the rest of the season, or what they might attempt to do in the offseason if things have already gone south. But this year, none of that is happening. Instead fans everywhere are bracing for the next round of surprises from the 2020 campaign and I’m not just talking about COVID related issues. Because this season is downright upside down in every way imaginable and it is quite likely that we can expect more of the same this weekend. Which means that it is time to dive right into this weekend’s slate of games and preview some of the surprises that might drop into our laps come tomorrow and Monday.
​
Will the Denver Broncos net their second straight win this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, the Denver Broncos have struggled mightily over the first five weeks of the season and understandably so. Because they’ve been devastated by injuries and this team really hasn’t jelled on the field just yet. But there are signs of life from this particular team and now that they’ve had a little rest and little time to heal their roster, one has to wonder… if the Broncos can snag a big win against the Patriots this weekend and it is possible. Provided a few things fall in place. First and foremost, this defense has to play their best ball of the season and stop Cam Newton from running all over the field. Because when he is neutralized, the Pats are a one-dimensional team that cannot move the ball. Plus, the offense has to click and put up some points and with Drew Lock under center that can happen, as long as this patchwork O-line doesn’t let him get hurt again. Which is sadly, a large to-do list for Denver, and I definitely put their odds at 50-50 when it comes to winning this game. But hey, anything can and will happen in 2020, so don’t be shocked if they pull off the upset.
 
Will the Atlanta Falcons finally win their first game of the year on Sunday?
Coaching changes really can alter the course and direction of a team in turmoil and for proof, then look no further than Houston’s big win last week, since the Texans were a different team with Romeo Crennel at the helm. Which means that fans in Atlanta are hoping the coaching change their team made will have a similar impact and honestly, it might. Because Minnesota is a pretty mediocre team this year, one that is utterly beatable and that means that Atlanta finally has a chance to net their first victory of the year. So, if Matt Ryan and the offense can get into a rhythm on Sunday, and the Falcons defense can hammer and rattle Kirk Cousins, they’ll win this game no problem.
 
Can the Dallas Cowboys win without Dak Prescott?
Losing your franchise quarterback can be devastating to a team and for proof, just look at all the top tier teams this year that are struggling without their star play caller under center. But the Dallas Cowboys are in a unique situation when it comes to their QB conundrum, simply because the man stepping into the spotlight this weekend, was once ‘the guy’. Which means that there is a good chance that the Cowboys can win without #4 under center. For Andy Dalton has done it all and seen it all in this league and if Mike McCarthy and his offensive staff, cater the playbook to what Dalton does best, then 3-3 isn’t out of reach for the Cowboys. Especially when one considers that Dalton has the kind of weapons he never had in Cincinnati. So, keep an eye on this game, simply because the Cowboys might surprise everyone.

​Normally when the Browns and Steelers take the field, there’s little to get excited about. Because Pittsburgh will usually win handily, and Cleveland will embarrass themselves in some form or fashion. But this year, things are quite different. Because the Browns are suddenly playing incredible football on both offense and defense and they are disciplined and hungry to win and that might make this game an instant classic. Because both teams are eager to prove to the football world they can compete at a high level and that always makes for good football, and as an added bonus, there is a chance this one could turn into an outright shootout. Which means it would be silly to declare a winner since both teams are playing at such a high level, so it really is best we just sit back and enjoy this wild ride and tip our cap to the victor. Because they will have worked hard to earn the dub in this one.

As is often the case in the NFL, there’s been a lot of talk about Tom Brady’s move to Tampa Bay and whether or not he’s still got the ‘It Factor’ after all these years in the league. But while that has made for some interesting stories and some surprises on the field, since a 3-2 Brady team is a weird thing to see, all this talk has in fact pulled attention away from an NFC juggernaut; the Green Bay Packers. Because they are simply an offensive powerhouse right now and their defense is sound and terrifying at times and that likely means they are going to make life hell for Brady and Bucs the instant they take the field. Because the Pack are eager to go 5-0 and quiet any doubt surrounding them and honestly, I think they’re going to win big in this one. Because no team has been able to stop them and Aaron Rodgers is on his own revenge tour at the moment, so expect all the talk about Brady to quiet down on Sunday as the spotlight turns to the other #12 in the league.

Not that long ago, it seemed as though this game was going to be a true clash of the titans, one that was likely going to feature two 5-0 teams. But the Raiders and the Titans changed the dynamic of this particular matchup by handing both of these teams’ early season losses and oddly enough, that is a surprise that will benefit every fan that tunes into this game. Simply because, KC and Buffalo are likely fuming over the fact that they lost, and they’re ready to avenge that first L of the season by way of an epic win. Which means both sides are bringing their A game to the field and that is going to lead to a great game. One that should feature some big-time plays and epic drives. But while it is nice to know that we are in for quite the treat; in the end I expect Kansas City to win this game. Because they know how to handle adversity and loss and talent wise, they are the better team.  

At this point it is outright safe to say that fans should expect the unexpected when it comes to the 2020 NFL Season. Because every single week, there are new surprises dropping into our laps and Week 5 was no exception to that rule. After all, there was a Tuesday Night game for the first time in years and there were more surprise coaching changes and incredible upsets and everything in between and who knows what Week 6 will have in store for us. Before we get to that wild ride, it is best we take a moment to discuss all the incredible storylines that played out during this past weekend of football and all the lessons that these wild and stunning games sent our way. 

The Seattle Seahawks are in desperate need of a defense.
Make no mistake about it, the Seahawks have been an absolute joy to watch this season. Because every game they’ve been involved in this year has been an outright thriller, with lead changes galore and incredible heroics from Russell Wilson. But while they boast a stellar 5-0 record and are a blast to watch, there is cause for concern when it comes to this team. Simply because, their defense is downright terrible. For they have allowed no less than 23 points a game, and that’s kept some lesser teams in the hunt for a win and eventually, that’s going to come back to haunt them. Because someone is going to figure out how to slow down Wilson and that offense and when they do, they will torch that defense on their way to a huge victory. So hopefully, Pete Carroll and the coaching staff get to work on fixing this problem now, before it becomes a liability in a super important game.
 
The Cleveland Browns are having one incredible start to the season.
So, it wasn’t that long ago that this writer had a lot of sassy things to say about the Cleveland Browns. In fact, I straight up inferred that their 2020 campaign would be an irrelevant joke. But a funny thing happened after the Browns lost badly to the Ravens in their season opener. In that, they turned it around and have played some incredible football and well, I definitely have no problem with eating crow and tipping my cap when respect is due, and this team definitely deserves that respect right now. Because they’re 4-1, they’ve beaten some quality teams and they are playing some lights out football. So, I outright apologize to the Browns for doubting them and their abilities this year and I hope they continue to rack up the wins in a fun and dynamic manner. Because the fans of this team deserve some joy and it will be interesting to see how far this team will go in 2020.
 
The Raiders pulled off one incredible upset on Sunday.
I think it is safe to say that everyone was expecting the Chiefs to stay undefeated a for a better part of this season. Because Kansas City kept finding ways to win when the odds were against them, or they’d outright dominate their opponent. Plus, their normally porous defense was keeping offenses out of the end zone and that really is a recipe for an epic win streak. But alas, their first loss came early this year, at the hands of the Oakland Raiders no less and well, Jon Gruden and his team deserve some serious credit for how they pulled this off. Because they actually managed to slow down the KC offense and they found holes in the defense to exploit and well, that’s a huge deal. Because up until this week, the Champs seemed invincible. But now the Raiders have exposed some flaws that other teams will make use of and that will make the season quite interesting for Kansas City, as they continue to defend their title.
 
The Tennessee Titans are a contender this year.
One would think that being in the COVID bubble and spending weeks away from the practice field would leave the Tennessee Titans rusty and in a rough place. But yesterday’s ‘Tuesday Night Special’ matchup showed us otherwise. Because this team played some downright incredible football, the kind that handed the mighty Buffalo Bills their first big loss of the season and really, this big of a win, and how it went down; makes the Titans a contender for sure this year. Because they came out and straight up dominated a good team, and that’s huge, and it just goes to show that they have the right players on defense and that they have the right QB under center and when you mix the right players with some top notch play calling, you get this kind of result and it is obvious now that this hearty team is going to go quite far when the playoffs get underway in January.
 
Welcome back to the NFL, Alex Smith.
You outright hate to see a player leave this league because of injury. Because that is just a cold and brutal way to bid one’s career farewell. Which is why we celebrate when a player is able to recover and take the field again, because it means they conquered insurmountable odds in order to live their dream and that’s why we need to take a moment and tip our cap to quarterback Alex Smith. Because the gruesome injury he suffered a while back, made it seem as though his football days were over. But after multiple surgeries and a ridiculous number of hours in rehab, Alex Smith finally took the field again on Sunday. And while he didn’t notch a win, the fact that he made it back under center is incredible and downright inspiring. Since it reminds to never give up. But more importantly, this epic comeback means that Mister Smith is going to able to end his NFL career, on his terms.

Normally, the second quarter of the season is a comfortable time for football fans. After all, we’re seeing quality play at this point in time since every team is relaxed and, in a rhythm, and we begin to turn our attention toward the playoff push that is about to drop into our laps. But this season, all we can feel is a touch of uncertainty and unease. Because the schedule is in chaos with the mess that’s happening in Tennessee and of course, everyone is worried as to whether or not the season might be in jeopardy. But despite the dark clouds hanging over the 2020 campaign, there are still games to be played and juicy storylines surrounding some of them and the time has come to highlight the most fascinating matchups that await us in Week 5 and all the storylines they are going to send our way.
​ 
Will the Texans finally get their first win of the season this weekend?
We could talk a little more about Bill O’Brien’s firing since it is becoming clear now that he caused more harm than good during his time as Head Coach of the Houston Texans. But in reality, there’s really no point in revisiting those moments. Because he’s gone, and his tenure is part of the past and the time has come to look toward tomorrow and ponder upon whether or not the Texans can finally win a game and in all honesty, I think that moment has finally arrived. Because Interim Coach Romeo Crennel has a deep background in defense, and that means he will likely let offensive coordinator Tim Kelly do his thing, which should allow for the O to finally work to its strengths and put some points up on the board. Something this team has desperately needed to do. Plus, they’re going up against an awful Jacksonville squad and all of those elements should finally allow for Houston to notch that all-important, and badly needed first win.
 
Will Kyle Allen finally lead the Washington Football Team to victory?
It is never easy to bench a high round draft pick that the franchise put their hopes and dreams upon. In fact, some teams will ride them to the bitter end, rather than admit the player in question needs more time to learn or is the outright wrong fit. But thankfully Ron Rivera doesn’t subscribe to that nonsense, since he was quick to bench Quarterback Dwayne Haskins over poor performance. But that does leave everyone wondering if his replacement can handle the job since Carolina was quick to run him out of town and honestly, there’s a chance that Kyle Allen will shine. For Ron made the call to elevate him to starter status when Cam Newton was dealing with injuries and if Ron caters to his strengths over scheme, he should help Washington win some games down the line, but not on Sunday. Because the Rams boast far more talent and will likely win this upcoming game. But on the bright side, at least this will get Mister Allen back in the game and comfortable under center again. 
 
Will the San Francisco 49ers be able to rebound this week?
Few teams have had it rougher injury wise than the San Francisco 49ers. Because they’ve seen big time starter after big time starter slip to either injured reserve or inactive status. But the plus side for this team is that they have a lot of depth behind their A-team and that’s allowed for the Niners to show signs of life, but good effort hasn’t been enough to give them a winning record. Which begs the question, can this team rebound this week and finally get a positive number in the win column? And I think the answer to that question is yes, if they try something, they haven’t done yet this year. Which is quite frankly, to relax. Because at times it seems like this team is so desperate to win that they overthink or force the play. When in fact, they just need to play their game. So, if the Niners take it slow and go one play at a time this weekend against the Dolphins, they’ll be 3-2 no problem and if not, well then hopefully some of their starters can come back quickly before the season goes south.

​You can go never go wrong with a quarterbacking duel in the NFL and that’s precisely what we are getting here. Since this game features two veteran QBs that have faced off in a Super Bowl before. But what truly makes this matchup so fascinating and so worth our while, is the sheer fact that both of these championship quarterbacks are hoping to prove to the league that they are still viable QBs. Because Nick Foles has been cast off since his Super Bowl win and is hoping to revitalize his career in Chicago and has had some up and down moments since taking over for Mitch Trubisky. And of course, Tom Brady is trying to prove all the critics wrong in regard to his age and whether or not he can still play. Which means this is going to be a delightful game for certain. Since both QBs are going to leave it all on the field, and the winner of this one will come down to defense when all is said and done. And it should be interesting to see which D steps up to shut down a championship quarterback.

​Matchups in the AFC West have always proven to be an entertaining time. Simply because the teams in this division cannot stand one another and pull out all of the stops to ensure a win when they play, and that’s precisely why this game is on our radar this week. Because the Chiefs love the idea of going 5-0 and what better way to make that happen, than by beating the tar out of the Las Vegas Raiders? Which means they’ll bring their A game and work to smack their opponent around and thankfully, the Raiders won’t make it easy for them. Because you know darn well that Head Coach Jon Gruden is talking up his team right now and informing of them of what kind of bragging rights, they’ll earn for beating the Super Bowl Champions. Which means they too will bring it when this game gets underway. But while this will indeed be an entertaining matchup, in the end I fully expect the Chiefs to win. Because they’re a damn good football team, and they are playing lights out right now.

This particular matchup has my attention, simply because it features two teams that few thought would be 3-1 at this point in time. Because the Cleveland Browns embarrassed themselves in their season opener, making it seem as though their 2020 campaign was going to be another disaster. And of course, everyone thought the Colts were going to be in a mediocre place with Philip Rivers at the helm, but here we are. With both of these teams sitting at a prime place in their respective divisions and entertaining the hell out of their fans with some quality play. Which means that this game is going to be quite the incredible ride. One filled to the brim with big time plays and tons of touchdowns and well, it would be silly to declare a winner at this point. Because you simply don’t know what to expect from these teams, so it is best we just kick back and enjoy the ride and tip our caps to the victor.

If there is one thing that football fans everywhere can agree upon today, it would have to be that Week 4 in the NFL, was wild and unpredictable. For this week’s slate of games featured some stunning upsets, the kind that made one franchise decide upon a coaching change. Plus, there was the postponement and shuffling of games because of the Covid-19 pandemic and well, these are the kind of twists and turns that leave you talking for days on end over how much they stunned you. So, with that in mind, let’s not waste any more time and get right down to discussing one mind-boggling weekend of football and everything that it took the time to teach us.

The NFL needs to get its Covid situation under control.  
Make no mistake about it. The NFL has done a poor job in keeping Covid away from team facilities. Simply because the league has left too much to chance this season. Because unlike the NBA and the NHL, these players get to go home at night and enjoy some sense of a normal routine and that’s not the way to handle this. Because people are going to be people and gather and relax and well, the league simply has to do more to keep Covid out of the locker rooms. Not because it will jeopardize the season, but because they need to keep their players safe. Plain and simple. And that means the NFL and the NFLPA need to figure out a plan that keeps these guys from getting anywhere near situations that get them infected, and hopefully they do it quick before a major outbreak surges through a team facility.
 
The Jets need to fire Adam Gase.
There is a prevailing belief in the NFL that coaches and players, deserve multiple chances in this league and there is merit to that line of thinking. Because time and time again, we’ve seen players thrive in a new system or a new city, and we’ve seen coaches that stink in one town; win a championship in another. But sometimes, it’s obvious from the get-go that someone isn’t suited for their respective role and they shouldn’t deserve any more chances and Adam Gase is someone who meets that particular criteria. Because this is a guy that’s only had one winning season as a head coach and his teams have been plagued with sloppy play week in and week out and that is why it is amazing that the Jets are still hanging onto this guy. Because the team isn’t improving under his watch, and well, that means it is time to cut ties and send Gase packing, because he isn’t cut out to be a head coach in this league. 
 
The Houston Texans made the right call in firing Bill O’Brien.
Ironically, while the Jets opted to retain Gase for at least another week after his embarrassing loss to the Broncos, the Houston Texans decided they saw enough of what Head Coach Bill O’Brien had to offer them, since they promptly fired him Monday afternoon and well, this was the right call through and through. Because he was clearly getting too comfortable and big for his britches. After all, he was quick to assume the title of General Manager when the opportunity arose and truly, his time in that particular chair is what likely cost him his job. Because he traded away tons of talent, including his best offensive weapon in DeAndre Hopkins. But thankfully, ownership recognized that Bill was obsessed with building the perfect roster instead of coaching this team and now that he’s out of the way, hopefully this team will hire a skilled GM and a quality head coach so they can reload the roster and get back to their winning ways.
 
Where do the Dallas Cowboys go from here?
Truly, no team had higher expectations surrounding them in 2020 than the Dallas Cowboys. Because the prevailing belief surrounding this team was that a new head coach and better play calling on both sides of the ball, would finally make the Cowboys an elite team, and well… it hasn’t. Instead this team has outright regressed on defense under Mike Nolan and Mike McCarthy’s collective watch and that’s led a disastrous start to the season. One that has ruined the 2020 season for this team and its fans. Because there’s zero chance of them reaching the playoffs and just going 8-8 seems like a stretch at this point, so what then, does Dallas do from here, in order to salvage the season and keep the fans from turning on the team? Well the answer to that question is simple, dump Mike Nolan as the defensive coordinator. Because tossing Nolan now and starting the search for a quality coordinator (perhaps a Wade Philips reunion?) would show the fans that Jerry is serious about winning again and won’t tolerate anything but the best from this team.
 
It is time for Miami to make a quarterbacking change.
Look, we all get it. Ryan Fitzpatrick is a fun guy to watch on the field, and he’s a good human being and he’s definitely a steady hand under center and those are elements that a great many teams want out of a quarterback. But the Miami Dolphins are 1-3. His stats are pretty pedestrian, and the fact of the matter is, this season is slipping away, and this team is in dire need of an offensive spark. Which means that the time has come to bench ol’ Fitzy and let the rookie take his lumps. Because what’s the point in keeping a mediocre veteran under center when you’ve got the potential savior of the franchise warming up the bench? So, at this point… let the kid play. Let him learn and let him lead. Because truly, Miami has nothing to lose in doing so and who knows? Maybe Tua will be as good as advertised and salvage the season for the Dolphins.

Normally when we get to Week 4 in the NFL, we talk a lot about routine. Because at this point that how’s things should be feeling around the league. For every team is settling into a rhythm, the players are doing what’s comfortable and what works and of course… we’re enjoying football every Thursday, Sunday and Monday. But routine simply doesn’t apply to 2020 in the slightest. Because this year’s slate of games keep finding ways to surprise us and keep us talking with all of the dynamic change surrounding them and Week 4 is no exception to that rule, since there are all kinds of changes to be found in both the lineups and schedule this week. So, without further ado, it is time we dive into all of those things as we preview the wild week of NFL football that now awaits us.

The Pittsburgh/Tennessee postponement is the right call by the league.
The league’s decision to push the Steelers/Titans game to a later date, due to positive COVID tests is likely one that caught everyone by surprise. Simply because it really seemed as though the league had this mess under control and also because… it rather hammers home the fact that we aren’t quite out of the woods just yet when it comes to the pandemic, and that reminder is never fun. But all shock surrounding this aside, it is absolutely the right call. Because it is all about safety first, and if this is what keeps this illness from spreading like wildfire through any team facility, so be it. At least we know we can enjoy the game later on and at this point, all we can do is wish those afflicted, a speedy recovery as they battle this ugly illness.
 
Will the Atlanta Falcons finally win their first game of the season this weekend?
You know, we are going to spend a lot of time today, talking about 'last stands' for several teams around the league. Because this will likely be the last week for those teams to make a splash and turn their season around before they fade into obscurity in 2020 and one such team that meets that particular criteria, is the Atlanta Falcons. Because they had high hopes surrounding them in 2020 and few of us thought they’d be 0-3 at this point and well, the big question hanging over their game is whether or not they can win their first matchup of the season, on the road, at Green Bay and honestly… I don’t think they can. Because they’re terrible and can’t close out a drive or a game to save their lives and with the Packers playing lights out football right now, I expect nothing short of a brutal game on Monday night, one that will painfully put an end to Atlanta's season.
 
Is this the week the Cowboys finally put it all together?
Speaking of another team in need of a big win, let’s talk about the Dallas Cowboys for a moment. Because they too had high expectations coming into 2020 and have seen some rough games come their way. But this is a team that should be able to handle the Cleveland Browns no problem come Sunday, because uh… it’s Cleveland. And while the Browns are indeed 2-1, they really haven’t faced an offense as strong as this one. So, expect Dallas to get a tune-up win here because they are better than their record reflects. And if by chance they actually lose this game to the Browns, well then obviously their troubles go far deeper than a tough, early schedule. 

It may seem odd to highlight a prime-time game featuring two winless teams, but since this is the ‘Last Stand’ edition of the NFL Roundup, this game is worth discussing. Simply because everything is on the line for these particular squads. Because a loss here, will bring about all kinds of ire and instability for these two franchises. The Jets for instance, might opt to make a coaching change sooner rather than later, simply because Adam Gase was supposed to revolutionize this offense, not tank it. And if Denver loses here, well then, the franchise will need to take a serious look at its structure from the top down. Because John Elway will have designed a roster that has no depth or talent behind wounded starters. If anything, it will be interesting to see which team digs deep and comes out on top in this one and if I had to pick a winner it would be Denver. Since there is a fair chance the quarterbacking change they made earlier this week, might finally spark an anemic offense and uh, the Jets D isn’t exactly elite.

Well, here we are again, examining teams with high expectations and poor results and this is another one that has everything on the line for two key people from each team. Because if the Vikings lose this game because they didn't put enough points on the board, then everyone in Minneapoils will be firing off a chant to see Kirk Cousins benched and deservedly so. For he was paid a lot of money to transform this offense, and thus far his time under center has been lackluster at best. As for the Texans, well a loss here will put some serious pressure on Head Coach Bill O’Brien. Because he’s both the coach and general manager of this squad, and his wild moves in the offseason, trade wise, have left the offense he runs in tatters. And while DeShaun Watson has done some impressive things this year, he’s struggling without a #1 receiver and if they lose here, well then discussions will have to begin about going out and getting a new GM that can reload the offense with weapons, and a new head coach that knows how to use them.

​While it is fascinating to analyze teams that have a lot riding on a game, we would be foolish to not look at a matchup that offers a boatload of fun as well and this one meets that criteria. Because you cannot go wrong with two RPO quarterbacks and two ‘bend but don’t break’ defenses duking it out. Which means this particular matchup has the potential to be quite the unique shootout. Because Cam Newton is getting it done with his legs and Mahomes simply cannot be stopped, so don’t be shocked if this particular contest ends with a super high score. But truth be told, if last week’s Monday night game is any indicator, there’s a fair chance that the Patriots are walking into a slaughter. Because the Kansas City defense shut down Lamar Jackson no problem and Mahomes exploited every weakness in the Baltimore defense, and I see no reason as to why history cannot repeat itself here, because the World Champions are playing inspired football right now.

Well football fans, just like that another week of football is in the books and boy is the season just flying by. Because it seems like it was only yesterday that we were celebrating football’s return. But now we are closing in on the quarter season mark and something that is helping this sport cook right along, is the progress that teams are making on the field. Because Week 3 in the NFL simply felt like traditional football through and through. Since we saw teams making clean and wonderful plays, and to top it off, the good teams are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack, giving all of us an early idea of who might be competing for a playoff spot as we inch toward the middle of the season. But while it was nice to feel a sense of normalcy, one cannot forget that this week also offered up all kinds of fascinating storylines and lessons about our favorite teams and with that in mind, let’s reflect upon this weekend’s slate of games and everything it taught us.
​
Thursday Night Football continues to be an issue for the NFL.
Look, we all love prime-time football and understandably so. Because watching two NFL teams take the field under those bright evening lights, while we watch the game from the comfort of our recliners after a long day of work, is just a special experience. But unfortunately, that particular wonder isn’t always present when we settle in to watch TNF, simply because the Thursday night game continues to be plagued with problems. Because once again, we were treated to a bad game with bad officiating and at this point, the league has to do something to offer up a better product. Simply because no one wants to see lopsided matchups and refs that eject players for the wrong reasons. Which means the league has to schedule better for these games and provide us with better officiating crews so that the end result isn’t so laughable and predictable. But alas, who knows when that is going to happen, because these are issues that continue to be discussed by fans and sports writers alike, year in and year out.
 
The Buffalo Bills are a legitimate contender this year.
For a long, long, long, LONG time in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills have been the laughingstock of the AFC East. Because their revolving door at quarterback, combined with lackluster defensive play, allowed for this team to get blown out on a regular basis for seasons on end. But the past few years, wherein this team has taken the time to find a franchise quarterback and a decent defense and some offensive weapons has made them into something special this year; a contender. And for proof, then look no further than this week’s game. Because the Rams are no slouch, heck, they’ve been to a Super Bowl under Head Coach Sean McVay. But the Bills held their own against them at home, and found a way to wiggle out a win, and that’s huge. Because the best teams out there are the ones that make that happen, and they’ve played inspired ball through all three weeks of the regular season. So, don’t be surprised if this team walks away with the East and goes deep in the playoffs, because they are something special this year.
 
The Bears finally made a good decision at quarterback.
Let’s not mince any words here, Chicago’s decision to draft Mitchell Trubisky a few years back, was a bad one. Everyone knew it, except for the Bears apparently, and this team has paid the price for years because of it. But thankfully, after four years of agonizing hope that #10 would somehow transform into a great quarterback, Head Coach Matt Nagy finally pulled the plug on the Trubisky experiment and benched the young man on Sunday and thank goodness that he did. Because despite Atlanta’s missteps, this team was inspired with Nick Foles at the helm and the proof is in his stats. But what matters more, is that Foles was announced as the starter for the upcoming Chiefs game and well, that’s definitely the right call. Because #10 just isn’t the guy for this team and hopefully Chicago sticks with Foles for the rest of the season, so that Trubisky can learn from a seasoned and championship veteran; before Mitch moves onto his next quarterbacking gig.
 
The San Francisco 49ers are going to be just fine, after all.
The ‘Next Man Up’ is an age-old concept in the NFL, one that only works when a team takes the time to add depth to their roster and the Niners are a team that have once again reinforced this fact. Because the injury bug has managed to rob them of some top-tier starters, to the point where they should start losing games. But since they draft well and sign the right free agents, they were able to enjoy quite the solid win on Sunday afternoon. Because QB Nick Mullens didn’t miss a beat under center and threw for 343 yards and a touchdown, all while completing 69% of his passes and the defense did their part as well, since they held the Giants to a meager 9 points and 231 total yards of offense. Which means that San Francisco will be just fine without their starters in the coming weeks, and hopefully other teams in the league (looking at you, Denver) take notice of this magnificent formula for emergency success and make it their own.
 
The Philadelphia Eagles are a mess right now.
Every year there is that one team in the league that has all the right pieces on their roster, yet they still find a way to falter and it would seem that in 2020; that team is going to be the Philadelphia Eagles. Because they have a sound defense, and a solid offense as well, yet their record this year is 0-2-1 and their star QB looks like a third teamer that’s been pressed into service and that’s just wild. Since this team should be accomplishing wonders on the field right now instead of tying with teams like the Cincinnati Bengals and it’s clear this squad needs to take a moment to reflect upon well… everything. Because what they’re doing right now, just isn’t working and it’s either shake things up early on in the season and make it clear that being a hot mess on the field is unacceptable or let this kind of ugly persist and watch the season slip away. And it should be quite interesting to see how this team responds to their current situation, since that will tell us what they are made of and what they want to accomplish.     

It’s Thursday my fellow football fans and you know what that means… it’s time for fresh football! Yes, that is perhaps the finest aspect of the modern football era, in that we only have to wait a couple of days between scheduled weeks in order to get our football fix and what’s even better, is that Week 3 is chock full of juicy storylines to discuss and epic showdowns for us to enjoy. This means that it is time to dive right in and examine all of those things, before Thursday Night Football gets underway, later tonight.
​
Do the Denver Broncos have a shot at beating Tampa Bay this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, the Denver Broncos are frontrunners to be crowned; the most heartbreaking team of 2020. Because this is a team that had the potential to go far this year, but that outlook is changing thanks to their terrible offensive tackles and mounting injuries. Which begs one simple question, in that, is it at all possible for them to beat Tampa Bay this Sunday with their roster in tatters? And the answer to that question is yes. Provided a few things come into play. First and foremost, the team needs to bench Elijah Wilkinson and start Demar Dotson at RT. That would help the offense find a rhythm. Outside of that, however, they need to generate a pass rush and blanket the Bucs’ receiving corps since Brady struggles with that, and if they can pull all of that off, they’ll snag the upset win. But if they don't, then Denver's sorrowful year is only going to bring about more anguish for the good citizens of Broncos Country. 

Will the Atlanta Falcons rebound from their ugly loss in Dallas?
While losing is a part of life in the NFL, it’s the decidedly ugly losses that tend to cause serious trouble for teams. Because when a team collapses on the national stage and has to hear about it on television and social media all week long, that gets into everyone’s head and it engenders more problems for that team going forward. This leaves one to wonder if the Atlanta Falcons will be able to recover from their implosion last week and well, it is possible. Provided of course the defense gets into Mitch Trubisky’s head and forces him to make some mistakes, while the offense plays some patient and methodical football. But the fact of the matter is, the Bears are red-hot and eager to prove their worth, and that means that Atlanta is likely in for one ugly day, one that will keep fans wondering as to whether or not this team is legit, or nothing more than a glorified practice squad.
 
Is this the week the Houston Texans finally pull out a win?
Speaking of teams that had high hopes surrounding them, the Houston Texans are another squad that everyone expected to do well in 2020. But thus far, they’ve been quite the disappointment on both offense and defense. Leaving one to ponder upon whether or not they stand a chance against Pittsburgh. Because in order to beat the Steelers, the Texans have to produce on offense, which they’ve struggled to do at times. Plus, they need to play some solid defense. Which is quite the tall order. For their D just isn’t up to snuff right now and they simply cannot stop their opponents. But on any given Sunday, anything can happen. But more than likely, this is going to be another ugly game for a team that seems lost right now and if they hit 0-3, then it is better luck in 2021 for the Houston Texans.

​You can never go wrong with a proverbial clash of the titans and that is precisely what we have in this particular game. Because both of these teams have been phenomenal in the first two weeks, with great play from their quarterbacks helping to secure those all-important victories, and it is those same quarterbacks that will keep this game interesting. For both of these squads feature a bend, don’t break defense. The kind that allows for a talented QB to put some points on the scoreboard. Which means this one might be a high scoring affair, one that will come down to the age-old adage of 'who wants it more?' and 'who will stand tall', defensively, of course. But really who wins in watching this one are the fans. Because it’s always a true delight to see two high-octane teams take the field and any way you slice it, this one… is going to be outright fun.

​While this game should offer a good back and forth between two, fun to watch teams, let’s be honest… this is another litmus test for Cam Newton and the New England Patriots. Because the Seattle Seahawks exposed some flaws in Josh McDaniels’ new RPO offense on Sunday night, and those flaws are something that Jon Gruden has passed along to his defense and that’s bad news for the Pats. Because the Raiders do a fine job of stopping an opposing offense when necessary and that’s allowed for them to secure some big victories with minimal fuss, and you know these guys are itching for a shot at bringing down a top-tier team and a QB surrounded by hype. So, don’t be shocked if the Raiders win this one and handily, because they are on a mission; to prove to the league that they’re for real. And they are not going to let a flashy offense stop them from sending that message.

​If there is one game above all else that you simply should not miss this weekend, this is the one. Because this is a matchup that could surprise us in multiple ways. For instance, this one could become quite the shootout, since Patrick Mahomes is able to will his offense to the end zone and extend plays with his legs while Lamar Jackson is able to evade any defender that comes his way as he scrambles toward the marker. But at the same time, this could become quite the defensive struggle since the Chiefs are allowing less points this year, while the Ravens are playing lights out defense. Which means that declaring a victor for this game would be silly at this juncture, since this one could go either way. But the one thing we can be sure of, is that this will be a thrilling prime-time game and you can never go wrong with that.