The NFL Roundup 2018: Week 13 – What We Learned

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Wow. That’s the only word that comes to mind when I think of the past few days in the NFL because there were surprises abound both off the field and on the field this past weekend and well, there’s no point in teasing all the incredible storylines hovering over this past week’s slate of games. So, let’s just dive right in and discuss everything we learned from Week 13 in the NFL.
 
The Kansas City Chiefs made the right call in releasing Kareem Hunt.
There’s a lot that can be said when it comes to whole mess surrounding Kareem Hunt, especially when one considers the fact that the league and the Chiefs are just now ‘aware’ of the situation. But those particulars are unimportant to today’s discussion. Because what matters here is that Kansas City did the right thing by cutting Hunt shortly after the video of his actions were made public, because that does help to send a message to players in the league that regardless of your standing or your star power, you’re not above consequences for that kind of violence and kudos to them for just sending him on his way and I honestly hope Hunt gets the metal health care he so desperately needs.
 
The Dallas Cowboys pulled off one incredible upset this weekend.
I honestly thought Dallas was going to lose in their game against the Saints because for the most part this year, they’ve not been a good football team. But I am all about credit where credit is due, and I have to tip my cap to the Cowboys because my goodness, did they pull off an upset for the ages. They actually managed to confuse and rattle the normally relaxed and confident Drew Brees and they found holes to exploit in the normally powerhouse New Orleans defense and for their efforts, they’re now #1 in the NFC East and back in the playoff hunt and that’s quite the list of accomplishments when all is said and done.
 
The Los Angeles Rams are division champions once again.
Sometimes surging teams take the spotlight away from other teams that are doing incredible things and well, the magnificent campaigns that the Chiefs and Saints have put together this year have in fact overshadowed the Rams impressive record this year, since they’ve quietly played great football week in and week out. But despite their quiet departure from the spotlight, they were quickly vaulted back into it on Sunday when they secured their second straight NFC Division Championship, something that once again speaks to the quality play that this team puts together. But what matters more, is that the Rams are now officially in the playoffs, and I expect their play to continue to improve in the weeks to come as they work to secure the number one overall seed in the NFC.
 
The Denver Broncos continue to impress.
It wasn’t that long ago that myself and other writers and fans were calling for Vance Joseph’s removal as Head Coach of the Denver Broncos and well, I’ll be happy to eat a little crow and say that such talk on my part was premature and silly because everything is finally coming together in Denver and I firmly believe that all of this new found success is a direct result of quality coaching, and that means Vance needs to stay to finish what he started. Because suddenly, the Broncos have a genuine shot at the playoffs this year and if Coach Joseph and his staff can maintain the wonderful things we’ve seen on the field from this team, expect them to stay in the hunt and to continue to impress football fans everywhere with their quality level of play.
 
The Mike McCarthy era in Green Bay has mercifully come to an end.
The general reaction that I’ve seen out of Green Bay when it comes to the decision to fire Mike McCarthy has been a mixed one. Some didn’t like the timing of the move, some felt a Super Bowl winning coach deserved more time. But I’m with the rest of the football world that felt this was the right time to make this move happen. Because a loss to the Cardinals says point blank this team isn’t responding to his message anymore, and this move gives both sides a head start on their own respective quests for 2019 and while some may never like this call, it really is for the best. Green Bay has some serious talent on their roster and they need a coach who can bring out the best in their players and McCarthy, was no longer getting that done.

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