The NFL Roundup 2018: Week 9

Written by John Edward Betancourt

I find the back half of the NFL season to be quite a re-energizing time of year. Because at this point in time, teams have a pretty solid understanding of where they’re headed and the focus upon the playoffs gives us some incredible games to the say least. But this is also a season of renewal, since some players are on new teams and some squads have new coaches in place, giving those franchises and players an all-important second chance. Which means it is high time we examine those moves alongside the games that have piqued our interest, as we preview Week 9 in the NFL.
 
Will the Broncos offense improve by giving Courtland Sutton more playing time?
While it would seem that Broncos Country is split when it comes to the move to trade Demariyus Thomas to the Houston Texans, it’s inherently clear that General Manager John Elway made such a move in order to light a fire under his anemic offense and this decision also serves as a powerful message that more changes are coming if they don’t improve and well, the big question of the hour is, will they get that message? And honestly, I don’t know. This offense simply doesn’t click when it comes to the passing game right now, and while I am excited to see what Courtland Sutton can really do with more playing time, if Case Keenun continues to struggle with his accuracy, nothing special will come out of this trade. So really, it’s up to Keenum to figure out how to get the ball to the rookie and if he can and some big plays come out of it, awesome, then the changes were worth it. But if Keenum continues to struggle, well then, the team traded away a talented receiver and mentor, to maintain the status quo of mediocrity.
 
Will Gregg Williams provide the spark the Cleveland Browns need?
Any way you slice it, the Browns are and have been a team devoid of leadership and once again, they find themselves in flux when it comes to the head coach and while that stinks, interim coach Gregg Williams does have the tools to turn this mess around. After all, they are loaded to the brim with some serious talent and if he can work to create a game plan that caters to his stars’ strengths, then we might be in for one incredible turnaround. In fact, I’m hoping that Coach Williams just turns this team loose since they really have nothing to lose at this point with their season slipping away, and that kind of mentality may be just what this team needs. But really, we won’t know what difference he will make with this team until game time and if this squad plays fearlessly when they take the field, we’ll know he’s reached them, but if the mistakes persist then it’s inherently obvious that Coach Williams will just be keeping the seat warm for the next guy.
 
Is Amari Cooper just what the Dallas offense needs?
It’s a well-known fact, that the Dallas offense is incredibly anemic right now and everyone seems to believe that the issue at hand is that Dak Prescott doesn’t have anybody worth throwing to. Well, that all changed with a blockbuster trade two weeks ago and now Amari Cooper is on this roster and ready to make a difference but honestly, I’m not sure he’s the answer. The problem that I’ve seen with the Cowboys on offense is the play calling and the coaching quite frankly because Dak has regressed and is making some silly throws. So, don’t be shocked if Cooper doesn’t catch a lot of balls on Monday Night Football, because I truly think the real answer to this team’s problems would be a coaching change on offense, but who knows? I could be wrong and Cooper and Dak will light it up in prime time, but something tells me, that simply won’t be the case. 

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers
Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, NC
1:00 p.m. EST – FOX 

​This game has my attention due to one reason and one reason alone, the quarterback quandary that Tampa Bay is currently dealing with right now. Because Jameis Winston has been just awful since his return from suspension and Ryan Fitzpatrick has shown flashes of brilliance at times, but remains inconsistent and well, I’m quite curious to see if Fitzmagic will play the entire game, or if Head Coach Dirk Koetter will turn to his number one overall pick if the beard struggles under center. Either way, the QB situation really is a mess for the Bucs, and they need someone to step up and lead this team and well, if Fitzy comes out and makes some big plays, then Tampa Bay is in business, but don’t be shocked if another change is made for this team at halftime, or if Carolina wins this one big by feasting upon quarterbacking mistakes…

Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
4:25 p.m. EST – FOX 

At this point, the Rams have quite the target on their back, since they’re undefeated, and while they always find a way to win, teams have come close to ending the streak and this game fascinates me, simply due to the fact that the Rams are going up against what might be their toughest opponent to date. Because the Saints are red hot right now, and Drew Brees is able to dissect whatever a defense throws at him and well, there is a strong chance New Orleans can put an end to the Rams win streak if the Saints defense steps up and surprises Jared Goff. But never count L.A. out since they are fearless when facing diversity and honestly, I haven’t clue who will this game since they are both outstanding. So, if anything, it’s the fans that win here since they are going to be treated to one incredible matchup, one that may in fact, be a preview of the NFC Championship Game. 

Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots
Gillette Stadium – Foxboro, MA
Sunday Night Football – 8:20 p.m. EST – NBC 

​Make no mistake about it, the Packers are staring down the end of their season and they cannot be happy about that, and all of the chatter surrounding the belief that they’re throwing in the towel on 2018 by trading away players right at the deadline. Which means, they need to come out in this game and play with one heck of a chip on their shoulder because what better way to prove you’re not done fighting than by taking on the New England Patriots and beating them in their own house? But while it sounds like an incredible David and Goliath story is brewing here, the Packers have to play as one if they want to win and if that defense begins to falter as it has all season long, then the season really is at its end for the Packers and I hate to say it, but I think the Patriots will help make that happen since they are on quite the hot streak right now.