The NFL Roundup 2019: Week 14 – What We Learned

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

Normally this time of year, football can get a little routine. Because the bad teams keep disappointing, the mediocre stay just that and the elite pummel on both of them as the playoffs begin to take shape. But this past weekend of football demonstrated to all of us, that this is going to be a year of football unlike any other. For upsets were everywhere to be found this past weekend, and teams that everyone forgot about, thinking that their season was over; continued to impress with big time wins. If anything, these matchups taught us to expect the unexpected in the NFL and that an impossible win can become possible when a team is willing to put in the work and execute. But that’s not the only thing we learned about the NFL over the past few days, so let’s dive right in and discuss everything else Week 14 in the NFL, took the time to teach us.
 
The Dallas Cowboys really are in a sticky situation, when it comes to their head coach.
You know, normally coaching situations like the one the Cowboys are facing are pretty clean cut and dry. Because when a coach has lost his team and can’t get the job done on the field, you fire him. But Dallas is oddly still in the playoff hunt, thanks to subpar play from the entire NFC East and well… how do you justify firing a coach that might win a division title? So, while I too have called for Garrett’s head, I suddenly understand the tough place that Jerry Jones is in right now. Because it is damned if you do, or damned if you don’t in Dallas, and if there isn’t anyone better to lead this team right now, the decision to hang on to Garrett, and ride this thing to the end, makes actual sense.
 
The Baltimore Ravens are getting another shot at the title.
Make no mistake about it, the 2018 season ended in heartbreak for the Baltimore Ravens when they lost to Los Angeles at home in the first round of the playoffs. But what a difference a year makes. Because this team put in the work and it shows and for their incredible efforts, they get another shot at the tournament since their win over Buffalo locks them up a playoff spot and that’s a huge deal. Because as plenty of teams have proven time and time again, just a chance to play in the tournament opens up every opportunity imaginable to a team. But while it’s wonderful to celebrate their spot in the postseason, I think we all know this team isn’t quite satisfied with a mere berth. They want it all and I expect them to keep fighting hard to lock up the North, a bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs and there is solid chance they will pull that off thanks to the incredible talent they have on this team and how well they’re executing on the field. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that their biggest competition in the AFC is stumbling right now and speaking of the other guys, I think it is safe to say that…
 
The New England Patriots are team that is in decline.
Look, I get it, legends cement a reputation when they pull of miracles time and time again, and that’s why everyone is seemingly pulling for Tom Brady right now, because that’s just what he does. But his play on the field and the play of his teammates continue to prove that something is woefully wrong in Foxboro right now and it really is becoming evident that this storied team of destiny is starting to move in the wrong direction. For their vaunted defense is being exposed week in and week out, and their offense is stagnant, and Brady is struggling to make throws that he used to make with ease a year ago. So, defend the Patriots all you like, and continue to profess your faith in #12. But the cold, hard truth of the matter is that the New England Patriots are a team in decline and unless something incredible happens in the next couple of weeks, I expect them to continue to stumble and make an early exit from the playoffs as well.
 
The San Francisco 49ers continue to prove how tough of a team they are.
If there’s one universal truth when it comes to football, it would have to be that tough teams figure out a way to win, regardless of the odds and this is something that the Niners reinforced on Sunday. Because they found themselves embroiled in a good old-fashioned brawl with the Saints and they hung with them every step of the way and that’s important when all is said and done. Because sometimes teams fold when they get punched in the mouth or see a team respond. But not the Niners, they just kept plugging away in this game, and took advantage of every single opportunity that came their way, and that has put them back atop the NFC, and hopefully this game will serve as a fine lesson for the league. In that, every team that faces San Francisco needs to be prepared for one hell of a fight, one that will come down to the wire.
 
The Denver Broncos may have finally found their franchise quarterback.
Ever since Peyton Manning walked off into the sunset after an epic win in Super Bowl 50, it’s been a long and tough road at quarterback for the Denver Broncos. But the dark days under center in Broncos Country may have finally come to an end. For Drew Lock turned in an inspired and powerful performance in Houston on Sunday, the kind that definitely left everyone in awe. Because rookie quarterbacks shouldn’t look as good as he did against a playoff bound team, but Lock did indeed look like a seasoned veteran out there and his ability to read a defense, and do all the right things as a play develops is definitely giving everyone in the Mile High City hope. Because there’s seemingly something special about this kid and it seems as though he might be the guy that the Broncos have been looking for and if he continues to turn in these kind of performances in the next couple of weeks, expect him to be the starter for Denver in 2020, and for years to come.

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