The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 13 – What We Learned

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Normally after Week 13 in the NFL wraps up, football fans are focused upon how the weekend's slate of games impacted the playoff picture and who inched closer to or outright clinched that all-important playoff berth or division title. But this year, I think it is safe to say that we are all just happy with the fact that the week played out like normal, since there were zero issues related to Covid. Because that allowed for some great games to take place and for some playoff shuffling to happen as well and with that in mind, it’s best we dive right in and reflect upon one quality week of football and all the lessons it sent our way.

There is a chance the New York Jets will go 0-16.
One thing that we can definitely agree upon at this point, is that the New York Jets are the worst team in the NFL right now. Because they literally handed the Raiders that win by way of the worst defensive play call possible in the closing minutes of that game. And while Gregg Williams is gone from the Meadowlands for that stupid call, this team still runs the risk of going 0-16 in 2020 and truth be told, I fully expect for that to happen. Because this team is lost and unable to finish games or drives or anything for that matter. So, don’t be shocked if this squad fumbles their way to a winless season, all because executive leadership made the piss poor decision to stand by a worthless and terrible head coach.
 
Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs and the New Orleans Saints for making the playoffs.
The road to the Super Bowl is long and winding for certain. But to even get a chance at seeing Title Town, something quite important has to happen for teams that are vying for a shot at the Lombardi Trophy, in that, they have to get into the playoffs. Which is an item that both the Saints and the Chiefs can check off of their respective postseason lists. Because thanks to a pair of dynamic and solid wins over their respective opponents this week, they each clinched a playoff berth in the 2020 tournament. So, I definitely tip my cap to both of these teams, because they outright earned their respective spots in the postseason and it should be interesting to see what both of them do in the playoffs since KC is looking to defend their title and build a dynasty and the Saints are looking to get their franchise hero back to the biggest game in all the land, one more time.
 
The New York Giants are a pleasant surprise this year.
It wasn’t all that long ago that the New York Giants were all but forgotten by football fans. After all, their marquee tailback was shelved with a knee injury and Daniel Jones really didn’t seem to be doing anything that special under center. But slowly and surely, this team has started to come together as a singular unit, the kind that is a well-oiled machine regardless of who is in the lineup and that’s made them quite the pleasant surprise in 2020. Because they are able to hang with any team and for proof… then look no further than Sunday’s game. For they easily handled the Seahawks on their way to the top of the NFC East, and truly, it should be fascinating to see what this energized team does in the weeks to come, since they are playing as though they have nothing to lose. 
 
The Cleveland Browns offense is scary good right now.
I have to admit, I never expected to write the above text in regard to the Cleveland Browns, but here we are. Because those words are the absolute truth right now and if you don’t believe me, just look at Cleveland's performance on Sunday. Because Baker Mayfield completely and utterly dismantled the Titans defense, something that seemed impossible since they’ve been able to stand tall when necessary. But the highlight reel and the numbers speak for themselves and it just goes to show that when you surround a young quarterback with weapons and trust and the right coaches, wonders can be achieved. But while it is wonderful to celebrate the big day that the Browns offense enjoyed, there are still some dark clouds hanging over this squad, and they all relate to the defense. Because they are woefully inconsistent and if they cannot come together and stop their opponents, then all of this offensive majesty will be wasted in the playoffs, when a potent offense rips the Cleveland D to shreds.
 
Pittsburgh’s win streak finally came to an end on Monday.
If there is one universal truth in football, it would have to be that on any given Sunday or in this case… Monday, you’re either going to win or you’re going to lose, and this is a fact that the Steelers reinforced the other day. Because the Washington Football Team came into this matchup prepared to handle anything Pittsburgh sent their way, and for their efforts, they finally handed Pittsburgh their first loss of the season in a stunning manner. But while Washington gets bragging rights for the time being and an important win in the NFC East, they also might have done the Steelers quite the favor. Because nothing focuses a quality team better than humility, and that means there is a fair chance that the Steelers will come out swinging in their next game, as they work to get back to their winning ways.

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