The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 14 – What We Learned

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Well football fans, it is definitely safe to say that Week 14 in the NFL exceeded everyone’s expectations. Simply because it was filled to the brim with big games and epic wins and it doesn’t hurt that the prime-time games left us on the edge of our seats as well. If anything, it is definitely safe to say that this weekend’s slate of games were akin to perfection, and the good vibes these games sent our way only adds to the excitement for the playoffs. Because clearly, just about every team heading toward the tournament is ready to play their hearts out. But what truly made Week 14 so worth our while, was the juicy storylines and lessons that it sent our way. So, without further ado, let’s reflect upon those very things while we wait for another wild weekend of football to get underway.

What’s next for Carson Wentz?
Make no mistake about, Carson Wentz is likely done in Philadelphia. Because it is never a good thing for a former #2 overall draft pick to be outplayed by a second-round rookie. But that’s precisely what happened did on Sunday. Because Jalen Hurts commanded this team in a manner that Wentz never has and that is the kind of upstaging that gets you sent packing in the offseason. The only question that remains now, is where Carson is going to land when the offseason starts. Because he won’t be drummed out of the league just yet, since the NFL is quarterback starved, and there is someone who will believe that he isn’t a bust, and just needs a fresh start in a new town to jump start his career. As to where that is exactly, time will tell, but don’t be shocked to see him land with a big-name franchise. Because the Pats, Colts and Saints and a few others might be in need of a new starting QB once 2021 hits and they will definitely covet a guy with a ton of starting experience, regardless of his track record in Philly.
 
It is safe to say that the Pittsburgh Steelers are a little shell-shocked right now.
Losing does one of two things to a quality team. It either motivates them to immediately up their game so they don’t get stuck in a losing streak… or they get stuck in a losing streak and sadly the latter is happening to the Steelers at the moment. Because they are clearly shell-shocked at the moment and uncomfortable with their win streak being snapped and well, they need to clear their heads immediately and stop worrying about their record. Because they are a great football team, one that can dominate when they play loose and without worry. But alas, there are tinges of doubt in the minds of the players right now, and it will be up to Head Coach Mike Tomlin to focus this team and to get them back to fundamentals, so they can get back to their winning ways and hopefully he helps them get there soon. Because the Bills and the Chiefs are making great strides as the season comes to a close and if Pittsburgh wants a shot at a solid playoff seed, they need to quit moping about and play their game. 
 
The Buffalo Bills continue to impress.
It wasn’t all that long ago that the Buffalo Bills were considered to be a ‘soft’ team. One that didn’t know how to finish or stand up to a quality opponent. And clearly, those are criticisms that this team took to heart in 2020, because they have been fearless in their play all year and for their efforts, they’re now 10-3 and in command of the AFC East and what’s truly scary about this team, is that they are still playing as though people doubt their abilities, despite the fact that their victory over Pittsburgh silenced all of their critics. Which means we can expect more quality play from this team over the new few weeks as they continue to solidify their standing as one of the league’s elite teams and I fully expect this team to go far into the playoffs, just on fury alone.
 
Congratulations are in order for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Green Bay Packers.
Obviously, the endgame for every team in the NFL, is to be crowned as Super Bowl Champions. Because that truly is the greatest honor that a team can achieve. But it is also important to recognize some of the titles that get a team to that particular honor, one of which… is a Division Championship. Because owning one’s division is the easiest way to get into the playoffs and well… that’s precisely the honor that Kansas City and Green Bay were able to enjoy this weekend. For they are indeed the Division Champions of the AFC West and NFC North respectively and that’s just incredible. Because every win in the NFL is a tough one and being able to dominate a division in the manner they have, is a seemingly insurmountable task. But they pulled it off and I tip my cap to them for making it look so darn easy.
 
Last night’s Ravens/Browns game was likely a taste of things to come.
Something special is happening in the AFC North. In that, three of the four teams in this division now boast some dynamic young franchise quarterbacks. The kind that love to ball and take chances in doing so and that likely means that football fans are about to be in for some incredible divisional matchups in the years to come. Because Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield and Joe Burrow really can score at will, as evidenced by last night’s score, and they’re all eager and hungry to win and know division games mean a lot and well, that’s a wonderful thing when all is said and done. Because smash mouth/shootout football is a staple of the AFC North and it is wonderful to know that it is about to make a major comeback, all thanks to some gutsy draft picks at quarterback.

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