Two down for the Eagles
In a historically complicated sequence, the Eagles had accumulated victories against the Cowboys, the Chiefs and the Bills. But the last two weeks have shown the limits that this team can have.
After the sudden humiliation against the Niners, the Eagles played the awareness card, AJ Brown promising a reaction after a locker room discussion. Yet the Eagles looked more lost than ever, and fell apart again. Offensively and defensively, the last two outings are shameful for a title contender.
If the Eagles (or the Pygargues to be precise) still have their destiny in hand for the division, the trip to Seattle looks like the trap to avoid. Nick Sirianni will have to remobilize his troops, whose morale must be low after losing against the two main rivals in the NFC.
Trevor Lawrence, the shadow of a doubt
Hastily returned from a leg injury. Trevor Lawrence disappointed again. Excellent in 2022, Lawrence seems to be marking time this season. Unable to manipulate the pocket, he makes multiple questionable decisions and his interceptions in the last match probably cost his team the victory.
The former first-round pick isn't bad, but he's not the expected generational player. We will have to do a lot more to deserve this title. Fortunately for Jacksonville the entire division lost (with the exception of the Titans who play this Monday, December 11). This end of the season looks like a life-size test for the former Clemson player, who will have to carry his team much better than that.
The Chargers need to change everything
Every week the Chargers get closer to a tough end to the season, and every week we wonder how Brandon Staley is still in office. The team as a whole gave up, and it was visible again this week. No player seemed to want to fight on offense, and Justin Herbert ended up paying the price physically.
More than the season, the Chargers are jeopardizing the future by blowing up a group that, offensively, does not lack talent. The work is enormous, we will have to advance this franchise to convince Herbert to extend.
The Lions have a problem in divisional play
If the Lions' record is very good (9 wins for 4 defeats), the record in the division is less flattering. Defeated by Green Bay during the Thanksgiving game, the Lions lost to the Bears a few weeks after winning miraculously against the same team.
The defense is showing worrying signs of overheating, and the offense is no longer compensating. Jared Goff is no longer the metronome he once was, and the good ground game does not allow us to create any illusions.
A trio of contenders for the NFC South
The NFC South is a courted lady. Aside from the Panthers, in distress, no one is out of the running for the NFC South championship title. Better, three teams are tied since the Saints, Buccaneers and Falcons have the same record: 6 victories for 7 defeats.
With three unpredictable teams, it's very smart who can give a favorite today. Tampa Bay is still in the race to win the division with a negative record for the second straight season, which would be an unprecedented feat.
Jake Browning brings hope
Cincinnati is in the race for the playoffs, despite Joe Burrow's injury. The “fault” of Jake Browning, irresistible for two weeks. And as good news does not come alone, his performances energized the group, in the air and on the ground. His teammates have confidence and that is fundamental.
With Vikings and Steelers coming up, the Bengals have a chance to make a difference and get ahead. If the High School legend wants to make a name for himself, the time is now.
The Steelers stick their tongues out
In five days, the Steelers have lost two home games against teams with two wins or less. The situation is serious in a formidable AFC North and this slump could cost the playoffs.
The problem still comes from the offense and the dismissal of Matt Canada hasn't changed anything. In the air and on the ground, the execution is catastrophic, which demonstrates a lack of preparation and a coaching problem. We will need a serious reconsideration after the season, playoff or not.
Tylan Wallace, a “special” player
The importance of special teams is often under-recognized. However, these formations can win matches, as Tylan Wallace has just shown.
What a way to win it for Baltimore. #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/kLyfinzlDj
— NFL (@NFL) December 10, 2023
