Betting on Carson Wentz to go to the Playoffs? Fatal error
Last week, we wondered which quarterback Ron Rivera would choose to try to guide Washington to the Playoffs. Rather Taylor Heinicke, holder in the last nine games, or Carson Wentz, holder at the start of the season? The Commanders coach opted for the latter, and today he probably regrets his decision.
In a capital meeting for the Playoffs, Wentz was catastrophic: 16/28 in the pass, 143 yards, 3 interceptions (1 touchdown in the race). Result, Washington fell against Cleveland 24-10 under the whistles of its public and is now eliminated from the race for the playoffs. A scenario reminiscent of last season, when Carson Wentz had sealed the Colts on the last day.
Maybe if Ron Rivera had known that the Commanders could be eliminated this weekend, he would have chosen Heinicke…
Ron Rivera seemed genuinely surprised now to learn that the Commanders can be eliminated from playoff contention with a Packers win this afternoon.
That’s… not ideal.#HTTC
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) January 1, 2023
Tom Brady – Mike Evans, connection found
Tampa Bay fans have been waiting for this all season. Yesterday against the Panthers, in a qualifying game for the Playoffs, Tom Brady (34/45, 432 yards, 3 TD) and Mike Evans (10 receptions, 207 yards, 3 TD) showed their best face to carry the Buccaneers towards the victoire.
While the star duo has generally struggled to find each other this year, they connected on touchdowns of 63, 57 and 30 yards against Carolina. Enough to snatch the division title, also enough to make noise in the Playoffs?
The Eagles are Jalen Hurts addicted
Again absent against the Saints this Sunday because of his shoulder injury, Jalen Hurts could not do anything to prevent a second consecutive loss for the Eagles without him. Only 10 points scored against New Orleans for Philadelphia, the lowest total of all season.
The dynamism, explosiveness and unpredictability that characterize the Eagles offense under Hurts gave way to gloom with back-up Gardner Minshew, and the whole team seemed to be skating.
Knowing that the Eagles have still not secured their first place in the division (and therefore in the NFC), it would be better for Jalen Hurts to return as soon as possible…
Marshon Lattimore remains one of the best NFL cornerbacks
Sidelined since week 5 (October 9) due to several physical glitches, Marshon Lattimore wasted no time in reminding everyone how important he is to the Saints’ defense.
Against the Eagles on Sunday, the star cornerback celebrated his comeback with a returned interception for a touchdown, all in the fourth quarter to secure New Orleans’ fine victory (20-10).
Deshaun Watson is gradually gaining power
We cannot yet speak of a reference match, but Deshaun Watson’s second half in Washington may be the trigger for the controversial Browns quarterback.
Author of 3 passing touchdowns against the Commanders after the break (including 2 for Amari Cooper), Watson gave an overview of what the Cleveland attack could give under his command. A promising development after its first really unconvincing outings. Enough to receive the encouragement of LeBron James (native of Ohio) in person…
Yessir D Watson!! Another one. That boy getting his rhythm back! #Browns
— LeBron James (@KingJames) January 1, 2023
Laughing New York, Crying New York
At the start of the season, no one imagined the Jets and the Giants fighting for the Playoffs. The two New York teams have long defied the odds, but in the end only one of them will participate in the playoffs.
The Giants of a great Daniel Jones validated their ticket by winning well against the Colts, who thus found the Playoffs for the first time since the 2016 season. As for the Jets, they continued their free fall in Seattle with a fifth loss in a row, and will thus have to wait at least another year to taste the POs. A wait that has lasted since the season… 2010.
Jaire Alexander, the Justin Jefferson quit?
In the very first week of the season, Justin Jefferson destroyed the Packers with 184 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. “A fluke” according to Green Bay cornerback Jaire Alexander, who was keen to make life difficult for the Vikings receiver yesterday during the rematch.
Jefferson’s stats at Lambeau Field this Sunday? 1 reception for 15 yards only. Jaire Alexander and the Packers defense held off the Minnesota star better than anyone this season, and Alexander even allowed himself a Griddy in front of Jefferson himself. Pure insolence.
Jaire Alexander doing the Griddy in front of Justin Jefferson 😮#NFLonDAZN pic.twitter.com/znRR96WNit
— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) January 1, 2023
The Vikings, the weakest team with 12 wins in history
Is it possible to offer a record of 12 wins – 4 losses while having a negative point-average? The proof that yes with the Minnesota Vikings.
Kirk Cousins’ team have become specialists in snatching small victories in money-time, but they do not do things by halves when they lose: 24-7 (vs Eagles), 40-3 (vs Cowboys), 34 -23 (vs. Lions), and 41-17 yesterday against the Packers. Over the whole season, the Vikings have conceded 19 points more than their total points scored.
Really not reassuring in view of the Playoffs, where Minnesota could not last long…
The Dolphins officially have their backs against the wall
“We have our backs against the wall, we will have to fight to qualify. »
Skylar Thompson’s words perfectly sum up the Dolphins’ current situation. Miami’s No. 3 quarterback, who ended the game against the Patriots after Teddy Bridgewater (who replaced Tua Tagovailoa) was injured, couldn’t prevent a fifth straight loss. Result, the Dolphins no longer have their destiny in their hands when they were first in the AFC East after 11 games (8-3).
To be able to qualify for the Playoffs, Miami will need a victory for Buffalo against New England next week, while winning against the Jets. Not impossible, but not won either, especially if Tua is unavailable.
Jarrett Stidham, a potential solution for the Raiders
While quarterback Derek Carr should no longer wear the Raiders jersey, one wonders who will take control of the Las Vegas attack in the future. Yesterday, Jarrett Stidham had the opportunity to show what he could do, and he did not deflate.
Against the 49ers, who may have the best NFL defense today, Stidham finished with 365 yards on the clock and 3 touchdowns. Admittedly, his interception in overtime was expensive (the Raiders lost 37-34), but the former replacement for Tom Brady at the Patriots (under Josh McDaniels, current Las Vegas coach) overall impressed for his first career start.
What to consider Jarrett Stidham as a real option for next year?
The Steelers in negative under Mike Tomlin? no way
Since coach Mike Tomlin took charge of the Steelers in 2007, they have never finished with a negative balance sheet. We thought that was going to be the case this season after losing six of their first eight games, but Pittsburgh turned the tide in spectacular fashion.
By snatching a victory in the money time yesterday in Baltimore, Kenny Pickett and his teammates now have a record of 8 wins – 8 losses. Best of all, they’re still alive in the Playoff race after the Dolphins’ new loss in New England and the Jets’ setback in Seattle.
The Chiefs not reassuring
At this time of year, with the Playoffs approaching, the favorites really want to step up so they can play their best football at the best time. That’s not really what we’re seeing in Kansas City.
Facing the Broncos on Sunday, coached by interim coach Jerry Rosburg after the dismissal of Nathaniel Hackett, the Chiefs struggled to get the 27-24 victory. Difficulties that do not date from yesterday since the teammates of Pat Mahomes had also had to work to dismiss Denver (34-28) three weeks ago, as well as the weak Texans (30-24 in overtime).
Between a Mahomes not quite on top, special teams not really special and a defense that allowed 52 points in two games to the offense of Russell Wilson, the dynamic is far from optimal in Kansas City.
