Four Down Territory: NFL Week 16

Kickoff

First and foremost; I hope everyone had a peaceful and enjoyable holiday season. The NFL season kept on rolling and we’re one week away from the playoffs. The NFC playoff picture is pretty much in tact but the AFC wild card spots are still wiiiideee open.

More on that later, though.

Let’s start the drive.

First Down 

The Eagles clinched the number one seed in the NFC on Monday night by beating the Raiders 19-10. Nick Foles had a Dak stat line night throwing 19-38 for 163 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.The Eagles offense looked clogged down and a team that desperately misses the MVP of the NFL. (Yes, Carson is still the MVP even though he’s missed three games)

On the opening drive the Eagles looked like they’ve figured out the key to win. Make Jay Ajayi the lead back and run the ball until the defense submits. The Jay train looked like he was going to break every run and, in the playoffs, a home run hitter is a must. He did have an ugly fumble but those things can be cleaned up.

The question now for the Eagles coaching staff is if they play the starters on offense next week against Dallas.

Short answer? You better.

I don’t know how Doug Pederson can feel comfortable giving the offense two weeks off after watching that putrid performance. Yes, you risk injury by playing the starters but you have to build confidence for the postseason.

With that, the defense held the Raiders to 10 points. They also had great field position the entire second half and couldn’t muster anything.

Nice second half for the Raiders offense last night pic.twitter.com/Hxr2Z5yUOW

— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) December 26, 2017

The Eagles need to treat the finale like the dress rehearsal preseason game and play the starters for at least a half. Nick Foles needs to prove that he can beat a defense with his arm or at least keep the defense honest.

If not the Eagles won’t last very long in the playoffs.

Side note: this is a great opportunity for the Eagles to activate second round pick Sidney Jones. Nothing is on the line and a few game reps would be great for the rookie. Best case scenario is he is everything you thought he was. If it’s a disaster then you know what to work on this offseason.

Second Down

The only story that should be headlining after the Seahawks/Cowboys game is that Seattle is still alive and that Dallas is done after next week.

But is anything in the NFL ever that simple?

After the game Earl Thomas ran to the Cowboys’ locker room to deliver a message to Jason Garrett.

This might be the worst look in the history of football.

Earl Thomas runs to greet Jason Garrett, then as he walks into the COWBOYS lockerroom, he says, “If you have a chance to get me, come get me.” pic.twitter.com/N395wVU2Jz

— Edward Egros (@EdWithSports) December 25, 2017

 

I’m all for player freedom. Loyalty in sports is stupid from a player perspective and if Earl Thomas wants to be a Cowboy then I’m all for it. Last week we talked about how the Legion of Boom is likely coming to an end and one reason is Earl Thomas’ contract. He’s going to want more money and Seattle doesn’t have it.

With that, you can’t run to the opposing team’s locker room and essentially beg for them to sign you. Your season is far from over.

When asked about it postgame Earl gave the most headass comment you can think of.

Earl Thomas: "When Seattle kicks me to the curb … please, Cowboys, come get me"

STORY ➡️ https://t.co/tfLHmZJtan pic.twitter.com/QwrrLvTYJL

— The Seattle Times (@seattletimes) December 25, 2017

Earl sounds like every man that’s cheated but is trying to think of a lie even though we have receipts. Pete Carroll’s Super Bowl call has really lingered and it’s only a matter of time before this thing explodes in their faces.

I wonder if the team made him sit in the back of the plane on the ride home. I mean, you just can’t go flirt with another team, get caught, and then get on the plane like nothing happened, right?

Third Down

Did the Patriots and Bill Belichick make a mistake?

I know, it’s damn near blasphemous to question New England and the hoodie but trading away Jimmy Garoppolo to the 49ers for a second round pick might be their biggest error.

Since Jimmy G has arrived the 49ers are 4-0 and have beaten the Titans, Texans, Bears, and hung 44 points on Jacksonville aka the best defense in the NFL. Jimmy can get a contract extension after this season but won’t be a free agent until 2019. That’s music to Jon Lynch’s ears. If he needs a bigger sample size, which he probably doesn’t, he can make next year a “prove it” year for Jimmy then pay him. The only problem is that other suitors will come calling if Garoppolo even sniffs free agency.

The Niners can opt in to paying him now. It’s not like they don’t have the money to spend.

San Francisco will probably back up the Brinks truck this offseason and pay the max. They have the money and it’ll show that they will pay to keep good players around. The only question is, with all that money available now do you front load the contract? If you pay the chunk of it in the first few years he can demand another huge payday. In theory the Niners will have a better team and money won’t be as fluid as it is now.

That’s a question for people that are paid to figure it out. If they want my advice then shoot me a DM, Lynch.

Fourth Down

I love a good prediction so right now I’m going to tell you have the playoff seeding will fall.

AFC 

1. New England Patriots
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (It’s still wild that this is happening)
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Baltimore Ravens
6. Los Angeles Charges (Here’s to Rivers and Ramsey in the trash talk championships)

NFC

1. Philadelphia Eagles
2. Minnesota Vikings
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Los Angeles Rams
5. Carolina Panthers
6. Atlanta Falcons

It’s insane that a potential 10 win Seahawks team will be out of the playoffs. The NFC is head and shoulders more talented than their counterpart.

Extra Points

AB pulling a TO in his driveway without the media makes me smile. We realllllyyyy need to start talking about Todd Gurley being the MVP. The NFL cancelling NYE Sunday Night Football is smart. David Quessenberry making his debut after battling cancer is a top 5 story of the year. The Panthers breaking the huddle for Jerry Richardson is the most tone-deaf thing that’s happened all week. If the Jags will fight each other then what the hell will they do to you?

https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/945087784989216768

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As always, thanks for reading.

 

 

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