Four Down Territory: NFL Week 8

October 30, 2019
236

First Down 

28-3

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For most of us those sequence of numbers mean nothing.

To fans of the Falcons its represents the darkest moment in franchise history. Yes, Eugene Robinson was arrested before Super Bowl 33 for, you know, soliciting a prostitute the night before the game but that contest was never close; it’s a lot easier to get over that lose.

But having the Patriots dead to rights only to become one of the greatest twitter jokes ever is a tough pill to swallow. Just ask the Falcons themselves.

Since losing the Super Bowl in 2016 Atlanta has posted a record of 18-22 with a bunch of bad losses rolled in. Yes, the Falcons have had a few injuries but Matt Ryan (a former MVP) and Julio Jones (arguably the best receiver in the league) have been constant throughout this run.

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So, what gives?

That’s an onion with many layers.

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Atlanta’s main problem has been finding an competent offensive coordinator. During their Super Bowl run Kyle Shanahan schemed up one of the best offenses in the league. He left for The Bay and Atlanta’s offense hasn’t found its footing since. On paper they’ve been top 10 in yards the last two seasons but it hasn’t translated to wins. Matt Ryan has put up gaudy numbers but for some reason it’s not enough.

Their defense hasn’t been anything to rave about, either.

2017 wasn’t a bad year defensively but 2018 was a disaster.  Only seven teams gave up more points than the Falcons and so far this year they’ve given up more points than anyone.

That’s not good…especially since head coach Dan Quinn is known as a defensive guy. You know, the same defensive guy that formed the Legion of Doom in Seattle. The problem is two-fold. The league has caught up to Quinn and he doesn’t have one of the best safety duos that have ever walked this earth.

That’s a nod to Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor for the kids playing at home.

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If the Falcons want to get the most out of Matt Ryan’s golden years then I suggest they follow Matthew’s tips to a potential playoff spot and Super Bowl run.

  1. Let Dan Quinn go.
  2. Let Dan’s staff go. (which they did last year to no avail)
  3. Hire someone with a vision and a plan.

There are more details to the plan but that’s the jist.

Atlanta has always felt like a snake-bitten organization and if we’re being honest; it’s because they do sh*t like this.

 

Second Down

The NFL is in the midst of a changing of the guard at the quarterback position. For the teams that have what they believe to be “the guy”  life is good and you can sell hope to your fans. For the teams that either have an aging guy under center and/or no plan in place to get that guy; life is a struggle. Luckily, a break may be in view.

With a draft that many believe will be heavy at the quarterback position teams are racing to the bottom of the league to grab a franchise signal caller.

As we live and breathe on 10/30/2019 here are the QBs mocked to be taken in the first round. (via Tankathon)

  1. Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
  2. Joe Burrow (LSU)
  3. Justin Herbert (Oregon)
  4. Jake Fromm (Georgia)
  5. Jacob Eason (Washington)

Five potential first round QBs is a big deal. So big that the following teams are either already tanking or should start this week for the sake of their franchise.

  1. Cincinnati Bengals
  2. Pittsburgh Steelers
  3. Miami Dolphins
  4. Tennessee Titans
  5. Denver Broncos
  6. Los Angeles Chargers
  7. Atlanta Falcons
  8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Having a quarterback is the key in this league. With one you have a chance weekly and without one you’re the college that runs the triple option.

While we’re here: the triple option is the ugliest offense to watch in the history of sports and it should banned immediately. Stop being cowards and run something real.

Third Down

Okay, I’m giving in.

The San Francisco 49ers are legit.

Don’t get it confused; I still think Jimmy Garappolo is going to be the reason this team will lose but it wouldn’t be fair to notice that a lot of key pieces to that offense is missing. As of now he’s averaging 7.9 yards per pass which isn’t bad but he only has 9 touchdowns to 7 interceptions. For reference Josh Allen is averaging 6.7 yards per attempt and has 9 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.

Will he get better as the season progresses? Time machines don’t exist but there will come a time when Kyle Shanhan won’t be able to scheme their way to victory.

We’ll get the answer soon enough. The Niners still have the Seahawks twice, Green Bay, Baltimore, and Saints left on their schedule.

Politics aside: Nick Bosa is in a league of his own.

Fourth Down 

LET’S GET THESE PICKS ROCKING.

Last week I was on fire and went 12-3 pulling the season total to 45-24.

Winners are in red.

Thursday Night 

San Francisco @ Arizona

Sunday Afternoon

Houston @ Jacksonville

Chicago @ Philadelphia

Minnesota @ Kansas City

Indianapolis @ Pittsburgh

New York Jets @ Miami 

Washington @ Buffalo

Tennessee @ Carolina

Detroit @ Oakland

Tampa Bay @ Seattle 

Green Bay @ Los Angeles Chargers

Cleveland @ Denver

Sunday Night 

New England @ Baltimore 

Monday Night 

Dallas @ New York Giants

Extra Points 

Spicy Joe Flacco>>>>>>>>

Deshaun Watson, MVP.

lol

Don’t forget that the NFL is blackballing Colin Kaepernick for protesting police brutality and racial injustice in America.

@madads14

As always, thanks for reading.

 

 

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October 30, 2019
236