Four Down Territory: NFL Divisional Weekend

January 16, 2019
161

First Down

The Patriots rolled the Chargers Sunday 41-28. The biggest storyline might be Brady pretending to be an underdog (even though they’re the two seed), Gronk’s blocking, Belichick’s mind games or even Philip Rivers losing again to Brady.

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The real story, though, is how unfair the Chargers have been treated during this playoff run.

Look, the rules are the rules, and those rules state that there is only one winner in each division and the two division winners with the best records get bye weeks. The rules also state that each division winner will get at least one home game. Wild card teams have the deck stacked against them because, in theory, they haven’t earned the privileges that division winners have.

It all makes sense…until it doesn’t.

The Chargers had a better record than both the Ravens and the Chargers yet they still had to travel across the country twice for 1:00 kickoffs. Say what you want but that’s a competitive disadvantage. Records have shown that west coast teams traveling east for 1:00 kickoffs usually don’t do well. It’s pretty easy, actually. Their body is on west coast time so 1:00 on the east coast is 10:00 AM for them.

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It’s time to base playoff seeding off record, not division. Some will argue that by doing that it makes divisions less competitive but that’s not true. Imagine it’s week 17 and both the Chargers and Patriots are 11-4 with the second seed on the line. It just adds another layer of meaning to games that usually don’t decide much.

It’s also asinine that a team with a 10-6 record has the opportunity to host an 12-4 team in a winner-takes-all scenario.

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Also, let’s take a moment to thank Philip for this gem.

Second Down

The Nick Foles era is done in Philadelphia. After going up 14-0 against the Saints they lost 20-14 after Alshon dropped a pass in Saints territory.

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Alshon, the ultimate professional, took responsibility for the drop. After the game it was revealed that he played with crack ribs. That’s after playing all of the 2017 season with a torn rotator cuff.

Can’t get mad at a guy who constantly risks his health for the “greater good.”

Now it’s time for the Eagles to face an offseason that is as crucial as any in recent memory.

Should they pay Carson now instead of next year? What to do about Brandon Graham? Will they re-sign Golden Tate? Do they move on from Jason Peters? Will Brandon Brooks be ready by week one? Will Chris Long and/or Jason Kelce retire and if he does what do you do? How is Derek Barnett progressing?

WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT NICK FOLES?

The Eagles have already stated that Carson is their quarterback going forward and that’s the right decision. His ceiling is higher and when he’s at his best he’s the MVP of the league.

As for the Saints? Well they get to host the Rams for the right to play in the Super Bowl in a game that will be previewed as a shootout out but probably won’t happen. More on that later, though

Third Down

Those Chiefs are something else, man. Especially the guy who should be named MVP instead of making it a lifetime achievement award for Drew Brees.

Roll that beautiful football footage.

HE THREW A SIDE-ARMED CURVEBALL AROUND HIS LINEMAN.

There just aren’t enough words to explain what this guy is doing. Before the game people thought the cold weather would affect him. He didn’t throw any touchdowns but he took care of the ball. That’s all one can ask for in the playoffs.

His next challenge? Beating the greatest head coach/quarterback duo to ever do this here football thing.

Fourth Down 

The Cowboys lost to the Rams because they gave 238 yards rushing to Todd Gurley and C.J. Anderson. For those counting, it’s been 24 years since the Cowboys have reached the NFC Championship game. But who’s counting amiright?

After the game Saturday reports starting surfacing that Jason Garrett will probably get an extension.

If you listen closely you can hear the rest of the NFC East release a sigh of relief. Garrett’s tenure with Dallas has been interesting. Interesting to the point that T.O. is still calling for his job.

The coach clap drama continues.

Extra Points 

There are games this weekend. Here are some predictions.

Chiefs win over the Patriots 31-27

The Saints get by the Rams 21-17

It’s time to admit that John Elway is just bad at his job.

BIG BOY ALERT!

As mentioned earlier; CJ Anderson ran all over Dallas. So much that he couldn’t wait to get to his own sideline for a breather.

As a fellow big man I get where he’s coming from.

@ me: madads14

As always, thanks for reading.

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January 16, 2019
161