Four Down Territory: Week 16

The holidays have come and gone so that means the only thing we have to look forward to until spring is the playoffs. Every team that’s playing in January is pretty much set (more on that in 2nd Down), instead of seeding, so there’s still a lot on the line in week 17.

Let’s start the drive.

1st Down: Sunday the proverbial air was sucked out of Oakland. The potential MVP Derek Carr went down in pain and he immediately knew his season was over.The Raiders QB suffered a broken fibula and is considered a long-shot in returning if the Raiders made it to the Super Bowl. Anyone who follows 4DT regularly knows how high I’ve been on Oakland all year. It’s a shame that the Raiders’ potential Super Bowl run has ended before it started. The good news is that this team is young and, hopefully, has plenty of time for deep playoff runs. For now, go enjoy the Warriors.

Oakland has all the fun.

2nd Down:  Win and you’re in.

The best phrase in all of sports. It embodies the very reason anyone plays competitively. Sunday Washington puts it all on the line at home against the Giants. New York has already sealed a playoff spot but nothing would make big blue happier than ending a division rivals playoff chances in their own house. It’s also a great way to start the postseason. Kirk Cousins can earn a bigger paycheck then he’s already getting if he can lead this team to a playoff birth. If there’s one constant in the NFL it’s that NFC East clashes are always going to be good and anything can happen.

Prediction alert: Washington gets it done and three teams in the NFC East see the postseason.

3rd Down: Black Monday is upon us but some teams have already started the process of letting coaches go. We’ve already talked about Gus Bradley and Rex Ryan’s potential (now confirmed) firings. Jeff Fisher was shown the door weeks ago. The Jets have already said they’re keeping Todd Bowles and the Bengals have shown now signs of moving on from Marvin Lewis. The Jags, on the other hand, are wasting no time and have already started interviewing for their opening. First up, ex-coach and Super Bowl Champion Tom Coughlin. Tom might have a great resume but I’m not sure hiring a 70-year-old coach to lead such a young team is a good thing. Coughlin needs to be in charge of a roster that’s ready to win now…like Buffalo.

4th Down: The defending Super Bowl Champion Broncos and NFC Champion Panthers are both out of the playoff race. Kansas City ended Denver’s season and Carolina has been out of the picture, not mathematically but realistically, for a couple of weeks. This is the first time since 2003 and the fifth time overall. Both teams have work to do but don’t be shocked when they’re back in the hunt next year.

Extra Tidbits: I love when the big boys get to shine. You really have to feel bad for RGIII on the field, he can’t catch a break. The Panthers sat Luke Kuechly last week and it’s the right call. The question is would they still sit him if they were in the hunt for a playoff spot?

Carson Vick, everyone.

Carson Wentz is the QB Philadelphia has been waiting for. He's something special #Eagles pic.twitter.com/guLvh10VX6

— Made For Philly (@MadeForPhilly) December 24, 2016

Tweet Me: @mattgarrett

As always, thanks for reading.

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