Week 6, 2019

The biggest news this week was, I think, the firing of Washington coach Jay Gruden.  Gruden had a losing record with only one playoff appearance during his tenure, that playoff game was a loss.  When asked about the firing, Jay's brother, Jon, coach of the Raiders, simply said, "Welcome to the club, bro."  In his place is former Raiders coach Bill Callahan.  Callahan took the Raiders to the Super Bowl the same season that Jon Gruden took the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the Super Bowl, giving the Bucs their only championship.

Antonio Brown (Free Agent) is still trying to get money out of the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots.  He never played a down for Oakland and only played one game for New England.  Although I don't know for a fact, but I'm fairly confident that in his contract is language addressing personal conduct.  I really don't know what Brown is thinking.  Honestly, despite his talent, I'm glad he's currently out of the league.  I hope he's able to learn a lesson from all this.

Vontaze Burfict (Oakland) lost his appeal of the season-long suspension due to his continued ignoring safety rules the league has imposed.  Again, when we are violent at work, even if we work in a violent job, there are things to keep us in check and we all have repercussions for our actions.  The $4 million he's been fined so far apparently wasn't enough to help him realize he's has to play nice.

Games of the Week...

Los Angeles Rams @ Seattle — This was a fun game but gave the Rams their second straight loss.  Seattle has been on a tear since getting beat by New Orleans a couple weeks ago and their backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.  This game went down to the wire, kept me on my seat until the final field goal that was missed by the Rams.

Baltimore @ Pittsburgh — The Steelers have been reeling since losing Ben Roethlisberger to a season-ending elbow injury.  They stayed in the game with a very good and potent offense of the Ravens.  Starting second-string Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph was knocked out of the game, literally, and is now week-to-week on concussion protocol.  Baltimore is just a good team, probably the best in the AFC North division.

Chicago @ Oakland — This was the first game of the season that NFL is playing across the pond.  The Raiders seemed a lot more prepared than the Bears did.

Tampa Bay @ New Orleans — After the week the Buccaneers had last week in Los Angeles one would automatically think their fire would last another week.  Not so.  Bridgewater is earning himself a starting position with someone next season.  I think he's making himself the "Comeback Player of the Year" if he were to qualify.  He has this Saints playing some really good football without their fabulous Drew Brees.

Arizona @ Cincinnati — Kliff Kingsbury got his first NFL win playing at a very confused looking Bengals team.  I'm sure Zac Taylor will eventually be a good coach.  He can have the confidence that he works for an organization that kept Marvin Lewis around for more than a decade while he never won a playoff game.

Green Bay @ Dallas — Okay, first off, I stated this was in Green Bay in last weeks' blog.  My bad.  Honestly, though, it seemed the Packers were at home in the first half.  The Cowboys looked lost and flat.  One thing I learned, though, watching this game, Dallas doesn't quit.  They fought back and only lost by 10-points.

Cleveland @ San Francisco — A bludgeoning, spanking, complete disaster.  The Browns couldn't do anything against a very stout 49ers defense, and they couldn't stop a high-powered offense.  Maybe all the hype of Cleveland in the off-season was premature.  What I've seen is Baker Mayfield holding on to the ball too long, so it seems that perhaps their receiving corps needs something, or the offensive line needs to hold better.

Stats...

Had some computer issues that I'm still working through, so I won't be able to share any of that this week, but should be back and going next week.

Games of the week...

Philadelphia @ Minnesota — The Eagles have beaten who they need to, including the Packers, and are in the lead in the NFC East.  The Vikings, however, have had some issues with being consistent.  Their records are similar, but I'm not really sure the teams are themselves.

Houston @ Kansas City — The Texans have had some very good wins, scoring over 50 on the Falcons last week.  The Chiefs, however, were slowed way down by the Colts last Sunday night.  If Houston wants any chance to win this game, they will have to imitate what Indianapolis did on defense to keep Kansas City in check.

Detroit @ Green Bay — Oddly enough this could have huge implications for the division championship.  Currently the Lions are a game and a half behind the Packers.  Possibly the only real threat to Green Bay this season.  Really looking forward to this game.  It's Monday night, will be the only game on.  Should be good.