So, here we go...
Colin Kaepernick had a workout that was offered by the NFL. This is after three years that no team has signed the quarterback and he and another player, Eric Reid, who is signed with the Panthers, filed a lawsuit against the NFL claiming collusion among the owners had kept them from playing. The League had specific things outlined for this relatively last-minute workout. 1) They announced this less than a week before it was scheduled; 2) It was on a Saturday; 3) It was at the Atlanta Falcons workout facility and would only be open to teams interested, the League, and Mr. Kaepernick and his representatives; 4) The NFL required Kaepernick to sign a waiver, one that apparently is pretty standard when workouts are scheduled; 5) The NFL allowed him his own receivers as targets for his passes.
Before heading to the location where the media would not be allowed, Kaepernick changed just days before the workout the location to a high school in Atlanta. 1 & 2) Why on a Saturday and so short a notice? On Saturdays teams are preparing for their games on Sunday, half of the teams scheduled to play were on the road and general managers were simply not available to leave their teams to view the workout; 3) Why was the media held out of viewing this workout at first? Is the NFL trying to hide something? You can argue that at least they gave him the workout, but why not the media? Kaepernick changed the location allowing the media to attend; 4) Kaepernick and his people prepared their own waiver and signed it instead of the one provided for the NFL. I honestly don't know what the content of this waiver was, but apparently it was unfair to this quarterback who hasn't played any football professionally in 3-years; 5) I thought this was a pretty nice move for the League, since typically they provide their own guys in these situations.
Did anything workout? Don't know. Kaepernick is still unsigned, though it has been reported that some teams showed interest. There are several rookie quarterbacks starting this season in the absence of their injured starting quarterbacks, Kyle Allen (Carolina); Devlin (Duck) Hodges (Pittsburgh); Gardner Minshew (Jacksonville), Minshew served his purpose and the Jaguars are now being taken care of by their regular starter Nick Foles; Brandon Allen (Denver); Daniel Jones (New York Giants); Dwayne Haskins (Washington); Jeff Driskel (Detroit), the Lions just announced that undrafted David Blough will start against the Chicago Bears tomorrow afternoon. Only time will tell to see if anyone will show any interest in Kaepernick.
This past week, longtime running back Frank Gore (Buffalo) ran past Barry Sanders and is third all-time in rushing yards, behind Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. He's been a treat to watch and I'm sure has given the Bills an amazing veteran presence in their locker room. The most yardage he's had in one game this year was a whopping 109-yards against the Patriots in the fourth game of the season; second most he's had was 76. He's averaged only 45.1 yards per game this season, quite a bit down from the nearly 70 he's averaged per game in his career. Are we watching the last of him in the backfield? Will have to wait and see.
Games to watch...
Buffalo (8-3) @ Dallas (6-5) — I am honestly not sure which Cowboys team we will get this week. They have beaten team they're supposed to (Giants-twice; Redskins; Dolphins; Eagles; Lions) but have lost against teams they've had the talent to beat (Saints; Packers; Jets; Vikings; Patriots), the losses are with a combined 22 points, so they're not being blown out. The Bills on the other hand, have been very consistent. Losing only to the Patriots (by 6-points), Eagles (by 18-points), and the Browns (by 3-points). This should be a really good game, plus it's always fun to watch Dallas on the holiday.
Cleveland (5-6) @ Pittsburgh (6-5) — Part of the intrigue to this game was Miles Garrett whacking Mason Rudolph in the head with his own helmet. Garrett is suspended for the remainder of the season and, if necessary, into the playoffs. Rudolph is out due to ineffectiveness and starting in his stead is Devlin (Duck) Hodges. This could also hold some playoff importance as the season progresses.
Tennessee (6-5) @ Indianapolis (6-5) — It really seems like no one is interested in winning the AFC South. It's been bouncing from Indianapolis, to Houston, and now Tennessee is in the mix. The Titans blew out the Jaguars on Sunday so they're riding pretty high right now, while the Colts lost a tight one to the Texans last Thursday night.
San Francisco (10-1) @ Baltimore (9-2) — The Niners have made improvements as the season has progressed. Losing their first game to the Seahawks (week 10) and coming out very strong against the Packers (week 12) with a 29-point victory. Baltimore has been all over their opponents this season. They lost two straight to Kansas City and Cleveland but have steamrolled through everyone else, showing a +16.7 point differential in all their games. They flew out West and won in a very difficult environment, Seattle, by 14-points. They hosted New England and gave them their only loss, by 17-points! They even faced a contending, but slipping Rams team and won by 39-points. I'm really hoping the 49ers have made the adjustments needed to face a potential Super Bowl team.
Oakland (6-5) @ Kansas City (7-4) — This has huge potential, especially the importance for the lead in the AFC West. The Chiefs have already beaten the Raiders in week 2, by 18-points. I honestly think this is a different KC team. They have been dealing with some injuries and are not as high-octane as they were 11-weeks ago. The Raiders have won three of their last four, but that one loss was a blowout by the Jets 34-3 last Sunday in the Meadowlands. Oakland had started out slow but, until last week, seemed like were coming to fight. This game will really show a lot by the Raiders.
New England (10-1) @ Houston (7-4) — The Patriots were handed a game last week by Jason Garrett and the poor coaching of the special teams and lack of trust in their offense, featuring Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, Jason Witten, Michael Gallup and the other talented players on that team. Houston is having difficulty putting together anything in a row, only having won no more than 2-games in a row all season. Bill O'Brien is facing his old coach, Bill Belichick, but ex-coaches have not had good success against their mentor. Not real sure how much success the Texans will have against the Patriots this week, but this is the nationally televised game on Sunday night.
Minnesota (6-3) @ Seattle (9-2) — I'm giving the 'Hawks the edge in this one since they're at home and it's difficult to lose in Seattle. Minnesota, though, can surprise people if they show up to play. Should be a fun Monday night game.
I don't have any stats to share for anyone, milestones for players to reach...again, computer issues that are now resolved.
