Zachary GirsbergerPatriots' Rebound and Afternoon Games
November 15th 2010 18:48
Category: No Category
Looking at the statistics and final score(39-26), Sunday night’s game appears—at least on the surface—that the Steelers put up one hell of a fight, when in reality the Patriots had this game at halftime. The Steelers managed just twenty-eight total yards less than the Pats, but most of those came in garbage time, and the Steelers only got such inflated statistics because of their failed attempts at onside-kicks. While I have no real problems with how the Patriots played, nor how the game was officiated, I do have a problem with Big Ben’s handling of the two-minute drill towards the end of the game. Big Ben is considered amongst the elite quarterbacks in the league, as he should with two rings now in his seventh season, yet he wasted precious time calling plays, which drained the clock, as well as spiking the ball with only seconds remaining—handing the win to the Pats. If the Steelers are to make the Superbowl this season, Ben needs to work on his decision-making (and no, that is not commentary on his lifestyle) and get the ball out just a tidbit faster, considering the Pats got five sacks when they came in averaging 1.6 a game.
Afternoon Notes
The Cowboys won their first game under Jason Garrett causing many to question why Jerry Jones did not make a move earlier in the season. While the result was not surprising, considering that demoralized teams usually get a boost after a coaching change, one game does not a season make. The inflated result here is one of the eight games that Garrett will coach this season (because miracles will not happen for the Cowboys, giving them a postseason berth) and was not indicative of much, save that while facing a team with several injuries in fluky conditions, the Cowboys could win a game. I think that a move to bring in Gruden or Billick to coach next season is likely to be more successful than leaning on skewed results of an interim coach (see Mike Singletary).
In the NFC West, no team really took a stand that could have. The Cardinals lost to the Seahawks, and while many are declaring Seattle division favorites, Clipboard Jesus (a term originating from his time in San Diego not Seattle as many columnists write) still took snaps in this game, which is never a good sign. Hasselbeck has been beaten and missed time the past few seasons, and with an injured hand, no one should be surprised if he misses more. As for the Rams they, had a chance to remain in first place but managed to allow five touchdowns (three of which were called back by penalties) to a 49ers team that has underachieved this season. While the 49ers were my, and many others, preseason pick, a 2-0 record with Troy Smith at the helm does not mean the season, along with Singletary’s job, has been saved. The 49ers are still an undisciplined team with a 3-6 record, yet have hope in the worst division in football.
As for the Broncos romp of the Chiefs, there is not much to say save that one team played much better coming off of a bye, while the other played poorly after a tough division loss the week prior. The Broncos are a streaky team and I would not be surprised if they did not crack the teens versus the Chargers this week, and the Chiefs have the benefit of a strong running game and a great home-field advantage to carry them through the season. Two things did come from this game, perhaps Orton is a better starting quarterback than most give him credit for as he is on pace for around 5000 yards this season, and the AFC West is a tougher division than most football follower give credit.
Afternoon Notes
The Cowboys won their first game under Jason Garrett causing many to question why Jerry Jones did not make a move earlier in the season. While the result was not surprising, considering that demoralized teams usually get a boost after a coaching change, one game does not a season make. The inflated result here is one of the eight games that Garrett will coach this season (because miracles will not happen for the Cowboys, giving them a postseason berth) and was not indicative of much, save that while facing a team with several injuries in fluky conditions, the Cowboys could win a game. I think that a move to bring in Gruden or Billick to coach next season is likely to be more successful than leaning on skewed results of an interim coach (see Mike Singletary).
In the NFC West, no team really took a stand that could have. The Cardinals lost to the Seahawks, and while many are declaring Seattle division favorites, Clipboard Jesus (a term originating from his time in San Diego not Seattle as many columnists write) still took snaps in this game, which is never a good sign. Hasselbeck has been beaten and missed time the past few seasons, and with an injured hand, no one should be surprised if he misses more. As for the Rams they, had a chance to remain in first place but managed to allow five touchdowns (three of which were called back by penalties) to a 49ers team that has underachieved this season. While the 49ers were my, and many others, preseason pick, a 2-0 record with Troy Smith at the helm does not mean the season, along with Singletary’s job, has been saved. The 49ers are still an undisciplined team with a 3-6 record, yet have hope in the worst division in football.
As for the Broncos romp of the Chiefs, there is not much to say save that one team played much better coming off of a bye, while the other played poorly after a tough division loss the week prior. The Broncos are a streaky team and I would not be surprised if they did not crack the teens versus the Chargers this week, and the Chiefs have the benefit of a strong running game and a great home-field advantage to carry them through the season. Two things did come from this game, perhaps Orton is a better starting quarterback than most give him credit for as he is on pace for around 5000 yards this season, and the AFC West is a tougher division than most football follower give credit.
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