New NFL action is being shared with family and friends. Last week was great in that we saw some big clashes and battles between the best teams in the league at the moment. In addition to the controversial moments and the distance placed between some and others, there was much more to know.
This is where we, Michael Peterson and RJ Ochoa come in. It's our job to help you understand what you need to do so you can be properly prepared and fit when you soon see your family for Christmas.
this is skinny post We will then highlight the most important events that occurred on Sunday of the 15th week.
True or false: Dan Campbell will be the bane of the Detroit Lions.
RJ:
give permission to friends detroit pride To set the stage or to remind us of how Dan Campbell threw away Sunday's Lions vs. Lions game. buffalo bills:
The Lions scored early in the fourth quarter to make it 38-28 with 12 minutes left. At that point, Campbell opted for an onside kick. The kick was recovered by the Bills and returned to the Lions' 5-yard line. One play later, the Bills were up by 17 points again.
It's no secret that I'm a little annoyed by the Lions love we've seen over the past few years. What pisses me off most of all is the way people present the idea that they believe Detroit is all its own greatness, even though everyone agrees. Well, that's another story.
That being said…I think people are too quick to overreact to Dan Campbell's aggression in some instances. This is him. I'm not saying this to simplify or give up. I say this in a very positive way. I don't agree with this particular decision, but I think it's more comfortable to live and die on the edge of this particular sword than to be constantly afraid and hesitant.
Michael:
I believe that no matter how successful a coach is with a franchise, they are still immune to criticism when it is warranted. But what Campbell has done for the Lions is pretty insane in terms of their rapid turnaround to becoming one of the best three teams in the NFL, outside of someone like Andy Reid. I believe he deserves the maximum benefit.
At the same time, the decision to take an onside kick at that point in the game was something I would have expected Brandon Staley to make when he was in charge. charger. Staley was very efficient in calling fourth downs in his first year, but when teams started biting him from behind too often, he started rolling the dice less and even when he did. If anything, it was usually very bad play calling or execution. .
This moment felt like this to me. But Lions fans, thanks to this man, you can finally shake off the remaining blues from the 0-16 season. Perhaps thanks to him, you can all enjoy football season again. You've gotten this far with Dan Campbell. I think occasional blunders are a part of football and it's by no means unique to head coaches.
Who is teaching these young soccer players to drop the ball before it crosses the goal line? Why does this keep happening?
Michael:
The Colts led the Broncos 13-7 early in Sunday's game after Bo Nix's second interception of the first half. On the ensuing Indy drive, running back Jonathan Taylor took a 41-yard carry home for a 20-7 lead…
…or so they thought.
Just before Taylor crossed the finish line, he did the unthinkable. Like a rookie who can't wait to celebrate his first professional touchdown, Taylor lets go of the football one step short of crossing the plane to…I don't know…to look cool? I really don't understand the thought process behind doing this, other than some kind of aesthetic that no one really cares about.
It doesn't set a good example for the younger generation and it certainly doesn't benefit my team.
Oh yeah, the Colts couldn't score after this incident, so the Broncos went on to win 31-13. That's a terrible beat if I've ever seen one.
RJ:
There are some things in football, the NFL, or life in general that are completely out of our control. Anyone can consider it.
This is one of those things that is completely and completely within someone's control.
After the game and the blunder, Taylor spoke about how something like this would never happen again. I agree. I believe it. Do you know why? Because it's something you can control.
It's insane that something like this is still happening. You would think when someone did that 30 years ago or something, it would be drilled into people from their first experience of playing football.
There is only secondary embarrassment for those involved.
Who will be the NFC's third wild card team?
RJ:
We can all say we're pretty confident that the NFC North will send all but the team. chicago bears Off to the playoffs. Do you agree? I agree.
The two teams that don't end up winning their divisions will likely earn the top two wild-card spots in the NFC, and the third spot is up for debate. the current, commander of washington They have a record of 9 wins and 5 losses. seattle seahawks Sunday night's loss gave them a little more leeway.
Seattle has 8 wins and 6 losses. of arizona cardinals It's 7-7. Atlanta enters Monday night's game with a 6-7 record. San Francisco and Dallas both have six wins and eight losses. I find it hard to see a world where this isn't Washington's.
If I had to choose another team, I think it would be the team I would play for. in Washington is with the Seahawks, but Geno Smith's status certainly casts a shadow on that possibility.
Michael:
With two easy games left and their schedule against the Eagles, I don't see why the Commanders aren't the seventh and final NFC playoff team. They beat Kirk Cousins and the Falcons (because Cousins ends up throwing 8 picks), then play a close and even game against a Cowboys team that wants nothing more than to ruin the other team's season. is likely to win.
I think that no matter how well Seattle and Arizona do, an 11-6 record — which is crazy for Washington and its rookie quarterback — is more than enough to beat both teams. I believe it.
With Christmas just around the corner, what do you think about the NFL having teams play games during the holiday season?
Michael:
I'm a big fan of the holidays. I think they are sacred and one of the things that helps me divide my calendar so time doesn't fly by. It's not for everyone, but I'm the type of person who doesn't really care about which stores put up their Christmas decorations and how early. bring it on.
As for the games, I think the NFL did a great job of scheduling two great matchups, but I'm not a fan of this concept. I hope these guys enjoy their vacation just like everyone else. The business side of the sport has gone too far if they are trying to milk ratings at the expense of the players and actually create memories like the rest of the country.
RJ:
This is a theme that comes to mind for me, our resident dallas cowboys Every year around Thanksgiving. My answer every year is that it's something I've gotten used to over time.
Do you wish it had been different? And could vacation be a day to do something other than soccer? absolutely.
I love the idea of playing generic football in the background while I sit in front of the TV, but let's just say I'm kind of fed up with how the NFL is stomping on other sports. . Christmas belonged to the NBA, which feels like a long time ago. Did you know that this Saturday's game coincides with a College Football Playoff game?! What are we doing?
