Welcome to December Football
As the calendar flips to December, the stakes in the NFL ramp up significantly. Playoff spots are on the line, and that’s really thrilling. We’ve been anticipating this kind of intensity since the spring and summer, and now we’re finally in for it.
This month definitely feels serious for NFL teams, particularly those aiming for the playoffs. With players working hard to secure their spots, Michael Peterson and RJ Ochoa at the Skinny Post have their eyes on everyone vying for a chance.
Are the Colts in Trouble?
So, the Colts are no longer atop the AFC South. They seem to be facing some real challenges, perhaps too soon for comfort in Indianapolis.
Honestly, I think things are tight for the Colts right now. I appreciated their trade for Gardner, which added some strength, but football can shift rapidly—one moment you’re up, and the next, fortunes change. That doesn’t necessarily mean the trade was a mistake, though. It just highlights how fleeting opportunities can be.
Just to clarify, they haven’t completely fallen apart. Yet, it’s worth noting that their own choices, like losing to the Texans, didn’t help their situation.
What I mean is, they are definitely in a tough spot, and I believe they would acknowledge that.
I think I mentioned last week that I hadn’t written them off after a close loss. But after losing again to the Texans, they certainly need to shake things up this week.
Adding to their woes, their once-reliable quarterback, Daniel Jones, has reverted to earlier, less effective performances. His fourth-quarter and overtime play in the last two games has not been impressive at all—only completing 5 out of 15 passes.
The Colts had a solid start, but things are quickly leveling out back to an average performance.
Why Can’t the Eagles Be Happy?
This might be what happens when a good team sticks around too long without some adversity—their fans seem to crave something to complain about. The Eagles had a solid 8-2 record, yet there was still chatter about how often wideout AJ Brown was getting the ball. Despite winning, fans were concerned about the offensive line and Saquon Barkley’s play.
Honestly, I wonder if the Eagles will lose a few more games and end up fighting for a playoff spot. It might just shift the perspective of their fans back to what they experienced historically.
The Eagles have recently lost their second consecutive game, bringing their record to 8-4.
Surprisingly, it seems like fans were unhappy even during that strong stretch. Their recent struggles now seem to offer a valid reason for that dissatisfaction. While their offense had issues even back then, I’m sure other teams would trade places with them at this point in the season.
Some might say, especially amid my own affiliation as a Cowboys fan, that this could mirror a downward spiral for the Eagles in 2023. Is that really in the realm of possibility? It’s a bit wild, but there seems to be a desire within the organization to validate that frustration somehow.
Are You Really Buying the Bears?
Currently, the Chicago Bears hold the top seed in the NFC. It’s astonishing, isn’t it?
I believe they are a legitimate contender, yet I hesitate to say they have a higher ceiling than some other teams in the conference. If they were to go to Lambeau Field and defeat the Packers, maybe my stance would change, but they definitely need to demonstrate their worth to the football community.
I’m cautiously optimistic about them. Well, kind of.
Before they faced the Eagles on Black Friday, despite winning seven of their last eight games, I was skeptical about the Bears. The teams they defeated had poor records, so it all felt a bit easy. To their credit, though, they managed to beat the Eagles, executing a solid game plan.
In their recent matchup, Kyle Monangai and D’Andre Swift both rushed for over 100 yards, effectively controlling the clock and handing the Eagles their second straight defeat. Right now, the Bears are indeed the No. 1 team in the NFC, and I think we need to take them seriously like any other contender.
Should We Take the Panthers Half Seriously?
Typically, beating a top NFL team like the Rams would warrant serious respect for the Panthers. Dave Canales really helped his team perform beyond expectations against one of the best in the NFC.
Still, their inconsistency throughout the year raises questions. Bryce Young has had moments of brilliance but can also fall flat, so I’d like to see more consistent performances before moving them up the rankings in the NFC.
To be honest, I don’t expect the Panthers to contend in the NFC playoff picture for long. They could win the NFC South, which would be interesting, but I’d probably favor most wild card teams in a game against them in Charlotte.
But looking ahead, this is potentially exciting for Panthers fans. There seems to be a promise of what’s possible going forward. Both Dave Canales and Bryce Young might breathe new life into the organization after a challenging decade.
Good for them. And we’ll continue to question their inconsistency so they can prove us wrong. You’re welcome.
