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When are we going to learn? We all do the same thing every season. We react excessively to September's football and discover in October that these excessive reactions are just that: excessive reactions. And week 6 was when most of them would die.
When the new ABC was signed in 2011, the practice time was changed forever. The off season program has been shortened for at least a month and time restrictions have been put in place. No more two day camp per day, with new mandatory days off and less padded practices during the season. This led September to feel and sometimes to look like the pre-season, leading to some crazy reactions after the first month of the season. And we all do it, even myself.
Let's go through all these excessive reactions, as well as this exciting Sunday evening football contest.
Let's start with the positive:
5 teams that turned out very well, no surprises
Patriots of New England: The order is restored in the AFC after the patriots have narrowly escaped against the leaders. When the Patriots went down to Jacksonville and lost, it raised an eyebrow. But we said to ourselves: "It's the September game that they always lose."
Then, the Patriots went to Detroit and were kicked again. Was it really the moment when patriots slipped back? Some people asked him loudly. But … Nope. They beat Miami 38-7. They dominated the Colts, 38-24, and beat the 5-0 Chiefs. The Patriots are what we thought: the favorite of the AFC.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Remember when Le'Veon Bell decided not to run for Week 1 and the NFL world lost their minds when they saw OL Steelers' comments? Yes, it feels like there is always. The Steelers had their problems, but they managed two solid starts and are 3-2-1. Big Ben is now 13-2 as a starter on the road to Cincinnati and the team is expected to recover Bell after their week off. The Steelers will face the AFC again.
Minnesota Vikings: Do you remember how much time they lost to the Bills? I wrote at the time that this match was the scoundrel of the Vikings of the season. Since then, they lost a close game Thursday night against the Rams, beat the Super Bowl champions on the road and then defeated a hapless Cardinals team. Kirk Cousins reported every penny earned. He has already completed 71% of the passes for nearly 2,000 yards this season. The Vikings offensive line is a wreck and they need Everson Griffen to be on defense again, but they are new candidates.
Philadelphia Eagles: They are 3-3 now after a dominant performance against the terrible Giants on Thursday Football. Carson Wentz has now started four games and is starting to recover from the sea. The offensive line, which has sometimes experienced strange difficulties, is starting to restrict the situation. Their defense is super legitimate and the Eagles are on the way back to the playoffs.
Los Angeles Chargers: They are 4-2 with losses to Rams and leaders. Otherwise, the shippers beat their opponent. They are looking for real but have to beat the Chiefs of Arrowhead Stadium to win the division. Philip Rivers is underrated and as a former lineman, I love watching him. He stands in his pocket and pulls the ball over the ground. They have a chance, especially with the return of Joey Bosa.
And now the negative:
3 teams coming back to Earth
Chicago Bears: Yuck. I did not buy the Bears as hard as others (I saw someone make them rank among the top three this weekend). Yes, their defense is legitimate, but we have a head coach for the first time playing with a young quarterback. They have a lot of talent, but good teams do not go to Miami and do not lose. Clear and simple.
Tennessee Titans: They were the star of the NFL when they were 3-1 after victories against the Jaguars and Eagles. I might have even joined the hype, but I'm glad I did not totally follow the move. First, the Titans move to Buffalo and lose 13-12. OK, of course, a bad defeat in Buffalo makes sense. But Sunday was a whole new level of stench for their attack.
They allowed 11 sacks while getting only seven first offensive tries. Marcus Mariota has never been the same player since his injury towards the end of the 2016 season. What looked like a promising season is now exactly where the Titans should probably be, exactly at .500
Jacksonville Jaguars: You know I'm not a fan of Blake Bortles. It's too hot and cold for me to buy that Bortles can drive this team to the promised land. So, although I was not surprised to see the offensive fight sometimes, defensive struggles are somewhat worrisome. They allowed 30 (finally 23) to the leaders and the Cowboys smoked them, 40-7.
I will say this: in defense, if you do not believe in the offensive, your game slips after a while. It's not a conscious decision to make more mistakes and not to attack properly, but I think that basically it affects the defense. In addition, when your attack is zero, the defense stays too long on the court and is judged. A tired defense is perfectly suited to the opponent's attack: no decisive pass, bad fight and bad communication.
And somewhere in the middle:
3 teams that are good enough to make the playoffs, but do not win the Super Bowl
Carolina Panthers: I watched every moment of the Panthers' season during my stay in Charlotte, and they are definitely solid. Cam Newton plays well in Norv Turner's offense and Christian McCaffrey has blossomed in the back. The Panthers won all three of their home games and lost both games on the road. They travel to Philadelphia next week, followed by a visit of the Ravens. It's then home to Tampa and Pittsburgh and Detroit.
This up-and-coming trend could continue throughout the season. The Panthers should make the playoffs and if Cam becomes Cam 2015, they have a chance.
Bengals of Cincinnati: Their home game against the Steelers was a chance to show that this Bengals team is different from the others. Nope. Even old Bengals. They are good enough to play in the playoffs, but not enough to win several games in January.
Kansas City Chiefs: Even after the defeat against the Patriots, the leaders are still legitimate contenders in the CAF. But they just do not have the defense needed to deepen this season.
2 teams that are still a big point of questioning
Dallas Cowboys and Washington: These two teams from the east of the NFC have been counted as dead, but here's the bottom line: they both look like a team of 8-8 that could take a few breakaways and finish at 10-6. with a place in series. Is it possible or not.
That's the problem with 8-8 teams. We just do not know which team is running from week to week.
Game of the week: Patriots vs. Chiefs lives up to expectations
Wow! We were expecting a track and field event in Foxborough, and we had it – and even more. The Patriots managed a 43-40 win after being led 24-9 at the half. Neither defenses have been alive tonight, but the Patriots have done enough in the red zone. The Chiefs made five trips to the red zone and scored three goals in the first half and two touchdowns in the second half.
Tom Brady played as Tom Brady, no surprise there. Pat Mahomes was all eyes on this one and at first it was clear that he was excited. He sailed passes and sometimes seemed squeezed with pressure in his face. He launched a choice where – and credit New England here – defense disguised a cover. His second choice was the classic Gunslinger business figure. He lost 24 to 9, he has 10 seconds left in the first period and he tries to play. This is the pressure on Mahomes because the Chiefs' defense can not stop anyone.
The second half was a different story. Mahomes calmed down and made ridiculous shots. Tyreek Hill could be the most fun player to watch in the league. This defense will cost the Super Bowl leaders a chance. It's a shame, I love watching them play.
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