Week Sixteen in Review

Reviewing my picks

My record: 11-5

• Well I certainly was not so horrible in my first attempt at picking NFL games. I missed a few, and I was wrong in saying that the Patriots and Jaguars would be over by halftime, but overall it was a good week as I was dead on with a few picks (Packers dominating, and Eagles losing but playing the Redskins close). I played it safe with a few games (Vikings vs. Texans) and maybe in the future I can improve my standings with a few more risks, or look like an idiot.
  

Here’s what impressed me

• RG3’s playing style: This was not RG3, or his team’s, most impressive win, however, I was very impressed that he played well when the gimmicks were limited. Obviously his injury played a factor in the play calling, but I liked how they did not feature the option, or the pistol offense. I want to see RG3 run the traditional Shanahan offense that Kirk Cousins ran in Week 15, with the stretch runs and real NFL throws. I believe he can do it prolifically, do the Shanahans not think so? At the very least I liked what I saw on Sunday. Also, I pointed this out on Twitter yesterday (@BackyardBanters) Pierre Garcon has really revolutionized his game in this offense. He is a great route-runner now and gets open consistently, not just relying on his speed. 
  

• Seattle Seahawks and their quarterback: The Seahawks demolished the team many were touting as the best in the NFL, or at least the NFC. I picked them to win the game, but I never expected them to totally dominate in every fashion. Russell Wilson was the biggest reason why. I called for Pete Carroll and the coaches to unchain Wilson early in the year and now we have seen what is happening since they have. Wilson isn’t playing like one of the best rookies; he is playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the whole league. 
  

• Ravens make a statement: The Ravens showed the rest of the AFC that, despite their struggles, no one should look forward to playing them at home. They certainly have the potential to be a great team still. They just need to remember to have Ray Rice as the foundation of the game plan. It is very impressive that Rice and backup Bernard Pierce both went for over 100 yards. Flacco can play much better off the play action game, and he reminded us all that he probably has the strongest pure arm in the league. He can sling it like no one else can. 
  

• The Vikings show it isn’t all about AP: Well it all starts with him, but on Sunday a stout defense was the catalyst, and the smart and economical Christian Ponder was back. Peterson was held to 85 yards and no scores, but the Vikings still beat the mighty Houston Texans. The Vikings control their own destiny and if they win next week, they are in the playoffs. I don’t know if Ponder, and the passing game in general, are playoff ready, but there are pieces here to be reckoned with. 
  

• The Green Bay Packers: Don’t look now, but the Packers are probably the best team in the NFC once again. Lets see what they do come playoff time, but I am betting that they can make another long playoff run this time around. The team is getting healthier and they can beat anyone as long as they have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. I am really hoping this team runs into Seattle in the playoffs. Not only because that would be a great matchup, but also you know these guys are dying for revenge after Seattle stole a game from then courtesy of the replacement refs.
  

And what I wasn’t so impressed with

• The 49ers: I have to imagine the Niners wanted to show that they are the big dog in the NFC West, but they squandered that chance Sunday night. The rival Seahawks took them to school as they couldn’t stop them on offense or move the ball consistently. Is it time to worry about Kaepernick? No its not. Alex Smith does not win that game against New England for them, or against Seattle. They are better off with Kaepernick, but they may not be a super bowl team. Hey where was Aldon Smith? He couldn’t exactly do much without Justin Smith playing could he? Exactly why he isn’t a defensive player of the year candidate. Either way, this going to be an AWESOME rivalry to watch for the next decade. 
  

• Big Ben and his Steelers: For the second week in a row Roethlisberger essentially lost his team the game by making a horrible throw. You are an elite quarterback and you just cannot make that throw. The Steelers lost that game, even though Andy Dalton and Marvin Lewis really looked like they wanted to give it to them, as much as the Bengals won it. The Steelers are in trouble with their age and lack of cap room. The window could be closing here.
  

• Tim Tebow asking out of “his” package: Well, well, it would appear little Timmy Tebow is human, and pretty selfish. I get the Jets haven’t “been good to him” but do your job, man. You get paid to play, so play no matter how upset you are that you got passed over. Tebow is selfish just like every NFL player, and just like every person on Earth. He may need a reality check and remember that his college success and his lunatic followers doesn’t guarantee you a damn thing in this league. Maybe he needs to start actually playing well in practice, just like the other guys do, if he wants to get on the field. I hope he gets another shot, but man this was a bad mark on his football character.
  

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers: It looks like this team is quitting on its second head coach in two years. I don’t see much fight from this team and they have completely regressed from a potential playoff team, to one of the worst in the league. At this rate you have to question Schiano. Have his college ways already worn thin with NFL players, or does he just have a bunch of quitters on his team left over from the previous regime? It could be a bit of both, and I highlighted these very same concerns in my season preview power ranking of this team. Josh Freeman certainly looks like he is done, as a starter, and I wouldn’t be opposed to them scrapping him completely. You cannot regress and play this poorly in the NFL today. He seems to be one of the only common denominators in this year’s collapse and last years. Maybe he is not the leader for this team. 
  

• Gary Kubiak: It certainly did not look like he had his guys ready to play on Sunday. They still have seeding to play for, so there is no reason to pack it in and lose to an inferior team like they did on Sunday. Getting the players ready to play and in positions to make plays falls on the head coach and Kubiak failed. You have to wonder if he has the demeanor and candor to take his team to a super bowl win.