Week Seventeen in Review

Reviewing my picks

My record: 12-4

• This was another good weeks of picking for me. I took a risk taking the Vikings in an upset, but that turned out pretty well for me. I wanted to pick more games like that in order to improve my record. I waffled on the Giants game, but ended up being dead right, the Eagles lost big and Mike Vick flopped. On the flip side I misjudged the Colts and Texans matchup and the Titans and Panthers surprised me by beating their divisional rivals. What I liked better was that a ton of my matchups to watch ended up being very worthwhile. 
  

Here’s what impressed me

• Alfred Morris: Granted, we have seen Morris play well all year, but the sixth round pick saved his best for last. As I highlighted in my matchup to watch, he pounded a banged up Dallas front seven to a pulp to the tune of 200 yards and three scores. RG3 gets all the pub, but its this guy who is the foundation and tone setter for the entire offense. In any normal year he would get my vote for offensive rookie of the year, but with all the impressive quarterbacks, this isn’t a normal year. I also must give a shout out to DeAngelo Hall. I give him a ton of flack which he deserves, but the man had a great game this night.
  

• Cam Newton’s toughness: Late in the fourth quarter Cam appeared to suffer what looked like a serious knee injury. Seeing Derek Anderson trot onto the field had to be a sad sight for any Panther fan. In a single moment the Panthers looked in position to not only lose this gam, but also have a nasty question hovering over their offseason. However, Cam came back into the game and promptly led his team on a touchdown drive to seal a win against the rival Saints. Say what you want about Cam, but there is not denying his toughness. This is the type of defining moment that can begin to grow Cam’s role as a leader amongst his teammate.
  

• Vikings and not just a guy named Peterson: Peterson came nine yards short of the single season record for rushing yards, but he was jovial and all smiles after the game because as he said “we got the win mission accomplished”. Peterson is amazing and just had one of the best individual performances we have ever seen out of a player, and he is a future hall of famer and the best runners of our time. What impressed me beyond how amazing he is was how his teammates played. Ponder made some incredible throws and decisions and his defense was stifling. This team must be excited to face the Packers one more time next week.
  

• The Big Two Quarterbacks: I am talking about Tom Brady and Peyton Manning. These are the two best quarterbacks in the league at this moment, and they showed a major reason why. Both of their teams played inferior division rivals, and both teams blew their rivals out. Neither game was ever close as the Chiefs and Dolphins combined for three total points. They showed us what taking care of business is like and they showed us why they are the best.  
  

• The Colts: I may have under estimated these guys. They really took it too the Texans and they are playing with so much heart right now having Chuck Pagano back on the sidelines. I am starting to think that this team could actually win a playoff game against the Ravens. They probably cant get around the Patriots or Broncos, but maybe the emotion can carry this team yet another week farther. 
  

And what I wasn’t so impressed with

• Tony Romo and his team as well: I have supported Romo and to be clear I still think he is a very good quarterback, and there should not be a discussion about whether he should be replaced, but he may have closed the book on him tonight. Romo threw three interceptions including one to seal the win for Washington in a win or go home game. People have wanted to label him a choker for years, and he did nothing to silence that here. I am sorry but after tonight even I have to say, he is a choker until he proves to me otherwise. He is a big reason why they even won eight games this year, but also a reason why they lost the other eight.
  

• The two restored starting quarterbacks: I am of course referring to Mark Sanchez and Michael Vick. Neither one showed any positive effects from their benching and both showed that they still have not corrected their bad turnover problems. After their performances today I cannot imagine an NFL team bringing either of these guys in as unquestioned starters. Vick looks washed up and without the same physical gifts he once possessed, and Sanchez’s confidence is completely shot. Neither used their last ditch effort to audition for other teams to their benefit. 
  

• The Falcons: I wouldn’t have really blamed the Falcons if they rested their starters the whole game or if they played their guys the whole time. However, the coaching staff looked like they didn’t really have a strong plan either way. Some starts trickled out through out the game, but it looked more like they were doing it because they were losing, not to preserve health. Some other starters, including the aging John Abraham, were some how still in the game in the fourth quarter. Abraham suffered an injury as well. This lack of order and plan does speak well about an Atlanta coaching staff I am beginning to question. Of course if they come out and win some playoff games, it would silence me and the other critics.