Post by spiderfan on Dec 18, 2018 13:51:33 GMT -8
Hello SCtoC it is me The Football King Spiderfan here and today I welcome you to The Column Before Christmas. Let us begin!
The Los Angeles Chargers are the now the Los Angeles Comebacks
As you may remember on SNF a little while ago the Chargers came back from a 16 point 1st half deficit to defeat the Steelers. Well folks, the Chargers did it again against the Chiefs except this time with WAY less time on the clock. The Chargers were down 14 points with 5 minutes to go in Arrowhead Stadium and after being dominated in the first 55 minutes managed to win the game, by scoring 15 points including the FTW 2 point conversion that made me jump out of my seat in disgust. (Click Watch on YouTube)
Seriously, how can you have a bust in coverage THAT bad? Regardless, the Chargers won, clinched a playoff spot, and have a shot at the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs. After having years of failed comeback attempts, the Chargers have finally won the close games and now get the moniker of being the Comebacks.
The question then becomes are the Comebacks SB contenders? My answer: Maybe? Here is why I that:
When you have a team who's best wins have come in comeback fashion, you have to wonder if the "we'll get into the groove later" mentality is sustainable in the postseason. The Comebacks certainly have talent, but the talent is inconsistent. Phil Rivers makes great plays, but he also makes awful plays. Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram are gamebreakers except for when they are contained. The advantage that the Comebacks have is that they have defeated good teams and have shown that even when they are down, they are not scared of anyone, something which is important in the postseason.
As for the Chiefs, this loss might not be the worst thing for them because had they won they would have won the division and clinched a 1st round bye 2 weeks ahead of the end of the season, which means that starters would have likely been rested and by the time the playoffs came the Chiefs would ultimately be rusty. But because the Chiefs lost they now have to play their 2 games with intensity and motivation and starters, which in the long run is IMO good for them.
OH JOSH OH MAN
Ryan O'Neil opens the note and it reads: "The Redskins are down to their 4th string QB. The Jaguars don't want to talk about it, because he beat them"
Alliance of American Football 1st overall pick Josh Johnson who a couple weeks ago was preparing to play for the San Diego Fleet was thrust into the starting position after Mark Sanchez... uh.. well.. had a 0.0 passer rating against the Tinys. Despite the circumstances Josh has helped keep the Redskins in the playoff hunt with a 64% completion percentage 153 yards passing, 1 passing TD, and 49 rushing yards (stats via NFL.com). Those stats may not be earthshaking, but keep in mind that he is playing good barely knowing the offense or his teammates. Once he gets used to things, who knows what could happen.
How the Steelers Stole AFC Playoff Hopes
Going into Sunday the Believeland Browns had a decent shot at making the playoffs for the first time since 2002. Because of their win against the Houston Texans earlier in the year the New England Patriots had a great shot at the #2 seed and a bye something which they have had for many years. The Baltimore Ravens had a shot to be in the drivers seat for the #4 seed and a home playoff game. Because the Steelers won on Sunday, now the Browns have next to no shot at making the playoffs, the Patriots could very well be playing Wild Card Weekend, and the Ravens have to win out and for the Steelers to lose a game to get a home playoff game and the #4 seed. The Steelers really are some heels.
Fantastic Foles and I know where to find him (2019 Free Agency folks)
After being beaten in the Chicago cold weather the LA Rams came home to play the Philadelphia Eagles who were going to lack Carson Wentz. His replacement? Super Bowl 52 MVP Nick Foles. And Foles led the Eagles to an upset against LA's beloved Rams. (Click Watch on YouTube)
Did Foles have a boneheaded interception? Yes. But the play above and what he has overall done with the Eagles shows that someone in 2019 whether it be the Raiders, Jaguars, Buccaneers, or whoever will be happy having him as their starter. I'll go bold here: Nick Foles is a better QB than Dak Prescott. #hottake
The Rams meanwhile are not doing good and while I don't want to blame all the Rams struggles on Jared Goff, plays like this don't help his cause (Click Watch on YouTube)
That is probably the worst interception I've ever seen and that is coming from someone who watched Brock Osweiler on a regular basis.
Other thoughts:
-The Houston Texans are in position to have a bye week and a home playoff game. I still don't believe it.
-I think the Vikings running the ball 40 times after they payed Kirk Cousins $84 million dollars is an indictment on Cousins. I don't think he got payed all that money to throw it 20 or less times a game. Just saying.
-The 49ers actually beat the Seahawks. The money is coming for Nick Mullens.
-Because the Raiders beat the Cardinals earlier in the year, the Raiders may have cost themselves the #1 pick in the draft.
-Congrats to the Bears on winning the NFC North and slaying the Cheeseheaded Dragon
-Watch out for the Ravens, I think they'll make noise come postseason time.
Before I close, on a total non-football related note I would like to say that The Nightmare Before Christmas IS a Christmas movie. With that said I hope everyone enjoyed The Column Before Christmas. This is The Football King Spiderfan out.
