Post by spiderfan on Jan 4, 2022 0:15:18 GMT -8
Happy New Year SCtoC! Spiderfan, the official NFL Analyst of this great forum. With Week 17 in the books, it is time for yet another edition of Web of Football. Without further ado, let us begin!
Stupid Spagnulo
I have got one question: Why would you cover Ja'Marr Chase, who is already one of the better WRs in the NFL, with single coverage? Because the decision by Chiefs DC Steve Spagnulo to do just that, single highhandedly cost the Chiefs the game and probably the #1 seed. It was reminiscent of the Buccaneers-Chiefs regular season game last year where Bucs DC Todd Bowles refused to put more than one guy on Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill and just like that game it was an absolutely confounding sight to see a NFL defensive coordinator refuse to make the adjustment that would help their team win the game. Nonetheless, the Bengals were happy to take advantage of the situation and for the first time since 2015 are AFC North Champions.
The Cardinals are back?
Well wouldn't ya know? Dak Prescott isn't worth his morbidly obese contract. It isn't like I've been saying that for a long time now (for new readers I've been saying that for a long time). And wouldn't ya also know? Kliff Kingsbury is a better offensive play caller than Kellen Moore is. In all seriousness while the Cardinals have been in a late season collapse, considering how the game went, I can't say I'm too surprised that the Cardinals won. From the first kickoff they were the better team offensively and defensively. Considering this is probably the last game the Cowboys starters will play, it reinforces what I was already going to write, which is that the Cowboys won't last too long in the postseason. I will say that I am more optimistic about the Cardinals postseason chances than I've been in a while. After this game? I think the Cardinals will last at least a little while in the postseason.
Playoffs? You kidding me, playoffs?
In both the AFC and NFC there are a whole bunch of games that could affect seeding, however I'm not going to focus on those because 1.) Those games have less stakes because one or both teams have already clinched a playoff spot and 2.) Because starters may not play some or all of those games. Instead let us look at the games with real stakes where either one or both teams are needing a win to get into the playoffs.
NFC
New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons
The Saints must beat the Falcons to still have a chance at the playoffs. If the Falcons beat the Saints, the Saints will be eliminated and the 49ers will clinch the last available NFC wild card spot.
San Francisco 49ers vs Los Angeles Rams
If the Saints beat the Falcons, then the 49ers must beat the Rams. If the Saints win and the 49ers lose? The Saints will clinch the last available NFC wild card spot. Both games will be in the late afternoon window, so expect a bunch of game breaks showcasing what is going in each.
AFC
Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars
If the Colts beat the Jaguars, the Colts will have proven me wrong and will the make the playoffs. If the Jaguars upset the Colts, the Colts could still make the playoffs, although their destiny will be out of their control
Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers
If the Colts lose and the Steelers beat the Ravens, the Steelers will make the playoffs. Courtesy of Baltimore Beatdown here is what the Ravens need to happen in addition to beating the Steelers:
New England Patriots over Miami Dolphins
Las Vegas Raiders over Los Angeles Chargers
Jacksonville Jaguars over Indianapolis Colts
Las Vegas Raiders over Los Angeles Chargers
Jacksonville Jaguars over Indianapolis Colts
Las Vegas Raiders vs Los Angeles Chargers
And last, but not not least, the game for all the marbles on Sunday Night Football is the Raiders vs the Chargers. Whoever wins is in. Whoever loses (in the immortal words of Heidi Klum) is out (insert Project Runway clip)
Who Wants the #1 pick?
Speaking of the early window, the Lions play the Packers at the same time the Jaguars play the Colts. If the Jaguars and Lions both lose (or win), the Jaguars get the #1 pick for a second year in a row. If the Lions win and the Jaguars lose, the Jaguars clinch the #1 pick. If the Jaguars win and the Lions lose, the Lions will get the #1 pick. Let the tanking begin!
Other thoughts:
-In an example of the NFL being weird, the Tinys who are clearly the worst team in the NFL right now, are not anywhere near contention for the #1 pick because of a bunch of early season wins against teams who are likely going to be in the playoffs
-Despite not playing for the Patriots anymore, Tom Brady still owns the New York Jets.
-So much for all those wins Dolphins!
-You live by the Heinicke, you die by the Heinicke. The Artists formerly known as Redskins are officially died by the Heinicke.
-Dan Quinn is going to end up taking a HC job and the Cowboys are going to bring back Mike Zimmer as DC aren't they?
-Sam Darnold is still a scrub and Matt Rhule should still be fired and because of guaranteed money both of them are still going to be paid next year even though they failed horribly at the respective jobs!
-If this is Russell Wilson's and Pete Carroll's last game at Lumen Field, I'm glad they got to leave on a good note.
-Sayonara Mr. Big Chest (Antonio Brown)!
-After Ole Miss QB (and likely Top 5-10 pick) Matt Corral's injury, I don't want to hear anyone talk about how guys shouldn't skip bowl games. Unless it is a CFP game, if you are likely to be drafted, you shouldn't play. At least in my opinion.
-RIP Dan Reeves
-RIP John Madden, a true legend of the sports world
We are now in 2022 folks and that means the NFL regular season finale and the playoffs! As always I hope ya enjoyed and I hope to see ya again next week. This is spiderfan out.