Kyle’s NFL Week 15 Recap

So for Week 15, this has nothing to do with anything, but I have to open with it because it may very well be the best sign I’ve ever seen…..

And Now….

The Bears recap for Sunday, December 15th……..

Bears – 38 Browns - 31

This game was a mixed bag for Bears fans. Jay Cutler made his long awaited return to the field, and looked good but with a bit of rust to start the game. The Bears offense seemed to be clicking right away, as Cutler started 7/8 for 100 yards. The one incompletion, however, ended up in the hands of Browns defensive back Tashaun Gipson in the end zone. The Browns turned that pick into 3 points. After the Bears kicked a field goal, another errant Cutler throw fell into the hands of Gipson and this one was returned for 6. Cutler spotted the Browns 10 points early. Uh oh, Bad Jay, right? Not exactly. Cutler lead the Bears on a much needed scoring drive right before the half, and took a 10-10 tie into halftime. Zack Bowman took one of his 2 picks to the house in the third quarter before the Browns tacked on 2 more touchdowns. One of those was a fumble by Martellus Bennet (the first lost fumble of his career) that was returned 51 yards for a score. The 4^th quarter was all Chicago, as Cutler led the Bears on 3 scoring drives, including another crazy catch by Alshon Jeffrey on an underthrown Cutler pass. After connecting with Earl Bennett on a 5 yard score, the Bears went into clock killing mode, and Michael Bush took a handoff 40 yards to paydirt. That’s right, you heard that correctly, Michael Bush. Josh Gordon added a 43 yard TD catch in garbage time, but the Bears held on for a much needed 38-31 win.

Now you got my recap, here’s my 5 Bears thoughts………

Ok, let’s get it out of the way right away. Cutler vs. McCown. I know the Cutler haters will come out and say McCown was a better choice. Cutler had some bad throws in the game, a few sailed high on him, but he also made some great throws, as well as some plays with his feet. He came through in the 4^th quarter especially, going 5-7 for 71 yards and 2 scores. He didn’t look hampered by the injuries that kept him out, and now that the QB controversy that the media tried to start is squashed, Cutler can lead this team and worry about Philadelphia. I’ve been a Cutler supporter from day 1, so it was good to see him get the win.
The defense stepped up, albeit against a weak Cleveland offense. The Bears held Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon in check the entire game. Gordon had 67 yards and a core, but 43 of that came on a play in garbage time that he waltzed in the end zone. If you break it down, the defense only gave up 17 points. A pick 6 and a fumble return for a TD made the score look worse than it was. The Bears didn’t allow a 100 yard rusher for the first time since Week 7 (the last time Lance Briggs played), and Zack Bowman played well replacing Charles Tillman. It was a little concerning that Julius Peppers disappeared for the second week in a row, only collecting one tackle on the stat sheet. There is still cause for concern in the run game, but Jeremiah Ratliff looks to be improving, and it appears as if Lance Briggs will be back this week for Philly. It’s all about who gets hot at the right time in the NFL, and if the Bears can shore up the run D, and win these next two, it would bode well rolling into the playoffs.
Matt Forte continues to prove why he’s one of the best all-around backs in football. He rushed for 127 yards on 24 carries, he catches balls out of the backfield, and his blitz pick-up and pass blocking are fantastic. He is the glue that makes this offense go, and he should get some consideration for the Pro Bowl.
Alshon Jeffrey continues to develop into one of the best young receivers in the game. He was kind of quiet, comparatively speaking to his recent games, but made big catches when needed. His TD catch was another wonderful jump ball catch that only few receivers can make, but he had a couple BIG third down catches as well. If the Bears decide to let Cutler go in free agency, it was my opinion that Brandon Marshall would play out 2014, then leave himself. IF that does happen, it will be nice knowing that Alshon Jeffrey can step into that #1 receiver role.
One of the biggest stats from Sunday’s game that no one is talking about is 3^rd down. The Bears were 9-14 on third downs, and Cutler himself had 2 TD’s on third down. That is HUGE. When this offense can convert third downs and keep the ball moving, it keeps the defense off the field, and we all know that we need them off the field as much as possible, and it keeps the rhythm of the offense. Cutler came through in the clutch when the Bears needed it, and he showed why Trestman made the right choice to sit McCown.

My final Bears thought……..

This was a good win for the Bears. It silenced the QB issue, the defense played better, and it starts some momentum for them as they make a playoff push. I don’t have high aspirations for the Bears even if they do make the playoffs, but I’d rather see a one and done Bears team in the playoffs than the Packers or Lions there. The offense can still make some noise, if they play smart. The big difference between Cutler and McCown is that Cutler has the arm to get him into trouble. He knows he can thread a needle, and tries to do it way too much. McCown alsways took the smart throw because he is a smart QB. I’m not saying Cutler isn’t smart, his football IQ is pretty high, but he takes way too many chances.

And for the record, Bears fans drove me INSANE this week. Let’s take a small English lesson here, ok? JOSH MCCOWN. MICK – COWN. His name is not McNowan, McNown, MaNoun. It is JOSH MCCOWN. On my list of hard names to pronounce, his is NOT on it. Also, while we are at it. The Bears play at SOLDIER Field. Not Soldiers Field. Alshon JEFFREY catches passes. Not Alshon Jeffries. Please take a note so that this no longer happens. Thank you.

NEW ADDITION TO THE BLOG! WHOA! EXCITING, I KNOW!

Players that impressed: Zachary Bowman and Tim Jennings – CB

Bowman has filled in admirably for Peanut Tillman since his injury. I’m not putting him here only because he had two picks, one of which went for a TD. He’s on here because he held his own against Jordan Cameron and Josh Gordon. Tim Jennings covered Gordon more of the day, and his name wasn’t called at all. That’s a good thing when talking about a defensive back playing against one of the best receivers in the NFL. Bowman and Jennings switched off Gordon all day, and the stats don’t lie. Until the garbage TD at the end of the game, the duo held Josh Gordon (the NFL’s leading receiver) to 2 catches for 24 yards. The tandem played a hell of a game shutting down the one weapon Cleveland had that scared the Bears.

Player that disappointed: Julius Peppers - DE

Did you see that strip sack that Peppers made on Sunday? How about the fumble recovery? Or those tackles for loss? Oh, that’s right, you didn’t see them because NONE OF THAT HAPPENED. I understand Peppers faces double teams, and he’s still a focal point that allows other guys to make plays, but he has been non-existent the last two games, and if the Bears want to beat Philly, he needs to make some noise.

Around the NFL

San Diego – 27 Denver – 20

San Diego was always in charge of this game. Denver seemed out of sync all night, and the Chargers appeared to have just wanted this game more. San Diego’s defense forced a rare Peyton Manning interception late in the 4^th to seal it. As much as it pains me to say it, if San Diego can roll these last two and get in the playoffs, they might be dangerous.

Washington – 26 Atlanta – 27

With RG3 benched, Kirk Cousins came in and played pretty well. He had two picks, but made some nice strong throws and seemed in control of Washington’s offense. I can’t blame Shanahan for going for two with 18 seconds left on the clock. It’s the call of arm-chair coaches all over, go for the tie at home but the win on the road. Unfortunately for Mike, he may have coached himself out of a job. He was probably gone anyway, which makes the decision have even more merit. Either way, the Redskins suck.

Houston – 3 Indianapolis – 25

I think the Case Keenum experiment is finally over, and Houston will be in the market for a new QB come the offseason. With a high draft position, is the second coming of Carr in line for Houston?? Indianapolis needed a rollover game like this to right the ship before the playoffs start.

New England – 20 Miami – 24

This was my upset pick of the week, and it played out just as I saw it happening. Without Gronk, the New England red zone offense seems lost. The will miss that big target to throw to when they get close to the end zone. Brady doesn’t throw red zone picks very often, and my guess is not having Gronk has something to do with that. Miami is heating up at the right time as they fight for the last playoff spot that they currently occupy.

Philadelphia – 30 Minnesota – 48

Minnesota provided the surprise of Sunday, rolling up 48 points with no Adrian Peterson and no Toby Gerhart. Philadelphia had a prime opportunity to put a stranglehold on their division with Dallas losing, but couldn’t get it done. Matt Cassell appeared to be a real NFL QB for a week (more on that below) My guess is that Minnesota will also be in New QB conversation in the offseason, with the big question being whether Leslie Frazier gets retained or not.

Seattle – 23 New York Giants – 0

Give yourself a hand Eli. You had a historically bad day at home. The Giants only gained 181 total yards, and Eli was picked off 5 times. (more on that below as well) To add insult to injury, Victor Cruz was knocked out in the 4^th quarter with a concussion. Eli now holds the Giants record for most interceptions thrown. He also has the most 4 interception games in the NFL since 2004. Hee Hee. Can you tell I think Eli is a douche? Wow, the Giants really suck this year.

San Francisco – 33 Tampa Bay – 14

The 49ers are starting to heat up at the right time. They won their 4^th straight in a game that was never close. They are hitting on all cylinders as we head down the stretch, and could be trouble for teams in the playoffs. Tampa has had a few bright moments this season, but Greg Schiano has to know he’s likely to be fired.

Buffalo – 27 Jacksonville – 20

Buffalo beats Jacksonville by 7. In other news that is just as interesting, I took a dump twice today.

Kansas City – 56 Oakland – 31

Kansas City clinched a playoff spot as they rolled Oakland from the word go. Jamaal Charles basically gave the Raiders a huge cock tap as he ran for a TD and caught 4 more. Oakland had no answer for the screen game of the Chiefs and he just ran wild. Charles on had 20 yards rushing but added 8 catches for 195 yards and the 4 receiving touchdowns. Matt McGloin was intercepted 4 times, and you can add Oakland to the list of teams that need a new QB.

New York Jets – 20 Carolina – 30

Sheldon Richardson gave Jets fans memories of The Fridge as he ran for a one yard TD, but that was about as exciting as the Jets got on Sunday. Geno Smith threw a pick 6 to Captain Munnerlyn, Cam Newton threw for 273 yards and a score, and the Panthers pulled away in the second half to rebound from a loss last week. The Panthers are now tied with the Saints at 10-4 after New Orleans pissed themselves in St. Louis, making next week’s match up the game of the week as they fight for the division.

Green Bay – 37 Dallas – 36

The fucking Cowboys. Dallas was up 26-3 at halftime. Dez Bryant wasn’t crying, and all was right in the world. Then the teams came out of the tunnel in the second half. Green Bay outscored Dallas 34-10 in the second half, and Tony Romo threw two costly interceptions to give Green Bay the comeback win. Matt Flynn took off his suck coat, strapped on a pair, and threw for 4 TD’s. Everyone around Dallas was up in arms as the Cowboys continued to throw instead of running out the clock. Next time the replay of Romo’s 1st 4th quarter pick comes on, give it a look. It was the right audible that Romo called, he just threw a really bad pass. If he leads his receiver instead of throwing it behind him that’s a TD. There was NO ONE deep in coverage because Green Bay stacked the box to stop the run. Blame Romo, not the call. Also, if the Dallas defense could resemble anything other than a wet paper towel this conversation doesn’t even take place. On a side note, Dez Bryant, you have now joined the likes of Eli Manning, Phillip Rivers, Brandon Weeden, Christian Ponder, and Pete Carroll on my “I hate these douchebags” list. You never walk off the field before the game ends. You’re not the only one who fought their ass off on the field, and it’s complete disrespect to do that. I don’t know what is worse, walking off the field early, or walking off the field early because you said you didn’t want anyone to see you cry. Shut up and play football you fucking baby.

Arizona – 37 Tennessee – 34 (OT)

Arizona got past the Titans in overtime after giving up a 17 point lead in the best game that no one watched on Sunday. Arizona ran up a 34-17 lead with 6 minutes to go in the 4^th quarter. The Titans scored 17 points in 3:12 in the 4^th quarter with no time outs to send it to overtime. The comeback included an onside kick recover, and a defensive stand by Tennessee to force a 3 and out by Arizona. Even with the close call, it looks like Carson Palmer is getting really comfortable in Bruce Arians’ offense, and the Cardinals have now won 6 of their last 7 games. It’s too bad they’re in the NFC, they probably won’t even get into the playoffs.

New Orleans – 16 St. Louis – 27

Drew Brees threw 2 interceptions in the first two drives en route to a 56 throw day, and St. Louis jumped all over the Saints early. New Orleans was down 27-3 at one point before a late rally, but it wasn’t enough. New Orleans is looking more and more mortal by the week. Can anyone overtake Seattle?

Cincinnati – 20 Pittsburgh – 30

Cincinnati continues to be an up and down team, incapable of winning big games when it matters. The Steelers jumped out to a quick 21 point lead and the Bengals never recovered. Andy Dalton threw 2 4^th quarter touchdowns, but it was too little too late. Cincy has to figure it out quick if they want to avoid being one and done in January again.

Baltimore – 18 Detroit - 16

Well, well, well. Jim Schwartz, you officially suck. This was the year Detroit should have run away with the division, and now they find themselves needing help to get into the playoffs. Losers of 4 out of their last 5, Detroit succumbed to penalties and dropped passes en route to allowing 6 field goals by Justin Tucker. The Ravens didn’t even play particularly well. One of those field goals came from 61 yards out with 38 seconds left. He has now hit 32 field goals in a row. Pretty damn impressive if you ask me. Detroit will now need the Bears and Packers to lose one of their last 2, while needing to win out themselves. Not saying it can’t happen, but the air may have been deflated from the Detroit balloon on Monday night. That may have sealed Jim Schwartz’s fate.

“Well You Didn’t Make a Lick of Difference” Performance of the Week:

Eli Manning – QB – New York Giants

18/31 , 156 yards , 0 TD , 5 Int

Yep, you read that right. 0 TD’s and 5 (FIVE!!) Interceptions. Seeing Eli Manning take a huge dump down his leg makes me smile like a kid on Christmas morning. I don’t know why, but I think he’s a whiny, overrated bitch. Can we stop calling him a top tier QB yet? I know he has 2 rings, but c’mon! This spot could also go to the Cowboys defense for shitting all over a 23 point halftime lead and letting Matt Flynn of all fucking people torch you for 4 TD’s.

“Holy Crap, I’m Awesome!???” Breakout Performance of the week:

Matt Cassell – QB – Minnesota Vikings

26/35 , 358 yards , 2 TD , 1 Int

This spot could have gone to Jamaal Charles for his 5 TD day, but we all know that he’s awesome to start with, and the Chiefs WERE playing the Raiders. Instead, I’ll pick Cassell who put up these stats on a day that Philadelphia was playing for a division, Adrian Peterson AND Toby Gerhart were out, and the Eagles defense were keyed on Cassell because no one was scared of the run. Hats off to him, as he probably just got himself another mil or so for next year as a back up.