What a stinker this game was. We totally choked and squandered away everything given to us on a PLATTER!
People were down on starting Carson Wentz over Taylor Heinicke, but I wasn’t. I thought it was the right call. But Wentz was beyond disheartening; he threw for 143 sad yards and 3 picks. His one TD run gave us hope for a comeback, but offensively, we could not provide any type of spark. The entire Stadium chanting HEINICKE was a powerful statement from the fans.
It is incomprehensible that a team with Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel, Brian Robinson, and Logan Thomas could not get anything going on Offense. And also, the speed of Dyami Brown is being underutilized. Plus, Antonio Gibson needed to be more involved in the offensive scheme this season. This Offense missed not having JD McKissic for most of the year. In addition, the O-line cannot provide steady and consistent protection. This unit needs to be rebuilt through the draft; selecting a left or right tackle high on the 2023 draft is critical, and maybe picking up a couple of solid free agents along the way.
The Defense sucked, simple as that. Not having Kam Kurl and Benjamin St Juste available was crucial, and they were greatly missed. Likewise, we had no answer for Nick Chubb and Amari Cooper — As a whole, the Defense underperformed.
Ron Rivera not knowing about Washington being eliminated from the playoffs during the press conference was shocking and unacceptable.
The word on the street is that Carson Wentz will probably be released in the off-season — this makes total sense, especially considering the size of his contract. But most significantly, Taylor Heinicke will be an unrestricted free agent and probably entertain some solid offers. With all that in mind, it was announced that rookie QB Sam Howell would get his first NFL start on week 18. This move will significantly affect Washington’s approach toward the QB position in 2023.
WASH 10 — BROWNS 24
Next up, Washington hosts Dallas. The Cowboys need to win and hope Philadelphia loses for them to clinch the NFC East title. Having said that, Washington should end the season on a positive note and ruin Dallas’s playoff momentum. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
And for the rest of the league,
DALLAS 27 — TITANS 13
The Cowboys got another lucky break by taking on a decimated Tennessee team. However, it was closer than expected — In the 3rd quarter, Dallas was barely ahead 17-13. But in the 4th Quarter, Dallas finally figured out how to contain Joshua Dobbs. Next, Dallas visits Washington. Advantage, Washington Commanders.
The Titans came to this game without crucial players like Derrick Henry, Ryan Tannehill, Bud Dupree, and others. Nevertheless, they put on a valiant effort by making this game closer. At 7-8, Tennessee has a unique opportunity to clinch the AFC South against Jacksonville on week 18. Next, Tennessee visits Jacksonville. Advantage, Jacksonville Jaguars.
NY GIANTS 38 — COLTS 10
The Giants were gifted this game by taking on a disastrous Colts team. The highlight here was the classless Kaybon Thibodeaux celebration after sacking Nick Foles. NY officially clinched a playoff spot, but they won’t go far in the playoffs. Next, NY visits Philadelphia. Advantage, Philadelphia Eagles.
The Colts are the worst team in the NFL this season. Fortunately, Their 4-11-1 record will guarantee them a high draft pick in 2023. And the Jeff Saturday insane experiment has failed miserably. Next, Indianapolis hosts Houston. Advantage, Houston Texans.
EAGLES 10 — SAINTS 20
Philadelphia seems to be in dire distress, losing 2 games in a row. The NFC East title is now up for grabs between Philly and Dallas. Jalen Hurts should play in week 18. Next, Philadelphia hosts the NY Giants. Advantage, Philadelphia Eagles.
The Saints played spoiler here. They’ve won 3 games in a row and got to 7-9, showing some signs of progress. However, New Orleans was officially eliminated from playoff contention when Green Bay won. Next, New Orleans hosts Carolina. Advantage, Carolina Panthers.
49ERS 37 — RAIDERS 34
Nine straight wins for San Francisco, and they look like the best team in the entire NFL. Brock Purdy looks comfortable running this Offense. The 49ers will go far in the playoffs. Next, San Francisco hosts Arizona. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
The Raiders looked more competitive, with QB Jarrett Stidham running the Offense. Also, Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, and Davonte Adams showed flashes of how explosive they could be next season. Next, the Las Vegas Raiders host Kansas City. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
CHIEFS 27 — BRONCOS 24
The Chiefs have won 4 games in a row, but this game was an ugly performance all around for the Chiefs. Particularly for Patrick Mahomes, who had a shaky outing. They need to clean things up before the playoffs. At 13-3, they are still on top of the AFC. Next, Kansas City visits Las Vegas. Advantage, Kansas City Chiefs.
The Broncos first game with interim Head Coach Jerry Rosburg looked pretty good, but Russell Wilson continues to struggle with costly mistakes and interceptions. Denver has some massive changes coming their way in the offseason. Next, Denver hosts the LA Chargers. Advantage, LA Chargers.
LA CHARGERS 31 — LA RAMS 10
The LA Chargers looked formidable here. Justin Herbert threw for 200 yards with 2 TD and zero picks. Austin Ekeler had an excellent game, rushing for 122 yards and 2 TDs. LA has won 4-games straight and is looking to lock up the 5th seed in the AFC on week 18. Next, LA visits Denver. Advantage, LA Chargers.
The resurrection of Baker Mayfield took a hit here. The Rams have lots of adjustments to make in the post-season. First, they must address their salary cap issues and find ways to free up some cash. Next, the LA Rams visit Seattle. Advantage, Seattle Seahawks.
PACKERS 41 — VIKINGS 17
The Packers destroyed their division rival and put themselves right on track to land a playoff spot. Green Bay is riding high on a 4-game winning streak. A remarkable turnaround for the Packers. Next, green Bay hosts Detroit. Advantage, Detroit Lions.
The Vikings put on another embarrassing performance. They needed to win this game to take over the top seed in the NFC. Defensively, Minnesota is substandard, and their O-line is in shambles. Sadly, it seems like Minnesota won’t go far in the playoffs. Next, Minnesota visits Chicago. Advantage, Minnesota Vikings.
JAGUARS 31 — TEXANS 10
The Jaguars are riding high on a 4-game winning streak. At 8-8, Jacksonville can win the AFC South title with a win on week 18. Next, Jacksonville hosts Tennessee. Advantage, Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Texans will likely pick number 1 or 2 in the 2023 NFL draft. Therefore, selecting a QB should be their top priority. Having an offensive coordinator like Pep Hamilton is the ideal scenario for Houston to coach and mold a young up-and-coming QB. Next, Houston visits Indianapolis. Advantage, Houston Texans.
SEAHAWKS 23 — NY JETS 6
The Geno Smith revenge game against the team that drafted and dumped him was poetic. The Seahawks eliminated the NY Jets and put themselves in a position to land a playoff spot. Their post-season hangs on Seattle winning and Green Bay losing on week 18. Next, Seattle hosts the LA Rams. Advantage, Seattle Seahawks.
The NY Jets have now lost 5 games straight — their playoff chances were squandered away. Primarily due to unreliable QP play. Zach Wilson will be traded or released, and the Jets must find a franchise QB in 2023. Next, the NY Jets visit Miami. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
BENGALS — BILLS
It was an eerie image watching young Damar Hamlin drop on live TV after suffering cardiac arrest on the field. The game was rightfully suspended and then postponed.
Both of these teams are looking to improve their AFC playoff seeding. Therefore, they will probably reschedule this game soon.
PATRIOTS 23 — DOLPHINS 21
The Patriots barely edge out Miami and are one game away from a post-season berth. New England has to win at Buffalo on week 18, and they are in the playoffs. Next, New England visits Buffalo. Advantage, Buffalo Bills.
The Dolphins lost another close game, adding to their 5-game losing streak. At 8-8, Miami has to win on week 18 and hope Buffalo beats New England. Next, Miami hosts the NY Jets. Advantage, Miami Dolphins.
BUCCANEERS 30 — PANTHERS 24
The Bucs rallied from 14-0 to win this game and clinch the NFC South title. It is remarkable to realize that Tom Brady, at 45 years old, threw for over 400 yards with 3 TDs and zero picks. Next, Tampa Bay visits Atlanta. Advantage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Panthers turned their season around after trading away Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson, releasing Baker Mayfield, and finally firing Matt Rhule. They went on an outstanding 4 out of 6 game-winning runs and on playoff contention. Unfortunately, this loss ended their playoff hunt. Next, Carolina visits New Orleans. Advantage, Carolina Panthers.
LIONS 41 — BEARS 10
The Lions are on fire. They’ve gone on a 7-3 game-winning run. Finally, Jared Goff has cleaned up the interceptions and is playing his best football as a pro. Detroit can cinch a playoff spot with a win on week 18 and a Seattle loss. Next, Detroit visits Green Bay. Advantage, Detroit Lions.
The Bears are fishing up a disappointing season showing flashes of progress towards the 2023 season. Head Coach Matt Eberflus has stated that Justin Fields will continue to start games and gain some much-needed game experience. Next, Chicago hosts Minnesota. Advantage, Minnesota Vikings.
STEELERS 16 — RAVENS 13
The Steelers have put together a 3-game winning streak and are one game away from making the playoffs. First, Pittsburgh will need to beat Cleveland and hope New England and Miami lose on week 18. Next, Pittsburgh hosts Cleveland. Advantage, Cleveland Browns.
The Ravens have already clinched a playoff spot but need some help to win their division title. Lamar Jackson continues to sit out and should continue to do so until the post-season. Next, Baltimore visits Cincinnati Bengals.
FALCONS 20 — CARDINALS 19
The Falcons gave up on the season when they decided to go with rookie QB Desmond Ridder over Marcus Mariota. The offseason will be interesting in Atlanta. Next, Atlanta hosts Tampa Bay. Advantage, Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Cardinals were expected to be a playoff team this season. Instead, their Offense has struggled, Kyler Murray hasn’t been healthy, and their Defense has underperformed. In addition, rumors regarding Kliff Kingsbury’s future are gaining momentum. Next, Arizona visits San Francisco. Advantage, San Francisco 49ers.
Rod Rioja 