Two thoughts. 1) That all played out about as well as it could have, really, and 2) I am so glad it’s over.
Brady was nervous. That was kind of endearing. Pats fans gave him a supportive, welcoming and emotional ovation during warmups, then lit him up once the game started. That’s the way it’s supposed to work.
Belichick had a nice plan. Rookie Mac Jones looks like the future in New England. Bucs struggle, but win, which is good because they are the better team. That’s the way this is supposed to work.
Yes, there was a postgame embrace, reportedly followed by a 20-minute private locker room conversation. That’s the way this is supposed to work.
Now let’s get on with it. I am so glad that’s over.
Why was no one talking about The Return of Andy Reid? To Philly, I mean. Andy’s reaction? “It was good to get a cheesesteak.” Andy has bigger things to worry about. That Chiefs’ defense is putrid.
Putrid defense. You know, like the Cowboys had a year ago. A year ago. Seems like ancient history now. The Mighty Quinn has the Dallas D playing fast and smart. It probably helps to have a cornerback who has five interceptions in four games. Let’s hope Trevon’s back is ok.
Don’t you like it when coordinators actually coordinate? Quinn and Kellen Moore are quite the Dynamic Duo. KM was in the Playcaller’s Zone yesterday. Beautifully sequenced, each play set up by an earlier one. The Cowboys have the best-balanced offense in the NFL, and one of the best-balanced in recent memory. Oh, and Dak Prescott is pretty good.
This just feels different this year, Cowboy fans. (How do you like that for detailed, analytical football analysis?) Dallas has what it takes to go deep in the NFC Playoffs.
But the Cowboys are not the best team in the NFL at this instant. The Cardinals are.
And damn if Aaron Rodgers didn’t look suspiciously like Aaron Rodgers Sunday at Lambeau.
Big Ben did not look like vintage Big Ben. And never will again. My eyes don’t lie. (Well, ok, there was that one time in Puerto Vallarta, but…) Big Ben is through. I mean shot. I mean right now. At this instant. Permanently. I take no joy in saying this. But that’s a wrap.
Reports of the Seahawks’ demise were premature. Predictions of another Jimmy G. injury were prescient and right on schedule. Niners are in trouble.
I would not have believed the Jets could beat the Titans. But I saw it with my own eyes. Or at least I saw the overtime with my own eyes. Do you realize that the Jets had not held the lead for one second in any of their first three games before yesterday? Zach Wilson made some rookie mistakes. He also made some jaw-dropping throws. I get the “shiny” attraction.
The reward for the Jets? They have to get on a plane and fly across The Pond to play the Falcons in another one of those lame, stale London Broils. Put that dog down, Roger. Please.
Was there ever a doubt the Falcons would find a way to lose that game to the WFT? Zero. Zero doubt, sir.
The Browns were largely awful Sunday in Minneapolis. The Browns also won Sunday in Minneapolis. Good teams get it done even when they don’t have their fastball.
The less said about the Texans, the better. Oy.
Raiders and Chargers tonight? Yeah, I’m in.
Let’s talk Tuesday.
