Let’s just start by saying: I love the NFL. All weeks, but especially this week. And here’s why.
- THREE GAMES went into overtime at the same time on Sunday. I mean, come on. Does it get any better?
- Um, yes. It does. Because we get to talk about it.
So, let’s categorize:
OVERTIMES:
- Who thought the Texans would need to go into OT against a woeful Jags team? Especially when the Jags starting QB, Blaine Gabbert, went down with an injury mid-game? That they pulled it out in the final minutes of OT on a courageous 4th down attempt by the Jags speaks volumes about the Texans…and not necessarily in a positive way. But a win’s a win! And the Texans steam roll on.
- Lesser surprise but still surprising in it’s own right: the Cowboys going into OT with the Browns, who truly had a chance to win this game. But this week, instead of finding a way to lose, the Cowboys found a way to win.
- Unsurprising but exciting: the Bucs winning in OT over the Panthers. Watch out for the Bucs, people! They mean business.
QUARTERBACKS:
The Good:
- RG3. Holy goodness, did he ever have a game against the can’t-buy-a-break Eagles.
- Matt Schaub threw for over 500 yards on Sunday. Is that even human?
- Aaron Rodgers. Even when the offense is having somewhat of an off day, he’s still able to thread the tiniest of needles through practically invisible holes.
- Tom Brady. For being Tom Brady.
- Ditto, Peyton Manning.
The Bad:
- Phillip Rivers, what happened? I don’t understand?
- Five interceptions, Matt Ryan? Really?
- The entire Cardinals QB lineup. Sorry, guys.
- Ditto, Kansas City.
The Ugly:
- Nick Foles. The Eagles in general. What a terrible season.
INJURIES:
- Biggest injury: Rob Gronkowski out for at least the rest of the regular reason with a broken forearm. Bad break (pun intended) for the Patriots, since Gronk is the core of the offense.
- Second biggest: Willis McGahee out for the foreseeable future with an MCL tear. Unfortunate for the Broncos, who have really been humming on offense.
- Ala Chandler, Could Pittsburgh be more injured? Along with the rest of their roster, backup QB Byron Leftwich is also going to be out for a few weeks with broken ribs. Hello, Charlie Batch!
- It’s so odd to not talk about the Packers in this space, but I think they survived a game sans-devastating injury for the first time in forever (Raji ankle injury notwithstanding…let’s hope it’s inconsequential).