SBNation.com - NFL Week 14: Upsets, RG3 injury headline early NFL gameshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46737/sbn-fave.png2012-12-10T23:53:14-05:00http://www.sbnation.com/rss/stream/35104692012-12-10T23:53:14-05:002012-12-10T23:53:14-05:00Patriots, Brady roll over Texans
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<figcaption>Jim Rogash</figcaption>
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<p>The New England Patriots destroyed the Houston Texans Monday night to stake their claim as the AFC's best.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a> faced off on Monday Night Football in what promised to be a grind-'em-out battle of the AFC's two best teams. But, instead of a battle, there was a drubbing. The Texans laid down and the Patriots rolled behind <span>Tom Brady's</span> four touchdown passes, winning, 42-14.</p>
<p>The Patriots wasted little time displaying their dominance over the Texans on both sides of the ball. After forcing a quick Houston punt, Tom Brady and Co. took the ball and promptly marched 70 yards down to the Houston 4-yard line. On first down, <span>Stevan Ridley</span> took a hand-off, ran up the middle and fumbled, but <span>Aaron Hernandez</span> reached the loose ball first, depriving the Texans' defense of its best chance to stop the New England offense. On the next play, Hernandez was rewarded with a 7-yard touchdown reception to give New England an early lead, 7-0.</p>
<p>After the Texans' next drive quickly stalled, the Patriots again struck quickly. A deep touchdown pass from Brady to <span>Brandon Lloyd</span> capped off a six-play, 82-yard drive and gave New England a 14-0 lead.</p>
<p>Next Texans' series: same story. Houston was forced to punt after only four plays, and the Patriots' offense regained possession and imposed its will yet again. Tom Brady marched his team down the field 70 yards in eight plays, finishing the drive with another touchdown pass to Hernandez to give the Patriots a 21-0 lead.</p>
<p>The game went to halftime firmly in hand for New England, and fans were singing the high praises to their fearless leader.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1339095/bradyhead.gif"><img alt="Bradyhead_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1339095/bradyhead_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>Whatever adjustments the Houston coaching staff drew up during halftime did not work, as the second half proved to be much of the same story of dominance. Tom Brady connected with <span>Donte Stallworth</span> on the Patriots' second possession for a 63-yard touchdown pass to extend the lead, 28-0.</p>
<p>After an <span>Arian Foster</span> touchdown run, the Patriots answered with two touchdowns of their own, one of which was a Stevan Ridley fumble that Brandon Lloyd recovered in the end zone. The play perfectly summed up the game. It was the Patriots' night, and even on a Texans forced fumble, Brady made sure it ended with a Patriots touchdown.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1339107/savethebrady.gif"><img alt="Savethebrady_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1339107/savethebrady_medium.gif"></a></p>
<p>With each team getting their backups playing time, Houston quarterback <span>T.J. Yates</span> rushed in a 1-yard touchdown to make the score somewhat more respectable, but no one watching the game was fooled.</p>
<p><b>Fantasy Studs</b></p>
<p>Tom Brady was a man on fire Monday night. He completed 21 of 35 passes for 296 yards and four touchdowns in the victory. Two of those touchdowns went to tight end Aaron Hernandez, another two (one was a fumble recovery) went to Brandon Lloyd.</p>
<p>On the Texans side, no one impressed. Wide receiver <span>Andre Johnson</span> had the best game with eight receptions for 95 yards, but could not find his way into the end zone. Arian Foster rushed for a touchdown but amassed only 46 rushing yards.</p>
<p><b>Infirmary</b></p>
<p>New England cornerback <span>Aqib Talib</span> was feared to have suffered a serious hip injury after leaving in the first half and not immediately returning after halftime. However, he returned to the field in the second half.</p>
<p><b>But did they cover?</b></p>
<p>Oh yes. The Patriots entered Monday night as 5.5-point favorites and won by 28. If not for a garbage-time Houston touchdown, the margin would have been even wider.</p>
<p><b>Who's next?</b></p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> (9-4) at Houston Texans (11-2)</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> (9-3-1) at New England Patriots (10-3)</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/mDwzaXFRsCY" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3753456/patriots-vs-texans-2012-final-scoreJack Cassidy2012-12-10T16:12:04-05:002012-12-10T16:12:04-05:00Winners, expected and otherwise
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<figcaption>Patrick McDermott</figcaption>
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<p>The Redskins got big games from two rookie quarterbacks. Andrew Luck did what he always does, and even Nick Foles joined the first-year fun with a win this week. </p> <p>The last time we checked in on the NFL's incredible class of rookie quarterbacks, they were all doing heroic things. RGIII beat the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a>. <span>Andrew Luck</span> engineered another comeback. Ditto <span>Russell Wilson</span>. Rookie by default <span>Brandon Weeden</span> even helped his team win a game, and <span>Ryan Tannehill</span> survived another week with the Dolphins. Those crazy kids were up to more hi-jinx this week, with entirely new wrinkles added to the plot.</p>
<p>We grapple with those matters in this week's rookie quarterback rankings.</p>
<h4>1. RGIII & <span>Kirk Cousins</span>, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Washington Redskins</a>
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<p>Punditry had to break out its tisk tisk finger after RGIII took not one, but two big hits from Haloti Ngata. By now, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/12/9/3747972/rg3-injury-redskins-qb-suffers-knee-strain">you've the seen the second of those two hits</a>, the one his right knee impossibly survived. <i>His style of play is going to get him killed</i>, they said. <i>Be a pocket passer</i>, they pleaded, forgetting the entire essence of RGIII. Washington didn't trade a quiver full of first-round picks to get a pocket passer. Mike Shanahan probably could have gotten by with Kirk Cousins, who had an important cameo this week. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/12/10/3750906/rg3-injury-reactions-washington-redskins" target="_blank">Chris Mottram politely deconstructed the argument for putting RGIII in a protective casing</a>. Also important to note, standing in the pocket behind the current Washington offensive line is far more dangerous than taking your chances in the open field.</p>
<p>Prior to his injury, RGIII went 15-for-26 with 246 yards and a touchdown. He put the Redskins on top with the game's first touchdown and kept his team in the game to give Cousins the chance to be a hero. Not to be overlooked in Washington's win is the role <span>Alfred Morris</span> played. His 23 carries for 122 yards and a touchdown made the Redskins offense a more efficient machine than even RGIII could do on his own.</p>
<p>Enter Cousins. The world laughed when Washington spent a fourth-round pick on Cousins. He was 2-for-2 with a touchdown pass to <span>Pierre Garcon</span> and ran in the two-point conversion himself to send the game to overtime. Cousins came in with RGIII, learned the offense and gave Washington a valuable No. 2 to help ensure the season isn't lost when the starter goes down ... kind of like he did this week. Fill circle shit, right there.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1853981/kirk2.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Kirk2_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1853981/kirk2.gif"></a> <br id="1355170141639"></p>
<p>Do you think the Redskins would have pulled off the win with <span>Rex Grossman</span> in relief? RGIII, Garcon, Morris, Cousins ... those players represent a smart chain of roster moves from the same team that gave <span>Albert Haynesworth</span> a key to Dan Snyder's money bath not so long ago. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/12/4/3726336/troll-tuesday-the-man-who-saved-the-washington-redskins" target="_blank">Maybe Andrew Sharp was really onto something</a> last week.</p>
<h4>2. Andrew Luck, <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indianapolis Colts</a>
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<p>It wasn't exactly a career day for Andrew Luck. He threw an ugly pair of interceptions. A pick six by <span>Will Witherspoon</span> should have been called back on third-and-3 in the second quarter. Luck's knee was down. Someone missed that detail, though it's pretty clear in the GIF below.</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1853627/lucknoluck.gif" target="_blank"><img alt="Lucknoluck_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1853627/lucknoluck.gif"></a></p>
<p>True to form, Luck kept pushing his team, not at all bothered by the scoreboard or the costly mistakes. Down by 13 points to start the second half, Luck went 7-for-17 with 73 yards in the second half to help his team add 20 points. He also managed his sixth-game winning drive, the most among all NFL quarterbacks this season.</p>
<p>All of this happened against a <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Titans</a> team that is better off being forgotten this year. Lost in the heroics of a comeback win is the fact that a comeback should have never been needed in the first place.</p>
<h4>3. <span>Nick Foles</span>, <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a>
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<p>Congrats, Nick Foles. You helped the Eagles beat the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> this weekend, the team's first win since September. I hope you look forward to being shipped off to Arizona or Jacksonville in the near future.</p>
<p>Foles posted a 32-for-52 line with 381 yards and two touchdowns. Andy Reid even had an excuse not to run the ball this week with <span>LeSean McCoy</span> being placed in protective custody until the next coach can use him and <span>Bryce Brown</span> being shut down by the Buccaneers defense.</p>
<p>We know that Andy Reid is out in Philly after the season, unless he makes some arrangement with Satan using the same contract language developed a while back by Norv Turner. Michael Vick is out too. That should open the door for Foles, right? Maybe not. A new coach is probably going to want to bring in his own quarterback. Foles has the rest of the season to get an extended look, and he probably will get a trial again next year under a new coach.</p>
<p>If Foles can string together similar performances down the stretch against the <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a>, Redskins and Giants, it will put him in a better place heading into the spring.</p>
<h4>4. Russell Wilson, <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seattle Seahawks</a>
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<p>Wilson played his best game of the season last week. This week, he let Marshawn Lynch and <span>Robert Turbin</span> and the defense do the bulk of the work against <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> and whatever moving carcasses the <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> had on the field this week.</p>
<p>Wilson finished the game early, going 7-for-13 with 148 yards a touchdown and an interception.</p>
<h4>5. Ryan Tannehill, <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a>
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<p>Was Jim Harbaugh feeling generous? I'm not sure how else to explain the fact that the <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> beat the Dolphins by something less than 20 points. Miami's defense gets part of the credit for that, and so does Ryan Tannehill who avoided turning the ball over. He did fumble, but guard <span>Richie Incognito</span> recovered.</p>
<p>Tannehill posted a 17-for-33 line with 150 yards and one touchdown. The most concerning thing about Tannehill is that he has just one game in his last seven where he has completed more than 60 percent of his passes.</p>
<h4>6. Brandon Weeden, <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cleveland Browns</a>
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<p>This week's award for outstanding achievement in the field of game management goes to the Browns rookie signal caller. <span>Trent Richardson</span> and <span>Phil Dawson</span> accounted for most of the work in a lopsided win over the visiting <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a>, an opponent custom made for Pat Shurmur to coach against. Weeden threw for 217 of Cleveland's 352 total yards, with no touchdowns and no interceptions.</p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PL88E6B4E121781B75&hl=en_US"></iframe></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3751068/rg3-injury-kirk-cousins-andrew-luck-wins-rookie-quarterbacks-nick-folesRyan Van Bibber2012-12-10T12:40:00-05:002012-12-10T12:40:00-05:00Young and stupid has nothing to do with football
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<figcaption>Rick Stewart</figcaption>
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<p>This week in TAKEAWAYS Robert Wheel tells you what you need to know from every game this week and from the tragic death of Jerry Brown this weekend.</p> <p><span>Josh Brent</span> is 24. Have you ever been 24? If so then you probably know that you were a dumbass back then. I'm 28 and I'm still a dumbass most of the time. I'm guessing that I'll stop being a dumbass sometime in my 50s.</p>
<p>Drinking and driving is one the most dumbass things you can do. Getting into a car with someone who's been drinking isn't malicious but it's still pretty dumbass. <a href="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/12/8/3745102/cowboys-nt-josh-brent-arrested-for-intoxicated-manslaughter-practice">Jerry Brown's death is a tragedy</a> and a harrowing reminder of the fragility of life and the folly of youth. It doesn't have anything to do with football; instead it's a side effect of being young and stupid.</p>
<p>Remember that you're not invincible, dumbass. Here's what you need to know from each game this week.</p>
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<p class="non primary"><b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3749086/nfl-playoff-picture-afc-standings-broncos-patriots-texans">AFC playoff picture</a> | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3749370/nfl-playoff-picture-falcons-bears-nfc-wild-card-race">NFC playoff picture</a></p>
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<p><b><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Broncos</a> 26, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders" class="sbn-auto-link">Raiders</a> 13</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: This game was the poster child for why <i>Thursday Night Football </i>should be moved to Saturday</p>
<p>This game was boring and I have a bye in my fantasy league (I drafted <span>Adrian Peterson</span> because I am smarter than you). So I watched <i>Parks and Rec</i>, <i>30 Rock</i>, <i>It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia</i> and <i>The League</i> instead. But if it were on Saturday night I would have watched football instead of the Knicks game. Of note, I'm a male, aged 18-34 with disposable income (advertisers covet me) and I have a cable package. Get your shit together, NFL.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams" class="sbn-auto-link">Rams</a> 15, <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bills</a> 12</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: Chan Gailey hates <span>C.J. Spiller</span> and winning</p>
<p>C.J. Spiller had five yards per carry in this game and is pretty clearly the Bills' best running back. He had one carry in the fourth quarter; which the Bills led until a last minute touchdown by the Rams. Chan Gailey hates good running backs and not losing. My guess is that he picked up this malady at Georgia Tech.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cowboys</a> 20, <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bengals</a> 19</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: Football is stupid</p>
<p>The Cowboys didn't win this for <span>Jerry Brown</span> or DUI victims or anyone in particular. They won this because, much like the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Giants</a> last week, the Bengals suffered from an inability to convert long drives into touchdowns. The dead practice squad linebacker and incarcerated nose tackle had nothing to do with it.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Browns</a> 30, <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chiefs</a> 7</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: Romeo Crennel is not making a good impression on his ex.</p>
<p>"Hey, Romeo! I haven't seen you in forever, how are things?"</p>
<p>"They're good! I landed on my feet after you dumped me. This is Kacie by the way."</p>
<p>"Kacie, so nice to meet you! What does that tattoo on your neck mean?"</p>
<p>"Back when I was doing porn they told me Chinese lettering helped out so I just got a bunch of random stuff. A delivery guy told me it means 'mother horse looks at sun' but I dunno."</p>
<p>"Well that's just awesome!"</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Colts</a> 27, <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Titans</a> 23</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: Flip 'em the bird, bro!</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1337981/original.gif"><img alt="Original_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1337981/original.gif" width="400/"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="http://deadspin.com/5966948/the-kick-is-up-and-its-good-your-sunday-nfl-gif-roundup-[updated]" target="_blank">my buddies over at Deadspin</a></p>
<p>I once had a beer thrown at me for flipping off a section full of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins" class="sbn-auto-link">Redskins</a> fans while wearing a Rodney Hampton jersey so I can't really judge. That said LOLOLOLOLOL Colts fans are the worst.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vikings</a> 21, <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a> 14</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: Adrian Peterson is still a boss</p>
<p>I think that's my takeaway from the Vikings game every week but it bears repeating. Adrian Peterson is a man-beast who runs like he hates everyone who isn't wearing the same jersey as him. So let's all hope he breaks Eric Dickerson's record because Eric Dickerson was boring.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers" class="sbn-auto-link">Chargers</a> 34, <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Steelers</a> 24</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: Let's hope the Steelers don't make the playoffs</p>
<p>Seven Steelers defensive starters are on the wrong side of 30. So we shouldn't be too surprised that, come December, some of them look like they're playing at half speed against a normally punchless Chargers team. Somebody has to get the sixth seed in the AFC but I'd rather the Bengals try to beat someone by throwing for 400 yards than see the Steelers wheeze through the playoffs.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Eagles</a> 23, <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Buccaneers</a> 21</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: Who cares about the game, check out this kid</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1337909/tumblr_mes2rxj5Tf1rfimo0o1_400.gif"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1337909/tumblr_mes2rxj5Tf1rfimo0o1_400_medium.gif" class="photo" alt="Tumblr_mes2rxj5tf1rfimo0o1_400_medium"></a></p>
<p>via <a href="https://twitter.com/dhm">@dhm</a></p>
<p>He's gonna run shit once he gets to high school. Count on it.</p>
<p><b>Redskins 31, <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Ravens</a> 28</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: The Redskins still shouldn't have drafted <span>Kirk Cousins</span>.</p>
<p>Process over results, folks. Drafting a backup QB over someone for one of the worst secondaries in the league is a bad move. In case you follow any Redskins fans on Twitter they complain about <span>DeAngelo Hall</span> at least three times per game. And I'm sure <span>Rex Grossman</span> could have put this one away (it's possible; the Ravens secondary looks lost without <span>Lardarius Webb</span>).</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Panthers</a> 30, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Falcons</a> 20</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: Regression to the mean is the meanest regression</p>
<p>A few weeks ago I said that the Falcons <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/11/26/3692420/nfl-week-12-standings-scores-recap" target="_blank">weren't as good as their record suggested</a> because they got lucky in a lot of close games. And not even Ron Rivera couldn't screw this game up for the Panthers. Take it away, Most Interesting Man In the World:</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1338293/31618238.jpg"><img alt="31618238_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/imported_assets/1338293/31618238_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p>via Meme Generator</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jets</a> 17, <a href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Jaguars</a> 10</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: No</p>
<p>If you watched this game you should have gone outside instead. I don't care that it was raining; a head cold is the price of progress.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">49ers</a> 27, <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Dolphins</a> 13</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: <span>Colin Kaepernick's</span> tattoos were good this week</p>
<p>Oh hey he just really likes the Bible. But if the Niners lose to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Patriots</a> or the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Seahawks</a> then they're just proof that he's a glory boy clownfraud.</p>
<p><b>Giants 52, <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Saints</a> 27</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: <span>David Wilson</span> made me forget about <span>Doug Martin</span> for a day</p>
<p>Last year in the draft I loved Doug Martin and hoped the Giants would draft him to replace <span>Brandon Jacobs</span>, who signed with the Niners when the Giants offered him no salary but a per diem for 2012. Then on draft day the Bucs traded up to pick Martin in the slot before the Giants. The Muscle Hamster's rookie campaign has forced me to ask "What if?" a lot, but maybe Wilson will vindicate himself before long.</p>
<p>This is your reminder that grading any draft less than three years after the fact is a fool's errand.</p>
<p><b>Seahawks 58, <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cardinals</a> 0</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: We're back to the old Cardinals</p>
<p>Via <a target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/BlueOsprey">@BlueOsprey</a>, this Cardinals fan knows what's up</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1854149/A9tPlTrCMAED0_R.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1854149/A9tPlTrCMAED0_R_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="A9tpltrcmaed0_r_medium"></a></p>
<p>It's good that the Cardinals suck again. It restores order to the force.</p>
<p><b><a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> 27, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lions</a> 20</b></p>
<p>TAKEAWAY: We're almost back to the old Lions</p>
<p>The old Lions were sad sacks; the Schwartz version is a little feistier. But it's heartening to see them at the bottom of the NFC North (call it the NFC Norris and I'll garotte you).</p>
<p><b>WHAT TO DO THIS WEEK INSTEAD OF WATCHING MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL<br></b></p>
<p>I have a fantasy bye and I don't like the Patriots so I think I want to go to trivia night. It's in Brooklyn, which means only your interesting friends will show up.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3748156/takeaways-nfl-week-14-jerry-brown-josh-brent-scores-highlightsRobert Wheel2012-12-10T11:03:05-05:002012-12-10T11:03:05-05:00Ravens vs. Redskins: Baltimore heading backwards
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<p>Baltimore Ravens fans seem to be quite worried with the state of their team following their second consecutive loss after blowing a lead.</p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a> dropped their second consecutive game Sunday as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Washington Redskins</a> pulled off a remarkable comeback to steal a 31-28 victory.</p>
<p>The Ravens were outscored 17-7 in the second half as they allowed backup QB <span>Kirk Cousins</span> to lead his team to the game-tying touchdown and two point conversion with 29 seconds remaining. And once in overtime, Baltimore blew its initial possession with a quick three-and-out before giving up a 64-yard punt return to <span>Richard Crawford</span> to set up Washington's game winning field goal.</p>
<p>Following another devastating defeat, <a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2012/12/9/3748214/deflated-is-an-understatement" target="_blank">Zachary Beard of Baltimore Beatdown </a>wrote in his recap that Sunday's loss "really dampened [his] spirits" on the Ravens' overall outlook. Here's exactly what Beard wrote about the direction Baltimore is heading:</p>
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<p>"The metaphoric pendulum that is the 2012 Baltimore Ravens seems to be swinging in the negative direction these last two weeks...These two losses are more than two letters in the loss-column, they are a statement about the status of the Baltimore Ravens. We have replacement players in just about every position on defense, and a team just can't win with a group of scrubs on defense.</p>
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<p>Harsh words, but Beard does have a point. The Ravens have given up an average of 27 points their previous two games after allowing just 14.5 in the four before that. And they'll have to get their act together soon too with the high-flying <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a> heading into town next Sunday for a battle for the AFC's three seed.</p>
<p>For more on the Baltimore Ravens' recent struggles, head on over to <a href="http://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/" target="_blank">Baltimore Beatdown. </a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3748912/redskins-vs-ravens-2012Cody Ulm2012-12-10T10:29:13-05:002012-12-10T10:29:13-05:00Debrief: In search of greatness
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<p>The week that was in the NFL.</p> <div>
<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/9/3746428/nfl-scores-week-14-dallas-cowboys-tragedy">Week 14 in the NFL</a> clarified a few things in both the AFC and NFC playoff picture, but really it just muddied everything up again. RGIII suffered a knee injury <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/12/10/3749210/nfl-week-14-injury-update-rg3-redskins-jay-cutler-dwayne-bowe">that is NOT an ACL</a>, but the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/washington-redskins">Redskins</a>' faithful is still concerned. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> <a href="http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2012/12/8/3745102/cowboys-nt-josh-brent-arrested-for-intoxicated-manslaughter-practice">overcame tragedy</a> en route to a win. <span>Adrian Peterson</span> <a href="http://minnesota.sbnation.com/2012/12/9/3748574/minnesota-vikings-adrian-peterson-rushing">continued his insane run </a>with a realistic shot at 2,000 yards.</div>
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<div>Lots to talk about, starting with the biggest injury of the week.</div>
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<p class="non primary"><b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3749086/nfl-playoff-picture-afc-standings-broncos-patriots-texans">AFC playoff picture</a> | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3749370/nfl-playoff-picture-falcons-bears-nfc-wild-card-race">NFC playoff picture</a> | <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-scores-stats-week-14">NFL scores</a></p>
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<h4>Be careful about taking away part of what makes RGIII great</h4>
<div>The question this week will be whether RGIII, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/12/9/3747972/rg3-injury-redskins-qb-suffers-knee-strain">who hurt his knee in the Redskins' thrilling overtime victory over the Ravens</a>, takes too many hits. It's a reasonable question because, even though <span>Kirk Cousins</span> looked decent in his short time on the field on Sunday, the Redskins don't want to be lining up without RGIII for an extended period of time.</div>
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<div>Figuring out whether he takes too many hits is going to be a very fine line for the Redskins to walk. His legs and his ability to stretch the field that way is part of what makes him an elite rookie, and it's what helped make him the second overall pick. If Michael Vick, for example, was a pure drop back passer, nobody would hire him because he completes only 56 percent of his passes. His legs make (or made) him special. That's not a perfect comparison because RGIII is way ahead of Vick when it comes to passing the ball, but the point remains that you don't want to take away part of what makes him special.</div>
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<p class="non primary"><b>More</b>: <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/2012/12/10/3749210/nfl-week-14-injury-update-rg3-redskins-jay-cutler-dwayne-bowe">Medical expert on RGIII's injury</a></p>
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<div>RGIII and <span>Alfred Morris</span> are doing historic things this season and it's not <i>all </i>because of his arm. I'm not sure what the right balance is, but the Redskins will have to figure it out.</div>
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<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1856339/uspw_6833926.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Uspw_6833926_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1856339/uspw_6833926.jpg" width="100%"></a> <br><i>Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports </i>
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<h4>Adrian Peterson is a monster, and he could be on his way to 2,000 yards</h4>
<div>Peterson is eyeing 2,000 yards. He's been on an absolute tear over the last two months. Consider this: Peterson had just one 100-yard game in the first six games of the season. In the last seven games? He's had seven 100-yard games.</div>
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<div>Peterson is averaging 123 yards per game and at his current 1,600 yards, he's on pace for 1,969 yards this season. He needs to average 134 yards per game over his final three games to reach 2,000 yards. Those three games will come against these rushing defenses: <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/st-louis-rams">Rams</a> (13th), <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> (second) and Packer (15th).</div>
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<div>Even more impressive than reaching 2,000 yards is how he's doing it -- on a reconstructed knee. Players are not supposed to be this effective coming off the type of knee injury that Peterson had.</div>
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<a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1856331/uspw_6833780.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Uspw_6833780_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1856331/uspw_6833780.jpg" width="100%"></a> <br><i>Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports </i>
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<h4>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">Chargers</a> have started their annual winning streak</h4>
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<a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2011/dec/02/looking-more-smith-join-turner-unemployment-least-/">On Dec. 2, 2011</a>, the Chargers were 4-7, losers of six in a row. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported:</div>
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<div>Chargers President Dean Spanos, according to those around the team and around the league, feels he has "no choice" but to go in another direction at head coach and that Turner will be fired at season's end.</div>
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<div>The Chargers won four of their final five game and Norv survived.</div>
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<a href="http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/dec/06/smith-will-join-turner-out-door-end-chargers-seaso/">On Dec. 6, 2012</a>, the Chargers were 3-8, losers of four in a row. Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reported:</div>
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<p id="h518925-p2">Not only will head coach Norv Turner be gone at the end of the season, but general manager A.J. Smith will be fired as well, as the Chargers make a monumental break from an era that was arguably the most successful and most disappointing in team history. Sources said this week that Chargers President Dean Spanos essentially decided at least a month ago that Turner's time was drawing to a rapid close.</p>
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<p>Anyone wanna bet the Chargers run the table?</p>
<p><a href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1856347/uspw_6812882.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Uspw_6812882_medium" class="photo" src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1856347/uspw_6812882.jpg" width="100%"></a> <br><i>Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports </i></p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a>-<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> Week 3 game still looms over the playoff picture</h4>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3749370/nfl-playoff-picture-falcons-bears-nfc-wild-card-race">A more detailed look at the NFC playoff picture can be seen here</a>, but one part of the race has me very intrigued, and it involves the Packers and Seahawks. If the season ended today, they would both be in.</p>
<p>One story line I don't want to re-live is the Packers-Seahawks Week 3 Monday night game. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/9/25/3403918/packers-seahawks-refs-call-catch-golden-tate-russell-wilson-md-jennings">The Golden Tate catch that was but really wasn't. </a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/9/25/3403918/packers-seahawks-refs-call-catch-golden-tate-russell-wilson-md-jennings"></a>Imagine if the Seahawks edge, let's say the Cowboys or Redskins, and make the playoffs. You think those in Washington D.C. or Dallas are going to complain about the call in the Seahawks-Packers game? The Redskins, Cowboys, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Vikings</a> and Seahawks would all be tied right now (7-6) if the Seahawks had lost that game.</p>
<p>Or let's say the Packers miss out on a first-round bye by one game. You think those in Green Bay will be a little upset about that call? The Packers are a half game behind the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">49ers</a> for a first-round bye right now.</p>
<p>That game will affect the playoff race. We just don't know how yet.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1856571/uspw_6608104.jpg"><img src="http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/1856571/uspw_6608104.jpg" width="100%" class="photo" alt="Uspw_6608104_medium"></a> <br><i>Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports </i></p>
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<h4>The chase for the No. 1 pick is a three-team race</h4>
<div>Here's how it looks right now:</div>
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<p>1. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> (2-11): at Oakland, Indianapolis, at Denver</p>
<p>2. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bigcatcountry.com/">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> (2-11): at Miami, New England, at Tennessee</p>
<p>3. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a> (3-10): Kansas City, at Carolina, at San Diego</p>
<p>Then there are a cluster of four-win teams: <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a>, <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>, <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>, <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>.</p>
<p>The biggest remaining game on the schedule, as far as draft seeding is concerned, is next Sunday's Chiefs-Raiders game in Oakland.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3750090/nfl-scores-rgiii-injury-adrian-peterson-nfl-draft-orderJoel Thorman2012-12-10T10:22:06-05:002012-12-10T10:22:06-05:00Chargers vs. Steelers: San Diego "shows up"
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<figcaption>Justin K. Aller</figcaption>
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<p>The San Diego Chargers shocked the NFL Sunday when they showed up in a big way to dominate a Steelers team that's still fighting for a chance at the playoffs. </p> <p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/san-diego-chargers">San Diego Chargers</a> snapped their four-game losing streak Sunday when they stormed into Pittsburgh and shocked the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Steelers</a>, 34-24.</p>
<p>But not only did San Diego get off the schneid in the short term; they also earned their first victory in Pittsburgh in the history of their franchise (0-14 previously). Not being too used to this feeling, <a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2012/12/9/3747838/san-diego-chargers-finally-show-up-defeat-pittsburgh-steelers" target="_blank">John Gennaro of Bolts from the Blue</a> wrote in his recap that the Chargers "looked like the team that fans and the media thought they would see all season."</p>
<p>Gennaro credited the Chargers' fifth victory of the season to "a brilliant gameplan" from first-year defensive coordinator John Pagano, who put his team in position to limit the Steelers' third down success (5-of-13 Sunday). The Chargers also made <span>Ben Roethlisberger's</span> return an uncomfortable one by deflecting eight passes and giving him little to no run game to work with (17 carries for a total of 69 yards).</p>
<p>On the other end of the ball, Gennaro called the offensive line play "surprisingly really good." As he points out, the Chargers only allowed one real sack (the other was when <span>Philip Rivers</span> ran out of bounds) which allowed their quarterback to have one of his most effective games of the season (21-of-41, 200 yards, three touchdowns).</p>
<p>For more on the Chargers' upset, head on over to <a href="http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/" target="_blank">Bolts from the Blue. </a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3748998/steelers-vs-chargers-2012Cody Ulm2012-12-10T09:55:00-05:002012-12-10T09:55:00-05:00Jenkins, Strief highlight NFC South injury report
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<figcaption>Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The New Orleans Saints lost safety Malcolm Jenkins and right tackle Zach Strief to injuries in their loss to the New York Giants. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New Orleans Saints</a> got beat up on the scoreboard in a 52-27 loss to the <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Giants</a>, while also getting beat up in the injury department. The Saints suffered a slew of injuries in the loss, although only a couple of them appear to be serious.</p>
<p>Safety <span>Malcolm Jenkins</span> suffered a right leg injury and his outlook is uncertain for Week 15 against the <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>. Jenkins attempted to re-enter the game after initially leaving, but quickly aggravated the injury and left for good.</p>
<p>Right tackle <span>Zach Strief</span> suffered a right ankle injury and did not return. Strief was in a boot after the game and is questionable for Week 15.</p>
<p>Linebacker <span>Jonathan Vilma</span> (left arm/shoulder), wide receiver <span>Devery Henderson</span> (ankle) and running back <span>Darren Sproles</span> (right leg) all left the game at some point, but all returned to action.</p>
<p>The rest of the NFC South was mostly injury free in Week 14. The <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Carolina Panthers</a> did have a couple of injuries, as safety <span>Haruki Nakamura</span> suffered a groin injury and center <span>Geoff Hangartner</span> both left the game. Nakamura did not return, but Hangartner was able to come back. In that same game, the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons" class="sbn-auto-link">Atlanta Falcons</a> did not suffer any new injuries. Cornerback <span>Asante Samuel</span> was active, but did not play.</p>
<p>The Tampa Bay Buccaneers escaped their game against the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Philadelphia Eagles</a> unscathed.</p>
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https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3750326/nfl-injury-report-nfc-south-week-14Jason Patt2012-12-10T09:51:04-05:002012-12-10T09:51:04-05:00Dolphins vs. 49ers: LaMichael James shines
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<p>It looks like the 49ers have found their new change-of-pace back. </p> <p>The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">San Francisco 49ers</a> continued their run for the NFC's second seed Sunday when they handled the <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Miami Dolphins</a>, 27-13, at Candlestick Park.</p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/2012/12/9/3748466/49ers-vs-dolphins-final-score-recap">David Fucillo of Niners Nation</a> stated that while there was "no single star of the game," he did come away quite impressed with rookie <span>LaMichael James</span>. Making his NFL debut as <span>Frank Gore's</span> caddy, James finished with a line of 30 yards on eight carries with one catch for 15 yards. James also chipped in 79 return yards while providing the 49ers with "a spark that was clearly missing last week in <span>Kendall Hunter's</span> absence."</p>
<p>Following the solid performance, Fucillo fully believes that James will be active again next week especially with Gore's workload being scaled back a bit. Gore only received 12 carries Sunday despite the fact that he was showing some serious burst on nearly every touch (5.8 yards per carry, 85 total yards).</p>
<p>For more on the Niners' new change-of-pace back, head on over to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ninersnation.com/">Niners Nation. </a></p>
https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2012/12/10/3749138/49ers-vs-dolphins-week-14Cody Ulm