This much is certain. The NFL playoffs are wide open. Just when you thought that teams were down and out like the Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins, they find themselves back in the hunt after a big win in week 12.
First Down: “Ryan Tannehill” Even though the Seattle Seahawks abysmal (1-4) record on the road anyone who would suggest that they would lay another egg in Miami; would be wrong. Quarterback Russell Wilson has played for the most part and has put the Seahawks in a good position for the playoff push. On the other hand the Miami Dolphins were losers of three straight and could not afford another home loss. In fact, it was the other rookie taken 67 spots ahead of Wilson that was the better of the two. Ryan Tannehill led his team on drives of 82,80 and 68 in the fourth quarter to lead his team to a comeback 24-21 win. The Dolphins have been a nice surprise this season but with two games against the New England Patriots (including this week) and a visit to the bay to face the 49ers, the playoffs will be nearly impossible to reach.
Second Down: “RGIII is the real deal!” Robet Griffin III has been a standout all season. Just like Cam Newton was last year Griffin (as well with Andrew Luck) have become rookie sensations. Griffin has showed poise, athleticism and a good arm over the first half of the season but it was his win on thanksgiving that may have changed the team’s fortunes. The Washington Redskins and Mike Shannahan are reaping the benefits, even after trading almost all their picks so that they could get their guy. Albeit that it his first year, Griffin was nearly perfect against the Dallas Cowboys in a 38-31 thanksgiving win. What is more impressive is that he threw for 311-yards and 4 touchdowns and had an off the scale QB rating of 132.6. Not only was the win against their most bitter rivals in their house but it was a game that got the Redskins back in the hunt. A win against the NY Giants at home on Monday night will put them in striking distance of the NFC East. While a lost would cripple any hope at that, with the slight chance at a wildcard.
Third Down: “Lame Cowboy” On the other hand the Dallas Cowboys needed the win, not just to be close to the Giants for the division, but for confidence going the rest of the way. The Cowboys have been awful at home (2-3), in fact ever since Jerry Jones built Jerry’s World; nothing has been good at home. The Cowboys needed to beat the Redskins and crush any hopes they had at the playoffs and it started well with the defense forcing a quick 3-and-out. Tony Romo had the ball in the red zone but could only manage a field goal. After that Griffin calmed down and went on an absolute tear, scoring 28 points in the fourth quarter. Romo threw the ball a career high 62 times because the running game behind Felix Jones has been anemic. The good news for Dallas is that Demarco Murray is back and will immediately improve the run game and they have 3 of their final 5 games at home against winnable teams. They first need to take care of Philadelphia on Sunday night on NBC Football.
Fourth Down: “Where is Percy?” It’s unfair to say, especially on a NFL team that one or two people make up a team but without Adrian Peterson or Percy Harvin the Minnesota Vikings are in serious trouble. No question about it, in my mind the Chicago Bears had that game EASILY. With Jay Cutler in the lineup they took care of business 28-10 dominating on both sides of the ball. The thing is, the Vikings are still in the hunt, they have snuck up on teams and played pretty good football with an average defense and a below average quarterback. That’s because Peterson is having a career year after suffering a major ACL injury last year, and Harvin is Superman. The Vikings just find ways to get the ball to Harvin weather it is on: Special teams, running the ball or quick screens, once Harvin touches the ball he is just thinking end zone. Harvin was having a career year with 62 receptions and 677-yards receiving, before going down. With two games against Green Bay and then Houston and Chicago the odds are not in their favour. In fact even with the Rams on the schedule I don’t think the Vikings will win another game all season and finish the season at (6-10).
BOLD PREDICITION WEEK 12: Adrian Peterson will have 4 touchdowns and over 150 yards rushing and still lose.
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