Week eleven offers some key division match-ups along with disappointments trying to dig out of the cellar. With all the bye weeks out of the way, we’re in the stretch run to the playoffs! I love this game.
New York Jets (6-3) at New England Patriots (6-3)
The Jets and Patriots are meeting for the second time this season, but now the winner will occupy first place in the AFC East. The Jets aren’t the same team that fell to New England in week two. Brett Favre has an improved control of the offense, Thomas Jones is tearing up the turf, and the defense is in the top third of the league. Beating the Patriots in Gillette Stadium would confirm their legitimacy.
In spite of all the criticism and doomsday predictions (mostly coming from me), the Patriots have risen to the occasion. Going 6-3 without Tom Brady at quarterback astounds me. Bill Belichick has done a solid job putting his players in the best position to win. However, the season-ending injury to linebacker Adalius Thomas may be too much for a defense that doesn’t have any room for mistakes.
Baltimore Ravens (6-3) at New York Giants (8-1)
Rookie Joe Flacco is winning over fans simply by winning. With the hype coming out of Cleveland, no one expected a rookie head coach and quarterback tandem to share the AFC North lead after ten weeks. The Ravens defense is as stout as ever, ranking second in the NFL, proving that aging doesn’t always coincide with regressing.
The New York Football Giants have staked their claim in the NFC East, defeating each of their divisional rivals on the first go-round. With the toughest second-half schedule in the league ahead of them, Tom Coughlin will surely stress the importance of finishing strong. He only needs to look back to last year, when the Giants went on a tear going into the playoffs and won it all. Eli Manning has become worthy of his draft day drama and has his team in a great position to repeat.
Minnesota Vikings (5-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Instead of former starter Tavaris Jackson’s 150 yards, one interception outings, the Vikings have Gus Frerotte’s 300 yards, three interception days. I suppose that’s an upgrade. Quarterback is still the issue in Minnesota, as Frerotte is not the present or long-term solution. Adrian Peterson must stay healthy for his Vikings to secure the NFC North crown, which is the only way any North team will make it into the post-season.
After their bye week, Tampa Bay will be looking to just keep pace in the NFC South hunt, as the division-leading Panthers welcome the winless Lions into town. Tampa’s defense, ranked 7th overall, must force Frerotte into turnovers as Peterson is good for at least 120 yards and a touchdown. Jeff Garcia has revived his career once more, and will be a valuable pick-up in the off-season if the Bucs don’t retain his services.
San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3)
The Chargers struggled to defeat the lowly Chiefs, needing a defensive stop on a two-point conversion to secure the win. LaDainian Tomlinson’s production is part of the reason, as he’s straining to reach mediocre statistics. Philip Rivers continues his fantastic yet overlooked season, keeping his team within striking distance of first place Denver.
Coach Mike Tomlin called out his quarterback last Sunday, attributing Ben Roethlisberger’s struggles to a lack of practice time. Maybe if Tomlin’s offensive line would protect the $100 million dollar man, he wouldn’t need to miss practice. Or, how about this crazy notion, you COACH him and explain the need to get rid of the ball quickly and avoid the sack. Just letting an ailing Roethlisberger in the game and allowing him to scramble around in the pocket is a recipe for disaster. Tomlin needs to reign in Big Ben.
Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (6-3)
Dallas fans should be cautiously optimistic this week, for Tony Romo is returning to the starting line-up. However, he’s not 100% yet, and with offensive line troubles could be risking further injury. Dallas is also hoping Felix Jones returns to the backfield, which would allow Marion Barber to stay fresh for December. Dallas isn’t out of the playoff picture yet, but a loss to the ‘Skins would surely shove them out of frame.
Washington’s bye week came at the perfect time, as MVP candidate Clinton Portis used it to rest up so he can hopefully make it on the field Sunday. Jim Zorn’s new system seems tailor-made for QB Jason Campbell, giving him his best performance as a pro thus far. The Redskins are primed for a wild-card berth, but it’s a long way until anything is secure in the NFC East.
Cleveland Browns (3-6) at Buffalo Bills (5-4)
In week eleven, the term “must-win” is now open for use, and the Browns know it. Starting Brady Quinn was supposed to spark this team, but all the talk of players quitting during the game can’t help morale. Cleveland is ripe for the picking, so if they can’t put together a winning streak, they can only blame themselves. Romeo Crennel will certainly be on the hot seat if their season ends without a game in January.
After losing to the Patriots last week, the Buffalo Bills are engaged in a rapid downward spiral. They’ve lost three straight, one to each AFC East rival. Another loss would put them as a long shot to take the division after looking so dominant in the opening month. The offense needs to find its identity again, scoring only 16, 17, and 10 points in their last outings. Coach Dick Jauron needs to worry about not only missing the playoffs, but being an embarrassment.
