What We Learned From Week 13
Added on Dec 04, 2012 by Scott in
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Another week of close games dominated the Week 13 schedule. Eleven of the sixteen contests were decided by seven or fewer points. The Texans and Falcons continued their winning ways, the Chiefs drew strength from tragedy, the Niners were jumped by the Rams, and the Jets mustered an ugly 7-6 victory without Mark Sanchez under center. Here’s what we learned from the week that was in the NFL.
Russell in charge – Seattle rookie quarterback Russell Wilson played his best game thus far in disposing of the Bears in Chicago. He carved through a stout Bears defense using both his arm and legs to the tune of 364 yards and two scores. Luck and RG III deserve the hype, but it’s time Russell started to share in the love.
It’s good to be Luck(y) – Speaking of Andrew Luck, the Colts wunderkind shook off a rocky start to squeeze out another miraculous victory with a last second touchdown toss to beat the lowly Lions. Style points mean little when evaluating Luck, because when the pressure mounts he is at his best. Impressive stuff.
Pats flying low – Maybe it’s because we’re accustomed to them winning, or maybe it has to do with them being merely average some weeks, but the Patriots are once again heading to the playoffs. With Peyton, and the Texans, and Indy getting all the attention, Belichick’s boys are simply lying in wait until the real season begins.
Ram tough – The Rams have displayed much more resilience under Jeff Fisher, especially in two games against the Niners. They played to a tie three weeks ago and then delivered a knock out punch via Greg Zuerlein’s monster leg in overtime on Sunday. If they run the ball, don’t turn it over, and avoid yielding big plays, the Rams are a decent team.
Pittsburgh pride – Just when you think it’s safe to close the coffin on the Steelers season, 37-year-old Charlie Batch digs deep and leads his charges to a crucial win on the road in Baltimore. Batch outplayed Joe Flacco and the black and gold defense registered three sacks and forced two Flacco turnovers. And Big Ben is back this week. That’s bad news for the rest of the AFC.
City of brotherly hate – The Eagles have been in disarray for months, but the magnitude of the dysfunction is being revealed as the days and nights pass. Dead man walking Andy Reid fired his second defensive coach since October, and elevated rookie quarterback Nick Foles to full-time starter. Needless to say, he isn’t going down quietly.
Bye, bye Norv – Four straight losses and an impeding trip to Pittsburgh have all but signed Norv Turner’s (and GM A.J. Smith’s) walking papers. But more distressing than the lame duck coach is the rapid decline of Philip Rivers. Were Vinnie Jackson, Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson the reason for Rivers’ success?
Skins on the move – RG III and Co. have dropped all three of their NFC East rivals to reach .500 and enter the thick of the Wildcard race in the conference. The defense is getting it done and rookie running back Alfred Morris keeps churning out yards. Also, a healthy Pierre Garcon has opened up the passing game. NFC take note, the Redskins are hungry for more.
