We are half through
the NFL season and there are so many story lines throught the first 9,
10, or 11 games (12 weeks) of the season. The Browns are winless, Tom Brady being
considered for MVP(suspended first 4 games), 2 ties in one season, and rookies
galore. Every year there are questions to be answered, stories being developed,
and a lot of “What If’s.” The question is where do we start.
What about
Cleveland? For the most part, this year seems to be the year of Cleveland, The
Cavs won the NBA Title, the Indians were on the verge of winning the World
Series, and then there’s the Browns. The Browns. . . WOW. Honestly, sometimes I
don’t know what to say when it comes to them. I am always one to route for the
struggling team to break through, including the Browns. When they hired a new
coach and new front office, sandwiches by the signing of a healthy RG3 and 2nd
pick of the draft, my first thought was “Ok let’s see how they draft.” Draft
night comes and they trade out of the 2nd pick for multiple picks
and they attempt to work their magic. Now I know it takes some time to develop,
but for a team that “won the draft” to not even have 1 win through 11 games is
pathetic. If the Browns were smart next year, they will not trade the 1st
overall pick of the draft. I certainly thought Hue Jackson would be able to get
through to some of these young players. It feels like the Browns have been
through has much personnel as they have quarterbacks.
Speaking of quarterbacks,
Tom Brady is playing at a MVP caliber level. The question is does he deserve to
win it after being suspended after the first 4 games? Most people would say
no. I believe that it is in “It depends”
category. The question you may be thinking “What does it depend on?” Well it
depends on quite a few things. The first “it depends” is if he can keep up this
level of play for the remainder of the season. If he plays like his 2007 form
then hands down he deserves it. The second “it depends” is on who else is
performing well and if they keep it up. Oakland has Derrick Carr, Cowboys
Ezekiel Elliott, Falcons Matt Ryan and Cincinnati’s AJ Green. Everyone is
playing at such high levels; voters will consider who is the most valuable to
their team.
When it comes to
value to a team, whoever thought that Dak Presscott was every going to play at
such a high level. He took over for perennial MVP candidate Tony Romo. Between
Presscott and Elliott, it finally shows that Jerry Jones finally has some patience.
Granted the only reason the Presscott is playing is because of Tony Romo’s
injury. If want my honest opinion, I believe that the most valuable player(s)
for the Cowboys is the offensive line. Without them, Elliott and Preskcott
would not be playing at such a high level. Derrick Carr has finally blossomed.
He is playing at such a high level, not only are the Raiders playing .500 ball,
but they are tied for the division lead! He went from relative unknown to MVP
caliber quarterback. Carr is reaching his receivers and has the help of his
running game. Matt Ryan has the Falcons on top again. He always has played at
such a nice level, but he maybe going as one of the more underrated players on
the team because of Julio Jones.
The NFL, like most
of the major leagues, is fairly in unpredictable in most scenarios. Could
anyone have predicted the Browns to be this bad? Ok yes most people could have
said they would be horrid. Can anyone tell you that the Raiders are tied for
Division lead with the Chiefs? What about the way Preskcott is playing for the
Cowboys? The Dolphins and Titans playing .500 ball? The most unpredictable
thing to happen so far is Tony Romo’s concession speech to Dak Prescott. Many
people, including myself, are completely shocked. NFL ratings have been a
record low this season, but its bound to turn around. Let’s see what happens.
Enjoy the stretch run everyone!
