Each week I’m going to try and do this column. This will be just some random observations that I noticed during the current week of the glorious 2018 NFL football season. There will be 6 observations and an extra point. So you’re essentially getting a touchdown’s worth of football hot takes from me. Enjoy.
1. The NFL needs to stop giving the Miami Dolphins Week 1 home games
Some of you may remember that last season that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Miami Dolphins were set to open the 2017 NFL season down in Miami. However, that game was pushed back to week 11 because of Hurricane Irma.
This season, the Dolphins week 1 home opener lasted about 7 hours due to lightning delays. There were two separate lightning delays spanning for more than 3 hours of total delay time.
As a Florida resident of 10 years, I can confidently say that there’s no sense in playing any games in Florida until at least week 3. It rains and thunderstorms every afternoon until the end of September/start of October. Wait until week 3 to give the Bucs, Dolphins, and Jags any home games. Play more home games in November/December when the weather is nice.
2. Both Von Miller and Khalil Mack ripped the ball out of people’s hands and it was awesome
It’s super fun to watch the two best players at their position absolutely manhandle other players.
3. I wonder what team is going to give Ryan Fitzpatrick $20 million this offseason
As many of you saw, Ryan Fitzpatrick went off this afternoon against the Saints throwing for 417 yards and 4 TDs as well as rushing for 36 yards and a TD. It was the type of game that tricks NFL GM’s into thinking that he could actually be a decent NFL quarterback.
I feel like the next team to give Fitzpatrick a huge contract is going to be the Miami Dolphins. While they did win today, it’ll be clear by the end of the season when they have 5 wins or less that Ryan Tannehill isn’t the guy.
Enter Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Harvard alum (people forget that) will come in and replace Tannehill and ultimately stink. It’s just what he does. It’s how he’s made a living in this league. Personally, I respect it. Any GM who would sign him to big money shouldn’t be an NFL GM.
4. I think the Falcons should totally clean house and start over
It’s no question that since the Atlanta Falcons lost Super Bowl 51 after blowing a 28-3 lead that the team lacks the clutch gene. That being said, the team can’t get out of their own way. At this point, I think they’re cursed.
Matt Ryan didn’t even look like an NFL quarterback on Thursday. I honestly thought that he was hurt for most of the game. Without Kyle Shanahan, he’s barely average.
After blowing a lead so substantial in the Super Bowl, it’s impossible to repair your brain. Every single time they go up on a team or step onto the field down a score with 2:00 left in the fourth quarter, that game will enter their mind. You can’t win when your brain is broken. So much of sports is mental. They need a fresh start.
5. Ereck Flowers may be the worst offensive lineman of all time
On the Giants first play from scrimmage this season, Ereck Flowers did this:
Think that was bad? He then tried to block a linebacker who was covering the running back instead of blocking the edge rusher attacking the quarterback which led to Eli Manning throwing the eventual game winning pick 6.
As a Giants fan, I can confidently say that he has to go. Literally nobody could be worse than him. The offensive line is literally going to keep this team from being a playoff contender this year if they don’t fix it.
6. It’s time that we call Marcus Mariota a bust
It’s time to say it: for being the number 2 overall pick in 2015, Marcus Mariota isn’t good. He’s average at best and since he was picked so high, that makes him a bust.
After having just 13 touchdowns to 15 interceptions last season, he started this season out by throwing 2 interceptions in 16 attempts. He then was injured with an elbow injury.
The point is this, at this stage in a QB’s career he should be progressing, not regressing. Whatever they’re doing isn’t working and if this season goes poorly, they need to at least evaluate their options at quarterback this offseason.
Extra Point: The NFL is so much better when Aaron Rodgers is healthy
Ignore this if you’re a Bears fan, but WOW! As I was writing this article, I watched Aaron Rodgers tear out the hearts of Chicago Bears fans everywhere.
In the span of 3 hours, Aaron Rodgers went from BACK to DEAD to HE’S NOT DEAD to MVP of the entire league. What a game. What a player. He’s the best to ever do it, folks.