A Second Chance

We’ve seen it many times. A kicker with a chance to win the game misses it as time expires. What we don’t see is the defense giving the kicker a second chance to win the game. That’s what happened in the Cleveland Browns and San Diego Chargers game. Browns CB Tramon Williams jumped offside as the ball was snapped on Chargers kicker Josh Lambo’s field goal attempt. Give the Chargers five more yards and another shot. Sure enough Lambo didn’t miss it the second time. It only figures that this would happen to the Cleveland Browns. They actually were outplaying the Chargers for most of that game. Not much can be said after a game like this other than to say there were no guarantees the Browns would have won it in overtime. However, momentum certainly would have been on their side.

Yes, He’s Not Russell Wilson

Why is this a story? Clay Matthews of the Green Bay Packers was caught on a hot mic saying to 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick, “you’re not Russell Wilson bro.” First of all, Matthews is correct saying that, but the larger issue is Kaepernick isn’t even playing like Colin Kaepernick. Full disclosure I am a 49ers fan if you don’t already know. I’ve watched most of their games this year and I can’t figure it out. The biggest problem for them is that defense. I don’t even recognize it anymore. But to the quarterback position, he does seem to be doing better except for the game against the Arizona Cardinals. He is playing to his strengths, but he doesn’t seem to be trusting his arm since that game. Becoming too reliant on his legs is giving the offensive line the idea that they don’t have to block for him on every play if he’s going to end up running for a positive gain. Bad idea with that porous unit, specifically the right side. The emphasis should be on getting Carlos Hyde involved more and focusing on quick passes to keep Kaepernick upright by seasons end. At this juncture he will be getting hurt sooner rather than later.

Going To London Wasn’t A Good Idea

The Miami Dolphins trounced the Oakland Raiders in London last year and it resulted in the Raiders firing Dennis Allen. This year was quite the opposite. Miami was destroyed by their division rivals the New York Jets. Now Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin has been fired. Since Don Shula retired the Dolphins have now gone through nine head coaches. It’s even worse at the quarterback position since Dan Marino retired. What is this franchise to do with an owner that hasn’t been real hands on since acquiring the franchise, yet when he does get involved doesn’t know what he’s doing. Stephen Ross deserves some blame for their predicament, but Philbin deserves all of it for the on-field performance. No team has looked worse on a week-by-week basis this season. I could make a case for the Indianapolis Colts during their first two games, but they seemed to have figured it out. Miami will try to ride this ship, but this will have to be dealt with in the offseason. Good luck trying to get Jim Harbaugh with his cushy dream job in Michigan.