Denver Broncos wide receiver Cody Latimer (14) makes a touchdown against Chicago Bears cornerback Kyle Fuller (23) and defensive back Chris Prosinski (31) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Who Needs Peyton?
It was a good change of pace for the Denver Broncos. Instead of seeing Peyton Manning grind his way through another Sunday, we saw a pretty good backup in Brock Osweiler. The most important thing for Denver is that he didn’t turn the ball over as has been a custom for Manning this season. It was announced that Osweiler would start in place of Manning when they play host to the New England Patriots on Sunday night. This will be an important test going forward for both Denver and Osweiler. Can he repeat his performance against the best team in the AFC and can Denver’s defense slow down Tom Brady. Peyton is still the starter once he is healthy enough to return, but if this is indeed his last season, Denver could already have his replacement in house.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) tries to pass against the Indianapolis Colts during the first of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
They’re Falling Back To Earth
A few weeks ago I speculated that Atlanta’s season could be a fantasy in that they really weren’t that good of a team. Turns out my premonition was correct. Losing at home to the Indianapolis Colts, who hasn’t looked good all season long was a telling sign for the Falcons. They play host to the Vikings then go on the road for the next three. There are no more gimmes for them as they still need to play Carolina twice, New Orleans and Tampa Bay one more time if they want a chance at a Wild Card spot. Matt Ryan has been an average quarterback who seems to focusing too much on Julio Jones which defenses see and zero in on that. They can’t run the ball now and with Devonta Freeman being banged up now, it could spell doom for them to finish the season with a winning record.
Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones (95) sacked Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (5) during the second half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis, Sunday, Nov. 22, 2015. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
The North Is Up For Grabs
I really believe Minnesota had a chance to make a game of it against Green Bay. Had it not been for the fumble by Adrian Peterson, the Vikings could have made things interesting in the second half. I don’t understand why Peterson continues to hold the ball the way he does. He begs the defense to knock the ball out and more often than not, they do. Minnesota is still in the driver seat having only three losses on the season. After their trip to Atlanta, they play Seattle and Arizona. Those two games will be good tests to see if they are real contenders or just pretenders this year. They finish the year against Chicago, the New York Giants and Green Bay. It’s not the easiest schedule, but if they can finish with a 10-win season it will be a successful season for the franchise. They’ll have excellent momentum when they move in to their new stadium next year.
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