Sunday, December 21, 2014

Washington Redskins/Eagles Recap and Week 16 Picks

DeSean Jackson dances after a win 
Against his former team (via DCSportsBog)

Robert Griffin did just enough to help Washington win.  He threw a couple of bombs to DeSean Jackson which lead to 3 rushing touchdowns for the Redskins offense: one by Alfred Morris and two by fullback Daryl Young, who went to Villanova University.  He also did what Mark Sanchez could not do which was lead his team on a game winning field goal drive.  

Philadelphia errors certainly helped.  They extended drives with penalties on 3rd down including an unsportsmanlike conduct shove and a few  roughing the passe.  Will Allen tackled DeSean Jackson to avoid potential embarrassment which resulted in pass interference and the football near the goal line. 

The Eagles missed two field goals.  Sanchez committed a few turnovers including a fumble in the 1st quarter and interception with the Eagles having a chance to take the lead in the 4th quarter.  On what proved to be difference making score, the Eagles sealed their fate by roughing up Robert Griffin which put the Redskins in field goal range.

The Eagles should have put forth a much more disciplined effort given that they are playing for a playoff spot and could be eliminated from playoff contention if the Dallas Cowboys take care of business against the Colts.

Minnesota Vikings @ Miami Dolphins (-4) - The Dolphins have taken care of homefield for the most part and defense has been solid which could present problems for the Vikings.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+12) @ Green Bay Packers - The Packers struggled against the Bills while the Bucs could make this game potentially interesting if Lovie Smith can put forward a good defensive game plan and if Tampa Bay's big wide receivers step up.  

Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions (-8.5) 

Jimmy Clausen is mostly famous for attending
Notre Dame but has been a disappointment in the NFL

 The Bears are already without Brandon Marshall and now they move forward with Jimmy Clausen who was only a third string quarterback for the Panthers. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints (-4.5) - New Orleans won the first meeting at Atlanta and this time they will be playing at home to try to build off its momentum of its win against Bears.  The Falcons offense has been solid lately but their defense has been shaky all season long.

New England Patriots (-10) @ New York Jets  - This could be the last time that we see a Rex Ryan vs. Patriots showdown.  While Rex Ryan has upset the New England a few times, including the playoffs, the Patriots have done a good job at piling up points on below average opponents.  

Kansas City Chiefs @ Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) - The Steelers have put together good wins against the Bengals.  While the Chiefs have a good defense, I wonder if Alex Smith can create enough offense against the Steeler's 3/4 defense.  

Cleveland Browns @ Carolina Panthers (-4) - Cam Newton returns and Johnny Manziel looks dismal so far as a starting NFL quarterback.

Baltimore Ravens (-6.5) @ Houston Texans - The Texans look to play spoilers against the Ravens.  While the Ravens have won 4 of their past 5, the Ravens only beat Jacksonville by 8 points.    Still, Case Keenum makes the start, so it could be a struggle for Houston to put up points.  

New York Giants @ St. Louis Rams (-6.5) - The Rams defense is elite which should put the clamps down on the Giants.  While the Rams only scored 6 points last week, the Giants defense has been below average throughout the season.  

Buffalo Bills (-6.5) @ Oakland Raiders - The Buffalo Bills come off a win against the Packers and look to join the party on teams that have blown out the Raiders.  

Indianapolis Colts @ Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) - It looks like DeMarco Murray will play which could give Dallas the offensive boost it needs to beat the Indianapolis Colts.  It should be a high scoring game with big playoff implications for both teams.    

Seattle Seahawks (-8.5) @ Arizona Cardinals- Arizona is 11-3 and could have enough tools to keep this game close down the stretch.  Still, the Seahawks have been taking care of quality opponents both on the road and at home and it could be hard for Arizona to garner up some offense with their 3rd string quarterback Ryan Lindley.

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