Believe it or not, there are only four weeks remaining in the NFL regular Season. It is that time of the year when teams live by the philosophy, “just do what it takes”. The weekend included a few games where the top teams just found a way to grab the win. For instance, the Cowboys deserved to lose against the Texans but found a way, while the Chiefs overcame an indifferent performance by Patrick Mahomes, who threw three touchdowns and interceptions. The surprising wins from the weekend belong to the Jaguars’ incredible performance to beat the Titans and Baker Mayfield’s improbable comeback down 13 points to beat the Raiders to destroy their playoff hopes. We got another reminder that Justin Jefferson is probably the best wide receiver in the league by tallying 11-catches, 223-yard performance in a loss to the surging Lions. Still, we should dive deeper into the top 3 headlines from Week 14.
1. Bucs Get Stomped- After a herculean effort to comeback against the Saints on Monday Night Football, it was always going to be a difficult task to fly across the country to play the red-hot 49ers team on a short week. The buccaneer fans hoped the team could right the momentum of the win, but the team got in flattened by the better team in northern California. Brady was probably making his final trip to his hometown as a player, but the 49ers’ defense harassed Tom Brady to force two sacks and interceptions. On the other side, Brock Purdy was making his first start in the NFL, and it went pretty well. Purdy completed 16 of 21 passes, 185 yards, and two touchdowns on Sunday. Brock showed his arm strength in making two passes for more than 25 air yards while Jimmy Garoppolo had none this season. Purdy has moved from Mr. Irrelevant to centerstage, and if he can keep it up, then the 49ers look like a dangerous team in the playoffs. However, the Buccaneers are now vulnerable because the Panthers can win the division if they win their last four games.
2. Herbert outshines Tua-it was supposed to be a headline matchup on Sunday Night Football of Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert who got drafted 5th and 6th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. On Sunday night, the big winner was Herbert. Justin completed 39 of 51 passes for 367 yards and a touchdown. It is not just the stats but the Chargers’ number 10 was brilliant in eluding the pass rush and making throws from all angles to his wide receivers. For the second game in a row, Tua looked flustered, rattled, and not himself. The Chargers copied the 49ers’ game plan of taking away the middle of the field for the passing game and challenging the dynamic wide receivers. Los Angeles looks well placed to win a wildcard spot because their last four games include playing the Colts, Rams, and Broncos after a matchup with the Titans. The Dolphins on the other hand, play the Bills, Jets, and Patriots in three of the last four games.
3. Jets Grounded-the Bills and Jets played a bruising matchup in bitter weather in Western New York. It was a tough day for both offenses because Josh Allen had a pedestrian effort tallying 16 of 27 passes, 147 yards, and a touchdown. Nonetheless, Allen willed his team to victory through the run game with ten carries, 47 yards, and a touchdown. It included a highlight reel hurdle and mid-air bulldozer collision with a defender. Mike White did not play badly in the game but took quite a few shots from the Bills’ defense. It forced Joe Flacco to step into the game, and despite attempts the Jets’ offense remained grounded. The Jets playoff chances are hanging by a thread.