Month: November 2022

Seahawks fans, rejoice! For years, the 12th Man has clamored for the return of the classic Seahawks throwback uniforms worn by the team in their early decades of action. Now, it appears they will be getting their wish fulfilled next year. During the first quarter of the game against the Raiders, the Seahawks announced the…

Seahawks throwback uniforms officially returning in 2023 — Seahawks Wire

It was a fun-filled and memorable week ten. There was a game in Germany, coaches and players shed tears, a roller coaster matchup in Buffalo and a fun Sunday night game. Then there’s playoff implications for a lot of teams struggling to stay above .500. In an eventful weekend, here are the winners and losers.

Winners: Dan Campbell

During Halloween week there were stories and predictions from a number of pundits stating Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell could be on the hot seat before December. Detroit entered this month with losses in all but one game despite having one of the league’s best offenses.

The Lions are undefeated in November.

Sunday’s win in Chicago gives the Lions a two game winning streak and a tie for second place in the NFC North. After Sunday’s comeback win in Chicago, Sportscenter’s Scott Van Pelt confirmed it was the first time the franchise won a game down 14 or more points entering the fourth quarter since 1993. It’s not pretty but Detroit has two, hard-fought wins against division rivals (they’ve won two of three divisional games so far) and the defense has played better in fourth quarters compared to the first month of the season.

Campbell’s Lions still have a hard schedule (four of the next six teams are over .500) but it’s not the mess many believed three weeks ago. No team should underestimate Detroit when they still believe in their coach’s system.

Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota won what might be the NFL regular season game of the year. It’s been decades since the last time a visiting team was down double digits in Buffalo and came back to win.

The game featured an action packed, up-and-down fourth quarter. Right after a dramatic goalline stand by the Bills defense, Viking linebacker Eric Kendricks recovered a Josh Allen fumble for a touchdown. Not only did it give Minnesota their first lead, it was the first go-ahead defensive touchdown a team scored when trailing in the final minute of a game since the 1978 Miracle at the Meadowlands debacle (via Sportscenter with Scott Van Pelt).

The Vikings will probably win the NFC North but they look like one of the few complete teams in the NFL. They pass and run the ball well. The offensive line is better than last year and the defense steps up and plays best when under pressure. Injuries and the Philadelphia Eagles might be the only things stopping Minnesota from clinching the number one seed.

Christian Watson

While the topic this week in Green Bay is a win in Dallas saving the season, many will wonder if quarterback Aaron Rodgers found a new number one receiver in Christian Watson.

Watson is now one of two rookie receivers to score three touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys in a first meeting (the other being Randy Moss on a memorable 1998 Thanksgiving Day game) and the first rookie receiver to score three times in any game since 1978 (via NFL Network). His touchdowns combined with 107 yards on four catches is a rare and fun stat-line.

Christian Watson’s rookie year isn’t stellar compared to other rookies, but at 6’5 there’s a lot of potential for the second rounder. He’ll be an interesting watch the rest of 2022.

Tua Tagovailoa’s touchdown throw to Alec Ingold

We haven’t seen a talented, left-handed quarterback pump-fake an incoming pass rusher and then throw a touchdown since the Michael Vick days. There aren’t many acrobatic third or fourth option receivers who contort their bodies in mid-air to hit the orange pylons either. That’s what makes this game-tying play in the first quarter a fun watch.

Have you ever watched a movie inspired by real events and wonder where the people are now? Or about how much of what was shown really happened? Before the Script is your podcast that has the answers. Check them out wherever you get your podcast fix. New episodes drop on Sunday night, so take a listen to Jazzy’s educational and fun podcasts.

Losers: The Josh Allen MVP discussion

Last week’s Winners discussed the AFC east division race being the closest and funnest to watch. It’s more interesting with the Bills going from the number one seed in the conference to third place in their division. The Bills have stumbled due to the aggressive play of quarterback Josh Allen.

Minnesota trailed by double digits multiple times in week ten’s most thrilling matchup. The Bills had leads of ten, 14 and 17. The game turned when quarterback Josh Allen threw his first redzone interception of the afternoon to veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson. Buffalo’s possession after C.J. Ham’s touchdown were three incomplete passes (because why run the ball when you’re leading late in the game). Allen couldn’t seal the win.

The next possession was his fumble at the goalline where Eric Kendricks made history and Minnesota got their first lead of the game. Josh Allen did lead the Bills to a game-tying field goal and a chance to win in overtime but the Vikings won after he threw the second of two redzone interceptions. Allen’s winless in all four overtime games played since 2018.

Color commentator Darryl Johnston let loose after the game ending play stating, “This was Allen’s fourth redzone interception in the last two weeks. Before November it was two in the last 67 games.” If the quarterback was Lamar Jackson, Tua Tagovailoa or Jalen Hurts, there would be uproar over their ability to lead a perenial losing franchise (despite their cases for MVP this and previous seasons). This is where former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll is missed. Aggressive plays and decision making comes back to bite quarterbacks and the team takes the loss.

Jacksonville Jaguars (minus Travis Etienne Jr.)

Many expected Kansas City to pancake Jacksonville Sunday. The Chiefs will be the number one seed in the AFC unless there’s a December stumble. What’s more concerning is the sloppiness of Jacksonville after starting well in September.

The offensive line was bad against a Chiefs defense struggling against the run and gave up five sacks. Former number one overall pick Trevor Lawrence had another middling performance and the running game wasn’t used despite Travis Etienne Jr. averaging four yards a carry. Both touchdowns from Christian Kirk were easy to score when Kansas City led by 20 and 17.

The defense is worse. Since the tide-turning loss in Philadelphia the Jaguar defense has given up 20 points in all but one game, and the one win since was against a tumultuous Raiders team that can’t hold a lead.

It doesn’t get easier after the bye week. Four of their next five games are against teams with winning records and the one that isn’t is a Detroit Lions team that’s mentally stronger and physically tougher. Jacksonville fans won’t enjoy where this season ends.

Kenny Golladay

Last year was one of the few times I said there was a bust at any position with receiver Jalen Reagor. Sometimes receivers need better quarterbacks but occasionally you get a few who are sloppy and shouldn’t be on a 53 man roster. Kenny Golladay inches closer to the Jalen Reagor side every week.

Golladay looked competent in Detroit but since the New York Giants signed him in 2021 he’s played 19 games due to injuries and personal reasons. He gets paid $5 million a year to catch 39 passes for 543 yards and no touchdowns. The Giants are depleted at wide receiver but head coach Brian Daboll would rather have a leper be the second or third best option over Golladay.

It’s humorous yet mortifying when NBC Sportsedge Football has a headline like this after a solid home win against the Houston Texans.

John Wolford

In his defense, John Wolford’s not a bad backup quarterback. There was debate on Matthew Stafford starting Sunday against Arizona but that changed when he didn’t pass concussion protocol. It gave the experienced backup a chance to win another game.

The Rams know how to beat their desert rivals well even if both teams are at full health. Wolford’s also beaten the Cardinals before. Plus, Arizona was starting their backup journeyman Colt McCoy.

Everything that could go wrong for Los Angeles did. 65 of John Wolford’s 212 yards came on a meaningless final touchdown drive. Colt McCoy was the better quarterback despite suffering a leg injury. While a good number of issues for the Rams stem from lack of depth at receiver and a terrible offensive line, wide receiver Cooper Kupp shouldn’t have minus-one yards at half-time because of a backup quarterback.

Important note: Due to World Cup action starting November 21st there will be no Winners and Losers for at least one month. A publishing regarding the return of the weekly NFL posts will take place once all dates are finalized. Expect posts about group results and predictions to be the main focus for Jdsportscorner.

Geno Smith is having a moment. Not only is he the front runner for NFL comeback player of the year. He’s now one of the faces of the league in Germany as his Seahawks face Tampa Bay in the first ever regular season game played in that country.  He’s also set to be a free…

Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander believes Geno Smith should be Seattle’s QB1 for next 5 years — Seahawks Wire

Email Sign up Like this article? Sign up for the Seahawks Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning An error has occured Please re-enter your email address. Thanks for signing up! You’ll now receive the top Seahawks Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

Deebo Samuel declares Seahawks bigger rival for 49ers than Rams — Seahawks Wire

The Seahawks are making history this season in a lot of ways. The next item on the list is playing in the first NFL game ever in Germany. Seattle’s team looks a lot different than their peak during the Legion of Boom years. However, there is one familiar face who’s returned recently to be part…

Bruce Irvin poised to make NFL history again with Sunday’s game — Seahawks Wire

The Seattle Seahawks will be one of two teams to play in the first-ever NFL regular-season game in Germany when they square off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 10 at Allianz Arena in Munich. Coach Pete Carroll talked about the magnitude of the opportunity on Monday. “Sure, and again, I’ll throw this number…

Seahawks honored to play in the 1st-ever NFL game in Germany — Seahawks Wire

We’re officially in the second half of the NFL 2022 regular season. Some teams are rising in draft position while others inch closer to the playoffs. Postseason hopefuls want higher seeding further into November. Without further delay here are the winners and losers after week nine.

Winners: Cole Kmet

Many analysts and viewers are ecstatic and relieved Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields is progressing and making the most with the limited talent around him. What many overlook is the elevated play of Cole Kmet when Fields plays better.

The third year tight-end caught two of Justin Fields’ three touchdown passes in a back-and-forth home game against Miami on Sunday. Kmet’s 41 yards gives him 200 after nine games. He’s struggled to find a place in the Bears’ offense because of horrible play-calling and coaching the last two years.

There’s progress with offensive coordinator Luke Getsy making better decisions and adjusting personnel to Fields’ strengths. Chicago needs a stronger redzone offense and Cole Kmet provides that if utilized properly.

The AFC East divisional race

Most people expected the AFC east to be competitive and have at least two teams make the playoffs. Few expected all four teams to have a margin of one game and a half for first place after week nine. Every team has a shot at winning the division and hosting a playoff game.

The Buffalo Bills are heavy favorites to win the division but they’re winless against their rivals. Both the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins are a half game behind the Bills and won’t sputter before December. The Jets defense is one of the best against the pass and has a better offensive line than most thought. Miami is well rounded with a top five offense and a solid defense and special teams unit. Last but not least, New England still has the best head coach in the NFL in Bill Belichick. He’s able to get the best out of his players regardless of position.

The AFC East winner won’t get the number one seed unless Kansas City bungles some December games, but it will be the most entertaining race in the conference.

Joe Mixon

Cincinnati’s thrashing of the Carolina Panthers was the most decisive game Sunday. Bengals runningback Joe Mixon had a career day scoring five of the six touchdowns Cincinnati scored.

You read that right. According to NFLStats.com and Sportscenter’s Scott Van Pelt, he’s the sixth player in NFL history to score five touchdowns in one game (the last player to do it was Jonathan Taylor last season). His 30 points in three quarters sealed an easy win after a short week.

Many believe the Bengals offense goes through quarterback Joe Burrow when in reality it’s Mixon. Cincinnati’s had an up-and-down season because of their starting runningback’s mixed success running the ball and reading the field. His presence and taking pressure off Burrow creates opportunities to expand deep-ball plays. If the Bengals get back to the playoffs it’s because Joe Mixon consistently plays well.

Travis Etienne Jr.

Despite Jacksonville trailing 17-0 and 20-7 in the first half Sunday, the Jaguars won an eye-opening game due to new starting runningback Travis Etienne Jr. stepping up.

In his second game as the starter, he ran 28 times for 109 yards and two touchdowns. The first one gave Jacksonville their first points of the game and his second gave them their first and only lead.

While there’s discussion around the disappointing play of quarterback Trevor Lawrence, Etienne Jr.’s become a bright spot on offense and could be the spark that gets Jacksonville back into contention.

Losers: Aaron Rodgers

Every former NFL MVP has bad games. Yet it’s rare when those who won multiple MVP awards fall hard and can’t do almost anything right seasons after.

Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers has played poorly in all but two games half-way through the regular season. Sunday brought new lows for the Packers offense. Rodgers was picked off twice in the redzone and threw three interceptions total in Detroit.

The game wasn’t one sided either. Green Bay’s defense kept the game close but Rodgers couldn’t elongate plays and his top two receivers were Allen Lazard and Josiah Deguara (they combined for 128 of his 291 passing yards).

The Packers did nothing again at the trade deadline, declining to add a star receiver until the offseason. There aren’t many options at wide receiver in the upcoming free agency pool. If Green Bay wants to play better, Rodgers has to meet with the team and management to discuss what’s wrong.

Drake London’s terrible fumble to start the third quarter

The Falcons are masters at losing close games to playoff caliber teams. How they lost to the Chargers at home was classic Atlanta.

The Falcons went downfield on their first possession of the second half and got to the Chargers’ eleven yard line. Down four, quarterback Marcus Mariota completed a pass to receiver Drake London at the five. What happened after summarized why the team is a punchline.

Good news for Atlanta is they’re still tied for first place in the NFC South…whatever that’s worth.

Vance Joseph

Analysts and fans are buzzing about the sideline exchanges between quarterback Kyler Murray, the offensive line, head coach Kliff Kingsbury and receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Despite the problems on Arizona’s offense, the defense played one of their worst games of the season Sunday.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph did a good job holding Seattle’s offense to ten points in the first half. The game almost swung in the Cardinals’ favor when linebacker Zaven Collins intercepted Geno Smith and ran for a touchdown. Instead things went downhill.

Seattle’s offense had two straight 13 play drives over 6 and a half minutes each and scored 14 points. Rookie runningback Kenneth Walker III ran for two touchdowns in the second half, becoming the first Seahawk runningback since Shaun Alexander to have five straight games of 50+ rushing yards and a touchdown. Arizona’s offense might have played better depending on which key third down wasn’t converted against the defense. When veterans such as J.J. Watt jump offsides on third and short, it’s a sign things aren’t well. Seattle was 10-of-15 on third down and averaged six yards per play.

Joseph saw this offense not even a month ago and made no adjustments in either second half. While the defense is tough to demand better play from, second half adjustments make teams more focused, not sloppy. The Cardinals aren’t a good football team and they prove it by not getting off the field nor playing with urgency.

The NFL’s week ten late afternoon scheduling

Last month I gave the NFL credit for a well thought out week six schedule. Someone must hold the league accountable for the ire and negative emotions week ten’s late afternoon games will bring.

Next Sunday there are three late afternoon games starting with the Indianapolis Colts versus the Las Vegas Raiders at 3:05 CT. The Colts just fired their head coach and the Raiders are one of the worst disciplined teams in the NFL. We’re then treated to America’s Slaughterhouse of the Week between the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys. The heavy advertising is irritable when one realizes Dallas had week nine off and can run through and end the Packers’ postseason hopes.

The last game is round two of the Arizona Cardinals versus Los Angeles Rams. Neither team has a functioning offense, making this a nightmare for any viewer. If the NFL wanted to contain outrage, they’d flex a better game into the late afternoon spot.

The Seattle Seahawks beat the division-rival Arizona Cardinals in Week 9 of the regular season to advance to 6-3 on the year. Catch all the highlights from Sunday’s matchup below. List LOOK: Best photos from Seahawks Week 9 win over Cardinals Email Sign up Like this article? Sign up for the Seahawks Wire email newsletter…

WATCH: Highlights from Seahawks victory over Cardinals in Week 9 — Seahawks Wire