The Bears are good. But what else is happening around the NFL?
- It is amazing how many big plays have been derailed this season by illegal shift and illegal formation calls. Every game seems to have one, and this was clearly a league focus. My only question is…why? Why is this a league focus? Do we really want big plays being negated because the right tackle is a foot or two off the line of scrimmage? Do we really care if two men motion at the same time for a brief moment? I’d love to see one NFL game played wherein the refs only throw flags for egregious, play-changing penalties. The viewing experience would be far greater.
- I have not weighed in on Tom Brady’s work as an analyst because I hadn’t given him a full game. Sunday, I did. And two things stood out to me. (1) There is no discernible style. Brady doesn’t have a signature approach to the job; he just talks. (2) I still believe Brady’s best role is in the studio. FOX should clear out that antiquated studio and give the entire stage to Brady. Let him get deep into the Xs and Os and show off his football acumen.
- Concussion protocol is certainly an improving, but the NFL needs to insist upon a mandatory two-game IR stint for any player receiving that official diagnosis.
- All four NFC North teams are in the top nine when it comes to points allowed per game.
- Bill Belichick destination rankings: (1) Jacksonville, with full control of football operations. (2) Dallas, with his pal Stephen Jones giving him roster control. (3) Philadelphia, with Howie Roseman maintaining roster control. (4) New York Giants, with Belichick bringing in one of his guys for the GM role.
- I was going to advocate the Cowboys move on from Mike McCarthy this week, and then I looked at the rest of their coaching staff. This has to be the weakest staff in the league.
- Justin Fields is still one of the most dynamic threats at quarterback in the league…as a runner. But whenever Pittsburgh asks him to sit in the pocket and go beyond his first read, it is an interception waiting to happen. It feels like a move to Russell Wilson is inevitable, even if it is misguided.
- The Deshaun Watson story in Cleveland is actually being underplayed. The Browns are deliberately sabotaging the entirety of their 2024 season by continuing to start a quarterback who can no longer play the position at a professional level. They went out and acquired Jameis Winston this off-season. Why? Why would you sign one of the better backups in the sport if you have no intention of ever letting him see the field? At 1-5, the season is already over for Cleveland. What does playing Watson prove?
- And why is Kevin Stefanski so complacent with this? He is one of the best coaches in the league. Is the locker room not ready to revolt?
- At some point, the Panthers will go back to Bryce Young, right? Does a full season of Andy Dalton achieve anything, especially when you’re losing every week?
- I feel like I make a comment about Trevor Lawrence in every one of these “around the league” columns but something is missing. He’s got the arm. He’s got the legs. But it’s not clicking for him. Will a new coach help?
- The Chiefs are -1400 to win the AFC West. That number, after six weeks of the season, is a bit wild.
The season is finally finding its rhythm. And it will be nice to watch a weekend of football without caring about any of the results.