It's
that time of the week again. Time to assess week six and break down everything
we learned. There's plenty of controversy and mystery going into week seven so
let's not waste any time and dive right into it.
- - The Ryan Fitzpatrick train appears to finally be at an end. After calling
for the Jets to bench him in last week's Quick Hits,
the Jets have officially slated Geno Smith as the starter this week versus the
Ravens. For better or for worse, this is a move that needed to happen. After throwing
for just 174 yards and an interception against the Cardinals on Monday night,
it makes sense that the Jets begin to explore their other options at
quarterback.
- - It appears that the Raiders are destined to move out of Oakland
and become the “Las Vegas Raiders”. Something about that name just has a nice
ring to it… The “Oakland Raiders” does sound much better, however. Owner Mark
Davis seems set on the move, trademarking the “Las Vegas Raiders”. Davis did
say the Raiders would remain in Oakland for at least two more seasons (likely
so Vegas can build a stadium in that time period). I’m sorry Raiders fans. Enjoy
it while it lasts. Look at the bright side: The Raiders are talented enough to
win a Super Bowl in that time period!
- - Ben Roethlisberger tore his meniscus in last week’s game against
the Dolphins and could be out for 4-6 weeks. This is not good news for the
Steelers considering their next six weeks goes as followed: vs NE, BYE, @ BAL,
vs DAL, @ CLE, @ IND. The bye week will be much needed, but should Roethlisberger
miss six weeks the Steelers could be in a world of hurt. I only see two
winnable games (Cleveland and Indianapolis) without Big Ben and for all we know
they could go winless. That will not happen and if the defense and Le’Veon Bell
step up they could win four of those games. They need those wins badly, because
if the Ravens or the Bengals can get hot they can take a big division lead. This
goes especially for the Ravens, who play the Steelers in week nine.
- - Chris Simms of Bleacher Report made an excellent comparison regarding
the Tony Romo – Dak Prescott situation.
Simms compared the situation to the Drew Bledsoe – Tom Brady situation the
Patriots faced way back in 2001. I have to agree that right now Prescott needs
to remain the starter no matter when Romo returns. The Cowboys’ offense has
been dynamic behind Prescott’s (almost) mistake free football and Ezekiel
Elliott’s MVP caliber year. The Cowboys have a realistic shot to win the
division and get to the NFC title game. Why would you jeopardize that for a
quarterback that was injured most of last season and struggled mightily when he
did see the field?
- - Richard Sherman got away with what might end up being the most
controversial call (or rather non-call) of the season. Versus the Atlanta
Falcons, Sherman committed what can only be described as the most blatant pass
interference I have ever seen on Julio Jones. There was no call on fourth-down
and the Falcons would lose the game. I am not a believer that one call
determines a game. If you lose and blame the loss on one call then you didn’t
deserve the win. However, this is what is wrong with officiating. This isn’t pass interference but this is, apparently.
- - Who is the best running back in the NFL right now? the Arizona
Cardinals’ David Johnson has my vote. Johnson already has 833 scrimmage yards
this season (568 of those rushing) and right touchdowns. Johnson has displayed
excellent patience and field vision as well as a terrific blend of speed and
power. Add in the fact that he is just as dynamic as a pass catcher and there
doesn’t seem to be a thing Johnson can’t do. Guys like Ezekiel Elliott, Le’Veon
Bell and LeSean McCoy all deserve a ton of props and can certainly be argued as
the best of the best, but this writer is sticking with Johnson as the best
running back in the NFL.
- - Let’s end this week’s Quick Hits with a rant on one of the NFL’s
most controversial players: Vontaze Burfict. Burfict, a linebacker for the
Cincinnati Bengals, is no stranger to controversy and is known as a “dirty”
player. This past week against the Patriots only furthered those accusations. Burfict
was involved in a controversial hit of Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett,
hitting him low around his knees, and then later caught intentionally stomping
on the leg of LeGarrette Blount. Burfict was suspended the first three games of
the year for his unbelievably dirty hits in last season’s AFC Wildcard game
against the Steelers. I won’t be the first to say this and I certainly will not
be the last, but Burfict has all the talent in the world but no common sense to
put it all together. He is immature and unstable. His head coach certainly
doesn’t help matters, as Bleacher Report noted that Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis said he “didn’t do anything wrong”. I
am not a Marvin Lewis fan but that is a whole other article for another time. Burfict
has no business playing in the NFL. And for a league that claims they are all
about player safety, it is BAFFLING to see how little they punish a repeat
offender like Vontaze Burfict.
Richard Bradshaw is available
to follow on Twitter @RichieBradz36. Thank you for the read.
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