Week 8 Observations

Time to recap week 8, getting down to crunch time in the Equalizer boys.

Keenan Allen - Guy destroys the Broncos for some reason. Another nice game here, grabbing nine balls for 73 and a touchdown. However, it is still only his second performance of 20 plus points this season. Seems to be trending upwards with his second straight double digit performance, but with the many mouths to feed in SD, I am still tapering expectations for a second half burst.

Emmanuel Sanders - Went beast mode on Thursday night, grabbing three touchdowns. This is not without precedent as Eric Decker showed last year. This offense just scores at will and it is really a crap shoot as to who grabs the TD's in any given game. Fortunately, there is usually enough to go around where everyone is happy.

Juwan Thompson - Keep an eye on this kid, with Hillman being a smaller back might be a sneaky grab to vulture some TD's for someone thin at the position.

Detroit vs. Atlanta - What a tale of two halves. Atlanta came out, protected Matt Ryan, and grabbed a 21-0 lead heading into the half. Then the wheels started to come off. That Detroit defensive front started to get pressure on the QB, bone-headed play to let Tate get deep on a 3rd and 25, and some questionable plays under two minutes in the game. Mike Smith might be on his way out of Atlanta.

Matthew Stafford - As I watch this kid more and more, I start to understand the tunnel vision criticisms often pegged to him. Threw the ball to Golden Tate 15 times on Sunday. We all know how often Megatron is targeted. He has been lucky to play with two of the best in the league to be able to make plays with that number of targets, but what if he had the receivers in New England or Seattle. Would he still put up numbers?

Seattle Seahawks - You can try and quash rumors of locker room unrest all you want, but they don't typically arise out of nowhere. Apart from Wilson, just have not looked very good as of late. I knew the team was human and just really hit its stride in the playoffs last year, but nothing can destroy a good team faster than bad chemistry. Hopefully they can right the ship in the coming weeks.

Baltimore vs. Cincy - The battle of the two QB's where I don't think anyone can decide if they are actually good or not. Both have looked like one of the best, both have been embarrassingly bad at times. You guys have any idea?

Denard Robinson - The Jags might have actually found something here. I was waiting to see if last week's game might have been a fluke (22 for 127 yards) but he comes back with 108 yards on the ground. With Bortles doing his best Matt Schaub impression, the lone bright spot for the Jags Sunday.

Knile Davis - This guy would probably start on 10 teams in the league right now, I wonder if he ever gets out of KC. Will always play second fiddle to Charles in a chiefs uniform, might be worthy of a stash in the future if trade rumors circulate.

Tom Brady - Gronk is back. Lafell doesn't suck. And Tom Brady is just money right now. This is why he's one of the greats.

Chicago Bears - What a disappointment this team is. Locker room troubles, no clear cut leaders on the team. This team is a train wreck right now. Jay Cutler does not strike me as a guy people rally around, this team might finish the year last in the NFC North.

Geno Smith - Open tryout for Jets starting QB position, anyone wanna head down?

Sammy Watkins - Here you go Dan, the future of the Dark Force franchise. Certainly flashed his rookie colors on Sunday when he forgot he wasn't at Clemson anymore and could outrun anybody on the field, but still put together a monster game. And this with Kyle Orton at QB. I really like this kid moving forward, and regret not taking the chance on him in the draft.

Cordarelle Patterson - Decent game here for Patterson, might he finally be figuring it out. As if the TD's need anymore weapons on the squad, destroying the league right now.

Zach Mettenberger - Actually not a terrible start against a good Texans defense and the best defensive player in the league. With Jake Locker just unable to stay on the football field, might Whisenhunt have a little more to think about now?

John Brown - Really fun kid to watch, quick quick quick. Problem is I can't trust the production yet. Can always be that home run hitter, but hasn't shown the consistency. Part of this is a result of coverages and what teams are allowing Arizona to do, with Fitz and Floyd being more reliable receivers, but I like this kid's future prospects.

Cleveland Browns - Plodded out another win, but I think people in Cleveland are licking their chops to see Manziel under center next year. I know I am.

Andrew Luck - 26 completion for 400 yards and 3 touchdowns just has to be a winning stat line right? In steps Big Ben, and what a performance he put on. Is this game equivalent to a perfect game in baseball? I think those bumblebee uniforms had something to do with it. The Outlaws have been riding Bell and Brown all year, might Evan just make it the triple threat and add Big Ben off waivers?

Aaron Rodgers - For some reason the Packers tried to get really cute in this game and try an onside kick, bring Peppers in on offense, and just let Mark Ingram do whatever he pleases. But it ends Rodgers streak of games with 3 touchdowns passes. The two interceptions were not his fault, and I know the Panties are holding their breath that the hamstring isn't an issue (as am I...).

Brandin Cooks - Showed in this game what all the preseason hype was about. A similar player to John Brown (slightly bigger), just an absolute burner. Tends to catch passes near the line of scrimmage and use his speed to make plays, but showed he can be a deep threat in this game.

Colt McCoy - Must be something about the state of Texas. Leads the lowly Redskins into Dallas and knocks off the NFC East leaders. Put together a decent game too, throwing for 299 yards with 1 pick and a rushing touchdown. I don't foresee any controversy when RGIII is cleared for play, but what a surprise last night was.