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What we learnt in NFL Week 13
Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
3rd December, 2013
13
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Nigel Wakeley
Roar Guru
3rd December, 2013
13

Here’s what we learnt from the past week, which kicked a number of teams out of contention including the Buccaneers, Falcons and Redskins.

Josh Gordon needs a Transformers nickname
Gordon, a supplementary draft pick of the Cleveland Browns, has become the first player in NFL history to have consecutive 200-yard receiving games following his 261-yard effort on Sunday.

Only eight players have ever had two such games in season. Gordon is one of the premier talents in the league, and it’s now up to the Browns to get a top quarterback to throw him the ball.

Geno Smith isn’t the quarterback for this year
Rex Ryan pulled the plug on rookie quarterback Geno Smith after a first half in which Geno could only complete four passes for 29 yards (QB rating of 8.3). Smith also threw his 19th interception, which makes him the leader in the NFL.

Smith could develop into an NFL-calibre player eventually, but right now he needs to sit behind a veteran (not Chris Simms) and learn the trade.

Perhaps the Jets should call Vince Young, or even Tim Tebow once more?

Peyton can ice up, son
Looking at Denver’s remaining schedule (TEN, SD, HOU, OAK), and their current 10-2 standing atop the AFC, the Broncos have likely wrapped up one of the top seeds in the AFC and will get a bye through the Wild Card week.

They have a two-game lead on everyone but the Patriots – Kansas are one game behind, but Denver hold the tiebreaker.

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Whilst it may benefit Manning to play somewhere other than the cold, windy Mile High stadium, the extra week’s rest – perhaps two, if Week 17 becomes the Brock Osweiler show – will help Manning for a playoff run.

Eagles are validated
The Eagles four-game win streak didn’t seem legit (they beat up on the Raiders, Redskins and Rodgers-less Packers) until they faced the Cardinals and their top-ten defensive unit on Sunday.

It was a close 24-21 victory, and Foles continued his streak without an interception to prove that he’s no fluke, but the Philly defense was the real hero for the team.

Now 7-5, the Eagles have a great chance of making the playoffs, and will be a tough ask of any team assigned to face them.

Seahawks are unstoppable at home
With a dominant 34-7 victory on Monday Night Football, the Seahawks have practically secured the NFC top seed, two games ahead of the nearest competitors with four games to play.

They’ve smashed both the 49ers and Saints at home, and it is now certain that the NFC road to the Super Bowl runs through Seattle.

Quick Hits
* Adrian Peterson is the third-fastest (101 games) player to reach 10,000 yards
* Cam Newton has 10 games in his career with at least two passing touchdowns and a running touchdown, the most by any player in their first three seasons
* Only one team has a top-five offence and top-five defence – New Orleans
* Tony Romo and the Cowboys are oft criticised for being loose with the ball, but they’re second in the league with a +12 turnover differential
* This might be rubbing it in, but if Nick Foles threw an interception on his next 50 (yes, fifty) passes, he would still have a higher QB rating than Geno Smith.

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