NFL football has taken the Christmas weekend by storm. The only league in which nearly to feature games, most of them were crucial to a potential playoff appearance. Some teams have risen, others have fallen.
The good moves
Jaguars on a mission
Is Trevor Lawrence becoming the quarterback the Jacksonville Jaguars thought they’d pick the No. 1 pick in the 2021 auction? He wasn’t such a factor in his team’s 19-3 victory over the Jets on Thursday, but his attire inspires confidence. Against all odds, the Jags are at the top of their division. They had started the season poorly with two wins in their first eight games. However, they have won five of their last seven. Lawrence has been searching for himself since his arrival in Florida, but the young prodigy seems to have found his peace of mind. Everything finally falls into place.
The Vikings are back in force
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the best teams in the NFL. However, a gray cloud still seems to hang over their heads. As if their fate was determined in advance. However, the big difference with the current edition of the Vikings is his ability to always find a way to win. After a 33-point comeback last week against the Indianapolis Colts, Kirk Cousins’ team scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the New York Giants on Saturday. Kicker Greg Joseph’s leg was the difference late in the game with a 61-yard field goal.
The Cowboys stand
PHOTO JEROME MIRON, USA TODAY SPORT
Dak Prescott (4) of the Dallas Cowboys
Going into the season, it would have been easy to trade the National East to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen Hurts’ team was undefeated. While the Dallas Cowboys had to settle for Cooper Rush, the team’s second quarterback. However, since the return of Dak Prescott, the Cowboys are bold and inspired. Even if we repeat it every season, this year really could be theirs. Prescott has won seven of their last nine games. In Saturday’s win over the Eagles by a score of 40 to 34, the Cowboys can still hope to finish top of the division. This victory against rivals could be decisive. Dallas can thank Ceedee Lamb. The wide receiver was splendid with two touchdowns.
The bad shots
History repeats itself for the Raiders
The Vegas Raiders organization has pulled out all the stops for success. A new stadium, the hiring of coach Josh McDaniels, a new three-year contract worth $121.5 million for quarterback Derek Carr and the acquisition of Davante Adams, perhaps the most complete receiver of his generation. However, nothing works. They lost 13-10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the game ended with Carr’s third interception of the game thrown. In all likelihood, Vegas will miss the playoffs. Carr isn’t helping his cause and it’s pertinent to ask whether he’s really the man for the job. It was another disappointing season for the Raiders.
Wenz to the rescue
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera publicly criticized his quarterbacks earlier this season. However, Taylor Heinicke had been responding well overall since week seven. However, he was on a three-game winless streak. With a record of 7-6-1 before the clash with the 49ers on Saturday in San Francisco the hope of reaching the playoffs was still alive. Only Heinicke wasn’t able to push the of him. He barely threw the ball and was even replaced by Carson Wentz in the fourth quarter. However, Washington can count on excellent ammunition in attack with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. The commanders have bowed, and the quarterback debate will resume with a vengeance this week in the American capital.
PHOTO SERGIO ESTRADA, USA TODAY SPORT
Carson Wenz (11)
The inconstancy of the Dolphins
On paper, the Miami Dolphins have a good product. Even if they maintain their strong record despite a 26-20 loss at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, there is cause for concern. Tua Tagovailoa is undoubtedly a great quarterback. He has undeniable qualities. However, in this league, consistency is everything. The left-footed is sadly a full-back and this annoying habit of being completely unpredictable is this team’s Achilles heel. The Dolphins started the year with three wins. They followed it up with three losses. Followed by a five match winning streak. Then the loss at home to the Packers was the fourth in a row. Tagovailoa threw three key interceptions Sunday afternoon, and we’ll have to rethink that matchup if Miami leaks postseason details.
