I occasionally gamble in casinos. I’ve been known to hit a blackjack table or two (low stakes, of course). I’ll occasionally throw some coins in a slot machine, if only for free rail drinks for a little while. I’ve never been a big gambler, though, because I like to keep my money.
I do not bet on sports at all, and Sunday was a perfect example of why that is. Safe to say the all-consuming aggregate “Vegas” missed the mark, where only one AFC North team covered (handily), and the others resulted in improbable finishes.
Two AFC North teams benefitted greatly from suspect officiating. Good luck trying to get fans to acknowledge that, however.
Browns 39, Colts 38
Apparently Browns backup QB P.J. Walker has the “clutch gene”. While said gene may carry other debilitating effects, it bestows Walker with superhuman powers to overcome angry defenses when it matters most.
Or…the Browns were handed the game by two sketchy late calls in the game’s final minute.
Pick your narrative.
Regardless, the focus of this game was the exit of Browns starting QB Deshaun Watson in the first quarter after five attempts, one completion and an INT for good measure. No one seems sure what the problem specifically is – Watson has been coy in his responses, although it may be a re-aggravation of the well-documented shoulder issues Watson’s had since season’s outset. Backup Walker certainly didn’t dazzle anyone statistically (15-32, 178 yards, 1 INT), but he managed to keep the team moving and within a score or two for most of the game. Walker was aided heavily by the running game, which produced 150 yards and three TDs on the day.
DE Myles Garrett was worthy of all the cheesy accolades most pundits dispense these days, posting nine tackles, two sacks, a pass defensed, an amazingly-athletic blocked kick, and several QB hits and hurries. Garrett was nearly impossible for the Colts’ offensive line to contain regardless of where he lined up; he and fellow DE Za’Darius Smith forced three fumbles combined, all on strip-sacks of Colts backup QB Gardner Minshew, one of which was recovered in the end zone for a TD.
Steelers 24, Rams 17
The Steelers managed to recapture some decent downfield offense in the fourth quarter of their game in Los Angeles and effectively used it to eke out a late victory.
Or…the Steelers won due to a favorable ball spot by the officials on a short-yardage play.
Again, pick your narrative.
The Steelers had put on an unsightly display of inept offense in the first half, totaling 91 yards and failing to convert a single first down, but managed to rally late. QB Kenny Pickett was able to find WR George Pickens for five catches and 107 yards, and returning-from-IR WR Diontae Johnson added five catches for 79 yards. The rushing attack contributed just 86 yards, but was able to score twice on TDs by RBs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. The Rams’ defensive mistakes, including several penalties on former Steelers CB Ahkello Witherspoon, certainly aided the Steelers.
Steelers LB T.J. Watt was uncharacteristically held sackless, but he added an athletic interception early. This was more of a collective effort by the Pittsburgh defense; outside of 11 tackles by S Minkah Fitzpatrick, no one particularly stood out, but the team still managed to pressure Rams QB Matthew Stafford into an ineffective day.
Lions 6, Ravens 38
So THIS is the offense we were promised. Supposedly, at least.
Lest I belabor the point, the Ravens new/vaunted/improved/innovative offense, termed “a work in progress” for most of the season’s first month, had resulted in a string of underwhelming performances from QB Lamar Jackson and his revamped WR corps. The rushing attack. minus projected starting RB J.K. Dobbins, looked listless and forgotten. The new cadre of WRs was beginning to look like a substantial waste of money.
Depending on who you talk/subscribe to, all that changed Sunday, as the Ravens scored TDs on their first four possessions and rode some excellent defense to take down the 5-1 Lions. Jackson passed for 357 yards and three scores, with the offense’s lone turnover occurring on a bungled handoff to RB Justice Hill. Jackson completed passes to nine different receivers, including an 80-yard dumpoff/RAC to RB Gus Edwards, who’s rarely used in the passing game. The Lions provided little resistance, as they were constantly late on tackles throughout the day, with poor coverage.
The Ravens defense racked up five sacks, including two by recent LB addition Kyle Van Noy and one by seldom-seen OLB Odafe Oweh. S Geno Stone picked off his fourth pass of the year, bolstering his free agency paycheck next season that much more. DT Justin Madubuike continued his recent stretch of dominant play inside with a sack and two QB hits in the midst of generating much havoc.
The referees were mercifully irrelevant in this one.
See you next week.
Detp
Noooooiooiii8ooooooo