Detroit Lions’ Kevin Smith to the rescue; Are All Three New York teams staying home for the playoffs?
By Editorial Staff
Will it Last/ Will they get In?
How many times do we see a team or a player exceed expectations in a football game and we think, there is no way that can last. That player is either too young or not that good. That team had an easy week or the ball just bounced that way. Most times it does not last, but every so often those early signs are premonitions of what is to come. In this weekly column we will look at 3 players who jump out. Also we will be looking at the playoff picture by conference.
Players
- Laurent Robinson: After bouncing around from team to team, Robinson has found a home with the Cowboys. His numbers through 9 games are pretty good: 33 receptions, 488 yards, and 5 touchdowns. He runs precise routes, shows great speed, and reliable hands. Robinson’s numbers are high due to numerous injuries to Miles Austin. With the season winding down I believe Robinson will continue to get looks do to two reasons. One, the Cowboys are a passing team and Romo will throw the ball 25-30 times a week. Two, hamstring injuries do not go away in the cold weather. Austin will need time to heal and that means Robinson will be Romo’s #3 target behind Witten and Bryant. Will Last
- Kevin Smith: Once upon a time the Lions believed Kevin Smith was their franchise back. He was a strong runner with great vision. He was also a weapon in the passing game. After numerous season ending injuries he was cut in the preseason and was jobless through 8 games. With Best’s injury the Lions picked up Smith since he was familiar with Linehan’s playbook. In week 9 Smith got garbage time in Chicago and surprisingly played strong. Not much was made of it. Last week versus the Panthers he went for 201 total yards and 3 touchdowns. Do I think he will post those numbers every week, no. I do think Smith will be a consistent runner who can get 70-80 yards and 3-4 receptions weekly and keep opposing defenses honest. Numbers will go down but, he will be a consistent scorer
- Torrey Smith: Coming out of college Smith was said to be a hard worker, extremely talented physically, and very raw as a route runner. He has been all the above. Some games he disappears due to his lack of route running and his inexperience, but every other game his speed and strength come through and he is a home run hitter. The threat is always there. So I expect the same going forward. One game on and one game off. He will eventually get it together and be another great Newsome draft pick. Inconsistency will continue but expect a few more big games.
AFC East
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins are not going to the playoffs….but they have shown they are not the worse team in the league. In fact they have a three game win streak. Matt Moore has played well, the running game has been productive, and the defense is getting back to its dominant self. I expect them to win a couple more games and have some confidence going into next season.
Buffalo Bills: Are going down faster than Obama’s approval ratings. Bills have lost 4 of the last 5 games. In the last two games they have been outscored 15-79. So what has happened? Fitzpatrick’s mediocre arm strength is getting exposed in the bad weather, injuries to the OL and DL have limited their success, and the Bills lack of pass rush is killing them. The Bills would be lucky to win 2 more games this season.
New York Jets: NFL Changes quickly doesn’t it? Jets were 5-3 playing the Patriots for the AFC East lead. Now at 5-5 and appear to be home for the playoffs. The lack of a run game is exposing Mark Sanchez and his over rated talents. The Jets do get a break and play the Bills at home and atWashington. The Jets need to win both to just have a small chance of getting in. Even at 7-5 they might have to win out to get a WC spot and I do not see that happening.
New England Patriots: Different from the Jets at 5-3 the Patriots were looking weak and in danger of not going to the playoffs for the first time that Brady has played in a season. Blowout victories verse the Jets and Chiefs have the Patriots atop of the AFC East and about have that conference locked up. The Patriots play the Eagles on the road and then the Colts at home. They should win both and be at 9-3 and going for one of the top 2 spots and a first round bye. I still think their lack of a deep threat on offense, a mediocre OL, and an average defense gets them knocked out before the Super Bowl.
NFC East
Washington Redskins: How was this team 3-1? Playing the Rams and Cardinals help. Going into the season with Grossman and Beck, the Redskins, were delusional if they thought they were going to win more than 5-6 games. I thought they were mailing it in for Luck or Barkley. At 3-7 it seems they will not win more than 1 more game and be in the top 5 picks.
Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles just beat the Giants and are 4-6. Some people will see this as the Eagles getting ready to go on a run. I see it as the Eagles Super Bowl was last week and now the Eagles are done. Needing to go 6-0 to have a chance to get into the WC is unreasonable. Vick’s injury and a defense that is playing under its talent level will keep the Eagles in the 6-7 win range. Playing the Patriots and at the Seahawks are two tough games coming up.
New York Giants: Defeating the Patriots and being 6-2…everyone thought this is the team to beat in the NFC East…does anyone study history? Giants are second half duds and it’s time for some changes. Losing to the 49ers away was reasonable, but blowing a home game versus the Eagles was not. Now the Giants have to play at New Orleans and then the Packers at home… I don’t see the Giants going to the playoffs at 8-8 or 9-7.
Dallas Cowboys: The Dallas Cowboys or the Dallas Storm Riders, since they weathered the storm and are looking like the NFC East champs, are sitting pretty. Cowboys took advantage of an easy 3 game streak and beat the Seahawks, Bills, and Redskins. They even get to play the Dolphins at home and atArizona. This team could be 8-4 while the Giants could be 6-6. A two game lead and a 10-6 finish will get this team into the playoffs and host a playoff game.
Follow us on twitter @NFLmocks