NFL Takeaways from Week 15: Saints Ain’t Much For Travelling
By Erik Lambert
Dec 15, 2013; St. Louis, MO, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) looks on after throwing a incomplete pass during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome. The Rams defeated the Saints 27-16. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
It was another wild ride during week 15 of the NFL season which included some crazy comebacks and plenty of drama. What are some things to take away from the chaos?
The Dallas Cowboys got what they paid for from Tony Romo
Is the defense bad? Absolutely. However, the latest December heartbreaker belongs exclusively to Tony Romo, and Jerry Jones can bask is the memory that he handed the guy a six-year, $100 million contract at the age of 33. Romo once again had a glorious chance to take control of the NFC East division. All he had to do was put the nail in the coffin against a Green Bay Packers team playing without Aaron Rodgers. Instead he in explicably threw two interceptions on his final two drives at a point when the Cowboys should’ve run the football. DeMarco Murray ran for 134 yards on the day. This epic collapse is the latest shining example of what Romo is and always has been: terrific on the stat line but a heartbreaker in the clutch.
Green Bay and Chicago put all the pressure on the Detroit Lions
Another team that is probably feeling the heat right about now is the Detroit Lions. As if their tough loss last week weren’t bad enough, both Green Bay and Chicago won their games with late comebacks, basically making it clear that if Detroit doesn’t win on Monday Night against a surging Baltimore Ravens team, they could lose their hold on first place, capping what would be yet another classic Lions implosion when it seemed they had everything going for them. Expect a viciously fought game on national TV.
Kirk Cousins gave some hope to the Washington Redskins
Mike Shanahan wasn’t mincing words. He felt if backup quarterback Kirk Cousins played well enough over the final three games of the season, the Washington Redskins could potentially net a first round draft pick in 2014. Cousins provided reasons for optimism in his first start of the season, throwing for 381 yards and three touchdowns in Atlanta. He did have moments of struggle with two interceptions, but that can be expected having not played for so long and on the road in a tough building. Cousins should have some excellent opportunities to further his cause when he faces the pitiful Dallas defense in week 16 and wraps up the season visiting the listless New York Giants.
The Houston Texans need a quarterback
There is already speculation about what the Houston Texans had planned to do with the first overall pick in the 2014 draft, particularly on whether they might go after a highly talented pass rusher to pair with J.J. Watt. After a dud performance in Indianapolis, there really isn’t room for a debate anymore. The Texans need a quarterback. Badly. Case Keenum managed just 168 yards passing and threw two picks. He also fumbled the ball as well. There is no leadership in the huddle and if this team is to ever reach their goal of a Super Bowl they must find somebody who can take the reigns and get it going in the right direction. Experts must realize this when the latest mock drafts come out. Houston will go for a quarterback.
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints are not the same away from home
Three-straight weeks of domination encapsulated the New Orleans Saints. First they were dominated by Seattle 34-7. Then they returned home and handled Carolina 31-13. Recently an NFL visit to St. Louis saw them stunned 27-16 by the Rams. Drew Brees could get nothing going until late in the second half when the game was already out of hand. He was pressured often and had trouble finding open receivers. One thing that is abundantly clear about these 2013 Saints: they are really struggling on the road. In fact all four of their losses have been away from the Super Dome. With Seattle about to wrap up home field advantage, the prospect of reaching New York in February are growing remote.