2017 NFL Week 13: Quick Takeaways From Every Game
By Erik Lambert
Matthew Stafford saved Jim Caldwell and killed Dirk Koetter
Jim Caldwell was in trouble. The ongoing skid for the Detroit Lions was opening the door for speculation that management might ponder a change. Then Matthew Stafford, injuries be damned, saved his behind at least for another week. At the same time he may have driven a stake to the heart of Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter, who’s seat has gone crimson from heat.
Restoring Eli Manning couldn’t overcome Cowboys desperation
Facts are facts. The Giants offense had problems that go beyond the quarterback position. Bringing back Eli Manning was a good morale boost but he wasn’t going to solve anything. Besides the Giants would never be able to summon enough juice to overcome a Dallas team clinging to their playoff hopes by their fingernails. In better circumstances, it might’ve been different.
Health of Marcus Mariota again costs his team late in season
Last year it was a broken leg that sank Marcus Mariota right as the Tennessee Titans were positioning to make the playoffs. Now it may be happening again as reports surface he tried to gut it out against Arizona with a knee injury. The football gods can be cruel sometimes, but injuring the same player at almost the same time two years in a row? That’s ice cold.