Mile High Monday: A wild weekend of football during the bye week
Nov 11, 2019, 6:36 AM
The Broncos got a break from action in Week 10. They had a bye week, just like five other NFL teams, but the rest of the league played what was a wild week of football.
I like when things don’t go according to plan – and that sums up Week 10 perfectly. This was a week where teams won we didn’t think could win, players returned from injury to produce greatly, players returned from injury to look poorly on Sunday, and coaches kept making bold and sometimes mind-numbing decisions.
I also like contemplating life and sports when driving around with the top down on my old Jeep TJ – even if it’s a little cold! The following is a result of those trips during the week.
Buckle up, let’s take a ride through my thoughts.
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Just Like Andy
The Chiefs saw the return of their superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes on Sunday. They traveled to face the Titans in a game that most everyone picked them to win – largely because the return of Mahomes. Instead, Tennessee pulled off the improbable win by a score of 35-32.
Common problems for Kansas City reared their ugly heads again on Sunday – special teams errors, turnovers and clock management. A blocked field goal at the end of the game could have tied things up for the Chiefs. A costly fumble by running back Damien Williams helped the Titans build the lead. Finally, the clock management from Chiefs head coach Andy Reid was poor.
LMAOOO RT @RealTalkNebs: Classic Andy Reid 4th quarter clock management skills. #LMAO pic.twitter.com/DAx9ZnuiG1
— Steamin Willy Beaman (@JordyLamb) November 10, 2019
The Chiefs have an incredible offense – arguably the best in the league. They can make a run to the Super Bowl and they are one of the few teams in the AFC that could take down the Patriots or the Ravens in the postseason.
However, the Chiefs defense is their Achilles’ heel. They won’t win anything so long as that unit performs as poorly as they do on a regular basis. Sure, the defense can put together a spirited effort from time to time (see last week against the Vikings), but if they can’t shut down Ryan Tannehill then they’ve got no shot against guys like Lamar Jackson or Tom Brady.
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Surprisingly Entertaining
It was called the “Battle of the Backpage” in New York City, but the Giants versus Jets game was one of the most-entertaining games around the league on Sunday. The Jets came out victorious by a score of 34-27.
The game wasn’t always smooth, but there were some big offensive performances on both sides of the ball. The Giants had a chance to win the game as guys like rookie quarterback Daniel Jones had a big game (four touchdown passes) with help from wide receivers like Golden Tate and Darius Slayton.
Giants coach Pat Shurmur couldn’t get out of his own way. Instead of running the ball and wearing down the Jets, Shurmur lacked creativity as a play-caller.
nobody:
pat shurmur every 2nd-and-10: pic.twitter.com/cbv2EpbREe
— Ryan Disdier (@ryandisdier) November 10, 2019
Superstar running back Saquon Barkley was banged up with a shoulder injury and finished with the worst performance of his two-year pro career. Barkley, clearly not himself as he played while injured, ran the ball 13 times for one yard with a long carry of three yards. Shurmur could’ve helped out by going to reserve running back Wayne Gallman a bit more, and oh yeah – he should have found more ways to run the ball.
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Don’t Forget to Run
There’s nothing like rivalry games in football. We saw a great rivalry game on Saturday as the LSU Tigers beat the Alabama Crimson Tide in a huge college football contest. On Sunday, the Saints were at home to take on the Falcons.
While New Orleans is looking at making a run to the Super Bowl, Atlanta is likely going to be looking for a new head coach in the near future. In a crazy week of NFL action, the Falcons were able to beat the Saints handily – in New Orleans – by a score of 26-9.
saints fans? i got you! pic.twitter.com/wup1l0Zfy8
— bomani (@bomani_jones) November 10, 2019
No need for a return of the “Aints” on Sundays, but one thing the Saints do need to bring back is the rushing attack. Star running back Alvin Kamara returned from an injury that cost him two games. The Saints used backup Latavius Murray when Kamara was out with great success (two 100-yard rushing games).
With Kamara only gaining 24 yards rushing against the Falcons, Murray should have been used more. It’s okay they want to ease Kamara back into action, but they shouldn’t forget about using Murray during the process.
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Nothing But Respect
I have nothing but respect for the men and women in our Armed Forces. There are several members of my family who are in the military, and that’s why anytime I’m on the air, I finish my show with the military term “stay frosty.”
Many think “stay frosty” means something about drinking cold pops, it actually is a term used by the military that means “be cautious and look out for danger.” It’s a small gesture, but it’s my nod to my family in the military in every show.
On Veteran’s Day, we all should take a moment and remember why we enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans. I’m a nerdy country boy who gets to talk about, write about, think about football all day every day because of the brave men and women in our Armed Forces who protect our great country.
Today we honor those who served.
Those who answered our nation's call.
Those who defend our families, our neighbors and the American way of life.#VeteransDayVideo by Kayla Cain pic.twitter.com/II52G7R159
— U.S. Army (@USArmy) November 11, 2019
I am now going to be the father of a military member as my son, who is currently a junior at Washington State, has joined the Army. He starts his basic training at Fort Benning in late January, and I couldn’t be prouder of his decision to join the military. Some of our nation’s brightest and best work in our Armed Forces.
I’m excited for my son’s future in the Army. I salute all of you who have served or are serving our country – we couldn’t do this without you and we all are forever indebted to you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
