NFL 2024 Week 13 – The Malcolm Rodriguez Cup

 

 

 

Greetings Tipsters

I’ve watched two snow games this season, both on a 34C day. The white field messes with the visual overlays – usually they’re keyed to grass green but when the ground is snowy the lines and numbers run through the white parts of uniforms to interesting effect. It was more pronounced in the Steelers@Browns match, so maybe the FX editor for 49ers@Bills had learnt something from it.

Josh Allen, Bills QB, is an extraordinary specimen. 6’5”, 237lbs, he has hurdled defenders who try to tackle him. This week he threw for a Tuddy, rushed for a Tuddy, threw a pass to a receiver who passed back to him and he dived for a Tuddy. A passing and receiving play, the man is extraordinary.

The 49ers aint extraordinary. Four conference championship games and two Superbowls in five years is damn good but without a Lombardi trophy it’s a footnote in league history and wears out the players. They’ve lost DCs and OCs most every year, injuries have hit them hard this season, Brock is due a big contract, McCaffery is 28 and about to hit the Running Back Wall. The NFC West is a weak division this year, one of those teams will make the playoffs, to no effect.

There was some wonderful moments of sheer ineptness this week. Raiders almost beat the Chiefs but, two points down, going for one play to chew the clock before attempting a winning field goal, the centre snapped the ball when the quarterback was looking elsewhere, pigskin bounced off his chest and was recovered by Chiefs. The usual ‘Refs love Chiefs’ argument ensued.

Chicago Bears HC Matt Eberflus is a deer in headlights late in close games. Once again, he blew it, allowing 30 seconds to leak off the clock, didn’t call a timeout, Caleb Williams QB could’ve done better but he’s a rookie, the coach is supposed to cover for him in these situations, he threw an incompletion as time expired. Matt was fired the next day, after a press conference where he talked about preparing for the next game.

Ryan Poles, Bears GM, says this is the best slot in the League for a Head Coach. That dysfunctional organisation? Bears have a good young roster, no shame in being the worst team in the NFC North this year. Especially when you can easily blame your coach for four losses, but the McCaskey family have no serious money behind them and Virginia the owner is 101 years old.

Jets were about to go 28-7 against the Seahawks but Aaron Rodgers, who can do no wrong – just ask him – threw a pick six to Leonard Williams, a 300lb D lineman who trotted 99 yards for a touchdown. That game was a feast of fumbles and all manner of disastrous plays, f’gawsakes, both kickers made tackles.

Detroit Lions have injuries all over the D, lost two more for the season against Bears, signed four blokes off practice squads in the last few days. Over the tipping point, goddamnit, can’t see Lions winning a Superbowl with a D loaded with third stringers. DC Aaron Glenn and OC Ben Johnson will be HCs next season. Ah, well, 23 years a Lions fan, it was good to have genuine optimism for a couple months.

Dan Campbell is a great coach, he has the “run through a brick wall” vibe. The O is at full strength. Lions, Packers, Eagles are best in NFC, Bills, Chiefs, Steelers in AFC.

Justin Tucker, Baltimore Ravens kicker, has been a reliable source of points for many years. He slacked a bit last year, got worse this year. Missed two field goals and a PAT, against the Eagles, 7 points in a 5 point loss.

I’ve been talking to people at the Jags, told them we need a great kicker. They’re pretty cheap, compared to the points they can put on the board. Trevor was concussed against Texans, I said “rest him and we’ll get it together next season.”

I shook hands with all 400 people in the organisation before I sat down to talk with Doug and Trent. Told them that I did not want to see any player smartarsing on their way to a Tuddy. I don’t care if they’re 20 yards clear, they don’t stop running with the ball in both hands until they’re in the endzone. Celebrate all you like after that, but if you do some fancy shit and drop the ball 6 inches out you better start thinking about your next contract. Then I called Laurie Daley, cos the cornerbacks need to learn how to tackle.

Play It Loud, Tipsters

 

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