Santa’s list: the good and bad moves of the 16th week

NFL football has taken Christmas weekend by storm. The only league or almost to present games, most of them were crucial for a potential presence in the playoffs. Some teams have risen, others have fallen.

The good moves

Jaguars on a mission

Is Trevor Lawrence becoming the quarterback the Jacksonville Jaguars thought they’d draft No. 1 in the 2021 auction? He wasn’t such a big factor in his team’s 19-3 victory over the New York Jets on Thursday, but his outfit inspires confidence. Against all expectations, the Jags are at the top of their division. They had started the season badly with two wins in their first eight games. They have, however, won five of their last seven. Lawrence has been looking for himself since his arrival in Florida, but the young prodigy seems to have found his ease. Everything finally falls into place.

The Vikings are back in force

The Minnesota Vikings are one of the best teams in the NFL. Nevertheless, a gray cloud still seems to loom over their heads. As if their fate was determined in advance. However, the big difference with the current edition of the Vikings is its ability to always find a way to win. After a 33-point comeback last week against the Indianapolis Colts, Kirk Cousins’ squad scored 17 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the New York Giants on Saturday. Kicker Greg Joseph’s leg made the difference late in the game with a 61-yard field goal.

The Cowboys stand

Early in the season, it would have been easy to give the National East to the Philadelphia Eagles. Jalen Hurts’ side were undefeated. While the Dallas Cowboys had to make do with Cooper Rush, the team’s second quarterback. However, since the return of Dak Prescott, the Cowboys are dashing and inspired. Even if we repeat it every season, this year could really be theirs. Prescott has won seven of its last nine games. By winning Saturday against the Eagles by a score of 40 to 34, the Cowboys can still hope to finish at the top of the division. This victory against their rivals could be decisive. Dallas can thank Ceedee Lamb. The wide receiver was splendid with two touchdowns.

The bad shots

History repeats itself for the Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders organization has pulled out all the stops for success. A new stadium, the hiring of head coach Josh McDaniels, a new three-year contract and $121.5 million in quarterback Derek Carr and the acquisition of Davante Adams, possibly the most complete receiver in his generation. However, nothing works. They lost 13–10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the game ended with Carr’s third interception of the game thrown. In all likelihood, Vegas will miss the playoffs. Carr is not helping his cause and it is relevant to wonder if he is really the man for the job. It’s been another disappointing season for the Raiders.

Wentz to the rescue

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera publicly criticized his quarterbacks earlier this season. However, Taylor Heinicke had on the whole responded well since the seventh week. He was, however, on a three game winless streak. With a 7-6-1 record heading into their matchup against the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, hopes of making the playoffs were still alive. Except that Heinicke was unable to propel his own. He hardly threw the ball and he was even replaced by Carson Wentz in the fourth quarter. Washington can still count on excellent ammunition in attack with Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. The Commanders have bowed and the debate about the quarterbacks will flare up again this week in the American capital.

The inconstancy of the Dolphins

On paper, the Miami Dolphins have a good product. Even if they keep their positive record despite losing 26-20 at the hands of the Green Bay Packers, there is cause for concern. Tua Tagovailoa is undoubtedly a top quarterback. He has undeniable qualities. However, in this league, consistency is everything. The southpaw is unfortunately a quarterback and this annoying habit of being completely unpredictable is the Achilles heel of this team. The Dolphins started the year with three wins. They followed that up with three losses. Followed by a five-game winning streak. Then the loss to the Packers at home was their fourth in a row. Tagovailoa threw three key interceptions on Sunday afternoon, and we’ll have to rethink that encounter if Miami misses the detail after the season.