NFL Week Sixteen Review: Division Leaders Vie for Supremacy
The NFL served us yet ANOTHER scintillating and engrossing week of action during Week Sixteen. Some teams’ failure to reach the postseason were confirmed while others battled for supremacy at the top of their relevant divisions. The Ravens and Chiefs swept aside the Steelers and Texans respectively on Saturday. Young guns Penix Jr and Jayden Daniels showcased their abilities.
Ravens Claim Playoff Spot With Steelers Rout
The Ravens edged closer to rivals Steelers, both 10-5, with a clinical 34-17 victory. Lamar Jackson, now 2-4 against the Steelers, appeared poised and bolstered by a rejuvenated Derrick Henry. Henry ran for 162 yards: 97 more than in the reverse fixture last month. Henry’s return to form was a clinical factor in this win, alongside two key turnovers: a Russell Wilson fumble on the Ravens’ five-yard-line and a Marlon Humphrey pick six. The Ravens are filled with a belief they can win the AFC North. The Steelers lead narrowly, but have now lost two crucial games against top tier opposition. Next up they have the Chiefs and this exhausting schedule may be too much, too close together. One thing is for sure, Russell Wilson needs George Pickens back ASAP!
Ravens 34 Steelers 17
Tank Dell Injury Overshadows Chiefs Victory
The third quarter was barely three and a half minutes old when CJ Stroud connected with Tank Dell to score a touchdown: the game was now 17-16 to the Chiefs: it was ANYTHING but comfortable for the defending Super Bowl champions. The Texans offense were purring and the Texans were finally getting to groups with the Chiefs schemes on offense: but disaster struck! Upon landing Dell tangled with fellow Texan Jared Wayne: he was in distress almost immediately and the Texans were unable to recover their composure. It has been confirmed that Dell has suffered a dislocated kneecap and torn ACL. CJ Stroud, who passed for 244 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, was visibly shaken by Dell’s injury. Patrick Mahomes embodied the Chiefs composure and resilience, maintaining his cool with 260 yards passing and one thrown touchdown pass.
Chiefs 27 Texans 19
Penix, Jr and Daniels Hint at Exciting Futures
With Kirk Cousin benched, Michael Penix Jr was called up prematurely to start a Falcons’ game: it was generally regarded that he would contend with Cousins for the starting QB job NEXT year. The Tampa, Florida native looked comfortable with 18-of-27 passes and 202 yards completed. “Ah but John, it’s ONLY the Giants …” may be your initial thought, but with a one-in-four record in the previous five games, Falcons fans have the right to feel optimistic. Kirk Cousins had previously thrown eighteen TDs and sixteen interceptions: the mobility and ability of Penix, Jr gives the Falcons’ fan base some point of optimism.
Jayden Daniels was the main reason for the Commanders’ shocking victory over the runaway NFC East leaders Philadelphia Eagles. The LSU grad threw for 258 yards and five touchdowns with a fine display of intent and grit. It may not be enough for this Commanders team this season: but it was a performance that would hint at a potential rising force in a conference that has grown quite stale.
Commanders 36 Eagles 33
Falcons 34 Giants 7
After such a wonderful weekend of football, it’s great we have more so soon! Enjoy the turkey, crack open a cold one (or two) and the mouth watering fixtures we have ahead of us! Happy Christmas!! Here’s hoping those Christmas wishes for your team get answered!