Week Sixteen Review: Playoff Spots Filling Up
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If Santa Claus can deliver the way the NFL’s week sixteen did then we are all in for an incredible Christmas! Charlie Smyth continued his fine form for the New Orleans Saints, much to the delight of Irish NFL fans. It was a delight to see him receive the game ball following his fledgling fully signed professional appearance. From all of us here at Gaelic Gridiron, congratulations Charlie! Unfortunately Charlie and the Saints won’t be venturing into the post season, but for those of us whose teams are within contention, this week was a nail biter! The Steelers held on against the Lions, the Patriots beat the Ravens and the Jaguars reigned in the Broncos! Grab your favourite seasonal beverage, because THIS is the Gaelic Gridiron Week Sixteen review …
Confusion Reigns as Steelers Defeat the Lions
There are probably still plenty of Lions and Steelers fans on both sides of the Atlantic that are STILL scratching their heads after this game. Offensive Pass Interference calls went against Amon-Ra St Brown and denied the Lions victory. The second needs to be soon to be believed: sensational Steelers’ defending; numerous thrown officials’ flags; a perfectly executed lateral pass and a last-second heroic Jared Goff dive for the (supossed) victory all resulted in two minutes of head scratching and confusion as the play was ruled void as St Brown had fouled a Steelers defender to gain an unfair advantage in the build up. Aaron Rodgers, Jaylen Warren and a patched up Pittsburgh defense were decisive for the Steelers’ victory.
Rodgers needed all of his experience to face the Lions’ determined defense. He avoided sacks and interceptions, but with 27 of 41 attempts completed, it shows how much pressure he was under. For what seemed for the first time in years, the Steelers’ run game stepped up to aid the QB. Jaylen Warren was unleashed and completed a career high 143 rushing yards. He ran for two 45-yard TDs that will enter Steelers folklore. Goff was commendable in his refusal to give up: he completed 364 yard and three TDs, all the while the Lions’ run game was limited to a mere 15 yards. The Steelers defense was patched up, but were unrepentant in their attempts to reach Goff: and they did enough to secure the Steelers’ victory and a precious two game lead at the top of the AFC North.
Steelers (9-6) 29 Lions (-) 24
Jackson Leaves Field as Pats Beat Ravens
The Pats were down 17-13 as the game entered the Fourth Quarter. The Ravens had been superior in all facets of the game: but step forward Drake Maye, a MVP favoured by many given the rise of the Pats this year. The Patriots won the Fourth Quarter 15-7 to stick a dagger into the Ravens’ divisional hopes. Maye overcame an Interception to lead his team to victory: completing 380 passing yards: the highest in his career. The Steelers had to delay with the improving tandem of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry: it was unfortunate to see Jackson leave the game early, and the Ravens lost momentum following the departure of the talented playmaker. The Pats secured some Fourth Quarter turnovers and were able to concert them to scores to secure their first play off berth since 2021.
Patriots (12-3) 28 Ravens (7-8) 24
Jaguars Quash Broncos Win Streak
The Denver Broncos were many commentators’ favourites to win this game for this Mile High Stadium fuxture, but it would appear no one informed Trevor Lawrence. He appeared composed and mature in all of his plays despite severe pressure from the Broncos’ defense. He threw for 279 yards and three TDs from 23 of 36 completions. Lawrence went to the in-form 23 year old Parker Washington for 145 yards and one TD to try overcomd a rabid Broncos’ D. The Broncos defense were aided in recovery time by a spectacular Bo Nix performance. He recorded his highest ever total yardage in a game in his career (352). Alas key turnovers, including a Nix interception, went the Jags way, and so ended the Broncos’ eleven win streak. They also gained themselves a serious opportunity to get to the post season for the first time since 2022.
Jaguars (11-4) 34 Broncos (12-3) 20
The drama and spectacle may appear to have reached it’s peak this week, given the spirit of the festive season (especially if the results went your team’s way), but we can always anticipate next week’s action offering us kore drama and excitement. The NFL permits us a chance to block out the news and worries for a few hours, and this week offered some unforgettable moments (check out Kenneth Gainwell’s incredible reception prior to finishing the play for his TD). The drama unfolds weekly in front of us, and I CANNOT wait for what next week’s fixtures bring!
Happy Christmas to you and yours from myself and all at Gaelic Gridiron!