Breakdowns

12/14/20

2 min min read

NFL Week 14 Takeaways

Here are five key takeaways from Week 14 in the NFL:

1. Bills on the move

Don't look now, but Buffalo is only one game behind Pittsburgh. The Bills looked like the better team Sunday night -- with a better future and a younger, better QB. Josh Allen significantly outplayed Ben Roethlisberger, both with his arm and his feet. Pittsburgh may go from being the No. 1 seed a week ago to being the No. 3 seed by the end of the season. The Steelers' average depth of target is too small -- it shrinks the field and allows DBs like Taron Johnson to squat on routes, which led to his pick-6.

2. The balance of Tampa Bay

In the Buccaneers’ 26-14 win over Minnesota, Tampa Bay was able to run it effectively. Ronald Jones and LeSean McCoy combined for 112 yards – and as a team, the Bucs averaged a healthy 8.5 yards per attempt. Tom Brady threw 2 TDs and no interceptions, and it was the balanced attack that made the Bucs dangerous. Tampa Bay’s win combined with New Orleans’ loss to the Eagles has closed the gap in the NFC South. The Saints are up by two games, but the division is still up for grabs.

3. Colts run wild

Talk about a complete victory. Indianapolis ran for 212 yards in their 44-27 win over the Raiders. Philip Rivers completed passes to nine different receivers and the Colts scored on defense. The Colts are tied with Tennessee atop the AFC South. When healthy, Indy can beat anyone in the AFC in the playoffs.

4. Nice debut, Jalen Hurts

After Jalen hurts passed for 167 yards and rushed for 106 in the Eagles’ upset win over the Saints, the question must be asked: Did the Eagles wait too long to start Hurts? Yes! The Eagles are still alive in the wide-open NFC East. Just imagine the shape they might be in had Hurts started sooner.

5. Can the Chiefs be stopped?

Despite four turnovers against a good Dolphins defense, the Kansas City Chiefs showed how explosive they can be. Again, that is a good Miami defense they faced Sunday – and even with the turnovers, they still put up 33 points.


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