With the news out of Dallas on Josh Brent killing teammate Jerry Brown in a drunk-driving accident, this is another NFL weekend with tragedy coming before the games. Hopefully the NFL and really everyone out there can learn lessons from these incidents. How hard is it not to get into a car when you’re drunk? If we are still too stupid to make these decisions, then maybe we need cars that will make them for us.
Something has to change.
Before I get confused for Bob Costas during one of his halftime speeches, onto the usual Saturday recap.
This Week’s Articles
Captain Comeback Week 13: Colts, Steelers Rally to Build Familiar AFC Race – Cold, Hard Football Facts
The Colts were able to rally from a 12-point deficit in the final 4:02 for another stunning comeback victory over the Lions. Pittsburgh surprised everyone with Charlie Batch leading the team to a road win in Baltimore. The two wins shape up yet another AFC playoff picture with the usual suspects. Also: Tony Romo tied Troy Aikman for most 4QC wins in Dallas history (16). He did it by attacking “The Todd Bowles Movement.” This is the most jam-packed edition of Captain Comeback yet with 11 game recaps. It was a good week of games.
Andrew Luck Outclasses Robert Griffin III and Russell Wilson in the Clutch – Bleacher Report
True story: this article originally had a general headline (see URL), but after finishing it, the results were pretty clear: Andrew Luck owns clutch moments in a way no rookie really has. We know all about his five game-winning drives, but his performance on third down, especially third and long, is something we just never see from a young QB. The surprise is just how historically bad RGIII has been at converting on third and long.
The war is clearly raging between these fanbases, so arm yourself with some real data that matters, unless you think throwing a short pass on 3rd and long and punting is good.
Following a Legend: Andrew Luck Week 13 at Detroit Lions – Colts Authority
Find out how Andrew Luck threw 30 incompletions, three interceptions, had a season-high in three-and-out drives, but still managed to grow his legend with another comeback win and career-high four touchdown passes. The young Jedi just had to use the Schwartz.
Yes, Those NFL Offenses Are Better Than Ever – NBC Sports
If the numbers stay on their current pace, then the 2012 NFL season could be the most efficient ever in terms of passing, rushing, kicking and punting, otherwise known as the primary acts of a football game. Details on each category and the record-breaking numbers the league is averaging. It is also the most pass-happy season ever with teams throwing the ball on 57.95 percent of their plays.
The Thinking Man’s Guide: NFL Week 14 Predictions – Bleacher Report
In-depth previews for Raiders/Broncos, Chargers/Steelers, Saints/Giants and Texans/Patriots plus predictions for every game.
Ranking the Random Fumble Luck of NFL Quarterbacks – Cold, Hard Football Facts
Last week we looked at turnover rates using all fumbles. This week I took the lost fumble data that goes back to 1992 and looked at which quarterbacks have the most and least fumble luck, because recoveries are in fact random, and the data bears that out. Tom Brady is completely average (42.5%) in this regard, while Matthew Stafford has only lost four of his 14 fumbles, and Kyle Orton has the worst luck, losing 60% of his fumbles. Finally an updated turnover rate list using fumbles lost is included for the 59 quarterbacks from the last two decades.
2012 NFL Week 14 Predictions
Was there even any doubt on the Thursday game? Peyton Manning has now won at least eight straight games in a season for the seventh time in his career. If only I had his consistency at making these game picks.
Winners in bold:
- Rams at Bills
- Falcons at Panthers
- Cowboys at Bengals
- Chiefs at Browns
- Titans at Colts
- Jets at Jaguars
- Bears at Vikings
- Chargers at Steelers
- Eagles at Buccaneers
- Ravens at Redskins
- Dolphins at 49ers
- Saints at Giants
- Cardinals at Seahawks
- Lions at Packers
- Texans at Patriots
Season results:
- Week 1: 12-4
- Week 2: 11-5
- Week 3: 4-12
- Week 4: 10-5
- Week 5: 10-4
- Week 6: 5-9
- Week 7: 12-1
- Week 8: 10-4
- Week 9: 11-3
- Week 10: 9-4-1
- Week 11: 11-3
- Week 12: 10-6
- Week 13: 8-8
- Season: 123-68-1 (.643)
Captain Comeback: NFL Analysis by Scott Kacsmar 