All the fans, media, and maybe even Jones, had the Cowboys pencilled in for the Super Bowl by the way they were playing the last 11 weeks. But we all know things can change very quickly in the NFL – ask the Vikings and now the Dolphins about this.
It was inevitable that Jones would be facing media questions about Tony Romo as soon as Dak Prescott had a bad game in which they lost. Prescott hasn’t looked good the last two games, so should he be pulled for Romo?
Jones can turn this into a quarterback controversy really quickly depending on how he answers the questions. It was funny when he was asked if there was any thought of pulling Prescott against the Giants, and what if Prescott struggles in the first half of this week’s game against Tampa Bay?
Judging by some of his comments, it sounds like Jones is getting a little irritated and frustrated, which may lead to him saying something he might regret in regards to the Cowboys’ quarterback situation. Stay tuned, this is going to get real interesting!
Stat of the week
The weather can really affect a football game, and with the snow and rain at a number of stadiums last week there were 53 turnovers in the 16 games that were played.
Bonehead play of the week
On the opening kickoff, Rams kick returner Mike Thomas fumbles the ball forward out of the end zone, which Atlanta recovers. The Falcons score on their first offensive play of the game. No wonder Jeff Fisher got fired.
Sure thing
A new coach won’t help the Rams in Seattle. The Seahawks have trouble on the road, but are a different monster at home, especially against a bad team like Los Angeles. Seattle wins in a blowout.
Buffalo can’t score points offensively, but the best remedy is coming to town in the form of the Cleveland Browns. The Bills’ slim playoff chances are alive with a home win over a bad Browns’ team.
Atlanta won big last week on the road against the Rams, and now is home to another bad NFC West team in the 49ers. Same result – another Falcons’ blowout win, but this time with some home cooking.
Don’t mortgage the house picks
Drew Brees has really struggled lately not throwing a touchdown pass in nine quarters, and now the Saints are out of the playoffs. Arizona is having a disappointing season as well, but is a solid 4-2-1 at home. Take the Cards.
Huge game for both Indy and Minnesota in their respective AFC and NFC playoff lives. The Colts have been inconsistent all season while the Vikings have been devastated by many injuries, especially on offence. Minnesota’s D will give Andrew Luck fits all day. Vikes go to 8-6, and stay in the thick of the wild-card race.
Many of the local Raiders’ fans – Jeff, Gerard, Frank and Chad – are excited about the “Silver and Black” and their playoff chances. They go to San Diego, which has lost so many skilled players on offence that the Chargers can’t match scores with the Raiders. Oakland gets back in the win column with a big divisional road win, and moves one game closer to clinching a long-awaited berth in the AFC playoffs.
Upset special
Desperation is the name of the game for the defending-champion Broncos, when they host Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Denver needs a home win now if they have any chance of making the playoffs, and having another go at the Super Bowl.
First things first, an upset win led by the Broncos’ defence, which knows how to beat New England.
Last week: 5-for-7.
Season: 68-for-98.
John Turner is a Summerside schoolteacher and coaches youth football. His column appears every Saturday during the NFL season. Feel free to e-mail questions and comments to [email protected].
