The Texans Have a Bright Future
The Texans, while mediocre, have been a revelation so far this season. It soundsvredundant, but considering the history of the franchise of late, things are looking up. CJ Stroud was electric against the Jaguars, tossing 280 yards and two TDs without a turnover. In my opinion, Stroud is the leader for OROTY, edging out division rival Anthony Richardson. Tank Dell, third rounder receiver out of Houston, had five catches for 145 yards and a TD. The youth movement was also strong on the defense as well, with Will Anderson blocking a crucial Jags field goal. Demeco Ryans is in Year 1 with a young team, and they can only get better.
It’s Time to Replace Justin Fields
Chicago is a flat-out mess in 2023, there is no way around it. Justin Fields is struggling mightily and has publicly criticized his offensive play-caller Luke Getsy while delivering an awful 18.4 passing rating. The pinnacle of despair, (so far), was an absolute drubbing at the hands of the Chiefs, and T-Swift’s newest (supposed) boyfriend. Fields went 11-22 for 99 yards a TD and a pick. Fields looked uncomfortable in the pocket and was hesitant to make the necessary throws. The Bears own their first rounder, which is looking to be pretty high, and Carolina’s 2024 first. Should the Bears own a pick inside the top five in a QB heavy 2024 class, I believe they should pull the trigger on replacing Fields. Perhaps we could see Caleb Williams under center in Chi-Town in 2024?
The Vikings Should Find a Suitor for Kirk Cousins
The Vikes are 0-3 after another heartbreaking loss which came down the wire again. It has been shown in the NFL that teams with 0-3 start have a near impossible route to the playoffs. In fact, only six teams have done it since 1966. Minnesota has shown nothing on the defensive side that would warrant hope for a turnaround, but the offense has been semi-functional. Kirk Cousins has had a great start to the 2023 season, with 1,075 yards and 9 TDs to only two picks. However, Minnesota’s O-line and running game has been horrid thus far, and with Christian Darrisaw injuried it doesn’t seem to be getting much better. Cousins is 35 years old and is on the last year of his contract, why not try to get some draft capital for him? The Vikings are fending off a rebuild with aging roster and some young unproven talent. It’s time to
go all in on the tank for Caleb Williams, or maybe just Drake Maye.
The Falcons Have a QB Problem
Desmond Ridder wasn’t a guy who impressed me coming out of the draft from Cincinnati, and he continues to disappoint me in the pros. The Falcons are a good team with a solid defense, good receivers, and a solid running game. The problems are at the QB position. Don’t get me wrong, Ridder was solid against Green Bay, but it was because of a strong running game that he was able to make plays. With Robinson and Allgeier effectively shut down against Detroit, it was up to Ridder to make plays. It was safe say that he did not. The Falcons lost 20-6 to the Lions, with Ridder going 21-38 for 201 yards with no TDs or picks. But the problem is not with the stats, but the eye-test. Ridder looks lost and confused at times, and when he does have a decent read, he tends to force throws behind or ahead of receivers. With a team with Kyle Pitts and Drake London, this is unacceptable. The leading receiver in Week 3 was Pitts with only 5 catches for 41 yards. If the Falcons really look to contend in 2023 and beyond, they need to look for another option at QB. Ridder could very well turn this around, but the outlook isn’t great.
