For the first time in what feels like years, we finally played a fun, competitive game. It was as ethical as a tanking team can play. We took the one seed in the AFC down to the wire. If it wasn’t for a tipped pass, then we would’ve won. Mariota looked like the reliable backup we watched last season. Treylon Burks revived his career with an incredible touchdown catch. Despite the defense giving up 27 points, the unit actually looked competent. It does not feel like we are watching a pop warner team anymore. This game was successful from all points of view. We lost helping our draft pick and we didn’t look like the worst team in the league.
While I would prefer to maintain our draft pick, I just don’t think it’s going to happen. Jayden is back. And when this team is healthy, we can compete with anyone. I have a strong feeling we are going to play spoiler for some teams down the stretch. To be honest, I was upset about our Eagles game getting flexed to 5pm. Beating them in primetime would have been the perfect reminder that next year we will be back and we’re coming.
If you can’t already tell, I’ve turned the page and have started to embrace the tank. It’s in our roots. We can mathmatrically still make the playoffs. I’m sure we only need maybe 100 things to happen. So, I wouldn’t say I’m exactly holding out any hope on that. However, if you were to ask me if I’d rather have Arvelle Reese on our team next year or to make the playoffs this season, I would say playoffs. Then again, asking that is essentially saying would you rather watch a good team or bad team. Stupid question hand up. But, there are some people out there who would take the pick.
With all the second year quarterbacks playing well, I’ve enjoyed the dialogue people have started. People need to understand that the four quarterbacks can all be good. Drake Maye is the MVP front runner. The Bears and Broncos are the 1 seeds. Everyone is happy. Until those guys win playoff games, I don’t think there is an argument for either being a better quarterback than Jayden. Jayden biggest weakness is his health. When he is on the field playing at 100%, he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. He proved that last season taking an awful roster to the NFC championship.
Speaking of all these quarterbacks, this week we have a match up with another one of last years draftees. So far through what is essentially his rookie season, JJ has played like a first year quarterback. He has shown flashes of good although for the majority of this year has been that of a less than average quarterback. Then again, he never had to throw the ball in college so I don’t know why people expected him to come into the league and light it up. If there’s any coach I believe can turn it around for him it is Kevin O’Connell. Kevins going to have to figure JJ out quick because it wouldn’t shock me if Jefferson requests a trade sooner rather than later. I cannot blame him. I wouldn’t want to spend my prime with a guy who can’t throw the ball either. That is if I was in the NFL and one of the best receivers in the league. Anyways, I digress.
Football is game where quarterbacks can dictate who wins a football game. The Vikings may have a better roster than us; however, we have the better quarterback. And, that is why I believe we are going to win. We haven’t won a game since week 5. I believe this is the first game since week 2 Jayden, Terry, and Deebo will be together. We are even getting Noah Brown back. The offense is nearly back to full health. It cannot be overstated how big of a blow it was to lose Ekeler this season. Our offense could really use a reliable, big-play threat out of the backfield. We all thought Bill was going to be that guy but unfortunately since his performance against the Chargers has shown none of it.
I’ve put myself in a situation where no matter what happens today I will be okay with the result. We can win or lose and I’ll be happy. I am not sure what I would prefer. Honestly, I wouldn’t hate a similar result to last week. But, I would also like to see Jayden remind the world that he is in fact really good at football. That’s all I’ve got for this one. Looking forward to writing back next week after today’s meaningless win.
Photo Credit: Patrick Smith | Credit: Getty Images