The draft order is far from set, dozens of college football players still need to decide whether or not they will enter the 2017 NFL Draft, and a bunch of free agent moves will determine team needs. Sounds like the perfect time to do a mock draft, right?
The Bears offense is more complex than Jeff Fisher’s finely tuned field goal machine. The outcome in this one hinges on the matchup of the Rams pass rush against the Bears offensive line. Chicago’s only allowed 16 sacks all season. It won’t be as easy for St. Louis’ front four to feast on this team like it has against so many backup-laden and inferior blocking units. Then you’ve got the problem of a leaky secondary matched up against big men like Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. St. Louis could definitely win this one, but the safer bet here is on the Bears.
What else do I need to say here? But if you want more, how about the fact that Atlanta’s last three opponents scored at least 33 points. The Bucs hung 41 on them. Worse still, the Falcons have a -9 turnover differential in their last four games. Look away, Atlanta friends, from what about to say next. Drew Brees is 12-3 against the Falcons since joining the Saints. He’s thrown for 300+ yards in 10 of those games, and there’s a near certain probability he’ll make it 11 this week.
Joe Flacco attempted to be a playmaker on a day the Baltimore Ravens needed a game manager. Forcing passes in the swirling Chicago wind wasn’t the right move, and ultimately the margins were too thin on Sunday to succeed after throwing two interceptions. Flacco is getting too much grief after his contract extension, but he needs to become a more reliable short passer when that’s what the game demands.