Divisional Round Saturday Open Thread
All times ET. Home team in CAPS.
Saturday 4:30 PM – Texans at RAVENS (-9)
A battle wages
in the land of McNulty.
The game is the game.
Saturday 8:15 PM – Packers at NINERS (-9.5)
Cover your damn eyes.
Green Bay can beat ANYONE.
They will keep this close.
Sunday 3:00 PM – Bucs at LIONS (-6)
One city makes cars.
One city is all strip clubs.
Baker be dancin’.
Sunday 6:30 PM – Chiefs at BILLS (-3)
My head says Mahomes.
But my heart is in New York,
drenched in Elmo’s sauce.
Last week the picks were 2-4 but in fairness I picked the Steelers expecting them to cover in a blizzard. This week I’m on Baltimore -9, Packers +9.5, Bucs +6, Bills -3.
It’s draft season and Caleb Williams is on my mind — I’ll have a longer, more thorough breakdown out later this offseason, but today I wanted to highlight his play from within the pocket. Specifically, whenever I watch him I see the following:
Couple that with his tendency to keep his eyes downfield while scrambling, even when under duress, and you’ve got a very dangerous modern passer that looks like he’d fit right in on NFL Playoff Weekend after a bit of refinement in 2024.
Highlight reels are great, but how well does Caleb Williams play within structure?
Here's an 18-play reel that'll give you a feel for Caleb Williams within the pocket — you'll see quick throws, deep shots, progression reads, and plenty of talent. All from the big bad ND game. pic.twitter.com/PS33ThcJ0M
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) January 9, 2024
One more I just found: the QB in Wisconsin has made plays like this famous over the last few weeks. Here’s the same throw under pressure made against one of the best defenses in college football.
Gorgeous Caleb Williams play from the pocket here:
– Reads Man coverage early, finds his open man
– Sees his LT get beat like a drum
– Creates space in the pocket, fades away from the pressure
– Flicks his wrist, drops a 33-yard dime in stride, WR tacks on YAC.Arm talent >>> pic.twitter.com/YnLyW6qfYO
— Robert Schmitz (@robertkschmitz) January 17, 2024
Editor’s Note: My son has been sick with stomach flu over the last few days, so I appreciate your patience within website content. It’s draft season, so I’ll see what I can whip up as I prep to head out to the Senior Bowl in a few weeks.
All times are ET. Home team in CAPS.
Saturday 4:30 PM – HOUSTON v. Cleveland (-2.5)
His name is Flacco.
No, not the Manhattan owl.
But still the man soars.
Saturday 8:00 PM – KANSAS CITY (-4.5) v. Miami
It will be frigid,
projected at six below.
Too bleak for Flipper.
Sunday 1:00 PM – BUFFALO (-10) v. Pittsburgh
It’s the Bar Bill wings,
versus Primanti Brothers.
Dip this win in blue.
Sunday 4:30 PM – DALLAS (-7.5) v. Green Bay
America’s team.
A nation’s eyes upon them.
Will they hold up? Yes.
Sunday 8:15 PM – DETROIT (-3) v. Los Angeles
Jared was a Ram.
And Matthew was a Lion.
The latter moves on.
Monday 8:00 PM – TAMPA BAY v. Philadelphia (-3)
The home team is bad,
and the road team might be worse.
Someone has to win.
The Picks: Cleveland -2.5, Kansas City -4.5, Pittsburgh +10, Dallas -7.5, Los Angeles +3.5, Philly -3 (but I won’t be betting the last one).
Nick & I talked through the latest decisions out of the Chicago front office here:
Your Turn: What do you think of the Bears’ decisions?
Very much sounds like Flus is safe, but the Bears will be replacing their offensive staff.
And there will be no commitment to Fields. Team will evaluate the QBs at Combine and make decision then. Taking QB at 1 is NOT off the table.
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) January 10, 2024
Your Turn: Do you want to see Matt Eberflus stay?
