Week 12 Thoughts
The Jaguars are the disappointment of the NFL season. To go from the AFC Championship Game, and just a couple of lucky breaks away the Super Bowl, to the league’s doldrums, Jacksonville has spiraled back into mediocrity. Through eleven games, the Blake Bortles led brigade is 3-8 and riding a seven-game losing streak. Jalen Ramsey can keep running his mouth, but his game has suffered.
The Jameis Winston redemption tour begins. With the Bucs season all but over, their quarterback is playing for his livelihood. After this season, Tampa Bay will have to make a decision as to how they want to proceed with the quarterback position and whether or not they will pick up Winston’s fifth year option. If he can continue to perform as he did on Sunday – 312 yards, a pair of touchdowns, and no interceptions- it will be difficult for the Bucs brass to cut bait with the former number one overall pick.
The Panthers are in trouble. After starting the season 6-2, Carolina has lost 3 straight contests. Their saving grace may be that their next two games are against the Buccaneers and the Browns, but if they slip up in either game their playoff hopes could disintegrate as they conclude their season with the Saints, Falcons, and then the Saints again. Cam Newton started the season red-hot, but has cooled off considerably. Ron Rivera better hope he can rekindle that early season magic or else he could find himself on the hot seat.
