When It Rains In Dallas, It Pours

We’re starting off this week with one of the biggest talking points from Week 14, the Dallas punt saga!

We all saw what happened and all I can say is that this is a classic example of the age-old saying; bad teams find ways to lose. 

You start to feel it as a player and I’m sure those Cowboys players will be feeling it at the moment – it becomes inevitable.

It’s the opposite of what the Kansas City Chiefs feel when they’re winning games by tight margins, but you almost always know they’re going to win.

You sit in front of your locker thinking, ‘how did we lose that?’ In the end you just come to the conclusion that you’re a bad team!

As soon as things start going wrong fingers get pointed at the head coach and the quarterback.

It’s a slippery slope which we see in all sports, once your belief system changes in a negative way, you’re in trouble. For the Dallas Cowboys at the moment, when it rains, it pours. 

Media Training 101 Needed For Deebo

Another big story this week came from Deebo Samuel’s social media comments, where he made his frustrations clear at not seeing as much of the ball this season.

This is an example of the problem with access to instant thoughts, and really it is media training 101 for a player. Think before you talk.

He has to think about who those comments help, who they hurt, and what they imply.

I get that Deebo is frustrated with people questioning him and his ability, but what can you say to stop that? Nothing. All you can do is go out and play, you can’t say anything to help yourself. 

He’s not the star man at the moment, but that San Francisco 49ers offense works because all those weapons are out there together.

If you want to be seen as the dominant guy, you have to dominate. Deebo is covered a lot and he can’t get the spotlight, so I get why he’s frustrated. 

Championship calibre teams find a way not to cause divisions, because it’s constantly knocking at the door.

You have to make sure you avoid letting those cracks appear. You either say nothing or support your teammates in the media. 

Rams To Boost Playoff Hopes In San Fran

My first game to watch this week is a crucial divisional matchup in the NFC West as the Los Angeles Rams head to the Levi’s Stadium to take on the San Francisco 49ers.

Both teams playoff hopes are on the line here so this should be a real battle.

With the way they looked last week, I don’t think anyone in the NFL would want to be up against this Rams offense right now.

However, if there’s one team who could come prepared it the 49ers because they play them two times a year. They’ll be familiar with their players and how they operate. 

The 49ers defense was struggling with a few issues, part of that was down to injuries, but they look like they’re improving now.

Their backs are against the wall with a loss here probably putting an end to their playoff hopes, so hopefully they’ll come out firing.

That said, I’m leaning towards the Rams just because of the way Matthew Stafford has been playing recently. The offense is on full tilt and I’m siding with them to secure an important victory here.

Prediction: Los Angeles Rams to win

Lions To Keep On Roaring

My second game to watch in Week 15 is the Detroit Lions versus the Buffalo Bills.

This game pits the No. 1 overall seed in the NFC against No. 2 in the AFC. Some people will be saying this could be a Super Bowl preview – I couldn’t say they’re wrong, but I’d say that applies much more to the Lions than the Bills.

There is a blueprint out on how to beat the Bills. If you can run the ball early and make their defense have to adjust so they can’t play too high, and then throw, you can beat them.

If you can do that then you gain control. Not every team can do it, but if anyone can, Detroit can.

The Lions’ defense has been outstanding this season, but they have to stop Josh Allen here. It’s going to be tough and the way I see it, they’re going to have to control the clock.

They need to run the ball and keep it out of Josh Allen’s hands. The key to winning this game is keeping him on the sideline, because once he’s in a rhythm he’s hard to stop. 

Detroit have had to overcome challenges and injuries, but they’ve always seemed to find a way this year.

They have playmakers, they’ll be aggressive when they need to be, and if they can keep Josh Allen out the game then I can’t see them losing here. If I had one message for them this week would be, pound the rock and beat the clock!

Prediction: Detroit Lions to win