First last night's game and a few words about week 4. Jon Gruden was a little muted last night but with his brother coaching the Redskins ESPN puts him in a awkward spot. And to boot his son is on the Redskins staff too so I can see why Jon isn't himself during Redskins games.I wouldn't want to announce a game a brother of mine was coaching.
As for Thrashen's point about Kelce, he does have a habit of picking up non sportsmanship penalties and Gruden even referenced it last night as Kelce narrowly escaped getting one called on him. That said the guy is incredibly gifted and in terms of raw talent among the best TE's I have ever seen. He is essentially a hybrid WR/TE and he was superb last night. In the crucial moments of the game last night QB Alex Smith rolled out to his right and threw a perfect sideline pass to move the ball way up the field. While the media has softened a bit on Smith who for some reason has been a media whipping boy for most of his career despite the fact he wins (apart from a Super Bowl), this is his 13th season in the NFL. And look at the guy. He handles the ball with dexterity, was basically perfect last night as he rallied his team from a come from behind win, and he looked as FRESH AS A DAISY. 13 years on and he is running around with the grace and smoothness of a 20 year old player. In a nutshell unlike most aging QB's Smith has not lost his type flight athleticism or fluidity. A true natural athlete who still burns defenses with his legs. I think QB Carson Wentz is a lot like Smith when it comes to that easy fluid athleticism that is built to last. On defense LB Frank Zombo played better than I have ever seen him play and S Daniel Sorenson proved once again he is a legitimate starting S in the NFL.
Like Kelce is for the Chiefs some players in my mind are essential to teams like Edelman for the Patriots. Same goes for LB Sean Lee of the Cowboys who Gruden said was the heart and soul of the team. Lee didn't play Sunday and guess what the Cowboys defense was a mess.
Like Leo I am concerned the Bears are rushing QB Trubisky. They have a pathetic receiving corps so it will be an uphill climb. Just have to hope he stays intact and keeps his cool. The 49ers need a QB and once they do I suspect that offense will get in synch with players like WR Trent Taylor and TE George Kittle. An average week overall that seemed worse on the surface. I can't stand this Anthem stuff but some LB's had some monster games like future HOF Luke Kuechly and the Bengals Nick Vigil which were mentioned above by Freethinker. And to me Clay Matthews is moving better this year than last and Jordy has been playing well so far which always puts a smile on my face.
As for McCaffrey I am not worried. They just need to get in the playoffs but with that clod Cam that is no sure thing. I suspect CM will get unleashed at some point this season.