PMT DB
PMT DB
NFL Week 13 Recap: Browns Statement Win, Jets Tank Masterpiece, and Wentz Benched
Week 13 didn't look like much on paper, but it delivered the most chaotic witching hour of the season. Between the Jets' historic defensive collapse, the Browns turning into the Greatest Show on Turf for thirty minutes, and the Bears doing typical Bears things, there was almost too much to track. The guys open by acknowledging the sheer violence of the Sunday slate before diving into the biggest statement of the weekend: the Cleveland Browns are actually, legitimately good.
The Browns Statement and the Baker Debate
Cleveland didn't just beat the Titans; they buried them in a first-half avalanche. While the final score looked close, Big Cat and PFT were quick to point out that this was an absolute ass-kicking from the jump. Baker Mayfield looked phenomenal throwing four touchdowns, but the guys are still trying to figure out exactly what his ceiling is.
Big CatBaker Mayfield is a good quarterback you can win with, but never a top five guy
I think we all know kind of what Baker is now. He is a good quarterback that can play great at times, but he's good. I don't think Baker will ever be a top five quarterback in the league, but you can win with Baker Mayfield.
Hank was even more bullish on the performance, suggesting that the version of the Browns we saw in Nash-Vegas is a team that can actually make a run in January if they can keep that momentum rolling.
HankThe Cleveland Browns can win the Super Bowl if they play like they did today
These Cleveland Browns, and when I say these, I mean the Cleveland Browns that we saw today, these Cleveland Browns can win the Super Bowl. They're not going to play like this... That was the funnest half of football that I've seen all year from any team.
The Dr. Heat Masterpiece in the Meadowlands
The Raiders-Jets game provided the funniest ending of the year. With the Jets seconds away from their first win, Gregg "Dr. Heat" Williams decided to dial up an all-out blitz on a Hail Mary, leaving a rookie corner alone on Henry Ruggs III. It was a masterpiece of accidental (or purposeful) tanking. Big Cat is convinced Dr. Heat is just addicted to the blitz, regardless of the situation.
On the other side of that game, the Raiders barely escaped a season-ending disaster. While they got the win, they haven't looked the same since their second meeting with the Chiefs. Meanwhile, the NFC South is looking like a one-team race, though Big Cat is already looking for reasons to doubt the Saints' longevity.
Big CatThe Saints will 'peak too early' if they beat the Chiefs in two weeks
If the Saints beat the Chiefs in two weeks, they will officially have peaked too early. That will be the official moment where it's like, nope, can't have that. Peek too early. The Saints are going to fall apart in the playoffs because they've already done their best football.
The QB Carousel: Wentz and Goff
In Philadelphia, the inevitable finally happened. Carson Wentz was benched for Jalen Hurts after another restless performance that had Hank questioning Wentz's mental state. Hank theorized that Wentz might be suffering from "sensory overload," citing his tendency to spin the wrong way into sacks. Big Cat, however, thinks the solution is a change of scenery, specifically a reunion with a former coach.
Big CatCarson Wentz will be a Colt next season and will be good again
No, he's going to be a Colt... Phillip Rivers is not obviously going to be there for more than maybe a year more... And he'll get reunited with Frank Reich and be behind a good offensive line... unfortunately for Philly fans, he's going to be good. He will be good again.
Out West, the Rams looked dominant against a Cardinals team that PFT believes is in a free fall. While Kyler Murray has been the story most of the year, Big Cat wanted to give flowers to the guy actually keeping the Rams' offense on schedule.
Big CatCooper Kupp is the most important player on the Rams
Here's a hot take. Team has Aaron Donald, Jalen Ramsey on it. Most important player, Cooper Kupp. I mean, they do look totally different when he's out there. Last year, their offense kind of went to shit... I said it.
PFT CommenterThe Cardinals have essentially lost five straight games (including the Bills Hail Mary)
In my personal estimation, they've [Cardinals] lost five straight... [the Hail Mary win] I'm counting that as a loss.
The Coach of the Year Race
With the playoff picture clarifying, the guys broke down the Coach of the Year race. Kevin Stefanski has the inside track, but Brian Flores and Mike Tomlin are looming. Big Cat even threw Joe Judge into his top four, noting how gritty the Giants have become after their massive upset of the Seahawks.
Big CatKevin Stefanski is the Coach of the Year leader
My top four... Number one, Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns. Agreed. Number two, Brian Flores, Miami Dolphins. I mean, the Dolphins have been bad forever, and he's basically turned this thing around... Number three, Mike Tomlin. Number four... it's Joe Judge.
On the flip side, the "Hugh Jackson Award" for worst coaching is a crowded field. Anthony Lynn's performance for the Chargers, specifically on special teams, was so bad that Big Cat was calling for a mid-game firing.
Big CatAnthony Lynn should be fired immediately
After the second – the Chargers special teams, by the way, historically have been awful. This was a noteworthily awful performance... No, he should be fired now. He should be fired during mid-game.
Who’s Back and College Chaos
Who's Back featured the triumphant return of the McRib and the Paul brothers, who refuse to go away. In college football, Coastal Carolina's win over BYU was the highlight of the weekend, proving that "Mullets vs. Mormons" is the rivalry we didn't know we needed. With Urban Meyer reportedly out of the running for the Texas job, Big Cat thinks Alabama might have a long-term plan for their offensive coordinator.
Big CatSteve Sarkisian will stay at Alabama as the head coach in waiting
I think that's actually what Nick Saban wants to do is hand the keys to someone because then it's just kind of still Nick Saban... if I were him, that's what I'd want to do. I'd stay there for as long as Saban wanted to coach and then take it over.
The show wraps up with the lottery machine, where Jake Marsh continues his historic heater by hitting his number for the second time in recent weeks, much to the absolute disgust of a "retired" Billy Football.
At least someone in Chicago is winning, even if it's just Jake and a ping pong ball.
