A great trip to Washington
The Freak attends 25th NFL game in person
Going to NFL games never gets old and for The Freak and family.
It was another great experience in Washington on American Thanksgiving between the Redskins and the New York Giants. When the schedule came out in April, The Freak circled this game as a potential big late-season matchup between two bitter rivals, relatively close to P.E.I., and not during the local football season.
Well, sometimes it doesn’t go as planned as the Giants are decimated by injuries, and haven’t lived up to expectations. The Redskins also have many players on the injury list, and are barely alive in the NFC wildcard race as no one is catching Philadelphia in the NFC East. Regardless, we had a great time tailgating with the in-laws, and had great seats for the game on a nice crisp evening perfect for football. The boys were so close to the field hey were high fiving the Giants as they ran out the tunnel for the opening kickoff.
They were elated that running back Wayne Gallman, backup quarterback Geno Smith (ironic), defensive back Donte Deayon and starting slot corner DRC gave them the time of day while getting it all on video. These are the kind of memories the boys will remember years from now.
Watching the game up close, you really see the size and speed of these players as television doesn’t do any justice. Eli Manning, who may have played his last game as Giant, even looks huge up close and live.
The Giants didn’t score an offensive touchdown as Eli missed running back Shane Vereen on a wheel route in the second quarter, but we did see Jack Rabbit (Janoris Jenkins) make a spectacular pick six that tied the game late in the third quarter.
However, a bad holding penalty by corner Russ Cockrell late in the fourth quarter kept a Redskins’ drive alive, and Kirk Cousins hit Josh Doctson with the winning touchdown. Hats off to the Redskins’ faithful who were a pleasant and knowledgeable group, and are nothing like the arrogant Eagles and Ravens’ fans. This was The Freak’s 25th NFL game, third game in Washington (first game was at old RFK Stadium) and it was second time the Giants have lost here, so perhaps we have worn out our welcome.
Finally, at press time, the Giants have benched Eli Manning. Lots more to come on this next week.
Stat of the week
The Chicago Bears became the first team since 2012 not record a first down in the first half of a National Football League game.
Sure thing
The Chargers are going to win the AFC West the way the Chiefs are playing lately, especially if they beat teams at home like Cleveland. The Bolts beat the Browns. It’s December and guess who’s leading the AFC East? No shocker here as the Patriots head to Buffalo, which are usually tight games. But guess who usually wins them? Patriots. Houston just isn’t the same team offensively with back-up quarterback Tom Savage. If Tennessee isn’t the most boring team to watch, then it must be these Texans. In a yawner, take the Titans at home.
Don’t mortgage the house picks
A huge NFC South game between two 8-3 teams as the Saints host the Panthers. New Orleans is coming off a tough road loss, and once again home cooking will be the difference in this game. The Saints rebound with a big divisional win.
The Eagles are flying high, and have a defence that can contain Seahawks quarterback Russ Wilson. Don’t think he can run around all game against this front and make plays. Carson Wentz lights up the ‘Hawks secondary in a road win.
The Chiefs have already lost in New York once this season, and travel there again to face the Jets. KC hasn’t beaten the Jets on the road since 2002, but this will change Sunday. Take the Chiefs.