The Indianapolis Colts-Minnesota Vikings match has been moved to prime time, signalling the importance of the game helmed by Colt’s Anthony Richardson and Viking’s Joe Flacco. A part of the focus will be on the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday and the subsequent team strategies shaping up. New additions to the teams will also be on display, including newly traded players like Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins of Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. The broader question from this week’s matches pertains not only to the game results but also to the fate of the head coaches of struggling teams like the Dallas Cowboys, among others.
In the game between the Lions and the Packers, Jordan Love’s health is essential for the Packers’ success, reckons Jeff Howe, an NFL writer. Zak Keefer, another NFL writer, emphasizes the importance of Josh Jacob’s performance for the Packers considering that Love might not be in his top health. Sando, the third NFL writer on the roundtable, sees Detroit as the likely winner, mainly due to Love’s suspected health issues.
The heat for the head coaches of Saints, Jaguars, and Cowboys is increasing as a win seems crucial for these teams. McCarthy’s survival as the Cowboys coach seems to be hanging by a thread, especially with the hovering presence of Bill Belichick. The Saints’ severe nosedive this season seems likely to trigger a change in coaching, whereas the Cowboys’ inconsistent performance throughout the season, despite a supposedly strong roster, hints at an imminent coaching change.
The trio of recent receiver trades, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, and Diontae Johnson, will be watched closely for the impact they bring to their new teams. Hopkins’ career performance makes him the most promising addition amongst the three. Hopkins has the potential to become a game-changer for Kansas in crucial moments of the playoffs. Overall, the additions seem fit to contribute positively to their respective teams.
Regarding the Rams’ strategy in the uncertain NFC West race, there could be a case for retaining Cooper Kupp, especially in the absence of a significant trade return offer. Although Kupp’s recent injury issues raise concerns, his continued presence could prove vital for the Rams’ chance in the playoffs. The unpredictable nature of the current NFC West race means the Rams could be a surprise contender if Kupp is kept around.
Finally, the panel discusses Anthony Richardson’s benching. While the benching is justifiable considering Richardson’s performance decline, the panelists agree that the decision might hinder Richardson’s skill development. The panelists reckon that Richardson could regain his QB position in the Colts if he excelled in areas beyond his athletic abilities. However, the benching underlines a broader issue – Richardson’s lack of understanding his role in the team. Richardson’s benching might reveal the potential in him as the Colt’s future QB.
