The Chiefs have maintained their winning streak by consistently outscoring their opponents even without reaching 30 points. They passed the Frankfurt Yellow Jackets' record of 13 wins without scoring 30 points, set in 1925. The Chiefs' defense has also improved, making key plays and takeaways, especially in the second half of games.
The Commanders won due to their strong performance in the turnover battle, starting at midfield on almost every possession, and Jaden Daniels' game-winning touchdown pass. Despite Kenny Pickett's struggles, the Commanders' offense and special teams capitalized on the Eagles' mistakes, particularly the fumbles and interceptions that occurred.
The Texans suffered significant setbacks with the loss of Tank Dell to a severe knee injury and poor performances from CJ Stroud and Joe Mixon. Their defense, while still good, couldn't compensate for the offensive struggles, leading to a tough loss against the Chiefs 27-19. This loss, combined with injuries, dimmed their playoff hopes.
The Ravens controlled the game with opportunistic turnovers, particularly a fumble by Russell Wilson that led to a 98-yard drive for the Ravens. Derrick Henry had a standout performance, rushing for 162 yards. The Steelers' defense, especially Minka Fitzpatrick, struggled to contain the Ravens' running game.
The Lions executed the fake fumble play with precision, catching the Bears off guard. This trick play was part of the Lions' creative offensive strategy, designed to maintain their momentum and further demoralize the Bears. The Lions were 7-0 on the road, showing their resilience and adaptability.
The Jets struggled with dropped passes and poor ball security due to windy conditions. Despite an initial 99-yard touchdown drive, they couldn't capitalize on their opportunities, leading to a frustrating 19-9 loss to the Rams. The Jets' inability to run the ball effectively also contributed to their low score.
The Vikings' victory was secured by Sam Darnold's game-winning touchdown pass to Justin Jefferson. Their defense played well, and Kevin O'Connell, their head coach, has been instrumental in turning the team around. The Vikings are 25-9 in one-possession games, making them a strong playoff threat.
The Raiders' win caused them to drop from the first pick in the draft to the sixth pick. This is a significant setback as they need a quarterback and now have fewer options. The win was deemed the worst of the season by many, as it created a worse draft position without securing a playoff spot.
The first round of the 12-team playoff was criticized for poor seeding and lack of competitive games. Many felt that better teams should have had byes, and the matchups were lopsided, leading to blowouts. However, supporters argue that the system will improve over time and still provides more meaningful games throughout the season.
Hank felt that the first round of the college football playoffs was disappointing and not as exciting as expected. However, he acknowledged that the system has the potential to provide more meaningful and exciting games in the future, especially in the semifinals and finals.
The PMT crew encouraged listeners to download Mike Florio's book, 'Father of Mine,' which is free on Amazon on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. They expressed gratitude for Mike Florio's contributions to the show and wanted to support him during the holiday season.
NFL Week 16 and we start with Fastest 2 Minutes of the week (00:00:00-00:09:36).
We then recap every game from Sunday
Chiefs 27, Texans 19 (00:09:36-00:17:15)
Ravens 34, Steelers 17 (00:17:15-00:25:11)
Commanders 36, Eagles 33 (00:25:11-00:46:20)
Bengals 24, Browns 6 (00:46:20-00:54:59)
Lions 34, Bears 17 (00:54:59-01:02:15)
Colts 38, Titans 30 (01:02:15-01:10:35)
Rams 19, Jets 9 (01:10:35-01:17:15)
Cowboys 26, Buccaneers 24 (01:17:15-01:24:05)
Panthers 36, Cardinals 30 (01:24:05-01:32:56)
Falcons 34, Giants 7 (01:32:56-01:39:25)
Dolphins 29, Niners 17 (01:39:25-01:50:47)
Vikings 27, Seahawks 24 (01:50:47-01:56:38)
Bills 24, Patriots 21 (01:56:38-02:00:51)
Raiders 19, Jaguars 14 (02:00:51-02:05:20)
We then talk College Football Playoffs (02:05:20-02:21:18) and finish with who's back of the week (02:21:18-02:33:10)
You can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/pardon-my-take)