Of the three teams it looks as though the Chiefs have the easiest road to the playoffs and they will probably make it in. It is their first three-game winning streak since 2011.
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Tennessee (3-9) has a healthy Marcus Mariota back and last week the youngster showed why he’s a future star in this league.
All of these things and more led reporters to ask the inevitable question recently of head coach Todd Bowles: Does he want Fitz back next year? “We just have to find that grit and get the job done”.
Fitzpatrick had a strong afternoon overall, completing 21-of-36 for 263 yards and three touchdowns, most of which came in the first half. Running back Chris Ivory had 22 carries for 101 yards, and kicker Randy Bullock booted three field goals.
The Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a three-way tie with the New York Jets and Kansas City Chiefs at 8-5, and with only two AFC Wild Card positions available there is going to be one team left on the outside looking in at the postseason party.
Earlier in the week, we talked about the potential of a “trap” game.
The Jets looked out of it. A not ready for prime time team that couldn’t execute the proper plays for a victory. “Just keep doing what we’re doing and getting better and take it one game at a time – and try to win out in December”.
New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans Sunday, Dec. 13, 2015, in East Rutherford, N.J.
“It was all bad throws this week”, Andrews said. Pryor made up for his mistake by catching WR Harry Douglas from behind on a 51-yard gain in which Douglas broke free after Skrine and CB Antonio Cromartie collided on a pick play. I had some experience in high school playing receiver.
FITZ MAGIC: Fitzpatrick’s previous career high for TD passes in a season was 24, accomplished twice with Buffalo.
So it is worth noting that after the Jets scored three touchdowns, two field goals and had a missed field goal in six first-half possessions, Tennessee forced them to punt on their first three second-half series.
The 33-year-old quarterback is having what is shaping up to be the best statistical season of his career while leading the Jets into contention for a playoff spot.
Marshall said Tuesday he had a gift for Fitzpatrick and, rifled through his locker before pulling out the Keyshawn Johnson classic: “Just Give Me The Damn Ball”. We just have to continue to play and get better. Interim head coach Mike Mularkey isn’t likely to get consideration for the full-time gig, and NFL Network reported Sunday morning that general manager Ruston Webster could be fired after another disastrous season.
“It’s not acceptable; these will be the consequences if it happens”, Mularkey said.
Fitzpatrick threw a short pass to Marshall, who stiff-armed a defender and tip-toed down the right sideline for a 69-yard TD that put the Jets up 27-0 before halftime.
“We can have a little pity party, or we can rally together …”, Mularkey said.
“I want to write my own piece of the psyche of a No. 1 receiver or prima donnas or what we call divas. But we’ve got a great opportunity in front of us”.
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One of the difficulties that comes with blitzing a player like Mariota, as we saw last week against Jacksonville, is that if you don’t sack him he can beat you for big gains on the ground.
