Last week saw the Grizzly Community join the perfect week club, while head varsity football coach Marcus Teal, principal Tam Larnerd, and the writer of last week’s edition all had less than desirable weeks.
The Grizzly Community picked all four winners last week for the first time, joining Teal and assistant varsity football coach Robert Cutts. Teal went 2-2 and Larnerd and the writer went 1-3.
One area of controversy is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their quarterback Tom Brady. Last week, Brady was beaten by the New Orleans Saints decisively 38-3, being held to no touchdowns for the first time this season. This, mixed with other performances earlier in the season, have lead those who predicted Brady to have another top 5 season to doubt him and the rest of the Buccaneers team.
“There are a couple schools of thought on this,” Cutts said. “Tom Brady is the GOAT. No one can dispute that. However, his recent lack of production can be contributed to a few things. The first is the offensive scheme. [Brady] is being asked to put the ball down the field more this year. His last couple years in New England were not like that. He was “Captain Checkdown.” The second thing is that his leadership is really being called into question. I think he expected to show up and be instantly successful in Tampa Bay. He failed to account for all the stuff that happened before the 2020 season. And unfortunately, bringing in extra pieces like Antonio Brown is not going to fix anything.”
Cardinals @ Bills
Teal: “This is a tough one! [I] will take the Bills at home in the cold.”
Bills 21, Cardinals 17
Cutts: “Might be a sneaky pick for game of the week. Kyler was upset last week by the Dolphins and he will be ready to play. Cardinals win a close one.”
Cardinals 27, Bills 24
Larnerd: Bills 35-17
Grizzly Community: 59% in favor of the Cardinals
Seahawks @ Rams
Teal: “Hawks secondary is terrible, Rams [are] inconsistent on offense. NFC West battle, I like the Hawks.”
Seahawks 31, Rams 21
Cutts: The Seahawks were also upset last week. Their defense has had some issues. The Rams offense has also had some issues. Seahawks [will] win.
Seahawks 28, Rams 20
Larnerd: Seahawks 24-10
Grizzly Community: 68% in favor of the Seahawks
Bengals @ Steelers
Teal: “Steelers have been slowed by [the] Coronavirus. Still believe they have enough to stop a hot rookie QB led Bengal team.”
Steelers 24, Bengals 21
Cutts: “Pittsburgh should win this one fairly easily but I said that last week with the Cowboys and that ended up being a nail biter. Don’t be surprised if Joe Burrow gives the Steelers a run for their money. Big Ben is banged up and they also have a few COVID cases this week. Steelers [will] win.
Steelers 35, Bengals 24
Larnerd: Steelers 27-9
Grizzly Community: 72% in favor of the Steelers
Vikings @ Bears
Teal: “Tough NFC North battle. The Vikings run game has exploded, Bears are not good enough on offense. [I’m] taking the Vikings in a rout!
Vikings 38, Bears 17
Cutts: “Minnesota has picked it up the last few weeks and Dalvin Cook is unstoppable right now, posting two straight 200 yard games in a row. The Bear’s defense has kept them in games but if the Vikings can limit the mistakes and get in a rhythm, the game is theirs. Vikings win 24-19
Vikings 24, Bears 19
Larnerd: Vikings 17-10
Grizzly Community: 66% in favor of the Vikings