=====

Hacksaw’s Thursday Podcast..1pm

You Tube Channel-Lee Hacksaw Hamilton

======

==========

“NFL Halfway Point”
==========

The push for the playoffs now begins, not so much everyone chasing the (8-0) unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs..but everyone else fighting for first place and wildcard spots

A quick look at who is hot..who is not.

CHARGERS..Their best football may still be ahead of them, in that we have not seen a totally healthy offense or defense.  They have a (5-3) record but a week from now, they start playing real people, so a playoff berth is not a lock.  But for Justin Herbert, ‘let it rip’.

CHIEFS..Not vintage Patrick Mahomes nor the explosive offenses they have shown in the past, but the front office has made the key deals to get guys who can play and replace injured players.

RAVENS..For the first time ever, Lamar Jackson has a loaded offensive roster around him.  Not just Derrick Henry at running back, but two tight ends and 3-wide receivers.  Just think, the defensive minded Ravens are averaging (425YPG) on offense.

EAGLES..They are coming together, this offense led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, AJ Brown and Davonte Smith.  Now a very young defense is jelling too.

WASHINGTON..Yes, Jayden Daniels has been superb and Dan Quinn’s defense is doing things.  But we still have half a season to keep an eye on.

BUFFALO..Josh Allen continues to carry the Bills, but they are dominating a weak AFC-East and now look more balanced on offense to go with a tougher than expected defense.

HOUSTON..They were rolling but with the losses of WRs Nico Collins-Stephon Diggs, I don’t know if CJ Stroud can carry the load even with RB-Joe Mixon.

DETROIT..They have built this team methodically.  Jared Goff is running a bullet-proof offense, run and throw.  The defense has survived the loss of 3-defensive lineman and they have added  talent in deals.  They look ready for a Super Bowl run.

ARIZONA..They play well at home-have to see if they can do it on the road especially if they make the playoffs.  Kyler Murray looks so much better with talent around him.

ATLANTA..Kirk Cousins has been such a big difference maker to that offense and they rented talent on defense.  An explosive team, but have to prove they can go a round or two in the playoffs,especially on the road.

VIKINGS..Sam Darnold was hot, but some mistakes are catching up to him.  Can they win in the postseason?  He has to prove himself

RAMS..Some coaching job with a young defense, some leadership skills of Matthew Stafford on display each Sunday.  Sean McVay-some kind of coach.

TAMPA BAY..Can Baker Mayfield continue to put big passing numbers up without his skill receivers on the field?  Maybe it all catches up with them.

JETS..Aaron Rodgers now has firepower and half a season to dig out of this hole.  They could be dangerous because the defense is so rugged.

GREEN BAY..Very explosive on offense but got their doors blown off at home last week at Lambeau Field.  Have to keep Jordan Love healthy and upright.

49ers..Injuries have wrecked the season, so we wait to see what Christian McCaffrey is like post-achilles injury.  No Brandon Aiyuk.  Deebo Samuel always seems to be hurt.  Might be a non playoff season, despite the heroics of Brock Purdy.

MIAMI..Half a season  to rally this offense, but one hit away from Tua Tagovailoa going down again.  Big problems on Biscayne Bay with health and his longterm future.

PITTSBURGH…The QB carousel has not proven to be fatal yet, and the defense is healthy and vibrant.  In a weak division, they are still in first.

CINCINNATI…Joe Burrows to JaMarr Chase.  Do they have anything else on offense?

DENVER…Bo Nix running and throwing for his life.  No one expected the Broncos to be over .500-in a rebuild season.  Coach Sean Payton-coaching his shoes off.

SEATTLE..In last place even with big passing days from Geno Smith.  Says alot about what is not around the QB.

BEARS..Caleb Williams, some good games, some rookie type games.  It’s a growing process-maybe next year.

DALLAS..Hopeless injuries now have taken out Dak Prescott after sidelining Micah Parsons.  The entire defense has been ripped apart.  A bad season.

CLEVELAND..Will be haunted by the Deshaun Watson contract and injuries.
TITANS..Long road back on offense-wasting a number 1-ranked defense
CAROLINA..The Bryce Young draft pick looks like a mistake
NY GIANTS..Front office housecleaning might be coming-poor Daniel Jones
JAGUARS..A bad underachieving season and a coach in trouble
RAIDERS..A disaster at QB-WR-RB and a possible mistake at head coach
SAINTS..Fired coach Dennis Allen and roster needs overhaul
COLTS..Is Anthony Richardson the QB of the future
PATRIOTS..Life after Belichick without alot of skill is hard-but Drake Maye shows alot

=================

Please follow and like us: