The competition in Flutie vs Stegall is ramping up, and as we head into week 5, our two NFL legends are at it again. Doug Flutie has put pen to paper once more as he talks us through his picks for another week of football action.
Let’s kick off Week 5 with the Baltimore Ravens’ troubling narrative. They entered the season with high Super Bowl aspirations, but injury woes and performance setbacks have been their undoing.
Baltimore Ravens: A Team in Turmoil
Lamar Jackson hasn’t looked sharp, and with seven of their players sidelined, including Jackson with a hamstring injury, it raises serious questions about their viability. Playing in the AFC North might just be their saving grace given that division’s current struggles. Baltimore’s defense, known for its physical run-stopping capabilities, seems to have lost its identity. A concern echoed by John Gruden about the lack of tackling in practices; this isn’t just excuse-making; it’s a call to return to the fundamentals.
Chargers: Standing Strong Despite Adversity
Switching gears to a more optimistic outlook, the Los Angeles Chargers have my vote of confidence. Despite setbacks like the loss of Rashawn Slater, I still see them as a formidable team. Justin Herbert continues to impress me with his poise and ability. Jim Harbaugh’s coaching involves a bit of old-school strategy that immensely benefits the team, especially when it comes to their running game. Yes, Herbert’s been sacked a bunch, but getting the ball out quicker and sticking to the fundamentals will mitigate this. Watching Herbert adapt reminds me of my time with the Patriots where Tom Brady, without missing a beat, started quickening his throws amid constant pressure.
On Cheating and Sign Stealing
Football, like life, is full of competitive spirits. The idea that “if you’re not cheating, you’re not trying” gets thrown around a lot, but let’s be real: the term ‘cheating’ has got layers. Electronic sign-stealing? That’s out of bounds. But when it comes to strategic observation, reading signals, personnel changes, anything goes. I’ve been there, and let me tell you, being able to pick up on these subtle cues is all part of the game.
Mind Over Matter: mental and physical toughness
Looking at Stafford and his performance amid aging and injury is a masterclass in mental and physical toughness. It’s these intangibles that separate the good from the great. The ability to adapt, avoid unnecessary hits, and still maintain aggressiveness by stretching the field, is a testament to his veteran savvy and arm strength. His career underscores how important it is to be tough, both mentally and physically, and that’s something you can’t coach. You either have it or you don’t.
Wrapping Up NFL Week 5
The unpredictability of this season is what makes it so exhilarating. Every week, narratives shift, players rise and fall, and teams find themselves redefining their goals. For the Ravens, this could mean regrouping fast before they fall too far behind. As for the Chargers, it’s about playing smart and sticking to their guns, even if adversity knocks on their door.
As we move further into the season, every game is a chance for teams to redefine themselves. Whatever happens, every game is a spectacle and every touchdown is a story. Looking forward to the next play, next move, next week. Hope you’re all enjoying the ever-evolving drama that is the NFL as much as I am!
My week 5 NFL parlay, let’s go get it:
Colts -7
Chargers -3
Bills -7.5
Doug