It's the season of wishes and I will play the game just to immerse myself in the holiday atmosphere. In 2024, I hope to see Bill Belichick at the helm of the Los Angeles Chargers. Not less!
• Also read: Steve Bolo Mboumoua at the University of Alabama: a historic moment for football in Quebec
Maybe the abrasive head coach won't even leave the Patriots after weeks of rumors. Perhaps his rigid style would stand out too much in the laid-back culture of America's West Coast. Maybe he's too close to the end at 71 and the Chargers want someone hipper, younger and trendier.
Maybe, maybe, maybe… But that doesn't matter, personally my mouth is watering at the thought of seeing Belichick traverse the US after the disappointing Brandon Staley era to get the locker room in order with the Chargers , which ended last week.
The team's final three riders, Mike McCoy, Anthony Lynn and Brandon Staley, fit the profile of the hot coordinator taking his first shot at head coach. Been there, done that, as the Anglos say.
When a club is stagnating in the same doldrums, when it has only made the playoffs three times since 2010, and when it has just one 10-plus win season, it's time to kick the can down the road. . There's nothing like a coach who has seen it all.
With Herbert
Justin Herbert holds his own as a quarterback, even if victory isn't always guaranteed. AFP
Some will say that Bill Belichick accomplished nothing in New England, a far cry from Tom Brady. That's not wrong, especially this season, which turned into a real disaster for the Patriots.
Exactly, in Los Angeles Belichick would find a real franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert. He would have a real chance to revitalize the franchise, his career and Herbert's at the same time.
The young man has clearly shown good things since entering the league in 2020, but still looking for an easy playoff win, he would certainly accept Belichick's direct and tireless coaching.
Despite his undeniable talent, Herbert has a modest 30-32 record as a quarterback with the Chargers. Under his leadership, the offense is averaging 24.4 points, the most for a quarterback with a losing record who has made at least 50 starts since 1950, according to CBS Sports.
Herbert also has 14 losses by a margin of three points or less, which would also be a dismal record for the first four seasons of his career.
It's certainly not all down to him and that's a sign that something is wrong with this team, which hasn't had a real conductor in charge for too long.
Air change
The Chargers' recent failures can also be attributed to poor defensive performance. Never in the Staley era has the defense ranked better than 21st in points allowed and 20th in goals conceded. If there's one area where Belichick hasn't lost his touch, it's this.
We definitely shouldn't use this as a primary argument, but we should also mention that the Chargers don't enjoy much popularity in the massive Los Angeles market. Belichick is far from a marketing beast, but his mere presence would bring a lot of credibility.
This would be a big change in direction for the Chargers, who haven't often opted for big names as coaches besides Don Coryell and Marty Schottenheimer.
As far as past seasons' failures go, Belichick would undoubtedly feel empowered by the Pacific air, in a market where the team is determined to spend money on a really good quarterback in his prime.
Maybe Bill Belichick, the general manager, would have to agree to resign to make room for Bill Belichick, the coach. It's hard to say whether he would be willing to work more as a team.
I have no idea if any of this would work. What I do know is that I would like it just to see it. Come on, a little lantern for midnight mass…
WEEK 16
THURSDAY
MY CHOICE
New Orleans at LA Rams RAMS
SATURDAY
MY DECISIONS
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (4:30 p.m.) STAHLER
Buffalo at LA Chargers (8 p.m.) BILLS
SUNDAY
MY DECISIONS
Indianapolis to Atlanta (1 p.m.) COLTS
Green Bay, Carolina (1:00 p.m.) PACKER
Cleveland to Houston (1:00 p.m.) BROWN
Detroit to Minnesota (1 p.m.) LIONS
Washington at the NY Jets (1 p.m.) COMMANDERS
Seattle, Tennessee (1:00 p.m.) SEAHAWKS
Jacksonville to Tampa Bay (1 p.m.) PRIVATE
Arizona at Chicago (4:25 p.m.) BEARS
Dallas to Miami (4:25 p.m.) COWBOYS
New England at Denver (8:15 p.m.) BRONCOS
MONDAY
MY DECISIONS
Las Vegas to Kansas City (1:00 p.m.) Chiefs
NY Giants at Philadelphia (4:30 p.m.) EAGLE
Baltimore to San Francisco (8:15 p.m.) 49ERS
LAST WEEK'S RESULTS: 9 for 16 (56.3%)
OVERALL THIS SEASON: 144 out of 224 (64.3%)
THE CHOICES OF NEWSPAPER
Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) v. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)
RUDOLPH BACK
Mason Rudolph hasn't started a game in two years. AFP
Normally there is no reason to bet on the Steelers. Now they hand the ball to Mason Rudolph for the first time since November 2021. Rudolph has not yet proven that he can be very inspiring. On the other hand, the Bengals lost two high-profile pillars last Saturday, namely tackle DJ Reader and number one receiver Ja'Marr Chase. At some point, such losses will hurt. Just when we think Mike Tomlin is losing his locker room, the Steelers will rise again. Steelers up 2.
Buffalo Bills (8-6) v. Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)
More balanced?
James Cook had the best game of his career against the Cowboys. Getty Images via AFP
Can the Bills really show a permanent new face? Last week, their 266 rushing yards were the most productive in the Sean McDermott era. Quarterback Josh Allen simply had to play a complementary role behind running back James Cook. Allen will be able to regain his magic cape in the playoffs, but the Chargers are weak against the run and their lame offense produces few points. It's time to let Cook cook. Invoices by 13.
Indianapolis Colts (8-6) v. Atlanta Falcons (6-8)
MUSIC CHAIR
Taylor Heinicke (4) takes on the role of starting quarterback. Getty Images via AFP
For the third time this season, the Falcons are changing quarterbacks. They bring the indestructible Taylor Heinicke back into the fray. Whether Heinicke or Ridder, a team that alternates between two quarterbacks is one that truly doesn't have a quarterback. Pilot Arthur Smith's seat heats up his buttocks a lot. Meanwhile, little is said about the Colts' offense, which scores 24.6 points per game. The team has won five of its last six games and should return running back Jonathan Taylor. Colts by 3.
Green Bay Packers (6-8) v. Carolina Panthers (2-12)
SAD CHRISTMAS IN CAROLINE
Given the bad weather, Panthers fans chose to stay home last week. Getty Images via AFP
The Panthers won their second game last week, in front of a miserable home crowd in Charlotte. This most boring victory certainly won't have kept fans coming back. Spending Christmas with the Panthers is a gift you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. The Packers are unpredictable defensively, but will not collapse against a club that has scored 11 points per game through three weeks. Packers at 9.
Cleveland Browns (9-5) v. Houston Texans (8-6)
NO MAGIC
The Browns defense is not doing itself any favors this season. Getty Images via AFP
Texas quarterback CJ Stroud is still experiencing symptoms related to his concussion and will not be in uniform. A miracle with Case Keenum against the Titans last week was possible, but against the Browns' stinging defense it's more unrealistic. The Browns are first against the pass (158.9 yards per game) and eighth in sacks with 41. Comparing Keenum's mobility to Stroud's mobility is a bit like comparing a yacht and a paddleboat. Browns at 4.
Detroit Lions (10-4) v. Minnesota Vikings (7-7)
In complete collapse
Nick Mullens struggled with running the Vikings offense last Saturday. Getty Images via AFP
The Vikings' house of cards seems to be collapsing. In three of the last four games, the Mauves gave the opponent the decisive touchdown with less than two minutes left. The defense generally plays very well, but will eventually give in at the worst possible moment. Be careful though, the Lions haven't won in Minnesota since October 2017, a streak of five losses. The Vikings, with Nick Mullens returning, are 2-4 in Minneapolis this season. Lions at 6.
Washington Commanders (4-10) v. New York Jets (5-9)
TWO FALLING RIVALS
Robert Saleh has suffered a few defeats these days. Getty Images via AFP
The Jets have won just one game in seven weeks, and it was perhaps one of the biggest anomalies of the 21st century when Zach Wilson looked like a first-round pick against the Texans. Well, he's a first-round pick, but in the end we doubt it. The Commanders are anything but without their opponents as they have lost their last five games, conceding at least 28 points each time. It's the duel of the worst offense in the league (Jets) against the worst defense in the league (Commanders). Orders by March 3rd
Seattle Seahawks (7-7) v. Tennessee Titans (5-9)
ANIMATE SEAHAWKS
Running back Kenneth Walker III injured the Eagles. Getty Images via AFP
The Seahawks finally showed signs of life on Monday by defeating the Eagles. Even Drew Lock has proven he can play, at least temporarily. Geno Smith should return to the game and the Seahawks offense will be even better for it. When Carrier Kenneth Walker III is healthy, he is spectacular. The Titans may have to rely on Ryan Tannehill. Will Levis is out with an ankle injury and his development is the focus. It's a shame if he's absent! Seahawks at 7.
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) v. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
TWO POROUS DEFENSE
Baker Mayfield and Robert Heinsey celebrate a Buccaneers touchdown. Getty Images via AFP
This duel promises to be very different than it could have been. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence spent the week in the concussion protocol and could be out. CJ Beathard, if he replaces him, doesn't inspire confidence. The Bucs are having good times but rank 31st against the pass (263.9 yards per game). The Jaguars are hardly better, ranking 29th in this regard. Baker Mayfield could continue his momentum. Buccaneers at 2.
Arizona Cardinals (3-11) vs. Chicago Bears (5-9)
On the way to the future
Justin Fields needs to show that he is a good quarterback for the Bears or another team in the future. Getty Images via AFP
What's becoming more and more interesting with the Bears is the Justin Fields debate. Since they are the Panthers' first choice, they risk talking first and keeping an eye on a quarterback. Fields has to prove in three games that he deserves his job. The Cardinals would definitely need receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. in the draft, which is probably what the Bears want too. Why talk about the future? Because in the present, this is the kind of game where we recommend you watch the turkey cook. Bears at 3.
Dallas Cowboys (10-4) v. Miami Dolphins (10-4)
SHOCK IN MIAMI
Tyreek Hill is expected to return to work after a week off. Getty Images via AFP
Definitely the most annoying duel of the week! The Cowboys are a normal away club (3-4) and are 1-3 against winning clubs. The Dolphins excel at home (6-1), but are 0-3 against winning teams with just 16.3 points per game. They should rely on the return of Tyreek Hill to power the attack, but their saving grace comes through the ground game. The Cowboys rank fourth against the pass and 19th against the run. They have the cornerbacks and Micah Parsons disrupting Tua Tagovailoa. Cowboys at 4.
New England Patriots (3-11) vs. Denver Broncos (7-7)
FINALLY AT HOME
Sean Payton and the Broncos return home after three games on the road in Denver. Getty Images via AFP
The Broncos looked poor against the Lions last week, but to their credit they were playing their third road game in 13 days. This time they find their slippers in Denver, with eight days of rest, which is not insignificant. The Broncos' defense has given up 130 or more yards on the ground seven times this season and 180 or more yards four times. The Patriots, on the other hand, were held to fewer than 100 rushing yards nine times. Please, it's Christmas, let's not torture ourselves by talking about their air raid… Broncos of 4.
Los Angeles Raiders (6-8) v. Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)
Generous competitors
It's another duel between Patrick Mahomes and Maxx Crosby. Getty Images via AFP
Is everything perfect at the Chiefs? Certainly not, but at least they've recovered and their favorite opponents are showing up in Kansas City. Not only have they beaten the Raiders 11 times in the last 12 games, but they have scored at least four touchdowns all but once. Against the Raiders, Patrick Mahomes threw 29 touchdown passes and three interceptions in 11 starts while amassing an additional 303.5 yards per game. We almost imagine him arriving under the tree and smiling blissfully at his generosity. Chiefs at 9.
New York Giants (5-9) v. Philadelphia Eagles (10-4)
NO SIZE
Running back D'Andre Swift is waiting for the Giants. Getty Images via AFP
These division rivals will face off in two of the final three weeks. For the Eagles, who have just lost three straight, this is the gift of life. In the last four duels between the Giants and the Eagles, Jalen Hurts' team won with 31, 6, 26 and 24 points. Tommy DeVito's madness appears to be waning with the Giants. Defensively, they are one of the worst teams at stopping the run (131.6 yards per game) and the Eagles will rely on D'Andre Swift. Eagles at 13.
Baltimore Ravens (11-3) v. San Francisco 49ers (11-3)
HAPPY DECEMBER 25TH!
Fred Warner and the 49ers defense face a big challenge against the Ravens. Getty Images via AFP
What could be better for the evening of December 25th? At this point, it makes sense to believe in a Super Bowl preview. During their six-game winning streak, the Niners have averaged 34.5 points. The Ravens defense only gives up 16.1 points per game. Their ground attack is impressive at 163.8 yards per game, but explosive running back Keaton Mitchell saw his season come to an end and his speed in the backfield is irreplaceable. The 49ers are third against the run. 49ers par 7.