Fansided

2019 NFL Power Rankings: Dolphins stun Patriots

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - DECEMBER 29: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Miami Dolphins looks to pass against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball while being tackled by Christian Covington #95 of the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 29: Adrian Peterson #26 of the Washington Redskins runs with the ball while being tackled by Christian Covington #95 of the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter in the game at AT&T Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Recap: Case Keenum would get the start in place of Dwayne Haskins as the Redskins’ rookie quarterback was nursing an ankle injury. The opposition would be the Dallas Cowboys and the place was Arlington, where Washington had dropped three straight. And what started as a battle of field goals morphed into a lopsided loss for the ‘Skins, who finished 0-6 vs. their division rivals in 2019. Bill Callahan’s squad was outgained decisively (517-271) and allowed the Cowboys to run for 223 yards and Dak Prescott to throw for 303 yards and four scores. Case Keenum completed less than 50 percent of his throws and both he and Adrian Peterson turned over the ball once.

Draft Talk: The Redskins wound up with two first-round picks in 2019 (Haskins and pass-rusher Montez Sweat) but won’t have a second-round selection in April via a trade with the Colts and moving up for Sweat. The team’s young quarterback could use some more help in terms of pass-catching targets as well as help along the offensive line.

Offseason Priorities: Numerous reports have team president Bruce Allen out of a job by Monday. Callahan has led the ‘Skins to a 3-8 record after taking over for Jay Gruden. There’s noise out there about potential candidates to become the 10th different sideline leader under Daniel Snyder. Retaining star guard Brandon Scherff is essential.

56. . 2-14. Previous: . Cincinnati Bengals. 29. team

Recap: The Bengals’ current losing streak had reached three when they hosted the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. The club stormed back from a 23-point deficit last week in an eventual overtime loss at Miami. The team was down early but took a 14-7 lead and was on its way to its second victory of the season. Running back Joe Mixon enjoyed a big outing, totaling 26 carries for 162 yards and a pair of touchdowns. The much-maligned Cincinnati defense came into the game with only eight interceptions but picked off Browns’ quarterback Baker Mayfield three times and sacked him on six occasions. The Bengals limited the Cleveland ground attack to only 74 yards by game’s end.

Draft Talk: The franchise owns the number one overall pick in April’s draft. The last time this occurred was in 2003, the Bengals opted for USC quarterback Carson Palmer (who sat out his entire rookie season). Is that an option for this club next season? Or could Ohio State defensive end Chase Young be a better option for a horrid defense?

Offseason Priorities: It was a forgettable year in the Queen City but the Bengals are a franchise that has not given up on a head coach after only one season, regardless of the results. The team played better with Dalton in the lineup but the bigger issues are on defense. And will veteran wideout A.J. Green be back in Cincinnati in 2020?

Next: Nos. 28 and 27

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