Intrigue, revenge plots, shocking surprises. No, I'm not talking about a soap opera. I'm talking about the NFL. Every week brings with it a new host of juicy subplots to follow. It's not just about wins and losses; it's about what those wins and losses mean on a bigger scale.
So, what are the three most interesting storylines to watch for in Week 10?
1. Adrian Peterson & Ray Rice
Peterson has agreed to enter a plea deal on the lesser charges of reckless injury to his 4-year-old son. The agreement will allow him to avoid jail time and, potentially, get back on the field sooner. The Minnesota Vikings are still having internal discussions about whether or not to allow Peterson to play. The NFL, meanwhile, rejected an attempt by Peterson's camp for immediate reinstatement. Nothing about the star running back's playing status is clear right now, as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has not set any timetable for Peterson to be removed from the league's exempt list. Even if that does happen in time for Peterson to appear in a regular season game this year, who knows if the Vikings will let him suit up.
Goodell is also still dealing with the Rice situation. The commissioner testified for over two hours in Rice's appeal hearing yesterday. The former Baltimore Ravens' running back is claiming that Goodell violated labor laws when he punished him a second time for the same offense. Conflicting reports from both sides have emerged regarding what Rice told and did not reveal to Goodell in their original meeting in June. A decision in the hearing could come within the next few days.
2. Is Miami for real?
After a rocky 2-3 start, the Miami Dolphins have reeled off three straight victories and risen to second in defensive DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). Miami is second in opposing passing yards per game (201.1) and 12th against the run (103.5).
What has been even more impressive, however, is quarterback Ryan Tannehill's recent play. The former receiver turned quarterback at Texas A&M has had an up-and-down career to this point. Is it possible that he's finally figuring it out in year three?
The introduction of the zone read into Miami's offense has helped, no doubt. Tannehill has 227 rushing yards over his last five games. But he also has a passer rating over 100 during that span as well.
We'll know more about Miami's true identity after they play the 6-2 Detroit Lions this week. The Lions have the best defense in football, and will be getting Calvin Johnson back. How the Dolphins perform against one of the better teams in the NFL will say a lot about their playoff chances.
3. Rex Ryan and John Idzik's Status
The New York Jets have their bye next week, which means it is possible that owner Woody Johnson could cut Ryan and general manager Idzik loose on Monday. The Jets are 1-8. They've lost seven straight games. Geno Smith was a laughable failure at quarterback, and he followed the hilarious circus that was Mark Sanchez and Tim Tebow. Ryan hasn't had a winning record since 2010, and Idzik has failed to properly address several glaring needs since taking over in 2013. It's time for New York to wipe the slate clean, and that time could begin on Monday.
The Jets will play the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.
