NFL 2017 Week 4 Recap
Chicago Bears at Green Packers was the Thursday night game. In protester news, nobody cares about overprivileged spoiled brats. Now back to football. The real news is not news at all. The Packers are a good team and the Bears are a bad team. Sometimes a bad team can go on the road and shock a good team in a thrilling upset. This was not that game. The Packers easily moved 75 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes. Aaron Rodgers threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to Devontae Adams for a 7-0 Packers lead. One play after the ensuing kickoff touchback, Mike Glennon was sacked and fumbled. The Packers took over at the Bears 3 yard line. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Rodgers hit Randall Cobb for the touchdown and the quick 14-0 Packers lead. In the second quarter Glennon was intercepted by Haha Clinton-Dix, giving the Packers the ball at their own 40 yard line. Rodgers went deep to Jordy Nelson for a 58 yard gain. One play later Jones got in from 2 yards out to make it 21-0 Packers. For some reason, John Fox did not quit given that his team certainly had.
Despite dominating the game, the Packers got bored during the 2 minute drill and eased up. From the Chicago 28, Glennon hit Thompson for 14 and Zach Miller for 29 more. With 12 seconds left in the half, the Bears faced 3rd and 2 at the Green Bay 5 yard line. Glennon hit Wright for the touchdown to get the Bears within 21-7. In the third quarter the Bears moved from their 28 to a 1st and 10 at the Green Bay 29. After 3 Glennon incompletions, a missed 47 yard field goal try kept wasted the drive.
The Packers took over at their own 37. On 3rd and 8 from the Chicago 40, Rodgers hit Bennett short of the sticks. Mike McCarthy decided to go for it on 4th and 1 at the Chicago 33. Rodgers hit Nelson for a 5 yard gain.On 3rd and 1 from the 19, Jones got around the end for an 11 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 6, a touchdown pass from Rodgers to Adams was nullified by offensive holding. Yet on 3rd and goal at the 16, a give-up short pass saw the Bears commit a mindless defensive unnecessary roughness penalty. On 1st and goal at the 4, Rodgers hit Nelson for the touchdown for a 28-7 Packers lead. The Bears quickly faced 1st and 20 at their own 39. Glennon was intercepted by Brice, setting up the Packers at the Chicago 42. On 3rd and 6 Rodgers went deep to Cobb for a 26 yard gain. On the first play of the fourth quarter the Packers faced 3rd and 6 at the Chicago 8. Rodgers hit Nelson for the touchdown for a 35-7 Packers blowout lead.
The Bears then turned to ball control, moving 75 yards in 15 plays. They took 9 minutes off the clock. It would have been perfect had they not been down by 28 points. When the Bears cut the gap to 21 points, Rodgers was benched. Actually, Mike McCarthy just wanted to see what the back up quarterback could do up by 21 with 6 minutes left. Rodgers finished 18 of 26 for 179 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. 35-14 Packers
New Orleans Saints at Miami Dolphins was the Sunday morning London game. A hideous football game may make the bored British return to soccer. With just over one minute left in the half of a scoreless game, the Dolphins punted on 4th and 20 from their own 12 and the Saints took over at midfield. Will Lutz hit a 43 yard field goal on the last play of the half for a 3-0 Saints lead. For some reason the second half was played. In the third quarter the Saints moved 77 yards in 11 plays and 6 minutes. Drew Brees hit Thomas for a 3 yard touchdown and a 10-0 Saints lead after three quarters. In the fourth quarter Lutz hit from 45 and Brees led an 11 play, 87 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive. Brees hit Kamara for a 12 yard touchdown to complete a game that deserves not one more word of description. 20-0 Saints
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots — The defenses dug in early on as Stephen Gostkowski hit a 41 yard field goal for the Patriots and Graham Gano countered from 32 for a 3-3 game. In the second quarter the Patriots moved 74 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Tom Brady hit Chris Hogan for a 2 yard touchdown and a 10-3 Patriots lead. The Panthers quickly came back 75 yards as Cam Newton hit Fozzy Whitaker for a 28 yard touchdown and a 10-10 tie. The Patriots moved 57 yards in 12 plays for 5 minutes, but settled for a 35 yard Gostkowski field goal and a 13-10 Patriots lead.
Carolina took over at their own 16 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the half. On 3rd and 8 from their 18, Newton hit Devon Funchess for 13 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Carolina 43, Newton went deep to Kelvin Benjamin for a 43 yard gain. Newton hit Funchess for a 10 yard touchdown with 30 seconds left in the half for a 17-13 Panthers lead. 26 seconds was enough time for Tom Brady after a touchback. With 11 seconds left the Patriots faced 3rd and 1 from their own 34. Brady went deep to Hogan for a 26 yard gain. Gostkowski then leveled a 58 yard field goal as the Patriots were down 17-16 at the intermission.
Any momentum the Patriots had quickly evaporated once the third quarter started. The Panthers moved 68 yards in 11 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. Newton hit Funchess for a 16 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as the Panthers led 23-16. The Panthers got the ball back and began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 4 at their own 42. Newton went deep to Benjamin for a 39 yard gain. Newton ran the final 7 yards himself up the middle as the Panthers and the 30-16 lead.
After a touchback, the Patriots were down to their last gasp as they faced 4th and 3 at the Carolina 38 with 10 minutes left. Brady hit Rob Gronkowski for 13 yards and Dorsett for 17 more. Dion Lewis raced around the end and got to the corner pylon for an 8 yard touchdown to get the Patriots within 30-23. Carolina went 3 and out and a 35 yard punt had the Patriots taking over just past midfield. The Patriots moved to a 2nd and goal at the one where Mike Gillislee was stopped and Brady threw incomplete. With 3:14 to play on 4th and goal at the one, Brady found Danny Amendola for the touchdown and a 30-30 game.
With 2:23 to play the Panthers faced 3rd and 7 at their own 27. Newton was sacked for an 11 yard loss as the jubilant Patriots got ready for another comeback win. Yet defensive illegal use of hands instead kept the Panthers going. Jonathan Stewart gained 15 yards. With 1:05 left and the Panthers facing 3rd and 3 at the New England 46, Newton hit Funchess for 5 yards. Defensive holding added 5 more yards. With 4 seconds left Graham Gano came in for a 48 yard field goal try to win it. Gano? Ga-Yes! Brady finished 32 of 45 for 307 yards and 2 touchdowns without an interception. Newton went 22 of 29 for 316 yards, 3 touchdowns and one interception. Yet it is Ron Rivera with a 3-1 Panthers football team while Bill Belichick only has a 2-2 squad. 33-30 Panthers
Los Angeles Rams at Dallas Cowboys — Early on the kickers led the scoring as Dan Bailey hit from 34 for the Cowboys and Greg Zuerlein responded from 49 for a 3-3 ballgame. In the second quarter the Cowboys moved 81 yards in 15 plays and took 8 minutes to do it. Das Prescott hit Ezekiel Elliott on 3rd and 7 for a 10 yard touchdown and a 10-3 Cowboys lead. Cooper returned the ensuing kickoff 66 yards to the Dallas 35. However the offense squandered the field position. Zuerlein hit from 44 to get the Rams within 10-6.
After a touchback, Alfred Morris raced for a 70 yard gain to the Rams 5. Elliott ran for the one yard touchdown to make it 17-6 Cowboys. The Cowboys were in control until they fumbled a punt and the Rams recovered at the Dallas 18. Jared Goff hit Cooper Kupp for a 7 yard touchdown to get the Rams within 17-13. Dallas came back 75 yards and Prescott hit Brice Butler for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 24-13 Cowboys. After a touchback the Rams took over with 1:51 left in the half. With 18 seconds left in the half and the Rams facing 3rd and 1 at the Dallas 37, Todd Gurley gained 6 with a rare defensive delay of game penalty tacked on. Zuerlein hit from 44 to end the half with the Rams within 24-16.
The Rams were kicking field goals rather than scoring touchdowns, but when Zuerlein hit his fourth field goal from 30 yards out, the Rams were only down 24-19. The Los Angeles defense got a stop and the Rams took over at their own 10. Gurley ran for gains of 16 and 7. Goff hit Brown for 14. On the next play Goff went deep to Gurley for a 53 yard touchdown and a 26-24 Rams lead after three quarters. The fourth quarter began with the Rams facing 3rd and 11 at their own 11. Goff hit Woods for 19 yards and Kupp for 15 more. Defensive pass interference added 25 more yards and Goff hit Kupp for another 24. Yet despite 1st and goal at the 10, Goff threw 3 incompletions. With 12 minutes left in regulation Zuerlein hit his fifth field goal from 28 yards out to make it 29-24 Rams.
Dallas quickly faced 3rd and 9 at their own 32. Prescott was sacked and fumbled as the Rams took over at the Dallas 29. The defense held but Zuerlein hit his sixth field goal from 43 yards out as the Rams led 32-24 with over 9 1/2 minutes left. After a touchback the Cowboys struck quickly. Prescott hit Cole beasley for 12, Dez Bryant for gains of 12 and 18, and Hanna for a 28 yard touchdown to get the Cowboys within 32-30. Chaos ensued on the 2 point conversion try. Prescott ran it in, but offensive holding nullified the score. Prescott then threw incomplete, but defensive holding nullified the stop. On the third try, Prescott was intercepted and this time it stood.
The Rams held the ball for 12 plays and over 5 minutes. They moved from their own 17 to a 3rd and 4 at the Dallas 14 with 2:12 to play. A touchdown would put the game out of reach. Gurley got the carry and lost a yard as the clock reached the 2 minute warning. Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein hit his seventh field goal, a 33 yarder, to put the Rams up by 5 points. With 36 seconds left, the Cowboys faced 4th and 10 at the Rams 48. Prescott hit Elliott, but he was tackled inches short of the sticks as the Rams turned it over on downs. Michelin Man Wade Phillips celebrated a win against one of his many former teams. Despite having to turn over most of their game checks to pay California taxes, the Rams will take the win. Jerry Jones is debating whether to blow up Jerryworld Stadium for the insurance money. 35-30 Rams
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings — A defensive struggle meant a scoreless first quarter. In the second quarter the Lions moved 82 yards in 15 plays, taking 8 minutes to do it. Detroit settled for a 29 yard Matt Prater field goal and a 3-0 Lions lead. The Vikings moved 81 yards in 11 plays and Cook ran it in from 5 yards out as the Vikings took a 7-3 lead into the locker rooms. The Detroit defense took over the third quarter. They forced a fumble and took over at the Minnesota 47. That was enough for Prater to hit from 37 to get the Lions within 7-6. On the ensuing play from scrimmage, another fumble had the Lions taking over at the Minnesota 29. Abdullah got in from 3 yards out. Matthew Stafford hit Jones for the 2 point conversion to put the Lions up by 7. After that the Detroit defense clamped down. With 2 1/2 minutes left the Vikings faced 3rd and goal at the 3. Case Keenum was sacked for an 11 yard loss and then threw incomplete. Jim Caldwell was so pleased with the win that he almost made a facial expression. 14-7 Lions
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans — This game on paper looked exciting In reality it was a blowout from the start. On the third play of the game with the Titans facing 3rd and 6 at their own 26, March Mariota was intercepted. The Texans took over at the Titans 43. DeShaun Watson went deep to Ellington for a 35 yard gain and Miller ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Texans. Houston got it back and moved for a pair of 76 yard drives. Watson hit Hopkins for an 8 yard touchdown and in the second quarter hit Fuller for a 16 yard touchdown as the Texans raced to a 21-0 lead.
The Titans finally woke up and moved 75 yards. Mariota ran for a 34 yard touchdown as the Titans trailed 21-7. Houston responded by holding the ball for 6 minutes and 12 plays. Fairbairn hit a 50 yard field goal to make it 24-7 Texans. Tennessee came back 75 yards and Mariota ran for a 2 yard touchdown as the Titans were only down 24-14. The ensuing kickoff was taken at the goal line and returned to the Houston 42. From the Tennessee 46, a deep ball drew defensive pass interference and put the ball at the one. With 1:20 left in the half, Watson got in himself. The extra point was no good as the Texans led 30-14. Both quarterbacks traded interceptions before the half ended.
Things got worse for the Titans as Mariota left the game with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, The Texans moved 75 yard in 14 plays, taking 8 minutes off the clock. Watson hit Fuller for the 10 yard touchdown to make it 37-14 Texans. In the fourth quarter the blowout turned into a carpet-bombing. The Texans moved 73 yards and Watson hit Miller for an 8 yard touchdown and a 44-14 Texans lead. Fairbairn added a 40 yard field goal and Cole returned an interception of Matt Cassel 25 yards for a touchdown to make it 54-14 Texans. Another turnover in the red zone could have led to 60 points, but perhaps the Texans engaged in the mercy rule. Fairbairn hit from 33 to complete the biggest win in Texans history. 57-14 Texans.
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Jets — The Jaguars moved 61 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes as Blake Bortles hit Leonard Fournette for a 10 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Jaguars lead. One play later the game was tied in controversial fashion. Powell ran for a 75 yard touchdown. It appeared he was tripped up by a defender, fell down, got up and ran untouched. The refs ruled that Powell was never touched, and there was no whistle. The score was upheld for a 7-7 game. The Jaguars came back 75 yards in 13 plays and more than 7 minutes. Jacksonville settled for a 30 yard Jared Myers field goal for a 10-7 Jaguars lead. Chandler Catanzaro hit a 45 yarder for a 10-10 tie. With 12 seconds left in the half, Catanzaro came in for another 45 yard try but this one was no good.
In the third quarter McGuire raced for a 69 yard touchdown run as the Jets had the 17-10 lead. With the Jaguars at their own 31, Blake Bortles was intercepted by Ealy, giving the Jets the ball at the Jacksonville 7 yard line. The Jets went nowhere but Catanzaro hit the 26 yarder to make it 20-10 Jet after three quarters. The fourth quarter began and the Jaguars soon faced 3rd and 2 at the Jets 29. Bortles completed a pass to Grant, which lost 5 yards. Myers missed a 52 yard field goal.
The Jets quickly moved from their 42 to a 1st and 10 at the Jacksonville 14 with a chance to put the game away. A swing pass was dropped, but there was no whistle. The ball was thrown backward, making it a lateral and a live ball. Jack picked it up and raced 81 yards for a defensive touchdown. These are the Jets. With 10 1/2 minutes left, the Jaguars were within 20-17. With 3 1/2 minutes left and the Jets facing 3rd and 6 at their own 34, Josh McCown was intercepted to give the Jaguars the ball at the Jets 35. These are the Jets. At the 2 minute warning, from the Jets 23, Bortles hit Leonard Fournette, who raced to the end zone. Yet offensive holding nullified the touchdown. These are the Jaguars. Despite 1st and 3…yes 1st and 3…from the Jets 16, the Jaguars could not crack the end zone. On 3rd and goal from the 4, Bortles threw incomplete. Myers hit the 22 yard field goal with 45 seconds left. With 21 seconds left McCown fumbled in his own territory but the Jets retained possession.
If ever a game did not deserve overtime, this one was it. With 1:50 left in overtime, the Jaguars punted on 4th and 11 at their own 2. Justin Kerley fielded it at the Jacksonville 47 and gained 7 yards to have the Jets starting at the Jacksonville 40 yard line. Yet after the play, the boneheaded move of the week was the difference. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for taunting on Paul Posluszny instead had the Jets starting at the Jacksonville 25. On 4th and 8 with 32 seconds left, Catanzaro came in to win it from 41 yards out. The kick was good as Posluszny prepared for the wrath of Shad Khan and Captain grumpy Tom Coughlin. Meanwhile, Todd Bowles was supposed to have an 0-16 team that would tank the season. The Jets are 2-2. There is no tanking in football. 23-20 Jets, OT
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns — Those insisting on boycotting professional football can still watch this game, since there is nothing professional about these winless teams. Naturally, the opening quarter was scoreless. Shawn Kizer had a pass deflected and intercepted to give the Bengals a short field. On the first play of the second quarter with the Bengals facing 3rd and 6 at the Cleveland 7, Red Rifle Andy Dalton hit AJ Green for the touchdown and the 7-0 Bengals lead. The Bengals got it back and moved 88 yards in 13 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. Dalton hit Kroft for a 3 yard score and a 14-0 Bengals lead. A simple swing pass from Dalton to Giovanni Bernard went for a 61 yard touchdown and a 21-0 Bengals lead. In the first half Dalton was 17 of 18 for 215 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions.
There was no reason to play the second half but NFL rules required it. Randy Bullock hit a 41 yard field goal to extend the lead. The Bengals then moved 83 yards in 10 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. Dalton hit Kroft for a 16 yard touchdown as the Bengals led 31-0. Dalton finished 25 of 30 for 286 yards, 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Kizer finished 16 of 34 for 118 yards, 0 touchdowns and one interception. Kizer came out, Hogan came in, and led the Browns to a garbage touchdown. Hue Jackson is 1-19 as Browns coach, including 0-4 this year. Marvin Lewis finally saw the Bengals win this year, but they only get to play the Browns once more this year. 31-7 Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens — The Steelers held the ball for a staggering 16 play, 84 yard drive that took 10 1/2 minutes off the clock. Yet Pittsburgh had to settle for a 30 yard Chris Boswell field goal for a 3-0 Steelers lead. In the second quarter the Ravens punted on 4th and 16 from their own 4, giving the Steelers the ball at the Baltimore 46. Boswell hit from 49 to make it 6-0 Steelers. The Ravens then fumbled the ball away to give the Steelers the ball at the Baltimore 28. On 3rd and 2 from the Baltimore 7, LeVeon Bell ran for 6 and then banged out the final yard to make it 13-0 Steelers. A tight game was blown open when the Steelers moved 70 yards late in the half. Ben Roethlisberger hit Smith-Shuster for an 11 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion try failed but the Steelers led 19-0 as the Ravens missed a 62 yard field goal try to end the half.
The Steelers began the third quarter facing 3rd and 6 at their own 20. Big Ben was intercepted, giving the Ravens the ball at the Pittsburgh 18. On 3rd and 10 Joe Flacco was sacked. The Ravens settled for a 42 yard Justin Tucker field goal to finally get on the board. The Steelers wasted a drive when Boswell missed a 44 yard field goal try. From the Baltimore 34, Collins ran for a 50 yard gain. Flacco then hit former Pittsburgh speedster Mike Wallace for the 16 yard touchdown. Initially West’s 2 point conversion run was ruled good but on further review he was short as the Ravens trailed 19-9. They would get no closer. The Ravens moved from their 14 to a 4th and 12 at the Pittsburgh 47. Flacco was then intercepted, giving the Steelers the ball just past midfield. Bell did the rest, gaining 7, 21, and eventually the last yard with 2 1/2 minutes left to lock up the win. Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh have played defensive thrillers over the years, but right now Pittsburgh is just the better team. 26-9 Steelers
Buffalo Bills at Atlanta Falcons — Buffalo’s defense came ready to play as the first quarter was scoreless. Matt Bryant hit a 28 yard field goal for a 3-0 Falcons lead, but then the Buffalo offense finally got going. Tyrod Taylor threw a 9 yard touchdown pass to Matthews to cap a 77 yard drive and make it 7-3 Bills. The Falcons moved 78 yard and Devonta Freeman ran it in from one yard out for a 10-7 Falcons lead at halftime. In the third quarter with the Falcons facing 3rd and 9 at their own 47, Matt Ryan was sacked and fumbled. White picked it up and raced 52 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 14-10 Bills lead. The Bills then led the most mind-numbing drive of the year. 19 plays. 82 yards. 11 1/2 minutes off the clock. With 12 minutes left in regulation on 4th and goal at the one, Sean McDemott decided to go for it. Then came the killer false start. After all of that, they settled for a 24 yard Steve Hauschka field goal to make it 17-10 Bills.
After a touchback, Coleman gained 26 yards. Freeman gained 16 and 4 and Ryan hit Coleman for a pair of 10 yard gains. Midway through the fourth quarter on 3rd and goal at the 3, Ryan hit Hardy for the touchdown and a 17-17 game. After a touchback, Taylor went deep to Clay for a 34 yard gain. With 4:48 to play on 4th and 7 from the Atlanta 38, McDermott took a big gamble. He brought Hauschka in for a 56 yard field goal knowing a missed kick would set up Atlanta for the win. Hauschka nailed it and the Bills led 20-17.
The Falcons appeared right back in it when Roberts returned the ensuing kickoff 61 yards to the Buffalo 42. Yet on 3rd and 17, Ryan was intercepted. Micah Hyde returned the interception 37 yards to the Atlanta 35 with 3 1/2 minutes left. The Bills went nowhere and the Falcons used their 3 timeouts on defense. On 4th and 12, McDermott again trusted Hauschka with a 55 yard pressure kick. Again Hauschka rewarded McDermott’s trust. With 3 minutes left the Bills had a 6 point lead, but left the door open for Matty Ice.
On 4th and 4 from their own 31, Ryan hit Williams for 8 yards. With 54 seconds left, on 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 10, Ryan threw incomplete. With 49 seconds left and everything on the line on 4th and 1, Ryan threw incomplete again. Buffalo in consecutive weeks got quality wins from supposedly superior teams. Dan Quinn saw the last unbeaten NFC team of down to defeat in a stunning home loss. 23-17 Bills
New York Giants at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Early on this game was all Buccaneers. A field position game had the Bucs starting at their own 44. From the Giants 42, Rodgers ran for 36 yards and Jameis Winston hit Mike Evans for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. The Giants moved from their own 25 to a 4th and 4 at the Tampa Bay 30. Ben McAdoo decided to go for it and Eli Manning threw incomplete. Winston hit Rodgers for 12 and then went deep to Howard for a 58 yard touchdown. Nick Folk missed the extra point but the Buccaneers led 13-0. The Buccaneers were on their way to a route in the second quarter when Folk missed a 46 yard field goal. After that momentum slowly changed.
The Giants moved from their 36 to a 3rd and 1 at the Tampa Bay 12. Shane Vereen got the carry and got nothing. This time McAdoo took no chances. Rosas hit the 30 yard field goal try as the Giants were finally on the board down 13-3. Big Blue got it back at their own 38. Manning hit O’Dell beckham for 15 yards. On 3rd and 7 from the Tampa Bay 39, Manning hit Sam Shepard for 19 yards. Manning then ran for a 14 yard touchdown to get the Giants within 13-10 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the half.
The Buccaneers soon faced 3rd and 9 at their own 37. Winston hit Humphries for 10 yards. On 3rd and 3 from the Giants 32, Winston went to Evans for the touchdown. Yet on further review, the Bucs had to settle on 1st and goal at the one with 48 seconds left. Rodgers lost a yard and Winston threw incomplete twice. On 4th and goal at the 2, Dirk Koetter opted for the field goal. Folk hit from 20 as the Buccaneers led 16-10 at the break.
The Bucs moved in the third quarter after a touchback to a 3rd and 4 at the Giants 30. After fumbling the snap and retaining possession, Folk’s nightmarish game continued as he missed a 49 yard field goal try. From the Giants 39, three straight short third down conversions led to Manning hitting Gallman for a 4 yard touchdown. With 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter, the Giants led 17-16. A chance to extend the lead as the fourth quarter began failed when Rosas missed a 43 yard field goal try for the Giants. With 10 1/2 minutes left in this ugly game, the Buccaneers faced 4th and 2 at the Giants 35. With Folk having already missed 2 field goals and an extra point, Koetter decided to go for it. Winston threw incomplete.
With 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation, a shanked 15 yard punt had the Buccaneers taking over at their own 43. On 2nd and 5, Winston connected with Humphries on a 38 yard gain. Winston then went to Brate for the 14 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Buccaneers led 22-17 midway through the fourth quarter. After a touchback, Manning went deep to Beckham for a 42 yard gain. On 3rd and 5 from the Tampa Bay 28, Manning hit Evan Engram for 10 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Manning hit Ellison for the touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Giants had a 23-22 lead with 3:15 to play. The Buccaneers took over at their own 25.
Winston hit Humphries for 6, ran for 7, and hit Evans for 14. With 90 seconds left and the Buccaneers facing 3rd and 1 at the Giants 39, Winston went deep to Brate for a 26 yard gain. The Buccaneers bled the clock and brought in Folk for a 34 yard try to win the game. Folk tried to miss it, but somehow got it just within the upright. The Giants fell to 0-4 with the loss. 25-23 Buccaneers
Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Chargers — Early on it was all Eagles. The Eagles moved 68 yards and Carson Wentz hit Alshon Jeffery for an 8 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Eagles. A pair of 11 play, 5 1/2 minute drives of 65 and 58 yards saw Elliott hit field goals of 45 yards in the first quarter and 40 yards in the second quarter to make it 13-0 Eagles. One play later the Chargers were right back in it as Philip Rivers connected with Williams for a 75 yard touchdown to get within 13-7. After that Elliott hit from 53, Koo responded from 28, and Elliott hit from 47 in the third quarter to make it 19-10 Eagles after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter both teams moved 75 yards. Ekeler ran for a 35 yard touchdown to get the Chargers within 19-17, but Smallwood responded from 3 yards out on 3rd and goal to put the Eagles back up 26-17 with 9:15 to play. After a touchback the Chargers soon faced 3rd and 10 at their own 39. Rivers hooked up with Keenan Allen for a 50 yard gain. Rivers hit Henry for a 4 yard touchdown as the Chargers were back within a deuce with 6:45 to play.
One defensive stop would give the Chargers a chance to win their first game. I was not meant to be. On 2rd and 2 from the Philly 47, Clement got just enough. On 3rd and 1 at the Chargers 42, Clement gained 4. On 3rd and 1 from the Chargers 29, LaGuerrette Blount gained 15 as the Eagles ran out the clock. The only team to start 0-4 and make the playoffs was the Chargers. However, on the 25th anniversary of that team, it is important to remember that they were in San Diego, not Los Angeles. 26-24 Eagles
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals — The only two players to show up for most of this awful game were the two field goal kickers. Robbie Gould hit from 49 in the first quarter for the 49ers. In the second quarter Phil Dawson hit from 29, Gould responded from 39, and Dawson answered from 43 for a 6-6 halftime game. The second half was just as awful. In the third quarter Gould hit from 47, Dawson answered from 50, and Gould countered from 48. In the fourth quarter Dawson answered from 32 for a 12-12 game. The 49ers got the ball to start overtime and held the ball for 17 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. They moved 73 yards but settled for Gould’s fifth field goal. The 49ers led by 3 but the Cardinals had one chance with the ball. After a touchback, Carson Palmer hit Ellington for a pair of 11 yard gains and to John Brown for gains of 17 and 28. A 25 yard touchdown pass to Brown was ruled out of bounds. Brown’s toe landed on the white chalk. Offensive holding meant 2nd and 20, but on the next play defensive pass interference meant 1st and 10 from the Frisco 27. With 30 seconds left in overtime, Palmer went over the middle to Larry Fitzgerald for the only touchdown of the game. Fitzgerald is a Hall of Famer on and off the field, and he did it again to keep the 49ers winless. 18-15 Cardinals, OT
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos — One week after the Oakland offensive line spent more time on protesting than blocking, a road game against their hated rival was just as awful. After each team went 3 and out, the Broncos faced 2nd and 11 at their own 11. Trevor Siemian hit Benny Fowler for a 17 yard gain. On 3rd and 7 from the Denver 31, Siemian hit Fowler for 18 yards, Derby for 29, and Derby again for the 22 yard touchdown and the 7-0 Broncos lead against the hideous Oakland secondary. The Broncos got it back at their own 11 and Siemian continued to torch the Raiders. On 3rd and goal at the 5, a false start killed the drive. Brandon McManus hit the 28 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Broncos.
In the second quarter the Raiders moved from their 32 to a 4th and 1 at the Denver 31. Jack Del Rio became a hero in 2016 with his gambling ways, but the 2017 team is just not coming through for him. Marshawn Lynch got stopped cold. The Raiders got the ball back at their own one yard line. Derek Carr hit Smith for 11 yards. On 3rd and 6 from their own 16, Carr hit Jalen Richard for 20 yards. On the next play, Al Davis had to be smiling somewhere as Carr went deep to Johnny Holton for a 64 yard touchdown bomb. It was not Jim Plunkett to Cliff Branch, but the thoroughly outplayed Raiders were only down 10-7 at halftime.
The Denver defense dominated the second half and knocked Carr out of the game with an injured back. Without Carr, the Raiders are an 0-16 team. He was walking around, so hopefully it will not be a repeat of the 2016 nightmare. McManus hit field goals of 36 and 46 in the third quarter and surprisingly doinked a 29 yarder off the upright in the fourth quarter no good after the Raiders had a fake punt blown up. The Broncos led 16-7, while the Raiders with EJ Manuel had no chance.
Or did they? With 8 1/2 minutes left and the Raiders at their own 7, Manuel hit Cordarelle Patterson for 11, Jared Cook for 28, Seth Roberts for 22, Amari Cooper for 8, and Patterson for 4 to set up 1st and 10 at the Denver 20. Then came 3 straight incompletions, because Cooper and Jared Cook dropped perfectly thrown balls. Cook dropped a touchdown pass. Meanwhile, the Raiders also burned their final timeout. Georgio Tavecchio hit the 38 yard field goal to get the Raiders within 16-10 with 5 1/2 minutes left.
The Raiders held on defense and got the ball back at their own 42 with 4:16 to play. A 9 yard completion to Olawale saw him bang over a pair of defenders. On 3rd and 1 from the Denver 38 saw Olawale will his way to 2 yards at the 2 minute warning. After a false start and a near interception, Manuel went deep to Cooper, who was double covered. The ball was intercepted by Simmons and the Raiders were dead. Denver got to 3-1, Oakland dropped to 2-2, and the good news was that the Raiders would now play 3 straight home games. The bad news is if Carr is unable to play, it will not matter. 16-10 Broncos
Indianapolis Colts at Seattle Seahawks is the Sunday night game. Although both of these teams came in 1-2, there was no way the Colts with backup quarterback Jacoby Brissett was going to go on the road and take down the Legion of Boom. Cue ESPN user-announcer Chris Berman: “THAT’s why they play the games.” Defense dominated early as a 44 yard Blair Walsh field goal got the Seahawks on the board first. Later on Russell Wilson tried to pass from his own end zone and barely got rid of the ball before going down. Chuck Pagano challenged the call and on further review, Wilson’s knee was down for a sack, a safety, and the Colts getting within 3-2. In the second quarter Brissett threw a perfect pass to Justin Coleman, who plays defense for Seattle. The 28 yard interception return touchdown made it 10-2 Seahawks.
Yet the Colts responded with a 12 play, 80 yard, 7 minute drive. On 3rd and 13 from their own 48, Brissett found TY Hilton for just enough. On 3rd and 1 from the 2, Robert Turbin got the yard. On the next play Turbin got the final yard for the score. The 2 point conversion failed but the Colts were within 10-8. With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half, Wilson was intercepted to give the Colts the ball on their own 45. On 3rd and 1 from the Seattle 46, Turbin gained 2. On 3rd and 6 from the Seattle 40, Brissett hit Turbin for just enough. Brissett hit Dante Moncrief for an 18 yard touchdown as the Colts had the surprising 15-10 with 23 seconds left in the half. With 13 seconds left and the Seahawks at their own 44, Wilson went deep to Percy Richardson for a 37 yard gain. It was all for naught as Walsh missed a 37 yard field goal to end the half.
The Seahawks began the third quarter facing 2nd and 12 at their own 14. Wilson threw incomplete but defensive illegal use of hands gave Seattle new life. A defensive unnecessary roughness penalty followed by a 21 yard completion to Richardson led to a 3rd and 2 at the Indy 34. Carson gained 11 yards. On 3rd and 10 from the Indy 23, Wilson scrambled up the middle for a 23 yard touchdown to make it 17-15 Seahawks. A defensive illegal formation on the extra point had Pete Carroll taking the extra point off the board to try a 2 point conversion from the one. A perfectly executed play action pass had Wilson hit a wide open Doug Baldwin for an 18-15 Seahawks lead. Seattle got it back on their own 6. On 3rd and 7 from their own 36, Wilson was intercepted by Hooker, who returned it 29 yards to the Seattle 24. The defense held but a 40 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal had the Colts had the game tied 18-18.
After a touchback the Seahawks faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33. Wilson hit Carson for 7 yards and Jimmy Graham for 33 more. McKissic ran around the end for a 30 yard touchdown and a 25-18 Seahawks lead. On the next play from the Indy 22, disaster struck the Colts immediately. Brissett was sacked and fumbled. Bobby Wagner returned the fumble 21 yards for a defensive touchdown and a 32-18 Seahawks lead after three quarters. The Seahawks began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 9 at their own 27. Wilson went deep to Tyler Lockett for a 41 yard gain. On 3rd and 8 from the Indy 20, Wilson hit Graham for 14 and non-relative Luke Willson for a 6 yard touchdown to turn a tie game into a blowout. Seattle added the exclamation point with an 84 yard, 11 play, 7 minute drive that was capped off by a 27 yard touchdown pass from Wilson to McKissic. 46-18 Seahawks
Washington Redskins at Kansas City Chiefs was the Monday night game. Nobody wins ugly like the Chiefs. The Redskins went right to work after a touchback. Kirk Cousins threw a 44 yard touchdown bomb to Terrelle Pryor for a 7-0 Redskins lead only 3 minutes into the game. The Chief went 3 and out, lost 7 yards, and punted to give the Redskins the ball near midfield. They moved easily and had 2nd and goal at the 2. Kelley got stopped, and on 3rd and goal Cousins only gained one yard. On 4th and goal at the one, Jay Gruden opted for the field goal to make it 10-0 Redskins. Yet after 14 plays and 7 1/2 minutes to only go 50 yards, it was a victory for the Chiefs defense.
The Chiefs moved from their 17 to a 3rd and 7 at the Washington 31. Alex Smith was sacked to push the Chiefs out of field goal range. The Redskins moved to a 3rd and 2 at the Chiefs 42, but Cousins threw incomplete. With 5 minutes left in the half the Chiefs took over at their own 27. On 3rd and 8 from the Chiefs 41, the Redskins jumped offsides. On 3rd and 3 Smith hit West for 9 yards. From the Washington 38, Smith hit Conley for 21 yards at the 2 minute warning. On the next play Smith hit Travis Kelce for the 17 yard touchdown. Despite being dominated, the Chiefs were only down 10-7.
Things got even more bizarre when the Chiefs got the ball back with 1:05 left at their own 17. On 3rd and 7 from their own 20 with 36 seconds left, Smith fumbled the snap out of the shotgun. Smith picked it up and raced 37 yards. Smith then hit Kelce for 20 yards to make it 1st and 10 at the Washington 28 with 20 seconds left. Smith threw incomplete twice. With 10 seconds left on 3rd and 10 and without a timeout, Walrus Lite Andy Reid opted for the field goal rather than try one more play. From 46 yards out, Butker was no good.
The Chiefs did not lose momentum despite the miss. They began the third quarter at their own 21. From the Chiefs 46, defensive horse collar tackle followed by a 20 yard completion to Kelce and 9 more yards for roughing the passer meant 1st and goal at the 9. On 3rd and goal at the 1, Smith threw incomplete. Yet the defense jumped offsides and gave the Chiefs another try. This time Smith got in himself. Defensive penalties killed Washington as the Chiefs led 14-10. After a touchback the Redskins struck very quickly. Cousins went deep to Vernon Davis for a 69 yard gain. Cousins hit Grant for the 3 yard touchdown to make it 17-14 Redskins.
After a touchback the Chiefs led a 13 play, 68 yard drive that took 7 1/2 minutes. Yet on 3rd and 9 from the Washington 13, Smith threw one of his famous West Coast Offense dink and dunk passes short of the marker. Butler hit the 26 yard field goal as the third quarter ended with the teams tied 17-17. The Chiefs quickly got it back at their own 20 with 13 minutes in regulation and led an even longer drive, going 14 plays and 66 yards in over 8 minutes. On 3rd and 5 from the Washington 14, Smith again threw one of his famous West Coast Offense dink and dunk passes that gained 0 yards. Butler hit the 32 yard field goal to make it 20-17 Chiefs with only 5 minutes remaining.
After a touchback the Redskins soon faced 3rd and 8 at the Washington 43 with 3 1/2 minutes left. Cousins scrambled for 10 yards. With 1:15 to play, the Redskins were sitting pretty with 2nd and 2 at the Chiefs 22. Thompson gained nothing and the Redskins burned a timeout with 57 seconds left rather than let the clock run down. Cousins then threw to the end zone for Doctson. It was the winning touchdown, or it would have been had Doctson not dropped it when he came down in the end zone. It was right there and the Redskins didn’t take it. Dustin Hopkins hit the 40 yard field goal for a 20-20 ballgame. However, the Redskins left 47 seconds on the clock. The entire football world knew what would happen next.
From the Chiefs 29, Smith went to wilson for a 37 yard gain and to Conley for 10 more. With 8 seconds left, Reid again brought his kicker in on 3rd down to try a 43 yarder rather than try and run one more play. This time Butler nailed it and the Chiefs had the win. just for good measure, the Redskins fumbled on the hook and laterals on the kickoff. Justin Houston picked up the fumble and returned it 13 yards for a touchdown. The Chiefs win ugly, but at 4-0 they are the only unbeaten team in the NFL. Andy Reid is not a Supermodel. He does not care about style points. At 4-0, he is one happy Walrus Lite. 29-20 Chiefs