THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

From Arizona, I look for a sportsbar. The last time I was in Arizona was to watch one of the greatest Super Bowls of all time. Thrill and danger in the desert almost kept me from making it home.

https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2008/02/thrill-and-danger-in-the-desert/

This weekend should be smoother. Actually know it won’t. Between the drive from Los Angeles to Arizona followed by 5 book signings and speeches in 3 days, this NFL Recap will be way behind schedule.

For those in Arizona, here is my itinerary.

Sunday, November 8—I will be speaking to the Arizona chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition at 2pm in Scottsdale. Please contact Amy Laff for details.

http://www.rjchq.org/Chapters/chapterdetail.aspx?id=13371fe4-92c4-4c6d-9278-1f2bf3747508

Monday, November 9—I will be speaking to the Huachuca Chapter of the Republican Women’s Federated in Cochise County, Arizona, at Noon. Windermire Hotel, 2047 S Hwy 92, Sierra Vista, 85650. Please contact Vera Hylsky (520) 803-1718 for details.

Monday, November 9—I will be speaking to the Arizona Group Coalition for a Conservative Majority at 6:30pm at the Italian American Club, 7509 North 12th st, Phoenix. Please contact Ted Naeckel for details.

Tuesday, November 10—I will be speaking to the Pima County Republican Club in Arizona at 11:30am. El Parador, 2744 East Broadway. Contact Mike Ebert for details.

Tuesday, November 10—I will be speaking to the Superstition Mountain Republican Club in Arizona at 5:30pm. Feed Bag Restaurant 300 S. Phelps Apache Junction, AZ. Please contact Merle Palmer 480-671-8310.

At least my rental car has NFL Sirius Satellite Radio.

Also, my coed touch football team Kiss Da Baby won 42-12. Our regular quarterback Scott was in Seattle, so his brother Ryan took  the help at quarterback. It was like replacing Peyton Manning with Eli, but hey, they both have rings. I did not compare him to Jim Sorgi. I had one reception, and my sneakers are not going to last the season. I will see if the miracle of ductape can save them, or if a Viking funeral is in order.

With that, here is the NFL 2009 Week 9 Recap.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Jacksonville Jaguars–The Chiefs began their opening drive on their own 43, and after failing to convert on 3rd and 1 from the Jacksonville 28, settled for a field goal and a 3-0 lead. Yet when Jennings ran for a 28 yard touchdown, the Jaguars were up 7-3. In the second quarter the Jaguars missed a long field goal, and later in the period fumbled the ball away at their own 20. The Chiefs reached the 3 yard line before settling for a field goal and a 7-6 game. Yet David Garrard then went deep to Sims-Walker for a 61 yard touchdown pass to put the Jaguars up 14-6 at halftime as the Chiefs also missed a long field goal at the gun.

In the third quarter Garrard led a 10 play, 5 1/2 minute drive that resulted in a field goal and a 17-6 Jacksonville lead. With 7 minutes left in the game, a long punt return had the Jaguars starting at the Chiefs 22. A 10 yard run by Maurice Jones Drew had the Jaguars up 24-6 with only 4 1/2 minutes left. Yet the Chiefs fought valiantly. Matt Cassel hit Chris Chambers for a 54 yard touchdown pass to pull the Chiefs within 24-13 with 2 1/2 minutes left. The Chiefs recovered the onsides kick, and Cassel hit Chambers from 5 yards out. With the 2 point conversion, the Chiefs were within a field goal with one minute remaining. Yet the Jaguars recovered the next onsides kick to preserve the win. 24-21 Jaguars

Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals–While the Bengals are much improved, the Ravens are one year removed from the AFC Title Game. Yet while the Ravens are known for attitude, today it was the Bengals who played smashmouth. On their opening drive, Carson Palmer led the Bengals 12 plays in over 6 minutes to cover 73 yards. A 6 yard touchdown pass to Caldwell had the Bengals up 7-0. After a Baltimore punt, Palmer moved the Bengals 80 yards in 10 plays, with Cedric Benson running it in from one yard out to put the Bengals up 14-0. In the second quarter Palmer led a 12 play, 7 minute drive that led to a field goal as the Bengals led 17-0 at halftime. The second half was all defense. The Ravens eventually cracked the scoreboard, but the Bengals under Marvin Lewis improved to 6-2, 4-0 in the division. 17-7 Bengals

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts–The Texans are much improved at 5-3 under Gary Kubiak, but the Jim Caldwell era in Indy has the Colts at 7-0. The Colts turned it over on downs on their first possession, but got the ball back and marched 12 plays to paydirt as Peyton Manning hit Joseph Addai for a 7 yard touchdown to put the Colts up 7-0. Matt Schaub needed one play to throw an interception, and a short field goal had the Colts up 10-0. The Colts got the ball back again, and Manning led a 10 play drive in the second quarter that led to another Matt Stover field goal. Peyton Manning threw the ball a ridiculous 40 times in the first half, and 50 times in the game. Yet despite dominating statistically, the Colts offense struggled for the second week in a row at home to put the ball in the end zone, as they only led 13-0.

Schaub moved the Texans from their own 11 deep into Indy territory, but a fumble at the goal line resulted in a touchback at the 2 minute warning. Yet the Colts could not run out the clock, since they did not run the ball much of the game. A 56 yard field goal at the gun had the Texans within 13-3 at halftime.

The Texans took the second half kickoff, and Schaub led the Texans 86 yards in 12 plays over 6 1/2 minutes. This time they finished the drive, as Schaub hit Moats from one yard out to get the Texans within 13-10. The Colts failed to pick up a first down, and Schaub then led the Texans 84 yards in 12 plays over another 6 1/2 minutes. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Steve Slaton ran it in from one yard out as the Texans had a 17-13 lead.

On the next Colts possession Manning went deep and was intercepted. Yet the Texans failed to capitalize. The Colts got the ball back with 11 minutes left, and Manning made the Texans pay. A 17 yard completion to Dallas Clark followed by a 16 yard completion to Collie set up Joseph Addai on the ground from 2 yards out. The Colts led by a field goal with 7 minutes left.

Schaub moved the Texans into Indy territory, but with 2:13 left, an interception appeared to seal the game. It didn’t. The Colts used up only 27 seconds, and with 1:46 left the Texans had one last shot from their own 15. Schaub worked the 2 minute drill to perfection, and with one second left, the Texans had the tying field goal attempt from 42 yards out. It was no good, wide left, and for the second week in a row, the Colts had survived a scare at home. The Texans are much improved, and the Colts have looked rickety. Yet they are 8-0, and that is what matters. 20-17 Colts

Washington Redskins @ Atlanta Falcons–The Falcons have lost two straight, while the Redskins are on the verge of being impeached. Matt Ryan led a 10 play, 6 minute drive that culminated in a 2 yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez to put the Falcons up 7-0. Jason Campbell then threw a 62 yard touchdown pass to Hill. Unfortunately for Campbell, Hill plays defense for Atlanta. The Falcons led 14-0 and cruised to an easy win against a bad team. The Redskins did manage a second quarter field goal, but a 30 yard touchdown run by Michael Turner had the Falcons up 21-3. The Falcons got the ball back with 2:17 left in the half, and somehow ran 14 plays in that time. A Jason Elam field goal at the gun had the Falcons coasting 24-3.For some reason, the second half was played.

The Redskins showed some life in the second half as Campbell led an 8 minute drive that covered 80 yards and 13 plays. On 4th and goal from the 1, Betts ran it in to make it a 24-10 game. The Redskins got the ball back, and Campbell led another 13 play drive, this one covering 81 yards over 7 minutes. When Campbell hit Yoder from 3 yards out, the Redskins were within 7 points with an entire 13 minutes left in the game. Yet the Redskins had no answer for Michael Turner, and a 58 yard touchdown run iced the game for the Falcons. Turner finished with 166 yards on 18 carries, as Atlanta improved to 5-3. As for Jim Zorn, Sherm Lewis, Daniel Snyder, and their ilk, the apologies shall continue. 31-17 Falcons

Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers–For a long time ESPN uber-announcer Chris Berman referred to this game as the Bay of Pigs. Then both teams improved, and it became Baywatch. It is now back to being the Bay of Pigs again. The Buccaneers, determined to honor their legacy of starting 0-26, decided that the best way to revive their current 0-7 team was to break out the orange creamsicle pants. Jon Gruden is still in the Monday Night Football booth. Brett Favre spent the weekend relaxing as Minnesota was 7-1.

2 1/2 minutes into the game, Aaron Rodgers hit Jones on a 74 yard touchdown pass, proving that Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy are geniuses. Later in the quarter Rodgers was intercepted, as the Buccaneers took over at the Green Bay 8. Josh Freeman, making his very first NFL start, hit Ward from 6 yards out to tie the game 7-7. Yet Rodgers brought the Packers right back, and 11 plays and 6 minutes later, Ryan Grant ran it in form 2 yards out to cap the 69 yard drive and put the Packers up 14-7.

In the second quarter the Buccaneers missed a field goal, but despite having an anemic offense all year, found themselves in a 14-14 tie game when Hayes blocked a punt and Ronde Barber returned it 31 yards for a score. Rodgers brought the Pckers back again, and a 3 yard touchdown pass to Donald Driver had Green Bay up 21-14. The pace of the game then slowed, and with 2 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Buccaneers were at their own 6 yard line. All Josh Freeman did in his first start was lead Tampa Bay all the way to the Packers 20, where a field goal had Tampa Bay within 21-17 at intermission.

A scoreless third quarter featured another Aaron Rodgers interception, but when Rodgers ran it in from 1 2yards out on the next Green Bay drive, the Packers led 28-17 with 13 minutes left in the game. Yet SMith returned the ensuing kickoff 83 yards to the Green Bay 17. Freeman then hit Josh WInslow for the 7 yard score. The 2 point conversion failed, but the creamsicle pirates were within 28-23.

The Packers reached midfield on their next drive before punting, as the Buccaneers took over at their own 28 with 7 minutes left. Freeman immediately hit Winslow for 22 yards to midfield. A 29 yard pass to Clayton had the Bucs at the 13. With 4:20 left, the Bucs faced 4th and 4 at the Green Bay 7. A field goal would have made it a 2 point game with plenty of time left, but at 0-7, Raheem Morris had nothing to lose by going for it. Freeman hit Stroughter for the touchdown, and the 2 point conversion had the Buccaneers up 31-28.

With 52 seconds left in the game the Packers had one last shot. Rodgers needed a miracle touchdown, and a 35 yard score sealed the game. Unfortunately for Rodgers, it was his third interception, this one to Jackson. The Buccaneers finally had a win. Maybe the orange pants made the difference, or maybe the Packers now have a dreadful organization. Brett Favre could not be reached for comment, as he enjoyed his bye week, most likely watching an upset in the Bay of Pigs. 38-28 Buccaneers

Arizona Cardinals @ Chicago Bears–the Bears defense is like Fallujah, bombed out and depleted. this is n0t a condition to be in when facing the Greatest Show in the Desert, although the show seems to be better on the road. By the time the game was over, Kurt Warner had thrown for 5 touchdown passes, and Janet Napolitano had four sacks on defense. Just kidding. Janet Napolitano can’t defend anything. Warner had four touchdown passes in the first half alone.

The Cardinals led  31-7 at halftime and 34-7 in the third quarter before giving warner some rest and allowing Matt Leinart to get some playing time. Leinart is less like Kurt Warner and more like Pop Warner. Leinart threw an interception, and a blowout was now 34-21. Ken Whisenhunt had had enough, and brought Warner (old man Kurt, not Pop) back in the game. He threw his fifth touchdown pass to seal the game. The Bears remain a mess because their once vaunted defense is injury riddled. 41-21 Cardinals

Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots–After a Tom Brady interception, Chad Henne led the Dolphins 10 plays to a 52 yard field goal and a 3-0 Dolphins lead. Brady came right back and hit Randy Moss for a 36 yard pass down to the Miami one, where Lawrence Maroney took it in to put the Patriots up 7-3. In the second quarter the Patriots added a field goal and the dolphins took over at their own 20 and ripped off some big plays. Pat White came in at quarterback and picked up 33 yards, and Ricky Williams added 12 more. Williams ran for the 15 yard touchdown to tie the game 10-10.

Brady led New England to a field goal, and the Patriots got the ball back at their own 14 with 1:46 left in the half. On 3rd and one from their own 43 Brady found Wes Welker for 14 yards. A 17 yard defensive pass interference penalty was just enough for the Patriots to add another field goal at the gun to lead 16-10 at intermission.

The Dolphins took the second half kickoff at their own 34, and Henne led a staggering 16 play, 10 minute drive. Ronnie Brown took the one yard wildcat snap and hit Haynos for the touchdown as the Dolphins now led 17-16. Yet the Dolphins barely has time to celebrate as Brady went deep to Randy moss for a 71 yard touchdown pass. A successful 2 point conversion had the Patriots up 24-17.

The fourth quarter was all defense as New England clamped down. With 2:54 left, facing 4th and 15 at their own 27,  Tony Sparano decided to go for it rather than punt and rely on a defense that had played reasonably well. Henne threw deep incomplete, and the gift field position allowed for a final field goal to put the game out of reach. The Patriots are 6-2, and even at the midpoint of the season, already seem to have the division locked up. 27-17 Patriots

Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints–Last week the Saints fell behind 24-3 before exploding for 36 points in the second half to win. For the second week in a row, an inferior but improving team had the Saints starting in a hole. Jon Fox stuck it out with Jake Delhomme, and the Panthers ran right out of the gate. A 66 yard touchdown run by Deangelo Williams had the Panthers up 7-0. Later in the quarter Drew Brees was sacked and fumbled at his own 11. Williams ran it in from 7 yards out as the Panthers had a stunning 14-0 lead after the first quarter. Yet Sean Payton knows that his 7-0 team is resilient.

In the second quarter, Brees led a 15 play, 8 minute drive that reached the 5 yard line before bogging down. The Saints kicked a field goal to pull to within 14-3. Carolina then fumbled deep in their own territory, but Brees gave it right back with an interception that was returned 41 yards to the 45. 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes later, Delhomme had led the Panthers to another field goal and a 17-3 panthers lead. The Saints got the ball back with 1:43 left in the half, and a field goal had them down 17-6 at intermission.

The second half showed why the Saints are unbeaten. A short pass from Brees to Devry Henderson went for 63 yards, setting up Pierre Thomas from 10 yards out to make it 17-13.  Delhommme then led a ridiculous 19 play drive that ate up almost 10 minutes. The Panthers had 1st and goal at the one, with a chance to do some damage. They did, but the damage was to themselves. Delhomme lost 6 yards on 1st down, and the Panthers ended up kicking a field goal to lead 20-13.  The Saints capitalized, and on 3rd and 5 from their own 46 on the final play of the third quarter, Brees went deep to Meacham for a 54 yard touchdown pass. Despite trailing the entire game, the final quarter began tied 20-20.

Carolina punted, and the Saints took over at their own 2 with 11 minutes left in the game. Brees hit Thomas for 17 yards and Meacham for 21 more as the Saints reached the Carolina 12 before a penalty ended the drive. A John Carney field goal from 40 yards out culminated the 13 play, 7 minute drive and had the Saints leading 23-20 with 4 1/2 minutes left.

With 2:51 left, Delhomme fumbled the ball away, but the Saints could not capitalize and punted. The Panthers took over at their own 2 yard line, and Williams, who had played well all game, fumbled the ball and the game away. Hargrive scored the 1 yard defensive touchdown to end the game. The Saints have been sluggish in consecutive weeks, but like the other sluggish unbeaten team, 8-0 is gorgeous always. 30-20 Saints

Detroit Lions @ Seattle Seahawks–The Lions began with Matthew Stafford leading an 8 1/2 minute drive that went for naught when the Lions failed to covert 3rd and 1 at the Seattle 15 and then missed a field goal on 4th and 1. Yet Matt Hasselbeck was intercepted, and Stafford hit Pettigrew for a 7 yard touchdown to put the Lions up 7-0. A Seattle fumble led to a 29 yard touchdown pass from Stafford to Johnson as the Lions had a shocking upset in the making on the road at 14-0. A field goal on their next drive had the Lions up 17-0. Yet these are the Lions.

Seattle got the ball on their own 40, and Hasselbeck settled down and led a 10 play, 5 minute drive in the second quarter. Julius Jones ran it in from 2 yards out to get the Seahawks within 17-7. Detroit began their next possession at the Seattle 47, but a Stafford interception led to a 10 play, 5 1/2 minute drive that ended in a field goal as Seattle crept to within 17-10. On the next Detroit drive they reached the Seattle 38 but Stafford was again intercepted, setting up another Seattle field goal as the Lions only led 17-13 at the half.

In the third quarter Hasselbeck hit Jones for a 49 yard gain. However, after failing to convert on 3rd and 1 from the Detroit 6, the Seahawks on 4th and 1 decided on another field goal as the Lions clung to a 17-16 lead. After a Detroit punt, a defensive pass interference call set up Hasselbeck to TJ Houshmanzadeh as the Seahawks led 22-17. The 2 point conversion failed, but the Detroit collapse was complete.

In the fourth quarter Stafford was intercepted yet again, and again Seattle drove deep. On 4th and 1 from the Detroit 7, Detroit jumped offsides. Yet on 4th and goal from the 2, the Seahawks settled for yet another field goal and a 25-17 lead. After 25 unanswered points, the Lions finally scored again when a field goal with 8 minutes left had them within 25-20. Yet Stafford could not stop throwing interceptions. He was picked with 4 1/2 minutes left,  and with 22 seconds left, the fifth and  final interception was returned by Wilson 61 yards for a score for the exclamation point. 32-20 Seahawks

Tennessee Titans @ San Francisco 49ers–Vince Young and Alex Smith are trying to revive their careers, taking over for Kerry Collins and Shawn Hill. The 49ers kicked a field goal, and then Vince Young tossed a 49 yard pass that led to the tying field goal and a 3-3 game. The offenses got going in the second quarter as Young ran for a 7 yard touchdown, and Frank Gore ran it in from 3 yards out to again tie the game 10-10. Smith hit Hill from 12 yards out with seconds left in the half to put the 49ers up 17-10.

Midway through the third quarter, a Smith fumble set up Chris Henry from one yard out to again tie the game at 17-17. Yet Smith rebounded, and led a staggering 15 play, 10 minute drive. It bogged down at the 7 yard line, but a 25 yard Joe Nedney field goal had the 49ers up 20-17 with 11 minutes left. Yet Chris Johnson ripped off a 41 yard run, and on 4th and 1 from the 2, Johnson scored to put the Titans up 24-20 with 7 minutes left in a game that was about to get even hotter.

An interception of Smith led to another field goal as the Titans led 27-20 with only 3 minutes remaining. One play later, Smith was intercepted again, and this time Cortland Finnegan ran it 39 yards for the score to have the Titans up 34-20. Smith did hit Hill from 3 yards out with 39 seconds remaining to make it a one score game, but the Titans recovered the onsides kick to snuff out the desperation rally. Tennessee has won 2 straight after their awful 0-6 start. 34-27 Titans

San Diego Chargers @ New York Giants–A pair of overrated teams met as the reeling Giants figured they had the perfect tonic to win by hosting Norvelous Norv Turner and the perpetually underachieving Chargers. On the opening play of the second quarter, Philip Rivers broke a scoreless tie by hitting Vincent Jackson for a 10 yard touchdown. Yet New York Giant football for decades has been about ball control and hard nosed grinding. A ridiculous 16 play, 10 1/2 minute drive ended in a 6 yard touchdown pass from Eli Manning to Steve Smith to tie the game 7-7. A 2 yard touchdown pass from Rivers to Wilson had the Chargers up 14-7 entering the final quarter.

A field goal less than one minute into the quarter had the Giants within 14-10. The Chargers moved backwards on their next drive, and the punt allowed the Giants to start at the San Diego 39. Manning hit Kevin Boss for an 8 yard touchdown to put the Giants up 17-14 with 8 minutes left.

With 3 minutes left in the game, Rivers was intercepted, and the Giants had the ball at the San Diego 4 yard line with a chance to lock up the game. Instead, a holding penalty led to a field goal. 2 minutes remained, and the Giants only led 20-14. Rivers had one last shot to redeem himself. Rivers hot Floyd for 12 yards, Antonio Gates for 10 more, and Darren Sproles for another 21. Rivers hit Jackson for the final 18 yards as the Chargers had pulled off a shocker with only 21 seconds left in the game. The Giants, after starting 5-0, have lost 4 straight. Tom Coughlin is searching for answers and wins. 21-20 Chargers

Dallas Cowboys @ Philadelphia Eagles–Last year, with a playoff berth for both teams on the line, the Eagles humiliated the Cowboys 44-6 as the Eagles reached the NFC Title Game and the Cowboys went home. This was about revenge, and 1st place in the division between a pair of 5-2 teams that hate each other. This is why we watch football.

A 2 yard touchdown run by Tashard Choice had the Cowboys up 7-0 on the road. The field goal kickers were all the second quarter could offer, as David Akers nailed a pair of them, the second one coming after a 12 play, 6 minute drive. Neither Tony Romo or Donovan McNabb were putting many points on the board in a game the defenses played well. Romo did hit Patrick Crayton for a 64 yard gain, but the drive stalled at the 4 yar dline, and a Dallas field goal had them up 10-6 at intermission.

In the third quarter McNabb hit McCoy for 45 yards and then hit Brent Celek from 11 yards out as the Eagles led 13-10 entering the final stanza. A McNabb interception set up the tying field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter as the game was tied 13-13.

While Wade Phillips and Andy Reid are both underrated, one problem for the Eagles is their inability to convert short yardage situations. McCoy failed to convert on 2nd and 1 and 3rd and 1 from the Dallas 45. Reid decided to go for it, and McNabb was stuffed. Romo and McNabb are actually both underrated themselves, but on this day it was Romo that made the Eagles pay with a 49 yard touchdown pass to Miles Austin with 8 minutes left. With 4 1/2 minutes left, the Eagles faced 4th and 11 at the Dallas 34. Reid decided to kick the long field goal. Akers nailed the 52 yarder, but the Eagles never got the ball back. It was a curious call, but Dallas stands tall in the NFC East at 6-2 for now.  20-16 Cowboys

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Denver Broncos–This was simply a good game between two very good football teams. Yet the defending champs showed their mettle late. The first quarter had a Denver field goal, and the second quarter had Kyle Orton intercepted by Carter, who returned it 48 yards for a score. Pittsburgh led 7-3 at the half of this defensive struggle. In the third quarter, a 54 yard fumble return by Ayers had the Broncos up 10-7 in a game where the offenses were nowhere near the end zone.

The Steelers finally got going as Rashaard Mendenhall ran for 24 yards and Ben Roethlisberger threw a 35 yard pass to Santonio Holmes to set up a 3 yard touchdown pass to Hines Ward to give Pittsburgh a 14-10 lead after three quarters. After a Roethlisberger interception killed one drive, Orton was intercepted deep in Denver territory with 9 minutes left. Big Ben hit Wallace for a 25 yard touchdown to put the Steelers up 21-10. After a Denver punt, a 5 minute drive bled the clock. Big Ben hit Ward from 3 yards out with 82 seconds left to make the game seem more lopsided than it was.

Both of these teams are 6-2 as Denver has dropped 2 straight after a 6-0 start. Pittsburgh began 1-2 with the only win being a shaky one in overtime. Yet despite almost being 0-3, they have won 5 straight. Josh McDaniels is off to a strong start, but Mike Tomlin is a champion for a reason. 28-10 Steelers

eric

Hal Levine revelry is in the rear view mirror, and the clocks have been turned back. Now it is time to revel in men beating the tar out of each other over an oblate spheroid.

Sadly enough, today is the KRLA Townhall event. Once again, something will interfere with my NFL Sunday.

There is no Sunday Night game because of the World Series. The NFL does this out of politeness. We all know a Sunday Night game would render baseball unwatchable. Then again, it already is.

The early games were almost as boring as baseball, as scoring came infrequently in 8 games were defensively dominated. Outside of Philadelphia, there was little offense.

For those loving offense, my coed touch football team “Kiss Da Baby” won 40-21 in a game that was closer than the score indicated. My team wears green t-shirts, and I could not find mine before the game. The rules state that we have to wear the appropriate colors. Thankfully it was Halloween, so I took the top half of my “Riddler” costume and played in that. I am so glad this game was not videotaped as I was the only player dressed as a Batman character. More importantly, I managed to wash and dry the jersey in time to wear it that night for Halloween. Most importantly, fashion nightmare aside, we won the game.

Enjoy my recap of Week 8 in the NFL. Then leave me alone so I may watch the highlights.

Miami Dolphins @ New York Jets–When a pair of decent teams get together, the results can be a good game. Earlier this year they played a night game that was a thriller, as multiple lead changes led to a 31-27 Miami heartstopper. The rematch was in New York, and it was a defensive struggle early on. Rex Ryan saw his defense disintegrate in the first game, but the Jets were stout early on. A field goal had Gang Green up 3-0. At the 2 minute warning, Miami made a short field goal to make it a 3-3 game.

Miami lost yards to start the third quarter, and with a short field after a punt, the Jets moved just enough for Jay Feeley to attempt a 55 yard field goal. Rex Ryan is not afraid of bold gambles, and this one in a field position game paid off as the Jets led 6-3. A game with virtually no excitement then turned into a third quarter pinball machine as Ted Ginn exploded.

First Ginn returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to put the Dolphins up 10-6. Then Jason Taylor picked up a fumble and returned it 48 yards for a score. 2 plays, 2 touchdowns, and a 6-3 deficit became a 17-6 Dolphins lead. The Jets went nowhere and punted on their net possession, but a fumbled punt had the Jets on the Miami 29. Mark Sanchez from the one yard line executed a naked bootleg that was so perfect that he scored and came back to the players before the Dolphins even realized he had the ball. Yet a 17-13 game was short-lived as Ginn did it again. He bested his previous return by one yard, as a 101 yard kickoff returned had the Dolphins up 24-13. The Jets came right back as Sanchez threw to Jerricho Cotcherry for 53 yards before hitting Braylon Edwards with a 19 yard touchdown. Sanchez was intercepted on the 2 point conversion, but a first half with 6 points featured a 3rd quarter with 37 points as the Jets trailed 24-19.

Miami had some breathing room in the fourth quarter when Chad Henne led a 13 play, 8 minute drive that ended in a 5 yard touchdown pass to Hanos. An inexplicable 2 point conversion attempt failed, but the Dolphins led 30-19. Sanchez brought the Jets right back, quickly moving the team 81 yards. A 16 yard touchdown pass to Keller had the Jets within 30-25 with 6 minutes left. The 2 point conversion succeeded, but was nullified by illegal motion. The second attempt failed.

The Jets got the ball back, and Sanchez worked the 2 minute drill smartly. On defense, Tony Sparano smartly took timeouts so the Dolphins would have enough time should the Jets score. With 90 seconds remaining, the Jets faced 3rd and 6 from the Miami 8. Sanchez was sacked, setting up 4th down from the 15. Sanchez backpedaled to his 30, and fired to the end zone incomplete. The Dolphins swept the series, with both games being thrillers. A playoff game between these teams would be great for the league. 30-25 Dolphins

San Francisco 49ers @ Indianapolis Colts–The 49ers took a surprising 7-0 lead when Frank Gore stopped complaining about losing the 2000 election and ripped off a 64 yard touchdown run. 20 year veteran Matt Stover, filling in for injured Adam Vinatieri, had the Colts within 7-3. The Colts high octane offense struggled throughout the first half of this game, but a second field goal had Indy within 7-6 midway through the second quarter. Alex Smith seems to have revived his flagging career, as a touchdown pass to Vernon Davis had the 49ers up 14-6. The Colts did manage to sneak in a 31 yard field goal just before the half to trail 14-9. An 11 play, 5 1/2 minute drive led to a 4th field goal as the Colts trailed at home 14-12 entering the final quarter. A league with very few upsets this year was potentially seeing one.

On the opening play of the final quarter, the Colts had the ball on the San Francisco 22. Jim Caldwell reached into the bag of tricks. Peyton Manning handed off to Joseph Addai, who lobbed a halfback option pass to Reggie Wayne for the touchdown. The 2 point conversion failed, but on a day when Manning was not getting the team touchdowns, somebody else stepped up as the Colts led 18-14.

Although Manning finished 31 for 48 for 347 yards, this team ground out the clock in uglier fashion than normal. San Francisco did reach the Indy 30, but a penalty killed the drive. With 5:45 left, the Colts got the ball and never relinquished it. Tony Dungy is retired, and the Colts do not play Buc Ball, but this was Buc Ball. Good teams win even when not looking pretty, and theColts are 7-0 after a tough win. Mike Singletary will get wins, but not today. 18-14 Colts

Cleveland Browns @ Chicago Bears–Only in this year’s NFL could a team lose by 35 and be heavily favored the next week. Then again, Chicago was hosting Cleveland. Jay Cutler led a 10 play, 5 minute drive that set up one field goal, and when the Browns turned it over deep in their own territory, the Bears lost a couple of yards and had Robbie Gould kick another one as the Bears led 6-0 in a game with no implications beyond parts of the industrial midwest. If Robbie Gould is a reason to watch a game, this game was scintillating. His third kick had the Bears up 9-0. The Browns did manage to level Cutler on one drive, but a helmet to chin hit, led to a personal foul. Matt Forte ran it in from one yard out at the 2 minute warning to give the Bears a 16-0 lead. The second half was played for contractual reasons.

The Browns got a lucky break when the Bears managed a 12 yard punt, setting Cleveland up at the Chicago 30. Derek Anderson ran it in from one yard out to pull the Browns to within 16-6. The extra point was blocked, and the Browns got no more breaks. Matt Forte ran it in from 10 yards out to make it 23-6. In the fourth quarter, a goal line stand by Cleveland was wasted when Anderson was intercepted by Charles Tillman, who returned it 21 yards to the house to complete the blowout. Eric Mangini does not seem like Mangenius, but nobody does in Cleveland. 30-6 Bears

Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys–Both of these teams have shown brilliance and underachievement this year, although the Cowboys have started clicking. Matt Hasselbeck led the Seahawks on a 14 play, 69 yard drive that took 6 minutes, setting up a 43 yard Olindo Mare field goal. Tony Romo, who has a bunch of receivers that do not tear the team apart while dropping passes, found Hurd for a 36 yard touchdown to give the Cowboys a 7-3 lead.

In the second quarter the Cowboys began a drive at the Seattle 30. With the short field, Marion Barber ran it in from 2 yards out to put the Cowboys up 14-3. Yet Hasselbeck quickly brought Seattle down the field, as an 80 yard drive was capped off with a 23 yard touchdown pass to Deion Branch as the Seahawks were within 14-10. The Cowboys missed a chance to expand the lead when Nick Folk missed a field goal. The Cowboys would not waste their next chance as Tony Romo led a 10 play, 65 yard drive that finished with a 7 yard touchdown pass to Roy Williams as the Cowboys led 21-10.

When Tony Romo found new superstar Miles Austin for a 3 yard touchdown in the third quarter, the Cowboys had broken the game wide open at 28-10. The exclamation point came when Patrick Crayton returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown to make it 35-10. Dallas added a fourth quarter field goal before surrendering a garbage touchdown late. The Cowboys are 5-2, and leading the tough NFC East. Jerry Jones is on the verge of letting the team sit at the adults table. The Seahawks play in the NFC Worst, so anything is possible. 38-17 Cowboys

Houston Texans @ Buffalo Bills–Despite being coached by Dick Jauron, the Bills had a chance to win this one. They are underdogs at home, which again goes back to Jauron. Speaking of overrated, Terrell Owens may drop way too many passes, and the only thing he normally runs is his mouth. Yet he ran a reverse around the end for a 29 yard touchdown to put the Bills up 7-0. I was wrong. He and Jauron are now superstars. The Texans responded with a field goal to close the gap to 7-3. In the second quarter the Texans reached the 5 yard line before settling for another field goal to make it a 7-6 game just before the 2 minute warning. The Bills added a field goal of their own to take a 10-6 lead into the locker rooms. The Texans added a third field goal as the Bills led 10-9 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter was all Texans, as Moats ran wild. Moats had 3 touchdowns of 11, 1, and 3 yards as the Texans won a blowout. The Texans have quietly won 3 straight for Gary Kubiak. As for the Bills, they still have Dick Jauron. 31-10 Texans

Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens–The Baltimore defense began laying the lumber early on as Kyle Orton got rocked for a sack on the first play. Ed Reed also knocked the daylights out of a defensive receiver, because that is what he does. A field goal had the Ravens up 3-0, and a second quarter field goal extended the Baltimore lead to 6-0 at halftime.

A listless first half was followed by a second half that began with a jolt as Lardarius Webb…yes, Lardarius Webb…returned the second half kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown for the Ravens. It was the first time in NFL history that a person named Lardarius had done this, and most likely the first time a Lardarius had ever played. The game went from listless to Lardarius as the Ravens led 13-0. Kyle Orton settled down and led a 10 play, 86 yard drive that took 5 minutes. Moreno ran it in from one yard out and the Broncos were within 13-7. Joe Flacco countered by leading the Ravens 10 plays and 69 yards over 5 minutes. A field goal had the Ravens up 16-7. From there, the defense clamped down.

Joe Flacco led a 5 minute, 73 yard drive that culminated in a 20 yard touchdown pass to Derrick Mason to give the Ravens a 23-7 lead with 13 minutes remaining in the game. Rice ran it in from 7 yards out to complete the scoring and knock the Broncos from the ranks of the unbeaten. The Broncos nearly lost their first game in Week 1. Yet time will tell if this was a tough road loss against a good team or if their 6-0 start was a mirage. 30-7 Ravens

St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions–The league should have scheduled this game against the World Series to test my theory of how little baseball matters. Then again, Wednesday morning would have been better. The Rams have lost 17 straight, and are chasing the 19 straight the Lions lost. Yet because the Lions did it in one season, the Rams will never get the credit they deserve.

Marc Bulger did lead an 11 play, 6 minute drive that led to a field goal and a 3-0 Rams lead, already defeating those who took the under. A bizarre play followed on defense. Matthew Stafford threw an interception to Butler at the Ras goal line, thwarting a drive. Yet Butler apparently did not study the NFL rulebook, because he went past the goal line where his interception turned into a safety. The Rams led 3-2. With one minute left in this terrible half, the Rams lined up for a 54 yard field goal. Instead, a perfectly executed fake led to kicker Josh Brown throwing a 36 yard touchdown pass to Fells as the Rams led 10-2.

After a scoreless third quarter, the first play of the fourth quarter had the Lions at the Rams 41. Matthew Stafford went deep for a 36 yard gain to Johnson. Stafford scrambled for the 4 yard touchdown himself, and then hit Morris for the 2 point conversion to tie the game 10-10. With 2 1/2 minutes left in this awful game, the Rams took over at their own 38. On 3rd and 3, defensive pass interference had the Rams at the Lions 42. Stephen Jackson stunned the crowd by running for a 17 yard gain and then for the 25 yard touchdown.

The Rams finally stopped the bleeding, after 17 straight losses. They failed to go 0-16 like the Lios by beating the Lions. Surprisingly, the Lions were not happy for them. Both of these teams have one win on the year, as the race to the bottom reverted away from the Rams. 17-10 Rams

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles–The Giants have been reeling after starting 5-0, and playing at Philadelphia is not a good place to recover. Despite going 13-3 last year, the Eagles belted the Giants twice in Giants Stadium last year, including the playoffs. This had the potential to be a blockbuster game. Early on, it was anything but.

3 plays and 90 seconds into the game, Weaver raced for a 41 yard touchdown to put the Eagles up 7-0. After Eli Manning was intercepted, the Eagles began at the Giants 10. Donovan McNabb hit Brent Celek for a 3 yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked, but the Eagles led 13-0. A 15 play, 72 yard drive that took up 7 minutes led to a David Akers field goal as the Eagles led 16-0 early in the second quarter.

The Giants finally got on the board at the 2 minute warning. Eli Manning hit Hakeem Nicks for a 34 yard pass between defenders to set up an 18 yard touchdown pass to Kevin Boss to get the Giants to within 16-7. Yet the Eagles came right back, as McNabb went deep to new star Deshean Jackson for a 54 yard touchdown bomb that had the Eagles cruising at 23-7. The Giants decided not to take a knee and go t the locker rooms, and another Manning interception led to McNabb hitting Jeremy Macklin for a 23 yard touchdown pass. The Eagles led 30-7, and were blowing out the Giants for the third straight time dating back to last year.

The Giants fumbled the second half kickoff, and Philly added a field goal before the Giants thought they had gotten back in the game. A fumble return for a touchdown was overturned on review. The Giants did get a field goal and a one yard touchdown run by Ahmad Bradshaw to pull to within 33-17, but McCoy slammed the door shut by barreling for a 66 yard touchdown run to close out the scoring. Andy Reid has the Eagles looking good, and Tom Coughlin will try and hold his team together after 3 straight losses following a long since gone 5-0 start. 40-17 Eagles

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans–Vince Young started in place of Kerry Collins as Jeff Fisher deferred to owner Bud Adams. It sparked the winless Titans early as Young led a 13 play, 7 minute drive that led to Rob Bironas field goal and a 3-0 Titans lead. In the second quarter, Young hit Nate Washington for a 6 yard touchdown pass as the Titans had a 10-0 lead. A short field after a turnover led to another field goal and the Titans leading 13-0. Yet a team that is 0-6 does not have anything come easy.

Maurice Jones-Drew ripped off an 80 yard run to make it a 13-7 game at the half. One play running drives are supposed to only happen in college football, but Jones-Drew ripped off a 7 yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Also, in pro football, the extra point should be automatic. Several games today including this one had the extra point blocked. Yet 2 plays and 2 touchdowns had the game tied 13-13.

Yet The Titans did not fold. Chris Johnson ripped off a 52 yard touchdown of his own as this game of big plays had the Titans back on top 20-13. A field goal extended the lead to 23-13, but in a game of big plays, the Titans had one more In the fourth quarter, Chris Johnson ran for an 89 yard touchdown to ice the game and finally get them a win on the season. 30-13 Titans

Oakland Raiders @ San Diego Chargers–For more on the game of the day, go to

http://www.justblogbaby.com

I will keep saying it until he is permanently benched, but JaMarcus Russell wears jersey # 2 because that describes his play. He is a complete bust. As soon as the announcers stated that he had a great week in practice, I knew it was over. Tom Cable smartly decided on the running game, which worked well in the opening week meeting between these teams. Yet from midfield, Russell tried to throw a long pass, which was intercepted by Antonio Rogers-Cromartie. Philip Rivers, who actually can play football, went deep to Malcolm Floyd. Floyd outjumped Michael Huff for a 63 yard gain. On the next play, out of a wildcat formation, Ladanian Tomlinson scored on the 10 yard touchdown as the Chargers rapidly led 7-0.

Russell retook the field, which meant the game was over. He began by calling a timeout before a perfectly executed false start. On 3rd and 4, he threw deep to nobody. At least it wasn’t intercepted. Every single Oakland drive from now on should be started by Bruce Gradkowski. Russell may be the worst starting quarterback in Raiders history, and I remember Jay Schroeder. At least Schroeder went 12-4 his first year starting (Marinovich does not count because of drugs. Russell is inexplicable).

Later in the first quarter the Raiders shocked the football world in a manner not seen since Len Dawson led Kansas City against Green Bay in Super Bowl I. By refusing to let Russell throw the ball, the ground game got the job done. Yes, it was after a Rivers interception, so Oakland started at the San Diego 27. Yet when Justin Fargas ran it in form 3 yards out, the game was tied 7-7. The best chance for the Raiders to win the game evaporated when the Chargers offense came back on the field.

Rivers led a 12 play, 78 yard drive that ate up 7 1/2 minutes.Every single one of the 6 completions went to Vincent Jackson. Somehow, from the 8 yard line, Jackson was wide open in the end zone. This is because Stanford Routt does for the defense what Russell does for the offense. The Chargers led 14-7. The best chance for the Raiders to tie the game disappeared when the Raiders offense took the field. On 3rd and 4, Russell did what he does, by misfiring incomplete badly. The Chargers moved the ball with ease, and Tomlinson ran it up the middle untouched for a 10 yard touchdown. The Chargers led 21-7 with one minute left in the half.

The Raiders had a brief spark of life when Jonthan Holland returned the kickoff 63 yards to the San Diego 37. The Raiders had 43 seconds and 2 timeouts. After moving 10 yards to the 27, Russell was sacked.  Russell then underthrew to a wide open Louis Murphy for a bounce pass. With 15 seconds left and no timeouts, the Raiders faced 3rd and 13. In a truly gutless display of cowardly football, Cable had Sebastian Janikowski kick a 48 yard field goal. The kick was good, and the Raiders trailed 21-10, but the larger point was Cable having zero confidence in Russell and is offense. It was a surrender.

The Raiders took the second half kickoff, and utilized an offense tighter than a 300 pound linebacker in speedos. Runs and ultra conservative passes led to a 41 yard Seabass field goal and a 21-13 game. Later in the quarter Darren Sproles fumbled a punt at midfield, and the Raiders took over. Russell did throw a deep pass that should have been intercepted, reminding Cable to go ultra conservative. It was working, but on 4th and 2 from the 10, with the CHargers on their heels and the defense gasping for air, Cable opted for the field goal. The game was now 21-16, but it was another heartbreaking lack of confidence in the offense.

Rivers calmed the Chargers down with a 15 play, 83 yard drive that consumed 8 minutes. On 3rd and 10 from their own 8, Rivers hit Chris Chambers for 20 yards, just as Oakland had all the momentum. Yet as the Chargers ripped off big gains, the defense of the Silver and Black stiffened by the goal line. A field goal by Nate Kaeding had the Chargers up 24-16 with 4 1/2 minutes left. With 2 1/2 minutes left, the Raiders faced 4th and 7 at their own 46. Russell hit Zach Miller for a 10 yard gain to the San Diego 44 at the 2 minute warning. The Raiders had 2 timeouts, although time was not a factor.

Russell then was hit and fumbled, and luckily Oakland fell on it. A false start set up 2nd and 28 with 1:18 left.  On the next play Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward Bey Ran into each other as Russell was sacked again. The Raiders took their final timeout on 3rd and 31. A pass to Zach Miller made it 4th and 19 with one minute left. Russell fired a pass that was dropped, and again the Raiders had lost to a Norvelous Norv Turner coached team. The Raiders had every chance to win, and naturally, they failed. They are 2-6. The fact that this game was close means nothing. Bad teams lose to Norv Turner. The Raiders are bad. There is no hope in sight. 24-16 Chargers

Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers–The circus has come to town. Screw the hyperbole. The game of the year has arrived. The former Packers standout now plays for the Vikings. Yes, this was all about kicker Ryan Longwell. Just kidding. Brett Favre was roundly booed in a classless display by the Cheeseheads. Divorce can be ugly. Yet the real story of this game is that the Vikings are simply a much better football team. An early Minnesota fumble set up a field goal and a 3-0 Packers lead, but the rest was all Minnesota.

Yes, Favre is all world, but he has some ridiculous talent around him. Percy Harvin has returned several kickoffs for touchdowns, and today he took a kickoff 77 yards to the Green Bay 14. On 4th and goal form the one, Brad Childress, who is bald, decided to go for it. Adrian Peterson ran it in from one yard out to put the Vikings up 7-3. In the second quarter Favre hit Vincent Shiancoe for a 12 yard touchdown. Just before the half, Ryan Longwell nailed a 41 yard field goal to make it 17-3 Vikings.

In the third quarter, Favre, no longer needed by geniuses Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy, went deep to Percy Harvin. Favre completed the ball as Harvin split 3…yes 3…defenders. The 51 yard catch and run had the Vikings rolling at 24-3. For those not knowing, Aaron Rodgers now quarterbacks the Packers. He did get them to 3rd and goal, but was then sacked. 6 minutes into the third quarter, the Packers settled for another field goal and a 24-6 game. It appeared to be a victory for the Vikings, but the game then dramatically turned.

Deliberately avoiding Percy Harvin, the Packers tried a short kick. It worked, as the Vikings fumbled it and the Packers took over at the Vikings 41. Rodgers hit Havner for a 16 yard touchdown to pull the Packers to within 24-13. Minnesota punted, and Rodgers led an 84 yard drive that was helped along by  42 yard completion to Jones. Rodgers hit Havner again for a 5 yard touchdown to make it a 24-20 game. Yet just as the Packers had the Vikings on their heels, the kickoff went to Harvin.

Harvin returned the kick 48 yards to the Green Bay 38. Favre hit Harvin for 15 yard, and a facemask penalty on the defense gave the Vikings 1st and goal at the 9. Favre hit Jeff Dugan for the 2 yard touchdown to put the Vikings up 31-20 with 13 1/2 minutes left in the game. Rodgers came right back, and a short touchdown pass to Greg Jennings followed by a failed 2 point conversion had the Packers within 31-26.

The Packers got the ball again, and with 5 1/2 minutes left, a 51 yard field goal attempt to cut the gap to 2 points was no good. Favre kept firing. A screen pass to Peterson picked up 44 yards. With 3 minutes left Favre threw his 4th touchdown pass, a 15 yard toss to Bernard Berrian to put the game out of reach.

The Vikings swept the series, and are 7-1. Green Bay is close to being done. Favre is 2-0 against Aaron Rodgers and his old team. The questions about Favre vs his old team are over. Now the question will be if Favre can win a Super Bowl with his new team. At the midpoint, it is very possible. 38-26 Packers

Carolina Panthers @ Arizona Cardinals–This game was a tale of 2 franchises moving in opposite directions. Last year the Panthers cruised to a 12-4 record behind superstar quarterback Jake Delhomme and all world wide receiver Steve Smith. The Cardinals at 9-7 were on their way to playoff elimination as the Panthers reached the Super Bowl. Then in a playoff shocker, it was Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald that dominated in a 33-13 Cardinals rout. The Cardinals went to the Super Bowl while the Panthers began this season losing an losing.

The Panthers entered this game 2-4 and Jake Delhomme being on the verge of being benched. Yet John Fox stuck with his long time leader. The Cardinals entered 4-2 after an impressive win on the road at New York. This was shaping up to be a blowout win for the Cardinals in the desert. Again, the football Gods delivered a surprise in an otherwise predictable season.

Delhomme started by leading a 15 play, 7 1/2 minute drive that covered 74 yards. When Jimmy Stewart ran it in from 15 yards out, the Panthers led 7-0. Warner responded with an 11 play, 81 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive. Warner hit Stephens-Howling for the final 14 yards to make it 7-7. Yet the second quarter was all Panthers.

Deangelo Williams ripped off a 77 yard gain to set up a 10 yard touchdown run by Stewart to put the Panthers up 14-7. Warner was intercepted, and Delhomme hit Steve Smith for a 50 yard touchdown pass to make it 21-7. Julius Peppers then returned a Warner interception 13 yards for a touchdown to have the Panthers winning big 28-7 at halftime. It did not make up for the playoff loss, but wins matter.

In the third quarter Warner led an 11 play, 67 yard drive that took 6 1/2 minutes. A one yard touchdown pass from Warner to Patrick had the Cardinals within 28-14. When the Panthers added a field goal, the game seemed out of reach, but Kurt Warner continued to rally the Cardinals. A pass to Steve Breaston set up a one yard touchdown run to get the Cardinals within 10 points, but it was too little, too late. The Panthers padded the lead with another field goal.

While this upset was not nearly as much of a shocker as the playoff game last year, a small taste of revenge may get the Panthers on the right track and right Delhomme as well. As for the Cardinals, they took a big step last week, but reverted this week back to form. They are simply inconsistent. 34-21 Panthers

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints was the Monday Night game. Back in 2006, this was perhaps the most emotional Monday Night Football game in history, with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina powering the crowd. Steve Gleason and Lawrence DeLoach were part of the greatest blocked punt in history as the Saints won at home. For better or worse, this was “just” a great football game. Mike Smith and the 5-2 Falcons went to play Sean Payton and the 6-0 Saints. Matt Ryan and Drew Brees have been conducting aerial assaults the past couple of years. This game had the potential to be a dandy, and it was.

The Falcons were not impressed with the Saints having home field advantage. Ryan led the Falcons 77 yards on their opening drive, with Michael Turner running it in from 13 yards out. Brees brought the Saints right back, going 80 yards in 13 plays over 5 1/2 minutes. Pierre Thomas broke off a 22 yard touchdown run to tie the game 7-7. While both of these teams have quick strike offenses, the defenses showed up in this game as well. When Biernmann returned a fumble 4 yards for a touchdown after a sack of Brees, the Falcons had a 14-7 lead.

The second quarter was all Saints. Brees led a 12 play, 80 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive, capped off with a 12 yard touchdown pass to Marques Colston to tie the game 14-14. Atlanta came right back down the field, but on 3rd down in the red zone, a short swing pass that would have been a first down was dropped. Jason Elam then doinked a 35 yard field goal off the upright as the Falcons missed a golden opportunity.

Brees made the Falcons pay, working the 2 minute drill to perfection. 80 yards came rapidly and easily, and Reggie Bush plunged over from one yard out to put the Saints up 21-14 late in the half. The Falcons had one minute to work with, and decided not to run out the clock. Yet this time it was the Saints defense that stepped up big. Ryan was intercepted by Greer, who followed some perfect blocks up the middle of the field for a 48 yard touchdown and a 28-14 Saints lead. Ryan did bring the Falcons quickly back, and close enough for a long field goal attempt by Elam as the half ended. Again, the kick was no good.

While the game had the potential to be a Saints route, the second half did not develop that way. Ryan went deep to Roddy White for a 68 yard bomb to have the Falcons to within 28-21. The Saints missed a chance to extend the lead when John Carney missed a field goal. Ryan brought the Falcons back again in 14 plays and 70 yards over 7 minutes. It momentarily looked like the Falcons had the tying touchdown early in the fourth quarter, but a successful challenge by the Saints had the call correctly ruled an incomplete pass. The Falcons settled for a field goal and trailed 28-24 with 12 minutes remaining in the game.

With 10 minutes left, Pierre Thomas fumbled and the Falcons recovered at the Saints 35. The Saints challenged this call as well, but lost the challenge and a timeout. A bruising 24 yard run by Turner had the Falcons knocking on the door, but Ryan was intercepted inside the 5 yard line. Brees then bled the clock and moved the ball. With 3 minutes to go, and everything on the line, the Saints had 3rd and goal at the one. Brees swung it out to Pierre Thomas, who went wide, went airborne, and catapulted the Saints into an 11 point lead.

Yet the game was not out of reach. The Falcons did get a field goal with 28 seconds left, and a perfectly executed onsides kick was recovered by the Falcons. With 11 seconds left, from just past midfield, Ryan heaved the Hail Mary. Darren Sharper intercepted it at the four yard line to finally end this wild and woolly one. A rematch is already anticipated, with a rubber match in the playoffs being well worth the television time. The Saints remain unbeaten at 7-0 while the Falcons lost their second straight after a 4-3 start. 35-27 Saints

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