Last week the NFL kicked off its opening Sunday with the backdrop of 9/11. Flags flew high, and players competed hard and honorably.
Now we continue by just having a regular football Sunday. The emotions will still be high, but in a different way. With that, an entire slate of games awaits us. Let’s play football.
Chicago Bears @ New Orleans Saints–The Saints came up one yard short last week at Green Bay while the Bears had a surprisingly easy win at home against Atlanta. The Bears played with heavy hearts as Brian Urlacher mourned the untimely death of his mother.
From the Bears 13, Matt Forte ran 42 yards. Jay Cutler found Forte for 18 more. On 3rd and 1 from the Saints 22, Cutler found Cluttis for 10. Intentional grounding set up 2nd and 22 form the 24. Yet on 3rd and 6 from the 15, roughing the passer kept the drive alive. Cutler hit Sanzenbacher for an 8 yard touchdown as the Bears led 7-0. Drew Brees led the Saints right back from the Saints 20. On 3rd and 6 from midfield Brees found Devry Henderson for 12. Yet on 3rd and 1 from the Chicago 14, Brees fired incomplete. Sean Payton decided not to go for it. John Kasay connected from 31 to have the Saints down 7-3.
In the second quarter, the Saints faced 3rd and 12 at their own 21. Brees went deep to Devry Henderson for a 79 yard touchdown as the Saints stormed in front 10-7. The Saints got the ball back after a punt with a short field at the Chicago 47. Yet on 3rd and 1 from the Chicago 9, Mark Ingram got blown up for a 2 yard loss. A 29 yard field goal had the Saints up 13-7. The Saints for the ball back at their own 34, and Brees quickly went to Graham for 31 yards. Ingram gained 9, but on 2nd and 1 lost 4. Kasay nailed a 53 yard field goal as the Saints led 16-7 just before the 2 minute warning.
Yet with the Bears facing 3rd and 9 at their own 21, Cutler hit Forte for gains of 15 and 11. Cutler scrambled for 12 and found Forte for 17 more. Robbie Gould hit a 42 yarder as time expired to have the Bears within 16-10 at the break.
In the third quarter the Bears began at their own 34. Cutler found Forte at midfield and Johnny Knox at the Saints 20. 3 incompletions led to a 38 yard field goal as the Bears were within 16-13.
The Saints offense was out of sync, but the Bears fumbled facing a 3rd and 11 at their own 36. The Saints took over at the Bears 29. On 3rd and goal from the 4, Brees hit Robert Meachem for the touchdown to have the Saints up 23-13.
The Saints got the ball back at their own 13, and Brees led a 14 play, 87 yard drive that consumed 8 minutes. On 3rd and 8 from the 26, Brees found Graham for 13. On 3rd and 5 from the Saints 44, Brees went back to Graham for 15 more. The Fourth quarter began with the Saints at the Bears 41. On 3r and 1, Ingram gained 12. On 3rd and 2 from the 12, Brees hit Darren Sproles for the touchdown. Although 12 minutes remained, the scoring was completed. Both teams are now 1-1, as the Saints righted their ship after a slow start. 30-13 Saints
Kansas City Chiefs @ Detroit Lions–The Lions are much improved, but the issue would be whether the Chiefs were as awful as they were last week to be the most rapidly declining team. Matthew Stafford was intercepted, but return man McGraw fumbled it right back to the Lions. A roughing the passer penalty set up a 15 yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson as the Lions led 7-0.
The Chiefs came back from the 20 as Dexter McCluster and Jamal Charles each ran for 24 yards. On 3rd and 4 fromt he Lions 18, Charles came up one yard short and was also injured on the play. On 4th and 1 from the 15, Todd Haley opted for the field goal as the Chiefs trailed 7-3. Kansas City missed a chance to get closer when Ryan Succup missed a 44 yarder on the next series.
A defensive second quarter saw the Lions begin with a short field with 6 minutes left in the half. From the Chiefs 45, Stafford found Nate Burleson for 9 and then went deep to Tony Scheffler for a 36 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Lions.
Cassel led the Chiefs to a 3rd and 4 at the Detroit 29, but was then intercepted. The Lions soon faced 3rd and 24 at their own 28, but Stafford went deep to young for 43 yards. Jason Hanson nailed a 51 yard field goal with one minute left in the half to have the Lions up 17-3. Cassel was intercepted again as the Lions took over at the Chiefs 39. Stafford went deep to Burleson to the 10 yard line. 3 incomplete passes later, and Hanson had another field goal to put the Lions up 20-3 as the half ended.
With 6 minutes left in the third quarter the Lions took over at their own 16. Jahvid Best had gains of 6 and 9. Stafford then found Burleson for 27 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Chiefs 41, Stafford found Best for 35 yards. On 4th and goal from the 1, Jim Schwartz decided to go for it. Stafford hit Calvin Johnson for the score as the Lions led 27-3. The Chiefs fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Lions took over at the Chiefs 23. Seconds into the fourth quarter Stafford found Best for a 9 yard score to make it 34-3.
Seconds later another Chiefs fumble had the Lions at the Chiefs 18. Best took it in from one yard out to have the Lions up 41-3. Cassel was then intercepted, again giving the Lions a short field at the Chiefs 34. From the one yard line, Williams could not crack it in on 2nd or 3rd down. On 4th and goal from the 1, another carry by Williams completed the scoring.
Yes the Lions are a much improved tea and deserve to be 2-0. Yet the Chiefs at 0-2 may be the worst team in football, having been carpetbombed in successive weeks by a combined 89-10. Todd Haley is already on the hot seat after this debacle. It was the biggest win in Lions history. 48-3 Lions
With 6 minutes left in the third quarter the Lions took over at their own 16. Jahvid Best had gains of 6 and 9. Stafford then found Burleson for 27 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Chiefs 41, Stafford found Best for 35 yards. On 4th and goal from the 1, Jim Schwartz decided to go for it. Stafford hit Calvin Johnson for the score as the Lions led 27-3. The Chiefs fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Lions took over at the Chiefs 23. Seconds into the fourth quarter Stafford found Best for a 9 yard score to make it 34-3.
Seconds later another Chiefs fumble had the Lions at the Chiefs 18. Best took it in from one yard out to have the Lions up 41-3. Cassel was then intercepted, again giving the Lions a short field at the Chiefs 34. From the one yard line, Williams could not crack it in on 2nd or 3rd down. On 4th and goal from the 1, another carry by Williams completed the scoring.
Yes the Lions are a much improved tea and deserve to be 2-0. Yet the Chiefs at 0-2 may be the worst team in football, having been carpetbombed in successive weeks by a combined 89-10. Todd Haley is already on the hot seat after this debacle. It was the bigges win in Lions history. 48-3 Lions
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets–The Jets made it look easy early on when Mark Sanchez took the Jet right down the field. Despite wearing their hideous throwback uniforms, Sanchez found Santonio Holmes for a 17 yard touchdown pass. Then Gang Green got into the act on defense, sacking Luke McCown for a safety to have the Jets up 9-0.
The lone bright spot for the Jaguars came when Josh Scobee nailed a 55 yard field goal to get Jacksonville within 9-3. Yet Antonio Cromartie returned the kickoff 46 yards to the Jets 41. On 3rd and 2 from the Jacksonville 21, Shon Greene only got half. Rex Ryan decided to opt for the field goal, and Nick Folk hit the 38 yarder to have the Jets up 12-3.
Both Mark Sanchez and Luke McCown were completing passes to the other team, with Sanchez getting picked off twice and McCown throwing 4 interceptions. With 1:20 left in the half, an interception of McCown set up a 45 yard field goal to have the Jets up 15-3 at halftime.
While the first half was dull, the second half was simply a completion of a blowout. Midway through the third quarter the Jets took over at their own 8 yard line. Sanchez went deep to Dustin Keller for 37 yards. Unnecessary roughness had the Jets moving, and Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes for 18 yards. Sanchez hit Keller for the 11 yard score to have the Jets coasting 22-3. Another interception of McCown by Cromartie was returned 26 yards down to the one. Greene took it in to make it 29-3.
The Jets would add a field goal as the Jaguars dropped to 1-1 under Jack Del Rio and the Jets got to 2-0. Rex Ryan declared this a Super Bowl season and Super Bowl teams have to win big in games like this. Today, Gang Green did. 32-3 Jets
Oakland Raiders @ Buffalo Bills–A pair of legends were not in attendance as Owners Al Davis and Ralph Wilson were not there. Al Davis is in his 80s and physically struggling. Ralph Wilson is 92, and this was the first home game he has missed in 52 years as he recovers from breaking his hip. Both of these tough pioneers watched from their respective homes.
The Raiders were also without their top 3 receivers and their tight end, so a heavy dose of running was expected. Hue Jackson began by calling 3 straight passes. On 3rd and 10 Campbell threw a screen pass that came up one yard short as they went 3 and out. Yet Buffalo also went 3 and out and the Raiders took over at their own 33. On 2nd and 10 McFadden took another screen pass 9 yards for 3rd and 1. Campbell snuck for the first down. Yet on 3rd and 9 Campbell was pressured and fired incomplete, resulting in another punt. The Bills took over at their own 14.
Fred Jackson broke through for a 34 yard gain to midfield. On 3rd and 5, Ryan Fitzpatrick tossed a 6 yard completion. An illegal crackback block had the Bills facing 1st and 25. On 3rd and 23 Chan Gailey went to his bag of tricks and tried to have Brad Smith throw a halfback option pass. Smith does play quarterback. The play was blown up for a 6 yard loss as the Bills punted. The Raiders took over at their own 29.
McFadden got to the outside for a 14 yard gain. On 2nd and 6 McFadden gained 5 more. 3rd and 1 saw another quarterback sneak that came up just short. On 4th and inches from the Buffalo 47, Hue Jackson decided to go for it. McFadden gained 4 yards. After an incomplete deep ball, McFadden gained 7 to set up 3rd and 3 as the opening quarter ended. The second quarter saw Campbell throw a jump ball that Denarius Moore somehow caught for 20 yards. From the Buffalo 17, McFadden gained 4 and 3 to set up another 3rd and 3 at the 10. Campbell found Chaz Schillens over the middle to set up 1st and goal at the one. Michael Bush got swarmed and then a play action pass that fooled nobody set up 3rd and goal. Encroachment moved the Raiders closer. Bush banged through as the Raiders led 7-0 on the road after the 14 play drive.
The Silver and Black stepped up big on defense as a 3rd and 10 pass was intercepted by Stanford Routt. The Raiders took over at the Buffalo 34. Again expecting runs, Campbell went to the air and found Derrick Hagan for 16 yards. Campbell found Marcel Reece for 6, and McFadden gained 6 to set up 1st and goal at the 6. From the 4, McFadden went inside, escaped a tackle, bounced to the outside and broke another tackle to get to the marker as the Raiders led 14-0 midway through the second quarter.
After another Sebastian Janikowski touchback was followed by a strong Buffalo drive. Fitzpatrick hit Parrish for 16 and St. Johnson for 19. A wildcat snap to Brad Smith gained 9. On 3rd and 8 from the 14, a pass to Nelson came up just short when Rolando McClain and Michael Huff kept Nelson from the marker. On 4th and 1 from the 7, Chan Gailey surprisingly decided to go for the field goal. Ryan Lindell had the Bills within 14-3. with 2 1/2 minutes left in the half.
The Raiders took over at their own 18, and after a run gained only one yard Buffalo took a timeout to try and get the ball back. Yet Campbell then hit McFadden for 16 yards at the 2 minute warning. Campbell then went deep to Moore for a 42 yard bomb. Bush rumbled up the middle 22 yards just shy of the goal line. Campbell snuck it over as the Raiders led 21-3 with less than 90 seconds left in the half.
The Bills exploded to start the second half from their own 20. Defensive pass interference gained 17 yards, and Fitzpatrick scrambled for 13 to midfield. CJ Spiller gained 7 more, and Jackson broke free for a 43 yard touchdown run. The Bills needed less than 90 seconds to get right back in it down 21-10.
The Raiders took over at their own 14. On 3rd and 9 Campbell found Hagan for 10. On 3rd and 5 from the 30, Campbell found Myers for 8. On 3rd and 1 from the Oakland 47, Campbell found Myers for another 8. The offense was clicking, but on 2nd and 7 from the Buffalo 42, McFadden fumbled and the Bills recovered.
Buffalo moved at will as Spiller gained 12 and Fitzpatrick found St Johnson for 9. Out of a wildcat, Smith gained 11 more. Spiller took it another 18 yards to set up 1st and goal at the 7. On 3rd and goal Fitzpatrick fired over the middle to St. Johnson as the Bills were right back in it down 21-17.
The Raiders went 3 and out and the Bills took over at their own 31. Yards game in big chunks as Fitzpatrick found St. Johnson for gains of 13 and 16. Jackson then ran for 29 to the Oakland 16. The fourth quarter began with the Bills at the Oakland 11. Fitzptrick hit Chandler for 10 and Jackson took it in the final yard as the Bills came all the way back to lead 24-21 one minute into the final quarter.
After another touchback, the Bills benefitted when the Raiders were called for a personal foul helmet to helmet hit on an incomplete pass. Fitzpatrick hit Jackson for 12 and Nelson for 9. On 3rd and 1 from the Raiders 21 with 9 seconds left in the half, Fitzpatrick fired high and incomplete. The 39 yard field goal to end the half was partially blocked as the Raiders had the 21-3 lead on the road going into the locker rooms.
The Bills exploded to start the second half from their own 20. Defensive pass interference gained 17 yards, and Fitzpatrick scrambled for 13 to midfield. CJ Spiller gained 7 more, and Jackson broke free for a 43 yard touchdown run. The Bills needed less than 90 seconds to get right back in it down 21-10.
The Raiders took over at their own 14. On 3rd and 9 Campbell found Hagan for 10. On 3rd and 5 from the 30, Campbell found Myers for 8. On 3rd and 1 from the Oakland 47, Campbell found Myers for another 8. The offense was clicking, but on 2nd and 7 from the Buffalo 42, McFadden fumbled and the Bills recovered.
Buffalo moved at will as Spiller gained 12 and Fitzpatrick found St Johnson for 9. Out of a wildcat, Smith gained 11 more. Spiller took it another 18 yards to set up 1st and goal at the 7. On 3rd and goal Fitzpatrick fired over the middle to St. Johnson as the Bills were right back in it down 21-17.
The Raiders went 3 and out and the Bills took over at their own 31. Yards game in big chunks as Fitzpatrick found St. Johnson for gains of 13 and 16. Jackson then ran for 29 to the Oakland 16. The fourth quarter began with the Bills at the Oakland 11. Fitzptrick hit Chandler for 10 and Jackson took it in the final yard as the Bills came all the way back to lead 24-21 one minute into the final quarter.
After the score, Hue Jackson was called for unsportsmanlike conduct due to a new NFL rule. He threw a challenge flag after the touchdown, and that is no longer allowed. All scores are reviewable automatically, so throwing the challenge flag is a delay of the game. This actually helped the Raiders because with Jacoby Ford out, the kick return game was dreadful all day. This time the Raiders actually began at their own 20.
Campbell hit Moore for 10, and then offensive holding set up 1st and 20. Campbell calmly went to Hagan for 25. From the Buffalo 43, Hue Jackson called a double reverse that Moore took for 25 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the 12, Campbell found McFadden for the touchdown. Although the Raiders led 28-24 with 9 1/2 minutes to play, this game was just heating up.
From the 20, the Bills kept making it look easy. Fitzpatrick hit Nelson for 15 and Spiller gained 26. Fitzpatrick hit St. Johnson to set up 1st and goal at the 8. On 3rd and goal, Fitzpatrick fired incomplete. Yet defensive holding on Chris Johnson gave the Bills news life. Fitzpatrick hit Chandler for the 6 yard touchdown. The Bills led 31-28 with 5 minutes to play.
Another terrible kick return had the Raiders at their own 12. Campbell hit McFadden for 13 and Reece for 12 more. McFadden ran for 6 and caught a pass for 7 more to midfield. On the next play Campbell went for the bomb, throwing into double coverage. Al Davis had to be smiling when Moore outjumped both defenders and stole it for the spectacular touchdown. The Raiders led 35-31 with 4 minutes left. Yet in a game with backups on offense, it was the Raiders defense that had no answers.
From the 20, another defensive pass interference penalty added 14 yards. On 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 43, Fitzpatrick snuck it. Buffalo reached the Oakland 42 at the 2 minute warning. Fitzpatrick hit Jackson for 11. With one minute left, the Bills faced 4th and 3 from the Oakland 24. Fitzpatrick hit Jones for 9. On 2nd and 10, Fitzptrick went to the end zone and Chris Johnson had the interception. Yet at the last moment receiver Donald Jones played defender and knocked it out of Johnson’s hands incomplete. With 18 seconds to play, everything came down to 4th and 1 at the Oakland 6. Fitpatrick found Nelson for the touchdown as the Bills again had the lead by a field goal with 14 seconds to play. The Bills had scored 5 touchdowns on 5 second half possessions, but the game still was not done.
After a touchback, the Raiders had 14 seconds to try and pull off another miracle. Campbell hit Moore for 24 yards as 6 seconds remained. Sebastian Janikowski tied the NFL record last week by nailing a 63 yarder. Yet on the next play Campbell threw incomplete. With one second left, Hue Jacksonw as not going to have Seabass try a 73 yarder. Campbell scrambled around and threw the Hail Mary to the end zone. A receiver and a defender struggled for the ball. It was ruled an interception in the end zone. The Bills had the 2-0 record while the Raiders fell to 1-1. The game was a thriller, and while the Raiders offense was very impressive, the defense has a ton of work to do. Ryan Fitzpatrick is talented, but he is not Jim Kelly and this was not the K-Gun Bills of the 1990s. Campbell went 23 of 33 for 323 and 2 touchdowns with the interception at the end, but the 454 yards of offense was less than the 481 yards the defense surrendered. This was a tough road loss. 38-35 Bills
Arizona Cardinals @ Washington Redskins–Rex Grossman led the Redskins right down the field from the Washington 24 to a 3rd and goal at the Arizona 6. Yet Grossman was intercepted to kill the drive. On the second Washington drive Grossman led the Redskins from their own 19 to a 3rd and 6 at the Arizona 39. Grossman was intercepted again. This time it was returned 37 yards to the Washington 3. Kevin Kolb hit Roberts for 16 and then King for the 21 yard touchdown as the Cardinal had the 7-0 lead.
The Redskins took over at their own 15, and again Grossman had them moving. The second quarter began with the Redskins at their own 47. Strong running had Tim Hightower gaining 4 and 17 and Helu gaining 10 and 7. On 3rd and goal from the 3, a false start followed by an incomplete pass led to a 26 yard Graham Gano field goal as the Redskins trailed 7-3.
Washington got the ball back and Hightower ran for 4, 20, and 3. Grossman found Helu for 33 yards and Helu gained 11 more. Defensive pass interference led to a one yard touchdown pass to Davis as the Redskins led 10-7 with 3 minutes left in the half. Arizona punted, and a 35 yard return with 15 more tacked on for a penalty had the Redskins at the Cardinals 20. Yet on 4th and 2 at the 12, a Gano chip shot was blocked as the Redskins led 10-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter the kickoff went out of bounds, giving the Cardinals the ball at their own 40. Kolb led the Cardinals to a 1st and 10 at the Redskins 18. Kolb was then sacked, and on the next play he was intercepted. Arizona got the ball at their own 10. On 3rd and 5 Kolb found Larry Fitzgerald for just enough, and then went back to him for 24 more. Beanie Wells ran for 25, and eventually Wells took it in from 2 yards out to have the Cardinals up 14-10.
After several punts, the Redskins began the fourth quarter at the Arizona 44. Even with the short field, Washington had to settle for a 23 yard Gano field goal to get within 14-13. Yet the Cardinals came right back. On 1st and 15 from their 27, Kolb went deep to Fitzgerald for a 73 yard touchdown strike to put the Cardinals up 21-13 with 11 minutes left in regulation.
Washington took over at their own 27, and on 3rd and 10 Grossman found Jabar Gaffney for 20. A pair of 3rd and 1 conversions led to 4th and 3 at the Arizona 18. With 5 1/2 minutes left Mike Shanahan decided to go for it, and Grossman hit Santa Moss for the touchdown. The point conversion failed, but the Redskins were within 21-19. Arizona went 3 and out, and the Redskins took over at their own 36.
Grossman found Davis for gains of 15 and 4, and then to Moss for 12. Helu gained 11 at the 2 minute warning to the Arizona 22. A 34 yard field goal by Gano had the Redskins up by a point with 1:45 left. Arizona needed one play from scrimmage to fumble the ball and the game away. The Cardinals under Ken Whisenhunt fell to 1-1 while Washington is a surprising 2-0 although both wins have come at home against teams that are average at best. 22-21 Redskins
Baltimore Ravens @ Tennessee Titans–Another defensive bonelock awaited in a game with teams that have beaten the daylights out of each other over the years. Both defenses had some success early on as the teams traded interceptions in a scoreless opening quarter. The second quarter began with the Titans missing an opportunity when Rob Bironas shanked a 34 yard field goal try.
A Baltimore fumble set the Titans up at the Ravens 34, but the Titans had to settle for a 25 yard Rob Bironas field goal. Joe Flacco finally got going from the Baltimore 19. Ray Rice gained 11 and Flacco found Pitta and Anquon Boldin for a pair of 16 yard gains. A 31 yard touchdown pass to Ray Rice put the Ravens up 7-3.
Hasselbeck led the Titans 80 yards. A 33 yard pass to Cook set up a 4 yard touchdown pass to Kenny Britt, putting the Titans back on top 10-7. Reed returned the kickoff 77 yards to the Titans 30. Billy Cundiff hit a 41 yarder at the gun as the teams were deadlocked 10-10 at halftime.
The third quarter quickly saw the Titans facing 3rd and 8 from their own 27. Hasselbeck went deep to Nate Washington for a 42 yard gain. Ringer gained 12, and Ringer polished off the last 10 to have the Titans up 17-10. Tennessee got the ball back at their own 10, and Hasselbeck led a 12 play, 5 1/2 minute drive. Hasselbeck began with an 18 yarder to Ringer. Eventually Bironas would nail a 43 yard field goal to have the Titans up 20-10.
Early in the fourth quarter Flacco was intercepted, setting the Titans up at the Ravens 26. The drive went nowhere, but Bironas connected from 39 to have the Titans up 23-10. The Ravens took over from their own 17, and soon connected with Evans for 32 yards and Dickson for 16 more. On 3rd and goal from the 6, a false start and an incompletion meant another field goal as the Ravens were within 23-13 with 7 minutes to play.
Yet even the vaunted Ravens defense of Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Haloti Ngata and company had no answers for a suddenly revitalized Matt Hasselbeck. Hasselbeck finished with 358 yards passing. On 3rd and 9 from the 21, Hasselbeck hit Britt just shy of midfield. On 3rd and 6 from the Ravens 47, Hasselbeck hit Hawkins for 7. With 3 minutes left, the Titans faced 4th and 1 at the Ravens 31. Haselbeck hit Johnson for 13. 14 plays and 6 1/2 minutes ground the Ravens down. Bironas added a final field goal with 30 seconds left. The Ravens were a preseason pick for the Super Bowl, but John Harbaugh knows that means winning games against marginal teams. Instead, Mike Munchak got his first win as a head coach in the upset. 26-13 Titans
Seattle Seahawks @ Pittsburgh Steelers–As tempting as it is to call this a Super Bowl rematch, it was actually a game between a pair of teams who got blasted on the road last week. In the Super Bowl, it was questionable penalties making the difference. In this game Ben Roethlisberger went deep and a defensive pass interference penalty set up 1st and goal at the one. Yet on 4th and goal from the one Mendenhall got stuffed.
Seattle could not move the Ball and Pittsburgh got it back. Mike Tomlin went for the gadget play as Big Ben handed to Emanuel Sanders, who tossed it to Hines Ward. In the Super Bowl it was Randle-El, but the play was the same. From the Seattle 15, Mendenhall ran for 11, 3, and this time the final yard to have the Steelers up 7-0.
Seattle would punt, and the Steelers had a short field to start the second quarter. Big Ben found Moore for 9 and Mike Wallace for 16 more. Redman ran for the 20 yard touchdown to have the Steelers up 14-0. Pittsburgh got the ball back and Big Ben led a 14 play, 81 yard drive that consumed almost 8 minutes. Yet it bogged down at the 3 yard line as the Steelers settled for a field goal and a 17-0 lead at halftime.
The second half was unnecessary and uneventful. On 3rd and 3 from the Pittsburgh 36, Big Ben found Brown at midfield and Wallace for 23 more. On 3rd and 2 from the Seattle 19, Roethlisberger hit Ward at the 4. Roethlisberger found Wallace for a 2 yard touchdown to complete the scoring. Seattle lost both road games under Pete Carroll while Mike Tomlin saw his team make a statement after losing badly last week. 24-0 Steelers
Green Bay Packers @ Carolina Panthers–The defending champions traveled to play last year’s worst team. To quote Chris Berman, at least early on “That’s why they play the games.” Cam Newton threw for 422 yards in his first game, but this was expected to be a much tougher test.
Carolina began at their own 15 and Newton made it looked easy. Newton hit Shockey for 23 yards and then 18 more. He hit Steve Smith for gains of 15 and 12. Newton hit Lafell for a 3 yard touchdown as the Panthers had the 7-0 lead.
Last week Randall Cobb took a kickoff return 108 yards for a score. This week he coughed it up, as the Panthers got it back at the Green Bay 26. Newton led the Panthers to a 4th and 1 at the 2. Ron Rivera played it safe on the road and took the points as the chip shot field goal had Carolina up 10-0 before Green Bay could run an offensive play.
In the second quarter Newton led the Panthers again. While the drive stalled at the Green Bay 15, Olindo Mare connected from 33 as the Panthers led 13-0 in a stunner. With Carolina in total control and the Packers facing 3rd and 7 at their own 23, Aaron Rodgers found Finley for 39 yards. On 3rd and 1 from the Carolina 29, Rodgers found Finley for 6. Another 3rd and 1 from the Carolina 14 meant another non-run up the middle for pass happy Mike McCarthy, although it did go to to running back Ryan Grant. The 8 yard gain led to a one yard touchdown run by Kuhn. The defenses settled in as the Panthers led 13-7 at the half.
The third quarter was all Green Bay. Starks began with runs of 8, 1, and 14. Rodgers scrambled for 8 and then went deep to Greg Jennings for a 49 yard touchdown to put the Packers up 14-13.
Cam Newton threw for 432 yards last week in his very first pro game. By the end of his second game, he would have thrown for another 422 yards. While he will not end up with 6400 yards passing, this is still a shock to the system of those who want to give new quarterbacks clipboards. Newton would throw three interceptions in this game, but he is still a phenom. An interception in the third quarter set up Green Bay at the Carolina 20. A field goal had the Packers up 17-13.
Newton then hit Steve Smith for a 25 yard gain, but Smith fumbled it away at the Green Bay 32. Starks quickly ripped off a 40 yard run. On 3rd and 7 from the Carolina 25, Rodgers hit Finley for 17. Rodgers fired incomplete on 3rd and goal at the 1. Mike McCarthy decided not to gamble, and Mason Crosby tacked on the field goal to make it 20-13 Packers.
Another interception of Newton had the Packers just past midfield. A personal foul moved the Packers closer. Yet from the Carolina 13, a sack of Rodgers ended the drive as Crosby kicked another field goal to have the Packers up 23-13.
From the 20, Newton found Stewart for a gain of 21 as the third quarter ended. On 3rd and 9 from the Packers 35, Newton hit Stewart for 12 and Jeremy Shockey for 15 more. Yet a pair of incompletions from the 3 yard line meant another field goal as Olindo Mare got the Panthers within 23-16 with 10 minutes left in regulation.
Carolina got the ball back midway through the fourth quarter at their own 32. A sack set up 3rd and 22 at the Carolina 20. Newton went to LaFell for 32 yards and Steve Smith for 21 more. Newton then hit Stewart for another 15 and LaFell for 9. On 3rd and 1 from the 3, Newton was sacked for a 3 yard loss. With 4 minutes left, Ron Rivera had no choice but to go for it on 4th and 4 from the 6. Newton scrambled but came up one yard short.
From the 4, Starks ran for 12. Rodgers then found Jordy Nelson for a game changing 84 yard touchdown. The 14 point swing took a potential tie game and instead had the Packers up 30-16. Newton kept firing, and with just over 2 minutes to play led the Panthers from their own 17 to a 4 yard touchdown scramble. A 62 yard bomb to Steve Smith gave Carolina a chance. The touchdown had the Panthers within 7, but the onsides kick failed.
The Panthers might be the most exciting team coming off a 2-14 season in league history. Eve at 0-2, better days are ahead. Green Bay got to 2-0, but it has not been easy. Despite Carolina losing, this is still why they play the games. 30-23 Packers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Minnesota Vikings–Last week Donovon McNabb had a miserable start to his Minnesota career, throwing for only 39 yards. Yet from the Minnesota 10, he moved the Vikings. On 3rd and 5 he hit Percy Harvin for 11. A solid ground game helped him, as Adrian Peterson gained 12 and Tony Gerhart ran around the end for 31 yards. McNabb would hit Harvin for 11 more, and on 3rd and goal from the 1, Peterson took it in for the score to have the Vikings up 7-0.
In the second quarter McNabb led another long drive. On 3rd and 12 from the Vikings 36, McNabb scrambled for 13. A 19 yard pass to Harvin and a 15 yarder to Vincente Shiancoe had the Vikings at the 6. The drive stalled at the 4 but Ryan Lindell put the Vikings up 10-0.
Tampa Bay had no offense, and the Vikings took over at their own 25 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the half. McNabb found Rudolph for 15 and Peterson ran for 19. On 3rd and 16 from the Bucs 46, McNab found Toby Gerhart for 42 yards. After a sack, Peterson ran 9 yards for the score as the Vikings led 17-0 at halftime.
Whatever happened at halftime will be a fairytale in Tampa Bay and a nightmare in Minnesota for years to come. The Vikings punted, and the Bucs took over at the Minnesota 44. Freeman hit Stocker for 17, and Blount then raced the final 27 as the Buccaneers got to within 17-7. Raheem Morris called a perfectly executed onsides kick as Tampa Bay retained possession. Yet on 1st and 10 from the Bucs 12, Freeman was intercepted in the end zone.
Minnesota had virtually no offense in the second half, as the Buccaneers took over at their own 30. On 3rd and 17, Tampa Bay fumbled it away, but offsides gave the Buccaneers new life. On 3rd and 12, Freeman found Parker for 51 yards. A 36 yard Connor Barth field goal had the Buccaneers trailing 17-10 after three quarters.
From the Minnesota 20, McNabb finally moved the Vikings. A 23 yard defensive pass interference penalty followed by a 10 yard end around by Harvin had the Vikings at the Bucs 20. The drive stalled at the 11, but Ryan Longwell connected from 29 as the Vikings had a 20-10 lead with less than 10 minutes left in regulation.
After a touchback, the Bucaneers faced 3rd and 2. Freeman gained just enough. On 3rd and 1 from the 39, Freeman gained 2. A 19 yard pass to Briscoe with 15 more for roughing the passer tacked on had the Buccaneers at the Minnesota 25. Freeman went deep to Benn for the score on the next play as the Buccaneers were only down 20-17 with 6 1/2 minutes to play. Minnesota could not move the ball as the Buccaneers got the ball back at their own 39 with 4 minutes left.
Freeman hit Parker for a pair of 9 yard gains and Kellen Winslow for 14 more to the Vikings 29. At the 2 minute warning the Bucs had reached the 16. On 3rd and 4 from the 10, Freeman found Parker for just enough. Blount carried it the final 4 yards as the Buccaneers had the 4 point lead with 35 seconds to play. Percy Harvin fumbled the ensuing kickoff, pinning the Vikings back at their own 10. It was too much to overcome as the Vikings fell to 0-2. Leslie Frazier will start hearing calls that McNabb is washed up. As for the Buccaneers, so far we do not know what to expect from them from week to week. This week they showed plenty of character and heart. Minnesota showed neither. 24-20 Buccaneers
Cleveland Browns @ Indianapolis Colts–While the Colts without Manning looked awful last week, a Cleveland team that lost at home to equally awful Cincy should not have been favored on the road. Kerry Collins can play football, and he led Indy to a field goal on their opening drive. At the start of the second quarter a 3rd and 1 at the Cleveland 9 failed to convert. Jim Caldwell, who is all personality, decided to settle for another field goal as Adam Vinatieri put the Colts up 6-0.
Yet Josh Cribbs returned the ensuing kickoff 52 yards to the Indy 45. On 3rd and 1 Peyton Hillis got stuffed, but Fritz Shurmur decided to summon up his inner potential Walrus by going for it. Colt McCoy snuck across. After hitting Hillis for 19, the Browns faced 3rd and 7 at the Colts 22. McCoy found Massaquoi for 8. On 3rd and 12 from the 16, McCoy found Moore for the score as the Browns led 7-6.
From the Indy 32, Collins found Joseph Addai for 12. Like Manning, Collins operated out of the no huddle. Several short gains led to a 52 yard field goal by Vinatieri. The Colts led 9-7, but field goals are not touchdowns.
From the 20, McCoy led the Browns. On 3rd and 2, McCoy hit Massaquoi for 9. At the 2 minute warning, facing 3rd and 8 from the Cleveland 39, McCoy found Joshua Cribbs for 25. McCoy found Smith for 7 and Massaquoi for 28 down to the one. Manning was out, but another Peyton was in as Hillis took it in the end zone to give the Browns the 14-9 lead on the road at intermission.
In the third quarter McCoy led the Browns from their 20 to the Indy 44, but a Hillis fumble gave it away. The Colts took over at their own 40, and Addai caught an 8 yard pass and then ran for 5, 15, and 7. Carter took over and ran for 7 and 12 to set up 1st and 10 at the Cleveland 13. Carter lost 5 and Colins fired incomplete as a fourth Vinatieri field goal had the Colts down 14-12.
On the last play of the third quarter, facing 3rd and 13 at the Indy 28, Collins was intercepted by Young, who returned it 28 yards. The Browns began the fourth quarter at the Indy 21. On 3rd and 4 McCoy found Little for 11. Yet the drive stopped at the 2 yard line. On 4th and goal Fritz Shurmur opted for the field goal. Original Dawg Phil Dawson hit it to put the Browns up 17-12.
The defenses dug in, but a tight game was broken open with 5 minutes left when the Colts punted and Cribbs returned it 43 yards to the Colts 28. On 3rd and 6, Hillis ran for the 24 yard touchdown to put the Browns up 24-12 with 4 minutes left. Collins was then hit and fumbled on the next series, giving the Browns the ball at the Cleveland 14. Hillis carried for 5, 3, and 1, but on 4th and 1 from the 5, Shurmur again opted for the field goal. With 3 minutes left the Browns led 27-12.
Collins would throw a garbage time touchdown pass as Indianapolis finally got in the end zone with 28 seconds to play. The onsides kick failed, and the Browns had the road win. Mike Holmgren is a happy President Walrus as the Browns got to 1-1. Yet the always grump Bill Polian knows that his team is a mess. Jim Caldwell is so worried he may make a facial expression. The Colts are 0-2, and it is clearly time to panic. 27-19 Browns
Dallas Cowboys @ San Francisco 49ers–This game mattered in the early 1990s. Jim Harbaugh won his coaching debut last week and had a second straight home game. Dallas lost a heartbreaker with a fourth quarter meltdown that especially fell on Tony Romo. Dallas was on the road again against a familiar foe.
Romo went right to work, leading Dallas from their own 20 on a drive that took half of the opening quarter. On 3rd and 1 from the Frisco 3, Romo fired incomplete. Jason Garrett decided not to go for it, yet Bailey somehow missed a 21 yard field goal as the game remained scoreless throughout the first quarter.
In the second quarter from the Dallas 41 on 3rd and 10, another much maligned quarterback in Alex Smith found last week’s hero Ted Ginn for 14. Smith then went deep, and defensive pass interference placed the ball on the one. Frank Gore took it in and the 49ers led 7-0. Ginn then took a punt 20 yards as the 49ers took over at the Dallas 48. On 3rd and 5 Smith found Morgan for 12. On 3rd and 5 from the Dallas 26, Smith found Morgan again for 10. On 3rd and 6 from the 12, Smith found Kevin Williams for the score as the 49ers led 14-0.
With 3 minutes left in the half after some punts, the Cowboys took over at their own 29. Romo found Miles Austin for 12. On 3rd and 4 from the Dallas 47, Romo found Miles Austin for 53 yard touchdown to get the Cowboys on the board trailing 14-7 at the half. Last year Romo missed the final 10 games with an injured clavicle as Jon Kitna led the team. In the second half it was Kitna coming in again for a hurt Romo. Alex Smith was intercepted, giving the Cowboys the ball at the Frisco 18. Kitna found Austin for a 5 yard touchdown to tie the game 14-14.
With one minute left in the third quarter, the Cowboys faced 3rd and 5 at their own 34. Kitna was intercepted, and the 49ers took over at the Dallas 29. Smith needed only one play to go deep to Walker to put the 49ers up 21-14.
The Cowboys began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 18 at their own 12 when Romo fumbled. Dallas retained possession and punted, giving the 49ers the ball at the Dallas 46. On 4th and 1 from the 37, with 11 minutes left, Jim Harbaugh decided to have veteran kicker David Akers try a 55 yard field goal. Akers hit it, as the 49ers had some breathing room up 24-14. Last week Romo was pilloried for blowing the late lead. This week he needed to overcome a late deficit.
After getting sacked, Romo found Ogletree for 17 yards and then Miles Austin for 25 more to the Frisco 39. On 4th and 5 from the 34, Jason Garrett opted against the 52 yard field goal with 7 minutes left since his kicker had missed a 21 yarder. Romo found Jason Witten for 9 and then Miles Austin for the 25 yard touchdown as the Cowboys were within 24-21.
The 49ers went backward, and the Cowboys took over at their own 26 with 4 minutes left. A fellow named Jesse Holley was out of football before making the practice squad. He had never caught a pass in an NFL game. By the time the game was over he would be part of Cowboys lore. He caught passes for 11 and 8. Murray gained 8, and on 3rd and 6 from the Frisco 43, Romo found Austin for 7. On 3rd and 2 from the Frisco 28 with 50 seconds to go, Austin lost a yard and fumbled. Dallas was again lucky to retain possession. With 4 seconds left Bailey came in for a 48 yard try. The kick was good and the teams went to overtime.
The 49ers got the ball and ended up punting. Dallas took over at their own 22. Romo went deep to Holley, and he was off to the races. After a 77 yard gain he was caught at the one yard line. Garrett brought in Bailey for a 19 yard field goal, and it was good. After less than 3 minutes of overtime, Romo had his redemption, Smith still had his critics, and both of these teams were 1-1 after the exciting finish. 27-24 Cowboys, OT
Houston Texans @ Miami Dolphins–
Houston Texans @ Miami Dolphins–Both Gary Kubiak and Tony Sparano barely avoided being fired at the end of last year, and Kubiak bought himself some time with a big home win last week against Indy while Sparano saw his team get throttled at home against New England. Miami was 6-2 on the road last year but 1-7 at home.
Houston made it look easy early on from their own 20. Matt Schaub hit Andre Johnson for 5, and Owen Daniels for 10. Arriun Foster gained 14, 2, and 6, and caught a pass for 4. Schaub then found Jones for 31 yards down to the 8. After 12 plays and 5 minutes the drive stalled at the 5. Neil Rackers hit the field goal to put the Texans up 3-0. Miami went 3 and out and Jones returned a punt 40 yards to the Miami 44. Schaub found a pair of Johnsons for gains of 16 and 15, but a run on 3rd and 4 from the 6 only gained half. Rackers hit another chip shot as the Texans led 6-0.
The Dolphins took over at their own 11. Chad Henne found Brandon Marshall for 10 and Bess for 41. Roughing the passer added 15 more. Miami had to settle for a 42 yard Duane Carpenter kick as the Dolphins trailed 6-3. On the opening play of the second quarter from the Miami 9 yard line, Henne was intercepted. Houston took over at the Miami 6 and Schaub hit Daniels from 4 yards out to have the Texans up 13-3.
The Dolphins took over at their own 20 and Henne repeatedly handed off to Thomas. Miami pounded it out on the ground but got no further than the 5 yard line. The 22 yard field goal by Carpenter was blocked, as a 7 minute drive produced nothing. Miami got the ball back at their own 26, and a 41 yard pass interference penalty on the defense led to another short field goal attempt from 34 yards out. This time Carpenter just missed it wide.
Houston took over at their own 24, and on 3rd and 1 Schaub went deep to Johnson for 43 yards. The drive got no further than the 10, but Rackers nailed a 36 yarder at the gun as the Texans led 16-3 at halftime.
After an exchange of punts in the third quarter, Miami took over at their own 38. Operating out of the no huddle, Henne found Marshall for 16 on 3rd and 3. Thomas picked up 14 and 13 and Henne hit Marshall for a 12 yard touchdown as the Dolphins were right back in it at 16-10. A Miami fumble killed their next drive, and their following drive began at their own 9 yard line and went into the fourth quarter. A 25 yard pass to Hartline followed by 3 straight Henne incompletions led to a 34 yard Carpenter field goal. This time he made it, and the Dolphins were only down 16-13 with 13 minutes left.
Manning returned the kickoff 43 yards to the Houston 37. Schaub hit Brandon Tate for 13 and Johnson for 7 more. Tate ran for 16 and 4, and Schaub hit Johnson for the 23 yard touchdown to turn out the lights. 10 minutes still remained, but Miami was overmatched. With one minute left the Texans faced 4th and 1 at the Miami 2. Tate got the first down but not the touchdown. However, a very classy Gary Kubiak had Schaub kneel down from the one rather than run up the score. The Texans are 2-0 and for real, while the 0-2 Dolphins have lost both games at home, look lifeless, and seem to be unable to save Tony Sparano. 23-13 Texans
San Diego Chargers @ New England Patriots–
San Diego Chargers @ New England Patriots–A pair of perennial contenders faced off again, and the result was the same. San Diego is a good team. New England is a great team. Last week Tom Brady threw for 517 yards. This week New England was at home as the game was dedicated to the late Myra Kraft, the wife of owner Robert Kraft who died a few weeks ago just before the lockout ended.
Philip Rivers led the Chargers to the Patriots 43 but no further and punted. The Patriots took over at their own 8. Brady Found Deon Branch for 11, and on 3rd and 10 Wes Welker for 17. Brady hit Hernandez for 16. On 3rd and 2 from the Bolts 40, Green-Ellis gained 6. On 3rd and 5 from the Chargers 29, Brady went to Chad Johnson for 6. The 14 yard touchdown pass to Hernandez completed the 92 yard, 12 play, 6 minute drive to put the Patriots up 7-0.
Rivers came right back, and on 3rd and 5 from the 25 hit Malcolm Floyd for 23 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the Patriots 46, Rivers went deep to Floyd for 36 yards. Mathews ran it the final 10 yards to tie the game 7-7. The Patriots took over at their own 37 and Brady moved them in 14 plays. On 3rd and 3 Brady found Danny Woodhead for 9. On 3rd and 8 at the Chargers 45, Brady found Branch for 17. The drive stalled at the 4, but Stephen Gostkowski kicked the Patriots ahead 10-7.
San Diego took over at their own 24 and a roughing the passer penalty added 15 yards. On 3rd and 3 Rivers found Jackson for 28 yards and Mike Tolbert for 21 more down to the 5. On 2nd and goal from the 2, Tolbert got nothing. On 3rd and goal Rivers got half of it. On 4th and goal at the 1, Norvelous Norv Turner decided to go for it. Tolbert ran into a New England brick wall as the goal line stand kept New England ahead.
Last week Brady threw a 99 yard touchdown pass to tie the NFL record. This time he needed 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes to create a 14 point swing. From the one he hit Welker for 12 and Johnson for 30. After a sack, Brady found Branch for 20. On 3rd and 1 from the Chargers 35, Brady hit Hernandez for 2. Brady hit Branch for 19 and Rob Gronkowski for the 10 yard touchdown to put the Patriots up 17-7.
The Chargers took over at their own 20 with under 3 minutes left in the half and Rivers moved them with ease. With 19 seconds left in the half the Chargers faced 1st and 10 from the Patriots 29. Rivers was then intercepted by Vince Wilfork. The big man with football lumbered along, as the Patriots took over at the Chargers 47 with 9 seconds left in the half. Brady hit Branch for quick gains of 11 and 7 as Gostkowski nailed a 47 yard field goal to give the Patriots the 20-7 halftime lead.
In the third quarter the Patriots took over at their own 15 nd Brady found Gronkowski for 30. Brady led them to a 4th and 5 at the Chargers 37. Bill Bellichick opted to punt, pinning the Chargers at their own 6. Rivers led a 6 1/2 minute drive that was completely wasted when a 1st and 10 pass from the Patriots 17 was intercepted. The Chargers had tons of chances in this game and did not capitalize.
The Chargers got the ball back at their own 36 and this time finished a drive. On 3rd and 5 Rivers found Tolbert at midfield. The fourth quarter began with the Chargers at the Patriots 24. Defensive pass interference moved the ball to the 4 yard line. On 3rd and goal Rivers found Jackson for the 3 yard touchdown as the Chargers got within 20-14 only 90 seconds into the fourth quarter.
Evil Hoodie Bill Bellichick played it conservative earlier, but this time on 4th and 4 just past midfield he deicded to go for it. Brady fired incomplete and San Diego took over. Yet on 2nd and 5 from the Patriots 34, Tolbert fumbled and New England got the ball back. Brady quickly found Branch for 33, Welker for 12, and Gronkowski for the 17 yard touchdown. The successful 2 point conversion had the Patriots up 28-14 with 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
Rivers quickly borught the Chargers back from their own 20. On 3rd and 10 from the Chargers 31, Rivers hit Jackson for gains of 14 and 18. Rivers scrambled for 11 and then went back to Jackson for a 26 yard touchdown as the Chargers were within 28-21 with 5 1/2 minutes left.
San Diego needed one stop to have a chance to tie the game, but it never came. Brady found Welker for 13. On 2nd and 10 from the New England 47, rather than run out the clock, Brdy kept throwing. He found Gronkowski for 29. Green-Ellis ran the final 16 yards at the 2 minute warning to seal the game. San Diego fell to 1-1 while New England at 2-0 is looking every bit as good as heir Super Bowl teams. Rivers was 29 of 40 for 378 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. Yet Brady was a ridiculous 31 of 40 for 423 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. He was the unanimous MVP last year and with 940 yards passing in 2 games is on pace for nearly 8,000 yards passing. The pace will slow, but not in time for San Diego. 35-21 Patriots
Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos–
Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos–Both of these teams entered the season expecting to be terrible, yet the Bengals won on the road last week against division rival Cleveland while Denver gave archrival Oakland all they could handle before falling a field goal short. Andy Dalton has showed some promise while Kyle Orton is still trying to fend off the critics clamoring for Tim Tebow.
Orton early on looked good as he led a 15 play, 80 yard drive that consumed 8 1/2 minutes. Eddie Royal started it off with a 14 yard gain, but short runs and safe passes kept the chains moving. From the Cincy 40, Willis McGahee gained 12 and Orton hit Willis for 13. On 3rd and goal from the 1, McGahee took it in to have the Broncos up 7-0.
A thoroughly dull rest of the first half saw Denver fumble in their own territory and Cincy recover at the Broncos 41. That led to a 45 yard Mike Nugent field goal to get the Bengals within 7-3. With 6 1/2 minutes left in the half Orton calmly led Denver from their own 20 to the Cincinnati 8 yard line. At that point Denver moved backwards, but Matt Prater hit the 34 yard field goal to have the Broncos up 10-3 at halftime.
In the third quarter Denver took over after a Bengals punt at their own 41. Roughing the passer was followed by a 25 yard touchdown pass from Orton to Eric Decker as the Broncos seemed safely in front 17-3. From the 20, Dalton quickly fired to Green for 26 yards and then 25 more. The drive stalled at the 19, but Prater connected from 37 to have the Bengals within the 17-6.
Denver went 3 and out and the Bengals took over at their own 28. From the 37, Dalton found Simpson for 31 yards and then 12 more. Dalton then fired to Cedric Benson for 10 and Caldwell for the final 10. The 2 point conversion failed but rhw Bengals were right back in it at 17-12.
Tim Tebow did come on the field in this game, but at wide receiver on 2 plays that he was not thrown to. Yet the Tebow calls became louder when Orton fumbled and the Bengals took over at the Denver 14. On 3rd and 10 Dalton found Leonard for 9. On 4th and 1 from the 5, Marvin decided not to go for it. Nugent hit the field goal as the Bengals were within 17-15. Orton redeemed himself on the next series. Less than 90 seconds into the final quarter, Orton went deep to Decker for a 52 yard touchdown. Denver was back up by 2 scores at 24-15.
Cincinnati did not away. From the 20, Dalton was sacked. Yet on 2nd and 23 from the 7, Dalton went deep to Simpson for an 84 yard gain to the Denver 9. Dalton then found Gresham for 4 and Green for the 5 yard score as the Bengals were back within a deuce with a full 11 minutes left.
Denver went 3 and out, and Dalton with a heavy dose of Cedric Benson led the Bengals to a 4th and 8 at the Denver 39. The winning field goal attempt would be 57 yards, and Marvin Lewis decided to punt with 7 minutes left rather than either kick or go for it. Playing field position seemed to work as Cincinnati got the ball back at the Denver 45 with 5 1/2 minutes left. With 3 minutes left on 4th and 1, Dalton fired incomplete. The field goal attempt would have been 54 yards. These are long attempts, but twice Marvin Lewis did not give his kicker a chance.
The Bengals got one final shot from their own 5 yard line with 2 1/2 minutes left. From the 18, Dalton found Green for 22. With 30 seconds left the Bengals faced 4th and 19 from their own 43. Dalton went deep incomplete, and the Bengals never gave their kicker a chance to win it. Jon Fox got his first win as Denver coach as both teams are 1-1. In only his second game as a pro, Dalton was 27 of 41 for 332 yards and 2 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. Orton was a pedestrian 15 of 25 for 195 yards, but he also had 2 touchdown and 0 interception. Most importantly, his team got the win. 24-22 Broncos
Philadelphia Eagles @ Atlanta Falcons was the Sunday night game, and it was a thriller as Michael Vick came back to face his old team. This could be an NFC Title Game preview as average non-descript Caucasian monthly model Mike Smith faced off against Walrus Lite Andy Reid.
Philly punted twice and Atlanta once as the Falcons began their second drive at the Eagles 38 after Weems took a punt 19 yards. Matt Ryan found Roddy White for 4 and Tony Gonzalez for 15. Michael Turner gained 9, and a personal foul moved the ball to the 2. On 3rd and goal Ryan hit White for the score to have the Falcons up 7-0.
The Eagles took over at their own 16 and Vick hit Jeremy Maclin for 20. Brown gained 11 and Vick found Desean Jackson for 10 more. The second quarter began with the Eagles facing 1st and 10 at the Atlanta 37. Vick hit Maclin for 6 and McCoy ran for 6 and caught a pass for 10. On 3rd and 3 at the 8, defensive offsides led to a 1st down and a 5 yard touchdown to Maclin to tie the game 7-7.
The Eagles got the ball back at the Atlanta 45, and on 3rd and 6 Vick found Avant for 29 yards. Yet 2n and 1 from the 3 yielded 2 failed attempts. On 4th and 1 Andy Reid decided not to go for it since he does not run the ball. The 22 yard Henery field goal had the Eagles up 10-7.
With 5 minutes left in the half the Eagles faced 1st and 15 at their own 25. Vick found Captain Morgan Brent Celek just shy of midfield. Vick hit Steve Smith for 11, nd then a facemask penalty on the defense had the Eagles at the Atlanta 21. With less than 3 minutes in the half, a turning point came on 3rd and 3. Vick was hit and fumbled, and Edwards was big man with football going 64 yards the other way to the Philly 24. Ryan found Gonzalez for 13 and then for the 4 yard score as it was the Falcons leading 14-10 at the half after it seemed the Eagles were in control. Both teams turned it over in the final minute as Vick fumbled again and Ryan was the intercepted. In the second half the offenses opened up and turned a defensive game into a shootout.
Early in the third quarter Vick was intercepted and Atlanta took over just past midfield. Ryan quickly hit Turner for 32 and Gonzalez for the 17 yard score as now the Falcons led 21-10. Yet in a game of big swings, the pendulum was about to reverse again.
From the Philly 30, McCoy went around the end for 23 yards. Vick hit Celek for 8 yards and Maclin for a 36 yard touchdown as the Eagles were quickly back within 21-17. Ryan was quickly intercepted, as the Eagles took over at the Atlanta 22. McCoy ran it in from 8 yards out as the Eagles reclaimed the lead 24-21.
Atlanta went 3 and out, and the Eagles took over at their own 23. Both quarterbacks and their receivers were getting knocked around, and unnecessary roughness on a helmet to helmet hit on a receiver had the Eagles at the Atlanta 46. Philly punted, but Atlanta was forced to start form their own 1. They punted from the 2, and a shank gave the Eagles the ball at the Atlanta 20. On 3rd and 8 Vick found Maclin for 9. Vick was knocked out of the game on the play and later was determined to have a concussion. Backup quarterback Vince Young was also injured, so 3rd stringer Mike Kafka came in. For once, Andy Reid decided it was a good idea to hand the ball off. McCoy took it in from 2 yards out as the Eagles now seemed in control up 31-21. Momentum swung the other way again in this seesaw contest.
From the 20, Ryan needed 12 plays and over 6 minutes to go 80 yards. On 3rd and 12 from the Falcons 35, Ryan hit Gonzalez for 13. On 3rd and 2 from the Philly 44, Ryan found rookie Jones for 14 and then Douglas for 15. Ryan found Gonzalez down to the one yard line. Ryan hit Mughelli for the touchdown as the Falcons were within 31-28 with 11 minutes left in regulation.
With 8 minutes left the Falcons took over and faced 1st and 17 at their own 13. Turner barreled up the middle for a 61 yard gain. On 3rd and 4 from the 20 Ryan found Gonzalez for 7 . Rodgers gained 10 and Turner took it the final 3 as now the Falcons had the 4 point lead with 5 minutes left.
The Eagles took over at their own 9. Kafka hit Maclin for 9 and then again for a 43 yard gain. on 3rd and 1 from the Atlanta 30, McCoy gained 2. On 3rd and 3 from the 21, a pass to Maclin lost a yard. With 1:45 to play, on 4th and 4 from the 22, Kafka went to Maclin again. It was a perfect pass to a wide open Maclin across the middle. Maclin simply dropped it. It was right in his bread basket and it bounced out.
Atlanta took over at their own 22 with 1:41 left and the Eagles with one timeout. Mike Smith is a lucky man because his clock management with the game on the line was awful. Matt Ryan kept kneeling on the ball despite the fact that running actual plays would have gotten the clock to zero. Instead the Falcons had to punt from their own 18 with 15 seconds left. An intentional safety would have been wise since a blocked punt or a return by Desean Jackson could have been a killer. Jackson had a miracle return last year to end a game. Their punter had shanked one earlier but this one was good enough. Jackson returned it 8 yards. With 5 seconds left from the Atlanta 45, Kafka had a Hail Mary attempt. Mike Smith was a very lucky man as the prayer was knocked down incomplete.
Both of these teams are 1-1. Matt Ryan made it clear who the current leader of Atlanta is. He was 17 of 28 for 195, but had 4 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. As for his predecessor, Andy Reid is holding his breath. Kafka was 7 of 9 in relief, but Vick is the team leader. A rematch of this game would be highly anticipated. 35-31 Falcons
St. Louis Rams @ New York Giants is the Monday night game. Steve Spagnuolo is the former defensive coordinator under Tom Coughlin when the Giants won the Super Bowl after the 2007 season. The 1-15 Rams improved to 7-9 last year under Sam Bradford, while Eli Manning is under fierce criticism despite the Giants going 10-6 last year.
The Giants took over at their own 20 and Manning quickly hit Mario Manningham for 16 yards. Ahmad Bradshaw then had runs of 7, 5, and 15 to set up 1st and 10 at the Rams 37. Manning then went deep and was intercepted, killing the drive. The Rams took over at their own 14.
On 2nd and 15 from the 9, Bradford found Sims-Walker for 23. On 3rd and 11 from the Rams 31, Bradford went deep to Alexander. Alexander got past double coverage and made a diving catch. Yet for some reason neither of the Giants defenders felt the need to touch him. Alexander smartly got up and kept running. He was finally brought down after a 68 yard gain at the one yard line. With former Denver coach Josh McDaniels now the Rams offensive coordinator, he decided to go finesse rather than play smashmouth. A pair of incomplete passes surrounding a lateral run that lost a yard wasted the opportunity and led to a 21 yard Josh Brown field goal as the Rams led 3-0.
The Giants took over at their own 21 and 3 plays led to 0 yards. 2 of those were Manning incompletions as the crowd booed. Yet the Giants got a break when the Rams fumbled the punt. The Giants this time were at the Rams 38. A 3rd and 4 pass was knocked down. Tom Coughlin decided to go for it on 4th and 4 rather than try the 50 yard field goal. Under pressure Manning threw a prayer that Hakeem Nicks somehow caught with one hand. Nicks was out of bounds, but defensive pass interference set up 1st and goal at the 9. Brandon Jacobs blasted ahead for 6, and Manning fired to Nicks for the 3 yard touchdown as the Giants led 7-3.
The Rams took over at their own 26 and Bradford hit Gibson for gains of 10 and 17. On 3rd and 15 from the Giants 41, Bradford went deep to Kendricks for 26 yards. Again he was not touched but fell out of bounds before getting up. Yet on 2nd and 2 and again on 3rd and 2, McDaniels kept calling passes, leading to incompletions and another short field goal. Despite outplaying the Giants, the Rams trailed 7-6.
In the second quarter the Rams began at their own2 4 and Bradford hit Sims-Walker for 33. The Rams were clicking when a 3rd and 8 play at the Giants 25 went wrong. This time it was the Rams standing around waiting for a whistle that never came. An incomplete pass was actually ruled a lateral and a fumble. Boley picked up the gift and raced 65 yards for a touchdown as the Giants now led 14-6.
With 2 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Giants took over at their own 14. The Giants were backed up to 1st and 20, but defensive holding saved them. With one minute left, the Giants faced 3rd and 2 at their own 40. Manning then found Dominic Hixon for 7 before things got very wierd. Manning went deep to a wide open Hixon. Had Hixon caught it cleanly, it would have been an easy touchdown. Instead he bobbled it before finally catching it while falling down. The 31 yard gain set the Giants up at the Rams 22. Manning went to Hixon again in the end zone. Hixon bobbled it several times before finally hauling it in with one touchdown. The acrobatic circus catch had the Giants up 21-6 at halftime.
The uneventful second half saw the Rams again drive down the field and again bog down deep. On 4th and 3 at the 9, a third field goal had the Rams within 21-9. The Giants took over at their own 19 and made it look easy. On 3rd and 6 at the Giants 23, Manning hit Cruz for 10. On 3rd and 6 at the Rams 41, defensive pass interference kept the drive going. On 3rd and 18 at the Rams 32, Manning hit Bradshaw for 23. Jacobs took it the final 9 yards to make it 28-9.
Bradford brought the Rams back again from their own 28. On 3rd and 7 from the 31, Bradford got the Rams 17 yards. On 3rd and 7 just past midfield, Bradford hit Sims-Walker for 15. On 4th and 6 from the 30, completion to Sims-Walker gained 11. On 3rd and 10 from the 19, Bradford finally got the Rams in the end zone by connecting with Alexander. It was too little, too late. Despite the entire fourth quarter remaining, New York Giant football is about 3 yards and a cloud of dust. Between Bradshaw and Jacobs, the Giants bored the audience to death but got the win. The Rams are 0-2 while Big Blue is 1-1 with the victory. 28-16 Giants
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