As usual, a problem that vexes liberals is a so simple for the rest of us.
For those wondering how to improve every small business in America and get this country moving forward again, an email in my inbox entitled “Letter from the boss” crystallized the solution perfectly.
eric
On Saturday morning Oakland Raiders Owner Al Davis died at the age of 82.
https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/10/death-on-yom-kippur-farewell-al-davis/
On Sunday, with the entire Raider Nation grieving, coach Hue Jackson had to get his team ready to play a road game against a very good Houston team.
The Raiders fell behind, went ahead, failed to ice the game, and saw it come down to one final play. From the Oakland 5, Houston Quarterback Matt Schaub went back to pass, saw a running lane, pulled up, and fired to the end zone. The ball was intercepted by Raiders safety Michael Huff.
Huff cradled the ball and crumpled to the ground. Coach Hue Jackson buried his head in his hands and cried. Raider players gathered around him and consoled him. The Raiders had won the game, yet silver and black tears flowed.
Anybody who thinks this was just about football doesn’t understand life.
Anybody who thinks that football is about money doesn’t understand human emotion.
The rest of the world can wait until tomorrow.
On this day I want to congratulate the Raiders for showing heart, guts, character, and courage. This was not the biggest win in the history of the Raiders, but it was definitely one of the most meaningful.
The score will forever read that the Raiders won a football game 25-20.
What it will not show is the emotion that went far beyond anything involving a “game.”
Football is not life and death. Yet Al Davis was larger than life on Friday, and on Saturday, he was gone. One minute he was powerful, and the next minute he was no longer with us.
Maybe one day people will remember that kicker Sebastian Janikowski tied the NFL record of three field goals of 50 or more yards in one game.
Maybe one day people will remember Michael Huff making the heroic interception.
Maybe one day people will remember Hue Jackson brilliantly calling a fake punt in his own territory.
Yet what people remember now is Coach Jackson giving one of the most heartfelt locker room speeches of all time after the game. He gave credit to Huff for the game saving interception, but let the team know that he knew that Al Davis had his hands on that football. The whole team agreed.
Life is not about talent or potential. It is about human beings, and those very emotions that make us human.
When macho athletes are on television crying their eyes out, we see who people really are, stripped bare of any images or pretenses.
A Jewish man from Brooklyn died on Yom Kippur. Yet the story is not just about the man who died. The story is about the millions of people he left behind who mourn his passing.
Al Davis was famous. Yet whether we admit it or not, most people affect more people than they ever realize.
I never met Al Davis, yet he made a difference in my life. I never got a chance to meet him and tell him this.
Anyway, today will be dedicated to Mr. Davis. He is no longer with us, but the Silver and Black legacy will last forever.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=nbSX8xnb7eU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbnMjKW3jRE
http://www.raiders.com/
http://www.raiders.com/media-vault/videos/Wk-5-Cant-Miss-Play-Emotional-finish/5c43d9d7-fa37-4107-904c-22da4e46908a
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=311009034
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/writers/don_banks/10/09/week.5/index.html?sct=nfl_t11_a2
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/gameflash/2011/10/09/4473_recap.html?sct=nfl_t11_a3
http://www.mercurynews.com/sports-headlines/ci_19076832
http://www.mercurynews.com/raiders/ci_19078349?source=autofeed#
Goodbye Mr. Davis. You are gone, but the Raider Nation soldiers on.
Just Win Baby.
eric
The NFL lost a legend with the passing yesterday of Hall of Fame Oakland Raiders Owner Al Davis.
https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/10/death-on-yom-kippur-farewell-al-davis/
There will be a moment of silence before all the games today, and the Raider Nation will have heavy hearts.
Al Davis was about football, so let’s honor him best by getting down to football. Here is the Week 5 NFL Recap.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Buffalo Bills–The Eagles were expected to be great, yet Walrus Lite Andy Reid sees his team sitting at 1-3. The Bills were expected to be awful, but Chan Gailey sees his guys at 3-1. A loss for the Eagles could end their season.
Michael Vick moved the Eagles down the field at the beginning, setting up 4th and 1 at the Buffalo 39. Vick found Avant for 8. Yet on the next play Vick was intercepted by Corner, setting up the Bills at their own 46. Fred Jackson ran for 7, 4, 15, 4, and 1 more to set up 3rd and 5 at the Philly 23. Ryan Fitzpatrick found Jones for 18, and Jackson ran the final 5 to have the Bills up 7-0. Vick would throw a second interception in the opening quarter. Yet with Buffalo facing 4th and 6 from the Philly 37, Chan Gailey decided to punt. Philly took over at their own 35.
Vick found Desean Jackson for 17 to end the first quarter. On 3rd and 3 fro the Buffalo 39, Vick threw incomplete but roughing the passer kept the drive going. Vick found Jeremy Maclin for 7 and McCoy ran for 15. Vick went back to Maclin for the 2 yard score to tie the game 7-7.
Yet from the Buffalo 23, Fred Jackson kept running at the Eagles. He gained 9, 3, and 5. On 3rd and 5 from the Buffalo 45, Fitzpatrick found Jackson for 49 yards to the Philly 11. CJ Spiller gained 5 and Fitzpatrick hit Nelson for the 6 yard score to have the Bills up 14-7. The nightmare continued for the Eagles as Vick was intercepted for the third time in the half. This one was returned 31 yards for a touchdown as the Bills led 21-7.
The Bills took over at their own 20 to start the third quarter and Jackson continued running wild for 22, 4, and 2. On 3rd and 4 Fitzpatrick hit Roosevelt for 7 and 16. Jackson gained 6 more and Spiller added another 8. Brad Smith came in at quarterback while Fitzpatrick went to wide receiver. Smith took it up the middle on the wildcat for the score as the Bills led 28-7.
The Eagles would soon face 3rd and 7 at their own 23 and Vick found Avant for 14. Vick then did what he does, scrambling for 53 yards. McCoy took it the final 10 as the Eagles got within 28-14. The Eagles got the ball back at their own 2 and Vick found Avant for 35 yards. Yet Avant fumbled it and the Bills took over at the Eagles 37. On 3rd and 11 a shovel pass came up 2 yards short, but a defensive facemask kept the Bills moving. On 3rd and 4 from the 8 Jackson was finally stopped, but Ryan Lindell hit the 25 yard field goal to have the Bills up 31-14 after three quarters.
The Eagles took over at their own 20 and struck back quickly.Vick hit Avant for 17 and McCoy ran 32 yards. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Vick hit Jackson for the 31 yard touchdown as the Eagles were within 31-21. The Eagles got the ball back at their own 44 and Vick quickly hit Captain Morgan Brent Celek for 6, Jackson for 26, and McCoy for 16 to set up 1st and goal at the 8. From the 6, Vick scrambeld for the touchdown but offensive holding nullified the score. The Eagles settled for the field goal as they trailed by 7 with 9 1/2 minutes left.
With 5 12 minutes left the Eagles got the ball back at their own 20. Vick kept firing, and at the 2 minute warning the Eagles faced 3rd and 3 at the Buffalo 25. Vick then threw his fourth interception as the nightmarish Eagles season continued. Buffalo tried to run out the clock. The Eagles used their timeouts, and with 1:49 to play everything came down to 4th and 1 just past midfield. Chan Gailey had the players line up to go for it, but it appeared to be just an attempt to get the Eagles to jump offsides. The Eagles complied, as a disgusted Andy Reid saw the final miscue end any hopes of a comeback.
The Bills are for real at 4-1. The Eagles are a mess at 1-4. Last year Dallas and Minnesota had their meltdowns as the owners fired he coaches but did not blow up the teams. Jeffrey Lurie spent a ton of money in the offseason and Andy Reid has an undisciplined bunch with plenty of talent but little cohesiveness. Between the Phillies and the Eagles, the City of Brotherly Love is in sports hell. 31-24 Bills
New Orleans Saints @ Carolina Panthers–This game could have 1000 yards of offense as champion Drew Brees and rookie phenom Cam Newton will throw often. Yet on the first play from scrimmage, Newton was intercepted by Robinson, setting up the Saints 3 yards from a score. Drew Brees found Collins from one yard out to have the Saints up 7-0 right off the bat.
Newton led the Panthers to the Saints 43, but no further as a punt had the Saints at their own 8. Brees needed only 10 plays to move the Saints 87 yards. Brees hit Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram for 9 yard gains and Marques Colston for 22. on 3rd and 9 just shy of midfield, Sproles rumbled 23 yards. Defensive pass interference went for 17 yards, but on 3rd and 4 from the 5 Brees fired incomplete. The Saints settled for a 23 yard Jon Kasay kick to have the Saints up 10-0.
After a touchback the Panthers got going. On 3rd and 5 from the 25, Newton found Legadu Naanee for for 22. On 3rd and 11 from the Carolina 46, Newton went deep to Steve Smith. Smith did what he does, outjumping the defender, shaking the tackle, and breezing into the end zone for the score. A cheap shot on Smith in the end zone resulted in a fight. Newton actually rushed toward t he action, showing he is not your typical quarterback. With tempers flaring, the extra point was blocked as the Panthers trailed 10-6.
After an exchange of punts, the second quarter had the Saints at their own 14. On 3rd and 8, Brees found Colston, Moore, and Meachem for a trifecta of 13 yard gains. On 3rd and 7 from the Carolina 38, Brees hit Graham for 25. On 3rd and 3 from the 6, Brees found Graham for 3. A pair of one yard runs by Mark Ingram had the Saints up 17-6 after the 14 play, 8 minute, 86 yard drive. Carolina came back rapidly as Deangelo Williams raced for a 69 yard touchdown to have the Panthers within 17-13.
With under 4 minutes left in the half the Saints took over at their own 20. Brees hit Devry Henderson for 11 and Darren Sproles gained 9 and 6. On 3rd and 11 at the Saints 45, Brees found Graham for just enough. A sack of Brees meant 3rd and 20 at the Carolina 40 with 18 seconds left in the half. Brees hit Sproles for 12 and Kasay hit a 46 yard field goal at the gun to have the Saints up 20-13 at halftime. The second half would be just as fast paced ad fun.
From the 20, Brees began the third quarter by firing to Graham for 30 yards. A 9 yard completion to Sproles set up 3rd and 1, and Ingram ripped off a pair of 8 yard gains. The drive would stall in the red zone but Kasay connected from 37 yards out to have the Saints up 23-13.
After a touchback, Ron Rivera had the Panthers go to the ground game. On 3rd and 5 from the 36, Newton fired incomplete but roughing the passer kept the drive going. Newton hit Jeremy Shockey for 9 and Stewart for 13. On 3rd and 8 from the 21, Newton found Brad LaFell at the one. Newton took it in himself to complete the 12 play, 7 minute, 80 yard drive and have the Panthers within 23-20.
On the next Saints series Brees hit Graham for 20, but he was then intercepted. The Panthers took over at their own 41. Newton hit Naanee for 28, On 3rd and 2 from the Saints 23, Newton gained 4 as the third quarter ended. Newton then ran for 13. On 3rd and goal from the 2, Newton fired incomplete. Yet Sean Payton could not believe it as another roughing the passer call put the ball on the one. After a false start, on 3rd and goal at the 5, Newton found Greg Olsen for the score as the Panthers led 27-23 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
An exchange of punts had the Saints at their own 11 with 7 minutes left. On 3rd and 3 Brees hit Graham for gains of 12 and 14. Brees hit Thomas for 18 and Colston for 10. At the 2 minute warning on 3rd and 1 from the 17, Ingram gained 2. Brees hit Colston for 9 and Thomas for the 6 yard touchdown. 89 yards, 13 plays, and 6 minutes had the Saints back in the lead by a field goal. The Panthers took over at their own 20 with only 50 seconds left.
Newton found Smith for 19, and on 4th and 10 from the 39, Newton fired incomplete. Yet defensive pass interference kept the Panthers alive. With 5 seconds left from midfield, Newton heaved the Hail Mary. It fell incomplete and the Saints held on. The Panthers are better than their 1-4 record, and they are an improving team that is competitive. Yet they lost to a 4-1 Saints team that has not lost since the opening weekend on the road. The Saints offense is every bit as good as the team that won it all a couple of years ago. Brees finished 32 of 45 for 359 yards and 2 touchdowns and one interception. 30-27 Saints.
Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans–For more on the game of the day, go to http://www.justblogbaby.com
The Raiders have actually never beaten the Texans, losing last year at home to them. Hue Jackson has to guard against hit team either coming out flat or too emotional, which is a tough balancing act. As for Gary Kubiak, his worry is physical with Andre Johnson being out with an injured hamstring.
Early on the Raiders looked flat. After gaining 5 yards on first down, they went 3 and out. Last week Houston knocked around Pittsburgh with an 11 minute drive. This week they moved 65 yards in 10 plays on a 7 minute drive. Matt Schaub found Kevin Walter on 3rd and goal from the 5 to have the Texans up 7-0. The Raiders tried a flea flicker on their next series but Jason Campbell slightly overthrew a wide open receiver. Instead of the tying touchdown, the Raiders went 3 and out again and punted again.
The Texans had all the momentum and were soon at midfield again. Yet Schaub had a pass deflected by Henderson and intercepted by Houston, giving the Raiders the ball at the Houston 35. Yet a sack, a failed run, and another incompletion meant a 54 yard field goal try for Sebastian Janikowski. Seabass leveled it as the Raiders were within 7-3 despite only 6 yards of total offense.
The Raiders finally stepped up on defense, and the Texans went 3 and out. Bruce Davis blocked the punt, and again the Raiders had gift field position at the Houston 39. Campbell hit Darren FcFadden for 23 yards, but a chop block instead gave Oakland 1st and 25. On 3rd and 12, a screen pass to McFadden gained only 4 yards, meaning a 55 yard try for Seabass. Most teams punt in these situations, and the Raiders should never take it for granted that they have the Polish Cannon. On the first play of the second quarter Seabass leveled the 55 yarder to have the Raiders within 7-6 despite 0 first downs.
Houston took over at their own 19 and Schaub found Owen Daniels for 28 yards. Yet on 3rd and 2 from the Oakland 45, Arriun Foster got stopped cold for no gain. The Texans punted, and the Raiders began at their own one. In honor of Al Davis, Hue Jackson dialed up the bomb, but this was not Plunkett to Branch for 99 yards. It was an interception at the Houston 44. The bomb would be a touchdown, but it came on the next play courtesy of Matt Schaub finding a wide open Joel Dreesen for a 56 yard score as the Texans led 14-6.
The Raiders remained lifeless on offense, as the Texans again took over with good field position at their own 40. Yet the Silver and Black finally settled in on defense. At the 2 minute warning, the Raiders still did not have a single first down. On 2nd and 8 from the 27, Campbell found Darrius Heyward-Bey for 18 yards as the Raiders finally moved the chains. Campbell found Derrick Hagan for 13 more to the Houston 42. Darren McFadden then raced 41 yards to the one yard line, but offensive holding instead meant 1st and 20. Campbell calmly went back to Heyward-Bey for 18. On the next play Campbell found Heyward-Bey, who broke a tackle and raced for a 34 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion failed, but despite being dominated the whole game the Raiders only trailed 14-12.
The defense held with a sack of Schaub, but a fumble on the punt return had them at their own 30 with 16 seconds left in the half. A deep ball was incomplete, as was a shorter sideline route. Rather than the bomb, a short pass to increase the stats ended the half with the Raiders down 14-12.
The Raiders dodged a couple of bullets in the third quarter. Arriun Foster broke free for a 60 yard run to the Oakland 23. Yet a failed run and 2 incompletions meant a 41 yard field goal attempt by Neil Rackers, who had made 63 straight from inside 45. He missed it. On 3rd and 14 from the 27 after a sack of Campbell, a dump off pass to Myers came up one yard short. Yet illegal contact kept the drive going. On 3rd and 2 from the Houston 48, Campbell found McFadden for 13. The Raiders were prepared for another flea flicker, but with a defender bearing in on Campbell, Michael Bush smartly decided not to pitch it back, instead running for 3 yards. Campbell went deep to Denarius Moore, but he caught it just out of bounds. On 3rd and 7 from the Houston 32, the Raiders called timeout. An incomplete pass set up Seabass from 50, which for him is a chip shot. He hit it, as the Raiders led 15-14 with 5 minutes left in the third quarter.
The Texans misplayed the ensuing kickoff and began at their own 10. Yet it was the Texans going bombs away as Schaub went deep to Walter for a diving 49 yard catch. The Raiders held, and Gary Kubiak brought in Rackers for a 54 yard field goal despite the earlier miss. Rackers hit it as the Texans regained the lead 17-15.
Jacoby Ford returned the ensuing kickoff from deep in the end zone to the Raiders 39. Despite being bottled up all game, McFadden finally started roaming fre, picking up 8, then 14, and then another 20 to the Houston 19 as the third quarter ended. On 2nd and 9, an incomplete pass was followed by the Raiders burning their second timeout. On 3rd and 9 Campbell rolled out of the pocket and hit Chaz Schillens, who strolled into t he end zone. 15 seconds into the fourth quarter saw the Raiders retake the lead 22-17.
Houston went 3 and out and the Raiders took over at their own 30. On 3rd and 1 McFadden got nailed in the backfield for a 2 yard loss. With a 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation, punter Shane Lechler came in on 4th and 3 from the Raiders 37. Whether Hue Jackson has cojones of steel or a desperate desire to win the game for Al Davis led to a crazy call, Jackson dialed up the fake punt. It worked perfectly as Rock Cartwright gained 35 yards. Yet brilliant playcalling was offset at times by poor clock management as the Raiders burned their final timeout with 10 minutes left in regulation facing 3rd and 6 at the Houston 24. Campbell fired incomplete and Seabass came in and hit a 42 yard field goal. The Raiders were up 25-17 with 10 minutes left but could not challenge any calls if it came down to it. Also, the failed 2 point conversion earlier kept it a one score game.
From the 20 after a touchback, Schaub fired incomplete twice as the Texans burned their second timeout. On 3rd and 10 fired incomplete again as the Texans punted. Denarius Moore returned the punt 21 yards as the Raiders took over at the Houston 40. One common theme of the Raiders is the notion of finishing games. They were given a golden opportunity to put the dagger in. Yet rather than grind it out, Campbell rolled out and threw it away on first down. McFadden then lost 4 yards as the cusp of field goal range was now 3rd and 14. Campbell went deep to Heyward-Bey, but again it was out of bounds. Jackson decided not to go crazy and bring in Seabass for a 62 yarder. Lechler punted and return man Jacoby Jones blundered by fair catching it at the 5 yard line. 8 1/2 minutes remained, as again the Raiders tried to see if they could finish a game.
From the 10, Schaub hit Daniels for 14. On 3rd and 10 Schaub found Foster for 23. A completion to Dreesen set up 3rd and 1 at the Oakland 44 with 6 minutes left. Schaub found Foster for 13. Foster got blasted in the backfield for a 4 yard loss and the Texans faced 3rd and 9 at the Raiders 30 with 4 minutes left. Under heavy pressure Schaub fired incomplete to set up 4th and 9. With only one timeout the Texans had to go for it. Schaub fired incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and 10 at the 13. Again the Raiders could not finish a game.
Schaub rolled out and hit a wide open Lawrence Vickers. Yet the tying touchdown was avoided when Vickers dropped the ball. Schaub got drilled on the next play as he fired to the end zone incomplete. On 3rd and 10 the Raiders sent everybody on a jailbreak and Schaub was sacked for a n 8 yard loss. On 4th and 19 Kubiak made the very curious call of a field goal. With the clock running Rackers somehow made it from 40 yards out. The pressure kick had the Texans down 25-20 with 3 minutes left. It was up to the Raiders again, especially on this day of mourning, to finish what they started.
With only one timeout left, Kubiak decided not to try the onsides kick. A low line drive was a touchback, and the Raiders needed one first down to end things. Campbell gained one yard as the Texas took their final timeout. For some insane reason the Raiders tried to go bombs away again as an incomplete pass made it 3rd and 9 and stopped the clock. McFadden got trapped in the backfield for a loss as the Raiders had to punt at the 2 minute warning. Again, the Raiders failed to finish a game. The defense would have to be the heroes.
With 1:50 to play the Texans took over at their own 36. Schaub found Found Foster for 11. Yet on the next play Schaub was sacked by Tommy Kelly as the Texans took their final timeout with 1:22 left facing 2nd and 20. Yet the Raiders were called for 12 men on defense. Yet the Texans were also called for an offensive facemask. When everything was sorted out it was 1st and 25 instead of 2nd and 20. Schaub simply found a wide open Walter for 26 yards. Then Richard Seymour was called for a low hit on Schaub as the Raiders kept self-destructing. 54 seconds remained from the Raiders 28.
Things got even crazier as a high snap went over Schaub’s head. Schaub fell on it for a 13 yard loss as the clock ticked. An incomplete pass set up 3rd and 23 with 29 seconds left. Schaub then scrambled under pressure and threw a Hail Mary that was somehow caught at the 5 yard line by Dreesen. The Texans raced up the field and Schaub spiked the ball with 6 seconds left. Everything came down to one play. Schaub had plenty of time, and for a moment looked like had a clear running lane to the end zone. The lane closed, and Schaub fired to he end zone. Michael Huff made the interception and the Raiders had one of the biggest wins in the history of the franchise.
Hue Jackson fell to his knees, buried his head in his hands and cried. He was the winning coach, but the players rallied around him and hugged him. For the first time since the 2002 Super Bowl season, the Raiders were 3-2.Schaub was 24 for 51 with 416 yards passing and 2 touchdowns with 2 interceptions. Campbell was only 15 of 35 for 190 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Foster had 116 receiving yards and 68 on the ground while Dreesen had 112 receiving yards. The Raiders had 11 penalties for 89 yards while the Texans only had 6 for 50. The Texans won the time of possession battle 34 1/2 to 25 1/2. Yet a ton of emotion and heart gave the Raiders the win as an emotional Hue Jackson and his team cried when he reminded them that the love they felt for Al Davis was mutual.
It did not come easy, but with Al Davis smiling above, the Raiders did it the hard way. Tears flowed throughout the Raider Nation. This so much more than a football game. Yesterday was literal death. Today was a small consolation for the Raider Nation. The team Davis built is back in the right direction. The Raiders do not have to leave the Bay Area for over a month as they have 3 straight home games against below average teams and a bye week. Just Win Baby. 25-20 Raiders
Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts–The Chiefs won their first game last week while the Colts remain winless. These playoff teams last year are reeling. The Colts will eventually have Peyton Manning return for Jim Caldwell. As for the Chiefs, Charlie Weis is gone and Todd Haley may be as well if the ship does not turn around.
Curtis Painter got the start and the Colts soon faced 2nd and 17 at their own 25. Painter hit Pierre Garcon for 9 and Reggie Wayne for 19 and 26. On 3rd and 2 from the 12, Joseph Addai gained 4. Painter hit Garcon for the 6 yard score to have the Colts up 7-0.
In the second quarter the Colts took over at their own 20. On 3rd and 10 Painter found Wayne for 11 and Garcon for 37. Adam Vinatieri nailed a 53 yard field goal to have the Colts up 10-0. The Colts got the ball back at their own 33 and needed only one play as Painter went deep to Garcon for a 67 yard touchdown to have the Colts up 17-0.
Midway through the second quarter the Chiefs took over at their own 30. Battle gained 6, 6, 5, and 2 to set up 3rd and 3 at their own 49. Cassel hit Dexter McCluster for 10 and Dwayne Bowe for a 41 yard score to get the Chiefs within 17-7. After a touchback Painter found Wayne for 21 and Clark for 7 with Donald Brown running for 5 and 16. Painter hit Austin Collie for 23 and Carter ran it in from 3 yards out to have the Colts back up 24-7 with one minute left in the half.
On 2nd and 6 from the 24, Matt Cassel hit Steve Breaston for 11 and Bowe for 29 more. Battle gained 15, and Cassel scrambled 5 more to the 16 with 19 seconds left in the half. Cassel found Breaston for the touchdown as the Chiefs were only down 24-14 at halftime. The Colts moved at will in the first half. That would change in the second half.
After an exchange of punts, the Chiefs took over at their own 7 midway through the third quarter. Cassel hit Bowe for 12 and Battle had a pair of 11 yard gains. Thomas Jones ran for 21 yards, and Cassel hit Copper for 9. On 3rd and 1 from the Colts 29, Battle gained 2. Battle gained 9 and 8 as the Colts run defense was nonexistent. Cassel hit Bowe for a 5 yard touchdown to complete a 12 play, 6 minute, 93 yard drive and have the Chiefs down 24-21 after three quarters.
With 10 minutes left in the game the Chiefs took over after a punt at their own 46. Defensive pass interference led to a critical 3rd and 8 from the Colts 34. Cassel hit Colbert for 15. On 3rd and 2 from the 11, Cassel found Breaston again as the Chiefs had come all the way back to take a 4 point lead with 5 1/2 minutes to play.
Painter played well in the first half, finishing with 277 yards and a pair of touchdowns with 0 interceptions. Despite a tough second half, he led the Colts late from their own 20 to 4th and 6 at the Chiefs 41. Yet Painter then threw incomplete with 2 1/2 minutes left. Battle ripped off a 24 yard gain for the Chiefs and with 1:15 left, the Chiefs faced 3rd and 1 at the Colts 25. Cassel got the yard as the Chiefs ran out the clock. Todd Haley has a terrible team, but they are 2-3 with consecutive wins over even worse teams. As for the Colts, they are now the worst team in football at 0-5. Even the expressionless Jim Caldwell has to be concerned. Cassel was 21 of 29 for 257 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. 28-24 Chiefs
Cincinnati Bengals @ Jacksonville Jaguars–Both of these coaches are on the hot seat, yet they are both good coaches with bad teams. The Jaguars began with a heavy dose of Maurice Jones-Drew, who gained 13 to start. On 3rd and 3 Blaine Gabbert found Hill for 10 to midfield. On 3rd and 7 Gabbert hit Thomas for 24. Jones-Drew ran 6 yards for the score to have the Jaguars up 7-0 to complete the 80 yard, 10 play, 5 1/2 minute drive.
The Bengals took over at their own 31, and on3 rd and 4 Andy Dalton found Simpson for 10. On 3rd and 5 from the Jacksonville 48, Dalton found Simpson again for 7. On 3rd and 17 from the Jacksonville 37, Dalton went deep to Green to tie the game 7-7.
In the second quarter from their own 7, Dalton was intercepted, setting up the Jaguars at the Cincy 2. Jones-Drew lost 7. On 4th and goal at the 1 Hack Del Rio decided not to go for it as Josh Scobee hit the field goal to have the Jaguars up 10-7. Jacksonville got the ball at midfield and on 3rd and 4 Gabbert hit Thomas for 14. Jones-Drew raced for 25 yards to the 5 yard line. Yet again the defense held and on 4th and goal at the 2 again a field goal was ordered as the Jaguars led 13-7.
With 4 minutes left in the half the Bengals took over after a 22 yard punt return at their own 48. Dalton found Green for 14. At the 2 minute warning, the Bengals faced 4th and 6 at the Jacksonville 34. Marvin Lewis decided to go for it rather than try the 52 yard field goal, and Dalton hit Green for 13. Dalton hit Leonard for 10, and on 3rd and goal at the 3 Dalton hit Gresham for the score. The extra point clanked off the upright as the game was 13-13 at the half.
A terrible third quarter featured all punts. The trend continued when the field position game gave the Bengals the ball at the Jacksonville 37. Cincinnati did nothing with it but Mike Nugent nailed a 46 yard field goal to have the Bengals up 16-13 with 9 1/2 minutes left in the game. Yet the end of the game allowed the offenses to make a bad game interesting. Jacksonville needed only 3 plays, and rookie Blaine Gabbert went deep to Hill for a 74 yard touchdown. Just like that the Jaguars were back in front 20-16.
Another exchange of punts saw the Jaguars kicking away from their own 6. Matt Turk shanked it 22 yards, giving the ball to the Bengals at the Jacksonville 23. This is literally the definition of giving a game away. Yet Cincinnati almost refused to take it. With 4 minutes left the Bengals faced 4th and 6 at the 19. Dalton hit Gresham for 9 and Caldwell for 8. On 3rd and goal at the 2 at the 2 minute warning, Scott took it up the middle to have the Bengals in front 23-20.
The Jaguars took over at their own 33, and on 3rd and 1 Gabbert fumbled the ball and Bengals recovered at the Jacksonville 19. The Jaguars used their timeouts, and with 12 seconds left in the game the Bengals had 4th and 6 at the 15. Rater than risk a field goal block, Marvin Lewis had the Bengals hand it off again as the Bengals gave the ball back. The Jaguars had 7 second left from their own 14. After a short pass and tons of laterals later, there was a touchdown to end the game. Yet it was a fumble recovery going the other way from 10 yards out as the Jaguras lost at home again. At 1-4 Jack Del Rio is on the burning hot seat while Marvin Lewis has willed his team to a 3-2 record. 30-20 Bengals
Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings–These are also bad teams, yet the winless Vikings could have been 4-0 instead of 0-4. Ken Whisenhunt and Leslie Frazier have confirmed that Kurt Warner and Brett Favre are still retired, while Kevin Kolb and Donovan McNabb are both Eagles castoffs trying to prove they deserve to start.
These are also bad teams, yet the winless Vikings could have been 4-0 instead of 0-4. Ken Whisenhunt and Leslie Frazier have confirmed that Kurt Warner and Brett Favre are still retired, while Kevin Kolb and Donovan McNabb are both Eagles castoffs trying to prove they deserve to start.
A field position game had Arizona punting on 4th and 11 from their own 2. A 22 yard punt return had the Vikings starting at the Cardinals 18. Adrian Peterson did the rest, running for 11, 3, and the 4 yard touchdown to have the Vikings up 7-0. Kolb needed one play to complete a pass to Allen, who plays defense for the Vikings. Minnesota took over at the Arizona 24. Adrian Peterson still plays offense for the Vikings, and he needed one play to run it in to have the Vikings quickly up 14-0.
Kolb this time needed 2 plays to get sacked and fumbled, giving the Vikings the ball at the Arizona 25. Donovan McNabb hit Vicente Shiancoe for 20, and scrambled himself for the score to have the Vikings up 21-0 less than 7 minutes into the game. Arizona went 3 and out and the Vikings actually had to start in their own territory at the 27. Yet one play later, defensive pass interference put the ball on the Arizona 37. McNabb found Aromashodu for 21 yards and Peterson ran it in from 14 yards out as the Vikings led 28-0, still in the first quarter. This is not why they play the games.
While the Vikings were on pace to win 112-0, this did not happen. The Vikings have also blown some big leads, but this did not happen either. A furious comeback by the Cardinals had them kick a field goal in the second quarter to trail 28-3 at halftime. Beanie Wells would run it in from 2 yards out in the third quarter to have the Cardinals within 28-10. Yet this dull game deserves no further elaboration as a pair of field goals padded the Vikings lead to complete the scoring. Both teams are 1-4 as Ken Whisenhunt has no answers and Leslie Frazier finally has his first win of the year. McNabb was only 10 of 21 for 169 but threw no interceptions. Peterson’e 122 yards on 29 carries with 3 scores was the difference. 34-10 Vikings
Seattle Seahawks @ New York Giants–The Giants are 3-1, proving that Mr. Smiley Tom Coughlin really is a miracle worker. Seattle is not even the best team in the NFC Worst, which says a ton. Both teams moved 80 yards with little difficulty to start the game. Tarvaris Jackson hit Obomanu for 9, Marshawn Lynch for 17, Obomani gaain for 11, Sidney Rice for 16, and back to Obomanu for the 11 yard score to have the Seahawks up 7-0. The Giants responded with Ahmad Bradshaw running for 13 and Manning hitting Mario Manningham for 17 and Ballard for 28. Manning hit Ballard again for a 12 yard score to tie the game 7-7.
Late in the opening quarter the Giants faced 3rd and 7 at their own 17. Eli Manning was sacked and fumbled, giving the Seahawks the ball on the 11. Lynch fumbled it right back to waste the opportunity. The Giants punted, and the Seahawks began at the Giants 48. Lynch atoned for his fumble by racing 47 yards, and then taking it in the final yard on the next carry to have the Seahawks up 14-7.
In the second quarter Seattle took over at their own 13 and moved down the field. On 4th and 1 from the Giants 16, Pete Carroll decided to go for it. Tarvaris Jackson gained 2. Yet on 1st and goal from the 2, after moving 85 yards, Robinson fumbled to kill the drive. Manning would be intercepted again, but Seattle did not capitalize. With 51 seconds left in the half Jackson was intercepted, giving the Giants the ball at their own 41. Manning hit Hakeem Nicks for 12, Manningham for 10, and Nicks again for 18 and then the 19 yard score just before the half as the teams went to the locker rooms deadlocked 14-14.
Midway through the third quarter a field position game had the Giants at their own 5. Ware ran the ball for a 5 yard loss and a safety as the Seahawks led 16-14. Tom Coughlin’s head exploded. Tarvaris Jackson was injured in the third quarter and Charlie Whitehurst came in for Seattle at their own 34. On 3rd and 1 Whitehurst hit Rice for 11. Lynch gained 18, as the Seahawks reached 3rd and 5 at the Giants 23 to start the fourth quarter. Whitehurst was sacked, and Steve Hauschka hit the 51 yard field goal to have the Seahawks up 19-14. Yet as uneventful as the first 45 minutes were, the fourth quarter was going to get crazy.
The Giants took over at their own 35. On 3rd and 13 Manning went deep to Victor Cruz for a 68 yard touchdown. Just like that, the Giants were back on top 22-19 after Ahmad Bradshaw ran in the 2 point conversion. The Giants got the ball back and soon faced 3rd and 7 at their own 20. Manning hit Cruz again, but this time after a 5 yard gain Cruz fumbled. The Seahawks took over at the Giants 25. Whitehurst threw 3 straight incompletions as Hauschka hit the 43 yard field goal. With 10 minutes to play, the teams were tied 22-22.
After a touchback, Bradshaw ran for 3 and 9. Manning hit Pascoe for 17 and Ballard for 32 yards down to the Seattle 19. Bradshaw gained 9 more, and 1st and goal at the 7 came with 6 minutes left. Yet a false start and a couple incompletions meant a Lawrence Tynes field goal from 26. Tynes hit it to complete the 10 play, 5 1/2 minute drive. With 5 minutes to play the Giants were up 25-22.
After a touchback, Whitehurst hit Baldwin for 22. On 3rd and 7 from the Seattle 45, Whitehurst went back to Baldwin for 8. Whiethurst found McCoy for 20 and then wet to Baldwin for the 27 yard touchdown. With 2 1/2 minutes left Seattle was back on top 29-25.
Another touchback was followed by Manning hitting Bradshaw for 15. Manning then went deep for Cruz for 41 yards as the Giants were at the Seattle 24 at the 2 minute warning. Manning hit Crus again for 19 to set up 1st and goal at the 5. After a false start, Manning came in for the winning touchdown pass. He threw it to Browner, who plays defense for the Seahawks. In front of a shellshocked home crowd, Big Blue faithful saw Browner take it the other way 94 yards to ice the game and complete the scoring. Despite going 24 of 39 for a career high 420 yards and 3 touchdowns, 3 interceptions killed Manning and the Giants. Seattle improved to 2-3 while the inconsistent Giants fell to 3-2, winning road games but losing at home to inferior teams. 36-25 Seahawks
Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers–The Titans under Mike Munchak are a quiet 3-1, while Mike Tomlin sees his 2-2 Steelers as very tentative. The defense has been pushed around, which is not Pittsburgh football. The pushing around continued as Chris Johnson began the game running for 21 yards. A defensive facemask had the Titans moving, but on 2nd and goal from the 4 and illegal block killed the drive. Rob Bironas connected from 29 as the Titans led 3-0.
A strong kickoff return had the Steelers taking over at midfield. On 3rd and 9 Ben Roethlisberger found Mike Wallace for 11. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 29, Redman gained 2. Big Ben found Brown for 17 and Heath Miller for the 8 yard touchdown to have the Steelers up 7-3.
The Steelers began the second quarter with 2nd and 5 at their own 35. Redman gained 10, and on 4th and 5 from midfield the Steelers set up to punt. Mike Tomlin dialed up a fake. Punter Danny Sepulveda found Mundy for 33 yards.Brown ran for 10 and Roethlisberger, who despite it being Yom Kippur is still not Jewish, found Hines Ward for the 7 yard score to have the Steelers up 14-3. Tennessee punted and the Steelers took over at their own 10. Dwyer raced right through the line for a 76 yard gain to the Tennesse 14. Offsides moved it closer, and Roethlisberger hit Johnson for a 1 yard score to have the Steelers up 21-3 at halftime.
Late in the first half the Steelers had a chance to put the game away when Big Ben was intercepted at the Titans 27. Yet the second half was flawless as the Steelers closed the door. From the Pittsburgh 29, Roethlisberger fond Ward for 16 and Redman ran for 12. Big Ben hit Miller for 20 and Redmain gained 6 and 5. Roethlisbergrer hit Ward for the 5 yard touchdown as the Steelers led 28-3.
Tennessee took over at their own 23 and Matt Hasselbeck finally got going. He hit Hawkins for 16 and Nate Washington for 21. On 3rd and 10 from the Steelers 26, Hasselbeck found Washington down to the one yard line. Chris Johnson took it in ad the Titans were within 28-10. A surprise onsides kick worked perfectly as the Titans took over at the Pittsburgh 45. Yet with all the momentum, Hasselbeck was intercepted. The Steelers took over at their own 46 and Big Ben led the Steelers to 4th and goal at the one. Mike Tomlin opted for the field goal as the Steelers led 31-10 with 11 minutes left in the game.
The Titans got a break when they blocked a Pittsburgh punt to take over at the Pittsburgh 37. Hasselbeck converted a pair of 4th downs and found Williams in the end zone on 3rd and goal at the 19. Yet the Titans were still down 31-17 with 3 1/2 minutes left. The onsides kick failed, and the Steelers took over at the Tennessee 44. On 3rd and 6, Mike Tomlin decided to just have Roethlisberger put it away, as a 40 yard deep ball to Mike Wallace emphatically ended things for the final score. Both teams are 3-2 and tryung to figure out exactly what type of team they have. For Roethlisberger, he was 24 of 34 for 228 yards, but with 5 touchdown passes along with the one interception. 38-17 Steelers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers–The Buccaneers are a good team in a fantastic division while the 49ers at 3-1 lead the NFC Worst after a 20 point comeback win last week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers–The Buccaneers are a good team in a fantastic division while the 49ers at 3-1 lead the NFC Worst after a 20 point comeback win last week. Ted Ginn returned a punt 22 yards to midfield to start the 49ers in good shape. Alex Smith found Frank Gore for gains of 6 and 12, and he hit Walker for a 26 yard touchdown to have the 49ers up 7-0. Josh Freeman moved the Buccaneers from their own 20 to 3rd and 4 at the Frisco 6. They did not convert, and a short Connor Barth field goal had the Buccaneers trailing 7-3 after the opening quarter. This concluded the Buccaneers highlights for the day as Jim Harbaugh saw his team carpetbomb Tampa Bay over the final 45 minutes.
From the Frisco 25, Smith went deep to Michael Crabtree for 21 yards and Ginn went around the end for 24 more. On 3rd and 10 Smith hit Morgan for 14. Gore would fumble the ball away at the Tampa Bay 11. Yet in the second quarter Josh Freeman was intercepted and Rogers returned it 31 yards for a score as the 49ers led 14-3.
Later the 49ers took over at their own 43. Smith hit Morgan for 13 and Gore ran for 6 and 13. Defensive pass interference in the end zone led to Gore taking it in from 2 yards out to have the 49ers up 21-3. The 49ers got the ball back at their own 49er 49 of all places, and Gore gained 6 and 21. The drive would stall, but David Akers connected from 37 to have the 49ers up 24-3 at the half. Outside of San Francisco, there was no reason to watch the second half.
The 49ers poured it on in the second half. Gore ran for 14, and on 3rd and 14 Smith hit Crabtree for 15. From the Tampa 47, Smith hit Morgan for 24 and Vernon Davis for the 23 yard score to have the 49ers up 31-3. The Buccaneers would reach the Frisco 33 before turning it on downs on 4th and 2. Akers would eventually kick a short field goal to have the 49ers up 34-3 after three quarters.
A fumble by the Bucs in their own territory had the 49ers beginning the fourth quarter attempting a field goal. The kick was good, but a defensive penalty for leverage caused Jim Harbaugh to take the points off the board. Smith hit Davis on the next play for 14 yard touchdown to make it 41-3. For emphasis, the often embattled Smith led a 90 yard drive to close out the game. Dixon would run it in from a yard out. Harbaugh decided not to go for the 2 point conversion to make it an even 49 points. Smith was only 11 of 19 for 170 yards, but with 3 touchdowns. Gore had 125 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries. Raheem Morris was his team get crushed to fall to 3-2 while the 49ers are a surprise 4-1 with an emphatic statement today. 48-3 49ers
San Diego Chargers @ Denver Broncos–The 3-1 Chargers under Norvelous Norv Turner play the 1-3 Broncos. Both Turner and Jon Fox used to coach the Raiders. Fox was the defensive coordinator.
When Denver went 3 and out to start the game, the crowd was already booing and clamoring for Tim Tebow. Orton would finish 6 of 13 for a miserable 34 yards out. What Orton would not do is finish the game.
San Diego would take over at their own 48, and Mathews would run for 6, 10, and 5. On 3rd and 5 from the Denver 31, Philip Rivers hit Mike Tolbert for 17. Yet on 3rd and 4 from the 8 the Chargers only got half of it. Norv Turner decided not to gamble, and Novak connected from 24 to have the Chargers up 3-0.
On the next series for Denver Willis McGahee broke off a 25 yard run, but Orton was intercepted on the next play. Yet 2 plays later Rivers was intercepted, and Vaughn returned it 55 yards for a score to have the Broncos up 7-3. Rivers would bring the Chargers back from their own 20 to 1st and goal at the Denver 7. Yet Rivers was sacked as the Chargers settled for another field goal to trail 7-6 after the first quarter. Tebow would come in for one uneventful play but Orton remained the quarterback From the 20, Orton got them to the San Diego 17. Again it was a field goal as the Broncos led 10-6.
San Diego then got down to business after a touchback. A 32 yard pass to sperry with roughing the passer tacked on was followed by another unnecessary roughness penalty on the defense. On 3rd and goal from the 2 Rivers took it in himself to have the Chargers up 13-10. San Diego got the ball back at their own 34 and Rivers went to Malcolm Floyd for 20 yards. Mathews gained 17. On 3rd and 6 an incomplete pass was offset by defensive unnecessary roughness as penalties were killing Denver. The defense held San Siego to a 28 yard field goal, as the Chargers led 16-10 with 1:47 left in the half. Denver went 3 and out as the Chargers took over at their own 46. From the Denver 42 with 20 seconds left in the half, Rives went deep to Floyd for the touchdown. The defensive breakdown had the Chargers up 23-10 at halftime.
Jon Fox had had enough, and Tim Tebow played the second half. A scoreless third quarter saw the Chargers tack on a 51 yard field goal with 13 1/2 minutes left in regulation. They led 26-10, but Tebow began to show the flashes of brilliance that had the crowd clamoring. With 9 minutes to go Denver began just shy of midfield. McGahee gained 28, and Tebow scrambled for 11 and then the final 12. McGahee ran for the 2 point conversion as Denver was within 26-18 with 6 1/2 minutes left.
Rivers then had the ball slip out of his hand, batting it forward with his arm. Initially ruled an incomplete pass, it was challenged and reversed as a fumble. Denver took over at the San Diego for 41. Tebow ran for 8 and then found Knowshown Moreno for a 28 yard pass play for another touchdown. The tying 2 point conversion failed but Denver was within 26-24 with 3:19 to play.
On 3rd and 10 from the 20, Rivers hit Floyd for 38 yards. Denver had been using their timeouts, and this first down tightened the screws. On 3rd and 7 from the 19 with 1:13 to play, Turner played it safe, and a short run set up a field goal for Novak as the clock ran. Novak hit from 35 as the Chargers had a 5 point lead. Denver took over with 24 seconds left and 0 timeouts, needing a miracle.
Tebow hit Lloyd, who made a one handed juggling sideline catch for a 20 yard gain. Tebow then found Fells for 31 yards as the Broncos rushed to the line. Tebow spiked the ball to stop the clock with one second left. From the San Diego 29, Tebow scrambled all over the place like sandlot football, and finally released the Hail Mary. It was batted around and fell incomplete. The Broncos are 1-4 and now have a quarterback controversy. Tebow only finished 4 of 10 for 79 yards and a touchdown, but the excitement level exploded when he came on the field. Denver has a bye next week as Jon Fox has a decision to make. As for the Chargers, years of slow starts are a memory as they are now 4-1. They are beating weaker teams, but winning is winning. 29-24 Chargers
New York Jets @ New England Patriots–While this is being hyped as the game of the day between teams that despise each other, it could be a total mismatch. Lat year the Patriots carpet-bombed the Jets 45-3 late in the regular season. Yet in the playoffs, the Jets went back to New England and won 28-21. As the dejected Patriots conceded on the sidelines “They talked it. They walked it.” Yet while Evil Hoodie Bill Bellichick remains his dry self, normally bombastic Rex Ryan remains uncharacteristically humble. The Jets have lost two straight games on the road badly. They were pushed around, and it could happen again today.
A field position game had the Jets punt twice and the Patriots once. On their second drive, the Patriots began at their own 36. Tom Brady went right to work, hitting Wes Welker. Green Ellis had 3 straight 8 yard gains and capped it off with a 3 yard run to have the Patriots up 7-0. In the second quarter Welker was fielding punts, taking one back 17 yards. With unnecessary roughness tacked on, the Patriots started at the Jets 44. Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 44 yard field goal to have the Patriots up 10-0.
The Jets took over at their own 23 and finally moved the ball. Mark Sanchez hit Plaxico Burress for a 19 yard gain. Shon Green had runs of 8, 5, and 5 again. Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes for 11 and Greene gained 7 more. On 3rd and 2 from the 16 Sanchez found Burress for 9. Greene took it 4 and then the final 3 as the Jets were within 10-7 after the 13 play, 8 minute, 78 yard drive. At the 2 minute warning the Patriots were at their own 30 and Brady was then sacked. Yet he recovered to move them right down the field. With 9 seconds left in the half the Patriots were at the Jets 11. Brady found Hernandez in the end zone for what was a sure touchdown, except the ball bounced right off of Hernandez’s fingertips into the arms of the much maligned cornerback Antonio Cromartie to keep the Jets within 10-7 at the break.
The Patriots got the ball to start the second half at their own 20 and instantly shook off the end of half mistake. One play over the middle from Brady to Welker went for 73 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Brady found Deon Branch for the score as the Patriots led 17-7. The Patriots needed 4 plays while the Jets needed only 3 as McKnight took the ensuing kickoff deep in the end zone and returned it 88 yards to the Patriots 20. Greene ran for 4 and 7 and Sanchez hit Kerley for the 9 yard score to have the Jets back within 17-14.
Each team then punted twice, as the Patriots took over at their own 23. On 3rd and 13 Brady found Rob Gronkowski for 17 and Hernandez for 21. On 3rd and 2 from the Jets 34, Brady found Gronkowski for 3. Defensive pass interference tacked on 10 more, and Brady hit Green-Ellis for 13 to the 3 yard line. Green-Ellis then took it in to have the Patriots up 24-14.
The Jets took over at their own 8 and went 3 and out. Welker returned the punt from the halfstripe to the quarterstripe. The fourth quarter began from the Jets 25 as the Patriots looked to put it away. Yet on 3rd and 5 from the 6, Brady fired incomplete. Gostkowski hit the 24 yarder to have the Patriots up 27-14 with 13 minutes left in regulation.
From the Jets 15, Sanchez hit Burress for 14 and Holmes for 19. Greene ran for 9 and 5. On 3rd and 6 from the Patriots 31, Sanchez hit Derrick Mason for 7. On 3rd and 7 from the 21, Sanche went to Holmes for the touchdown. 11 plays and 6 minutes had the Jets within 27-21. Despite playing from behind all game, every time the Patriots built a lead the Jets got back in it. Yet only 7 minutes remained and the Jets needed another stop.
Green Ellis ran for 8 and 15 as time ticked down. On 3rd and 4 from the Jets 46, Green-Ellis ran for 14. The Jets took their first timeout with 2:13 left and the Patriots facing 3rd and 2 at the Jets 24. Brady hit Gronkowski for 7. The Patriots then faced 3rd and 1 at the 8. Green-Ellis lost a yard, but the Jets had to take their final timeout with 1:06 left. Unless Gostkowski missed from 28, there would be no miracle comeback. Gostkowski made it, and that was that.
The Patriots under the Evil Hoodie got to 4-1 while the Jets have lost 3 straight games all on the road to drop to 2-3. Rex Ryan was calm after the game. The teams have a rematch in New York later in the year, and if they meet in the playoffs, neither team will be intimidated by having to win on the road. Brady was 24 of 33 for 321 with one touchdown and the fluke interception. 30-21 Patriots
Green Bay Packers @ Atlanta Falcons is the Sunday night game. A pair of average non-descript white guys who happen to be good coaches play a rematch of the divisional game last year. Mike McCarthy saw his Packers go into top seed Atlanta and wallop the Falcons 48-21. Mike Smith had the Falcons at 13-3 last year before that debacle, but his team is only 2-2 this year.
Atlanta made it look easy at the beginning from the 20. On 3rd and 2 Matt Ryan hit Tony Gonzalez for 8. Michael Turner then gained 15. On 3rd and 10 from the Green Bay 48, Ryan hit Douglas for 13. JOnes gained 17 and Rodgers gained 11. On 3rd and 6 from the 14 Ryan hit Gonzalez for 9 and Roddy White for the 5 yard score as the Falcons led 7-0 after the 13 play, 7 minute, 80 yard drive.
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers from their 14 to the Atlanta 41. Then Ryan Grant fumbled and the Falcons took over at their own 40. On 2nd and 13 Ryan found Jason Snelling for 17 and Julio Jones for 16. Turner gained 6 and 7 as the first quarter ended. Ryan then hit White for 8, and Snelling for 4, with Turner taking it the final yard to have the Falcons up 14-0 early in the second quarter after the 10 play, 6 minute, 60 yard drive. The Falcons were in total control, but that would eventually change.
Rodgers would lead the Packers up and down the field but for much of the game not into the end zone. He led Green bay from their own 16 to 2nd and goal at the 2, only to get sacked. Mason Crosby hit a 32 yarder to have the Packers down 14-3. A shanked punt then had the Packers starting at the Atlanta 44. A 15 yard toss to Crabtree eventually led to 3rd and 2 at the 7. Rodgers scrambled for 5, but offensive holding ended that drive as a 35 yard Crosby field goal had the Packers trailing 14-6 at the half.
In the third quarter the Falcons moved from their own 39 to 3rd and 2 at the Packers 40. Yet offensive illegal use of hands killed the drive. Rodgers led the Packers from their 16. On 3rd and 11, Rodgers found Jones for 30. and Starks for 11. On 4th and 5 from the Falcons 39, Mike McCarthy had Crosby try a 56 yard field goal. Crosby hit it, and the Packers were down 14-9. The Packers got the ball back at their own 30 and this time Rodgers needed one play to go deep to Jones for a 70 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion failed, but with 4 minutes left in the third quarter the Packers led 15-14.
The Falcons went 3 and out and the Packers took over at their own 32. On 3rd and 10 Rodgers found Finley for 22. On 3rd and 3 from the Atlanta 39, Rodgers hit Randall Cobb for 10. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Rodgers went to Greg Jennings, who got to the end zone for a 29 yard touchdown to have the Packers up 22-14.
After an exchange of punts, the Falcons took over at their own 16. Ryan led the Falcons to 1st and 10 at the Packers 29. Yet Ryan was sacked for an 11 yard loss, and on the next play a pass was intercepted by Peprah at the Packers 22. Midway through the fourth quarter, pass happy Mike McCarthy was not ready to grind it out. Rodgers was sacked for 8, but then he hit Cobb for 16, Finley for 24, and Jones for 21. With 3 minutes left the Packers faced 3rd and 3 at the Atlanta 17. Starks gained 5 to force the Falcons to use their timeouts. Crosby hit his 4th field goal, a 30 yarder, to ice the game.
Despite being known as Matty Ice, Mat Ryan has been ice cold in consecutive losses to Green Bay after early success. Both of these losses were at home, as the 13-3 Falcons from last year are only 2-3 this year. The Packers are 5-0 and looking better than the championship team who won it all last year. After spotting the Falcons 14, the Packers won the rest of the way 25-0. It was an efficient win by a resilient champion. 25-14 Packers
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions is the Monday night game. Yes the Lions went 0-16 in 2008. They were only 2-14 in 2009. They began 2-10 in 2010. They finished 2010 4-0. They won all of their 2011 preseason games. They began 2011 4-0 and now have the longest NFL regular season winning streak. They had lost 26 straight road games. Now they have won 5 straight. Jim Schwartz has turned it around, but again the key to this team is a healthy Matthew Stafford. As for the Bears, they are trying to prove last year was not a fluke. So far, it looks like it was, as Lovie Smith is again on the hot seat.
After a scoreless first quarter, the Lions struck first in a big way. Matthew Stafford has the all world Calvin Johnson, and Stafford found Johnson for a 73 yard touchdown to have the Lions up 7-0.
The Bears finally got going after that as Jay Cutler led a 10 play, 6 minute drive. The drive would stall at the Detroit 26, but Robbie Gould nailed a 44 yard field goal to have the Bears within 7-3. The Lions had very little offense despite the one big play, and the Bears got the ball back at their own 12. Jay Cutler led an 88 yard drive, and a 9 yard pass to Davis had the Bears up 10-7 at the half.
In the third quarter Stafford led the Lions 67 yards, and an 18 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Pettigrew had Detroit up 14-10. Just like in the first half however, the second half would come down to one big play. Detroit got the ball back at their own 12. and Jahvid Best needed one carry to race 88 yards for a touchdown. The 2 key defensive breakdowns, one per half, had the Lions up 21-10 after three quarters.
The fourth quarter, like the first quarter, was fairly uneventful. Needing 2 scores, Cutler moved the Bears 52 yards in 10 plays over 6 minutes. Robbie Giuld connected from 49 yards out to have the Bears within 21-13. Yet the defense could not get the critical stop they needed. Stafford moved the Lions 67 yards, and a 31 yard field goal by Jason Hanson put the game on ice. The Bears fell to 2-3 under Lovie Smith. As for the Lions under Jim Schwartz, let’s keep saying it. They are 5-0, and absolutely for real. 24-13 Lions
eric
Another Yom Kippur is in the books. 24 hours of not eating means expect nothing lofty from me. Then expect less. While I go gorge on a post Yom Kippur feast, tomorrow Americans gorge on NFL Football.
The Raider Nation will have heavy hearts, with the death earlier today of owner and legend Al Davis.
https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2011/10/death-on-yom-kippur-farewell-al-davis/
To all the Jews out there, a peaceful sweet new year to you.
For those mourning Al Davis, his life was about football. So let’s do what he would want, and get down to football.
Here are the games.
Philadelphia Eagles (3) @ Buffalo Bills
(Eagles cover)
New Orleans Saints (6.5) @ Carolina Panthers
(Saints win but fail to cover)
Oakland Raiders @ Houston Texans (5)
(Texans win but fail to cover)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts (2)
(Colts cover)
Cincinnati Bengals (1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars
(Jaguar win outright)
Arizona Cardinals @ Minnesota Vikings (3)
(Vikings cover)
Seattle Seahawks @ New York Giants (9.5)
(Giants cover)
Tennessee Titans @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3)
(Steelers cover)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers (3)
(Buccaneers win outright)
San Diego Chargers (3.5) @ Denver Broncos
(Chargers cover)
New York Jets @ New England Patriots (7.5)
(Patriots win but fail to cover)
Green Bay Packers (5.5) @ Atlanta Falcons is the Sunday night game.
(Packers win but fail to cover)
Chicago Bears @ Detroit Lions (5) is the Monday night game.
(Lions win but fail to cover)
eric
The Greatest Raider has departed. Farewell Al Davis.
Rest in peace.
Just Win Baby.
Silver and Black forever.
eric
Yom Kippur, the Jewish day of atonement, starts tonight.
Here are Yom Kippur columns from years past.
2007 A: https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2007/06/i-apologize-forwhat-am-i-supposed-to-be-sorry-for-again/
2007 B: https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2007/09/yom-kippur-2007/
2008: https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2008/10/yom-kippur-2008/
2009 A: https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2009/09/yom-kippur-phoniness/
2009 B: https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2009/09/yom-kippur-the-sacramento-queen-and-i-broke-up/
2010: https://tygrrrrexpress.com/2010/09/yom-kippur-2010/
eric
Bring on Foxy Noxy. No, please don’t actually.
Amanda Knox came to the microphone. She held a tearful press conference, where she did not announce that she was running for President.
eric
Anyone opposing Barack Obama is stupid, evil, crazy and racist.
eric
Welcome to Barack Obama’s America.
Angry, leftist mobs are in the streets of America. They are invading Wall Street in New York and participating in flash mobs from Chicago to Philadelphia.
This is the legacy of Barack Obama. It is happening on his watch.
eric
Once again police are finding that politeness with criminals is less effective than rubber bullets and tear gas.
All the money and power of Wall Street is not enough to prevent the angry, violent, leftist mobs from invading.
eric