THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

Live from Daytona Beach, Florida, here is the NFL 2011 Week 9 Recap.

Miami Dolphins @ Kansas City Chiefs–The winless Dolphins travel on the road to face a Chiefs team that has won 4 straight. The Chiefs mounted a 14 play, 8 minute drive that only went 53 yards, as Ryan Succop hit a 43 yard field goal to have the 3-0 lead. Yet somewhere on the road to an easy win, Miami woke up.

After an exchange of punts Miami took over at the Chiefs 47. On 3rd and 8 Matt Moore hit Brandon Marshall for 20 and Reggie Bush for 18. From the 3, Moore found Anthony Fasano for the score as the Dolphins led 7-3. In the second quarter the Dolphins got the ball back at their own 22. Moore went to Clay for 21 and again for 22, and then went deep to Dasano for a 35 yard touchdown as Miami had a 14-3 lead.

In the third quarter the Chiefs lined up for a 52 yard field goal attempt. The snap was fumbled, and the Dolphins took over at their own 39. On 3rd and 5 Moore went deep to Reggie Bush for 27 yards with unnecessary roughness tacking on 15 more. Moore then hit Brandon Marshall for the 14 yard touchdown as instead of a 14-6 game the Dolphins led 21-3.

After a short punt the Dolphins took over at the Chiefs 46. Reggie Bush did the rest, running 18 yards and then the final 28 to put the Dolphins up 28-3. Despite dating a Kardashian in the past, Reggie Bush contributed  in this game. Miami would add a fourth quarter field goal as the losing streak finally ended. Tony Sparano got his first win of the year while Todd Haley saw his Chiefs fall out of a first place tie and drop back to 4-4 with the loss. Despite a big road win last week, this week the Chiefs were flat at home in a horrendous defeat. 31-3 Dolphins

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ New Orleans Saints–A couple weeks ago the Saints put 62 points on the board in a 55 point win. Yet last week against another winless team, somehow the Saints fell behind 24-0 to lose by 10. In the first quarter Jon Kasay doinked a 42 yard field goal try off the upright.

The Saints got the ball back at their own 34 and Darren Sproles raced for 35 yards to get the Saints moving. Drew Brees hit Sproles for 15 yards, Pierre Thomas for 10, and Moore for the 3 yard score to put the Saints up 7-0. In the second quarter the Bucs got to a 4th and 4 at the Saints 38. Raheem Morris decided to punt. After a touchback, Ivory ran for 12 and Thomas rumble for 33 yards. Brees hit Sproles for a 21 yard touchdown as the Saints led 14-0.

With 2 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Bucs took over at their own 25. Josh Freeman went deep to Briscoe for 46 yards. The drive stalled but Connor Barth connected from 40 to have the Buccaneers within 14-3. The Saints took over at their own 20 with 1:39 to work with and Drew Brees went to Graham for 23 yards and Marqeus Colston for 9. Brees went back to Graham for 19 and Sproles for 11. Brees got the Saints to the 4 yard line and spiked the ball to stop the clock with one second left. Kasay hit the 21 yard field goal to have the Saints up 17-3 at halftime.

In the third quarter Brees was intercepted, as the Buccaneers took over at the Saints 33. Tampa Bay would get a first down but offensive penalties had them facing 3rd and 24 from the 36. Barth would hit a 48 yard field goal to get the Saints to within 17-6.

The Saints took over at their own 24 and marched again. Brees hit Colston for 9 and Thomas for 7. Ivory ran for 10. Brees hit Thomas for 6 and Sproles for 7. On 3rd and 2 from the 24 Brees found Sproles for 3. On 3rd and 3 from the 14, defensive holding on Ronde Barber kept the drive going. Thomas then ran it in from 9 yards out as the Saints led 24-6.

With 3 minutes left in the third quarter the Buccaneers took over after a touchback. The final play of the third quarter had the Buccaneers facing 4th and 1 at the Saints 33. Morris deicded to go for it, and a delay of game made it 4th and 6. Morris went for it anyway and Freeman hit Williams for 8. On 4th and 3 from the 13 Morris went for it again and Josh Freeman threw incomplete. Yet defensive pass interference kept the drive going at the 7. Yet 3 plays got 0 yards and on 4th and goal at the 7, this time Morris opted for the field goal as the Buccaneers got within 24-9.

With 10 minutes left in regulation the Bucs got it back at their own 23. On 3rd and 2 Freeman threw incomplete but another defensive penalty for illegal use of hands kept the drive alive. Freeman hit Parker for 15 and on 3rd and 6 from the Saints 45, Freeman hit Williams for 9 and Pianalto for 9 more. Yet another defensive pass interference penalty set up a 5 yard touchdown pass to Kellen Winslow as the Buccaneers were within 24-16 with 5 1/2 minutes to play in the game.

The Bucs needed one more stop to get the ball back to try and tie it.

The Saints took over at their own 20 but rather than run, they let Brees keep firing. He hit Graham for 15 and Gilmore for 9. The Bucs took their first timeout with 2:40 to play and the Saints facing 3rd and 4 at the Buccaneers 46. Brees scrambled for 20. That was a killer. Although the Saint failed to convert on 3rd and 1 from the 17, Sean Payton opted for the field goal on 4th and 1. From 35 yards out, Kasay hit it to put the game on ice and right the Saint ship after last week’s debacle. 27-16 Saints

Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans–This is one of those games that on paper looks like a total mismatch as a bad team goes on the road to face a far superior team. From the Houston 18, Matt Schaub went right to work. He hit Joel Dreesen for 22, Walter for 5, and Arriun Foster for 6. Tate ran for a 27 yard touchdown to put the Texans up 7-0.

Cleveland fumbled, as Mike Holmgren remained an unhappy walrus. From the Cleveland 28, Foster ran for 6 and Schaub hit Owen Daniels for 12. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Schaub took it in himself to have the Texans up 14-0.

Josh Cribbs returned the kick deep as the the Browns took over at their own 48. That was just enough for Phil Dawson to kick a 50 yard field goal to get the Browns within 14-3. In the second quarter Houston took over at their own 29 and Tate ran for 24 yards. On 3rd and 3 Schaub hit Daniels for 12. On 3rd and 1 from the 19 Foster took it to the end zone as the Texans coasted 21-3.

With 12 seconds left in the half the Browns had the ball and 2nd and 19 at their own 47. Colt McCoy was intercepted by Demps, who returned it 42 yards to the Cleveland 10. There were 2 seconds still left in the half, enough time for Neil Rackers to kick a 28 yarder to have the Texans up 24-3 at the break.

League rules required that the second half be played. Houston went on a pair of time consuming drives, going 78 yards in 13 plays in 7 1/2 minutes and 12 plays over 6 1/2 minutes. both drives resulted in field goals, sandwiched around a 51 yard Cleveland field goal. Colt McCoy would lead an 11 play, 64 yard, 6 minute drive, but using the clock is not good when down by 24 points. McCoy hit Josh Cribbs for a 2 yard touchdown as the 2 point conversion failed. The Browns trailed 30-12 with 5 minutes left. They would get nothing more. The Texans know this is their best chance in years to win their division, and they have to win these types of games with ease. Again, they did. 30-12 Texans

Atlanta Falcons @ Indianapolis Colts–Atlanta at 4-3 has actually never beaten the Colts in Indy. However, the 0-8 Colts are not what they were. Mike Smith and Jim Caldwell are having a quiet competition to see which coach can be the least lively. Caldwell does not make facial expressions while Smith remains the poster child for non-descript Caucasian monthly. They both have good hair.

The Colts naturally fumbled, putting the Falcons at the Indy 26. Michael Turner ran for 8 and 5, and for the one yard touchdown to have the Falcons up 7-0. The next Colts possession ended in an interception. From the Atlanta 21, Turner ran for 15 and Jones for 14 more. From midfield, Matt Ryan went deep to Jones. It was initially ruled incomplete, but reversed on review and ruled a touchdown and a 14-0 Falcons lead. In the second quarter the Falcons got it back at their own 13. On 3rd and 3 Ryan hit Jones, who took it 80 yards for a touchdown as the Falcons cruised 21-0.

With Atlanta in cruise control, a punt pinned the Falcons at their own 1. From the 2, Ryan was intercepted by Powers. Powers returned it for a 6 yard touchdown as the Colts got within 21-7.  In the third quarter after after an exchange of punts the Falcons took over at their own 27. Matty Ice hit Palmer for 9 and Tony Gonzalez for 20. Ryan hit Turner for 7 and Gonzalez for another 11. On 3rd and goal from the 1 Ryan hit Gonzalez for the score as the Falcons led 28-7

Atlanta would add a fourth quarter field goal as they remained in the thick of the NFC South. The misery for the Colts continued as they fell to 0-9 to remain the only winless team in the league after the other two teams without wins got off the schnide in the last couple weeks. 31-7 Falcons

New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills–The Jets have won consecutive games for Re Ryan to get to 4-3, but they are not winning on the road as they faced a resurgent 5-2 Buffalo team. Yet early on it was the defenses that reigned supreme. After 27 scoreless minutes, Nick Folk hit a 49 yard field goal to have the Jets up 3-0.

With one minute left in the half Ryan Fitzpatrick was intercepted. Mark Sanchez fumbled it right back. Yet on 4th and 2 from the Jets 38, Chan Gailey decided to go for it and Fitzpatrick threw incomplete. In the third quarter the Jets faced 4th and 2 at the Buffalo 37. Rex Ryan decided to punt and play field position. The strategy worked as after a punt the Jets got it back at the Bills 40. The Jets failed to gain a first down but Nick Folk nailed a 50 yarder to have Gang Green up 6-0.

On the next Buffalo play from scrimmage Fred Jackson fumbled, and the Jets recovered at the Buffalo 19. On 2nd and 11 Mark Sanchez hit Plaxico Burress for 19, and Ladanian Romlinson took it in from the one to have the Jets up 13-0.

Buffalo soon faced 3rd and 5 at their own 25, and Fitzpatrick went deep to Stevie St Johnson for a 52 yard gain. Yet on 3rd and 4 from the 6, Fitzpatrick fired incomplete and the Bills had to settle for a 24 yard Ryan Lindell field goal to get within 13-3. The Jets took over at their own 21. Sanchez hit Dustin Keller for 16 and Burress for 13 to midfield. Sanchez went deep to Holmes, resulting in defensive pass interference at the 8 yard line. On the next play Sanchez found Holmes for the touchdown as the Jets led 20-3.

Seconds into the fourth quarter the Bills faced 4th and 1 at the Jets 16. Fred Jackson got the carry and hit a Gang Green wall. Rex Ryan was even more pleased when the ground and pound offense that had disappeared earlier this year delivered a drive that can only be called a statement. Shon Greene gained 8 and 1 and Sanchez hit Keller for 13 and Holmes for 10. On 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 40 Conner ran for 7. On 3rd and 9 from the 32 Sanchez hit Tomlinson for 14. On 3rd and 10 from the 18 defensive pass interference led to the ball on the one. 14 plays, 84 yards, and 8 minutes led to a one yard Conner run as the Jets broke open a defensive bonelock at halftime and turned it into a 27-3 blowout.

Buffalo would finally reach the end zone but it was not nearly enough. Both of these teams are now 5-3 and battling with New England for the top spot in the AFC East. After losing 3 straight, the Jets have now won 3 straight. 27-11 Jets
San Francisco 49ers @ Washington Redskins–Jim Harbaugh has the 49ers at 6-1 while the Redskins are reverting to their place as bottom feeders in the tough NFC East. A war of attrition saw David Akers kick a 52 yard field goal in the second quarter to give the 49ers the 3-0 lead.

With 4 minutes left in the half the 49ers took over at their own 45. Alex Smith ran for 8 and Frank Gore picked up another 27. On 3rd and 1 from the 11 Gore fired incomplete. On 4th and 1 Harbaugh decided to go for it but a false start killed the chance as the 49ers settled for a 34 yard field goal and a 6-0 lead.

With just over one minute left in the half, John Beck fumbled and the 49ers recovered at the Redskins 30. Alex Smith needed one play to go deep to Miller for the touchdown as the 49ers led 13-0. With only one minute left from the Washington 27, Beck hit Jabar Gaffney for 13, and Helu for 8 and 11. Graham Gano drilled a 59 yard field goal to get the Redskins to within 13-3 at halftime.

In the third quarter after an exchange of punts, the 49ers took over at their own 39. On 3rd and 3 Smith hit Tedd Ginn for 14, Michael Crabtree for 7, and Edwards for 6. On 3rd and 4 from the 21 Smith was sacked, but Akers hit from 45 to have the 49ers up 16-3.

Seattle Seahawks @ Dallas Cowboys–The Seahawks are a bad team while people keep waiting for 3-4 Dallas to play up to their potential. The Cowboys might be the only team this year to have a 96 yard drive that did not result in a touchdown. They moved from their own 2 to 4th and goal at the Seattle 2. Jason Garret opted for the field goal to have Dallas up 3-0. Seattle would answer back with a 45 yard field goal to tie it 3-3.

In the second quarter 12 plays and 86 yards meant another time consuming Cowboys drive. Yet 1st and goal at the 1 meant 3 plays to lose one yard and another 20 yard field goal to lead 6-3. Tarvaris Jackson would lead the Seahawks on a 13 play, 81 yard drive over 5 1/2 minutes, but naturally the result would be a 32 yard field goal and a 6-6 game.

In the third quarter from the Dallas 36, Tony Romo hit Robinson for 6 and Murray gained 8 to midfield. On 3rd and 4 Romo gained 11, and on the next play Romo went deep to Jason Witten for a 33 yard touchdown as the Cowboys led 13-6. Seattle came right back, but a 41 yard field goal try was blocked as Anthony Spencer actually leapt over an offensive lineman, landed, and then blocked the kick.

Late in the third quarter Jackson was intercepted, giving the Cowboys the ball at the Seattle 40. On 3rd and 6 Romo hit Witten for 23 yards. Secodns into the fourth quarter, on 3rd and 3 from the 6, Romo hit Robinson for the score to have Dallas up 20-6. Jackson was then intercepted again, giving Dallas the ball at the Seattle 35. This time they would settle for a 42 yard field goal and a 23-6 lead with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

Seattle would finally crack the end zone with 6 minutes left but it was too little too late. Jackson would get intercepted again near the end. Seattle fell to 2-6 for Pete Carroll in the awful NFC Worst while Dallas stayed in the hunt at 4-4 for Jason Garrett. 23-13 Cowboys

Cincinnati Bengals @ Tennessee Titans–Both of these teams are better than expected although neither of them have the doubters convinced that they are for real. Rob Bironas would hit a 43 yard field goal to have the Titans on the board first 3-0.

The second quarter began with the Bengals facing 1st and 16 at their own 37. Scott gained 7 and Andy Dalton hit Lee for 22 more. On 3rd and 9 from the Titans 33, Dalton found Lee again for 25. On 3rd and goal at the 1 Dalton hit Cochart for the score to put the Bengals up 7-3.

The Titans took over at their 22. Chris Johnson gained 3 and ten 18. Defensive pass interference moved the ball to the Bengals 42, and on the next play Matt Hasselbeck hit Stevens for a 25 yard gain. On 3rd and 3 at the 10, Johnson got stuffed. Yet on 4th and 3 Mike Munchak decided to go for it. The very gutsy call paid off when Hasselbeck hit Hawkins for 5. On 2nd and goal from the 8 Hasselbeck hit Williams for the score to put the Titans back on top 10-7.

Tennessee got the ball back at their own 19 with 3 minutes left in the half. Johnson gained 12, and and with 1:24 left in the half the Titans faced 3rd and 11 at their own 30. Matt Hasselbeck hit Cook for 15 and 11. On 3rd and 9 from the 30, Hasselbeck hit Ronger for 14 and Hawkins for the 16 yard touchdown with seconds left in the half to have the Titans up 17-7 going into the locker rooms.

Midway through the third quarter the Bengals took over at their own 35. A 45 yard pass interference penalty on the defense led to 3rd and 5 at the 15. Dalton hit Simpson for the touchdown to get the Bengals within 17-14.

Cincinnati took over at their own 25 and began the fourth quarter facing a critical 3rd and 1 at the Titans 34. Dalton gained 2. On 1st and 20 from the 42 Dalton hit Green for 23. On 3rd and 18 from the 27 Dalton went back to Green for 20. On 3rd and goal at the 5 Dalton hit Caldwell for the score as the Bengals led 21-17 with 11 minutes remaining.

With 4 minutes left in the game the Titans took over at our own 12. On the first play from scrimmage Hasselbeck hit Cook, who fumbled. The Bengals took over at the Titans 20, gained 3 yards, and Mike Nugent hit from 36 as the Bengals led by 7 with 1:55 to play. The 2 minute drill did not go well as the final play on 3rd and 22 from the Titans 38 saw Hasselbeck hit Hawkins for 30 yards but not the final 32 as the clock ran out. The Bengals are 6-2 and Marvin Lewis has the team dismissing the naysayers. 24-17 Bengals

Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders–For more on the game of the day, go to http://www.justblogbaby.com

The Raiders were rolling at 4-2 when the injury to Jason Campbell changed everything. 2 weeks ago without him and Darren McFadden and Sebastian Janikowksi, the Raiders looked miserable in a 28-0 home loss. 6 interceptions combined by Kyle Boller and Carson Palmer did not help. The Raiders had the bye week to get ready for Tim Tebow and Denver, but McFadden was out again. The Raiders are not the same without him.

Both teams went 3 and out on their opening possession, and the Raiders took over at their own 27. On 2nd and 8 Palmer found Jacoby Ford for a 34 yard gain. Ford was stripped of the ball but Marcel Reese fell on it to keep the drive going. Michael Bush gained 14 yards to the 19. Consecutive penalties killed the drive, and on 4th and 21 from the 30, Seabass was brought in for a 48 yard try. When healthy he is all world, but this kick barely snuck inside the upright to have the Raiders up 3-0.

After an exchange of punts the Broncos took over at their own 35. Tebow hit Fells for 6 yards. On the next play Tebow called a naked bootleg, and it fooled the entire defense for a 32 yard gain. On 3rd and 10 from the 27 Tebow fired to Eric Decker for the touchdown as the defensive breakdown had the Broncos on top 7-3.

The Raiders took over at their own 20 and began the second quarter facing 3rd and 4 at their own 42. Palmer fired incomplete and the Raiders punted. Denver got stuffed on their next series and prepared to punt on 4th and 11 from their own 15. Punter Colquitt fumbled the snap , retreated to his end zone, and tried to throw the ball just before getting belted by 2 defenders. The Raiders were calling for intentional grounding and a safety, but the officials simply ruled it an incomplete pass. Nevertheless, the Raiders took over at the Denver 14. On 2nd and 18 Palmer hit Myers for 11. On 3rd and 7 from the 11, Palmer found Michael Bush for the touchdown as the Raiders retook the lead 10-7.

Denver punted, and the Raiders took over at their own 32. Palmer got them to the Denver 41. Yet he was then intercepted to kill the drive. Denver punted again and the Raiders took over at their own 28. From the 30, Palmer hit Jacoby Ford for 31 yards at the 2 minute warning. On 2nd and 11 from the Denver 40, Palmer went deep again to Marcel Reece, who outjumped the defender for the touchdown. With 90 seconds left in the half the Raiders led 17-7.

The end of the half was lunacy. Tebow moved the Broncos from their 39 to a 4th and 11 at the Oakland 35. Matt Prater missed a 53 yard field goal, but offsides gave him another shot. He connected from 48, but a personal foul for running into the kicker led Jon Fox to take the points off the board. From the 15, an incomplete pass and offensive holding meant Prater coming back on anyway, this time from 43. He missed it and the Raiders led 17-7 at halftime.

The Raiders were not good in the first half. They were lucky. Yes they were playing with backups and newly acquired players, but what really hurt them was the playcalling. That falls on head coach Hue Jackson, since he calls the plays. Coach Jackson has done an excellent job of opening up the playbook, but since Jason Campbell got injured the offense has gone ultra conservative. 2 weeks ago it was excusable. Palmer was fresh off the plane. Yet despite Palmer passing well, Hue Jackson insisted on trying to use Michael Bush to run out the clock the final 30 minutes. Gone were the flea flickers and reverses. Yes, McFadden was out. However, the boring predictable running up the middle shackled the offense.

The Broncos were in a similar boat. Coach Fox barely let Tebow throw. He finished only 10 of 21 for 124 yards passing. That would be abysmal except that he also had over 100 yards rushing in addition to a pair of touchdown passes. Yet despite the fact that the Broncos over and over again ran the draw play out of the shotgun, the Raiders never stopped it. Both offenses were one dimensional, but only the Broncos made the defensive adjustments. The Raiders got gashed for 163 yards by Willis McGahee and for 118 by Tebow, giving up almost 300 yards on the ground. Michael Bush did gain 96 yards on 19 carries, but much of it in the first half.

After a touchback to start the second half Denver was backed up to 1st and 15 at their own 27. Tebow hit Rosario for 13 and on 3rd and 2 McGahee gained 3. Tebow then scrambled for 19, McGahee gained 12, and Tebow hit Eddie Royal for a 26 yard touchdown. The Broncos made it look easy in getting to within 17-14.

The Raiders answered back because Palmer was still throwing for one final drive. On 2nd and 11 from the 19 Palmer hit Bush for 22. On 3rd and 1 from midfield Palmer got the yard. Palmer hit Ford for 14 and Bush gained 9. Defensive pass interference moved the ball to the 18, and on the next play Palmer went to Ford for the touchdown. Palmer finished 19 of 35 for 332 yards with 3 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Yet at this point the Raiders led 24-14 with 6 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.

From the Denver 23, Tebow hit Thomas for 29 yards and scrambled for 12 more. On 3rd and 13 from the Oakland 37, Tebow scrambled again and came up one yard short. On 4th and 1 Jon Fox opted for the field goal and this time from 43 Prater was good as Denver was within 24-17 with 3 minutes left in the third quarter.

Oakland got the ball back and Michael Bush ran for a pair of one yard gains after a touchback. On 3rd and 8 Palmer hit Ford for just enough. Palmer then found TJ Houshmanzadeh, who just joined the team this week. The 28 yard connection reached the Denver 42. With 14 seconds left in the third quarter, the Raiders faced 3rd and 11 at the Denver 43. This is where the game changed for good. On the prior play Palmer fumbled the snap but retained possession. On this play Palmer was intercepted by Harris. Denver took over at their own 40. The last play of the third quarter was the only play the Broncos needed. McGahee burst free for a 60 yard gain as a shellshocked silver and black crowd saw a 10 point lead become a 24-24 tie entering the fourth quarter.

Again Hue Jackson called for runs on 1st and 2nd down, and Bush only gained 1 and 3. A 3rd and 6 pass came up one yard short and the Raiders punted. The Broncos soon faced 3rd and 20 at their own 27. All Tebow was doing was lining up in the shotgun and either running himself or handing to McGahee. On 3rd and 20 Tebow was stopped for no gain. Yet he was hit out of bounds, leading to a pesonal foul. Denver would eventually punt.

Yet the Raiders were still inept. Holding gave them 1st and 20 at their own 10. Palmer hit Chaz Schillens for 15, but a pair of runs again came up one yard short and the Raiders punted again. Shane Lechler did his job as always, but the rest of the team did not. Royal took the punt and raced 85 yards for a touchdown. With 6 minutes left in regulation, the Broncos led 31-24. Now the Raiders had to pass, and the Broncos knew it was coming. The predictable offensive playcalling had come back to bite Oakland.

After a touchback Palmer was sacked to make it 2nd and 19. Palmer hit Denarius Moore for 24 and again for 11 to set up 1st and 10 at the Oakland 46 with 4 minutes left. Palmer threw 3 straight incompletions, and Coach Jackson decided to punt rather than go for it. He has gambled in the past, but in this case gambling made more sense. Yes the Raiders were in their own territory, but the defense could not stop anybody. Getting the ball back seemed riskier than going for it.

The Broncos got the punt at their own 23. Tebow ran for 26 and McGahee added 17 more. At the 2 minute warning the Broncos faced 2nd and 2 at the 24. McGahee raced through for another touchdown. Both teams knew the other team was going to run. Yet the Raiders could not stop the run. Denver did. Needing 2 scores in 2 minutes, Palmer rapidly moved the Raiders from their own 17 to the Denver 25 with one minute left. Palmer was the  intercepted to end any chance of a comeback.

Last year the Raiders were 4-4 but it was optimistic. This year 4-4 is pessimistic since 2 straight losses at home against inferior teams has hurt a promising start. Yes the Raiders have been devastated by injuries and the death of the owner, but at some point very soon Hue Jackson has to get back to what worked. He needs to unleash Palmer and let him throw. Use the trick plays. Try the gadgets and the razzle dazzle. The Raiders were too formulaic, and Palmer is a thoroughbred.

On defense the Raiders battered Tebow when they brought pressure. Yet when they sat back Tebow ra all over them more than he threw. For a quarterback who runs wild and throws not so much, the Raiders should have kept 8 in the box and dared Tebow to beat them with his arm. When they did that it worked. They got away from it.

The Raiders failed to capitalize on San Diego and Kansas City both losing at home. Kansas City lost badly to the previously winless Miami squad. Yet San Diego barely lost to unbeaten Green Bay. So although all 3 teams are 4-4 with Denver at 3-5, the Raiders at San Diego in only 4 days for Thursday Night Football seems primed for a San Diego blowout. The Raiders swept the series last year after 13 straight Chargers wins, but McFadden was playing. The Raiders desperately need him back.

In 2002, the Raiders lost 4 straight to go from 4-0 to 4-4. They were on the road against Denver and expected to lose a 5th straight game against 6-2 Denver to finish their once possible season. Instead Oakland won big on Monday Night Football en route to going 11-5, the top seed, and the Super Bowl. They will need another miracle to top the slide and get to 5-4 in 2011 like they were in 2010. Yet now we will see what Hue Jackson is really building. Despite the last 2 games, the first 6 games requires he be given the benefit of the doubt. 38-24 Broncos

St. Louis Rams @ Arizona Cardinals–Kurt Warner took both of these teams to the Super Bowl, which means there is nothing worth describing in the misery bowl of 1-6 teams in the NFC Worst. Steve Spagnuolo and Ken Whisenhunt will both be on the hot seat if they lose this game.

Jay Feely kicked a 27 yard field goal to give the Cardinals the early lead. The Rams benefitted by having Sam Bradford back from injury. He led the Rams on a 6 minute drive that resulted in a 48 yard Josh Brown field goal to tie it 3-3. Bradford led an 11 play, 6 minute drive in the second quarter to set up a 37 yard Josh Brown field goal and a 6-3 Rams lead. Late in the half a 10 play drive meant a 41 yard Josh Brown kick and a 9-3 Rams lead.  In the third quarter it was Jay Feely hitting from 38 to get the Cardinals within 9-6. Long drives and field goals deserve no further elaboration.

With Kevin Kolb out, it was John “Red” Skelton starting for the Cardinals. A game of all field goals turned into a game of safeties in the third quarter. Skelton was sacked in the end zone for a safety to put the Rams up 11-6. Then Skelton was almost sacked in the end zone. He was called for intentional grounding which meant another safety and a 13-6 Rams lead.

With 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation the Cardinals took over at their own 16. Skelton hit Doucet for 5 and 20. Skelton then scrambled for a pair of 14 yard gains. Skelton hit Roberts for 8 and from the 13 hit Larry Fitzgerald for the touchdown. With 5 minutes left in the game the teams were tied 13-13.

Sam Bradford put the Rams in position for the win as Josh Brown came in for a 42 yard field goal with 4 seconds left. The kick was blocked. If ever a game did not deserve overtime, this was it. Yet it was over in a flash as a terrible game ended in thrilling fashion. The Rams punted, and Peterson returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. Just like that it was over, and the Cardinals at 2-6 are a juggernaut while the Rams at 1-7 are less than that. 19-13 Cardinals, OT

New York Giants @ New England Patriots–In 2007 Bill Bellichick and Tom Coughlin saw the 15-0 Patriots go into the Meadowlands as Tom Brady and Eli Manning put on an epic aerial show that the Patriots won 38-35. Yet in the Super Bowl rematch the Giants had the miracle 17-14 win to ruin perfection. 4 years later both of these teams have winning records and lead their divisions despite the Patriots losing consecutive games. The first half of this “Tuna Bowl” between former Bill Parcells disciples was a game for those who love defense. The teams went to the locker room with a scoreless tie.

In the third quarter Brady was intercepted, giving the Giants the ball on their own 39. Manning hit Victor Cruz for 18 and Ballard for 30. Yet on 3rd and 3 from the 4, Manning fired incomplete. Lawrence Tynes hit a 22 yard field goal and after 35 minutes of football, the Giants led 3-0. New England took over at their own 16, and on 3rd and 10 Brady was sacked and fumbled. The Giants fell on it at the Patriots 10. One play was all Brandon Jacobs needed to barrel into the end zone as the Giants quickly turned a slog into a 10-0 lead.

New England went 3 and out and punted on 4th and 5 at their own 22. Yet this time it was the Giants who blundered as the Patriots recovered the fumbled punt at the Giants 33. On 3rd and 1 Green-Ellis gained 3. On 3rd and 3 from the 14 Brady fired incomplete. Stephen Gostkowski hit from 32 as the Patriots were within 10-3. The Giants then went 3 and out and punted, and it was the Patriots who fumbled the punt. The Giants took over at the New England 40. Yet on 3rd and goal at the 5, Manning was intercepted for a touchback.

On the last play of the third quarter the Patriots faced 2nd and 7 at the Giants 44. Brady went to Wes Welker for 28 yards. Brady began the fourth quarter by hitting Hernandez for 11 and then for the 5 yard score to tie the game 10-10.

New England got the ball back at their own 21 and Welker took a wildcat snap 13 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Giants 38, Brady hit Welker for 9. The drive stalled but Gostkowski hit the 44 yarder to put the Patriots up 13-10 with 7 minutes left in regulation.

The Giants took over at their own 15. A long defensive pass interference penalty but the Giants at the Patriots 40. Manning hit Cruz for 11 and Barden for 9. On 3rd and 5 from the 10 Manning hit Mario Manningham for the touchdown as the Giants led 17-13 with 3 minutes left.

From the 36 Brady hit Deion Branch for 15. Danny Woodhead gained 9 and 6. Brady hit Rob Gronkowski for 19 to the 15. With 1:40 left it came down to 4th and 9 at the 14. Brady hit Gronkowski for the score and the Patriots led 20-17. In the Super Bowl Eli Manning had 2:42. This time from the 20 he only had 1:36. Once again Brady could only watch.

Manning hit Cruz for 19. On 3rd and 10 Manning went deep to Ballard for 28 yards to the 33. Manning scrambled for 12 more. Manning went deep and defensive pass interference put the ball on the one yard line with 30 seconds left. Manning fired incomplete and then Brandon Jacobs got stuffed. The Giants took their final timeout with 19 seconds left. On 3rd and goal at the 1, Manning hit Ballard for the touchdown.

In a game that very closely mirrored the Super Bowl, once again Brady needed a miracle Hail Mary and once again he did not get one. Even without David Tyree, miracle helmet catches, or Randy Moss,  this was a fantastic football game with a thrilling finish. Last time the Giants won it with 34 seconds left. This time there were only 15. The Giants remain in first place while the Patriots have lost 3 straight games. In keeping with tradition, neither coach smiled. 24-20 Giants

Green Bay Packers @ San Diego Chargers–Mike McCarthy has his defending champions riding high as the last unbeaten team in the league at 7-0. Norvelous Norv Turner saw the Chargers fumble away a win to tumble to 4-3. This game was expected to be a track meet, and early on it was.

From the 20 Philip Rivers immediately hit Vincent Jackson for 23 yards. Mike Tolbert gained 9 and 8 sandwiched around an 11 yarder to Jackson. On 3rd and 1 from the 25 Tolbert gained 2, and on the next play Rivers hit Jackson for the 23 yard touchdown to have the Chargers up 7-0.

The Packers took over at their own 37 and Aaron Rodgers hit Jermaine Finley for 9. On 3rd and 4 after scrambling for 9, Rodgers scrambled for 11 more. On 3rd and 3 from the 26, Rodgers threw incomplete but defensive pass interference put the ball on the 5. Rodgers hit Finley for the score to tie the game 7-7.

Rivers then completed a perfect pass to Peprah. Yet Peprah plays defense for the Packers, and his 40 yard interception return for a touchdown had the Packers up 14-7. On the next San Diego series, Rivers completed a perfect pass to Williams. Williams also plays defense for the Packers, and he returned it 43 yards for another touchdown as the Packers led 21-7 still in the first quarter.

The Chargers took over at their own 34. On 3rd and 1 Rivers hit Jackson for 19 yards as the first quarter finally ended. From the 19, Rivers hit Tolbert for 11 and Tolbert ran it in the final 8 as the Chargers got within 21-14.

Rodgers led the Packers to a 3rd and 2 at the Chargers 36 before being stopped. Mike McCarthy decided to go for it and Rodgers threw incomplete. San Diego fumbled on consecutive plays, once by Rivers and once by Jacob Hester. They retained possession and faced 3rd and 8 at midfield. Rivers threw incomplete but defensive holding kept the drive going. Nate Novak drilled a 52 yard field goal as the Chargers got within 21-17.

Green Bay took over at their own 26 with 5:40 in the half. On 3rd and Rodgers scrambled for 25. On 3rd and 1 from the 39 Kuhn got 2. On 3rd and 11 from the 38 Rodgers hit Greg Jennings for 13. On 3rd and 1 from the 16, Rodgers found Jordy Nelson at the one. Nelson dove, caught the ball, and rolled over into the end zone before he was touched. With seconds left in the half the Packers got the 28-17 lead at breaktime.

Green Bay took over at their own 20 to start the third quarter. Runs and short passes set up 3rd and 3 at midfield. Rodgers hit Finley for 13. On 3rd and 2 from the 29 Rodgers threw incomplete. Mason Crosby hit from 47 to put the Packers up 31-17 after the 11 play, 61/2 minute drive.

San Diego took over at their own 16 and soon faced 1st and 18 at their own 8. Rivers it Tolbert for 27. On 3rd and 16 from the 29 Rivers hit Antonio Gates for 19. Rivers hit Gates again for 7 more and Tolbert ran for 6. Rivers then hit Brown for 15.  On 3rd and 2 from the 16 Rivers hit Patrick Crayton for 5. Rivers went to Gates for the 11 yard score to get the Chargers within 31-24.

The Packers took over at their own 27 and Rodgers hit Jennings for 21. Ryan Grant gained 5 as the fourth quarter began with the Packers at the Chargers 46. Rodgers hit Nelson for 11. Grant gained 6 and Starks 8 more. Rodgers then went deep to Jones for the 21 yard touchdown as the Packers led 38-24 with 13 minutes left in regulation.

San Diego went 3 and out and the Pacekrs got the ball back at their own 32. Rodgers went for the kill deep and hit Nelson for a 64 yard gain. Rodgers then hit Jennings for the 4 yard touchdown as the Packers led 45-24 with 10 1/2 minutes left.

Yet what was a blowout turned back into a thriller.

From the 20 Rovers hit Gates for 16, Brown for 20, Brown again for 31 on 3rd and 2, and Jackson for a 5 yard touchdown as the Chargers trailed 45-31 with 7 1/2 minutes left as the rain did not slow either passing attack. A perfectly executed onsides kick gave the Chargers the ball back at their own 45. Rivers hit brown for 13, Tolbert for 13 more, and Jackson or a 29 yard touchdown as the Chargers were down by 7 with 6 1/2 minutes left.

The teams exchanged punts of all things as the Chargers had one final shot with 1:05 left from their own 31. With 33 seconds left they were at the Green Bay 41. Rivers went deep and again found Peprah, who still plays defense for the Packers as the final threat was snuffed out. Rodgers finished a ridiculous 21 of 26 for 247 and 4 touchdowns. Rivers was 26 of 46 for 385 yards on 4 touchdowns, but also 3 killer interceptions. The Chargers are 4-4 and the Packers remain the lone unbeaten. 45-38 Packers

Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers was the Sunday night game. For the last few years, it has become trendy to say that this is why we watch football. Yet cliches are sometimes deserved. This may be the very best rivalry in all of pro football. These teams played several games in a row decided by 7 points or fewer. Last year these teams played a game in Baltimore that was a brutal headknocker won late by Pittsburgh. It may have been one of the great defensive thrillers of all time. These team were both 12-4 last year but Pittsburgh got the first round bye and Baltimore had to go on the road. Yet in Week 1 this year the normally close games took a vacation as Baltimore blasted the Steelers 35-7. Pittsburgh had 7 turnovers. Now came the revenge match in Pittsburgh. It was a finish for the ages, and again another reminder of why we watch football.

The first half was every bit the defensive slobberknocker that has been expected of teams featuring Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, Terrell Suggs, Haloti Ngata, Troy Palomalu and James Harrison. Both defenses knocked Joe Flacco and Ben Roethlisberger around. Flacco did move the Ravens to start in 14 plays and 7 minutes from the Baltimore 24 to 1st and goal at the one. After an incomplete pass, Ray Rice carried twice and got nailed twice. On 4th and goal at the one John Harbaugh decided to kick the field goal. Billy Cundiff hit the 18 yarder as the Ravens led 3-0. The Ravens got the ball back and Flacco led them from their own 32 to a 4th and 5 at the Pittsburgh 22. Yet from 40, this time Cundiff missed.

From the Pittsburgh 30 Roethlisberger hit Heath Miller for 15 and Brown for 32. The drive stalled and Shawn Suisham connected from 36 yards out to make it 3-3 one minute into the second quarter. Ed Reed returned the kickoff to the Baltimore 41. Flacco again moved the Ravens. Yet on 3rd and 2 from the Pittsburgh 25, again Rice got the carry and again the Steelers served up a nighttime heaping of stuffed Rice. Cundiff hit from 43 to have the Ravens up 6-3.

With 5 1/2 minutes left in the half the Steelers took over at their own 39. Big Ben hit Johnson for 25. On 3rd and 1 from the 27 Roethlisberger ran for 3 and hit Jerricho Cotcherry for 17. Yet on 3rd and goal at the 4, Big Ben was sacked. Suisham hit from 30 as the game was tied 6-6 with just over one minute left in the half.

Baltimore took over at their own 35 and Flacco was sacked. Yet a 15 yard gain and a 13 yard pass to Anquon Boldin had the Ravens moving. On 2nd and 11 from the Steelers 47 with 14 seconds left in the half, Flacco found Rice for 14. From 51 yards out, Cundiff drilled the field goal as the Ravens led 9-6 at halftime in a game every bit as nasty as expected. Yet if the first half was a slog, the second half was sheer beauty, especially late.

Roethlisberger led the Steelers at the start of the third quarter form their 20 to 1st and 10 at the Ravens 14. Yet he was then intercepted by Suggs. The Ravens took over at their own 29. On 3rd and 4 Flacco hit Pitta for 6. On 3rd and 3 from the Baltimore 47, Flacco found Pitta again for 4. On 3rd and 3 from the Pittsburgh 42, Flacco found Rice for 11. Defensive pass interference put the ball on the 4 yard line. This time Rice went up the middle and scored, as the 12 play, 6 minute, 71 yard drive had the Ravens up 16-6 with 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.

After a touchback and penalties the Steelers soon faced 1st and 25 at their own 15. On 3rd and 17 Roethlisberger found Mike Wallace for 21. Roethlisberger then found Heath Miller for 30 and then 12 more. The fourth quarter began with the Steelers facing 3rd and 5 at the Baltimore 9. Big Ben scrambled to the one yard line, and Rashaard Mendenhall took it in on the next play to have the Steelers within 16-13.

Flacco led a time consuming drive from the Baltimore 20 to a critical 3rd and 8 at the Pittsburgh 36. The 11 play drive consumed nearly 7 minutes, but it ended when Flacco was sacked and fumbled. From the Steelers 42, Roethlisberger hit Brown for 15, Cotcherry for 13, and Wallace for a 25 yard touchdown. The Steelers led 20-16 with 5 minutes left in regulation.

Baltimore went 3 and out and punted as the Steelers took over at their own 46 with 4 1/2 minutes left. On 3rd and 9 the Ravens jumped offsides. On 3rd and 4 Roethlisberger hit Cotcherry for 14 as only 3 minutes remained. With 2 1/2 minutes left the Ravens took their final timeout. The Steelers faced 3rd and 5 at the Baltimore 29. A running play would would take the clock to the 2 minute warning. A first down would end the game. Mike Tomlin decided to gamble, and the gamble failed when Roethlisberger fired incomplete to stop the clock and preserve 30 seconds. To make matters worse, a costly delay of game penalty moved a 47 yard field goal try to a 52 yarder. This time Tomlin went conservative and decided to punt. The Ravens had 2:24 to work with, but they were at their own 8.

On 2nd and 10 Flacco hit Boldin for 21 at the 2 minute warning. Flacco then hit Williams for 13 and Boldin for 9. With 1:06 to play, the Ravens faced 4th and 1 just past midfield. Flacco hit Boldin for 10. With 35 seconds left the Ravens faced 3rd and 8 at the Steelers 37. Flacco hit Boldin for 11 as the Steelers called timeout with 28 seconds left. With 14 seconds left the Ravens faced 3rd and 10 at the 26. Several plays earlier Flacco went to Torrey Smith in the end zone. Smith dropped it. It just bounced off his fingertips. Yet Flacco went back to Smith again, and the 26 yard touchdown pass in front of thousands of screaming terrible towel wavers shocked the home crowd.

With 8 seconds left the Ravens had the lead, and they won it. This game was another instant classic. Despite phenomenal defense, Flacco finished 28 of 47 for 300 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. Roethlisberger was 20 of 37 for 330 yards and one touchdown with one interception. John Harbaugh has the Ravens at 6-2 with mike Tomlin and the Steelers 1/2 a game back at 6-3. Yet the Ravens have swept the series and own the tiebreaker they did not get last year. This game was another instant classic in a series filled with them. These teams facing off absolutely deserves a rubber match third game in the playoffs. Again, this is why we watch football. 23-20 Ravens

Chicago Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles is the Monday night game. The overachieving Bears somehow win just enough to keep Lovie Smith around while Walrus Lite Andy Reid has seen his Eagles finally gel into the team they were supposed to be before the team stumbled to a 1-4 start.

The Bears began at their own 21 and Matt Forte ran for 6, 25, and 14. Jay Cutler hit Bennett for 14. On 3rd and 1 from the 8 Marion Barber gained 5. On 2nd and goal from the 5 Cutler hit Spaeth for a 5 yard touchdown to have the Bears up 7-0 after the 5 1/2 minute drive. Michael Vick led the Eagles on a long drive early in the second quarter that reached the Chicago 19. Yet he was intercepted by Wright to end the drive. Wright returned the pick 36 yards to the Chicago 48. On 3rd and 16 from the 42 Cutler hit Bennett for 26 yards. Robbie Gould hit a 51 yard field goal to have Chicago up 10-0 on the road midway through the second quarter.

Philly took over at their own 18. On 3rd and 1 Andy Reid normally throws the ball. Yet he actually called a running play and McCoy got the yard. On 3rd and 9 Vick went deep to Jeremy Maclin for 31 yards and then to Captain Morgan Brent Celek for 10 more. The drive stalled but Henery hit a 47 yard field goal to get the Eagles within 10-3 with just over 2 minutes left in the half.

After a touchback on 3rd and 10, Cutler hit Forte, who fumbled the ball. It was recovered by Rolle, who returned it 22 yards for a touchdown as the Eagles quickly tied the game 10-0 despite being thoroughly outplayed for most of the half. The Bears got the ball back but failed to move. They punted from their own 30 with just over one minute left in the half. This time it was the Eagles who gave away a score as Deshean Jackson lost 9 yards, fumbled, and saw the Bears recover at the Eagles 9. On 3rd and goal at the Cutler threw incomplete but roughing the passer instead made it 1st and goal at the 2. Barber ran it in as the Bears led 17-10 going into the locker rooms.

Philly took over at the 20 to start the second half. On 2nd and 5 Vick ran for 7 and hit Celek for 21. On 3rd and 4 from the Chicago 41, Vick hit Avant for 12. On 3rd and 2 from the 21 Andy Reid again decided to run the ball in a running situation, something he has not done in 11 years. McCoy came up short. Reid decided to go for it on 4th and 1 but again in a stunning move the pass happy leader called another run. McCoy gained 4 and 7 more. On 3rd and 6 from the 12 Vick hit McCoy for 8. Brown ran it in from 4 yards out as the 15 play, 80 yard, 7 minute drive tied the game 17-17.

Chicago took over at their own 12 and Forte gained 5, 17, and 6 more. Yet on that last carry he fumbled and the Eagles recovered at the Chicago 41. Vick ran for 8 and McCoy then broke free for a 33 yard touchdown to give the Eagles the 24-17 lead.

The Bears took over at their own 6. Barber ran for 17. On 3rd and 8 Cutler hit Bennett for 28 and Williams for 19 more. On 3rd and 1 from the 20 Cutler fired incomplete. On 4th and 1 Lovie Smith decided not to go for it. Robbie Gould hit the 38 yard field goal as the Bears trailed 24-20 after three quarters.

Philly went 3 and out and the Bears took the punt just shy of midfield. On 2nd and 12 Cutler hit Bennett for 22 and Hester for 12. Unnecessary roughness took the ball to the 9. Cutler hit Bennett for a 5 yard touchdown as the Bears reclaimed the lead 27-24 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

Philly took over at their own 21 and soon faced a 4th and 6 at the Chicago 42. Andy Reid decided to punt, and called a fake punt. It did not work as Henry threw incomplete with 9 1/2 minutes left. Chicago took over and on 2nd and 11 Forte ran for 14 and 9. On 3rd and 2 from the 37 Cutler hit Williams for 14. On 3rd and 11 from the 24 Cutler threw incomplete, but defensive pass interference meant first and goal at the 7. On 3rd and goal at the 4, with a chance to put the game away, Cutler threw incomplete. Robbie Gould hit the 22 yarder as the Bears led by 6. Yet The Eagles had 4 minutes to work with from their own 37.

Vick began by running for 11 yards. and hitting Maclin for 13. With 1:56 left everything came down to 4th and 10 at the Chicago 39. Vick found Maclin with a throw that was a bit high. Maclin caught it but then stumbled and fell down one yard short of the first down. He tried to stretch but didn’t make it. Philly had one timeout and on 3rd and 2 Barber got stopped. Chicago let the clock run down and called timeout with 9 seconds left.

A smart move would have been to take an intentional safety. After all, punting would not be a wise move given what Desean Jackson did at the Meadowlands last year. Yet the Bears did punt, and it went out of bounds with 3 seconds left. A Hail Mary would have made sense, but for some reason a West Coast pass was called. It could have led to several miracle laterals, but it did not. It was incomplete. Philly fell to 3-5 while the Bears continue to win tough road games. 30-24 Bears

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