NFL 2012 WEEK 3 Recap
New York Giants @ Carolina Panthers was the Thursday night game. The Giants looked like a team on the verge of 0-2 when they did what Tom Coughlin teams seem to do. They fought back, and won a heard fought game in the fourth quarter last week. As for Carolina, they came in 1-1 as well and just as much of a mystery as to which team would show up. It quickly became apparent who was ready and who was not.
Eli Manning came out throwing, hitting Victor Cruz for 12 yards and Barden for 8. Andre Brown ran for 7 and then for a 31 yard gain. Manning hit Hynoski for 8, and on 3rd and 2 from the Panthers 14 went to Bennett for the touchdown to quickly make it 7-0 Giants.
Carolina reached the Giants 44 before punting, and after a touchback Brown ran for 16. Manning hit Barden for 21 and the Giants were on the move again. On 3rd and 4 from the Carolina 37, Manning hit Cruz for 6. The Giants would settle for a 47 yard Lawrence Tynes field goal and a 10-0 lead after the opening quarter.
The Giants got it back at their 28 and Brown kept running free, this time for a 19 yard gain. The second quarter began with Manning hitting Barden for gains of 20 and 14. From the 9, Brown ran for 7, 1, and 1 more as the Giants led 17-0.
Carolina would again cross midfield, but on 3rd and 3 from the Giants 45, Cam Newton was sacked to end the drive. The Giants took over at their 20 and Manning kept firing, hitting Cruz for 8 and Barden for 21 more. On 2nd and 20 from their 34, Manning went to Barden again for 23. Tynes would hit a 49 yarder to have the Giants cruising 20-0 at halftime. The second half was a mere formality.
Carolina fumbled the second half kickoff, giving the Giants the ball at the Carolina 19. They settled for a 30 yard field goal but led 23-0. Carolina finally got going after that, as Newton led a 13 play, 6 1/2 minute, 80 yard drive. On 3rd and goal at the 1, Newton scored to get the Panthers within 23-7. Yet that would conclude the Panters highlights as there would be no comeback.
From the Giants 19, Manning fired to Bennett for 29 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Carolina 44 Manning hit Cruz for 7 and Bennett for 8 more. Tynes hit a 36 yarder to have the Giants up 26-7 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter Big Blue just released the hounds on defense.
Newton was intercepted for a second time, giving the Giants the ball at the Carolina 48. Brown would take it in on 3rd and goal at the one to make it 33-7 G-Men. Newton would lead the Panthers to a 4th and goal at the 8 before throwing his third interception. The Giants would tack on a 5th field goal by Tynes to complete the scoring. The Panthers fell to 1-2 while the Giants have won two straight after dropping the opener. This is how defending champions should play, and on this night the Giants looked dominating. 36-7 Giants
St. Louis Rams @ Chicago Bears–The Rams appear to be improving from the debacle that was last year as Sam Bradford regains the form from two years ago that briefly helped the team. As for the Bears, Jay Cutler is calling out his own teammates, and a loss here at home against an inferior team could cause the season to spiral.
This game featured one blunder that prevented a scoreless tie early on. Chicago punted, and a roughing the kicker penalty on the Rams had the Bears at the Rams 39. Robbie Gould would hit a 54 yard field goal to put the Bears up 3-0 in a game that was even less exciting than it sounded.
With 9 minutes left from their 19, the Bears finally got going. Jay Cutler hit Jeffery for 10 and Bell for 11. Bell ran for 18. On 3rd and 8 from the Rams 45, an incomplete pass was nullified by roughing the passer. Cutler then Brandon Marshall for 13. On 3rd and 8 from the 15, Cutler hit Marshall for 12, and Michael Bush finished the 81 yard drive with a 3 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Bears at the 2 minute warning.
Sam Bradford finally got on track and hit Smith for 15 and then ran for 10 to midfield. On 3rd and 7 he hit Danny Amendola for 10. Greg Zuerlein drilled a 56 yard field goal as the Rams trailed 10-3 at halftime.
In the third quarter the Rams faced 3rd and 8 from their own 35. Bradford found Givens for 9 and Stepghen Jackson ran for 13 and 2. Bradofrd hit Mulligan for 12. Zuerlein hit a 46 yarder as the Rams only trailed 10-6 after three quarters.
The Bears began the fourth quarter at their 25 and Cutler hit Jeffery for a pair of 10 yard gains. On 3rd and 10 Cutler hit Davis for 12, Jeffery for 8, an Adams for 7. Cutler scrambled for a 21 yard gain, but the drive died at the 4 yard line. Robbie Gould hit the 22 yarder as the Bears led 13-6 with 10 minutes left.
3 plays later, and Bradford was intercepted by Wright. Wright returned it 45 yards for the touchdown to lock up the victory. Chicago would tack on another field goal to end this game where the winning offense did almost nothing and the losing offense even less. Lovie Smith has a 2-1 team, but so far the have not shown much. 23-6 Bears
Buffalo Bills @ Cleveland Browns–A pair of bad teams that some keep insisting are eventually improving will face off in a game with zero implications anywhere. The last time these teams played a 6-3 thriller that should have resulted in the tape being destroyed.
Leodis McKelvin returned a Cleveland punt 20 yards to have the Bills at their own 42. Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Jones for 17 yards. On 3rd and 8 from the Browns 38, Fitzpatrick hit Stevie St Johnson for 20 yards, Jones for 9, and Todd Graham for the 9 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Bills. It was deja vu all over again as McKelvin returned the next punt 33 yards to the Cleveland 49. CJ Spiller ran for 8 and 5 and then caught a short pass from Fitzpatrick that went for a 32 yard touchdown. With the Bills up 14-0, Walrus Mike Holmgren wondered if his retirement ceremony could be done at halftime of this game.
Buffalo was in total control in the second quarter when they faced 3rd and 5 at the Cleveland 18. An initial incomplete pass ruling was reversed and ruled a fumble as the Browns took over. After an exchange of punts the Browns took over at their 33. Brandon Weeden hit Joshua Cribbs for 10. Weeden was then intercepted, but illegal contact kept the Browns drive going. On 2nd and 15 from the Buffalo 37, Weeden hit Cameron for 18 and Massquoi for 14. Trent Richardson ran it in from 6 yards out as the Browns were only down 14-7 at halftime.
Buffalo began the third quarter at their 30, and defensive pass interference had them at their 47. Tashard Choice ran for 9 and 8, and White added 9 more. Ryan Lindell would hit a 37 yard field goal to have the Bills up 17-7.
Midway through the third quarter the Browns took over at their own 20. Weeden hit Watson for 8 and Richardson gained 5. On 3rd and 6 from their 37, Weeden found Jordan for 15 and Richardson for 10. On 3rd and 2 from the Buffalo 27, Weeden found Little for 5. On 3rd and 10 from the 22, Weeden went deep to Benjamin for the touchdown as the Browns were within 17-14.
Buffalo began the fourth quarter at their own 32 and Choice raced for a 22 yard gain. Fitzpatrick hit St Johnson for 8 and White gained 6 more. Fitzpatrick hit McIntyre for 9. On 3rd and 9 from the 20, Fitzpatrick hit Graham for 11 and St Johnson for the 9 yard score. The Bills had a 24-14 lead with 9 minutes left.
Weeden would throw an interception with 4 1/2 minutes left. Weeden and Colt McCoy have Mike Holmgren a most unhappy Walrus, as he ponders whether to bring Brian Sipe out of retirement to run his West Coast Offense. Even at his age Sipe could probably thow a 4 yard dink and dunk pass. As for Chan Gailey, he is a coaching genius when his team plays the Browns. So are most coaches. At this rate if the Browns go 0-16 they can draft another quarterback with the top pick. 24-14 Bills
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Dallas Cowboys–Greg Schiano took some flak for going full throttle on a kneel down play to close out last week. They will not be so bold inside the Jerry Jones metropolis with up to 100,000 fans angry over the performance of the Cowboys last week.
Life is like Tony Romo holding a football or a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get. An early interception of Romo set the Bucs up at the Dallas 29. Defensive pass interference 2 plays later moved the ball to the Dallas 12. Martin got several carries, got stopped on 3rd and 1 from the 3, and saw Greg Schiano go for it on 4th and 1. Martin gained 2 and Josh Freeman hit Stocker for the score to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. Freeman then returned the favor on the next Tampa series with an interception of his own to set Dallas up at the Tampa 23. On 2nd and 12 Murray caught a 14 yard pass and then ran for the 11 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7.
While another game being played was one of the all time great games, this was one of the ugliest as each team scored a touchdown with a very short field off of a turnover. In the second quarter the Buccaneers fumbled a punt, giving the Cowboys the ball at the Tampa 24. Dan Bailey would hit a 32 yard field goal to have Dallas up 10-7 at halftime. The second half was even more hideous.
The third quarter saw Dallas reach the Tampa Bay 17 before fumbling the ball away. On their next series Dallas would fumble it away again, giving the Buccaneers the ball at the Dallas 31. The Bucs moved backwards and punted.
The fourth quarter began with the Cowboys facing 2nd and 20 from the Tampa 40. Romo hit Kevin Ogletree for 17 yards and Dez Bryant for 12 more. A sack of Romo meant a 26 yard Bailey field goal as the Cowboys led 13-7 with 11 minutes left in regulation.
With 5 minutes left the Bucs had to punt on 4th and 18 from their own 1. Dez Bryant caught it at midfield, and raced 44 yards to the Tampa Bay 6. Naturally this only led to a 22 yard Bailey field goal as the Cowboys led 16-7 with 3 minutes left.
Josh Freeman led a furious rally and with one minute to play the Bucs faced 2nd and 3 at the Dallas 10. Naturally the Bucs failed to capitalize after a pair of incompletions. Conor Barth hit the 28 yard field goal to get the Bucs within 6 with 44 seconds left. The onsides kick only traveled 7 yards and Dallas created the only highlight of the game when Tony Romo knelt down to mercifully end this game and put it out of its misery. Winning ugly is an understatement, and Dallas did that. 16-10 Cowboys
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Indianapolis Colts–The Jaguars could go 0-16 this year, while the Colts got their first win of the Andrew Luck era last week. Both of these teams have head coaches, although most people are not sure who they are.
From their 20, Blaine Gabbert led a drive that consumed over half of the first quarter. Yet on 3rd and 3 from the Indy 19, Gabbert was sacked. Josh Scobee hit a 44 yard field goal to have the Jaguars up 3-0. Andrew Luck had the Colts beginning from their 26. On 3rd and 6 Luck was intercepted, but defensive pass interference instead meant 1st and 10 at the Indy 42 for th Colts. On 3rd and 4 Luck hit Reggie Wayne for 12 and then went deep to Hilton for a 40 yard touchdown to have the Colts up 7-3.
Indianapolis took over at their own 20 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the half. On 3rd and 3 Luck found Wayne for 13 and Avery forn 13 more. On 2nd and 15 from the Jacksoville 48, Luck found Wayne again for another 13 and Moore gained 3. on 3rd and 2. Luck found Wayne for 12, and on 3rd and 10 from the 20, Luck went back to Wayne for 16. Luck would hit Moore for the 4 yard touchdown as the Colts led 14-3 at halftime.
The third quarter saw the Jaguars take over after a punt at their own 41. One play was all Maurice Jones-Drew needed to race 59 yards for a touchdown as Jacksonville got within 14-10. The rest of the game was a war of attrition.
With 6 minutes left in the third quarter Luck was intercepted, giving Jacksonville the ball at the Indy 45. Jones-Drew gained 5 and 4, and Jones gained 3 on 3rd and 1. The Jaguars would settle for a 47 yard Scobee field goal as they trailed 14-13 after three quarters.
Jacksonville got it back late in the third quarter at their 15. On 1st and 20 from their 30, Gabbert hit Elliott for 22 yards as the Jaguars began the fourth quarter at the Colts 48. Jones-Drew gained 8, 5, and 6. On 3rd and 2 from the Indy 27, Jones-Drew gained 3. Defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the 9. The drive stalled but Scobee hit from 26 as the Jaguars took a 16-14 lead with 11 minutes left in the game.
Sometimes a pair of bad teams can come together and play a thrilling game from beginning to end. This was not that game. However, some games between bad teams that are badly played can have thrilling finishes. This was this game. With 90 seconds to play, the Colts took over at their own 33. It would all come down to who wanted it least.
Luck hit Donald Brown on a short pass that went for a 39 yard gain to the Jacksonville 28. Jacksonville then became more conservative than the ghost of Jesse Helms. 3 straight runs up the middle forced the Jaguars to use all of their timeouts. The 3rd and 8 run came up one yard short. On 4th and 1 from the 19, the option was the field goal. Adam Vinatieri connected from 37 yards out, and the Colts led 17-16 with one minute left. The Jaguars took over at their own 20 with 0 timeouts.
A time consuming drive and a field goal would have been sufficient. Instead Gabbert threw a short pass to Shorts, who raced for an 80 yard touchdown in front of a shellshocked home crowd. The 2 point conversion failed, and the Colts trailed by 5 with 45 seconds left.
Vaughn returned the kickoff 40 yards to the Indy 38 with 35 seconds left. On 3rd and 10 Luck found Hilton for a 36 yard gain as the Colts spiked the ball to stop the clock with 7 seconds left. From the Jacksonville 26, Luck had two chances. He went to Wayne both times, and both times the ball fell incomplete. This time Jacksonville survived the late game heroics as both teams are now 1-2. This game should never be remembered, but it did end with some excitement. 22-17 Jaguars
New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins–Former Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano is now the offensive coordinator for the Jets. After the hype of an opening blowout win, the Jets were humbled lst week. In Miami, Ryan Tannehill got his first win as Reggie Bush ran wild.
An early interception of Mark Sanchez had the Dolphins taking over at the Jets 47. On 3rd and 1 Lane gained 3. Ryan Tannehill then hit Anthony Fasano for 9 yards and Reggie Bush ran for 16 more. On 3rd and goal at the 1 Thomas took it in for the score as the Dolphins led 7-0.
Miami began the second quarter at their own 22 in a game where offense was non-existent. On 3rd and 3 Tannehill threw incomplete but illegal contact meant an automatic first down. On 3rd and 5 from the Miami 39 Tannehill found Bess for 23 yards and Fasano for 17. On 3rd and 6 from the Jets 17 Thomas got just enough. Yet on 3rd and 2 from the 3 Tannehill threw incomplete. Dan Carpenter hit the 21 yarder to make it 10-0 Dolphins.
The Jets were punting on 4th and 3 from their own 25 as Rex Ryan saw his offense do nothing. Yet Ryan called for a fake punt, and the player whose name will only be mentioned in connection with an actual football play deserved a mention. Tim Tebow took the direct snap and gained 5 yards for the first down. On 3rd and 10 from their 30, Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes for 15 yards and Shone Greenefor 6 more. On 3rd and 7 from the Miami 40, Sanchez hit Cumberland for 19. On 3rd and 4 from the 15 Sanchez threw incomplete. Nick Folk hit the 33 yarder to have the Jets down 10-3 at the 2 minute warning. Miami had to punt on 4th and 12 from their own 5. The Jets missed out on great field position when a roughing the kicker penalty allowed the Dolphins to run out the clock.
The Dolphins began the third quarter at their own 6 yard line, and Tannehill quickly threw a touchdown pass to Landry. Landry plays defense for the Jets, as the 18 yard interception return tied the game 10-10.
The game then got even uglier as the Dolphins fumbled on the first play from scrimmage. The Jets took over at the Miami 26 and soon faced 1st and goal at the 3. On 2nd and goal at the 2 there was another Tebow sighting. This time he lost the 5 yards he gained on his last carry. On 3rd and goal from the 7, Sanchez showed why perhaps neither man can start as he was intercepted in the end zone.
After an exchange of punts and a touchback, Miller ran 22 yards to the Miami 42. On 3rd and 9, Tannehill hit Thomas for 11. Jets Cornerback Darrelle Revis, who just came back from a concussion, left the game after getting injured again on that play. On 3rd and 7 from the Jets 43, Tannehill hit Bess for 14 with unnecessary roughness adding 15 more. Tannehill hit Fasano for 12 and Lane took it in from one yard out to have the Dolphins up 17-10 after three quarters.
The Jets came right back. On 2nd and 6 from their 29, Sanchez hit Kerley on a short pass that went for 66 yards. A defensive penalty meant 1st and goal at the one. Yet on 3rd and goal, a false start followed by a 4 yard Sanchez run meant 4th and goal at the 2. A disappointed Rex Ryan opted for the field goal as the Jets got within 17-13 only 90 seconds into the fourth quarter.
Tannehill moved the Dolphins from their 21 to a 4th and 8 at the Jets 29. Yet Carpenter missed the 47 yard field goal and it remained a 4 point game. Both teams went 3 and out without gaining a yard, and the Jets moved to the Miami 38 before punting again. Miami punted right back. With 5 1/2 minutes left in the game, the Jets took over at their own 47.
Sanchez hit Santonio Holmes for 18 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Miami 31, Sanchez found Holmes for 15. Shon Greene gained 9, and on 3rd and 1 from the 7 SancheZ hit Kerley or the touchdown. Only 3 minutes remained, and the Jets led 20-17.
At the 2 minute warning the Dolphins faced 3rd and 7 from their 32. Tannehill hit Bess for 12. On 3rd and 1 from the Jets 47, Tannehill gained 5. On 3rd and 10 from the Jets 42, Tannehill threw incomplete with 36 seconds left. Yet rather than a 60 yard field goal, defensive pass interference meant 19 more yards. Tannehill threw 3 more incompletions but Carpenter was good from 41 yards out with 16 seconds left. The teams went to overtime deadlocked 20-20.
The Jets began overtime moving from their 20 to a 3rd and 10 at their 47. Sanchez hit Chaz Schilens for only 8 yards. Miami took over at their own 10. On 3rd and 2 Tannehille hit Fasano for 6 yards. Tannehill then went deep to Brad Hartline for a 41 yard gain. Carpenter came in for a 48 yard field goal to win it. Carpenter missed again and the Jets had life.
From their 38, Sanchez hit Cumberland for 6 yards. Then Sanchez went deep to Holmes for a 38 yard gain. On 3rd and 7 from the 15, Rex Ryan took no chances and opted for the field goal. Nick Folk had his chance from 33 yards out. The kick was blocked, but the Dolphins got too cute by half. Joe Philbin did the Mike Shanahan timeout at the last moment that somehow has not been made illegal as an example of poor sportsmanship. This time it backfired. Folk was givena second chance, and this time he was good. These teams were fighting to be the most overrated 2-1 team in the league, and the Jets now have that honor. 23-20 Jets, OT
San Francisco 49ers @ Minnesota Vikings–The 49ers have a nasty defense and Minnesota does not have much offensive firepower. The 49ers defense is expected to neutralize Adrian Peterson and then tee off on Christian Ponder.
Minnesota started out at their own 18, and marched through the stout Frisco defense in a drive that took half of the opening quarter and lasted 16 plays. Ponder hit Percy Harvin for 12 yards and Rudolph for 16 more to midfield. A facemask penalty on the defense led to 3rd and 1 at the Frisco 21. Peterson gained 3 yards. On 3rd and 10 from the 18, Ponder hit Rudolph for 11. On 3rd and goal at the 1 Peterson got stopped cold. Leslie Frazier decided to go for it, and on 4th and goal Ponder hit Rudolph for the score to make it 7-0 Vikings.
Late in the opening quarter the 49ers took over at their own 35. On 3rd and 4 Alex Smith hit Michael Crabtree for just enough. Frank Gore ran for 11 yards to the Minnesota 30 as the first quarter ended. On 3rd and 8 from the 18, Smith hit Williams but came up one yard short. On 4th and 1 from the 11, Jim Harbaugh decided not to gamble on the road. David Akers hit the 29 yard field goal to get the 49ers within 7-3. Yet the 49ers defense still had no answer for Ponder.
From the 20, Ponder ran for 2 and 9 and then hit Peterson for 12 yards and Aromashodu for 13 more. Peterson ran for 7 and 3 and on 3rd and 11 from the Frisco 34, Ponder found Aromashodu for the 11 yards needed. Ponder then scrambled for a 23 yard touchdown as an excited home crowd saw the Vikings take a 14-3 lead.
With 5 1/2 minutes left in the half, the 49ers moved from their 24 to a 3rd and 3 at the Minnesota 26 with one minute left. Smith hit Walker, but only for a one yard gain. Akers came in for the 43 yard field goal try, and it was blocked. On 3rd and 2 from their 41, Ponder hit Toby Gerhart for 6. On 3rd and 10 from their 47, Ponder found Gerhart again for 14 yards. Walsh hit a 52 yard field goal before the half as a possible 14-6 game instead had the Vikings up 17-3.
The 49ers had another golden opportunity when Williams took the second half kickoff from 8 yards deep in the end zone and returned it 94 yards to the Minnesota 14. On 3rd and 3 Smith gained only one yard. Jim Harbaugh decided to go for it, but a delay of game penalty instead led to a 29 yard Akers field goal. Wasted opportunities were killing the 49ers as they trailed 17-6.
The 49ers got it back at their own 14 and Alex Smith found Michael Crabtree for 9 yards. Gore gained 6 and Smith found Randy Moss for 12 yards. Gore gained another 11 and Smith hit Mario Manningham for 17 more. Smith found Williams for 9 and Vernon Davis for 20 down to the one. Smith Davis again for the score and the 49ers were within 17-13. Yet despite going 86 yards, the Vikings matched the drive while starting at their own 14 as well.
Ponder ran for 4 and hit Percy Harvin for 7. Then things got bizarre as Peterson gained 5 and fumbled, Harvin recovered and gained 9 more, and unnecessary roughness tacked on 15 more. On 1st and 20 from the Minnesota 39, Ponder found Harvin for 13 and 10. Ponder hit Peterson for 9 and another unnecessary roughness penalty moved the ball to the 14. Defensive holding set up 1st and goal at the 3, and the fourth quarter began with 3rd and goal at the 2. Ponder hit Kyle Rudolph in the back of the end zone for a touchdown as the Vikings had a stunning 24-13 lead.
Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 50 yards to the Frisco 43, but the 49ers would fumble the ball away. Despite taking over at midfield, Minnesota failed to capitalize and punted.
Williams returned the ensuing kickoff 50 yards to the Frisco 43, but the 49ers would fumble the ball away. Despite taking over at midfield, Minnesota failed to capitalize and punted. The 49ers had their chances, but the Minnesota defense was in lockdown mode. With 2 1/2 minutes left, Smith was intercepted. The 49ers used their timeouts and got it back with 1:46 to play ar their 43. Smith found Manningham for 22 yards, but on the next play Smith was sacked and fumbled to end it. Both teams are now 2-1. The Swami Chris Berman reminds us that “That’s why they play the games.” 24-13 Vikings
Kansas City Chiefs @ New Orleans Saints–While both of these teams are 0-2, this is a much bigger surprise for a New Orleans team that went 13-3 last year. A big Saints win today could right the ship against the hapless Chiefs, but a loss could lead to a meltdown in the Big Easy.
The Saints made it look easy early on as Darren Sproles took a pitchout on 3rd and 2 from the Saints 25, got to the end, and rambled 47 yards. Drew Brees then hit Marquic Colston for 19 yards Moore for the 9 yard touchdown to quickly have the Saints up 7-0. The Chiefs soon faced 3rd and 4 from their own 18 when Cassel fired a dart to Dwayne Bowe for 11 yards and to Dexter McCluster for 20 more. Jamal Charles ran for 11 and 9 on a drive that would stall at the Saints 6 yard line Ryan Succop hit the 25 yard field goal as the Chiefs trailed 7-3.
The Saints soon faced 3rd and 10 from their own 13, and Brees went deep to Devry henderson for a 36 yard gain. On 3rd and 6 Brees found Moore for 17 yards. The Saints would settle for a 40 yard Garrett Hartley field goal on the first play of the second quarter to make it 10-3 Saints. With 6 minutes left in the half a 24 yard punt return by Arenas had the Chiefs at the Saints 45. Matt Cassel hit Dwayne Bowe for 15, which was enough for Succop to hit a 45 yarder to get the Chiefs within 10-6.
After a touchback, Brees easily moved the Saints from their 20 to a 3rd and 7 at the Chiefs 9. Brees was then sacked for an 11 yard loss, and Hartley missed the 38 yard field goal as the Saints only led 10-6 at halftime.
On the first play of the third quarter from their 16, Cassel hit Dexter McCluster for a 3 yard gain. Yet the play turned into a McClusterf*ck as he landed awkwardly and lost control of the ball without being touched. He was injured on the play, and the literal insult to injury came when the play was ruled a fumble and recovery by the Saints. On 3rd and 10 from the Chiefs 19, Brees hit Colston for 13. Thomas ran for 5 and Brees hit Graham for the one yard score to have the Saints up 17-6.
Later in the third quarter Cassel was intercepted by Jabari Greer, who returned it 28 yards to the Chiefs 7 yard line. Brees hit Collins for the 6 yard touchdown. The Saints were cruising 24-6. The Chiefs were on their way to a season of misery and the Saints were back on track.
Then out of nowhere Jamal Charles turned into the second coming of Ed Podolak. The next play from scrimmage wasalmost a mirror image of Bo Jackson. From the 9, Charles ran around the left end and raced 91 yards for a touchdown. The only reason Bo Jackson’s run was longer was because Charles did not run out of the stadium. The Chiefs were down 24-13.
Brees quickly moved the Saints from their 30 to a 2nd and 7 at the Chiefs 29. Looking to again put the game out of reach, Brees was intercepted by Stanford Routt at the goal line. Routt returned it 32 yards.
On 3rd and 6 Cassel hit Bowe for 11. Then Charles got free again for a 40 yard gain. The drive stalled, but Succop hit his third field goal of the game to get the Chiefs within 24-16 only one minute into the fourth quarter. Succop was far from done and neither were the Chiefs.
The Saints went 3 and out and the Chiefs took over at their own 30. Charles gained 14 and 3. On 3rd and 9 from the Saints 41, Cassel threw incomplete. Yet defensive pass interference meant a 26 yard gain. The drive again went no further, but Succup’s fourth field goal from 38 yards now had the Chiefs within 24-19.
Both teams went 3 and out, and the Saints faced 2nd and 12 from their 7. Brees was sacked in the end zone for a safety and now the Chiefs were within 24-21 with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Chiefs received the free kick at their own 38.
On 3rd and 10 Cassel found James Baldwin for 11. With 2 1/2 minutes left the Chiefs took their second timeout while facing 4th and 5 at the Saints 46. With everything on the line, Cassel found Bowe for 7 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the 35, a rare delay of game was called on the defense. On 3rd and 1 Cassel gained 2 yards. Romeo Crennel went very conservative and kept it on the ground rather than go for the win. From 43 yards out, Succup hit his 5th field goal. The Chiefs had rallied back from a 24-6 deficit to shock the home crowd and send the 24-24 game into overtime.
The Chiefs began overtime and moved from their 20 to a 2nd and 4 at the Saints 46. A pair of incompletions meant a punt, and perfect punt coverage had the Saints at their own 3 yard line. Brees threw 3 straight incompletions as the Saints punted from their own goal. The Chiefs took over at their own 47. On 3rd and 12 Cassel fired to Draughn near the marker, and Draughn was blasted. Roman Harper picked up the loose ball and raced 57 yards for a touchdown as the Saints celebrated. Yet on further review, Draughn was down by contact. Now it was 4th and 1 from the Saints 44. Romeo Crennel decided to go for it. Give the man the cojones of steel award, and Jamal Charles gained 3 yards. On 3rd and 5 from the Saints 36, Cassel hit Bowe for 9. After 12 plays, Succop came in on 3rd and 6 from the 13 and Crennel decided not to wait. From 31 yards out, Succop hit his 6th field goal. The Chiefs got their first win. The Saints were the only 0-2 team in the NFC, and now they are 0-3. It is time for sheer panic in the big easy. 21 unanswered points left the home crowd in disbelief while the defense was gashed by Jamal Charles for 233 yards on 33 carries. 27-24 Chiefs, OT
Detroit Lions @ Tennessee Titans–The Lions despite their loss last week have seen solid play from their offense while Tennessee has regressed from last year. Jake Locker is starting, and Ndamokung Suh and company will visit him early and often.
Early on it was a field goal battle. The Lions have 42 year old Jason Hanson, in his 21st season with Detroit. Given that Social Security is going broke, he might as well keep playing and earning income. Stafford led the Lions from their 32 to the Tennessee 29, where Hanson connected from 37. A Titans fumble then had the Lions at their 47. They got no further than the Titans 34 and Hanson connected from 53 to make it 6-0 Lions.
From the Tennessee 21 Jake Locker immediately hit Nate Washington for 26 yards. Yet the drive would bog down at the Detroit 13 and the Titans settled for a 31 yard Rob Bironas kick. The Titans were down 6-3, and when they received a punt, they delved back into their past. The season was 1999, and the playoffs saw the Titans stun the Bills on what became known as “Home Run Throwback,” also known as the “Adelphia Miracle.” This time it was Renaud taking the punt, pitching it back to Campbell, and Campbell racing 65 yards for a touchdown. There were no flags and no controversies on this one as the Titans led 10-6.
Another Detroit punt had the Titans starting the second quarter at their own 41. On 2nd and 12 Locker went deep, and found Cook for a 61 yard touchdown to put the Titans up 17-6 in what was now a game of big plays. From their 20, Matthew Stafford calmly led the Lions down the field. Yet again the red zone proved frustrating as Detroit did not get past the Tennessee 15. Hanson did his job again from 33 yards out as the Lions closed to within 17-9.
The Titans took over at their own 10 with 2:17 left in the half. Locker hit Jared Cook for a pair of 7 yard gains. Locker then scrambled for a 31 yard gain. One play later unnecessary roughness and a neutral zone infraction set up 1st and 5 from the Detroit 20. A sack of Locker forced the Titans to settle for a 38 yard Bironas field goal as the Titans led 20-9 at halftime.
Tennessee was in complete control of the game and a third quarter drive moved them from their 20 to the Detroit 23. Yet Bironas missed a 41 yard field goal, and momentum shifted. From the Detroit 31, Stafford went deep to Megatron Calvin Johnson for a 28 yard gain. Leshoure gained 6 and Stafford hit Brandon Pettigrew for 7 more. Stafford found Chris Johnson for 18 and 9 and Leshoure got the final yard as the Lions were suddenly within 20-16. Tennessee moved the ball again but the normally reliable Bironas missed another field goal, this time from 48 yards out.
Detroit again capitalized from their own 38. Stafford hit Johnson for 17 yards and Nate Burleson for 13 more as the third quarter ended. The fourth quarter began with roughing the passer to set up 1st and goal at the 8. Yet offensive holding killed the drive and Hanson hit the 26 yarder. His fourth field goal of the day had the Lions down 20-19 with 13 minutes left in regulation.
Tennessee quickly fumbled the ball away, and the Lions took over at the Tennessee 46. Leshoure gained 8, 4, and 3. Stafford scrambled for 7 and Leshoure gained 9 and 2. On 1st and 10 from the 13 Stafford hit Burleson for 8 and again for a 3 yard touchdown. Stafford went back to Burleson for the 2 point conversion as the Lions led 27-20 with 7 minutes left in regulation.
18 unanswered points gave the Lions the lead, which they held for 12 seconds. Renaud took the kickoff return, and this time there were no laterals. Renaud raced 105 yards for the second return touchdown on the day to tie the game 27-27.
The Lions would punt, and Tennessee soon faced 1st and 15 from their 29. A game of megaplays saw another one as Locker went deep to Nate Washington for a 71 yard touchdown. This pinball machine game now had the Titans back in front 34-27 with 3:10 to play.
To try and describe the remaining action in this game would require a complete suspension of belief. Big plays dominated, and Stafford moved the Lions in position to tie the game before another one occurred. From the Tennessee 34, Stafford hit Pettigrew for 6 yards. Pettigrew fumbled, and Verner picked it up and raced 72 yards for a touchdown. The Titans led 41-27 with only 90 seconds left. Even this game was not going to see 2 more touchdowns in 90 seconds.
Shawn Hill came in for Matthew Stafford to try and work a miracle for the ages. Score a touchdown recover an onsides kick, and score another one in 90 seconds. From the 20, Hill hit Bell for 9, Johnson for 20, Bell for 12, Johnson for 22, and Bell for 10. With 28 seconds left, facing 2nd and goal at the 7, Hill was intercepted in the end zone and the game was over. No, it was not. Roughing the passer gave the Lions another chance. Hill hit Johnson for the 3 yard touchdown. The Lions were down 41-34. All they needed to do was recover the onsides kick and score another touchdown with 20 seconds to play.
Jason Hanson delivered the onsides kick, as the Lions had a chance from the Tennessee 46. This is where Chris Berman an the entire world screams “Are you kidding ?” With six seconds left came the final Hail Mary. As Tom Jackson and everyone else yelled “Knock it down,” Young came up with it for the score. Yes, Detroit scored two touchdowns in 20 seconds. Yes, the Titans had their biggest meltdown since they were the 1993 Oilers blowing a 35-3 lead. The game of the year and perhaps this century went to overtime tied 41-41.
The game saw 36 points combined by the teams through three quarters, and 46 points combined in a ridiculous fourth quarter that saw 28 points in just over the final 3 minutes. Tennessee got the ball to start overtime at their 20 and Locker went right to work, hitting Stevens for 24 yards. On 3rd and 16 from their 38, Locker scrambled for only 9 but defensive holding meant an automatic first down. For the second time on this drive, Chris Johnson ran for a loss of 8 yards. Yet for the second time 2nd and 18 proved no problem as Locker hit Stevens for 24 yards with a personal foul on the defense adding 15 more. On 3rd and 10 from the Detroit 29, Locker hit Williams for 13. The drive ended at the 8 yard line, but Bironas hit the 26 yarder as the Titans led 44-41.
Under the new overtime rules, the Lions would have one more shot. Shaun Hill remained in the game, and the Lions took over at their 22. Hill found Pettigrew for 17 and Johnson for 26. Bell gained 5, 9, and 2 as a 3rd and 8 pass from the 14 came up one yard short. Jim Schwartz had a decision to make. Hanson had already made longer field goals, and a 25 yarder was practically automatic. On 4th and 1 from the 7, Schwartz decided to go for the win. Hill took the quarterback sneak, and got stuffed for a one yard loss. A game of all offense and special teams was decided by what may have been the only defensive stop of the game. Second guesser armchair quarterbacks will do that, but Schwartz showed guts in a game often lacking it. This time the gamble did not work. As for the Titans, they showed a ton of character in regrouping to prevent their worst meltdown in a couple decades. Mike Munchak kept them poised, and got the win. 44-41 Titans, OT
Cincinnati Bengals @ Washington Redskins–Both Red Rifle Andy Dalton and Robert Griffin III can sling it, so this could come down to who has the ball last. Despite losing last week, RGIII has Washington more optimistic than they have been in years.
Marvin Lewis went to the bag of tricks on the very first play of scrimmage. It was not Andy Dalton, but Sanu throwing the deep ball. Sanu connected with AJ Green for a 73 yard touchdown to have the Bengals up 7-0. Washington punted and the Bengals started their next drive on their own one. From the 2, this time it was Dalton throwing and the result was another touchdown pass. However, it was Rob Jackson for the defense who made the interception for a 0 yard score as two big plays had the game tied 7-7.
After a punt, the Bengals took over at their own 42. On 2nd and 18 ater an end around blew up, Dalton scrambled for 17 to set up 3rd and 1. Another run around the end by Hawkins gained 11. On 2nd and 20 from the Washington 48, Dalton hit Binns on a short pass that Binns took all the way for the touchdown as the Bengals led 14-7.
The second quarter began with the Bengals facing 3rd and 2 from their 34. Hawkins again went around the end for 5 yards. Dalton hit Green for 12 and on 3rd and 8 from the Washington 45, found Gresham for 15. On 2nd and goal from the 5, Dalton was sacked for a 9 yard loss. On 4th and goal at the 5, Marvin Lewis tried a fake field goal. It did not work, and the Redskins took over at their own 6. The Bengals got it back after a punt on the Washington 49. The Bengals would settle for a 47 yard field goal try, and this time there was no fake. Mike Nugent hit it to put the Bengals up 17-7 with 5 minutes left in the half.
2 plays later RGIII was sacked and fumbled. The Bengals took over at the Washington 12. Green took it around the end for 11 yards, and a Wildcat snap to Ben-Jarvis Green-Ellis got the final yard to have the Bengals up 24-7.
The Redskins received a spark when Banks returned the ensuing kickoff 55 yards to the Cincinnati 48 with 3 minutes left in the half. On 3rd and 10 RGIII ran for 11 and Royster took an end around 12 yards. Billy Cundiff hit a 36 yarder to have the Redskins trailing 24-10 at the break.
Washington began the second half at their 20 and on 3rd and 5 RGIII hit Davis for gains of 14 and 12. Royster gained 9, and a horsecollar tackle on the next carry moved the Redskins to the Cincy 20. Morris ran for 6, Griffin gained 7, and Morris got the last 7 as the Redskins were within 7 down 24-17.
Cincinnati went 3 and out and the Redskins took over at their own 14. Griffin went deep to Hankerson for 23 yards and Morris gained 13 more to midfield. Banks ran around the end for another 21 yards. On 3rd and 7 from the Cincy 26, Griffin gained 9. Griffin then fumbled, but Banks recovered it and gained 6 yards for the Redskins. Morris gained 6, and Griffin hit Santana Mos for the 3 yard touchdown as 17 unanswered points had the game tied 24-24. Cincinnati would fumble on their next series but Washington failed to capitalize as the game remained after three quarters.
The Bengals took over at their 20 and moved quickly. Dalton hit Green for 11, Charles for 25, and Green for 31 more with a facemask setting up 1st and goal at the 6. Dalton hit Gresham for the touchdown as the Bengals were back in front 31-24 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
Washington punted and the Redskins took over at their 28. Green Ellis gained 9 and 2, and Dalton then went deep to Hawkins for a 59 yard touchdown. Midway through the fourth quarter, and the Bengals were back up by 2 scores with a 38-24 lead.
Washington took over at their own 10 and Griffin went video game viral. He hit Davis for 16, Helu for 6, Davis again for 27, Hankerson for 10 and 11, and Helu for 9. On 2nd and 1 from the 2, Griffin took it in himself. The Redskins were within 7 again with 3 1/2 minutes left.
Washington would get the ball back at their own 2 yard line with 1:47 to play. The reward for the 90 yard drive was to now have to move 98 yards. Griffin hit Morgan for 11 and Hankerson for 12. Griffin then ran for 10. A personal foul on the defense made it 1st and 10 at midfield. More importantly it stopped the clock with one minute left. Griffin hit Robinson for 12 and ran for 19, getting out of bounds with 30 seconds to play. On 1st and 10 from the 19, total confusion then ensued. Griffin was sacked for a 15 yard loss. He spiked the ball to stop the clock with 7 seconds left. A false start meant 3rd and 30 and a dumbmistake for the second week in a row.
Last week a potential game tying 47 yard field goal became a failed 62 yard try after an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. This week another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty had Mike Shanahan oing ballistic. 1st and 10 at the 19 became 3rd and 50 from the Washington 41. Griffin threw the Hail Mary, and it fell incomplete. Washington dropped to 1-2 as their disciplinarian head coach prepared to crack down hard on his own undisciplined squad. Shanahan could not blame this loss on Al Davis, while Marvin Lewis saw his team scrape by to a 2-1 record. 38-31 Bengals
Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals–The Eagles expected to be 2-0, but they eked out a pair of one point wins while playing badly. The Cardinals did not expect to be 2-0, holding off opponents in the final seconds. They shocked New England last week, and now it will be seen if Kevin Kolb will get revenge against the team that shipped him out of town.
The Eagles went 3 and out and Arizona took over at their own 35. Kolb came out firing, hitting Roberts for 14, Larry Fitzgerald for 16, and Williams for 12. Jay Feely ould hit a 47 yarder to make it 3-0 Cardinals. The Eagles punted and Arizona punted it back. The Eagles fumbled on the return and the Cardinals took over at the Philly 38. On 3rd and 8 Kolb hit Roberts for 12 and Fitzgerald for 11. On 3rd and 5 from the 8 Kolb found Malcolm Floyd for the touchdown as the Cardinals led 10-0.
Michael Vick ended the first quarter by connecting with Captain Morgan Brent Celek for a 34 yard gain. Yet a couple plays later Vick fumbled and the Cardinals took over. After an exchange of punts, Arizona took over at their own 45. On 3rd and 7 Kolb hit King for 15 and then went deep to Larry Fitzgerald for a 37 yard touchdown. Midway through the second quarter and the Cardinals had a surprising 17-0 lead.
With 2 1/2 minutes left in the half the Eagles took over after a touchback. On 3rd and 6 Vick hit Johnson for 26 yards and Avant for 13 more. Vick scrambled for 20 and hit Jackson for 14 to set up 1st and goal at the one. Walrus Lite Andy Reid does not like to run the football. He hates goal line yardage runs. So naturally the pass happy coach called for passes at the one yard line that fell incomplete. To be fair to Reid, the Eagles were out of timeouts. On 3rd and goal at the one with 6 seconds left in the half, Vick went back for another pass, He got belted on a blindside blitz by Kerry Rhodes. The ball bounced to Sanders, who returned it 93 yards the other way for a touchdown. The Cardinals were trying to prove that their victory last week was no fluke. Their 24-0 halftime lead was a bigger emphatic statement.
The Eagles moved the ball in the third quarter but saw their drives end at the 18 and 22. Henery connected on 36 and 40 yard field goals, but all that did was get the Eagles to within 24-6. They got nothing else. In the fourth quarter Vick moved them to a 3rd and 9 at the Arizona 31. Under heavy pressure again, Vick was called for intentional grounding and a 20 yard loss to end any chances of a comeback.
Arizona soon faced 3rd and 17 from their own 32, when Williams knifed through on the ground for a 25 yard gain. A 13 play, 6 1/2 minute drive led to a field goal to close out the scoring. Some still will not accept that Ken Whisenhunt and his 3-0 Cardinals are for real. Count me among them. Yet the 2-1 Eagles have some serious problems, and they can no longer be papered over. 27-6 Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons @ San Diego Chargers–Both of these teams are 2-0 and have high-powered offenses. Matt Ryan and Philip Rivers will fire early and often, and the key will be which defense can do just enough.
Atlanta dominated after the opening touchback. Ryan went deep to Julio Jones for 19, Tony Gonzalez for 9, Rodgers for 11, Gonzalez for 13, Roddy White for 14, and Rodgers for the 8 yard touchdown to make it 6-0 Falcons. The 2 point conversion try on a busted play failed. In the second quarter the Chargers rapidly moved from their 12 to a 1st and goal at the Atlanta 7. Ryan Mathews then coughed it up, and Atlanta recovered at their own 4.
On 3rd and 5 from their 9, a sack of Ryan near the goal linewas nullified by defensive holding. On 3rd and 1 from their 23, Ryan hit Jones for a 4 yard gain and then again deep for 29 yards. On 3rd and 10 Ryan found White for 11 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the 27, Ryan went back to White for 6 yards. On 3rd and 10 from the 21 Ryan went to Jason Snelling for a 12 yard gain. Ryan hit Gonzalez for the 7 yard touchdown to cap the backbreaking 17 play, 96 yard, 8 minute drive that made it 13-0 Falcons.
San Diego quickly faced 3rd and 5 from their 25, when Rivers was intercepted at the 2 minute warning. From the Atlanta 29, Ryan hit Gonzalez for 13, Jones for 6, and Jones on 3rd and 3 for the 9 yard touchdown to Jones as the Falcons cruised 20-0 at halftime.
The second half was merely a formality. San Diego did move from their 36 to the Atlanta 23, but Rivers fired incomplete 3 straight times. 13 plays led to only a Nate Kaeding field goal from 41 yards out. San Diego trailed 20-3, and were shut down the rest of the game.
The teams would trade interceptions, and San Diego punted from their own 3. Mike Scifres shanked it and the Falcons took o ver at the Chargers 32. Michael Turner did the rest, running for 7, 18, and the 7 yard score to finish the scoring. Mike Smith may look like an averaged white guy named Mike Smith, but his team is far from ordinary. They are 3-0 and clicking on all cylinders. Norvelous Norv Turner saw his Chargers fall to 2-1 with the loss. 27-3 Falcons
Houston Texans @ Denver Broncos–Texans head coach Gary Kubiak used to back up Broncos President John Elway when both played quarterback for the Broncos. Peyton Manning threw three early interceptions last week before leading a furious rally that just fell short. Houston is 2-0 and looking sharp.
Denver punted, and Houston began at their own 6. One play was enough for the Denver defense to sack Peyton Manning in the end zone for a safety.
Denver took the free kick at their own 40. Manning hit Eric Decker for 5 and Willis McGahee gained 5 more. Manning hit Gronkowski for 11 and on 3rd and 5 from the 34 found Jacob Tamme for 14. Matt prater hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 5-0 Broncos.
Houston came back from the 20 as Schaub hit Kevin Walter for 18 and Arriun Foster ran for 11. On 1st and 19 from their 40, Schaub went for it all deep and found Andre Johnson for the 60 yard touchdown to have the Texans up 7-5. Denver moved from their 20 when Manning hit Decker for a 35 yard gain. Yet from the Houston 34, a critical false start moved the Texans out of field goal range and they punted. Houston took over at their 3 yard line. On 3rd and 4 Foster gained 8 and then broke free for a 22 yard gain as the first quarter ended. Brandon Tate gained 9 and on 3rd and 1 gained 4 more. On 3rd and 11 from the Denver 49, Schaub went to Martin for 18 and Graham for 27 . On 3rd and goal at the 3 Schaub hit Foster for the touchdown as the Texans led 14-5.
Denver went 3 and out and the Texans quickly faced 2nd and 5 from their 48. Schaub found Walter on a short pass that Walter took for a 52 yard touchdown as the Texans led 21-5.
Facing 2nd and 9 from their 21, Manning found Joel Dreesen for a 30 yard gain and Thomas for a 23 yard gain with roughing the passer making it 1st and goal at the 8. The defense held and a 23 yard Prater field goal had the Broncos within 21-8.
Houston was in total control as Schaub moved them from their 16 to a 3rd and 9 at the Denver 38 with 46 seconds left in the half. Yet Schaub was then intercepted, as the Broncos took over at their 40 with 34 seconds left. On 3rd and 13 Manning found Decker for 22 yards with 10 seconds left in the half. A short pass to Decker gained 6 yards as Denver took their last timeout. Prater connected from 53 as the Broncos were within 21-11 at halftime.
Both teams went 3 and out in the third quarter and the Texans took over at their 38. On 3rd and 2 Schaub hit Walter for 3, with roughing the passer added 15 more. Offensive holding on 3rd and 2 ended the drive as Graham hit a 41 yarder to make it 24-11 Texans.
Denver punted twice and Houston once, as the Texans took over at their 28. Schaub found Casey for 12 and then a short pass to Jean went for 46 yards. Schaub fired to Owen Daniels for the 1 yard touchdown as the Texans led 31-11 after three quarters. For the second week in a row, Manning would try to lead a 20 point comeback. For the second week in a row he amde things very exciting.
On 3rd and 10 from the Denver 11, Manning found Decker for 26 and 13 before having to punt. Houston moved from their 20 to 1st and 10 at the Denver 48. Then Tate took a handoff and fumbled, with Denver taking over just past midfield. This time they capitalized right away as Ball gained 11 and Manning went deep to his former and current teamnmate Brandon Stokley for a 38 yard touchdown. The Broncos were down 31-18, and 10 minutes still remained in the game.
Houston went 3 and out and the Broncos got it back at their 26 with 8 minutes left. Ball gained 4 and a pair of 4 yard completions to Stokley moved the chains. Manning found Stokley again for a dozen to midfield. With 5 minutes left and facing 4th and 16 from the Houston 45, Manning threw incomplete. Yet illegal contact kept the drive going. Manning found Stokley for 9 and Ball gained 4 on 3rd and 1. Manning went deep again, and defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Ball ran twice for losses, but on 3rd and goal at the 6 Manning hit Dreesen for the touchdown. It took 16 plays and 5 minutes, but for the second straight week Manning cut a 20 point deficit late to only 6 points. Last week they did not get the ball back to give Manning one more shot.
Denver took their last timeout with 2:49 to play and the Texans facing 3rd and 5 from their 25. Rather than play it safe and run, Gary Kubiak called a pass play knowing an incompletion would save Denver 40 seconds of clock. At that moment you go to your very best player, and Schaub hit Andre Johnson for 12 and a critical first down. On 3rd and 3 from their 44 Foster was stopped, but by the time Denver got it back at their 14 only 20 seconds remained. Manning hit Decker for 16 and spiked the ball to stop the clock. Rather than try the Hail Mary, the Broncos tried the hook and laterals. Remember, John Elway was the losing quarterback in the Cal-Stanford Marching Band game. Not this time. Denver fumbled it away and the Texas got to 3-0 for the first time in franchise history. Denver fell to 1-2 in the woeful AFC West that is starting to resemble the AFC Worst. 31-25 Texans
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Oakland Raiders–The Steelers are 1-1 while the Raiders are an 0-2 mess. The Raiders have failed in all three aspects of the game and look like the worst team in football. For more on the game of the day, go to http://www.justblogbaby.com
Marcus Allen lit the pre-game torch in memory of Al Davis, and Marcel Reece returned the opening kickoff 36 yards to the Oakland 41. Carson Palmer went for the deep ball on the first play from scrimmage and was intercepted by Clark. Clark returned it 26 yards to the Oakland 36. It was Palmer’s only mistake on the day, and the receiver falling down did not help him.
Ben Roethlisberger fired incomplete twice and then hit Jerricho Cotchery for a 9 yard gain. On 4th and 1 from the 27 Mike Tomlin decided to go for it. Roethlisberger hit Mike Wallace for a 20 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 4 Big Ben hit Heath Miller for the score as the Steelers led 7-0.
After a touchback, Palmer hit Brandon Myers for 16 yards. Then came Darren McFadden. Everybody says it. When he is healthy, he is electric. He broke through the right tackle and sped past everyone for a 64 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7.
Pittsburgh soon faced 3rd and 6 from their 23, and Roethlisberger for 16 yards. On 3rd and 2 from their 47, Roethlisberger hit Emanuel Sanders for 7, Ian Redman for 11, Andre Brown for 14, and Wallace for 14 more. On 2nd and goal from the 4, Roethlisberger again found Heath Miller to make it 14-7 Steelers after the 12 play, 7 minute, 81 yard drive.
The pace of the game slowed considerably, and with 4 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Steelers faced 2nd and 9 from their 34. Dwyer took a handoff, lost 4 yards, and fumbled. From the Pittsburgh 30, Palmer hit Reece for 3 and David Ausberry for 13. Palmer ran for 6, but on 3rd and 3 from the 7 Mike Goodson gained only one yard. At the 2 minute warning, Dennis Allen decided to go for it on 4th and 2 from the 6. Pittsburgh jumped offsides, and 1st and goal at the 3 saw Palmer hit Darrius Heyward-Bey for the tying touchdown.
Yet from their 20 with 1:54, Roethlisberger was as unstoppable as ever. He found Wallace for 7, Batch for gains of 5 and 15, Miller for 7, Sanders for 21, and Rainey for 9. Big Ben spiked the ball to stop the clock. Shawn Suisham connected from 33 to give the Steelers the 17-14 halftime lead. The Raiders were lucky enough to even be in the game given that they were outgained 235 to 105 in the first half, with 64 of that coming on the McFadden run.
Pittsburgh began the third quarter facing 3rd and 15 from their own 15. All Roethlisberger did was go deep to Wallace for a 22 yard gain. Roethlisberger then fired to Brown for gains of 19 and 12. On 3rd and 5 from the Oakland 22, Roethlisberger went to Wallace for the touchdown. The Steelers led 24-14, and the question would be whether the Raiders would fold like last week and get blown out again.
Mike Goodson gave the Raiders a jumpstart by returning the kickoff 51 yards to the Pittsburgh 48. McFadden gained 16 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Pittsburgh 31, Palmer found Denarius Moore for 12. On 3rd and 1 from the 10, McFadden turned bruiser. Stopped short, he barreled forward on a second effort for a 5 yard gain. On the next play he again banged into people and appeared to have a touchdown before being ruled down inches short of the goal line. After McFadden got stopped again, on 3rd and goal at the 1 Palmer hit Gordon for the score to get the Raiders within 24-21 with 6 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.
Dennis Allen called a surprise onsides kick, and Janikowski hit a squibber that landed right to Goodson. Yet it went right through his hands and went out of bounds, giving Pittsburgh the ball at the Oakland 48. Roethlisberger hit Brown for 6 and Rainey ran for 5. Roethlisberger then found Miller for 16. On 3rd and 8 from the 19, Roethlisberger again went to Miller for a 9 yard gain. On 2nd and goal from the 11, Roethlisberger went back to Brown. Brown got to the one yard line, was hit by Wheeler, and fumbled the football. A mad scramble ensued in the end zone and Pittsburgh came up with it. This was not the Immaculate Reception or the Holy Roller, and had it occurred in the second or fourth quarter it would have gone back to the one yard line. Yet this was the end of the third quarter, and the touchdown stood. The Steelers led 31-21, and the Raiders could not stop Roethlisberger.
After the score, Tommy Kelly was called for a 15 yard personal foul. This did nto effect the game since Pittsburgh kicked from midfield out the end zone anyway. Yet what had to be noted, and was noted by surprised announcers, was that this infraction near the very end of the third quarter was the first penalty call on the Raiders the entire game. You all in football land read that correctly. While there are plenty of problems with the Raiders, including the West Coast Offense scheme, Dennis Allen has been the first Raiders coach since Jon Gruden to severely cut down on the penalties.
After a touchback, Palmer matched Roethlisberger blow for blow. He hit Denarius Moore for 18, Heyward-Bey for 11, Myers for 17, and Reece for 6. The fourth quarter began with a false start, only the second Oakland penalty on the day and the first on offense. On 3rd and 9 from the Pittsburgh 33, Palmer found Rod Streater for 17 yards. On the next play disaster struck.
Palmer went to the end zone for Heyward-Bey, and Heyward-Bey was blasted by a helmet to helmet to hit. There was no flag, and Heyward-Bey laid down on the gorund for about 12 minutes. The stretcher came and took him off the field. Eventually he gave a thumbs up as the crowd cheered. This could have left the Raiders deflated, but instead it rallied the team.
On 3rd and 8 from the 14, Palmer hit Reece for 10. On 2nd and goal from the one, another false start did not cripple the Raiders this time. Palmer hit Moore for the touchdown as the Raiders only trailed 31-28 with 12 minutes left in regulation. If only they could finally stop Roethlisberger, they would have a chance.
Pittsburgh took over on their 22 and were on the move again. From their 36, Roethlisberger found Brown for a 20 yard break. Yet Brown was hit and fumbled, and the Raiders recovered at their 36. With 11 minutes left, they had the break they needed. Palmer hit Myers for 7 and McFadden gained 5. Defensive pass interference meant 17 more yards. On 3rd and 3 from the Pittsburgh 24, Palmer found Derek Hagan for 4. The drive would go no further than the 14, but Sebastian Janikowski nailed the 32 yard field goal. Another Raiders-Steelers classic was tied with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation at 31-31.
On 3rd and 1 from the Pittsburgh 29, Redman got the carry and several Raiders stopped him cold. Mike Tomlin called a timeout with 4 minutes left and made a stunning decision. On 4th and 1 from their own 29, the Steelers were going to go for it. Holy Barry Switzer, Tomlin was out of his mind! Obviously it was just going to be an attempt to draw the Raiders offsides. Then they actually snapped the ball. Redman banged forward, and gained 6 yards. Yet after that the defense came up big and sacked Roethlisberger for the first time all game. At the 2 minute warning the Steelers faced 3rd and 9 from their 36. Roethlisberger threw incomplete. This time there would be no gamble. The Steelers punted, and the Silver and Black had 1:43 to play and all 3 timeouts from their own 25 yard line.
Palmer fired incomplete twice. Then on the big 3rd and 10 Palmer found Myers for a clutch 15 yard gain as the Raiders took their first timeout with 48n seconds to play. Palmer was magnificent, hitting Hagan for 9, Reece for 8, and Hagan again for 17 with only 28 seconds left in regulation. The Raiders took no chances after that. McFadden ran for one yard to position the ball and force the Steelers to use their last timeout. Then Palmer took a knee to bleed the clock as the Raiders stopped the clock with 3 seconds to play. From 43 yards, it was up to the Polish Cannon who made a 63 yarder last year.
Seabass leveled it right down the pike, and the Raiders had the thrilling come from behind win. Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen got the first win in post Al Davis era. Both teams are 1-2.
Roethlisberger was phenomenal. going 36 of 49 for 384 yards, four touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Palmer was 24 of 34 for 209 and 3 touchdowns and the early interception. McFadden had 113 yards on only 18 carries, over 6 yards per carry. Both teams are 1-2, but the Raiders have a ray of hope. They still have some deficiencies, especially the fact that the offense only functions well when Palmer is unleashed. Yet the penalties are drastically reduced, and the Raiders showed a ton of guts, heart, and character in getting this comeback win. 34-31 Raiders
New England Patriots @ Baltimore Ravens is the Sunday night game. This game could not come soon enough for Baltimore as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed staved off retirement for one last shot at the Super Bowl that eluded them in last year’s AFC Title Game. A dropped touchdown pass followed by a shanked 32 yard field goal separated these teams. New England is still reeling from a stunning loss of their own last week at home to an Arizona team they should have rolled. A short missed field goal was the difference. Now Tom Brady faces an Angry Ravens team looking to rebound from last week in addition to avenging last year’s heartbreaker.
After an exchange of punts, the Patriots took over on their own 10. On 3rd and 1 Danny Woodhead had his second straight 2 yard carry to keep the drive going. Brady then went deep to Wes Welker, who has been the subject of all kinds of trade rumors swirling around him. Whatever happens, the 59 yard connection set up a 37 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal and 3-0 Patriots lead.
On the first play from scrimmage after the kick, Joe Flacco was intercepted by Gregory, who returned it 36 yards to the Baltimore 6. On 3rd and goal at the 2 Bolden took it in to make it 10-0 Patriots.
Baltimore went 3 and out and the Patriots took over at their own 9 yard line. On 3rd and 6 Brady found Brandon Lloyd for 11 and again for 22. Brady ran for 7 and a defensive personal foul on Haloti Ngata moved the ball to the Ravens 29. Gostkowski hit the 49 yarder as the Patriots led 13-0 after the first quarter in front of a stunned home crowd.
After an exchange of punts, the Patriots took over on their own 10. On 3rd and 1 Danny Woodhead had his second straight 2 yard carry to keep the drive going. Brady then went deep to Wes Welker, who has been the subject of all kinds of trade rumors swirling around him. Whatever happens, the 59 yard connection set up a 37 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal and 3-0 Patriots lead.
On the first play from scrimmage after the kick, Joe Flacco was intercepted by Gregory, who returned it 36 yards to the Baltimore 6. On 3rd and goal at the 2 Bolden took it in to make it 10-0 Patriots.
Baltimore went 3 and out and the Patriots took over at their own 9 yard line. On 3rd and 6 Brady found Brandon Lloyd for 11 and again for 22. Brady ran for 7 and a defensive personal foul on Haloti Ngata moved the ball to the Ravens 29. Gostkowski hit the 49 yarder as the Patriots led 13-0 after the first quarter in front of a stunned home crowd.
With everything going wrong the Ravens go it back at their 18 and began the second quarter facing 3rd and 6 from their 22. Flacco threw incomplete, but defensive pass interference meant 1st and 10 from the 24. Flacco hit Pierce for 10 and Pierce ran for 8. On 3rd and 13 from their 48, Flacco went to Boldin, who stretched his arm out but was ruled short of the marker. John Harbaugh challenged the spot and the reversal changed 4th and 1 to 1st and 10 from the New England 38. Ray Rice ran for 8 and 5, and Flacco hit Torry Smith for a 25 yard touchdown. Smith fought back tears. It was announced earlier in the day that his 19 year old brother had been killed. Coach Harbaugh told him to take the game off, but after joining his family, Smith rejoined the team later in the day. His touchdown had the Ravens within 13-7.
Baltimore got it back at their own 8 with 6 1/2 minutes left in the half. On 3rd and 4 Flacco gained 5. Flacco then went deep to Jones for a 41 yard gain. Flacco hit Boldin for 5 and Rice ripped off a pair of 6 yard gains at the 2 minute warning. On 3rd and 4 from the 20, Flacco hit Dennis Pitta, who hurdled over a couple defenders for a touchdown as the Ravens led 14-13.
From their 19 with 1:41 to work with, Tom Brady did what he does. He found Julian Edelman for 12. On 3rd and 6 from their 40, Brady went to Woodhead for 9. After illegal contact, Brady went to Deion Branch for 11. Brady then went to Wes Welker for a 28 ard gain. Controversy? What controversy? Brady hit Edelman for the 7 yard touchdown just as the half expired to give the Patriots the 20-14 advantage.
The Ravens began the third quarter at their 20 and Rice ran for 15. A penalty mvoed the Ravens forward, and on 3rd and 2 from midfield, Flacco hit Smith for 11. Flacco then went deep to Smith again for a 32 yard gain. Rice ran it in from 7 yards out and the Ravens led again 21-20.
From their 20, Brady came right back, hitting Lloyd for 11. On 3rd and 5 from their 36, Brady again went to Welker for 11. On 3rd and 6 just past the midstripe, Brady hit Lloyd for 10. A defensive personal foul meant 1st and 10 from the 21. Brady found Lloyd for 9 and Woodhead had a pair of 3 yard runs, the latter of which put the Patriots back on top. The fourth lead change of the game had the Patriots up 27-21.
Baltimore reached the New England 47 before punting, and the Patriots began at their 20. Brady hit Kellen Winslow for 12 and Lloyd for a pair of 10 yard gains. On 3rd and 3 from the 33, Brady threw incomplete. Yet unnecessary roughness on Ed Reed meant 1st and 10 at the 18. Ridley broke free for 14 yards and then lost 4 yards as the fourth quarter began with the Patriots facing 2nd and goal from the 8. The defense held, and on 4th and goal at the 2 Bill Bellichick opted for the field goal. Stephen Gostkowski hit the 20 yard chip shot as the Patriots led 30-21 only 40 seconds into the fourth quarter.
From the 20, Flacco led the Ravens t a 3rd and 3 at the New England 35. A pass to Rice only gained 2 yards. On 4th and 1 from the 33 Coach Harbaugh decided against the 51 yard field goal try. He went for it, and Pierce got the handoff and got blasted by the New England defense. The turnover on downs had the Patriots still up by 9 points with 11 minutes left.
The Ravens held on defense, but a punt pinned them back at their 8 yard line midway thorugh the fourth quarter. Flacco hit Rice for 12. Offensive holding moved the Ravens back but defensive holding was followed by a pass to Jones that went for 21 yards to the Baltimore 42. Flacco then hit Smith for 16 more. Flacco hit Pitta for 5 and then a short pass to Rice went for a 27 yard gain and set up 1st and goal at the 10. Flacco was sacked, but defensive holding instead meant 1st and goal at the 5. Flacco hit Smith for the score as the Ravens were within 2 points with 4 minutes to play.
After a touchback and an incompletion stopped the clock, Brady went to Welker for an 11 yard gain that kept the clock moving. After a short run and another incomplete pass, 2 1/2 minutes remained as the Patriots faced 3rd and 8 from their 33. With the game on the line, Brady fired over the middle and was intercepted by Lardarius Webb. Before the Ravens could celebrate, Webb was called for illegal contact. The automatic first down meant the Ravens would have to start using their timeouts. Then confusion reigned.
After a run, Harbaugh ran on the field to try and call timeout. Instead he was hit with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. On the next play just when it seemed the Ravens were reeling, Brady was sacked. On the next play on 3rd and 16, Brady was nearly sacked again before throwing a sideline route that he was lucky was not intercepted. The Ravens got it back at their own 21 with 1:55 left and one timeout.
Flacco went deep to Jones for a 24 yard gain and a 3 yard completion stopped the clock with 1:26 left. Flacco hit Pitta for 13, and with 52 seconds left the Ravens faced 3rd and 9 at the Patriots 34. A field goal try would have been 52 yards. Then it happened. Flacco went deep to Jones, and defensive pass interference was called. Forget yelling about replacement refs. It was a good call. Now the Ravens had 1st and goal at the 7. Flacco took a knee to center the ball. After the field goal was good down the middle but canceled due to a timeout call, the new kicker lined up again.
Last year Billy Cundiff missed a 32 yarder and cost the Ravens the shot at the Super Bowl. This year Tucker from 27 hit an ugly kick that was ruled good. It looked like it was barely inside, but may have hit the upright had the upright been higher. There is no review for a kick over the top of the uprights. It remained good as an enraged Evil Hoodie Bill Bellichick chased down the refs. The Ravens are 2-1 and the Pats at 1-2 have the first losing record since 2003. The Ravens had the win, and a playoff rematch would be a thriller. As for Torry Smith, just pray for him. 31-30 Ravens
Green Bay Packers @ Seattle Seahawks is the Monday night game. Both of these teams are 1-1 as the Seahawks crushed Dallas at home with surprising ease while Green Bay bounced back at home after a brutal loss at home in the opening week. Green Bay has the better team but with Seattle one never knows which team will show up.
While the quality of this game should be forgotten and the tape burned, the conclusion will be talked about for some time. This was one of the all time controversial finishes.
A hideously ugly puntfest finally saw some action midway through the second quarter when Seattle faced 3rd and 4 from their 33. Russell Wilson scrambled for 7 yards. Unnecessary roughness moved the ball to the Green Bay 41. Wilson then went deep to Golden Tate for a touchdown as the Seahawks led 7-0.
In the third quarter Aaron Rodgers led a 13 play, 7 minute drive that moved from the Green Bay 20 to a 3rd and 5 at the Seattle 10. Rodgers fired incomplete, and the Packers settled for a 29 yard Mason Crosby field goal and a 7-3 deficit. Green Bay got it back at their own 12 and Rodgers again moved the Packers down the field for a 3rd and 3 at the Seattle 22. Rodgers again threw incomplete, Crosby connected from 40, and the Packers trailed 7-6 after three quarters of this awful game.
The fourth quarter began with the Packers facing 3rd and 10 at their own 19. Rodgers hit Finley for 13. On 3rd and 10 from the 32 it was Rodgers to Jones for 13 more. On 3rd and 2 from the Seattle 47 an incomplete pass was nullified by defensive pass interference and 8 more yards. Rodgers hit Jones for 12 and Kuhn for 10. On 3rd and 1 from the 2, one play after a touchdown was reversed, a Rodgers scramble for no gain was reversed into 1st and goal at the one. Cedric Benson took it in to complete the 81 yard, 16 play, 6 minute drive. The 2 point conversion failed, but the Packers led 12-7 with 9 minutes left in regulation.
Wilson was quickly intercepted, but roughing the passer instead had Seattle with 1st and 10 at their 35. Marshawn Lynch ran for 6 and 5, and Wilson scrambled for 12. COnsecutive penalties had the Seahawks facing 1st and 25 from their 43. Wilson then went deep and defensive pass interference now meant 1st and 10 at the Green Bay 25. On 3rd and 1 from the 16 with 5 minutes left, Wilson lost a yard. Pete Carroll had to go for it, and on 4th and 2 Lynch gained 3. At the 2 minute warning, the Seahawks faced 4th and 3 from the 7. Wilson fired incomplete and the Packers celebrated. All they had to do was run out the clock and the game was over.
Cedric Benson quickly fumbled and were lucky that the Packers retained possession after a 5 yard loss. Seattle used their timeouts, and got the ball back with 46 seconds left at the Green Bay 46. Wilson found Sidney Rice for 22 yards but then threw 3 incompletions. With 8 seconds left, everything came down to the Hail Mary on 4th and 10.
Wilson fired to the end zone. Offensive pass interference could have been called, but usually nothing gets called on that play. One member of the offense and one member of the defense fought over the ball. The replacement referees ruled that Golden Tate caught the ball for a Seattle touchdown. After 10 minutes both teams had to come back on the field for the extra point. Packer fans from the average Cheesehead to Vice Presidential candidate Paul Ryan were outraged at the decision. The Packers blamed the refs, but they should never have allowed themselves to be put in that position to begin with. One year after going 15-1, Mike McCarthy has seen his squad fall to 1-2. Meanwhile, Seattle is 2-1 and one play away from being 3-0. This is why they play the games, although this one will be argued in Green Bay and Seattle forever. 14-12 Seahawks
eric