THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

NFL 2012 Week 5 Recap

Arizona Cardinals @ St. Louis Rams was the Thursday night game. While Ken Whisenhunt has the Cardinals shocking the football world with a 4-0 record for the first time since Don “Air” Coryell did it with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974, skeptics (me included) abound. Now the Rams are in St. Louis and Jeff Fisher is in the process of trying to turn them around. As for the Cardinals, despite a couple good games, many fans of the game (me included) are not sold on Kevik Kolb.

As for the game itself, it was fairly awful, despite starting out exciting. From the Rams 31, Sam Bradford hit Gibson for 14 and then went deep to Danny Amendola for a 44 yard gain. On 3rd and 6 from the 7, Bradford hit Kendricks for the touchdown as the Rams led 7-0 only 2 minutes into the game. That concluded much of the offense for the night.

From their 20, Kolb led an excruciating 17 play drive that consumed 9 1/2 minutes off the clock. Yet on 2nd and 8 from the Arizona 17, Kolb fired incomplete twice. Jay Feely hit a 35 yard field goal as the Cardinals got within 7-3. That ended their offensive output for the night.

In the second quarter a field position game had the Rams starting out at midfield. Stephen Jackson gained 12 and 2, which was enough for Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein to connect from 53. Last week Fisher had him go from 58 and 60 during regular parts of the game, and he blasted them through. The Rams led 10-3 in a game that would see almost nothing else.

With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half Feely would miss a 35 yard field goal try. In the third quarter on 3rd and 6 from the Arizona 16, Sam Bradford was intercepted. Late in the third quarter the Rams took over at their own 11. Richardson gained 16 and on 3rd and 9 from their 28, Bradford hit Gibson for just enough as the third quarter ended. On 3rd and 11 just shy of midfield, Bradford went deep to Givens for a 51 yard touchdown. 12 minutes remained, but a comeback fell short. With 5 1/2 minutes left Arizona had 4th and goal at the 6, and Kolb threw a 3 yard pass to Larry Fitzgerald. Dink and dunk meant death, as Kolb was 28 of 50 for 289 but without a touchdown. Arizona lost their first game of the season in a game 4-0 teams are supposed to win. 17-3 Rams

Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals–A pair of bad teams nobody cares about played a bad game. Miami fumbled a punt and the Bengals took over at the Miami 26. Cincy lost yards but Mike Nugent hit a 43 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Bengals. Miami reached the Cincy 11 but fumbled it away again. The Bengals moved from their 21 to 1st and goal at the 4. Naturally they then lost yards and Nugent hit from 24 to make it 6-0 Bengals.

In the second quarter Miami took over at their own 37 and Ryan Tannehill hit Lane  for 15 and Clay for 24 and Anthony Fasano for 13. Thomas ran it in from one yard out as the Dolphins led 7-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter Andy Dalton was intercepted, giving Miami the ball at the Cincy 36. After an offensive penalty, Tannehill hit Duane Bess for 28 yards and Reggie Bush ran the lucky final 13 as the Dolphins led 14-6.

Miami got it back at midfield and on 3rd and 4 a defensive penalty gave them a gift first down. Dan Carpenter hit a 46 yarder to make it 17-6 Dolphins.

The Bengals got it back at their own 43 late in the third quarter. Dalton hit AJ Green for 11 and 3, Hawkins for 10, and Green for 18 more. The fourth quarter began with Dalton hitting Green for the 2 yard score to get the Bengals within 4 points.

With 3 minutes left Nugent came in for a 41 yard field goal to make it a 1 point game. It was no good. With 90 seconds left Cincy got it back. From their own 23, Dalton was intercepted and even Marvin Lewis said “These are the Bengals.” 17-13 Dolphins

Green Bay Packers @ Indianapolis Colts–This was a thrilling game in the 1960s. A half a century later even a struggling Green Bay team was expected to steamroll Baltimore. A field position game set up Green Bay at their own 44. Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for 19 and Cedric Benson gained 9. Rodgers hit Benson for 18 and John Kuhn ran it in from 2 yards out to make it 7-0 Packers.

From their 35 to start the second quarter, Rodgers hit Randall Cobb for 18 with unnecessary roughness adding 15 more. On 3rd and 1 from the 6 Rodgers hit Jones for the score to make it 14-0 Packers. From their 31, Andrew Luck went deep twice to Reggie Wayne for a pair of 30 yard gains. The Colts stalled at the 6 and settled for the field goal to trail 14-3.

From the Green Bay 34 Rodgers went deep again and defensive pass interference meant a 30 yard gain. On 3rd and 5 from the Indy 31, Rodgers found Cobb for another touchdown as the expected romp materialized early on with the Packers up 21-3 at halftime.

Cruising to start the third quarter, on 3rd and 2 from their own 28 Rodgers was intercepted. Indy took over at the Green Bay 39. Andrew Luck hit Reggie Wayne for 18, and on 3rd and 3 from the 14, Luck ran for 6 and hit Allen for the 8 yard touchdown to get the Colts within 21-10.

The Colts got it back at their 30 and Donald Brown ran for 9, 11, and 10. Adam Vinatieri hit a clutch 50 yarder and the Colts were only down 21-13. Green Bay missed a chance for breathing room when Mason Crosby missed a 52 yard field goal. Indy took over at their own 42 when offsides and a 26 yard defensive pass interference penalty had the Colts at the Packers 17. Luck hit Allen for 11 and on 3rd and goal at the 3 Luck took it in himself. The 2 point conversion failed but the Colts were only down 21-19.

In the fourth quarter Luck was intercepted but Green Bay did not take advantage. With 11 minutes left in the game the Colts took over at their own 15. Luck went deep for 26 yards and found Brown for 9 with a facemask adding 15. Luck found Hilton for 26 more. The drive died at the 10 but Vinatieri hit from 28 as the Colts came all the way back with 19 unanswered points to lead 22-21 with 8 minutes left in the game.

An exchange of punts gave the Packers the ball just past midfield. Green ran up the middle 41 yards and Rodgers hit Jones for the 8 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion failed but the Packers regained the lead 27-22 with 4 1/2 minutes left.

On 3rd and 9 from their 21, Luck hit Wayne for 15, Fleener for 7, and Wayne for 12. At the 2 minute warning on 3rd and 12 from the Green Bay 47, Luck hit Wayne for 15 and again for 18. On 3rd and 7 from the 11 Luck gained just enough with 47 seconds to play. Luck then hit Wayne for the 4 yard touchdown and Brown ran in the 2 point conversion as Indy led by 3 with 39 seconds left.

After a touchback, Rodgers moved the Packers in position for a 51 yard field goal to try it. It was no good, and the misery for the Packers one year removed from 15-1 continued. The Colts went wild on the sidelines as emotion carried the day. Their coach is in the hospital with lukemia, and the assistant coach got the heart-stopping character win. As for Andrew Luck, welcome to the NFL.  30-27 Colts

Baltimore Ravens @  Kansas City Chiefs–The theme on this day was games that were supposed to be blowouts. John Harbaugh has a very good team. Romeo Crennel has a very bad one. Yet the first half was a slugfest. Late in the first quarter a short field and a 37 yard Ray Rice run set up a 28 yard Ray Rice run and a 3-0 Ravens run. The Chiefs responded just by running. Jamal Charles had 8 and 10, Cassel gained 12, Charles 9 more, and eventually 1st and goal at the 7 became 3rd and goal at the 22. Ryan Succop hit a 30 yarder to make it 3-3 at halftime of this unwatchable game.

Baltimore fumbled the second half kickoff, yet Kansas City reached 1st and goal at the one before fumbling it back. From their 12, Joe Flacco went deep to Anquon Boldin for a 43 yard gain and Ray Rice ran for 26 more. On 3rd and 4 from the 10, Rice only got half as the Ravens settled for the field goal and the 6-3 lead. Flacco was then intercepted, but Cassel gave the interception right back. From their 23, Flacco hit Vonte Leach for 18 and Torrey Smith for 26. On 3rd and 10 from the 14, Flacco was sacked for a 7 yard loss. Another field goal made it 9-3 Ravens after three quarters.
Cassel moved the Chiefs from their 30 to 2nd and 11 from the Baltimore 15. Cassel threw the winning touchdown pass, but it was nullified by offensive pass interference. Another field goal had the Chiefs down by 3 with 5 1/2 minutes remaining. With 3 minutes left the Ravens faced 3d and 15 from their own 15. Flacco scrambled for 16. At the 2 minute warning Baltimore had 3rd and 1 from their 40. Rice got the yard, kept the ball, and got the win. The Chiefs fought hard but lost again as they went to 1-4 while the 4-1 Ravens gutted out the win. 9-6 Ravens

Cleveland Browns @ New York Giants–
Browns-Giants–Despite winning two Super Bowls including being the defending champions, Giants coach Tom Coughlin is Captain Grumpy because he knows how easily seasons can spin out of control. Browns President Mike Holmgren is an unhappy Walrus because even a winner like him cannot turn around a terrible team in the Mistake by the Lake. Short of Jim Brown, Otto Graham, and Paul Brown returning, Cleveland is playing for another top draft pick. What the Browns had in their favor was a Giants team that always plays down to the level of their inferior competition, especially at home against very bad teams.

The Giants fumbled on the very first play from scrimmage and the Browns took over at the Cleveland 22. Trent Richardson ran for 7 and then the 15 yard touchdown to have the Browns up 7-0 only 43 seconds into the game. Cleveland got it back and soon faced 3rd and 2 from their 28. Brandon Weeden hit Cameron for 5 yards. On 2nd and 5 from their 38, Weeden went deep to Gordon for a 62 yard touchdown. Less than 5 minutes into the game, the Browns led 14-0.

Yet these Giants stay calm and resilient. From their own 8, Eli Manning went to Dominic Hixon for a 16 yard gain. A chop block penalty had the Giants facing 1st and 25, but on 2nd and 11 defensive pass interference meant 1st and 10 at the Cleveland 47. Manning then hit Randle for 12 and 11 and Ahmad Bradshaw gained 6 and 10. Manning would hit Salsa Dancer Victor Cruz for a 3 yard touchdown to complete the 11 play, 7 minute, 92 yard drive to have the Giants within 14-7.

With 3 minutes left in the first quarter Cleveland faced 1st and 20 from their 26. Weeden hit Richardson for 22 yards and the Browns were on the move again. Facing 3rd and 3 from the Giants 35, Weeden hit Jerrius Norwood for 14 as the first quarter ended. On 3rd and 1 from the 12 Richardson ran up the middle into a Big Blue brick wall, losing 2 yards. Phil Dawson hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 17-7 Browns. It was time for them to shock the world and take down the Giants.

Or instead reality would set in.

Manning led a 14 play, 7 minute drive from the Giants 21 to 1st and 10 at the Cleveland 11. Yet 3 incompletions later it was a 29 yard Lawrence Tynes field goal as the Giants trailed 17-10. Weeden moved the Browns from their 20 to a 3rd and 1 at the Giants 25. Even a field goal would make it a two score game again. Instead Weeden was intercepted because the West Coast Offense does not like to run the ball on 3rd and 1, even with a good running back. Brown returned the interception 46 yards to the Cleveland 40. Manning quickly went deep to Randle for a 36 yard gain and Ahmad Bradshaw got the final 4 yards to tie the game 17-17 with 3 minutes left in the half. Joshua Cribbs fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Giants took over at the Cleveland 29. On 3rd and 8 Manning hit Bennett for 17 and Cruz for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 24-17 Giants.

Cleveland punted, and the Giants got it back at their own 42 with just 17 seconds left in the half. Bradshaw ran for 12, and a critical 22 yard defensive pass interference penalty was enough. Tynes hit from 40 yards as 20 unanswered points turned a 17-7 deficit into a 27-17 New York lead at halftime.

In the third quarter after a punt the Giants took over at their own 5. On 3rd and 1 Bradshaw gained 5 and then broke free for a 37 yard gain. On 2nd and 10 from the Cleveland 28, Manning went deep to Cruz for their third touchdown connection as the Giants now led 34-17. The Browns had a spark when Cribbs returned the ensuing kickoff 74 yards to the Giants 30. Yet they failed to gain a first down and had to settle for a 41 yard field goal to trail 34-20.

In the fourth quarter Cleveland had a chance when an interception of Manning put the Browns at the Giants 27. On 4th and 3 from the 20 Weeden hit Richardson for 10. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Weeden became unaware of the rules. He had a pass batted back to him, caught it, and then threw a touchdown. Yet two forward passes on the same play meant a penalty instead. From the 10, Weeden was intercepted with 9 minutes in the game. Bradshaw then ran for a 28 yard gain. On 3rd and 4 from the Cleveland 44, Manning hit Cruz for just enough. Wilson ran for the 40 yard touchdown on the next play. The Giants led 41-20 after outscoring Cleveland 34-3 after the slow start.

Weeden would throw a 20 yard touchdown to Gordon, but it was far too little, far too late. The Giants continue showing their mettle while Cleveland dropped to 0-5, with only 11 more losses to go. 41-27 Giants

Philadelphia Eagles @ Pittsburgh Steelers–The battle for Pennsylvania was expected to a slugfest, and this one did materialize. In the first quarter Philly had 1st and goal at the 3 before Michael Vick fumbled it away. At the end of the quarter Vick fumbled the ball away again as Pittsburgh took over at the Philly 34. Ben Roethlisberger fumbled it back. Pittsburgh got it back and played smashmouth. From their 25 Rashaard Mendenhall and Ian Redman had good gains and Big Ben gained 5 and 9 on 3rd and 1 from the Philly 26. Mendenhall ran for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Steelers. With 2 1/2 minutes left in the half the Steelers took over at their own 21. Big Ben moved them to a 3rd and goal at the 2 with 12 seconds left in the half. Big Ben threw incomplete and the Steelers settled for a 20 yard Shawn Suisham field goal and a 10-0 intermission lead.

The second half was even more brutal. From their 20, Philly benefitted from unnecessary roughness to get to their 40. On 3rd and 2 McCoy gained 3, which was shocking since pass happy Walrus Lite Andy Reid does not run the ball. Vick hit Maclin and another unnecessary roughness call moved the Eagles further. Vick hit Avant for 10 and McCoy for the 15 yard score to get the Eagles within 10-7 after three quarters.

Pittsburgh kept it on the ground from their 20 as Mendenhall gained 7, 9, and 4 and Redman added 13. The drive stalled at the 16 but the 34 yard Suisham kick had the Steelers up 13-7 as the fourth quarter began.

The Eagles soon faced 4th and 1 from their own 30 when Andy Reid went crazy and summoned up his inner Barry Switzer. Not only did he go for it, he called another run. McCoy gained 2. On 4th and 1 from the Pittsburgh 47, Reid gambled again, McCoy ran again, and gained 2 again. On 3rd and 10 from the Pittsburgh 34, Vick hit Desean Jackson for a 24 yard gain. On 3rd and goal from the 2 Vick hit Captain Morgan Brent Celek for the score. With 6 1/2 minutes to play the Eagles led 14-13.
Philly quicky faced 1st and 20 from their 10 with 6 minutes left. On 3rd and 12 Big Ben hit Brown for 20 and Mendenhall for 15. At the 2 minute warning they had 3rd and 4 at the 38 when Roethlisberger hit Sanders for 7. With 3 seconds left it came down to Suisham from 34 yards out. He was good, Philly fell to 3-2 and Mike Tomlin saw his Steelers win a tough, physical game. 16-14 Steelers

Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Redskins–After a scoreless first quarter, the second quarter saw Matt Ryan throw a touchdown pass to each team. He was intercepted by Kerrigan, who returned it 28 yards for a score to make it 7-0 Falcons. Ryan fumbled on the next series, but Washington faced 3rd and 2 from the Atlanta 11 and lost 2 yards. Billy Cundiff continued his nightmarish 12 months by missing another 31 yard field goal. With 2:16 left in the half Atlanta took over at their own 21. Ryan hit Roddy White for 20 and Douglas for 15. On 3rd and 3 from the Washington 22 Ryan hit Tony Gonzalez for 21 yards down to the one. With 30 seconds left in the half Ryan hit Gonzalez again for the score as the game was deadlocked 7-7 at the half.

A field position game in the third quarter had the Redskins taking over on the Atlanta 39. On 3rd and goal at the 3 Griffin was sacked, but even worse, he was injured on the play. The field goal had the Redskins up 10-7, but no RGIII would be tough. Atlanta began the fourth quarter facing 3rd and 5 from the Washington 23. Ryan hit Rodgers for 8 and Jones for the 18 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Falcons. Washington soon faced 3rd and 9 from their own 23. Cousins was in at quarterback, and he hit Santana Moss over the middle. Moss outraced everybody for the 77 yard score and the Redskins led 17-14.

After a touchback Mike Smith kept in on the ground and Michael Turner gained 4 and 8. Ryan then hit Douglas for 19 and Gonzalez for 13. Matt Bryant came in for a 53 yard field goal try. It was good, and the game was tied 17-17 midway through the fourth quarter.

Atlanta got it back at their 31. Ryan hit Gonzalez for 13 and went deep to Julio Jones for 29. Turner ran for the 13 yard score as the Falcons led by 7 with 2 1/2 minutes to play

Cousins is not RGIII. He was quickly intercepted. Atlanta went 3 and out and the Redskins had one more chance with 80 seconds left. Cousins was quickly intercepted again. Mike Shanahan will pray for RGIII while the Falcons got to 5-0 for the very first time in franchise history. 24-17 Falcons

Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers–This game between a pair of up and down teams was all about defense. A shanked Carolina punt had Seattle starting at the Carolina 45. Russell Wwilson found Sidney Rice for an 18 yard gain. Yet the Seahawks would not get past the 4 yard line, as they settled for a 22 yard Stephen Hauschka field goal and a 3-0 lead.

Seattle began the second quarter at their own 28 and Marshawn Lynch for 14 yards. On 3rd and 5 from their 47, Wilson hit Rice for 12 and scrambled for 9. Yet again the Red Zone was the extent of things as a 3rd and 6 pass from the 21 only got half of it. Hauschka hit from 36 to make it 6-0 Seahawks. Carolina took over at their own 9 with just under 3 minutes left in the half. On 3rd and 4 Newton threw incomplete but roughing the passer kept the drive going. Cam Newton hit Brad LaFell for 21 and on 3rd and 10 scrambled for 15. A 3rd and 10 pass came up 3 yards short and just as the half ended Medlock hit from 32 to get the Panthers to within 6-3.

Seattle fumbled away the second half kickoff but Carolina failed to capitalize. On the next series disaster struck as Wilson was intercepted by Munnerlyn, who returned it 33 yards for a touchdown. Despite no offense, the Panthers had a 10-6 lead. On the next series Wilson was intercepted again, but for the second time in three opportunities the Panthers could not turn it into anything.

Late in the third quarter it was Carolina who fumbled, giving the Seahawks the ball at the Panthers 27. Wwilson hit Lynch for 9 and on 3rd and 8 from the 13 Wilson hit Golden Tate for the touchdown as the Seahawks led 13-10 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter had Seattle starting at their own 35 and Lynch running for 8 and 11. Wwilson went to Zzach Miller for 23 yards. Hauschka hit from 44 as Seattle led 16-10 with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

Carolina soon faced 3rd and 5 from their 25 and Newto hit LaFell for 6, Greg Olsen for 24, Steve Smith for 14, Olsen for 13, and LaFell for 17. With 4 minutes left everything came down to 4th and goal at the 1. Newtn rolled out to pass and fired incomplete. With one minute left Pete Carroll had his punter take an intentional safety rather than risk a blocked punt or good Carolina field position. Carolina took the free kick at their own 31, and 2 plays later Newton was sacked and fumbled to end the last chance Carolina had.

Ron Rivera has a young team, and so does Pete Carroll. Yet as exciting as Cam Newton is, defense wins championships, and Seattle has a very good one. 16-12 Seahawks

Chicago Bears @ Jacksonville Jaguars–It is impossible to believe that this potential mismatch began as a great game. the Bears may not be as good as advertised but the Jaguars are awful. Yet early on this actually had the chance of being a close game.

The first half was all defense. Jay Cutler was intercepted early on, and on the next drive Chicago started at their own 9. Cutler would lead a 12 play, 6 minute, 77 yard drive that stopped at the Jacksonville 14. Robbie Gould hit a 32 harder to make it 3-0 bears. In the second quarter it was Blaine Gabbert leading a 14 play, 5 1/2 minute drive from their 26 to the Chicago 13. Jacksonville also bogged down, and Josh Scobee hit a 31 yarder to tie the game 3-3. Jacksonville had a chance to take the lead at the 2 minute warning but fumbled the ball away at the Chicago 21 after Blaine gabber was sacked.

The third quarter appeared to be more of the same. Cutler led a staggering 17 play, 9 minute drive that moved the Bears from their 11 to the Jacksonville 13. They again got no further and Gould hit from 31. The game was almost 40 minutes gone and the Bears only led 6-3. Somehow the last 20 minutes created a different result out of nowhere.

Jacksonville soon faced 1st and 20 from their own 15. Gabbert was intercepted by Charles “Peanut” Tillman, and Tillman returned it 36 yards for the game’s first touchdown. The Bears led 13-3 after three quarters, but the fourth quarter is where the  damn truly burst wide open.

From the Chicago 33, Cutler hit Michael Bush for 11 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Chicago 48, Cutler went deep to Brandon Marshall for 21 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the jaguars 36, Cutler found bush for just enough. Then Bush ran for 11. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Cutler hit Jeffery for 10 yards and the first offensive touchdown of the game to make it 20-3 Bears.

Chicago soon got it back at their own 6. Cutler went deep to Devon Hester for a 39 yard gain. Matt Forte then ran for 9, 11, and 7. Cutler fired deep to Marshall for a 24 yard touchdown to make it 27-3 Bears and the route was on.

Gabbert was intercepted by Lance briggs, who returned it 36 yards for another touchdown. Chicago got it back and Allen raced for a 46 yard touchdown. A 3-3 game at half was 6-3 in the third quarter and 13-3 after 3 quarters. 28 points in the fourth quarter turned a deadlock into the blowout that was originally expected. Lovie Smith has a good team, but Jacksonville as wretched as advertised. 41-3 Bears

Tennessee Titans @ Minnesota Vikings–Leslie Frazier has the Vikings improving while Mike Munchak sees his team regressing. Frazier has a healthy Christian Ponder while jake locker is out with an injury sustained last week. Tennessee turned to veteran Matt Hasselbeck.

Midway through the fourth quarter Minnesota took over at their own 9. Ponder ran for 13, hit Jenkins for 15, and went deep to speedster Percy marvin for a 45 yard gain. On 3rd and 10 from the Titans 16 ponder hit Jenkins for 12. Harvin ran it in from 4 yards out to make it 7-0 Vikings.

In the second quarter Hasselbeck was intercepted, giving Minnesota the ball at the Tennessee 43. An unnecessary roughness penalty on the Titans was just enough to allow the Vikings to try a 42 yard field goal. Walsh connected to make it 10-0 Vikings. Minnesota got it back at their own 5 and Ponder hit Harvin for 18 yards. Adrian Peterson added 22 more. On 3rd and 1 from the Tennessee 45 Toby Gerhart got the yard. Ponder then ran for 11 and hit Harvin for 10. The drive stalled but Walsh hit from 36 to make it 13-0 Vikings. Minnesota missed chances to extend the lead but Ponder was intercepted to end the second quarter and start the third quarter. Yet the Titans could not capitalize.

Ponder rebounded and led a 12 play, 6 1/2 minute drive from the Minnesota 23 to the Tennessee 8. A 26 yard Walsh field goal made it 16-0. Minnesota got it back at their own 39 and peterson ran for 17 yards. Ponder then hit Ellison for 29 more. On 3rd and 5 from the 10 Ponder hit Harvin for the score as the Vikings were cruising up 23-0.

Hasselbeck would finally get the Titans on the board by hitting Cook for a 10 yard touchdown with 10 1/2 minutes remaining in regulation. Yet there would be no comeback as the on sides kick failed. With a short field, Ponder quickly hit Rudolph for a 15 yard touchdown to complete the scoring. Minnesota is a very surprising 4-1 only one year after going 3-13. Tennessee meanwhile is crashing one year after making the playoffs. 30-7 Vikings

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots–It felt like old times again as Peyton Manning renewed his rivalry with Tom Brady, with Evil Hoodie Bill Bellichick scheming on ways to stop Manning. Yet Manning is now in Denver, and his team is not as good as the Indianapolis teams he commanded.

Manning moved the Broncos from their 16 to a 3rd and 5 at the Denver 47. Manning went deep to Thomas for a 43 yard gain down to the New England 10, but Thomas fumbled to kill the threat. After an exchange of punts the Patirots took over at their 16. Brady hit Wes Welker for 15 yards. Ridley then ran for 7, 5, 3, and 15. On 3rd and 8 from the Denver 17, Brady hit Lloyd for 9 and Welker for the 8 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Patriots

Denver soon faced 3rd and 3 from their 27. Manning hit Willis McGahee for 9 and Thomas for a 30 yard gain. On 3rd and 1 from the 25, McGahee got the tough yard. On 3rd and 6 from the 20 defensive pass interference put the ball on the one yard line. Manning hit Joel Dreesen for the score early in the second quarter. Tied 7-7, it looked like it was ballgame on. It wasn’t.

On 3rd and 10 from their 20, Brady hit Welker for 14. On 3rd and 3 from their 41, Danny Woodhead gained 7. Ridley gained 8 and 4 and Brady hit Lloyd for 15 and Rob Gronkowski for 13. Brady found Lloyd for 10 more and Vereen got the last yard to make it 14-7 Patriots after the 14 play, 6 minute drive.

Denver reached 2nd and 5 at the New England 39, but a pair of Manning incompletions meant a punt. New England took over at their own 2 with 5 minutes left in the half. Brady came out throwing with 98 yards to go and hit Welker for 7 and 6. On 3rd and 14 from their 11, Brady found Woodhead for 25 yards. On 3rd and 1 from their 45, Bolden gained 24.With 9 seconds left in the half the Patriots faced 3rd and goal at the one. This was not “The Drive,” and John Elway was up in the executive suite. Plus, Elway finished his drive. On this one Bolden got blasted for a 4 yard loss as the Patriots settled for a 22 yard tephen Gostkowski field goal to lead 17-7 at halftime.

After an exchange of punts in the third quarter, the Patriots took over at their 20. Ridley ran for 19. On 3rd and 17 from their 43, Woodhead gained 19. New England moved with ease, and on 3rd and 1 from the 8 Ridley gained 2 and 5. Again New England faced 3rd and goal at the 1, and this time Brady snuck it in himself to put the Patriots up 24-7 after the 16 play, 6 1/2 minute, 80 yard drive. One play after a touchback Manning was sacked and fumbled. That was the death blow as the Patriots took over at the Denver 14. Ridley ran it in from 8 yards out to make it 31-7 Patriots. The hyped battle was a one-sided laugher. However, with Peyton Manning no game is over until the gun.

On 3rd and 7 from their 23, Manning hit Thomas for 20. On 3rd and 3 from midfield Manning went to Thomas for 38 yards and McGahee for 11. A 2 yard touchdown pass to Eric Decker had the Broncos down 31-14.

With 11 minutes left in regulation the Broncos had 4th and 1 at the New England 47. Manning threw incomplete. New England faced 4th and 5 at the Denver 37 and Brady was sacked for an 11 yard loss and fumbled. On 3rd and 10 from the New England 43, Manning hit Decker for 12 and McGahee for 22 more down to the 5. Manning then found Brandon Stokley for the touchdown as the Broncos were only down by 10 midway through the fourth quarter.

New England quickly reached the Denver 37, Yet Ridley fumbled and the Broncos had life with 5 minutes left. From the Denver 32, Manning hit Jacob Tamme for 17 yards. On 4th and 1 from the New England 42, Manning went deep to Thomas for a 28 yard gain. From the New England 14, even a field goal would have made it a one score game. Yet McGahee fumbled and the comeback was snuffed out.

Denver is 2-3 and New England 3-2, and Manning did extend his own NFL record with his 66th 300 yard game, throwing for 345. Yet again it was Belichick, Brady, and company that got the win. 31-21 Patriots

Buffalo Bills @ San Francisco 49ers–The Bills under Chan Gailey were supposed to be improving, but that has not proven to be the case. The 49ers came up one game short last year and are even better this year. This had all the makings of a carpet-bombing. This is absolutely not why they play the games.

After an exchange of punts the 49ers took over at their 20. frank Gore ran for 19 and Alex Smith went deep to Vernon davis for a 53 yard gain. yet on 2nd and goal from the 1, Gore got stuffed twice. The crowd booed when Jim Harbaugh opted for the field goal, but they would not be booing at the end. David Akers made it 3-0 49ers.

In the second quarter Ryan Fitzpatrick moved the Bills from their 12 to a 3rd and 2 at the San Francisco 8. Fitzpatrick threw incomplete and Ryan Lindell connected from 31 yards to make it 3-3.  This concluded the Buffalo highlights as a tight game soon got blasted wide open.

On 1st and 15 from their 21 Smith made it look easy, hitting Michael Crabtree for 36 yards and then going deep to Williams for a 43 yard touchdown. just like that, the 49ers were up 10-3, and the Buffalo nightmare was just beginning. Smith would then move the 49ers from their own 3 to the Buffalo 26. The 49ers fumbled it away with one minute left in the half, and the bills got it back at their own 17. Yet on 3rd and 6 Buffalo fumbled it right back and the 49ers took over at the Buffalo 28 with 30 seconds left. One play was enough for Smith to go deep to Crabtree and turn a close game into a 17-3 lead for the 49ers at the half.

In the third quarter the 49ers faced 1st and 15 at their own 29. Smith found davis for 24 yards and Gore ran for 31 more. Colin Kaepernick came in for one play and ran for 15 yards down to the one. Gore carried it in to make it 24-3 San Francisco. Fitzpatrick quickly moved the Bills to the San Francisco 20 but an interception killed the drive.

In the fourth quarter the 49ers poured it on. Smith led a 94 yard drive that consumed 8 minutes off the clock and took 13 plays. Smith began the fourth quarter by hitting Mario Manningham for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 31-3 for the red and gold. Buffalo had no answers as again Colin Kaepernick came in for one play which resulted in him scrambling for 16 yards and another touchdown. Harbaugh at this point kept the backups in including Kaepernick as his starters put on baseball caps and held clipboards. With just over one minute to go Dixon ran it in from 3 yards out to end this shelling. San Francisco is very good, Buffalo is very bad, and even in the NFL a 3-3 game will not stay that way when reality sets in. 45-3 49ers

San Diego Chargers @ New Orleans Saints is the Sunday night game. It felt like old times again as Peyton Manning renewed his rivalry with Tom Brady, with Evil Hoodie Bill Bellichick scheming on ways to stop Manning. Yet Manning is now in Denver, and his team is not as good as the Indianapolis teams he commanded.

Manning moved the Broncos from their 16 to a 3rd and 5 at the Denver 47. Manning went deep to Thomas for a 43 yard gain down to the New England 10, but Thomas fumbled to kill the threat. After an exchange of punts the Patirots took over at their 16. Brady hit Wes Welker for 15 yards. Ridley then ran for 7, 5, 3, and 15. On 3rd and 8 from the Denver 17, Brady hit Lloyd for 9 and Welker for the 8 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Patriots

Denver soon faced 3rd and 3 from their 27. Manning hit Willis McGahee for 9 and Thomas for a 30 yard gain. On 3rd and 1 from the 25, McGahee got the tough yard. On 3rd and 6 from the 20 defensive pass interference put the ball on the one yard line. Manning hit Joel Dreesen for the score early in the second quarter. Tied 7-7, it looked like it was ballgame on. It wasn’t.

On 3rd and 10 from their 20, Brady hit Welker for 14. On 3rd and 3 from their 41, Danny Woodhead gained 7. Ridley gained 8 and 4 and Brady hit Lloyd for 15 and Rob Gronkowski for 13. Brady found Lloyd for 10 more and Vereen got the last yard to make it 14-7 Patriots after the 14 play, 6 minute drive.

Denver reached 2nd and 5 at the New England 39, but a pair of Manning incompletions meant a punt. New England took over at their own 2 with 5 minutes left in the half. Brady came out throwing with 98 yards to go and hit Welker for 7 and 6. On 3rd and 14 from their 11, Brady found Woodhead for 25 yards. On 3rd and 1 from their 45, Bolden gained 24.With 9 seconds left in the half the Patriots faced 3rd and goal at the one. This was not “The Drive,” and John Elway was up in the executive suite. Plus, Elway finished his drive. On this one Bolden got blasted for a 4 yard loss as the Patriots settled for a 22 yard tephen Gostkowski field goal to lead 17-7 at halftime.

After an exchange of punts in the third quarter, the Patriots took over at their 20. Ridley ran for 19. On 3rd and 17 from their 43, Woodhead gained 19. New England moved with ease, and on 3rd and 1 from the 8 Ridley gained 2 and 5. Again New England faced 3rd and goal at the 1, and this time Brady snuck it in himself to put the Patriots up 24-7 after the 16 play, 6 1/2 minute, 80 yard drive. One play after a touchback Manning was sacked and fumbled. That was the death blow as the Patriots took over at the Denver 14. Ridley ran it in from 8 yards out to make it 31-7 Patriots. The hyped battle was a one-sided laugher. However, with Peyton Manning no game is over until the gun.

On 3rd and 7 from their 23, Manning hit Thomas for 20. On 3rd and 3 from midfield Manning went to Thomas for 38 yards and McGahee for 11. A 2 yard touchdown pass to Eric Decker had the Broncos down 31-14.

With 11 minutes left in regulation the Broncos had 4th and 1 at the New England 47. Manning threw incomplete. New England faced 4th and 5 at the Denver 37 and Brady was sacked for an 11 yard loss and fumbled. On 3rd and 10 from the New England 43, Manning hit Decker for 12 and McGahee for 22 more down to the 5. Manning then found Brandon Stokley for the touchdown as the Broncos were only down by 10 midway through the fourth quarter.

New England quickly reached the Denver 37, Yet Ridley fumbled and the Broncos had life with 5 minutes left. From the Denver 32, Manning hit Jacob Tamme for 17 yards. On 4th and 1 from the New England 42, Manning went deep to Thomas for a 28 yard gain. From the New England 14, even a field goal would have made it a one score game. Yet McGahee fumbled and the comeback was snuffed out.

Denver is 2-3 and New England 3-2, and Manning did extend his own NFL record with his 66th 300 yard game, throwing for 345. Yet again it was Belichick, Brady, and company that got the win. 31-21 Patriots

Chargers-Saints–Drew Brees was the quarterback of the Chargers and then San Diego drafted Philip Rivers. Rivers held out, and Brees led the Chargers to a great season. Yet a shoulder injury at the end of 2005 had Rivers the starter by 2006 and Brees on the trading block. Rivers went to New Orleans and won a Super Bowl and the all time passing record. As for Rivers, despite the Chargers not getting it done, he has played very well. Now these men faced off against each other. The Chargers under Norvelous Norv Turner were 3-1 in the AFC Worst, while the Sainsts without Sean Payton were a stunning 0-4 one year after going 13-3. The Saints were nowhere near as bad as their record, and this game between two exposive offenses turned out to be a fine football game. Rivers went 27 of 42 for 354 yards and 2 touchdowns while Brees was 29 of 45 for 370 yards and three touchdowns. Each quarterback was intercepted once.

Brees also entered the NFL history books by breaking the record held by Johnny Unitas for half a century.Brees has now thrown a touchdown pass in 48 straight NFL games, leaving Unitas at 47. This was great football all around.

After an exchange of punts, the Chargers took over at their own 9. Rivers went deep to Malcolm Floyd for 39 yards. On 3rd and 9 just shy of midfield, he went bombs away again to Floyd for 32 more yards. On 3rd and 6 from the 15 Rivers went to Robert Meachem for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Chargers. Brees came right back. On 3rd and 5 from their 25, Brees hit Marquis Colstin for 12. On 3rd and 4 from the Saints 43 Brees found Greg Camarillo for 13 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Chargers 40, Brees had his bombs away moment to Devry Henders on for the touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

In the second quarter the Chargers took over at their 35. Ryan Mathews had a pair of 12 yard runs around an 11 yard completion to Eddie Royal. A defensive pass interference penalty meant 1st and goal at the 6. On 3rd and goal at the 2 Rivers threw incomplete. A 20 yard Nick Novak field goal made it 10-7 Chargers. The Saints soon faced 3rd and 3 from their 27, and Brees hit Henderson for 9 yards. Brees then found Colston for a 40 yard gain. On 3rd and 5 from the 19 Brees went to Colston again for the touchdown to put the Saints up 14-10 midway through the second quarter.

Rivers moved the Chargers from their 19 to a 3rd and 3 at the Saints 28. Yet Rivers was then sacked for an 8 yard loss. Norv Turner took a chance on a 55 yard field goal try, but Novak was no good. The Saints went 3 and out when Brees was sacked on 3rd and 6. The Chargers got it back at their own 14 and made it look easy. Brown ran for 21 yards. Rivers then hit Mathews for 13, Meachem for 8, and Meachem again deep for a 44 yard touchdown. The game of big plays had the Chargers to up 17-14 with only 30 seconds left in the half. The Saints faced 4th and 1 from their own 42 with one second left in the half. In a curious decision, Bres decided to take a knee rather than try the Hail Mary.

One minute into the third quarter, the Saints faced 3rd and 5 from their 25 when Brees was intercepted. From the Saints 25, Rivers hit Mathews for 10 and Mathews then ran around the end for the 13 yard touchdown as the Chargers built a 24-14 lead.

After an exchange of punts with 4 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter the Saints took over on their own 13. On 3rd and 1 Mark Ingram got the yard. On 2nd and 16 from the 17 Brees was intercepted by Williams, who returned it for a 26 yard touchdown. Yet while it looked like 31-14 Chargers and game over, a roughing the passer penalty negated the touchdown and kept the Saints going. From the Saints 48, Brees hit Thomas for 36 yards and Colston for the 16 yard touchdown just before the third quarter ended. A mostly evenly matched game had the Saints down 24-21 after three quarters. Yet the fourth quarter would not be even, and that made the difference.

San Diego punted and the Saints soon had 1st and 20 from their own 10. Brees hit Camarillo for gains of 13 and 11. On 2nd and 1 from the Saints 43, Brees went deep to Henderson for a 41 yard gain. On 3rd and 8 from the 14, Brees found Colston for 9 and again for the 5 yard touchdown as the Saints led 28-24 with 9 minutes left in regulation.

Rivers had played a flawless game, and moved the Chargersfrom their 18 to 2nd and 10 at the Saints 47. Rivers was then sacked, and on the next playnwas intercepted by Roman Harper. Harper returned it 41 yards to the Chargers 23. 6 minutes remained, and the Chargers need a stop. The Saints got no further than the 7 yard line. Garrett Hartley hit the 26 yarder and the Saints had a 7 point lead with 3 minutes to play.

The Chargers took over at their own 15 and Rivers quickly hit Floyd for 24 yards and Brown for 6 and 10 at the 2 minute warning. The Chargers then self-destructed with a sack and consecutive offensive holding penalties. With 1:40 to play the Chargers faced 2nd and 37 from their 28. The best way to covnert 2nd and 37 is hope that the defense gives up a penalty, and illegal use of hands complied with that prayer. This is why the Saints are 0-4. Now San Diego had 1st and 10 from their 33. Rivers hit Brown for 11, Floyd for 7 and 6, and Brown for 10 more. San Diego took their second timeout facing 1st and 10 at the Saints 33 with 28 seconds to play. A pair of incompletions kept the Chargers 33 yards away with 19 seconds left, plenty of time for a tying deep ball.

Yet Rivers was sacked and fumbled, and the Saints recovered to get their first win of the season. Brees entered the history books, but more importantly at this moment for his team, got the win. The Saints at 1-4 are in a deep hole, but this team consists of champions, and champions do not go down easy. 31-24 Saints

Houston Texans @ New York Jets was the Monday night game. Houston came in 4-0 for the first time in franchise history, while Rex Ryan sees his Jets on the verge of imploding. Mark Sanchez is dating Eva Longoria, which means maybe he does not care about football. This is understandable. The Jets are now without Darrelle Revis and Santonio Holmes. One week after losing 34-0 at home, the Jets needed to show they had not quit.

Houston began at their own 15 and Matt Schaub hit Walter for 9 and Owen Daniels for 14. Martin ran for 14, and on 3rd and 7 from the Jets 45, Schaub hit Walter for 10. On 2nd and 9 from the Jets 34, Schaub went deep to Daniels for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Texans.

With 6 minutes left in the first quarter the Texans faced 3rd and 13 from their 35. Schaub was intercepted, giving the Jets the ball at their own 43. Sanchez went deep to Gates for 27 yards, and on 3rd and 7 from the Houston 27, went deep again to Cumberland for the touchdown to make it 7-7.

In the second quarter Houston took over at their own 33 and Schaub hit Walter for 18 and Casey for 7. Arriun Foster then ran wild, gaining 8, 21, and the 13 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Texans.

With 4 1/2 minutes left in the half the Jets took over at their own 7. With 2:20 left they were at their own 18 after converting on 3rd and 1. Disaster struck when Sanchez was sacked and fumbled back at the 10. Yet Hilliard not only recovered for the Jets, but he gained 15 yards as a potential turnover or 2nd and 18 became 2nd and 3. On 3rd and 3 Sanchez hit Chaz Schilens for 12, went deep to Kerley for a 36 yard gain, and back to Schilens for 10 more. With 29 seconds left in the half the Jets faced 2nd and 5 from the Houston 12, having moved 81 yards. On the verge of tying the game, disaster struck. Sanchez was intercepted by McCain at the 5 yard line, and McCain returned it 86 yards to the Jets 9. The touchdown saving tackle proved important since Houston had 14 seconds to work with. After a pair of incompletions by Schaub, Gary Kubiak took no chances on 3rd and goal. Shane Graham hit the 27 yard field goal and instead of a close or tie game the Texans led 17-7.

In the third quarter after a Jets punt the Texans took over at their own 6 and Schaub led a 14 play drive that consumed almost 8 minutes. Foster gained 4, 4, and the deuce for the first down. Schaub went to Andre Johnson for 15 and on 3rd and 10 hit Daniels for 19 to midfield. On 3rd and 3 Schaub hit Casey for 11. On 3rd and 2 from the Jets 24 Schaub threw incomplete, but Graham hit from 42 to make it 20-7 Jets.

Yet just when the game seemed well in hand for the Texans, one big play got the Jets right back in it. McKnight took the ensuing kickoff 100 yards coast to coast and just like that, the Jets were only down 20-14.

Rex Ryan gambled on a surprise onsides kick that did not work, as the Texans took over at the Jets 46. Schaub immediately went deep to Casey for 30 yards. Foster then gained 8, 1, and 1 more for 1st anf goal at the 6. Yet Gang Green held on defense at the 4 yard line as the Texans settled for a 22 yard Graham field goal. As the third quarter ended, Houston led 23-14. From the Houston 16, Tim Tebow, who is only allowed to be mentioned in relation to football, came in for a wildcat play and gained 13 yards. On 1st and goal at the 3 Tebow tried again but gained nothing. Sanchez then fired incomplete twice and the Jets settled for a 21 yard Nick Folk field goal. 12 minutes remained in the game, and the Jets were down by 6 again.

The Jets got it back at their own 42 with 10 minutes left. With 7 minutes remaining they were in long field goal range with 3rd and 10 at the Houston 35. Yet Sanchez was then sacked for a 5 yard loss, and Rex Ryan opted to punt rather than try a 58 yarder.

Houston failed to convert on 3rd and 1 when Foster got stopped, and the Jets had one last chance from their own 16 with 3 1/2 minutes to play. On 3rd and 2 Sanchez hit Kerley for 6 yards and Hill for 10. At the 2 minute warning a sack had the Jets facing 3rd and 18 from their own 32. Sanchez was intercepted by Jackson as the Texans held on for a close win. Bob McNair sees his team at 5-0 while the Jets are a miserable 2-3 after another home loss. 23-17 Texans

eric

Quartermark contenders and pretenders + NFL 2012 Week 5 Prequel

Arizona Cardinals (1.5) @ St. Louis Rams was the Thursday night game.

(Upset special, Rams win outright)

Miami Dolphins @ Cincinnati Bengals (4.5)

(Bengals win but fail to cover)

Green Bay Packers (7) @ Indianapolis Colts

(Packers win but fail to cover)

Baltimore Ravens (4.5) @  Kansas City Chiefs

(Ravens win but fail to cover)

Cleveland Browns @ New York Giants (10)

(Giants win but fail to cover)

Philadelphia Eagles @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3.5)

(Steelers win but fail to cover)

Atlanta Falcons (3) @ Washington Redskins

(Upset special, Redskins win outright)

Seattle Seahawks @ Carolina Panthers (3)

(Upset special, Seahawks win outright)

Chicago Bears (4) @ Jacksonville Jaguars

(Bears cover)

Tennessee Titans @ Minnesota Vikings (5.5)

(Vikings win but fail to cover)

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots (7)

(Patriots win but fail to cover)

Buffalo Bills @ San Francisco 49ers (9.5)

(49ers win but fail to cover)

San Diego Chargers @ New Orleans Saints (3.5) is the Sunday night game.

(Saints win but fail to cover)

Houston Texans @ New York Jets (7.5) is the Monday night game.

(Upset special, Texans win outright)

eric