THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

NFL 2013 Week 15 Recap

 

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos was the Thursday night game. Peyton Manning made it look easy early on as a 15 yard touchdown pass to Caldwell had the Broncos up 7-0. Nick Novak would hit a 38 yard field goal for the Chargers and Matt Prater responded with a 32 yarder as the Broncos led 10-3 after the opening quarter.

 

The game changed in the second quarter as Philip Rivers threw touchdown passes of 19 and 10 yards to Kane to give the Chargers the 17-10 halftime lead. In the third quarter Ryan Mathews raced for a 23 yard touchdown as San Diego led 24-10 in front of a stunned home crowd.

 

In the fourth quarter Manning completed a 12 play, 89 yard, 6 minute drive with a 5 yard touchdown to Caldwell to get the Broncos within 24-17 with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 5 minutes left an interception of Manning gave the Chargers a short field. Novak hit a 35 yarder with 2 1/2 minutes to play to give San Diego a 27-17 lead.

 

Needing 2 scores, Manning quickly led the Broncos to a 42 yard Prater field goal with 30 seconds left. Yet the onsides kick failed and the Chargers had the shocking upset. San Diego at 7-7 is still alive while 11-3 Denver still has a one game lead for home field throughout the playoffs. 27-20 Chargers

 

Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons — 14 plays, 83 yards, and 7 minutes was capped with Stephen Jackson running it in from 3 yards out to make it 7-0 Falcons. Matt Ryan then threw a 13 yard touchdown pass to Tony Gonzalez to make it 14-0 Falcons. Kirk Cousins, in for the benched RGIII, threw a 23 yard touchdown to Davis to get Washington within 14-7.

 

In the second quarter Santana Moss fumbled a punt and the Falcons recovered. Atlanta got to the one but not in as a 20 yard Matt Bryant field goal put the Falcons up 17-7. Fumbles on three straight plays meant three straight turnovers in this battle of futility. Cousins then hit Pierre Garcon for a 53 yard score to get the Redskins within 17-14. Kai Forbath would add a 33 yard field goal, Ryan would thrown an interception, and Forbath would hit again from 37 as the teams went to the locker rooms With the Redskins up 20-17.

 

In the third quarter the Falcons faced 4th and goal at the one. Stephen Jackson got the carry and got nothing. Yet on the next play from scrimmage Cousins was intercepted. Atlanta got it right back at the 2 and Jackson got in to put the Falcons up 24-20. Cousins was intercepted with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation, leading to a 51 yard Bryant field goal and a 27-20 Falcons lead with 3 1/2 minutes left.

 

Cousins led the Redskins 80 yards to a three-yard touchdown to Santana Moss with 30 seconds to play. With the team 3-10 and everyone about to be fired, Mike Shanahan decided to go for the two-point conversion. There was nothing to lose but the game, which Washington did when Cousins threw incomplete. 27-26 Falcons

 

 

 

Chicago Bears at Cleveland Browns —Jay Cutler returned from injury and Josh McCown went back to the bench. Billy Cundiff hit a 35 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Browns.  In the second quarter Cutler led a ridiculous 15 play, 75 yard drive that took 9 1/2 minutes off the clock. The Bears settled for a 23 yard Robbie Gould field goal to tie it 3-3. Cutler then threw a perfect pass to Gipson, who plays defense for the Browns. Gipson returned it 44 yards for the score and the 10-3 Browns advantage. Cutler came back and threw a 5 yard touchdown to Brandon Marshall to tie it 10-10.

 

In the third quarter it was Jason Campbell completing a pass to Bowman, who plays defense for Chicago. Bowman returned it 43 yards for the score as the Bears led 17-10. Campbell brought the Browns back 85 yards as Edwin Baker plunged in from short yardage to tie the game 17-17. A fumble by Chicago was then returned 51 yards by Ward for a second defensive touchdown and a 24-17 Browns lead. Cutler came back with a 45 yard touchdown to Jeffery to tie the game 24-24.

 

Devon Hester took a punt 21 yards to the Cleveland 36, leading to a four-yard Cutler touchdown pass to Bennett for the 31-24 Bears lead with six minutes to play. With just over three minutes left the Bears faced 3rd and 9 from their 36. The Browns needed a stop for a shot to tie it, and instead Matt Forte ran for 24 yards and Michael Bush raced 40 yards for a touchdown to make it 38-24 Bears. Jason Campbell hit Josh Gordon for a 43 yard touchdown with one minute left, but the onside kick failed as the Bears stayed very much alive to win the NFC North. 38-31 Browns

 

 

 

 

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts—Andrew Luck moved the Colts 80 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes a a 14 yard touchdown to Whalen had the Colts up 7-0. Bullock hit a 49 yard field goal for Houston. In the second quarter Case Keenum was intercepted to set up a 37 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal and a 10-3 Colts lead. Luck then threw a 9 yard touchdown to Trent Richardson for a 17-3 Colts advantage. A 43 yard Vinatieri field goal had the Colts cruising 20-3. In the third quarter a long punt return meant Vinatieri’s third field goal from 40 and a 23-3 Colts lead. The Colts defense tacked on a safety. 25-3 Colts

 

 

 

Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars—Chad Henne was intercepted to give Buffalo a short field. Dan Carpenter hit the 42 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Bills. EJ Manuel was then intercepted for a short field the other way. Josh Scobee hit a 32 yarder to tie it 3-3. In the second quarter Henne hit Sanders for a 12 yard touchdown to make it 10-3 Jaguars. Manuel moved the Bills 94 yards and hit Woods for a 7 yard score to tie it 10-10. Buffalo got it back and Manuel ran it in from eight yards out to make it 17-10 Bills. Carpenter would add a 40 yard field goal to make it 20-10 Bills at the half.

 

Jacksonville battled back as Scobee hit a 55 yard field goal in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter Henne hit Mercedes Lewis for a 13 yard touchdown and a 20-20 game. Manuel led the Bills 80 yards as a one yard touchdown to Summers had Buffalo up 27-20 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Henne led the Jaguars after a touchback to 1st and goal at the Buffalo one with four minutes to play. A run lost four yards and on 3rd and goal Henne was intercepted in the end zone.

 

 

New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins—Tom Brady led a staggering 16 play, 83 yard, 7 minute drive but the Patriots had to settle for a 22 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal and a 3-0 lead. Miami failed to tie the game when a snap on a field goal try was fumbled. Late in the half Brady would throw a 13 yard touchdown pass to Hoomanawanui for a 10-0 Patriots lead. Yet with 30 seconds in the half Ryan Tannehill hit Mike Wallace, who broke a tackle and raced for a 39 yard touchdown to get the Dolphins within 10-7.

 

A 32 yard Caleb Sturgis field goal in the third quarter tied the game 10-10. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Tannehill hit Thomas for a 2 yard touchdown and a 17-10 Dolphins lead. Brady led a 15 play, 81 yard, 7 minute drive but the Patriots lettered for a 23 yard Gostkowski kick as New England still trailed 17-13.

 

The Patriots got it back and Brady hit Julian Edelman for a 24 yard touchdown as the Patriots retook the lead 20-17 with 4 minutes left in regulation. Gostkowski kicked the ensuing kickoff out of bounds. With 2:40 to play the Dolphins faced 4th and 5 from their 45. Joe Philbin decided to go for it and Tannehill hit Charles CLay for 6. Tannehill then hit Matthews for 24 and Thigpen for the 14 yard touchdown. The Dolphins had the 4 point lead, but the Patriots had Brady with the ball and all 3 timeouts and 1:15 to go 80 yards.

 

With one minute left the Patriots faced 4th and 8 from their own 33. Brady hit Amendola for 12. Brady went back to Amendola all the way to the Dolphins 31 with 37 seconds left. On 3rd and 10 Brady hit Edelman at the Dolphins 18 as the Patriots used their final timeout with 26 seconds left. Everything came down to 4th and 5 from the 13 with 7 seconds left as the Dolphins took their last timeout on defense.

 

Brady fired to the end zone and was intercepted by Michael Thomas. Miami remained alive for the playoffs and the Patriots missed a golden opportunity to snatch home field throughout the playoffs. 24-20 Dolphins

 

 

 

Philadelphia Eagles at Minnesota Vikings—Matt Cassel threw a 57 yard touchdown to Greg Jennings to put the Vikings up 7-0. Alex Henery hit a 35 yard field goal to get the Eagles on the board and in the second quarter Blair Walsh hit a 21 yarded to make it 10-3 Vikings. Henery hit from 31 to get the Eagles within 10-6.

Cassel moved the Vikings 16 plays and 75 yards in 8 minutes. Without Adrian Peterson, it was Asiata who plunged in from the one to put the Vikings up 17-6. Henery hit his third field goal from 33 yards as the Eagles trailed 17-9 at halftime.

 

In the third quarter Cassel ran it in from 6 yards out as the Vikings took the 24-9 lead. Chip Kelly decided to summon the ghost of Barry Switzer by gambling on 4th and 1 from his own 24. Kelly’s gamble failed, giving Minnesota a gift field goal and a 27-9 lead. Nick Foles would rally the Eagles with touchdown passes of 30 yards to Desean Jackson and three yards to Zac Ertz as Philadelphia only trailed 27-22 after three quarters.

 

Minnesota blasted the game open in the fourth quarter as Asiata ran it in again from one yard out and Cassel hit Cordarelle Patterson for a five-yard touchdown. Foles threw another touchdown pass late, but Asiata’s third touchdown from five yards out to complete the blowout. Philadelphia saw their five game win streak snapped but they remained one game ahead of Dallas in the NFC Least. 48-30 Vikings.

 

 

Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants—Steve Hauschka hit a 49 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Seahawks. In the second quarter Marshawn Lynch ran it in from the two to make it 10-0 Seahawks. Hauschka hit from 44 and 24 in the third quarter to make it 16-0 Seahawks. In the fourth quarter one of Eli Manning’s four interceptions set up a 12 yard-touchdown from Russell Wilson to Baldwin. The Legion of Boom defense pitched a shutout and all but locked up home field throughout the playoffs for Seattle. 23-0 Seahawks

 

San Francisco 49ers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Colin Kaepernick led an 11 play, 62 yard, 7 minute drive and hit Michael Crabtree for the 4 yard touchdown and the 7-0 49ers lead. Phil Dawson hit a 28 yard field goal in the second quarter to make it 10-0 49ers. Just past the 2 minute warning, Kaepernick went deep to Vernon Davis for a 52 yard touchdown and a 17-0 49ers lead. Mike Glennon finally got the Buccaneers on the board just before the half with an 11 yard touchdown to Vincent Jackson as the Bucs trailed 17-7.

 

After a 43 yard Phil Dawson field goal in the third quarter, Mike Glennong threw a 24 yard touchdown pass to Wright to get the Buccaneers within 20-14 early in the fourth quarter. Kaepernick then led a mind-numbing 17 play, 77 yard drive that consumed 10 1/2 minutes off of the clock. The 49ers settled for a 21 yard Dawson field goal to lead 23-14. The Buccaneers fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Kendall Hunter returned it two yards for another 49ers touchdown. Dawson added a fourth field goal as the 49ers at 10-4 are rounding into fine playoff form. 33-14 49ers

 

New York Jets at Carolina Panthers —Graham Gano and Nick Folk each hit a pair of field goals early on for a 6-6 game. Cam Newton then found Deangelo Williams for a 72 yard touchdown and Gano added his third field goal from 40 yards as the Panthers led 16-6 at halftime. An 86 yard drive by Geno Smith ended in a one yard Richardson run as the Jets only trailed 16-13 after three quarters.

 

With 13 minutes left in regulation the Jets had a punt blocked, setting Carolina up at the Jets 14. Mike Tolbert plunged in from one yard out to make it 23-13 Panthers.  Smith then had an interception returned 41 yards for a touchdown by Captain Munnerlyn to put the game away. The Jets got a garbage touchdown as their season effectively ended. Carolina at 10-4 is tied for the NFC South lead and hosts New Orleans next week in what will most likely decide the division crown and a first round bye. 30-20 Panthers

 

 

Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys – This one will be talked about for years.  With Aaron Rodgers still out and Matt Flynn in, the Packers hole grew deeper. Dan Bailey hit a 47 yard field goal for the Cowboys. Mike McCarthy then had Mason Crosby try a 57 yard field goal early on. Crosby leveled it and the game was tied. Bailey hit from 23 for a 6-3 Dallas lead. Tony Romo hit Jason Witten for a 25 yard touchdown and a 13-3 Cowboys lead after the first quarter.

 

In the second quarter Bailey hit his third and fourth field goals from 43 and 50 yards to make it 19-3 Cowboys. DeMarco Murray got in from one yard out as the Cowboys led 26-3 at halftime.

 

In the third quarter Flynn hit Jordy Nelson for a 13 yard touchdown but Bailey’s fifth field goal from 50 yards still had Dallas up comfortably 29-10. Flynn then hit Quarless for a 3 yard touchdown and found Starks for an 11 yard touchdown to get the Packers within 29-24 with 13 minutes left in regulation.

 

Romo hit Dez Bryant for a 5 yard touchdown to give Dallas breathing room up 36-24 with 8 minutes left. Flynn’s fourth touchdown pass to Jones from 3 yards out had the Packers within 36-31 with 4 1/2 minutes left. Then came the most controversial decision since LeBron James.

 

With 3 minutes left Dallas faced 2nd and 6 from their 35 and the Packers were down to their last timeout. Jason Garrett called a running play. The entire stadium was in shock when Romo audibles to a pass play, nearly got sacked, and threw an interception at midfield. Eddie Lacy got in from one yard out as the Packers led by a point with 90 seconds to play. Romo was then intercepted again. Flynn now holds the Packers records for passing yards in one game and biggest comeback in team history. Dallas after this meltdown remained one game back in the NFC Least lead at 7-7 while the Packers can still win the NFC North. 37-36 Packers

 

New Orleans Saints at St. Louis Rams—Both of these teams are far better at home, as the Rams led by Jeff Fisher’s defense jumped all over Sean Payton’s offense. Drew Brees had a miserable game as his first pass was intercepted. One play later Kellen Clemens hit Harkey for a 31 yard touchdown. Brees was intercepted again as the Rams took over at their own 7 and moved 93 yards. Klemens hit Kendricks from 4 yards out to make it 14-0 Rams.

 

Greg Zuerlein hit a 31 yard field goal on the first play of the second quarter and Garrett Hartley connected from 45 to finally get the Saints on the board. Zac Stacy ran for a 40 yard touchdown as the Rams had a 24-3 lead at the half. Zuerlein added a 35 yarded yo make it 27-3 Rams after three quarters.

 

Brees led a furious fourth quarter rally as the Saints scored a pair of touchdowns and executed a successful onside kick with three minutes left. With 1:54 to play, Garrett Hartley came in for a chip shot 26 yard field goal try to make it a one score game with another onside kick to come. Hartley missed it.

 

The loss eliminated the Saints from home field throughout as they are now at 10-4 tied with Carolina for the NFC South lead. New Orleans and Carolina have their showdown rematch next week in Carolina with the division and first round bye on the line. 27-16 Rams

 

Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders —If this is not rock bottom for the Raiders,  imagining what could be is too scary to contemplate. The Chiefs behind Jamal Charles belted the Silver and Black from the first play from scrimmage. Charles caught touchdown passes of 49 and 39 yards from Alex Smith and Matt McGloin had an interception returned 47 yards for another score by Berry as the Chiefs led 21-3 after the first quarter.

 

After Rashad Jennings scored from one yard out for the Raiders, Charles ran it in from the one and caught a 16-yard touchdown from Smith to make it 35-10 Chiefs in the second quarter. McGloin led a furious rally as Jennings got in from one yard again to have the Raiders down 35-17 at halftime.

 

In the third quarter McGloin hit Holmes for a 6 yard touchdown and Rivera for a 14 yard score as the Raiders were only down 35-31. McGloin had a chance to lead a comeback for the ages.

 

Not on this day. Smith went to Charles for a 71 yard touchdown. Smith then hit McGrath for a 6 yard score. In the fourth quarter Davis ran it in from 17 yards out as the Raiders gave up the most points in franchise history. The Chiefs at 10-4 under Walrus Lite Andy Reid clinched a playoff spot while the Raiders at 4-10 for some reason have not fired Dennis Allen. Alex Smith finished 17 of 20 for 5 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, 4 of them to Charles. Charles also had a fifth touchdown on the ground. McGloin threw 4 interceptions and Terrelle Pryor was brought in again by Allen to disrupt the offense. Pryor went 1 for 4 for 12 yards and an interception of his own. 56-31 Raiders

 

 

Arizona Cardinals at Tennessee Titans—Rob Bironas started the shootout with a 45 yard field goal for the Titans. Rashaard Mendenhall ran it in from the one to make it 7-3 Cardinals. Ryan Fitzpatrick found Chris Johnson for a 25 yard touchdown to make it 10-7 Titans. A 25 yard Jay Feely field goal meant a 10-10 game at the break.

 

Feely hit from 47 in the third quarter to put the Cardinals in front, but Fitzpatrick led a 15 play, 74 yard, 7 minute drive. A one yard touchdown to Walker meant a 17-13 Titans lead. Palmer found Ballard for a 6 yard score as the Cardinals now led 20-17 after three quarters. Mendenhall got in from one yard out as Arizona built a 27-17 lead midway through the fourth quarter. Fitzpatrick was then intercepted by Cason, who returned it 20 yards for a touchdown and a 34-17 Cardinals lead with only 6 minutes left in regulation.

 

Fitzpatrick led a monster rally, hitting Preston from 10 yards out with just over 3 minutes left. The onside kick failed but the Titans got it back at their own 7 as Arizona only took 30 seconds off the clock. On 4th and 2 from the Arizona 6 with 52 seconds left needing 2 scores, Mike Munchak opted for the field goal. Bironas hit from 24 to get the Titans within 34-27. This time the onside kick worked as the Titans took over at the Arizona 46 with 44 seconds left. On 3rd and goal from the 8 with 14 seconds left, Fitzpatrick’s fourth touchdown pass on the day to Preston meant overtime.

 

Tennessee got the ball to start overtime and were closing in on field goal range. Yet on the third play of overtime, despite 402 yards passing, Fitzpatrick’s second interception was a killer. Arizona took over at their own 46 and Feely hit the 41 yarder to win it. The Munchak era is probably done in Nashville while the Cardinals at 9-5 under Bruce Arians are still alive for a playoff spot. 37-34 Cardinals, OT

 

 

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers was the Sunday night game. Bell ran it in from one yard out after a fumbled snap on a punt, Ben Roethlisberger threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown, and Brown returned a punt 67 yards for a score as the Steelers led 21-0 after the first quarter and cruised from there. Three Shawn Suisham field goals had the Steelers up 30-7 after three quarters. Andy Dalton threw a pair of fourth quarter touchdown passes to get the Bengals within 10 with 5:46 to play, but Big Ben bled the the clock to zeroes. The Steelers got to 6-8 while the Bengals at 9-5 still have not clinched the AFC North or silenced critics who think these Bengals are paper tigers. 30-20 Steelers

 

 

Baltimore Ravens at Detroit Lions was the Monday night game. Despite having dated a Kardashian, Reggie Bush ran for a 14 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Lions lead. In the second quarter the Ravens took 3 trips to the red zone and had to settle for 3 Justin Tucker field goals of 29, 24, and 32 yards as Baltimore led 9-7 at the half.

 

In the second half Tucker added a fourth field goal, the Lions added one of their own, and Tucker hit his fifth field goal as the Ravens led 15-10 in the fourth quarter. Matthew Stafford moved the Lions 80 yards in 14 plays and 6 minutes as a 14 yard touchdown pass to Justin Fauria had the Lions up by a point with 2:21 to play after the failed 2-point conversion. With 43 seconds left the Lions faced 4th and 7 at the Baltimore 43. Although the Ravens initially planned to go for it, Jim Harbaugh called timeout and then decided to have Tucker try a 61-yard field goal. Tucker had hit 32 straight, but this was a lot to ask with the game on the line. Tucker drilled his sixth field goal just over the crossbar and just inside the right upright. Stafford was then quickly intercepted for the third time as the Ravens at 8-6 and Lions at 7-7 are both still alive for the playoffs but one game back in their respective divisions.

 

eric

NFL 2013 Week 15 Prequel

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eric

NFL 2013 Week 14 Recap

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Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars was the Thursday night game. Chad Henne moved the Jaguars 80 yards in 13 plays and 6 minutes and on 3rd and goal from the one hit Mercedes Lewis for the touchdown. In the second quarter a 6 yard touchdown pass to Cecil Shorts made it 14-0 Jaguars. Case Keenum moved the Texans 91yards in 12 plays for an 8 yard touchdown to Martin to get Houston within 14-7. Josh Scobee added a 40 yard field goal to make it 17-7 Jaguars at halftime. Case Keenum was again benched for Matt Schaub.

 

After a Houston field goal in the third quarter, Gus Bradley went to his bag of tricks. A halfback option pass from Sanders to Todman meant a 21 yard touchdown and a 24-10 Jacksonville lead. Schaub hit Graham for a 5 yard touchdown as the Texans were only down 24-17 after three quarters.

 

Bullock hit his second field from 31 yards out as the Texans only trailed 24-20 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Houston got it back after a touchback with 9 1/2 minutes left and moved to a 2nd and 1 at the Jaguars 12. Schaub threw incomplete and a run lost a yard. With 3:45 to play, Kubiak decided to go for it rather than kick the field goal and play defense. Schaub threw incomplete.

 

Houston got it back with 2:21 left but Schaub was quickly intercepted. Scobee added a 39 yard field goal and Houston got it back with 20 seconds to play from the Texans 23. Schaub was sacked for an 18 yard loss to end the game. Jacksonville has won 4 of 5 while Houston has lost 11 straight, leading Texans owner Bob McNair to fire Kubiak on Friday and replace him with Michelin Man Wade Philips.  27-20 Jaguars

 

 

Minnesota Vikings at Baltimore Ravens—Minnesota fumbled and the Ravens recovered at the Vikings 25. Joe Flacco scrambled for 22 and on 3rd and goal from the one hit Dickson for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Ravens. Blair Walsh hit a 39 yard field goal in the second quarter to get the Vikings within 7-3. Walsh hit from 40 in the third quarter to get the Vikings within 7-6. Another interception of Flacco set up Minnesota at the Baltimore 33. Only 30 seconds into he fourth quarter, Matt Cassel hit Simpson for a touchdown on 3rd and goal from the 8 to make it 12-7 Vikings. After nearly 58 minutes of hideous football, the ending was a thriller.

 

With 2:05 to play Flacco hit Dennis Pitta from one yard out and the Ravens got the 2 point conversion to lead 15-12. Yet Minnesota came right back and with 90 seconds to play Toby Gerhart went straight up the middle for a 40 yard touchdown as now Minnesota led 19-15. With the Ravens clinging to their playoff lives, they needed another miracle. They got one as a short kickoff was returned 77 yards for a touchdown by Jacoby Jones.

 

Minnesota took over at their own 21 with 1:11 left and 0 timeouts needing a field goal to tie it.  A short swing pass to Cordarelle Patterson became a 79 yard touchdown in front of a shellshocked home crowd.

 

Baltimore took over at their own 20 with 45 seconds left and 2 timeouts. Flacco immediately completed a 35 yard pass play and needed only 7 seconds to do it. Flacco was then intercepted, but defensive pass interference meant 1st and 10 at the 28 with 23 seconds left. A completion to Pitta put the ball on the 9 yard line with 10 seconds left as the Ravens took their last timeout. Flacco fired to Brown with 4 seconds left. Although it appeared Brown was out of bounds, the officials ruled he got his feet down. There were 19 points scored in nearly 58 minutes of football, and 35 points in the last 2:05. Baltimore at 7-6 is still alive after the epic win. 29-26 Ravens

 

 

 

 

 

 

Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals —Andy Dalton threw a 29 yard touchdown pass to Marvin Jones to make it 7-0 Bengals. Ben-Jarvus Green-Ellis took his law firm one yard into the end zone in the second quarter to make it 14-0 Bengals. Green-Ellis added another one yard touchdown run in the third quarter to make it 21-0 Bengals.

 

The Colts finally got on the board when a short pass from Andrew Luck to Rogers went for a 69 yard touchdown. Luck then hit Brazill for a 19 yard touchdown to get the Colts within 21-14. Dalton gave the Bengals breathing room with a one yard touchdown pass to Gresham for the 28-14 Bengals lead.  In the fourth quarter Dalton hit AJ Green from 9 yards out as the Bengals led 35-14. Luck tried to rally the Colts but it was too little, too late. Cincinnati got to 9-4 as Indy fell to 8-5 as both teams lead their divisions by default. 42-28 Bengals

 

 

 

Atlanta Falcons at Green Packers —Atlanta held the ball for 6 minutes to start the game and faced 4th and 2 at the Packers 35. Mike Smith is a riverboat gambler, but despite the season being lost, he punted. Matt Flynn then led a staggering 18 play, 90 yard drive that consumed 9 minutes. On 3rd and goal at the one, Eddie Lacy got in to make it 7-0 Packers as the first quarter ended.

 

In the second quarter Matt Ryan went to Davis for a 36 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7. Flynn was then sacked and fumbled to give the Falcons the ball at the Packers 13. Ryan went to Tony Gonzalez for a 2 yard touchdown for the 14-7 Falcons lead. Mason Crosby hit  40 yard field goal to get the Packers within 14-10, but Flynn was then intercepted by Weatherspoon, who returned it 71 yards for a touchdown as the Falcons had the 21-10 lead.

 

Crosby hit from 33 and 25 in the third quarter to get the Packers within 21-16 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter Ryan was sacked and fumbled to give the Packers the ball at the Atlanta 21. Flynn hit Andrew Quarless for a 2 yard touchdown as the Packers led 22-21.

 

At the 2 minute warning, Atlanta faced 4th and 6 at the Green Bay 33. Mike Smith passed up a 51 yard field goal with snow coming down and Ryan threw incomplete. Atlanta got it back at their own 9 with 44 seconds left. On 3rd and 10 from the Atlanta 43 with 11 seconds left, Ryan went deep and was intercepted as the Packers remained alive in the NFC North. 22-21 Packers

 

 

 

 

Cleveland Browns at New England Patriots —Billy Cundiff hit a 43 yard field goal as the Browns took a surprising 3-0 lead. Cundiff hit from 37 in the second quarter as the Browns led 6-0. In the third quarter Jason Campbell hit Barnidge for a 40 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion failed but the Browns still led 12-0 in front of a disbelieving home crowd.

 

New England finally kicked a 33 yard Stephen Goskowski field goal, but one play was enough for Cleveland to strike again as Campbell found Gordon for an 80 yard touchdown and a 19-3 Browns lead. The Patriots finally woke up and needed only 3 plays to move 72 yards. Shane Vereen got in from 6 yards out and the 2 point try succeeded as the Patriots trailed 19-11 after three quarters.

 

With 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation, Gostkowski hit a 50 yard field goal as the Patriots trailed 19-14. Yet Jason Campbell is no Brandon Weeden. Campbell led another 80 yard drive as a 4 yard touchdown pass to Cameron locked up what may be the upset of the year. New England most likely have cost themselves home field throughout the playoffs with this loss. 26-14 Browns

 

 

 

Oakland Raiders at New York Jets —Nick Folk hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Jets. An interception of Geno Smith set up a 52 yard field goal try by Sebastian Janikowski, which was no good. Geno Smith then threw a 25 yard touchdown to Kerley to make it 10-0 Jets.

 

In a surprising move late in the first quarter, Dennis Allen benched Matt McGloin and brought back Terrelle Pryor in at quarterback. McGloin had done nothing wrong, and this seemed to be Allen giving Pryor a hard look and conceding that the season is over. For fans of the Raiders this was demoralizing. In the second quarter Janikowski hit a 41 yard field goal to get the Raiders within 10-3.

 

Pryor then came out and McGloin was back in. The Raiders took over at their own 2, had a false start back to the one, and on 3rd and 8 from the 4 saw McGloin get intercepted by Ed Reed. Despite 1st and goal at the 4, the Jets ran 3 plays, lost a yard, and settled for a 23 yard Folk field goal to lead 13-3.

 

As pathetic as the Jets are, the Raiders are worse. The defense is solid but the offense is matched in futility only by the special teams. Marquette King had his punt blocked for another touchdown as the Jets led 20-3. For some reason Dennis Allen was allowed to coach the second half.

 

The third quarter began with a ray of hope as Marcel Reece broke free for a 63 yard touchdown run to get the Raiders within 20-10. Yet Geno Smith then moved the Jets 72 yards, getting the final 8 himself to make it 27-10 Jets. McGloin can throw the deep ball, but it was a short pass to Rod Streater that went for a 48 yard touchdown as the Raiders got within 27-17. Folk would hit his third field goal from 51 as the Jets led 30-17.

 

Janikowski hit from 40 as the Raiders trailed 30-20 early in the fourth quarter. Yet a Chris Ivory touchdown run had the Jets up 37-20 with 9 minutes left to play. With 2:24 left McGloin hit Rivera for a one yard score, but the Raiders never got within 10 points after falling behind. The Jets got to 6-7 while the Raiders at 4-9 cannot even beat teams that lose to everyone else. 37-27 Jets

 

 

 

 

Detroit Lions at Philadelphia Eagles—This game was played in a blizzard.  After a scoreless opening quarter, the Lions began the second quarter with their sixth fumble, although they only lost two of them. Nick Folk had thrown 19 touchdown passes without a single interception, but was finally picked off in this game. It was returned 30 yards to the Philly 20. Bell got in from the 2 for the touchdown. Jim Schwartz decided on a 2 point conversion because the weather was too miserable to try extra points. Stafford hit Bell to make it 8-0 Lions. With one minute left in the half Chip Kelly passed up a field goal try and gambled on 4th and 7 from the Detroit 10. Foles threw incomplete as 6 inches of snow fell in the first half.

 

In the third quarter with the snow still coming down, Jeremy Ross returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown. The Lions again went for the 2 point conversion and this time Stafford threw high and incomplete as the Lions led 14-0.  Nick Foles would throw a 19 yard touchdown pass to Desean Jackson. Jackson may have stepped out of bounds but there was too much snow to tell. Chip Kelly also did not feel comfortable trying an extra point as the 2 point conversion failed and the Eagles trailed 14-6.

 

The fourth quarter began with a critical personal foul on the Detroit defense. LeSean McCoy broke free for a 40 yard touchdown run. The 2 point conversion failed, but holding on the Detroit defense gave Philly another shot from the one. Brice Brown got in to tie the game 14-14. Yet seconds later Ross burned the Eagles again as he took the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown. A false start on the 2 point conversion led Jim Schwartz to call a timeout. Players used the timeout to clear a path for David Akers to try an extra point. The kick was blocked. To add more insanity to the situation, an Eagle defender returned the kick all the way the other way until the referee explained that this was not college football. Extra points cannot be returned in the NFL, as the Lions led 20-14.

 

McCoy then got free again for a 57 yard touchdown. Even with the game tied, it was 2 point conversion time. Foles hit Riley Cooper as the Eagles led 22-20.

 

With 9 minutes left and the Eagles facing 3rd and goal, the referees announced that they had to stop play to clear the goal line because they could not see it. On 4th and goal from the one, Chip Kelly decided to go for it and Foles snuck it in. An extra point would have made it a 2 point game but again a 2 point try was attempted. It failed and the Eagles led 28-20.

 

Detroit’s seventh fumble was the third one they lost, and Chris Polk ran for a 38 yard touchdown to put the game out of reach with 3 minutes left in regulation.

 

The Eagles got to 8-5 while the Lions fell to 7-6. Both teams could win their division or miss the playoffs entirely. 34-20 Eagles.

 

 

 

 

Miami Dolphins at Pittsburgh Steelers—Ben Roethlisberger led the Steelers 74 yards in 12 plays and 7 minutes,hitting Emanuel Sanders for a 5 yard touchdown for a 7-0 Steelers lead. Caleb Sturgis hit a 30 yard field goal to get the Dolphins within 7-3. In the second quarter Roethlisberger was sacked and fumbled to set the Dolphins up at the Pittsburgh 31. Ryan Tannehill hit Clay for a 6 yard touchdown to put the Dolphins up 10-7.

 

In the third quarter the Dolphins moved 80 yards as a 4 yard run by Thomas had the Dolphins up 17-7. Pittsburgh came right back as Big Ben hit Antonio Brown for a 43 yard touchdown to get the Steelers within 17-14. Tannehill was then intercepted by Troy Polamalu, who returned it 19 yards for a touchdown to put the Steelers in front 21-17. Tannehill came back with a 4 yard touchdown to Hartline as the Dolphins now led 24-21 in this seesaw game.

 

On the first play of the fourth quarter Roethlisberger hit Jerricho Cotchery for a 16 yard touchdown as the Steelers now led 28-24. A 55-yard run by Daniel Thomas led to a 13-yard touchdown pass to Charles Clay, who broke free from two defenders to give Miami the 31-28 lead with three minutes to play. Miami added a field goal and with three seconds left the Steelers had one last chance from their own 20. Roethlisberger completed a short pass, followed by a bunch of laterals that has not worked since the Stanford marching band. Yet this time the ball got back to Big Ben, who lateraled to Antonio Brown, who raced to the end zone.

 

As the Steeler Nation celebrated Immaculate Reception Part II and prepared for the winning extra point, the officials ruled that Brown stepped out of bounds at the Miami 13 yard line. It was the correct call as Miami stayed alive at 7-6 and Pittsburgh at 5-8 is done. 34-28 Dolphins

 

 

 

 

Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers—On the first play from scrimmage Rainey ran for an 80 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. Dan Carpenter hit a 40 yard field goal to get the Bills within 7-3. Mike Glennon went to Vincent Jackson for a 36 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Buccaneers. In the second quarter an interception of EJ Manuel led to a 53 yard Ryan Lindell field goal to make it 17-3 Buccaneers. Glennon then Wright for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 24-3 Buccaneers at halftime. The Buccaneers have won four of their last five under Greg Schiano. 27-6 Buccaneers

 

 

 

 

Kansas City Chiefs at Washington Redskins—With hard snow coming down, Ryan Succop somehow hit a 33 yard field goal to put the Chiefs up 3-0. A 60 yard punt return by Dexter McCluster then had the Chiefs at the Redskins 13. On 4th and 1, Walrus Lite Andy Reid gambled in the snow. Charles gained 2 and then 2 more for the touchdown to make it 10-0 Chiefs. A 40 yard interception return of RGIII set the Chiefs up at the Washington 25. On 3rd and 6 Alex Smith hit Dwayne Bowe for a 21 yard touchdown to make it 17-0 Chiefs.

 

In the second quarter McCluster burned the Redskins again for a 24 yard punt return to the Washington 41. Smith hit Charles for the 5 yard touchdown as the Chiefs were all over the Redskins 24-0. McCluster just destroyed the Redskins on the next one as he took the punt return 74 yards for a touchdown as the Chiefs led 31-0 and Mike Shanahan wondered if Daniel Snyder would fire him at halftime.

 

After the Redskins finally got in the end zone, special teams continued the onslaught as Quinten Demps returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for another touchdown as the Chiefs led 38-7, taking a 38-10 lead into the locker rooms. The Chiefs snapped their three game losing streak to get to 10-3 while Mike Shanahan contemplate where he would coach after Daniel Snyder fires him. 45-10 Chiefs

 

 

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos —John Fox came back to coach Denver as Jack Del Rio handed the reins back. Early on Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Hunter for 57 yards and Shon Greene ran it in from the one to make it 7-0 Titans. Peyton Manning led a 13 play, 74 yard, 5 minute drive that ended with 4th and goal at the one. Fox decided to go for it and Manning hit Wes Welker for the one yard touchdown to tie the game. Leon Johnson returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards to the Denver 3 yard line. Chris Johnson did the rest as the Titans led 14-7. On the next series twice Manning threw a touchdown pass and twice had the officials overturn the score as Denver settled for a 25 yard Matt Prater field goal to trail 14-10.

 

Perhaps coaching for his job and perhaps to keep Manning off the field, Mike Munchak took some fourth down gambles. On 4th and 1 just shy of midfield midway through the second quarter, Fitzpatrick hit Johnson for a 23 yard gain. On the next play Greene ran for the score as Tennessee had the surprising 21-10 road lead. After that reality set in and the Denver offense went full throttle.

 

Manning moved the Broncos 81 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes as an 8 yard touchdown to Julius Thomas had Denver within 21-17 with 1:50 left in the half. Denver forced a 3 and out and got it back at their own 15 with 52 seconds left. Manning moved the Broncos to the Tennessee 46 and a chance for NFL history.

 

The NFL field goal record of 63 yards was set by Saints kicker Tom Dempsey in 1970, and later matched by former Broncos kicker Jason Elam and current Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski. Seabass once had a 64 yard try clank off the upright no good. In the mile high air, Prater kicked the ball a mile high and a mile deep into the record books. His 64 yarder still had Denver down 21-20 at halftime, but the momentum was all Denver.

 

Manning hit Denarius Thomas for a four yard touchdown in the third quarter to put Denver in front. Knowshon Moreno added a one yard touchdown run as 24 unanswered points had the Broncos up 34-21. Fitzpatrick hit Hunter for a 41 yard touchdown to get the Titans within 34-28. In the fourth quarter Manning led Denver 79 yards in 13 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. This time on 4th and goal at the one Coach Fox played it safe to make it a 2 score game. Prater can also hit 19 yard field goals as Denver led 37-28 with 13 minutes left in regulation.

 

A Tennessee fumble gave the Broncos a short field and Manning hit Eric Decker for a 20 yard touchdown to make it 44-28 Broncos with 9 1/2 minutes left. Monte Ball added a 5 yard touchdown run for emphasis. At 11-2, the Broncos remain one game ahead of Kansas City in the West and one game up on New England for home field throughout the playoffs. The Titans are done and coach Mike Munchak may be as well. 51-28 Broncos

 

 

 

 

St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals — Rashaard Mendenhall ran it in from 3 yards out to make it 7-0 Cardinals. Greg Zuerlein hit a 44 yard field goal to get the Rams on the board. In the second quarter Carson Palmer hit Larry Fitzgerald for a 7 yard touchdown pass and a 14-3 Cardinals lead at the half. In the third quarter Karlos Dansby returned an interception 23 yards for a touchdown and Abraham sacked Kelly Clemens for a safety and a 23-3 Cardinals lead.

 

In the fourth quarter Stacy got in from the one to get the Rams within 23-10. Ellington ran it in from 6 yards out to put it away as the Cardinals are very much alive in the playoff race and the Rams are not. 30-10 Cardinals

 

 

 

 

New York Giants at San Diego Chargers—The Chargers have never forgiven Eli Manning for rejecting them a decade ago, and this time they made him pay. Philip Rivers threw a 43 yard touchdown pass to Allen for a 7-0 Chargers lead.

 

In the second quarter Rivers led a 15 play, 76 yard drive that took 7 1/2 minutes. Nick Novak hit a 36 yard field goal to make it 10-0. Rivers then led the Chargers 67 yards in 11 plays and 6 minutes as a 4 yard touchdown to Allen made it 17-0.  Rivers then hit Danny Woodhead for a 6 yard touchdown and a 24-0 Chargers halftime lead.

 

A third quarter Rivers fumble set up a one yard touchdown run by Peyton Hillis, but Ryan Mathews added a one yarded of his own to make it 31-7 Chargers. In the fourth quarter Manning hit Brandon Myers for a 5 yard touchdown but it was nowhere near enough as the Giants trailed 31-14. Rivers led another time consuming drive of 7 1/2 minutes as 75 yards and 11 plays meant a 27 yard Novak field goal and a 34-14 Chargers advantage. Novak tacked on another kick for good measure as San Diego under rookie coach Mike McCoy is still alive for the postseason while the Giants are done.  37-14 Chargers

 

 

 

 

 

Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers —Seattle entered the week as the only team to have already clinched a playoff spot. Phil Dawson hit field goals of 23 and 48 as the 49ers led 6-0 after the opening quarter. In the second quarter Marshawn Lynch ran it in from 11 yards out to make it 7-6 Seahawks. Dawson hit his third field goal from 52 to make it 9-7 49ers. Russell Wilson hit Willson for a 39 yard touchdown, but Colin Kaepernick found Vernon Davis for an 8 yard touchdown just before the half ended as the 49ers clung to a 16-14 lead.

 

The defenses then clamped down, and after a scoreless third quarter, a 38 yard punt return by Golden Tate led to a 31 yard Stephen Hauschka field goal and  a 17-16 Seattle lead with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Frank Gore broke off a 51 yard run to the Seattle 18 with 4 minutes left. Seattle took their timeouts on defense, but on 3rd and 7 from the 15 Kaepernick scrambled for 8. This allowed the 49ers to bleed the clock down to 30 seconds and set up Dawson for the chip shot winner. Dawson was good and Seattle had 22 seconds and 0 timeouts from their own 15. Wilson went deep and was intercepted. The 49ers are alive for the playoffs while the Seahawks at 11-2 are still on track for home field throughout. 19-17 49ers

 

 

 

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints was the Sunday night game. Carolina led 6-0 after the first quarter on a pair of Graham Gano field goals, but the rest was all Saints. In the second quarter Drew Brees threw touchdown passes of six and 15 yards to Marques Colston and a five-yard touchdown to Graham. Brees went back to Graham in the fourth quarter as 31 unanswered points saw the Saints rebound in a big way after last week’s humiliation at Seattle. Although the 10-2 Saints lead the 9-3 Panthers, these teams have a rematch in two weeks in Carolina. The NFC South winner will probably have a first round bye in the playoffs. 31-13 Panthers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears was the Monday night game. A 14-14 game in the bitter cold was broken open in the last two minutes in the half. Robbie Gould hit a 27-yard field goal and Josh McCown, who had run for a touchdown and threw for one earlier in the half, threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jeffery just before the half. Up 24-14, McCown stayed red hot, throwing touchdown passes of four yards to Matt Forte and 17 yards to Michael Bush to make it 41-14. Tony Romo threw three touchdowns but McCown was 27 of 36 for 348 yards and four touchdowns. Neither signal-caller was intercepted, but the Dallas defense was simply overmatched. Both teams are 7-6 and still in the hunt. 45-28 Bears

 

 

eric