Oakland Raiders end the Dennis Allen reign of error
No more dinking and dunking!
eric
Oakland Raiders end the Dennis Allen reign of error
No more dinking and dunking!
eric
Eric Holder is too black to jail.
http://www.commdiginews.com/politics-2/eric-holder-is-too-black-to-jail-26863/
eric
NFL 2014 Week 4 Recap
Two teams traveled to London in a desperate attempt to get their coach fired. The rest of the league played serious football games. With that, here is the NFL 2014 Week 4 Recap.
http://www.commdiginews.com/sports/nfl-2014-week-4-lessons-learned-and-unlearned-26931/
Miami Dolphins at Oakland Raiders — If the NFL does not start offering better games in London, the hooligans in Wembley Stadium may burn down America again and party like it’s 1814. The losing coach in this game was expected to fire their coach. As expected Derek Carr started the game running the Dink and Dunk with Dennis Allen West Coast Offense that does nothing but lose games. However, early on the short passes actually led to a drive.
On the first play from scrimmage from the Oakland 26, a short pass to James Jones went for 30 yards. On 3rd and 8 from the Miami 42, Carr hit Vincent Brown for 9. On 3rd and 6 from the Miami 29, Carr hit Holmnes for 14. A 12 yard gain by Darren MecFadden brought the ball to the Miami 3 yard line. Carr hit Leonhardt for the touchdown as the Raiders led 7-0 early on. Ryan Tannehill led the Dolphins from their 30 to a 3rd and 8 at the Oakland 23. Tannehill then threw incomplete as the Dolphins settled for a 41 yard Caleb Sturgis field goal to trail 7-3.
The Raiders kept dining and dunking, and soon faced 3rd and 1 from their own 45. Olawale got the carry and got nothing as the Raiders punted. Miami took over at their own 9, and 91 yards was a formality. Tannehill found Brad Hartline for a 35 yard gain. On 3rd and 5 from the Oakland 32, Tannehill hit Mike Wallace for 16. As the second quarter began, Tannehill went back to Wallace for the
13 yard touchdown and the 10-7 Dolphins advantage. Dennis Allen was tempted to order a 2 yard pass play but was reminded that first Miami had to pick the ball off. The Raiders went 3 and out.
Miami took over at their own 37 and ran the ball easily against the listless Oakland defense. On 4th and 1 from the Oakland 8, Joe Philbin decided to go for it. Miller got the carry and all the yardage as the touchdown made it 17-7 Dolphins. The Raiders took over at their own 12, ran 3 plays for a total of one yard, and punted. Miami fumbled the punt, giving Oakland a gift at their 43. Intentional grounding on Carr meant 3rd and 28 as the Raiders punted again.
Miami took over at their own 10 with 6 minutes left in the half and made it look easy against the pathetic Raiders defense. At the 2 minute warning Miami was already at the Oakland 18. Tannehill then went to Dion Sims for the touchdown as the Dolphins led 24-7. Dennis Allen was not fired at halftime, and his game plan for the second half was to have Derek Carr throw 30 passes, each exactly 2 yards in length.
Miami began the second half at their own 28 and quickly moved to 3rd and goal at the 5. Tannehill threw incomplete but defensive holding meant 1st and goal at the 2. The Dolphins then fumbled for a touchback. The Raiders took the gift, gained 0 yards, and saw Carr get intercepted by Grimes, who returned it 32 yards to the Oakland 3. This time Miller made up for his fumble by scoring from the one as the Dolphins led 31-7. Tannehill was already 19 of 23 for 241 yards and two touchdowns in barely more than one half of football.
Down by 24 points, Dennis Allen was determined to coach his last game of football his way. He continued his completely unsuccessful and uninspiring dinking and dunking as Carr moved the Raiders from their 20 to the Miami 30. A fumbled snap somehow went backward 20 yards, where it was picked up Cortland Finnegan. Finnegal raced from midfield to the end zone for a defensive touchdown as the Dolphins now led 38-7.
In what the Raider Nation hoped would be Dennis Allen’s last misfortune, Carr tweaked his ankle and was replaced with Matt McGloin. Like Carr, McGloin has talent. Like Carr, McGloin has a terrible coach. Anyway McGloin went deep and was intercepted by Wilson, who returned it 46 yards. With a personal foul on Oakland added, Miami took over at the Oakland 16. Another touchdown pass by Tannehill was nullified by a penalty and Tannehill was then intercepted. At this point the game could not end fast enough for the people of England and Raider fans everywhere.
McGloin quickly moved the Raiders 90 yards, throwing a 22 yard touchdown pass to Holmes. The Raiders tend to get touchdowns during garbage time, given that most of their play is garbage. The Raiders trailed 38-14 as 8 1/2 minutes remained in the Dennis Allen reign of error. McGloin was intercepted again.
Entering this game the Dolphins were a mess. Joe Philbin was still only a few games removed from the bullying scandal. This week he undermined Tannehill by refusing to publicly commit to him. The best way for Philbin to save his job was to play a team that was coached far worse. Dennis Allen obliged. Allen was allowed to board the flight home from London, but not much more than that. At 0-4, Mark Davis fired Allen Monday night. 38-14 Dolphins
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears — 8 months ago these teams regrouped to the location of the Week 17 bomb that allowed Green Bay to knock Chicago out of the playoff chase. The home crowd was ready for payback. Early on Jay Cutler moved the Bears 80 yards and 15 plays over 8 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and goal from the 6 Cutler hit Brandon Marshall for the 7-0 Bears lead. From the Green Bay 19, Rodgers came out firing, hitting his non-cousin Richard Rodgers for a 43 yard gain. Eddie Lacy carried it in from the 2 to make it 7-7.
The Bears took over at their own 20 and Marc Trestman decided to go old school Chicago smash mouth against the Green Bay’s suspect run defense. On 4th and 1 from the Green Bay 35 Trestman decided to go for it. Cutler fumbled the snap, got it back, ran for 15 yards, and saw 10 more tacked on after a defensive personal foul . The second quarter began with the Bears on the one yard line, but a critical false start penalty had the Bears settling for a 23 yard Robbie Gould field goal and a 10-7 Bears lead. Rodgers brought the Packers right back with a 78 yard drive that culminated in a 3 yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson and a 14-10 Packers lead. Cutler had his turn moving the Bears 80 yards in plays in 6 1/2 minutes. An 8 yard touchdown pass to Jeffery put the Bears back on top 17-14 with 4 minutes left in the half.
Marc Trestman called a surprise onside kick that led to a wild scramble. Green Bay eventually recovered at their own 39 and Rodgers kept the pressure on. On 3rd and 7 from the Chicago 22, Rodgers went deep to Randall Cobb for the 21-17 Packers lead with one minute left in the half. After a touchback, Cutler fired at will. With 14 seconds left, the Bears took their last timeout facing 1st and goal at the 9. Cutler fired to the goal line complete, where Bennett met 3 defenders. Bennett insisted the ball just stretched past the goal line, but the referees disagreed. The clock ran out as the Bears came away with nothing. The halftime gun seemed to be the only thing that could stop either offense.
Green Bay moved at will to start the third quarter after a touchback and soon faced a critical 3rd and 7 from the Chicago 34. Rodgers went deep to Adams for the touchdown but offensive holding nullified the score. Mason Crosby would drill a 53 yard field goal to make it 24-17 Packers. Cutler brought the Bears right back from the Chicago 15 to a 1st and 10 at the Green Bay 24. A short pass was intercepted by Clay Matthews, who had a clear path to the end zone the other way. Yet the hobbled Matthews was chased down after a 40 yard gain at the Chicago 35. On 3rd and 9 from the 11, Rodgers scrambled around inside the pocket and fired a laser to Nelson for the 31-17 Packers lead. Cutler was then intercepted by Sam Shields, who returned it 62 yards to the Chicago 11. Rodgers hit Cobb for the 3 yard touchdown as the close game became a blowout. 38-17 Packers
Carolina Panthers at Baltimore Ravens — After 13 years in Carolina, Steve Smith returned to get revenge against them. Early in the second quarter the Ravens faced 3rd and 2 from their own 39. Joe Flacco went deep with a ball that was deflected by one receiver straight to Smith, who caught it in stride and raced for a 61 yard touchdown and the 7-0 Ravens lead. Cam Newton brought the Panthers back 80 yards as a 28 yard touchdown pass to Benjamin tied the game 7-7. The Ravens came back quickly 80 yards the other way as an 11 yard touchdown run by Justin Forsett meant a 14-7 Ravens lead. Baltimore got it back and Flacco went back to Smith for a 21 yard touchdown and a 21-7 Ravens lead.
In the third quarter Flacco needed 5 minutes to move the Ravens 80 yards in 10 plays. This time a 24 yard touchdown pass to Torrey Smith had the Ravens up 28-7. Newton moved the Panthers from their 17 to a critical 3rd and 3 at the Baltimore 11. Newton fumbled the snap, as the Panthers were lucky enough to retain possession and settle for a 37 yard Graham Gano field goal as Carolina still trailed 28-10. In the fourth quarter the Ravens moved 80 yards in 12 plays and 7 minutes as Taliaferro got the last yard to make it 35-10 Ravens. Baltimore tacked on a field goal as Steve Smith got his revenge in a big way. 38-10 Ravens
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans — A 31 yard Dan Carpenter field goal in the second quarter made it 3-0 Bills. A fumble by Houston gave Buffalo the ball just past midfield. EJ Manuel hit Sammy Watkins for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Bills. With one minute left in the half Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a 35 yard touchdown pass to Hopkins as the Texans got within 10-7. On the first play from scrimmage after a touchback to start the third quarter, Fitzpatrick was intercepted again. Yet on 3rd and 3 from Houston 12, EJ Manuel returned the favor in a big way. JJ Watt intercepted Manuel and ran 80 yards for a defensive touchdown as the Texans now had the 14-10 lead.
After Buffalo went 3 and out, Fitzpatrick moved Houston to the red zone before settling for a 441 yard Bullock field goal and a 17-10 Texans lead. A field position game in the fourth quarter saw Bullock drill a 55 yard field goal to give the Texans some breathing room up 20-10 with 11 minutes left. One play forms cribbage later that breathing room was gone. Manuel hit Williams for an 80 yard touchdown as the bills were only down 20-17.
Houston moved the ball again but Fitzpatrick fired incomplete on 3rd and 2 from the Buffalo 32. Bullock again hit a long field goal from 50, but the Texans only led by 6 with 5 minutes left. Buffalo went 3 and out, held on defense, and got the ball back at their own 29 with 1:42 to play. With 1:14 left on 1st and 10 from the Houston 41, Manuel went deep and was intercepted at the 15. One year after going 2-14, the Texans under Bill O’Brien are now 3-1. As for the Bills, the NFL’s longest playoff drought is on the verge of being extended again. 23-17 Texans
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts — After a Titans fumble set up the Colts at the Tennessee 38, Andrew Luck went deep to TY Hilton down to the one. Trent Richardson carried it in to make it 7-0 Colts. A surprise onside kick was recovered by the Colts at the Titans 44. On 3rd and goal from the 7 Luck hit Allen for the score to make it 14-0 Colts. With Charlie Whitehurst starting for the frequently injured Jake Locker, long odds became even longer. WhiteHurst was intercepted in the second quarter to set up a 31 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal and a 17-0 Colts lead. Ryan Succop would get the Titans on the board with a 36 yarder but Vinatieri responded from 30 to have the Colts cruising 20-3.
The Colts got it back with one minute left in the half. Yet from their own 22, rather than go to the locker rooms, Luck was intercepted. WhiteHurst threw a 7 yard touchdown as the Titans only trailed 20-10 at halftime. It is hard to criticize Chuck Pagano for getting aggressive in a game where everything was working. Unfazed, Luck in the third quarter moved the Colts 91 yards. A 28 yard touchdown to Reggie Wayne had the Colts up 27-10. Indy got it back and a 33 yard defensive pass interference penalty set up a 2 yard touchdown pass from Luck to Fleener as the Colts were cruising 34-10. Bishop Sankey would score on a 2 yard run to get the Titans within 34-17. Luck put the Titans out of their misery by hitting Ahmad Bradshaw for a 15 yard touchdown to end it. Luck finished 29 of 41 for 393 yards, four touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. 41-17 Colts
Detroit Lions at New York Jets — Early on Geno Smith moved the Jets 71 yards in 14 plays in 6 1/2 minutes. The drive died at the 9 as the Jets settled for the 27 yard Nick Folk field goal to lead 3-0. Matthew Stafford brought the Lions back and Alex Henery connected from 51 for the 3-3 tie. In the second quarter the Lions took over at their own 17. On 3rd and 10 from the Detroit 41, Stafford went deep to Jeremy Ross for a 59 yard touchdown and a 10-3 Lions lead. Jim Caldwell was so pleased he almost made a facial expression. A field possession game had the Lions at the Jets 47 with just over one minute left in the half. Stafford lacerated the Jets defense and threw a 16 yard touchdown pass to Eric Ebron for a 17-3 Lions lead
The Jets closed the gap to 17-10 in the third quarter when Smith moved New York 74 yards in 11 plays and hit Eric Decker for the 11 yard touchdown. Stafford brought the Lions back on a 14 play, 90 yard drive that consumed 7 1/2 minutes. Stafford got the final yard himself fon the first play of the fourth quarter or the 24-10 Lions lead. Smith was then intercepted, but Henery missed a 52 yard field goal. Smith then fumbled but the Lions again did not capitalize. Chris Johnson broke off a 35 yard touchdown run to get the Jets within 7 midway through the fourth quarter.
The Jets got it back but went 3 and out when Smith threw incomplete on 3rd and 2. Gang Green needed a stop and could not get one as Stafford scrambled for the clinching first down. The hot seat under Geno Smith is quite cool compared to the inferno burning Rex Ryan’s posterior. 24-17 Lions
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Pittsburgh Steelers — On the third play of the game facing 3rd and 16 from their own 14, Ben Roethlisberger was sacked and fumbled. Tampa Bay recovered at the 9 and Mike Glennon through a 7 yard touchdown to Mike Evans for the quick 7-0 buccaneers lead. Pittsburgh went 3 and out and a strong punt return had Tampa at their own 45. Murray would hit a 50 yard field goal as the Buccaneers had the 10-0 lead in front of a very surprised home crowd.
Pittsburgh moved the ball from their 20 to the Tampa 7 but no further as a 25 yard Shawn Suisham field goal got the Steelers within 10-3. Pittsburgh got it back at their own 40 and Big Ben moved the Steelers. On 3rd and goal from the 11 Roethisberger hit Antonio Brown for the touchdown to tie the game 10-10.
Pittsburgh got it back at their own 7 and led a 93 yard, 13 polay drive that ate up 7 1/2 minutes. On 4th and 1 from the Tampa Bay 45, Mike Tomlin went for it and Big Ben got 2 yards. A 27 yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown put the Steelers up 17-10 with 5 minutes left in the half.
The Buccaneers began the third quarter by moving 80 yards, as a 3 yard Doug Martin touchdown run tied the game 17-17. Big Ben brought the Steelers back 80 yards in 10 plays as a 5 yard touchdown pass to Heath Miller had the Steelers back on top 24-17. In the fourth quarter Glennon moved the Bucs from their own 8 to the Pittsburgh 9. Glennong then threw incomplete twice as the Bucs settled for a 27 yard field goal to trail by four with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
The Buccaneers got it back at their own 25 midway through the fourth quarter. By the 2 minute warning the Buccaneers had 1st and 10 at the Pittsburgh 14. After a failed halfback option pass and a pair of incompletions, it all came down to 4th and 10. Glennon went to the end zone for Vincent Jackson, but the pass was high and bounced off of Jackson’s outstretched hand.
The Buccaneers held on defense and a terrible punt gave the Buccaneers another chance with 40 seconds left from the Pittsburgh 46. Glennon fired over the middle to Murphy, who split the seams and got down to the five yard line. Glennon hurried everyone to the line and spiked the ball with 15 seconds left in front of a shellshocked home crowd. On 3rd and goal, under heavy pressure, Glennon fired to a diving Jackson, who made the catch with 7 seconds left. One week after falling behind 56-0, the Buccaneers showed a ton of heart. As for the Steelers, this was an epic meltdown. This game is why the NFL is the best sport on earth. As uber-announcer Chris Berman says, “That’s why they play the games.” 27-24 Buccaneers
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers — The Blake Bortles era began, and the first play from scrimmage saw him throw incomplete. The second play from scrimmage saw a running play resulting in a fumble. A sack of Philip Rivers allowed Jacksonville to escape the turnover without giving up points. Jacksonville took over at their own 9 and Bortles led them to a 4th and 1 just past midfield. Gus Bradley decided to go for it as Bortles the quarterback sneak and gained nothing. That led to a 33 yard Nick Novak field goal and a 3-0 Chargers lead.
Jacksonville history was made when Bortles led a 68 yard drive. Early in the second quarter, on 3rd and goal from the one, Toby Gerhart got past the goal line to put the Jaguars up 7-3. Rivers came back with a 47 yard touchdown pass to Eddie Royal to make it 10-7 Chargers. Jacksonville got it back at their 24. On 3rd and 5 from the Chargers 46, Bortles went deep to Hurns for a 44 yard gain. A 2 yard touchdown pass to Jacobs was Bortles’s very first touchdown pass as a starter as Jacksonville led 14-10. Rivers came right back again as a 43 yard touchdown pass to Royals had the Chargers up 17-14 at halftime.
Bortles completed 15 of his first 18 passes for 149 yards and a touchdown, but it was Rivers playing lights out in starting 20 of 24 for 284 yards and three touchdowns. In the third quarter Rovers moved the Chargers 80 yards again, with a 24 yard touchdown pass to Malcolm Floyd putting the Chargers up 24-14. In the third quarter Bortles threw his first interception as a starter setting up San Diego at the Jacksonville 40. On 3rd and 1 from the Jaguars 14, Rivers fumbled. The Chargers retained possession and Novak hit the 34 yarder to make it 27-14 Chargers.
In the fourth quarter Rivers moved the Chargers from their 20 to a 3rd and 3 at the Jacksonville 5. Rivers threw incomplete but after 14 plays, 75 yards and 5 1/2 minutes, Novak hit from 23. An interception of Bortles with less than 4 minutes left welcomed Bortles to the NFL most inhospitably and allowed Novak hit from 37 to complete the scoring. 33-14 Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers — A sack of Colin Kaepernick had the 49ers punting on 4th and 25 from their own 2. The punt was blocked and recovered for an Eagles touchdown and a 7-0 Philly lead. Kaepernick then moved the 49ers 69 yards in 14 plays, taking almost 9 minutes to do it. Yet from the Philly 10, a sack of Kaepernick had the 49ers settling for a 29 yard Phil Dawson field goal to trail 7-3.
In the second quarter Kaepernick threw a 55 yard touchdown pass to Frank Gore to put the 49ers up 10-7. Yet on the next series Kaepernick was intercepted by Jenkins, who returned it 53 yards for a touchdown and a 14-10 Eagles lead. Special teams continued to kill the 49ers as Darren Sproles returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown. Despite 0 offensive points, the Eagles had the 21-10 lead. Dawson hit a 51 yard field goal with one minute left in the half to get the 49ers within 21-13.
In the third quarter Nick Foles got hit and fumbled, setting up the 49ers at the Philly 23. On 3rd and 15 Kaepernick was sacked, but defensive holding gave the 49ers life. On 3rd and 11 from the 12, Kaepernick hit Johnson for the touchdown as the 49ers got within 21-20. The 49ers got it back at their own 36 and Gore ran for a 28 yard gain to set up Dawson from 46. Dawson was good and the 49ers had the 23-21 lead with 3 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.
With 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation, Chip Kelly made a curious coaching decision. Kaepernick threw incomplete on 3rd and 3 from the Philly 24, but the 49ers were called for offensive pass interference. Rather than make it fourth down, Kelly accepted the penalty to try and push the 49ers out of field goal range. On 3rd and 13, Kaepernick ran for 16 yards. Yet on 3rd and 2 a critical elay of game penalty forced the 49ers to kick Dawson’s fourth field goal anyway. Dawson was good from 31 as the 49ers led by 5 with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
The Eagles had 5 first downs in the first half and none in the third quarter. They did not cross midfield on offense for the first 55 1/2 minutes. Yet from their own 9, Foles finally moved the Eagles. On 3rd and 14 from the San Francisco 39, Foles threw to Jeremy Maclin, who made a leaping one-handed grab for a 17 yard gain. Jim Harbaugh unsuccessfully challenged the call, costing the 49ers their last timeout with 3:12 to play. Another completion meant the sixth Eagles first down on the drive and 1st and goal at the 6 yard line. The 2 minute warning came with the Eagles facing 3rd and goal at the one. On 4th and goal Foles could have run for it but threw high and incomplete. The Eagles used their timeouts and got it back one more time, but on 4th and 24 Foles was intercepted as the 49ers finally proved they could win in Santa Clara. 26-21 49ers.
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings — Teddy Bridgewater is now the starter with Matt Cassel on injured reserve and out for the rest of the season. A certain running back for the Vikings was not playing, but a backup runner named Asiata was playing. Asiata scored from 3 yards out to make it 7-0 Vikings. Matt Ryan moved the Falcons 80 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes, with a 24 yard touchdown pass to Roddy White tying the game 7-7. A strong kickoff return had the Vikings starting at their own 47. Asiata would run it in again from 6 yards out as the Vikings lord 14-7.
In the second quarter Ryan moved the Falcons 61 yards in 13 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. A one yard touchdown pas to DiMarco tied the game 14-14. Bridgewater brought the Vikings back 80 yards, scrambling the final 13 yards himself to put Minnesota up 21-14 at the 2 minute warning. Minnesota got it back with 1:25 left in the half at their own 15. Mike Zimmer played it safe on the ground but the Falcons could not get a stop. From the Atlanta 7 yard line, McKinnon ran for the touchdown, but the officials reversed the call and ruled McKinnon down at the one. On 3rd and goal from the one with 5 seconds left, Zimmer again played it safe. Blair Walsh hit the 18 yard field goal to put the Vikings up 24-14 at halftime.
In the third quarter Blair Walsh hit a 41 yard field goal to have the Vikings up 27-14. Then Atlanta came back. Ryan hit Devon Hester for a 36 yard touchdown to get Atlanta within 27-21. The Falcons got it back and Antoine Smith got around the right end for a 48 yard touchdown to put the Falcons up 28-27. Bridgewater then led the Vikings 78 yards in the fourth quarter. With 11 minutes left in regulation Minnesota faced 4th and goal at the one. Mike Zimmer decided to go for it and Asiata banged in for the score. Bridgewater hit Ellison for the 2 point conversion to make it 35-28 Vikings.
The Vikings got it back at their own 45 and soon faced a 4th and 6 at the Atlanta 37 with just over 3 1/2 minutes left. Mike Zimmer decided to gamble on a 55 yard field goal rather than punt and play field position. Blair Walsh leveled the kick to put the game out of reach. Ryan was intercepted to set up one more Minnesota field goal and Ryan was intercepted again on the final Hail Mary. 41-28 Vikings
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys was the Sunday night game. Tony Romo led a 12 play, 80 yard 7 minute drive that culminated in a 12 yard touchdown pass to Williams for a 7-0 Cowboys lead. After a missed Saints field goal, Dan Bailey hit a 51 yard field goal in the second quarter to make it 10-0 Cowboys. Drew Brees then had a pass deflected and intercepted. Two plays later DeMarco Murray ran it in from 15 yards out for a 17-0 Cowboys lead. Dallas kept the offense going full throttle as Romo hit Williams for a 23 yard touchdown pass to have the Cowboys up 24-0 at halftime.
The Saints finally moved the ball in the third quarter but a promising drive died at the 12 yard line. A field goal cut the deficit to 24-3, but the Cowboys on this night just manhandled the Saints. Murray raced for a 28 yard touchdown to make it 31-3 Cowboys after three quarters.
Brees led a rally as touchdown passes of 12 and 13 cut the gap in half. With 6 minutes left Sean Payton gambled on a fake punt that didn’t work. On 3rd and 9 from the Saints 38, Romo found Jason Witten for 16 yards to keep the clock moving. On 3rd and 6 from the 18, Romo hit Dez Bryant for the clinching touchdown with 3:40 to play. 38-17 Cowboys
New England Patriots at Kansas Chiefs was the Monday night game. Both of these teams have underachieved this season, but the Chiefs are very tough at home in the night games. This game was no exception. Alex Smith led the Chiefs 11 plays and 73 yards in 6 minutes, with Jamal Charles running it in from 2 yards out to open the scoring. In the second quarter Kenneth Davis broke off a 48 yard run. Smith hit Kelce for 33 yards and Charles for the 5 yard score to make it 14-0 Chiefs. On the last play of the half the Chiefs tacked on a field goal.
The Patriots misery continued in the second half. Brady was sacked and fumbled, giving the Chiefs the ball at the Patriots 9. Smith found Charles for the 8 yard touchdown to make it 24-0. Brady was then intercepted by Smith, who returned it 34 yards to the Patriots 13. A field goal made it 27-0 Chiefs. The Patriots finally got on the board late in the third quarter when mistackles turned a short pass to Brandon LaFell into a 44 yard touchdown and a 27-7 Patriots deficit.
The Chiefs soon turned out the lights with an 11 play, 80 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive. After one touchdown was called back, on 3rd and goal from the 2 Smith hit Kelce for the touchdown. An interception of Brady was returned by Abdullah 39 yards for another touchdown and a 41-7 Chiefs lead. It had to be humbling for Brady after such a distinguished career to watch Jimmy Garoppolo throw a garbage touchdown. 41-14 Chiefs
Was the Oklahoma woman beheaded a victim of an angry Jewish Rosh Hashanah killer?
eric
Taschlich 2014 is done. The bread was thrown in the water to feed the fish. Rosh Hashanah 2014 is now a part of our rearview mirror.
May you all be inscribed in the book of life.
eric
Erev Rosh Hashanah, Lois Lerner degrades Judaism
eric
NFL 2014 Week 4 Prequel
http://www.commdiginews.com/sports/nfl-2014-week-4-preview-and-bettors-guide-26579/
eric
Tonight I was supposed to be on a redeye to London, England.
The purpose of the trip was two-fold. I was to spend Rosh Hashanah with the Jewish community of London. There is nothing like starting the year off getting to know Jewish brunettes with hot, sexy British accents. Also, the Oakland Raiders were playing a game in Wembley Stadium.
My reasons for canceling the trip had nothing to do with radical Islam. When Islamists keep us from flying, they win. The Scottish referendum also played no role. Neither did Pippa Middleton’s refusal to go out with me, since I have yet to officially ask her out.
Bottom line, the Raiders are having a tough year. Today is coach Dennis Allen’s birthday, so I will hold off any comments about him and the team until tomorrow.
The main reason for the cancellation is that the 2014 midterm elections are one month away. While I have not had a vacation in 6 years, right now all GOP and conservative hands need to be on deck. The stakes are too high for me to leave the United States.
Europe does not interest me in the slightest, but at some point I will go before it becomes part of the Islamic Caliphate.
So for those of you in the Los Angeles Jewish community who are near and dear to me, I am home for the holidays and would love to see you all.
Next time, London.
eric
CAGOP 2014 Fall Convention Recap
eric
NFL 2014 Week 3 Recap
While the rest of the anti-football world focuses on unfortunate incidents where nobody died, this week the NFL mourns the untimely death of Titans kicker Rob Bironas. With his family in mind, football fans everywhere should hug their loved ones.
On a much lighter note, 7 year old Daniel Goldberg defeated his “Unca Eric” 33-27 in the first inaugural end of Summer football classic. Unca Eric trailed 3324 before kicking a field goal late. The onside kick failed and young Daniel got the win.
With that, here is the NFL 2014 Week 3 Recap.
http://www.commdiginews.com/sports/nfl-week-3-lessons-learned-and-not-learned-26508/
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons was the Thursday night game. Some games are thrillers. This was not that game as the Bucs channeled the ghosts of John McKay and the 1976 orange creamsicle Yuccaneers. The Falcons are a good team, especially at home. The Buccaneers will improve under Lovie Smith, but they have a long way to go. As for their performance on this night, to quote McKay, we should be in favor of their execution.
Ryan threw touchdown passes of 3 yards to Douglas and 8 yards to Julio Jones early on. Josh McCown was the intercepted by Ishmael, who returned it 23 yards for another score to make it 21-0 Falcons after the opening quarter. The second quarter was the Devon Hester show, as the greatest return man of all time added to his legacy. First Hester scored on a 20 yard run. Then he did what he does, as teams still think they can kick to him without paying the price. Hester’s 62 yard punt return for another touchdown had the Falcons up 35-0 at halftime and put Hester in the record books as the all time leader in return touchdowns. Hester hugged Deion Sanders, the man he surpassed.
In the third quarter Ryan threw a 40 yard touchdown to Jones to make it 42-0. The Buccaneers fumbled the ensuing kickoff, giving the Falcons the ball at the Tampa 2. This is not the defense made famous by Tony Dungy with help from Lovie Smith. This was the Tampa Bay 2 yard line, and Stephen Jackson ran it in as the Falcons led 49-0. Matty Ice finished a ridiculous 21 of 24 for 286 yards and 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions. TJ Yates apparently is the backup quarterback for the Falcons, and even he got into the act. He threw a 40 yard pass to Eric Weems and Smith took an end around for a 38 yard touchdown to make it 56-0 Falcons after three quarters. The Buccaneers mounted a furious rally but fell six touchdowns short of the eight they needed. 56-14 Falcons
Oakland Raiders at New England Patriots — This was the game that was expected to challenge the 1940 record for one-sided mismatches as the Raiders had the ability to lose to New England by more than 73-0. Yet early in the game Oakland shocked the football world by picking up one first down before punting. Even more surprising was the Patriots going 3 and out. Then Derek Carr began leading the Dink and Dunk with Dennis Allen West Coast Offense on an actual drive. Dinking and dunking means death, and after 13 plays and 6 minutes, the Raiders had only moved 50 yards. Sebastian Janikowski did nail a 49 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Raiders.
The Raiders had to score points before the Patriots woke up and took an interest in the game. In the second quarter, with the Raiders dining and dunking to a 3rd and 10 at the New England 45, Dennis Allen had Carr throw a 3 yard pass so the Raiders could give their punter some more work. This is the Dennis Allen era, where throwing past the first down marker is illegal. At some point Tom Brady was expected to throw a 60 yard bomb, or the equivalent of 20 Carr passes under the Dennis Allen era. Brady would lead the Patriots on a 15 play, 84 yard, 7 minute drive as a 6 yard touchdown to Rob Gronkowski made it 7-3 Patriots. Brady converted four third downs as the Patriots after 26 minutes decided to finally play football. Oakland was expected to keep dinking, dunking and punting themselves to death.
The Raiders went 3 and out and a 22 yard punt had the Patriots starting at midfield with 2:45 left in the half. The Patriots had 1st and goal at the 3 but could not get in. On 3rd and goal at the 2 Brady fumbled but recovered it himself and threw incomplete. No Tuck Rule situation occurred this time, but the Patriots kept the ball anyway. Stephen Gostkowski hit the 21 yard field goal. While the Patriots only led 10-3 at halftime, they were to receive the ball to start the second half and end any semblance of a competitive game.
The third quarter saw the Patriots bog down early due to a penalty and a sack of Brady. After a punt the Raiders had a short field at the Patriots 48. That could be 16 plays of 3 yard West Coast Offense passes. On 3rd and 5 from the Patriots 19, Carr threw incomplete. Seabass hit the 37 yarder as the Raiders only trailed 10-6. The Patriots punted after Brady threw incomplete on 3rd and 4 from midfield. Carr moved the Raiders from their 14 to a 4th and 2 at the Patriots 29. Seabass leveled a 47 yarder as the Raiders only trailed 10-9 after three quarters.
Brady moved the Patriots again as New England began the fourth quarter facing 1st and goal at the 2. Again in a shocking turn of events the Raiders held on defense. Gostkowski hit the 20 yarder but the Patriots clung to a 13-9 lead. If the Raiders were capable of scoring one touchdown, they actually had a chance.
Instead the Raiders went 3 and out when 2 running plays failed to gain the one yard the Raiders needed. Meanwhile, the Patriots after a penalty faced 3rd and 15 from their own 29. Unlike Dennis Allen, Bill Bellichick allows his quarterback to throw past the marker. Brady found Gronkowski for a 22 yard gain. Again the Patriots reached the red zone and again failed to put the game away. Gostkowski hit from 36 to make it 16-9 Patriots with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation. One touchdown may be a lot to ask of a Dennis Allen offense, but there was not enough time for Seabass to kick 3 more field goals.
Derek Carr was ordered to keep dining and dunking as 3 more passes yielded a total of one yard and a punt. A sack of Brady forced a 3rd and 17, and this time Brady’s completion came up 2 yards short. The Raiders got it back at their own 38 with 3 1/2 minutes left as the Raider Nation prayed that for once in his life Dennis Allen would allow Carr to throw the ball past the first down marker. After McFadden gained 10, Carr was allowed to thrown an 18 yard completion to James Jones, which in Oakland now qualifies as a deep ball. The Raiders had 1st and 10 at the New England 33 at the 2 minute warning.
On 3rd and 7 Carr was allowed to go deep, resulting in a defensive pass interference penalty. With one minute left on 1st and goal from the 6, Darren McFadden ran for the tying touchdown. The score stood until the penalty flag for offensive holding nullified it. On the next play Carr through what seemed like his billionth routine dink and dunk pass. It bounced right off of the receiver’s chest and then off a defender’s arm. This dink and dunk double-doink pass was no immaculate reception, but it was intercepted by Vince Wilfork to send the Raiders to another loss. An angry Carr showed that he can be a leader once he gets the slights amount of help. Dennis Allen is expected to talk about how the Raiders are improving. Until he is fired, he will keep saying that. 16-9 Raiders
Tennessee Titans at Cincinnati Bengals — Before the game it was announced that longtime Titans kicker Rob Bironas died in a single car crash that did not involve drugs or alcohol. Although Bironas was released before the 2014 season, he holds the NFL record for 8 field goals in one game, including the last one at the gun to win it. Now at 36 the son-in-law of Terry Bradshaw is in heaven with Steve McNair.
The game itself was one-sided at the start. Mike Nugent kicked a 29 yard field goal and Red Rifle Andy Dalton actually caught a pass from receiver Mohammed Sanu for an 18 yard gadget play touchdown to make it 10-0 Bengals. In the second quarter an offensive penalty in the end zone meant a safety against the Titans. Later on the Titans faced 3rd and 9 from their own 7. Jack Locker was intercepted at the 17. After defensive pass interference, Bernard got in from the one to make it 19-0 Bengals. In the third quarter Dalton led a 14 play, 80 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive. A one yard touchdown run by Bernard made it 26-0 Bengals. Cincinnati cruised from there. 33-7 Bengals
San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills — Philip Rivers quickly moved the Chargers 75 yards as a 3 yard touchdown to Eddie Royal had the Chargers up 7-0 early. Rivers would lead a staggering 17 play, 89 yard drive that took 8 minutes off the clock. The Chargers got down to the one but had to settle for a 19 yard Nick Novak field goal and a 10-0 lead. A 45 yard Dan Carpenter field goal with 3 minutes left in the half got the Bills within 10-3. Novak hit a 37 yarder to make it 13-3 Chargers at the break.
In the third quarter Rivers led a 14 play, 80 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive. A five yard touchdown pass to Royal made it 20-3 Chargers. EJ Manuel brought the Bills back with an 11 play, 67 yard, 6 minute drive. An 11 yard touchdown run by Fred Jackson got Buffalo within 20-10. San Diego clamped down on defense by sacking Manuel for a safety and withstanding a late goal line charge. 22-10 Chargers
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns — Justin Tucker hit a 38 yard field goal to put the Ravens on the board first but Bryan Hoyer brought the Browns back 80 yards in 11 plays in 6 minutes. West got in from the one as the Browns led 7-3. In the second quarter Joe Flacco moved the Ravens 80 yards in 10 plays over 6 minutes as a 9 yard touchdown to Juszczyk made it 10-7 Ravens.
The third quarter saw a see-saw game as an 80 yard drive was capped off with a 14 yard Crowell run to make it 14-10 Browns. Then the Ravens went 80 yards as a one yard touchdown run by Taliaferro made it 17-14 Ravens. Then it was 80 yards the other way as Hoyer hit Miles Austin from 4 yards out. Despite having once dated a Kardashian, Austin caught the ball to put the Browns up 21-17.
Midway through the fourth quarter on 3rd and goal from the 16, Hoyer’s touchdown pass to Austin was nullified by a penalty. Billy Cundiff’s 36 yard field goal was blocked. The Ravens moved to a 1st and goal at the 2 but then ran into the defense of the Dawg Pound. On 4th and goal from the 3 with 5 minutes left, John Harbaugh opted for the field goal. Tucker’s 21 yarder got the Ravens within 21-20.
At the 2 minute warning, a field position game tilted toward the Ravens as they took over after a punt at midfield. On 2nd and 5 Flacco went deep to Steve Smith for a 32 yard gain to the Cleveland 13. With 4 seconds left, Tucker came in for the winning kick. As the clock struck double zeroes, it was good. The Ravens had the win. Despite calls for Johnny Clipboard, the Bryan Hoyer Browns at 1-2 are a much improved football team. 23-21 Ravens
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles — Kirk Cousins moved the Redskins 82 yards in 11 plays over 6 minutes, with a 4 yard pass to young making it 7-0 Redskins. 13 seconds later the game was tired as Polk returned the ensuing kickoff 102 yards for a score. Cousins brought the Redskins back 87 yards in 12 plays in 6 1/2 minutes as a 4 yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon put Washington up 14-7. In the second quarter Kai Forbath hit a 49 yard field goal to make it 17-7 Redskins.
Nick Foles moved the Eagles 8- yards and hit Jordan Matthews from 11 yards out to get the Eagles within 17-14. A Philadelphia fumble led to a 49 yard Forbath field goal and a 20-14 Redskins lead. Foles came back as 80 yards for the Eagles came easily enough. The 11 yard touchdown to Matthews had the Eagles up 21-20 at intermission.
The second half was just as thrilling as Foles and Cousins continued putting on a passing clinic. Parkey hit 38 and 33 yard field goals to put the Eagles up 27-20. Cousins then went deep to former Eagles star DeSean Jackson for an 81 yard touchdown to tie the game 27-27.
With 10 minutes left in regulation Forbath had a 33 yard field goal to give the Redskins the lead. Instead, it do inked off the upright no good. After having an interception overturned and ruled incomplete, Foles threw a 27 yard touchdown to Jeremy Maclin to put the Eagles up 34-27 midway through the fourth quarter. Cousins was then intercepted, and Parkey leveled a 51 yard field goal to make it 37-27 with only 6 minutes left.
Washington was not done as a pass from Cousins to Helu went for 55 yards. Helu got the last yard as the Redskins were within a field goal with over 4 minutes to play. Washington held on defense and got the ball back with gift field position at the Philly 41 with 2 1/2 minutes left. A run went nowhere, and after the 2 minute warning, Cousins threw incomplete twice. On 4th and 10, Jay Gruden went with his quarterback rather than have Forbath try a 59 yard field goal. Cousins threw incomplete again and the Eagles held on. Cousins was 30 of 48 for 427 yards and 3 touchdowns with one interception while Foles was 28 of 42 for 325 yards and 3 touchdowns without an interception. 37-34 Eagles
Houston Texans at New York Giants — The first 27 minutes of unwatchable football featured a 30 yard Giants field goal try messed up due to a fumbled snap. Eli Manning would eventually throw a 26 yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz to make it 7-0 Giants. At the 2 minute warning the Texansf aced 3rd and 19 from their own 9. Ryan Fitzpatrick was intercepted by Antrel Rolle, who returned it 25 yards to the Houston 2 yard line. On 3rd and goal from the one, Rashad Jennings got in to make it 14-0 Giants at halftime.
In the third quarter Bill O’Brien decided to gamble with the Texans facing 4th and 1 at their own 46. Alfred Blue was left black and blue when he ran into a Big Blue wall. The short field led to a 39 yard Josh Brown field goal and a 17-0 Giants lead.
Houston finally got going ad moved to a 3rd and 1 at the Giants 9. After Fitzpatrick threw incomplete, this time O’Brien decided not to gamble. Ryan Bullock hit the 27 yarder to get the Texans on the board. The Giants would punt on 4th and 2 from the Houston 44, pinning the Texans back at their own 7. This time Blue ripped off a 46 yard run and Fitzpatrick found Johnson for a 44 yard touchdown to get the Texans within 17-10.
The Giants got some breathing room with 12 minutes left in regulation when Brown hit from 29 to make it 20-10 Giants. Shane Lechler then had his punt blocked, giving the Giants the ball at the Houston 29. Manning hit Fells for a 9 yard touchdown to put the Giants up 27-10 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Fitzpatrick was then quickly intercepted, giving the Giants another short field. This led to another field goal. Houston added one more touchdown but the storyline in this game was that Tom Coughlin teams never give up. 30-17 Giants
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars — The Colts rebounded from a stunning home loss last week to beat up on the hapless Jaguars early on. Adam Vinatieri hit a 48 yard field goal and Andrew Luck threw a 6 yard touchdown pass to Ahmad Bradshaw to make it 10-0 Colts. In the second quarter Luck led the Colts 76 more yards as a one yard touchdown pass to Allen made it 17-0 Indianapolis. Vinatieri added field goals of 43 and 25 yards to make it 23-0 Colts. With only one minute left in the half, the Jaguars fumbled on the first play from scrimmage, giving the Colts the ball at the Jacksonville 29. Luck hit Cory Fleener for a 7 yard touchdown as the Colts led 30-0 at halftime. Coach Gus Bradley had seen enough. Chad Henne was benched and the Balke Bortles era began earlier than the team wanted. Bortles threw a gorgeous 63 yard touchdown pass. The Jaguars lost badly, but Borltes has been named the starter for next week. 44-17 Colts
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions — The Packers have been suffering fumbleitis this season. This week it as Eddie Lacy coughing it up and Carey returning it 40 yards for a 7-0 Lions lead. Aaron Rodgers brought the Packers back with a 10 yard touchdown pass to Quarless to tie the game. In the second quarter Eddie Lacy was tackled in the end zone for a safety as pass-happy Mike McCarthy vowed never to call another running play ever again. The Lions took the free kick and needed 7 minutes and 13 plays to move only 43 yards. The 30 yard Freese field goal made it 12-7 Lions at halftime. Despite having dated a Kardashian, Reggie Bush broke off a 26 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to lock up the game. 19-7 Lions
Dallas Cowboys at St. Louis Rams — Nobody knows who Austin Davis is, but apparently he is the Rams starting quarterback. Perhaps Jeff Fisher found him at a grocery store, since that worked or Kurt Warner. Davis led a staggering 15 play, 80 yard drive that consumed nearly 9 minutes off the clock. A one yard touchdown pass to Kendricks had the Rams up 7-0. Davis found Quick for a 51 yard touchdown in the second quarter to make it 14-0 Rams. Tony Romo threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Janoris Jenkins, who plays defense for the Rams. With the Rams up 21-0 Jerry Jones threatened to blow up the stadium until it was pointed out that the Cowboys were on the road and he did not own this stadium.
Dallas eventually closed the gap as Donald Murray scored from one yard out and Dan Bailey hit a 29 yard field goal to have the Cowboys within 21-10 at halftime. In the third quarter Romo went to Dez Bryant for a 68 yard touchdown as the Cowboys only trailed 21-17. Bailey hit a 40 yarder as the Cowboys only trailed 21-20 after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter Greg Zuerlein hit a 28 yarder to put the Rams up 24-20. Romo then led Dallas on an 84 yard, 12 play drive that took over 7 minutes off the clock. A 12 yard touchdown pass to Williams on 3rd and 2 gave the Cowboys their first lead of the day up 27-24 with 6:21 left in regulation. 20 seconds later Austin threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Carter, who plays defense for the Cowboys. He equaled Tony Romo by throwing touchdowns to both teams, but now it was the Cowboys up 34-24.
Davis moved the Rams 80 yards again as a touchdown pass to Pettis on 3rd and goal at the 4 got the Rams back within 3 with 2 1/2 minutes to play. The Rams got it back at their own 14 at the 2 minute warning. From their 26, Davis went deep and was intercepted by Claiborne with one minute left. The Rams have rallied around Davis and Jeff Fisher knows how to motivate players, but this time St. Louis came up short. Meanwhile, Romo gave his critics another reason to pipe down. 34-31 Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints — After a pair of agonizing road losses, the Saints got right to work at home. Drew Brees moved the Saints 80 yards in 11 plays in 5 1/2 minutes as Pierre Thomas got in from the one to make it 7-0 Saints. Brees then moved New Orleans 82 yards and threw a 34 yard touchdown pass to Hill for a 13-0 Saints lead. The extra point was blocked. Blair Walsh got the Vikings on the board with 25 and 30 yard field goals and a 40 yarder in the third quarter to get Minnesota within 13-9.
In the fourth quarter Brees moved the Saints 90 yards in 12 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. An 18 yard touchdown pass to Marques Colston gave the Saints some breathing room with 12 1/2 minutes left in the game. The defense did the rest as Vikings fans will soon demand that their star player be returned from a suspension that was caused by politically correct anti-football do-gooders trying to tell a man how to raise his kids. 20-9 Saints
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals — A 51 yard Catanzaro field goal put the Cardinals up 3-0, but Colin Kaepernick led a 12 play, 80 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive that culminated in a 2 yard touchdown to Michael Crabtree to make it 7-3 49ers after the opening quarter. The second quarter began with Arizona wrapping up a mind-numbing 17 play, 6 yard drive that ate up 8 minutes. Yet a false start penalty killed the drive and the Cardinals settled for a 32 yarder from Catanzaro to trail 7-6. The 49ers moved even slower, going 80 yards in 14 plays and needing 8 1/2 minutes. Yet the 49ers were finishing drives as Carlos Hyde ran it in from 6 yards out to make it 14-6 49ers.
In the third quarter Drew Stanton threw a 24 yard touchdown pass to Brown to get the Cardinals within 14-13. It was deja vu all over again as Stanton went to Brown for a 21 yard score and a 20-14 Cardinals lead. The 49ers moved down the field when a critical blunder derailed them. An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Anquon Boldin turned what would have been 1st and goal at the 6 to 1st and 10 at the Arizona 21 as the third quarter ended. The fourth quarter began with the 49ers again getting inside the 10 only to have a clipping penalty push them back. In what may have been a first, the 49ers faced 3rd and goal from the 34. A short pass was followed by a long field goal try that was blocked.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Cardinals in red missed a golden opportunity to bury the red and gold. Needing only a field goal to make it a two score game, inside the 10 the Cardinals passed the ball. Larry Fitzgerald fumbled at the 9 and the 49ers recovered. Arizona got it back, and this time played it very conservatively. From the San Francisco 11, the 49ers took their last timeout just past the 2 minute warning. Stanton took a couple of knees and Catanzaro came in for the 35 yarder with 34 seconds left. Catanzaro was good, and the it was the preseason darlings the 49ers who were staring at a 1-2 record. 23-14 Cardinals
Kansas City Chiefs at Miami Dolphins — After 23 minutes of boring, scoreless football, Davis burst for a 21 yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 Chiefs and make Andy Reid one happy Walrus Lite. Alex Smith then threw a 20 yard touchdown pass to Kelce to make it 14-0 Chiefs. Caleb Sturgis hit a 22 yard field goal to have the Dolphins trailing 14-3 at break time.
In the third quarter a sack of Smith meant a fumble and Miami possession at the Chiefs 19. On 3rd and goal from the 1, Ryan Tannehill hit Brad Hartline for the score to get the Dolphins within 14-10. Unsportsmanlike conduct on Miami gave the Cheifs good field position to start their next drive, and Smith hit McKnight from 11 yards out to make it 21-10 Chiefs. Sturgis would hit a 51 yard field goal to get Miami within 21-13. Smith was then sacked in the end zone for a safety as Miami clawed to within 21-15. A 47 yard punt return by Hammond set up the Chiefs at the Miami 44. Smith hit McKnight for the 4 yard touchdown and the 27-15 Chiefs lead with 4 1/2 minutes to play.
The Dolphins turned it over on downs but Kansas City fumbled the ball right back rather than put the game away. On 3rd and 1 from the Miami 37, Tannehill threw incomplete just before the 2 minute warning. On 4th and 1 a running play went nowhere and the fish were finally fried. Kansas City added one more touchdown from Gray from 6 yards out with 15 seconds left to complete the scoring as Kansas City got the road win in the battle between uninspiring teams going nowhere. 34-15 Chiefs
Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks — 7 months after losing the Super Bowl by 35 points, the Broncos got off to an equally disastrous start. On their first offensive play from scrimmage, a fumble gave the ball to Seattle at the Denver 23. Pete Carroll immediately went to the bag of tricks. Russell Wilson lateraled to Jermaine Kearse, who then threw to Wilson. The quarterback turned receiver caught the ball for a 17 yard gain. Yet on 3rd and goal from the one, Marshawn Lynch lost a yard. Steve Hauschka’s 20 yard field goal made it 3-0 Seahawks.
This time Denver settled down. Peyton Manning led a 15 play, 75 yard drive that took over 7 minutes. On 3rd and goal from the 5, Manning threw incomplete. McManus hit the 24 yard field goal to tie the game 3-3. With 3 minutes left in the half, Wilson threw a 39 yard touchdown pass to Lockette for a 10-3 Seahawks advantage. On the first ensuing play from scrimmage, Denver fumbled the ball away again as Seattle took over at the Denver 36. Denver dodged a major bullet when the fumble call was reversed and ruled an incomplete pass. Nevertheless, the Seahawks stopped Denver, moved the ball, and added a dagger with only 12 seconds left in the half. Wilson hit Lynch for a 5 yard touchdown for a 17-3 Seahawks lead.
This time the Broncos trailed by 14 coming out of the locker room and not 22. More importantly, Seattle did not return the second half kickoff for a touchdown. Seattle missed a chance to put a stranglehold on the game when Hauschka missed a 46 yard field goal. Seattle avoided disaster when a sack of Russell caused a fumble that Russell hung on to just outside his own goal line. One play later Lynch was tackled in the end zone for a safety as Denver got within 17-5 with 13 minutes left in regulation.
Seattle stayed aggressive and paid for it when a Wilson pass was tipped by Aqib Talib and intercepted by Chris Harris to set up Denver at the Seattle 19 with 11 minutes left. Manning imitated his boss John Elway with a shovel pass. With 9 1/2 minutes left, the 3 yard touchdown to Julius Thomas had the Broncos only down 17-12. Denver held on defense and got the ball back at their own 19 with 6 minutes to play. At this point the man with the most fourth quarter and overtime comebacks in NFL history did what he does. With 2 1/2 minutes to play, Denver had a 3rd and 11 at the Seattle 25. Yet the Manning with 51 comebacks would not get number 52. The Legion of Boom did it again as Kam Chancellor intercepted Manning at the Seattle 13 and returned it 52 yards to the Denver 35.
Lynch atoned for his earlier miscue by running for exactly 10 yards, with a defensive personal foul moving Seattle near the Denver goal at the 2 minute warning. Denver still had 2 timeouts left. On 3rd and 7 from the Denver 11 with 1:48 left and Denver out of timeouts, Pete Carroll took no chances. Lynch gained one yard, the clock ticked down to one minute, and Hauschka came in for the 28 yarder. Hauschka was good, and the best Manning could hope for after a touchback was a tie in regulation.
Manning went deep and hit Sanders for a 42 yard gain and then spiked the ball with 30 seconds left. On 3rd and 10 Manning hit Sanders for 12 yards at the sideline with 24 seconds left. From the Seattle 26, Manning went deep and found a wide open Jacob Tamme for the touchdown in front of the stunned crowd. Only 18 seconds remained in the game but Denver still needed the 2 point conversion. Manning had time, stayed in the pocket, and fired to the back of the end zone. Inbetween 3 defenders, Denarius Thomas caught the ball and hung on. 80 yards in 41 seconds with 0 timeouts left a stunned crowd wondering how a big lead became a 20-20 game headed to overtime. Network executives wondered why this game could not have been the Super Bowl.
Seattle won the toss for overtime and elected to receive. After a touchback, Wilson ran for a critical first down on 3rd and 3. On 3rd and 4 from the Denver 29, Wilson scrambled and again got the first down. Defensive holding tacked on five more yards, moving the ball to the Denver 19. Wilson ran again, gaining 6 more yards. A perfectly executed screen pass to Percy Harvin meant 1st and goal at the 6. Lynch got the carry, and Beast mode met a Denver defender head on at the one. Lynch won the collision, barreled through into the end zone, and the game was over. 13 plays, 80 yards, and nearly 6 minutes got the job done. A field goal would have given Denver one possession, but a touchdown automatically ends the game as Manning never saw the ball in overtime. While Denver failed to get revenge, the NFL did get an instant classic. 26-20 Seahawks, OT
Pittsburgh Steelers at Carolina Panthers was the Sunday night game. The first half was a defensive slog. Graham Gano hit a 40 yard field goal to put the Panthers up 3-0. Shawn Suisham hit from 42 to end the first quarter, from 24 in the second quarter, and from 45 to end the half with the Steelers up 9-3. In the second half, the Panthers self-destructed under a hail of turnovers.
With Carolina facing 3rd and 15 from their own 25, Newton was sacked, causing a fumble that set up Pittsburgh at the Carolina 17. Ben Roethlisberger hit Aaron Brown for the 7 yard touchdown to make it 16-3 Steelers. Gano hit a 40 yard field goal to get within 16-6. Pittsburgh faced 2nd and 22 from their own 8 when Laveon Bell ripped off an 81 yard run to the Carolina 11. Big Ben threw another 7 yard touchdown to Brown to make it 23-6 Steelers.
Early in the fourth quarter Cam newton hit Greg Olsen for a 37 yard touchdown to get the Panthers within 23-13. Carolina forced a punt, but Chris Brown fumbled it twice on the same play. the ball went backward as a mad scramble in the end zone meant another Pittsburgh touchdown and a 30-13 Steelers lead. Later on Leguarrette Blount ripped off a 50 yard gain and then ran it in from 8 yards out to make it 37-13 Steelers. Bell and Blount combined to gash the Carolina defense for 265 yards on the ground. Carolina’s garbage time touchdown did little to change the fact that without their suspended defensive star, the Panthers are vulnerable to being in the mouth in the trenches. 37-19 Steelers
Chicago Bears at New York Jets was the Monday night game. Geno Smith threw a perfect pass to Ryan Mundy for a 45 yard touchdown to start the game. Monday plays defense for the Chicago Bears. Then the Jets fumbled a punt and the Bears recovered at the Jets 40. Jay Cutler immediately went bombs away and defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the 7. On 3rd and goal Cutler fired to the back of the end zone and found Marcellus Bennett. In addition to the 14-0 lead, the Bears also benefitted from a roughing the passer call on Cutler.
The Jets would get on the board when Nick Folk hit a 45 yard field goal, but Robbie Gould answered with a 24 yard kick of his own to make it 17-3 Bears. Folk came back again with a 28 yarder, and then Geno Smith moved the Jets 77 yards. A 19 yard pass to Kerley had the Jets only down 17-13.
The Bears took the second half kickoff and went right to work after the touchback. A 42 yard completion from Cutler to Jeffery led to a 3rd and 11 at the Jets 13. After having one touchdown pass called back by a penalty, Cutler hit Bennett for the score to make it 24-13 Jets. Geno Smith moved the Jets down the field but was intercepted in the end zone. Chicago moved backwards and a terrible punt on 4th and 21 from the Chicago 9 followed by a personal foul on the Bears gave the Jets a short field at the Chicago 28. Yet on 3rd and goal at the 2, Smith lost a couple yards. Folk hit the field goal as the Jets trailed 24-16 after three quarters.
The Jets got it back and moved the ball again. On 3rd and 2 from the Bears 24, Smith threw incomplete. Folk’s fourth field goal from 42 yards out cut the Bears lead to 24-19 with 10 minutes left in regulation. Cutler bled the clock, taking nearly 7 minutes of time. Yet on 3rd and 4 from the Jets 27, Cutler was sacked. Gould nailed the 45 yard field goal but the Jets still had life down by 8 with 3:10 to play. The Jets received a gift from the officials when a 4th and 3 pass from the Jets 27 was ruled a first down. Although it appeared Amaro was tackled short of the first down marker, the officials rejected Chicago’s challenge.
Smith blundered on 3rd and 6 from the Jets 34. The Bears jumped offsides, but Smith never snapped the ball. The Jets then had a false start, so instead of 3rd and 1 it became 3rd and 11. Smith then made up for it by calmly finding Greg Salas for a 51 yard gain to the Bears 20 with 1:40 to play. Smith threw incomplete but instead of 3rd and 9 it was 1st and 10 thanks to defensive holding. With one minute to go it came down to 4th and 5 from the 9. Under heavy pressure, Smith threw a prayer to Kerley. Kerley caught it, but he was out of the back of the end zone. For the second week in a row, Chicago win a night game on the road. 27-19 Jets
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