THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

2014 Week 8 Recap

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San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos was the Thursday night game. After a scoreless opening quarter, Peyton Manning extended his NFL record for touchdown passes by playing pitch and catch with Emanuel Sanders all night. A 2 yard touchdown between them made it 7-0 Broncos. Philip Rivers led a 13 play, 84 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive that tied the game 7-7 with a 2 yard touchdown pass to Keenan Allen.

The Broncos just had too much firepower. A 31 yard touchdown connection between Manning and Sanders had the Broncos up 14-7 at halftime. In the third quarter Manning and Sanders hooked up a third time. Manning’s 513th touchdown pass from three yards out made it 21-7 Broncos. Denver got it back and scored on the ground when Thompson ran it in from 2 yards out to make it 28-7 Broncos.

Rivers tried to rally the Chargers as a 4 yard touchdown pass to Antonio Gates got San Diego within 28-14. Yet Thompson in the fourth quarter scored again from the one to make it 35-14 Broncos and put the game out of reach. Rivers and Gates hooked up again on a 10 yard score but it was too little, too late. Consecutive division losses may put the Rivers MVP talk on hold. Only one player has been the league MVP more than three times. Manning has won it five times, and is on pace for number six. 35-21 Broncos

Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons in London — The first half was all Falcons as Matt Ryan threw touchdown passes of 7 yards to Freeman and one yard to Pascoe in the first quarter and Stephen Jackson had a one yard touchdown run in the second quarter. A 21-0 lead is not safe for the woeful Falcons, especially not against the resilient Lions.

In the third quarter Matthew Stafford led a 15 play, 76 yard drive that took 7 minutes off the clock. Matt Prater hit a 22 yard field goal. Detroit got it back and Stafford then threw a 59 yard touchdown pass to Golden Tate to get Detroit within 21-10 after three quarters. At the end of the third quarter Matt Ryan was intercepted, giving Detroit the ball at the Atlanta 7. Yet again Detroit could not get past the 2 and settled for a 20 yard Prater field goal to get within 21-13.

Detroit got it back and with 4 minutes left in regulation Stafford completed a 13 play, 69 yard drive that took 7 1/2 minutes off the clock. Stafford hit Riddick for a 5 yard touchdown but the 2 point conversion failed. Down 21-19, Detroit needed the ball back. Atlanta moved the ball after a touchback but on 3rd and 10 from the Detroit 40, Ryan threw incomplete. With 1:46 to play, Mike Smith opted against going for it or trying a 58 yard field goal to make it a 5 point game. Detroit only needed a field goal to win it now, but a good punt pinned the Lions at their own 7.

Stafford quickly went to Tate for a 32 yard gain. With 4 seconds left, Prater came in for a 43 yard field goal to win it. The kick was no good, but Detroit was called for delay of game. That penalty cant be declined, so Detroit benefitted from the penalty against them. From 48 yards out, Prater was good and the Lions had the thrilling comeback win. 22-21 Lions

Minnesota Vikings at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Blair Walsh hit a 46 yard field goal on the last play of the half for Minnesota. In the third quarter Teddy Bridgewater threw a 17 yard touchdown pass to Greg Jennings to make it 10-0 Vikings. In the fourth quarter Murray hit 54 and 45 yard field goals to get the Buccaneers within 10-6. Just before the 2 minute warning Mike Glennon hit Seferian-Jenkins for a 7 yard touchdown for the comeback 13-10 lead. Yet the one game that did not deserve overtime got it as Walsh hit a 38 yarder at the gun to tie the game 13-13. Thankfully the extra session lasted only one play. An awful game between awful teams ended with awful football, as a fumble by the Buccaneers was returned 27 yards for the winning Minnesota touchdown. 19-13 Vikings, OT

Chicago Bears at New England Patriots — Tom Brady threw a 6 yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski to make it 7-0 Patriots. Brady led a staggering 17 play, 68 yard drive that took 7 minutes in the second quarter, but the Patriots settled for a 23 yard Stephen Gostkowski field goal and a 10-0 lead. New England actually gambled on 4th and goal from the one and lost yards, but benefitted from a  false start against them. That penalty cannot be declined. New England got it back and 10 plays, 76 yards and 5 1/2 minutes later, Brady was hitting Wright from one yard out to make it 17-0 Patriots.

Jay Cutler would throw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Matt Forte to get the Bears on the board down 17-7.Brady bought the Patriots back 80 yards in 10 plays as a 2 yard touchdown pass to Rob Gronkowski just past the 2 minute warning made it 24-7 Patriots.

Chicago went 3 and out and Julian Edelman returned it 42 yards. On 1st and goal from the 9, Brady hit LaFell for the score and a 31-7 Patriots lead with just over one minute left in the half. After a touchback, Cutler was promptly sacked, causing a fumble that was recovered by Rob Ninkovich. Ninkovich returned the fumble 15 yards for a score as the Patriots were blasting the Bears 38-7 at halftime. In the third quarter Brady threw his fifth touchdown pass of the game, a 46 yarder to Gronkowski to make it 45-7. Brady finished 30 of 35 with 354 yards passing. 51-23 Patriots

St. Louis Rams at Kansas City Chiefs — Austin Davis threw a one yard touchdown pas to Kendricks to make it 7-0 Rams in the battle of Missouri. Jamal Charles got in from the one in the second quarter to tie it 7-7. Carlo Santos hit a 53 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Chiefs at halftime. The third quarter began with a bang as Davis returned the kickoff 99 yards to make it 17-7 Chiefs. Santos added a 28 yarder in the third quarter to make it 20-7 Chiefs. Jamal Charles broke off a 36 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to make it 27-7 Chiefs.

Davis closed out the scoring with a 3 yard touchdown to complete the blowout and make Andy Reid one happy Walrus Lite. In typical dink and dunk game manager fashion, Alex Smith went 24 of 28 without a touchdown pass or an interception. Kansas City fans then had to decide whether to watch another sport that night or Chiefs highlights. 34-7 Chiefs

Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers — For the third straight year, Seattle traveled to Carolina. Seattle won the last two n defensive slugfests. In this one Graham Gano hit a 31 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Panthers. In the second quarter Gano hit from 26 as a pair of 6 1/2 minute drives did not reach the end zone. Percy Harvin is gone, but Richardson returned a kick 47 yards for Seattle. Needing a spark, Pete Carroll had Steve Hauschka try a 58 yard field goal. Hauschka leveled it and the Seahawks were within 6-3. Russell Wilson led the Seahawks deep when a short pass to the end zone bounced straight off the receivers hands. The touchdown instead became a ricochet and an interception. Early in the fourth quarter Hauschka hit from 29 to tie it 6-6. With 4 1/2 minutes left Gano hit from 46 to make it 9-6 Panthers.

With 47 seconds left, Wilson found his near namesake Willson in the end zone for a 23 yard touchdown pass to give Seattle the 4 point lead.

Buffalo Bills at New York Jets — Kyle Orton threw a 22 yard touchdown pass to Woods to make it 7-0 Bills. Geno Smith then threw a 26 yard pass to Williams, who plays defense for Buffalo. Smith’s second interception set up the Bills at the Jets one yard line, where Orton hit Smith for the score to make it 14-0 Bills. Rex Ryan began sending out his resume.

Smith completed five of his first eight passes, but three of those completions went to the Buffalo defense. After 10 1/2 minutes, Rex Ryan benched him for Michael Vick. Ryan might be coaching the Jets next year had he made his move six games ago.

Vick did lead a 13 play, 76 yard drive that took 5 minutes. Chris Ivory ran it in from the 2 to get the Jets within 14-7 in the second quarter. Buffalo then faced 3rd and 7 from their own 11 when Orton went deep to Sammy Watkins for an 84 yard gain. Summers got the last 2 yards to make it 21-7 Bills. After Vick fumbled, Dan Carpenter hit a 53 yard field goal to make it 24-7 Bills.

Yet Vick bought the Jets back as a 74 yard drive finished with ivory getting in again from the 2 to get the Jets within 24-14 with 1:55 left in the half. Buffalo went 3 and out and the Jets got it back at their own 42 with 33 seconds left in the half. Nick Folk nailed a 55 yard field goal as the half ended with the Jets only down 24-17.

In the third quarter a field position game gave the Bills a short field. Carpenter hit from 36 to make it 27-17 Bills. Vick was then sacked and fumbled, giving Buffalo the ball at the Jets 10. Buffalo settled for a 29 yard Carpenter field goal to lead 30-17. The third quarter saw Vick intercepted again and the Bills starting at the Jets 14. Orson threw a 12 yard touchdown pass to Chandler to make it 37-17. Orson would later throw a 61 yard touchdown to Sammy Watkins to make it 43-17. Rex Ryan is a good man. He deserves better. His team does not.

Miami Dolphins at Jacksonville Jaguars — On the first play of the second quarter, Blake Bortles was intercepted by Delmas, who returned it 81 yards for a touchdown and a 7-0 Dolphins lead. Bottles responded and led a 14 play, 66 yard drive that took nearly 8 1/2 minutes off the clock. Yet the Jaguars had to settle for a 30 yard Josh Scobee field goal to trail 7-3. Caleb Sturgis hit from 43 to make it 10-3 Dolphins at halftime.

In the third quarter Bortles was intercepted by Grimes, who returned it 22 yards for another Miami touchdown and a 17-3 Dolphins lead. Scuba would hit a 40 yard field goal to get the Jaguars within 17-6. Ryan Tannehill then moved the Dolphins 95 yards as a 3 yard touchdown pass to Ryan Matthews made it 24-6 Dolphins.

Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans — This rivalry is as nasty as the Arab-Israeli conflict, which makes sense given that Titans Quarterback Zach Mettenberger could be Jewish and Houston is within driving distance of Palestine, Texas. The Jake Locker era appears over as rookie Mettenberger got the start instead of the oft-injured Locker and the ineffective Charlie Whitehorse. Dexter McCluster returned a punt 48 yards to set up a 35 yard field goal by Ryan Succop to make it 3-0 Titans. Randy Bullock responded from 30 in the second quarter to make it 3-3.

Arian Foster broke off a 34 yard touchdown run to make it 10-3 Texans. Ryan Bullock hit a 29 yarder to send the Texans to the locker rooms up 13-3. In third quarter after a sack caused a Mettenberger fumble, Houston took over at the Tennessee 20. Foster ran it in from 5 yards out to make it 20-3 Texans. Houston got it back and moved 98 yards, as a 43 yard run by Foster down to the one was followed by Foster getting the final yard for a 27-3 Texans lead.

Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals — Red Rifle Andy Dalton completed an 80 yard drive by sneaking in the last yard himself to make it 7-0 Bengals. Justin Tucker hit 45 and 50 yard field goals in the second quarter to get the Ravens within 7-6. In the third quarter an interception of Joe Flaco set up the Bengals near midfield. Bernard got in from the one to make it 14-6 Bengals. Flacco was intercepted again to set up the Bengals at the Ravens 18. Mike Nugent hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 17-6 Bengals.

Taliaferro ran it in from 10 yards out and the 2 point conversion was good as the Ravens only trailed 17-14. Nugget hit a 33 yard field goal to make it 20-14 Bengals with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

With the Bengals facing 2nd and 6 from the Baltimore 32, Dalton as sacked and fumbled. Haloti Ngata returned the fumble 39 yards to the Cincy 8. Taliaferro scored on the next play to make it 21-20 Ravens with 6 1/2  minutes to play. Dalton was then quickly intercepted. Tucker hit a 53 yard field goal to make it 24-20 Ravens with 4 minutes left.

After a touchback, Dalton moved the Bengals to the play of the game, fourth and goal at the one with one minute left. Dalton took the quarterback sneak and the line surged forward for the touchdown. On 3rd and 10 from the Baltimore 20, Flacco went deep to Steve Smith for an 80 yard touchdown. Before the Ravens could celebrate another thrilling miracle win, offensive pass interference on Smith nullified the score. The Bengals held on for the tough division win. 27-24 Bengals

Philadelphia Eagles at Arizona Cardinals — Nick Foles moved the Eagles 80 yards early as a 21 yard touchdown pass to Jeremy Maclin made it 7-0 Eagles. A 13 play, 80 yard, 6 minute drive in the second quarter saw Andre Ellington get in from the one to tie the game 7-7. On the third play of the third quarter with the Cardinals facing 3rd and 10 at their own 20, Carson Palmer hit Larry Fitzgerald, who outraced everybody for an 80 yard touchdown and a 14-7 Cardinals lead. Parker hit a 54 yard field goal to get the Eagles within 14-10. Later on Foles went deep to Jeremy Maclin for a 54 yard touchdown to make it 17-14 Eagles.

An interception of Foles gave the Cardinals a short field in the fourth quarter. Catanzaro hit a 28 yard field goal with 9 minutes left in regulation to tie the game 17-17. Folks then led a 79 play, 7 minute drive. On 3rd and 1 from the 2, LeSean McCoy got stopped. Now it was decision time in what turned out to be the most exciting two minutes to end a game this year.

At the two minute warning Chip Kelly on fourth and goal at the Arizona one went for the field goal. The Eagles led by 3 instead of 7. Moments later Carson Palmer threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to John Brown with 90 seconds left. With the Eagles down by four instead of tied, it came down to one play from the Arizona 16 with one second left. Foles went to the end zone, but it was caught out of bounds incomplete and the Cardinals won another desert thriller. A rematch in the NFC Title Game would be a blockbuster. 24-20 Cardinals

Indianapolis Colts at Pittsburgh Steelers — Adam Vinatieri hit a 31 yard field goal to put the Colts on the board first. Ben Roethlisberger moved the Steelers 80 yards as an 18 yard touchdown pas to Wheaton made it 7-3 Steelers. Big Ben then led a 12 play, 76 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive. On the first play of the second quarter, Roethlisberger hit Bryant for the 5 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Steelers. 2 plays later Andrew Luck had an interception returned 33 yards for a touchdown by William Gay to make it 21-3 Steelers.

Luck would move the Colts 86 yards as a 21 yard touchdown pass to Allen got the Colts within 21-10. Big Ben quickly moved the Steelers 87 yards as an 8 yard touchdown pass to Antonio Brown made it 28-10 Steelers. Soon after Big Ben went back to Brown for a 47 yard touchdown to make it 35-10 Steelers. At that point Roethlisberger was 18 of 20 for 274 yards passing and four touchdowns.

Five minutes still remained in the half, and the team that overcame a 28 point second half playoff deficit last year was not going to fold. Andrew Luck hit TY Hilton for a 28 yard touchdown. Then the Colts blocked a punt, leading to a 23 yard Vinatieri field goal to end the half with the Colts within 35-20.

In the third quarter Roethlisberger quickly moved the Steelers 80 yards as his fifth touchdown pass of 2 yards to Bryant made it 42-20 Steelers. Late in the third quarter Ahmad Bradshaw scored from 12 yards out to get the Colts within 42-27. The Steelers fumbled on the first ensuing play from scrimmage to give the Colts a short field. Luck went deep to Moncrief for a 31 yard touchdown as the Colts only trailed 42-34 after three quarters.

Pittsburgh moved to the Colts 11 early in the fourth quarter, but Blount fumbled the ball and the Colts took over at their own 5. Luck had led a 28 point playoff comeback last year, and he was working on another miracle. Yet this time Luck was sacked for a safety after tripping on his own offensive lineman. Although it looked like Luck was just outside the end zone, the call stood and the Steelers led 44-34.

Pittsburgh held onto the ball for 7 minutes to a critical 4th and 1 at the Colts 11. Mike Tomlin went for it and Roethlisberger threw a touchdown pass to Heath Miller to finally put the pesky Colts away. Roethlisberger nearly broke the NFL record in finishing with 522 yards passing while completing 40 of 49 passes and six touchdown passes without an interception. Those who want to anoint the Colts and bury the Steelers should remember that Roethlisberger has been to three Super Bowls, winning two rings. 51-34 Steelers

Oakland Raiders at Cleveland Browns — The winless Raiders saw a ray of hope at the beginning of this game when Derek Carr moved them from the Oakland 20 to the Cleveland 37. Tony Sparano decided to go to the bag of tricks, as Carr handed to Darren McFadden, who threw it deep to Carr. Despite defensive pass interference, there was no call. On fourth and 12 Sebastian Janikowski came in for a 57 yard field goal try. Backup quarterback Matt Schaub was the holder. Sprain called a fake field goal. After a bad snap was mishandled by Schaub, his first pass of the year was intercepted. The short field allowed Billy Cundiff to kick a 52 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Browns.

Carr moved the Raiders from their 15 to a 3rd and 2 at their 40 before an incomplete pass ended the drive. From the Cleveland 28, A short pass from Bryan Hoyer to Gabriel went for 48 yards. On 3rd and 10 from the Oakland 24, a completion came up one yard short. However, defensive holding meant an automatic first down. The defense finally held and Cundiff hit a 33 yarder to make it 6-0 Browns. On the next Oakland series the Raiders faced 3rd and 1 at their own 47, and a run went nowhere except to another punt. Hoyer moved the Browns 83 yards in 11 plays and 5 minutes but got no further than the 3 yard line. Candid hit from 25 to make it 9-0 Browns with 6 minutes left in the half.

The Raiders finally got on the board when Seabass hit from 46 to get the Silver and Black with 9-3 just past the 2 minute warning. Oakland held on defense and got it back at their own 36 with 1:24 left in the half. Carr quickly hit Andre Holmes for a 31 yard gain. A completion to Tomkins wet for 15 as Carr spiked the ball with 18 seconds left. From the Cleveland 22, whoever thought Dennis Allen was still coach called a short West Coast Offense dink and dunk pass that nearly ended the half. Carr spiked it again with 2 seconds left and Seabass hit from 38 as the thoroughly outplayed Raiders only trailed 9-6 at halftime.

The Browns went 3 and out to start the second half, as did the Raiders, as did the Browns again. The Raiders punted again and Cleveland fumbled it. However, the Browns dodged a bullet by retaining possession before punting again. Carr moved the Raiders on a 6 1/2 minute drive from the Oakland 9 to a 2nd and 6 at the Cleveland 29. Well within tying field goal range, McFadden gained 9 yards and a first down before fumbling the ball alway. Joe Haden returned it 34 yards to the Cleveland 47. One play later Bryan Hoyer went deep to Hawkins for a 32 yard gain as the third quarter ended.

Hoyer would hit Hawkins for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 16-6 Browns. With 3:20 to play from the Oakland 14, Carr was sacked and fumbled. Cleveland took over at the 9 and Tate got in from the 5 to make it 23-6 Browns. Carr hit Holmes for the garbage touchdown with 7 seconds left. Carr finished 34 of 54 for 328 yards, one touchdown, and zero interceptions. The only statistic that matters is zero wins and seven losses, as the Raiders try to avoid the third winless season in modern NFL history. 23-13 Browns

Green Bay Packers at New Orleans Saints was the Sunday night game. 2009 Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees & 2010 Super Bowl MVP Aaron Rodgers meant a possible pinball machine. These teams kicked of the 2011 season where a goal line stand on the final play preserved a 42-34 Packers thriller in Green Bay. This time they played in New Orleans. 2 minutes into the game, Rodgers went bombs away to Randall Cobb for a 70 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Packers lead. Bree came right back with a 45 yard bomb to Kenny Stills to set up a 4 yard run by Cooks to tie the game 7-7.

After that both Rodgers and Brees kept firing but for the rest of the half had to watch Mason Crosby kick field goals to give Green Bay the lead and Shane Graham respond to tie the game. Crosby hit from 31, 49 and 27 while Graham hit from 31, 29 and 37 in a game that was deadlocked 10-10 after one quarter and 16-16 at the half.

Rodgers finished 28 of 39 for 418 yards while Brees was 27 of 32 for 311 yards. The difference was that Brees had three touchdown passes, all of them after halftime, to break open the game. Brees was not picked off while Rodgers opened the game with a touchdown bomb but the rest of the way only threw a pair of interceptions in the second half.

In the third quarter the Packers had third and goal at the 5 when Rodgers threw a killer interception at the 2. Brees went to Cooks for a 50 yard touchdown to give the Saints the lead they would not relinquish. Green Bay then gambled on 4th and 1 from their own 40 and Eddie Lacy got nothing. Brees took the short field and hit Graham for the 22 yard touchdown to make it 30-16 Saints. In the fourth quarter Rodgers again threw an interception as the Saints took over at their own 29. Bree would hit Hill for a two yard score to make it 37-16.

Rodgers would scramble for a 14 yard touchdown with 5 minutes to play but it was not enough. For the second time in the game, an onside kick failed as the short field again led to a Saints touchdown. Mark Ingram ran it in from 22 yards out to complete the scoring. 44-23 Saints

Washington at Dallas Cowboys was the Monday night game. A turnover filled first half saw Kai Forbath hit a 44 yard field goal in the first quarter. In the second quarter Tony Romo found Dez Bryant for a 5 yard touchdown as Bryant lunged just past the marker and had the Cowboys up 7-3 at halftime. In the third quarter Alfred Morris ran it in from five yards out to cap an 80 yard drive and put the Redskins up 10-7.

Midway through the third quarter Romo got belted on a clean blindside hit and stayed down for several minutes. He eventually got up and walked off under his own power, but Brandon Weeden took over. Romo’s health is the difference between Dallas being a real Super Bowl contender and missing the playoffs entirely.

DeMarco Murray broke off a 51 yard run but got caught at the 5 yard line. Washington held on defense as a 21 yard field goal by Dan Bailey tied the game 10-10 with 4 minutes left in the third quarter. Early in the fourth quarter on 3rd and goal from the 6, Colt McCoy ran the quarterback draw for the touchdown and the 17-10 Redskins lead. Weeden bought the Cowboys back and a 25 yard touchdown pass to Jason Witten tied the game 17-17 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

With 3:45 to play the Redskins faced 4th and 1 just past midfield. Jay Gruden decided to go for it. Meanwhile Tony Romo came out of the locker room and demanded to come back in the game when Dallas got the ball back. McCoy converted the first down but with the Redskins driving, a pair of critical mistakes killed them. After a delay of game penalty, McCoy was sacked. Jay Gruden decided against a 60 yard field goal at the 2 minute warning. A perfect punned the Cowboys back at their own 3 yard line. Romo reentered the game.

Romo got belted again on a blitz and fumbled the ball. Somehow Dallas retained possession with one minute left. On 3rd and 8 Romo threw a pass that was somehow caught for a first down reception rather than an interception.  After twice nearly giving the game away, the Cowboys were lucky to make it to overtime as Gruden and his defensive coordinator Jim Haslett brought the house.

Washington got the ball to start overtime and McCoy moved the Redskins from their own 20 to a 3rd and 3 at the Dallas 22. McCoy completed a pass for no gain. Forbath made the field goal to give the Redskins the lead, but the Cowboys would still have one chance with the ball. Dallas soon faced 4th and 3 from their own 27. Under heavy pressure, Romo fired incomplete and the Redskins had the stunning road win. 20-17 Redskins, OT

NFL 2014 Week 8 Prequel

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eric

NFL 2014 Week 7 Recap

In this quarterback-driven league, Aaron Rodgers kept rolling, Drew Brees had an uncharacteristic meltdown, Tom Brady survived despite being out=played, and Kyle Orton gritted out another ugly win that has defined his career. The start to the World Series would get trounced in the ratings by football fans looking to see Peyton Manning try and surpass Brett Favre for the all time touchdown passes record. With that, here is the NFL 2014 Week 7 Recap.

New York Jets @ New England Patriots was the Thursday night game. The woeful Jets went on the road and were expected to be roadkill against the New England Patriots. As ESPN uber-announcer Chris Berman reminds us, “That’s why they play the games.”

Tom Brady threw a 49 yard touchdown pass to Shane Vereen less than 90 seconds into the game, but the quick 7-0 Patirots lead did not lead to the expected blowout. The Jets would repeatedly drive the field, but would settle for far too many field goals. Nick Folk hit from 22 and 47 in the first quarter and from 46 in the second quarter to make it 9-7 Jets. Meanwhile, the Patriots scored touchdowns as a 3 yard toss from Brady to Vereen Made it 14-9 Patriots. Folk’s fourth field goal of the first half from 27 got the Jets within 14-12. With only one minute left in the half, Brady moved the Patriots into position for Stephen Gostkowski to hit a 39 yard field goal. As the half expired, the kick was good and the Patriots took a 17-12 lead into the locker rooms. Nevertheless, New England was in a streetlight.

An 11 play, 6 minute drive moved the Jets 80 yards and this time Richardson got in from the one as the Jets led 19-17. The Patriots moved to a 4th and 1 at the Jets 18 where Bill Bellichick played it safe. Gostkowski hit from 36 as the Patriots regained the lead 20-19. A field position game in the fourth quarter had the Patriots starting at the Jets 46. Midway through the fourth quarter, Brady’s third touchdown pass to Danny Amendola for 19 yards put the Patriots up by 8 points.

Geno Smith moved the Jets down the field, as a 10 yard touchdown pass to Cumberland had the Jets within 2 points with 2 1/2 minutes to play. The 2 point conversion try to tie the game failed. The onside kick failed, giving the Patriots the ball at the Jets 46. Yet the Patriots could not put the game away, failing to gain a first down. The Jets got it back at their own 12 with 1:06 to play. Geno Smith became a warrior, moving the Jets into position. With 5 seconds to play, Folk’s fifth field goal try would come from 58 yards out. Would this be the upset of the year?

No. The kick was blocked. Despite the Jets gashing the Patriots for over 200 rushing yards and Smith not turning the ball over, the Patriots improved to 5-2 and the Jets fell to 1-6. The Jets fight hard for Rex Ryan, but as Hall of Famer Bill Parcells says, your record is what it is. Parcells was the coach of the injury-riddled 1999 Jets who began 1-6 but finished 8-8. Rex Ryan will show what he is made of down the stretch. 27-25 Patriots

Atlanta Falcons at Baltimore Ravens — Joe Flacco threw a bomb that led to defensive pass interference at the Atlanta 5 yard line. Flacco then threw the touchdown pass to Owen Daniels to make it 7-0 Ravens. In the second quarter Pierce ran it in from one yard out to make it 14-0 Ravens. Justin Tucker hit from 38 yards out to put the Ravens up 17-0 at halftime. Tucker hit from 38 in the third quarter to make it 20-0 Ravens. Matt Ryan would lead Atlanta 90 yards and throw a 10 yard fourth quarter touchdown to Roddy White, but a sack of Ryan for a safety turned out the lights. Baltimore added one more score when Flacco hit Troy Smith for a 39 yard touchdown. 29-7 Ravens

Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills — The Bills saw a promising drive fumbled away in the red zone. Then they got it back and fumbled in their own territory, setting up Minnesota at the Buffalo 27. Blair Walsh hit a 40 yard field goal for the 3-0 Vikings lead. Teddy Bridgewater’s second interception set up the Bills at the Minnesota 26. One play was enough for Kyle Orton to go deep to Sammy Watkins for a 7-3 Bills lead. Bridgewater brought the Vikings back, as a 4 yard touchdown pass to Cordarelle Patterson put the Vikings up 10-7. Buffalo came back again as Dan Carpenter hit a 31 yard field goal to tie the game 10-10. Walsh drilled a 55 yard field goal to make it 13-10 Vikings at halftime.

In the fourth quarter Walsh hit from 33 to make it 16-10 Vikings.  Buffalo’s last drive began at their own 20 with 3 minutes left in the game. With 1:18 to play the Bills faced fourth and 20 from their own 40. Orton found Chandler for 24 yards. With 25 seconds left, on 2nd and 20 from the 30, Orton found Hogan for 29 yards. Orton spiked the ball and stopped the clock with 5 seconds left. With time for one play from the 2 yard line, Orton fired to Sammy Watkins for the winning touchdown as the home crowd erupted. 17-16 Bills.

Miami Dolphins at Chicago Bears — Ryan Tannehill threw a 13 yard touchdown pass to Clay for a 7-0 Dolphins lead. In the second quarter a Jay Cutler interception was returned deep into the Chicago red zone. Tannehill then found Mike Wallace for a 10 yard touchdown and a 14-0 Dolphins lead at the half. Cutler would lead the Bears on a 12 play, 80 yard, 7 minute drive as a 10 yard touchdown pass to Matt Forte got Chicago within 14-7 in the third quarter. Miami responded with a 13 play, 83 yard drive that took up 7 1/2 minutes as a 2 yard Miller run made it 21-7 Dolphins. In the fourth quarter Cutler was sacked and fumbled, giving Miami the ball in the red zone. Caleb Sturgis hit a 33 yard field goal to make it 24-7 Dolphins.

Forte would score again from one yard out, but a 12 play, 65 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive bled the clock for Miami. The could not get past the one yard line, but by then it did not matter. Sturgis tacked on the 19 yarder to end the scoring. 27-14 Dolphins

New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions — A scoreless opening quarter ended with Matthew Stafford being intercepted, setting up the Saints at the Detroit 29. Drew Brees hit Johnson for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Saints. Late in the half both teams drove deep into the red zone but and to settle for field goals. Matt Prater hit from 21 and Shane Graham responded from 27 as the Saints took a 10-3 lead into the locker rooms.

In the third quarter Brees hit Stills for a 46 yard touchdown and a 17-3 Saints lead. The Lions responded with a 12 play, 80 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive as Bell got in from the one to get the Lions within 17-10. In the fourth quarter Graham nailed field goals of 48 and 36 yards to have the Saints up 23-10. Yet the Lions got right back within 23-17 when Natthew Stafford found Golden Tate for a 73 yard touchdown combination.

Even Hall of Fame quarterbacks make mistakes. Brees finished 28 of 45 for 342 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but with 3:20 to play Brees gave the game away. An interception set up Detroit at the Saints 14 yard line. On 3rd and goal at the 5 Stafford hit Bell for the winning touchdown with 1:48 to play. With 27 seconds left and the Saints facing 4th and 3 at their 40 needing only a field goal to win it, Brees threw incomplete. Jim Caldwell was so pleased he almost made a facial expression. 24-23 Lions

Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers — Aaron Rodgers threw a 59 yard touchdown bomb to Jordy Nelson as the Packers took a 7-0 lead. The Packers got it back and Eddie Lacy ran it in from 5 yards out to make it 14-0 Packers. Green Bay stayed perfect as Starks scored from 13 yards out on their next drive to have the Packers cruising 21-0. In the second quarter Rodgers moved the Packers 94 yards as a 3 yard touchdown pass to Randall Cobb made it 28-0 Packers. After a Graham Gano field goal to get Carolina on the board before the half, Rodgers in the third quarter continued the blowout with a 21 yard touchdown pass to Adams to make it 35-3 Packers.  Green Bay cruised from there. 38-17 Packers

Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts — A 23 yard field goal had the Colts up 3-0. In the second quarter Ahmad Bradhsaw ran it in from the one to make it 10-0 Colts. In the third quarter Andrew Luck hit Allen for a 32 yard touchdown to make it 17-0 Colts. In the fourth quarter Luck hit Bradshaw for a 10 yard touchdown and Adam Vinatieri hit from 50 to complete the scoring. 27-0 Colts

Cleveland Browns at Jacksonville Jaguars — An interception of Blake Bortles by Gipson was returned 31 yards to the Jacksonville 17. The Browns lost 5 yards but Billy Cundiff hit from 40 to make it 3-0 Browns. In the second quarter Bryan Hoyer led a 14 play, 76 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive but again the Browns settled for a 22 yard Cundiff field goal to lead 6-0. An interception of Blake Bortles with 3 minutes left in the half gave the Browns a golden chance to expand the lead with a short field. Yet on 4th and 1 from the Jacksonville 24, Mike Pettine decided to go for it and Hoyer threw incomplete. With 90 seconds left, Bortles went wild, as a 31 yard touchdown pass to Robinson put the Jaguars in front. Despite being outplayed for 28 minutes, the Jaguars led 7-6 at halftime.

In the third quarter a sack of Hoyer meant a fumble and Jacksonville’s ball at the Cleveland 25. Josh Scobee hit a 30 yard field goal to make it 10-6 Jaguars. With 6 minutes left in the fourth quarter the Browns fumbled a punt and Jacksonville took over at the Browns 8 yard line. Robinson ran it in on the next play to make it 17-6 Jaguars. Hoyer then threw an interception that set the Jaguars up at the Browns 7. Johnson got in from 3 yards out to finally get the Jaguars their first win of the year. 24-6 Jaguars.

Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams — Seattle drove deep but had to settle for a 24 yard Steve Hauschka field goal for a 3-0 Seahawks lead. Cunningham returned the ensuing kickoff 75 yards to the Seattle 31. Tre Mason ran up the middle for a 6 yard touchdown for a 7-3 Rams lead. The Rams got it back and Austin Davis moved them 74 yards in the second quarter as a 5 yard touchdown pass to Cunningham made it 14-3 Rams. Davis completed his first 8 passes for only 35 yards, but it was enough. When Stedman Bailey returned a punt 88 yards for another Rams touchdown, the jubilant crowd exploded as St. Louis led 21-3.

Hauchka hit a 35 yard field goal late in the half. In the third quarter Russell Wilson led Seattle 82 yards in 12 plays and 6 minutes as a 19 yard touchdown run by Wilson got the Seahawks within 21-13. Seattle got it back and Wilson moved them 91 yards, as a 19 yard touchdown pass to Helfet got the Seahawks within 21-19.

The Rams moved 80 yards as Davis hit Kendricks for a 4 yard touchdown. The Rams got breathing room up 28-19 with 5 1/2 minutes to play. Breathing room rapidly disappeared as Wilson mode Seattle 80 yards and found Doug Baldwin for a 9 yard touchdown. With 3 1/2 minutes left Seattle trailed by 2 and needed the ball back to give the Rams another collapse at home against a division rival.

With three minutes left and the Rams clinging to a two-point lead, Jeff Fisher showed that he had cojones of steel. Fisher called a fake punt with the Rams facing fourth and three at their own 18. The gamble worked as the Rams got the first down and ran out the clock. With 1:15 left and the Seahawks out of timeouts, the Rams faced 3rd and 1 at their own 45. Mason got the first down and the game looked over until Mason fumbled. A Seattle recovery and winning field goal would ruin Fisher’s heroism, but after a wild scramble somehow the Rams retained possession. Pete Carroll insisted the Seahawks recovered the ball and replay showed he may have been right. A lot happens at the bottom of a pile, and this time the cursed Rams got a lucky break. 28-26 Rams

Tennessee Titans at Washington Redskins — A battle of terrible football teams saw Kai Forbath hit a 31 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Redskins. Washington got it back and Kirk Cousins was sacked and fumbled, giving the Titans the ball at the Washington 15. The Titans lost 3 yards and Ryan Succop hit from 36 to tie the Stpur Bowl 3-3. In the second quarter Forbath hit again from 31 to make it 6-3 Redskins. After an interception of Kirk Cousins gave the Titans a short field, Charlie Whitehurst hit Wright for a 14 yard touchdown and a 10-6 Tennessee lead.

With RGIII injured and Cousins playing badly, Jay Gruden benched Cousins at halftime and brought in third stringer Colt McCoy. On the second play of the third quarter, McCoy hit Pierre Garcon on a short pass that went for a 70 yard touchdown and a 13-10 Redskins lead. A fumbled punt to end the third quarter had the Redskins at the Titans 24. 90 seconds into the fourth quarter, Forbath’s third field goal from 27 made it 16-10 Redskins.

Charlie Whitehurst then led an 86 yard drive as a 38 yard touchdown pass to Hagan midway through the fourth quarter made it 17-16 Titans. After an exchange of punts Washington took over at their own 20 with 3:15 to play. With 43 seconds left the Redskins faced 3rd and 2 at the Titans 29. McCoy went deep and defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the 7. With 3 seconds left Forbath came in for the 22 yarder to win it. The kick was good and the Redskins, with McCoy completing 11 of 12 passes, won the Stupor Bowl.

Kansas City Chiefs at San Diego Chargers — Philip Rivers threw a one yard touchdown pass to Phillips for a 7-0 Chargers lead. In the second quarter Jamal Charles ran for a 16 yard touchdown to tie the game. The Chifs got it back and moved 56 yards in 14 plays, taking 9 1/2 minutes off the clock and Rovers cooling his heels on the sideline. Santos hit from 28 to make it 10-7 Chiefs with 3 minutes left in the half. With 55 seconds left in the half the Chargers were at their own 20. With 19 seconds left in the half the Chargers were already at the Chiefs 27. Rivers went deep into double coverage and the ball bounced off a defender before being caught by Antonio Gates for the touchdown. The Chargers took the 14-10 halftime lead.

In the third quarter the Chiefs moved 63 yards in 12 plays and 6 1/2 minutes but again settled for a 40 yard Santos field goal to trail 14-13. The Chiefs got it back t their 30 and moved to a critical 3rd and 5 at the Chargers 15. Alex Smith was sacked, but defensive holding meant an automatic first down. On the first play of the fourth quarter Smith completed the 11 play, 70 yard, 8 minute drive by hitting Sherman for the 11 yard touchdown to make it 20-14 Chiefs. Rivers moved the Chargers 77 yards in 12 plays and 5 minutes, but from the Chiefs 6 yard line threw incomplete twice. Nick Novak hit the 24 yard field goal to get the Chargers within 20-17 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. San Diego got it back at their own 12 and moved to the Chiefs 30. Novak hit the 48 yard field goal to tie the game 20-20 at the 2 minute warning.

The Chiefs took over at their own 8 and game manager Alex Smith showed that he is capable of winning games. He moved the Chiefs to the San Diego 30. With 26 seconds left Carlo Santos came in to break the tie. He barely snuck it over the crossbar and inside the right upright, which was more than good enough. Walrus Lite Andy Reid saw his team get another quality road win. 23-20 Chiefs.

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys — In the first quarter Tony Romo led a 15 play, 76 yard, 6 minute drive that culminated with Romo hitting Gavin Escobar for a 15 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Cowboys lead. In the second quarter the Giants moved from their own 29 to a 4th and at the Cowboys 38. Tom Coughlin decided to go for it. Eli Manning threw incomplete but defensive pass interference kept the drive going. Manning hit Odell Beckham for a 9 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

Romo then went deep and the receiver fell down, allowing Prince Amukamara a gift interception that he returned 38 yards to the Dallas 27. Manning went straight for the jugular as he found Fells for the touchdown and the 14-7 Giants lead. Tom Coughlin was so please he almost smiled. Romo then led a 10 play, 80 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive. A 19 yard touchdown pass to Terrence Williams tied the game 14-14.

In the third quarter Romo moved the Cowboys 93 yards as a 26 yard touchdown pass to Escobar made it 21-14 Cowboys. In the fourth quarter a Dallas defender ripped the ball out of the receiver’s hands for a first down at the Giants 27. A deep pass from Romo to Dez Bryant went for 24 yards down to the one. DeMarco Murray got the last yard to make it 28-14 Cowboys with 9 minutes left in regulation. Manning moved the ball 80 yards in 11 plays, and on 4th and goal at the 5 hit Beckham for the score. With 5 1/2 minutes left the Giants were within 7 and now needed a stop from the defense.

It never came. DeMarco Murray had over 100 yards rushing for the seventh straight game to start a season, an NFL record. Dan Baley hit the 49-yard field goal with one minute left to lock up the win. 31-21 Cowboys

Arizona Cardinals at Oakland Raiders — In 2006 the Oakland Raiders were 0-5 when they faced the Cardinals at home. The Raiders won 22-9. Would history repeat itself? Early on, no. Arizona moved the ball from their own 12 to a 3rd and goal at the 2. Carson Palmer threw a pass in the flat to Taylor, who was hit well short of the goal line. Taylor somehow kept his balance, and lunged forward. The ball broke the plane of the goal just before his knee came down for a 7-0 Cardinals lead. In the second quarter Palmer threw a 33 yard touchdown to Michael Floyd for a 14-0 Cardinals lead.

The Raiders in the first half had a long punt return to the red zone nullified by a penalty and a long bomb completion ruled incomplete. Yet from the Oakland 42 Derek Carr went deep again for a 55 yard bomb to Brice Butler to the Arizona 3 yard line. On 3rd and goal from the 2 at the 2 minute warning, Darren McFadden got in the end zone to get the Raiders within 14-7. Oakland

Oakland got it right back when a Palmer pass was thrown high, deflected, and intercepted by Charles Woodson. With 1:40 left the Raiders tok over at the Arizona 13. The offense went nowhere and the Raiders settled for a 29 yard Sebastian Janikowski field goal to trail 14-10. In the third quarter Carr moved the Raiders from their 16 to a 3rd and 2 at the Arizona 35. Under heavy pressure Carr threw incomplete. Seabass drilled a 53 yard field goal dead center as the Raiders trailed 14-13.

The Silver and Black momentum quickly evaporated as 80 yards came easily for the Cardinals. A 4 yard touchdown run by Taylor meant a 21-13 Cardinals lead. The Oakland defense needed stops and never got them as Palmer kept killing the Raiders on third down. Carson Palmer torched his old team as a late field goal sealed the win for the 5-1 NFC West leading Cardinals. The Tony Sparano Raiders have produced as many wins as the Dennis Allen Raiders as Oakland at 0-6 remained the last winless team. 24-13 Cardinals

San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos was the Sunday night game. Peyton Manning needed two touchdown passes to tie Brett Favre for the all-time NFL record and three to break the record. Manning tied the record before the first quarter ended with a 3 yard touchdown pass to Emanuel Sanders and a 39 yard touchdown to Wes Welker. Welker stretched and got just to the pylon for the 14-0  Broncos lead.

In the second quarter the 49ers moved from their 13 to the Denver 4, but Colin Kaepernick threw incomplete twice when his third down pass was just dropped. Phil Dawson hit the 22 yarder to get the 49ers on the board. Denver moved from their 20 to 2nd and goal at the one. History was delayed when Manning tripped over his own offensive lineman’s foot. Manning considered trying to throw it while sitting down on the field but took the sack. On 3rd and goal from the 8, history was made. With 3:15 left in the half, Manning fired to the corner of the end zone and Denarius Thomas just barely got his feet down. Touchdown number 509 gave the Broncos a 21-3 lead as a white horse emblazoned with 509 on it ran across the field. It was the most exciting NFL moment involving a white Bronco since OJ Simpson.

Kaepernick led an 80 yard drive that ended with a 4 yard touchdown pass to Stevie Johnson to get the 49ers within 21-10 at halftime. In the third quarter Kaepernick was intercepted by Aqib Tali, setting up the Broncos at the San Francisco 40. Manning immediately went deep to Thomas for his fourth touchdown on the night, his 510th overall, and a 28-10 Broncos lead. Manning then turned to the ground game as Ronnie Hillman broke off a 37 yard rushing touchdown and then barreled in from one yard out to make it 42-10 Broncos. Brock Osweiler finished the game, and is currently only 510 touchdowns behind Manning, who finished 22 of 26 for 318 yards, 0 interceptions, and those four touchdowns. 42-17 Broncos

Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers was the Monday night game. This game should have been dedicated to Jeremy Irons as Klaus Von Bulow since it was a total reversal of fortune. The Texans began with a 94 yard drive, going 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes before Ryan Fitzpatric hit Alfred Blue ran the final 11 yards to make it 7-0 Texans. Ryan Bullock added second quarter field goals of 39 and 38 yards, the first set up by  sack of Ben Roethlisberger that caused a fumble. With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half the Texans were up 13-0. They then simply self-destructed.

Shawn Suisham hit a 44 yard field goal to get the Steelers on the board. Houston went 3 and out and with 1:46 left The Steelers were at their own 37. Big Ben hit Leveon Bell for 28 yards and then went deep to bryant for the 35 yard touchdown to get the Steelers within 13-10. Houston fumbled the ensuing kickoff, retaining possession at their own 5. From the 6, they fumbled again, giving Pittsburgh the ball at the 3. Roethlisberger hit Antonio Brown for the touchdown. After a touchback, Fitzpatrick was quickly intercepted, giving Pittsburgh the ball at the Houston 8. Big Ben hit Bell for the 2 yard touchdown as4 score and 24 unanswered points in 3 minutes made it 24-13 Steelers at halftime.

The second half was a slog. After a scoreless third quarter, Bullock hit a 31 yard field goal to get the Texans within 24-16. Suisham answered with field goals of 30 and 40 yards to put the game away. Down 30-16, the Texans quickly moved 86 yards late. Fitzpatrick hit Arian Foster for a one yard score with 90 seconds to play. A well executed onside kick saw a mad scramble for the ball that was eventually recovered by Pittsburgh to secure the win. Mike Tomlin teams are resilient, but this was a Texas-sized case of self-destruction by Houston. 30-23 Steelers

NFL 2014 Week 7 Prequel

http://www.commdiginews.com/sports/nfl-2014-week-7-preview-and-bettors-guide-28009/

eric

NFL 2014 Week 6 Recap

http://www.commdiginews.com/sports/nfl-2014-week-6-lessons-learned-and-not-learned-27878/

Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans was the Thursday night game. Sometimes a vastly inferior team can rise to the occasion under the big lights of a national night game. Early on, this was not that game. The Colts had to settle for a 27 yard Adam Vinatieri field goal on their first drive, the closes thing the Texans defense did that resembled a stop. After a surprise onside kick, Andrew Luck threw a 49 yard bomb to TY Hilton. One play later Trent Richardson got the 5 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Colts.

Houston went 3 and out and the Colts took over at their own 44. Luck threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to Ahmad Bradshaw to make it 17-0 Colts. Houston went 3 and out again and on the last play of the first quarter, the Colts faced 3rd and goal at the 4. Luck hit Cory Fleener for the touchdown as the Colts led 24-0 after only 15 minutes of football.

For those who turned off the television before this football game ended, apologize to yourselves and vow to never do it again. In the second quarter Ryan Fitzpatrick moved the Texans 80 yards in 11 plays over 5 minutes. A 4 yard touchdown pass to Andre Johnson had the Texans within 24-7. On the next play from scrimmage Luck was intercepted, setting up Houston at the Indy 26. Arian Foster ran for a 12 yard touchdown to get the Texans within 24-14. Luck led a 7 minute drive that had Vinatieri connect from 34 to let the Colts take a 27-14 lead into the locker rooms.

In the third quarter Foster broke off runs of 8 and 34 and then ran it in from 2 yards out as the Texans only trailed 27-21. The Colts got some breathing room when Luck threw a 33 yard touchdown pass to Hilton. The 2 point conversion attempt failed but the Colts took a 33-21 lead into the final quarter. The Texans missed a chance to get closer when Bullock missed a 37 yard field goal to start the fourth quarter. Yet disaster struck the Colts soon after when they faced 3rd and 12 from their own 45. Luck fumbled and JJ Watt picked up the ball and raced all the way for the defensive touchdown. With 11 minutes left int emulation, the Texans only trailed 33-28.

With 8 1/2 minutes left to play, the Colts faced 3rd and 9 at their 46. Luck went deep to Reggie Wayne for an 18 yard gain, but Bill O’Brien successfully challenged the catch. The reversal meant an incomplete pass and a punt. Houston took over at their own 11 and faced 1st and 10 from the Indy 44. Fitzpatrick went deep and Andre Johnson was called for offensive pass interference. 2 plays later Fitzpatrick hit Johnson for 13 yards but Johnson fumbled the ball without being touched. The officials checked to see if it was an incomplete pass, but the call stood as an angry Johnson slammed his helmet down on the sideline with 4 1/2 minutes left.

With the Colts facing 3rd and 6 from the Houston 41, the Texans took their last timeout with 2 1/2 minutes left. Rather than run off the clock until the 2 minute warning, Chuck Pagano put his trust in Luck. Luck’s pass was batted down by Watt as the Texans punted. The Texans got it back with 2:15 left as the decision to throw effectively gave the Texans one timeout at the 2 minute warning. On the downside, the Texans took over at their own 9. From the Houston 22, Fitzpatrick was hit and fumbled. The Colts recovered and finally sealed the victory. 33-28 Colts

Denver Broncos at New York Jets — On the first play of the game Peyton Manning went deep to Denrarius Thomas for a 54 yard gain as Rex Ryan contemplated his next place of employment. Yet the defense held Denver to a 37 yard McManus field goal and a 3-0 Broncos lead. Geno Smith actually completed 8 of his first 9 passes, and a short field from the Denver 47 helped matters. Smith hit Amaro for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Jets.

In the second quarter the Jets fumbled a punt and Denver took over at the Jets 43. The defense held, the Jets got pinned at their own 4, and the Broncos got it back again at the Jets 43. On 3rd and goal at the one Manning hit Denarius Thomas for the touchdown and the 10-7 Jets lead. The Broncos got it back after a touchback with 3 minutes left in the half, and Manning made the Jets pay. A 22 yard touchdown pass to Julius Thomas with 20 seconds left in the half made it 17-7 Broncos.

In the third quarter Manning moved the Broncos 87 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes, with a 4 yard touchdown pass to Thomas giving the Broncos the 24-7 lead. Nick Folk hit a 30 yard field goal near the end of the third quarter to get the Jets within 24-10. With 8 minutes left in regulation the Jets got within 24-17 when Smith on 3rd and goal at the 2 hit Eric Decker for the touchdown.

One minute later the Jets defense got a big stop when Denver failed to convert on a run on 3rd and 1 from their own 15. The Jets would get another stop on defense but a good punt pinned the Jets at their own 5 with one minute left. On 3rd and 14 from their own 1 with 23 seconds left, Smith was intercepted by Aqib Talib, who returned it for a 22 yard touchdown to put the game out of reach. The 1-5 Jets have not given up, fighting hard for Rex Ryan. It will not be enough to save him. 31-17 Broncos

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns — Pittsburgh moved to the Cleveland 2 yard line but settled for a 20 yard Shawn Suisham field goal. In the second quarter Pittsburgh set up for another field goal but fumbled the snap. Bryan Hoyer then went deep to Cameron for 42 yards and Crowell ran it in from the 5 to make it 7-3 Browns. Hoyer then went back to Cameron for a 51 yard touchdown as the Browns led 14-3. Cleveland got it back and Hoyer moved the Browns 85 yards in 11 plays and 5 minutes. Tate ran it in from 5 yards out to make it 21-3 Browns.

In the third quarter the Steelers faced 4th and 17 from the Cleveland 37. Mike Tomlin decided to punt rather than try a 55 yard field goal. Cleveland drove the field and Billy Cundiff hit a 40 yard field goal to make it 24-3 Browns. Ben Roethlisberger was then intercepted, setting up Cleveland at the Pittsburgh 39. Tate ran for a one yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to make it 31-3 Browns. Johnny Clipboard can wait. This is Bryan Hoyer’s team, and for once the Cardiac Kids made it easy. This win was a statement. The Browns are a good team. 31-10 Browns

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans — The Jaguars are one of only two winless teams, but the Titans may be almost as bad. Jacksonville moved 80 yards and Johnson got in from one yard out to make it 7-0 Jaguars. With Jake Locker still injured, Charlie Whitehurst moved the Titans to the 3 yard line but on 3rd and goal Whitehurst was sacked. Ryan Succop hit the 25 yard field goal to get Tennessee on the board. Whitehurst moved the Titas again late in the half. At the 2 minute warning from the Jacksonville 23, Whitehurst found Hunter for 22 yards. Battle got the last yard to malt i.e. 10-7 Titans at halftime.

In the third quarter Tennessee marched down the field but on 4th and 2 from the 3 had to settle for a 21 yard Succop field goal to lead 13-7. The fourth quarter began with Succop’s third field goal from 42 yards as the Tennessee defense did the rest. With 4 1/2 minutes left the Jaguars reached the red zone but a critical fumble by Cecil Shorts at the 16 doomed Jacksonville.

With 2:43 left the Jaguars were back at their own 17. Bortles led a furious rally. With 43 seconds to play the Jaguars faced 3rd and 15 from the Titans 20. Bortles threw a touchdown pass to Harbor. Down by 2, the Jaguars executed a perfect onside kick, taking over at their own 42 with 36 seconds left. On 3rd and 2 from the Tennessee 37 with 12 seconds left, Gud Bradley decided on the 55 yard field goal rather than risk a possible bad snap on fourth down. The kick was blocked and the valiant Jaguars remained winless. One can question Bradley’s decision given the long kick but the heart of Blake Bortles is beyond question, even in defeat. 16-14 Titans

Green Bay Packers at Miami Dolphins — 80 yards came easy as Aaron Rodgers torched the overmatched Miami defense. A 9 yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson made it 7-0 Packers. The ensuing kickoff was returned 54 yards just past midfield. Miami settled for a 48 yard Caleb Sturgis field goal to get within 7-3. The Dolphins blocked a punt, giving them the ball at the Green Bay 16. On 4th and goal from the 1, Joe Philbin decided to go for it. Knowshon Moreno got blasted for a 2 yard loss. In the second quarter Ryan Tannehill was intercepted, setting up the Packers at the Miami 36. Mason Crosby hit a 43 yard field goal to make it 10-3 Packers at halftime.

In the third quarter Tannehill moved the Dolphins 80 yards as an 11 yard touchdown pass to Landry deadlocked the game 10-10. Rodgers brought the Pack back as a 5 yard touchdown to Randall Cobb made it 17-10 Packers. One minute into the fourth quarter Larry Miller capped off an 80 yard drive with a 5 yard touchdown run to tie the game 17-17. Green Bay went nowhere and Miami now had the momentum, moving the ball straight down the field. Tannehill threw a 5 yard touchdown pass to Mike Wallace for a 24-17 Dolphins lead with 9 1/2 minutes left.

Rodgers moved the Packers but with 4 minutes left he threw incomplete on 3rd and 6 from the Miami 12. With 4 minutes to play, Mike McCarthy decided against going for it. He trusted his kicker and his defense. Crosby hit the 30 yarder to get the Packers within 4. Green Bay held on defense and got it back at their own 40 just before the 2 minute warning. On 3rd and 9 Rodgers was sacked and fumbled, but the Packers kept the ball. On 4th and 10, Rodgers hit Nelson for 18 with one minute left. On 3rd and 10 from the Miami 30 Rodgers hit Starks for just enough.

With 6 seconds to play the Packers faced 1st and goal at the 4. The Miami faithful could only watch helplessly as Rodgers hit Quarless for the touchdown. Miami was game, but Rodgers is as good as it gets. People talk about warm weather teams struggling to play in cold weather. Give the Packers a ton of credit for traveling East for an early game and winning a tough game in relentless Miami heat.  27-24 Packers

Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings — The Vikings may never have their star running back ever again, but the Lions were without Reggie Bush and Calvin Megatron Johnson. They did have Matthew Stafford, who led the Lions 80 yards. Stafford hit Riddick for a 9 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Lions lead. Last week Alex Henery missed 3 field goals, costing Detroit the game. He was cut and replaced with former Denver kicker Matt Prater, who was cut for violating the league’s alcohol abuse rules and getting suspended. To start the second quarter, Prater missed a 50 yard field goal. Teddy Bridgewater would fumble and then with only 45 seconds left in the half throw a critical interception. Detroit took over just shy of midfield, and this time Prater hit from 52 to make it 10-0 Lions at halftime.

In the fourth quarter Jarrett Bell capped off a 14 play, 60 yard, 8 minute drive with a one yard run to make it 17-0 Lions. Minnesota finally got on the board when Blair Walsh hit a 40 yard field goal with 5 minutes remaining. They got nothing more. 17-3 Lions

Carolina Panthers at Cincinnati Bengals — Cam Newton led a 15 play, 86 yard drive that consumed over 9 minutes off the clock. A 3 yard touchdown pass to Benjamin made it 7-0 Panthers. Red Rifle Andy Dalton moved the Bengals 69 yards in 14 plays in 6 1/2 minutes, with a 5 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Tate tying the game 7-7. Cincinnati got it back and one play and 15 seconds later Giovanni Bernard broke off an 89 yard touchdown run to make it 14-7 Bengals. Both teams mounted long drives that ate up clock but did not come anywhere near the end zone. Graham Gano hit from 39 for Carolina and Mike Nugent hit from 44 for Cincinnati as the Bengals took a 17-10 lead into the locker rooms.

In the third quarter Dalton had Cincy on the move as the Bengals faced 3rd and 9 from the Carolina 26. Dalton was then intercepted by Cason, who returned it 80 yards to the Cincy 10. Whittaker ran for a 4 yard touchdown to tie the game 17-17. Later on Newton quickly moved Carolina 77 yards, running the final 12 himself for a 24-17 Panthers advantage. The fourth quarter began with the Panthers missing a golden opportunity to expand the lead when Gano missed from 38. Dalton threw a 34 yard touchdown to Mohammed Sanu to tie the game 24-24 with 12 minutes left in regulation.

Newton led a 12 play, 80 yard drive that consumed 7 minutes of valuable clock. Newton hit Greg Olsen with 5 minutes left to put Carolina up 31-24. Seconds later the game was tied again as Jones returned the ensuing kickoff 97 yards to the Carolina 3. Hill ran it in ad with 4 1/2 minutes left the game was again tied 31-31.

On 3rd and 13 from the Carolina 29 with 3 1/2 minutes left, Newton was intercepted. Cincinnati took over at the Carolina 24. Hill ran for a 22 yard touchdown, but offensive holding nullified the score and killed the drive. Nugent hit a 38 yard field goal to put the Bengals up 34-31 with 2:12 to play. After a touchback, Newton moved the Panthers. On 4th and 2 from the Cincy 43 with 50 seconds left, Newton gained 5. Gano hit a 44 yard field goal as time expired to tie the game 34-34.

In overtime, the Bengals got the ball first after a touchback and mounted a drive. On 3rd and 7 from the Carolina 21, Dalton was sacked. After 13 plays that took 6 1/2 minutes, Nugent hit the 42 yard field goal. The Bengals had the lead, but Carolina was still allowed one chance with the ball. The Panthers also moved it well. On 3rd and 10 from the Cincy 44, Newton completed a pass just short of the marker. However, defensive holding meant an automatic first down. On 3rd and 6 from the Cincy 23, a completion again came up one yard short. Riverboat Ron Rivera was not gambling this time. He opted for the field goal, and Gano hit from 37 to tie the game 37-37. The Bengals had just over 2 minutes left to try and win it.

A key roughing the passer penalty gave the Bengals 1st and 10 at the Carolina 16 with 34 seconds left in overtime. Marvin Lewis played it very safe, having Dalton take a knee and center the ball while allowing the clock tick down to two seconds. Nugent came in for the 36 yarder to win it. He missed it wide as this fine football game that was tied 7 times ended in a tie. 37-37 tie, OT

New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills — In the second quarter, an interception of Kyle Orton and then defensive pass interference on Buffalo set up a one yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Wright to make it 7-0 Patriots. Orton hit Woods for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. Just before the 2 minute warning Orton was sacked and fumbled, setting up new England at the Buffalo 24. Gostkowski hit a 42 yard field goal after the defense held to make it 10-7 Patriots. With 14 seconds left in the half the Bills were just trying to run out the clock. CJ Spiller fumbled and the Patriots recovered at the Buffalo 42. After a quick Brady completion, Gostkowski drilled a 3 yard field goal to make ti 13-7 Patriots at halftime.

In the third quarter Brady went deep to Tyms for a 43 yard touchdown to make it 20-7 Patriots. Orton led the Bills on a 13 play, 80 yard, 7 minute drive that saw Fred Jackson get in from the one to get Buffalo within 20-14. The Patriots got some breathing room when Gostkowski’s third field goal from 40 made it 23-14 Patriots. In the fourth quarter the Patriots iced it with a 12 play, 80 yard, 6 minute drive. Brady hit LaFell for an 18 yard touchdown and a 30-14 Patriots lead wit 8 1/2 minutes left.

With 6 minutes left Orton hit Hogan for an 8 yard score and a successful 2 point conversion got the Bills within 30-22. The Patriots were then pinned at their own 7 yard line. Needing a stop, the Bufflow defense could not get one. With 3 minutes left, Brady threw a 44 yard touchdown pass to LaFell to ice the game. 37-22 Patriots

Baltimore Ravens at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Justin Forsett broke off a 52 yard run and Joe Flacco hit Troy Smith for a 15 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Ravens lead. Mike Glennonwas intercepted, setting up the Ravens at the Tampa Bay 22. On 3rd and goal from the 9, Flacco hit Smith for another touchdown. Baltimore got it back at midfield and on 3rd and 8 from the 17, Flacco hit Aiken for another touchdown and a 21-0 Ravens lead early on. Baltimore got it back at their own 43 and soon faced 3rd and 9 at the Tampa 19. Deja vu all over again saw Flacco’s fourth touchdown pass to Campanaro for a 28-0 Ravens lead in the first quarter.

In the second quarter Flacco went deep to Steve Smith for a 56 yard touchdown and a 35-0 Ravens lead. Baltimore tacked on a field goal for a 38-0 halftime advantage. For the second time this season, the 2014 Tampa Bay Buccaneers resembled their 1976 orange creamsicle expansion team. John McKay certainly would have favored the execution of this team, despite a few second half points. 48-17 Ravens

Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons — A 52 yard Matt Bryant field goal got the Falcons on the board first. In the second quarter, Robbie Gould answered from 25 to make it 3-3. Jay Cutler then threw a 3 yard touchdown pass to Morgan to make it 10-3 Bears. A 12 play, 83 yard drive set up a 28 yard Gould field goal and a 13-3 Bears halftime lead. In the third quarter Matt Ryan threw a 41 yard touchdown pass to Smith to get the Falcons within 13-10. Atlanta got it back and Bryant nailed a 54 yard field goal to tie the game 13-13. After a touchback, Cutler went deep to Jeffery for a 74 yard gain. Matt Forte got the 6 yard touchdown run. The extra point was blocked but the Bears led 19-13.

When it mattered most, the Bears won the battle in the trenches and played smash mouth. A 15 play, 87 yard drive took 8 1/2 minutes off the clock. When Forte ran it in from 9 yards out and added the 2 point conversion, Chicago had sealed a big road win. 27-13 Bears

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders — The dink and dunk Dennis Allen nightmare is finally over. Tony Sparano is not Jon Gruden, but at least he opened up the playbook and allowed Derek Carr to throw the ball. Carr had his shackles removed, and showed what he could do against a far superior AFC West rival. On the third play of the game, with the Raiders facing 3rd and 7 from their 23, Carr went deep to Holmes for a 77 yard touchdown bomb. Al Davis smiled in heaven as the Raiders led 7-0.

Philip Rivers is having a great year and 80 yards came easily. On 3rd and 4 from the Oakland 39, Rivers threw incomplete but defensive holding kept the drive going. On 3rd and 5 from the Oakland 29, Rivers went deep to Eddie Royal for the tying touchdown.

In the second quarter Rivers led a 13 play, 85 yard drive that took 7 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Rivers Floyd for the touchdown to put the Chargers up 14-7. The Raiders took over at their own 24 On 3rd and 8, Darren McFadden gained 12. On 3rd and 7 from the San Diego 42, Carr went deep to Holmes for a 30 yard gain. On 3rd and 4 from the 6, Carr fired a laser over the middle to James Jones for a 14-14 tie. The Raiders held on defense and got it back with 5 minutes left in the half at their own 17. Carr moved them all the way to the San Diego 35 with 4 seconds left. Sebastian Janikowski came in for the 53 yarder, but it was no good wide. Despite 5 dropped passes, the Raiders seem to finally be a pro football team.

In the third quarter the Chargers moved from their 20 to the Oakland 21. Consecutive penalties on the offense killed the drive. Nick Novak leveled a 54-yard field goal, but a third offensive penalty nullified the score. On 4th and 35 from the Oakland 46, Mike McCoy went for a fake punt. Safety Eric Weddle took the direct snap and threw a bomb. The pass was actually caught, but out of bounds for an incompletion. Carr quickly fired a bullet over the middle to Brice Butler, who outraced everyone for a 54 yard touchdown and a 21-14 Raiders lead midway through the third quarter.

The Chargers took over at their 20. On 1st and 10 from the Chargers 47, Rivers went deep as Malcolm Floyd and Charles Woodson both jumped for it. Floyd caught it for a 44 yard reception at the Oakland 9. On 3rd and goal from the 2, Rivers hit Antonio Gates to tie the game 21-21 with 3 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. The Raiders squandered great field position on their next drive but the Chargers were pinned back deep to start the fourth quarter. The Raiders got it back at midfield against a team that has given up 0 fourth quarter points all season.

Carr hit Marcel Reece for 11 and McFadden gained 12. Maurice Jones-Drew added 10. Carr’s fourth touchdown pass was a 6 yard toss to Andre Holmes to put the Raiders up 28-21 with 10 minutes left in regulation. Rivers rapidly moved the Chargers from their 20 to a 1st and goal at the 9. At that point the defense held. Novak hit the 30 yarder but with 6 minutes left the Raiders clung to a 28-24 lead. Now it was up to the offense to finish the game and finally get the team a win.

Instead, the Raiders went 3 and out. The play calling was fine, but a critical intentional grounding penalty took only one minute off the clock. A 64 yard punt was ruined by a long return that had the Chargers starting at the Oakland 39. The Chargers just rammed it down the Raiders throat as the defense that had stopped the run all game had no answers when it mattered most. At the 2 minute warning, the Chargers faced 2nd and goal at the one. As competitive as the Raiders were, it seemed that another loss was on the horizon as Brandon Oliver leapt over the top to put the Chargers ahead. The extra point was blocked but that was only because the Raiders jumped offside. On the second time the Raiders jumped again. On the third try the kick was good and the Chargers with the 31-28 lead would be kicking off from their 45 instead of their 35. The Raiders had only one timeout.

Carr had been magnificent all game, but all looked lost when Carr was hit and fumbled. Instead a personal foul on the defense moved the Raiders to their own 35. A pair of completions had the Raiders at the San Diego 45 with 1:20 to play. Derek Carr went for it all as Butler and Verrett for the ball. Verrett came down with the interception at the 5 yard line. It was a valiant effort, but the Raiders lost to fall to 0-5. At least they know they have a phenomenal quarterback. Give him some receivers who can catch, and he will win games.

While the Raiders remained winless, these are no longer the Dennis Allen dink and dunk losers. Derek Carr was magnificent, throwing a 77-yard touchdown bomb on the third play of the game. Carr threw for 282 yards and four touchdown passes despite his receivers dropping five passes. Down by three with one minute left, Carr went for the bomb and was intercepted at the five-yard line when the defender ripped it from the receiver’s hands. The Raiders finally have a real leader. He was outdueled by Philip Rivers, who threw for 313 yards and three touchdown passes. Not since Jim Plunkett and Dan Fouts have these teams given America a game that Sid Gillman, Don “Air” Coryell and Al Davis could love. 31-28 Chargers

Dallas Cowboys at Seattle Seahawks — The Cowboys have the offense and the Seahawks have the defense, but early on it was about special teams. Steve Hauschka hit a 33 yard field goal to get Seattle on the board first. Then the Seahawks blocked a punt. Doug Baldwin got the block and Mike Morgan returned it 25 yards for a touchdown and a 10-0 Seahawks lead. Tony Romo did move the Cowboys 80 yards as a 2 yard touchdown pass to Escobar got the Cowboys within 10-7.

The second quarter began with the Cowboys at there own 5 yard line. Romo led a staggering 15 play, 71 yard drive that took nearly 10 minutes off the clock. On 3rd and 4 from the Seattle 24, Romo went deep incomplete. Dan Bailey hit the 42 yarder to tie the game 10-10. Dallas got it back at their own 20 with 3 minutes left in the half. Against the vaunted Legion of Boom, Romo moved Dallas brilliantly. He was not afraid to go after Richard Sherman. From the Seattle 43, one play after converting on 3rd and 14, Romo went deep to Dez Bryant for 23 yards. An additional 10 yard penalty on Sherman for tripping meant 1st and goal at the 10. On 3rd and goal at the 3 with 24 seconds left in the half, Romo found Jason Witten for the 17-10 Cowboys advantage at halftime.

In the third quarter the Cowboys fumbled a punt, and Seattle took over at the Dallas 14. Russell Wilson ran for a 9 yard touchdown to tie the game 17-17. On the next series the Cowboys fumbled it away again, giving Seattle the ball at the Dallas 20. The defense held, and Hauschka hit the 33 yarder to put the Seahawks up 20-17. Romo went deep again and found Williams for a 47 yard gain to the Seattle 39. The drive stalled and with one minute left in the third quarter, Jason Garrett boldly called on Bailey for a 56 yard field goal try. Bailey rewarded his coach by blasting the Cowboys into a 20-20 tie.

A field position game in the fourth quarter had the Seahawks with another short field at the Dallas 42. Hauschka hit a 48 yard field goal with 8 1/2 minutes to play to make it 23-20 Seahawks. Dallas took over at their 20 and soon faced 3rd and 20 from their own 31. Romo went deep to Terrence Williams for a 23 yard gain. DeMarco Murray did the rest, running for 25, 6, and the final 15 yards for the score. With 3 1/2 minutes left the Cowboys had the 4 point lead and were smelling upset. With 2:40 to play and facing 4th and 6 from their own 23, the Seahawks took their last timeout. Wilson threw incomplete and the Seahawks were all but dead. All the Cowboys had to do was grind down the clock.

In an absolutely brain-dead act on third down with 1:12 to play and Seattle out of timeouts, Dallas committed an offensive penalty that stopped the clock. Bailey kicked the field goal for a 7 point lead, but because of the penalty the Seahawks got it back with just over one minute left rather than perhaps only 20 seconds. Seattle began at their own 15 without a timeout. Wilson went deep and was intercepted by Rolando McClain as the Cowboys finally locked up the win and got to 5-1 by shocking the defending champions on their home field. 30-23 Cowboys

Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals — Carson Palmer returned from injury. A field position game eventually saw the Cardinals start at the Washington 41. On 3rd and 13 Palmer found Malcolm Floyd for just enough and then went back to Floyd for the 20 yard touchdown. In the second quarter Kirk Cousins connected with DeSean Jackson on a 64 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. A 28 yard Kai Forbath field goal put the Redskins up 10-7. Palmer moved the Cardinals 85 yards, hitting Larry Fitzgerald for a 24 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Cardinals. Forbath hit a 43 yarder just before the half as the Redskins got within 14-13.

In the third quarter Palmer led a 14 play, 69 yard drive that consumed 7 1/2 minutes. The drive stalled in the red zone, but Catanzaro hit from 33 to make it 17-13 Cardinals. early in the fourth quarter Cantazaro hit from 49 to make it 20-13 Cardinals. On the next play from scrimmage the Redskins fumbled and the Cardinals took over at the Washington 27. Catanzaro hit a 37 yarder make it 23-13 Cardinals 23-13 Cardinals.

With 8 1/2 minutes left, the Kirk Cousins was intercepted, setting up the Cardinals at the Washington 35. Despite Catanzaro kicking well, Bruce Arians chose to punt rather than try a 53 yard field goal. With 4 minutes left on 3rd and 3 from the Arizona 42, Cousins was intercepted again. Arizona went 3 and out and Cousins hit Pierre Garcon for a 5 yard touchdown with 2:15 to play to get the Redskins within 23-20.

The onside kick failed but the Redskins got it back at their own 14 with 30 seconds to play. Cousins threw his third interception in the final 8 1/2 minutes, and this one was returned by Johnson 28 yards for the clinching touchdown. Cousins had 354 yards passing but the picks killed the team. Palmer was 28 of 44 for 250 yards and two touchdowns without an interception for the first place 4-1 Cardinals. 30-20 Cardinals

New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles was the Sunday night game. Nick Foles moved the Eagles early and often. Chris Parkey hit a 31 yard field goal to get the Eagles on the board. The Eagles got it back and Foles moved them 81 yards in 10 plays. A 15 yard touchdown pass to Zac Ertz made it 10-0 Eagles. In the second quarter a short punt had the Eagles starting at the Giants 47. Foles hit Casey for a 26 yard touchdown. Darren Sproles then returned a punt 43 yards to have the Eagles starting at the Giants 43. Parkey hit from 45 as the Eagles led 20-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter An interception of Foles set up the Giants at the Eagles 21. On 4th and goal at the 3, Manning threw to Victor Cruz, who dropped it. Cruz then crimped to the ground and left with what appeared to be a serious injury. To make matters worse, the Eagles moved 97 yards as Darren Sproles raced for a 15 yard touchdown to complete the whitewashing and get the Eagles to 5-1 tied atop the division. 27-0 Eagles.

San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams was the Monday night game.  The Rams came out with a wave of emotion on Monday Night Football. 11 plays, 80 yards and 7 minutes later on 3rd and goal from the one, Cunningham crashed in to make it 7-0 Rams. Late in the first quarter a San Francisco fumble was recovered by the Rams at the 49ers 45. Austin Davis hit Kendricks for a 22 yard touchdown as the Rams led 14-0.

Phil Dawson hit a 54 yard field goal midway through the second quarter. Yet the 49ers were mostly lifeless and pinned at their own 5 with 1:50 left in the half. With 27 seconds left in the half and a Raucous Rams crowd screaming for the defense, the 49ers faced 3rd and 6 from their own 20. Colin Kaepernick went deep to Brandon Lloyd for an 80 yard touchdown. Although the Rams led 14-10 at the break, all the air had been sucked out of the building. In the second half, the 49ers and their superior talent overwhelmed the deflated Rams.

The 49ers took the second half kickoff and moved 80 yards again. On 3rd and 1 from the Rams 11, Kaepernick hit Anquon Boldin for the touchdown and the 17-14 49ers lead. With 20 seconds left in the third quart and the 49ers having moved from their 22 to the Rams 32, Kaepernick went deep again and found Michael Crabtree for his third touchdown pass and a 24-14 49ers advantage.

The 49ers missed a chance to extend the lead when the Rams mounted an inspired goal line stand, stopping San Francisco on 4th and goal from the one with six minutes to play. With 2 1/2 minutes left Greg Zuerlein hit a 38 yard field goal to get the Rams within 7. The onside kick failed but Jeff Fisher’s defense got the ball back. The Rams were at their own 9 with 1:05 to play. There would be no miracle as it was Jim Harbaugh’s defense that clamped down. Davis was intercepted by Johnson, who returned it 20 yards to lock up the gritty comeback win. 31-17 49ers

The NFL must remove Katy Perry from Super Bowl halftime show

http://www.commdiginews.com/politics-2/nfl-hires-katy-perry-to-permanently-destroy-super-bowl-halftime-show-27704/

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