NFL 2014 Week 6 Recap
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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