THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS

NFL 2016 Week 3 Recap

Houston Texans at New England Patriots was the Thursday night game. The Patriots were down to their third string quarterback. It did not matter. Evil Hoodie Bill Belichick again proved that only chowderhead oddsmakers would go against New England at home. Jacoby Brissett was the epitome of a game manager, going 11 of 19 for 103 yards. Yet he did not make a mistake. With a strong running game, Brissett did all he was asked to do. Stephen Gostkowski hit a 24 yard first quarter field goal. Then Brissett showed his scrambling ability by running for a 27 yard touchdown for a 10-0 Patriots lead after one. In the third quarterGostkowski hit from 25 and Laguarrette Blount banged in from one yard out for a 20-0 Patriots lead. Blount would break off a 41 yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to complete the shutout. Brisket sprained his thumb, but does it really matter if the Patriots go to their fourth string quarterback? That would be wide receiver Julian Edelman. In Week 5, you know who returns from suspension. The league should already be scared. 27-0 Patriots

Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals — Early on Cincinnati controlled both sides of the ball. After forcing a Denver punt, they moved easily against Denver’s vaunted defense. Jeremy Hill raced for a 50 yard run and on the next play banged in from 3 yards out for a 7-0 Bengals lead. The Broncos moved 73 yards in 14 plays and took 7 minutes off the clock. Yet an incompletion 3rd and goal from the 2, an incompletion had Gary Kubiak opt for the field goal. Brandon McManus hit the 20 yarder to get the Broncos within 7-3. A Cincinnati fumble gave the Broncos a short field. Trevor Siemian then went bombs away, hitting Emanuel Sanders for a 41 yard touchdown and a 10-7 Broncos lead.

With both defenses playing well, the Bengals moved from their own 38 to a critical 3rd and 9 at the Denver 37. Red Rifle Andy Dalton hit Uzomah for a 22 yard gain. Hill got in from 4 yards out to put the Bengals up 14-10 with 5 minutes left in the half. A strong kickoff return by Latimer had the Broncos taking over at their own 45. on 3rd and 2 Siemian was sacked but defensive holding gave the Broncos new life. On 3rd and 9 from the Cincy 28 at the 2 minute warning, Siemian hit Latimer for 10. On 3rd and 1 from the 9, Siemian hit Sanders for 2 and again for the 7 yard touchdown to make it 16-14 Broncos at the half. The extra point was blocked.

A scoreless third quarter saw the Bengals move 60 yards in 15 plays, taking almost 8 1/2 minutes. Mike Nugent hit the 34 yard field goal to start the fourth quarter as the Bengals retook the lead 17-16. Siemian then came back with a 13 play, 82 yard drive that took 8 minutes off the clock. However, Denver finished their drive. Phillips got the tough one yard to put Denver ahead. The 2 point conversion failed but the Broncos led 22-17 midway through the fourth quarter. The Broncos held on defense. Rather than grind out a win on the ground, Gary Kubiak stayed aggressive. On 3rd and 11 from the Denver 45 with 4 1/2 minutes left, Siemian went deep for a 55 yard touchdown to Denarius Thomas. Dalton was then intercepted. Cinco got it back and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Denver 11 with just over 90 seconds to play. A pair of sacks and an incompletion of Dalton dropped the Bengals to 1-2 and kept Denver unbeaten. Future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning saw his successor go 23 of 35 for 312 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. 29-17 Broncos

Oakland Raiders at Tennessee Titans — The Raiders won the coin toss and Jack Del Rio stunningly decided to defer. Del Rio has been rewarded with bold gambles, but the Raiders have the league’s worst defense. The Raiders were in their black uniforms in 90 degree Nashville heatTennessee anemic offense went right to work against the even worse Oakland defense. A false start in the red zone killed the drive. Succop hit the 34 yard field goal for a 3-0 Titans lead.

Succop hit the kickoff out of bounds and the Raiders took over at their own 40. Derek Carr came out firing, hitting Amari Cooper for a 25 yard gain. A perfect pass to seth Roberts was dropped, and the Raiders faced 3rd and 10. These are not the same old Raiders on offense. On 3rd and 10 Carr found Jalen Richard for 13 yards. The first running play was Latavius Murray straight up the middle for a 22 yard touchdown and a 7-3 Raiders lead.

Oakland dodged a bullet on defense when a possible defensive pass interference call was not called. Yet Jalen Richard fair caught the punt at the Oakland 6. after converting one third down, a pair of offensive holding penalties meant an Oakland punt. The Oakland defense had their best series of the year in the second quarter. Consecutive Tennessee plays saw their players get belted for losses. On 3rd and 19 Mariota fumbled and the Raiders took over at the Tennessee 24. On the first play from scrimmage Derek Carr went straight to the end zone to Clive Walford. Yet before the Raiders could celebrate, offensive holding on left tackle Donald Penn nullified the score. The Raiders settled for a 52 yard field goal by Sebastian Janikowski to make it 10-3 Raiders. Seabags’s 53rd field goal from 50+ yards is now an NFL record.

Another fair catch had the Raiders backed up at their own 8. A false start moved them back to the 4. On 3rd and 6 from the 13, Carr hit Michael Crabtree for 17 yards. Deandre Washington ran for a 30 yard gain to the Tennessee 38. on the next play Washington gained 14 more yards. Carr then fired to Seth Roberts, who atoned for his earlier drop by shaking a tackle at the sideline and racing for a 19 yard touchdown. The 91 yard drive had the Raiders up 17-3 with less than one minute left in the half. Confusion reigned at the end of the half.

With 8 seconds left, Mariota threw a dangerous pass over the middle that was tipped and intercepted by David Amerson at the Titans 45. Emerson returned the ball all the way to the Oakland 19, but the clock had run out. The referees then  ruled that Amerson stepped out of bounds and put three seconds back on the clock. This would have allowed a long field goal try. Replay showed Amerson may not have been out of bounds, but the refs blew the whistle anyway. Before the field goal attempt, the refs ruled that the clock operator was slow starting the clock, and that the play clock had run out. The Raiders were up 17-3 at the half, but they were denied a chance to extend the lead.

Holding on the second half kickoff again had the Raiders in a hole, 92 yards away in 92 degree heat. They also had to burn a timeout less than one minute into the second half. #4 will always be Brett Favre, but boy does Derek Carr have some #4 in him. After pulling a Houdini escaping a couple tacklers, Carr threw across his body for a 30 yard completion to Crabtree at midfield. However, on 3rd and 2 from the Titans 42, Olawale got stopped for nothing. Jack Del rio is a gambler, but this time he rightly called a punt. Marquette King pinned the Titans. This time it was Tennessee starting at their own 7.

It didn’t matter. Demarco Murray ripped off a 36 yard gain. On 3rd and 3 from the Oakland 45, it was Mariota who turned into Houdini. He escaped a sack and heaved a wounded duck down the field. Somehow Amaro came down with it for a 26 yard gain at the Oakland 19. The Raiders then burned their second timeout. From the 5, Murray got stopped inside, bounced to the outside, and dove just past the corner pylon. With 6 minutes left in the third quarter, the Titans were within 17-10. The Raiders never put teams away, and if they were going to get to the next level they had to respond.

Things got more confusing on the next Oakland series. Under heavy pressure, Carr threw a 14 yard completion. Mike Mularkey challenged the catch. Officials then called the pass incomplete without Mularkey challenging it. This was strange given that they only looked at it after he threw the challenge flag. On 3rd and 7 Carr scrambled forever and threw a laser that was dropped. The Raiders punted again. Carr is not one to scream at his teammates, but somebody needs to teach his receivers to catch perfectly thrown passes. Meanwhile, The Titans on 3rd and 5 saw Mariota avoid a sack but miss a receiver wide open at the sideline. A 62 yard punt had Oakland again pinned back at their own 15 yard line. After one first down, a sack of Carr ended the drive. Marquette king boomed a 72 year punt, as the Titans were backed up at their own 10.

The fourth quarter began with Mariota throwing over the middle and being intercepted by Sean Smith. The Raiders had the ball at their own 48. One play after completing a 13 yard pass to Crabtree, Carr went for all the marbles deep to Cooper but overthrew him. On the next play it was Carr throwing over middle. the ball was deflected high in the air and intercepted by Williamson as the Titans took it right back at their own 26. The defense finally held, and the Raiders had yet another chance to put the game away. On 3rd and 5 from the Titans 45, Cooper threw a perfect pass over the middle to Cooper, who dropped it. Again the Raiders failed in a critical situation. King punted another good one, pinning the Titans at their own 8. The defense held again when a 3rd and 10 pass was well defended, catchable, but dropped. with 4:18 to play, the Raiders took over at their own 25 with yet another chance to win the game.

With 3:12 left and facing 3rd and 9 at their own 38, Carr found Crabtree for an 11 yard gain. Yet on 3rd and 5 at the Tennessee 46 and needing only one more first down, Murray came up a yard short. The clock hit the 2 minute warning and Jack Del Rio had another critical 4th and 1 decision to make. Normally punting is the sane decision. Del Rio has received much praise for his gambling in critical situations, but this time he decided to take the ball out of Carr’s hands and trust his defense. Once again, the defense melted.

From the Titans 20, Mariota quickly hit Ryan Mathews for 10, Douglas for 25, and Sharpe for 23 to the Oakland 22 with one minute left. The Raiders were in full collapse mode. They were giving the game away. Now it was time for the Texans to refuse to take it. Mariota hit Sharpe again for an 18 yard gain down to the Oakland 3 yard line, but a mind-bogglingly dumb offensive personal foul by left tackle Lewan moved the Titans back 15 yards to the 18. On 3rd and 5, Mariota threw to the end zone to a wide open Andre Johnson. The future first ballot Hall of Famer got so wide open by committing offensive pass interference. Instead of a tie game, it was 3rd and 15. A pass to Murray gained 11 yards as the Titans called their final timeout with 16 seconds left. Everything came down to 4th and 4 at the 12.

Mariota fired to the end zone incomplete. The Titans demanded defensive pass interference but the referees had been letting both sides play the whole game. This was mild contact at best, solid defense. The Raiders had survived to get to 2-1. It was ugly, but as Al Davis used to say, Just Win Baby. Despite being shut out in the second half, the Raiders hung on. As Jack Del rio said 2 weeks ago, the Raiders are finally learning how to win games they had lost in years past. 17-10 Raiders

Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills — Last week Buffalo offensive coordinator Greg Roman was sacked as the winless Bills had to now face the league’s best offense. Early on the Bills moved 77 yards, and faced a critical 4th and goal at the one. In a move that did not inspire the home crowd, Rex Ryan opted for the 19 yard Dan Carpenter field goal and a 3-0 Bills lead. The Bills got it back and LeSean McCoy raced for a 24 yard touchdown for a surprising 10-0 Bills lead. In the second quarter McCoy ran it in from 5 yards out as the Bills had the shocking 17-0 lead. The Cardinals quick strike offense was not striking, so Bruce Arians slowed things down. Carson Palmer led a staggering 17 play, 84 yard drive that consumed almost 9 1/2 minutes. David Johnson ran it in from 4 yards out as the Cardinals trailed 17-7 at the intermission.

In the third quarter, Bruce Arians had field goal kicker Chandler Catanzaro punting. Catanzaro shanked a 19 yard punt, setting up Buffalo with a short field at the Arizona 47. On 3rd and 4 from the Arizona 20, Tyrod Taylor ran all the way for the score as the Bills smelled upset with a 23-7 lead. The extra point was missed. The Cardinals soon got rolling and moved to a 2nd and 1 from the Buffalo 8. Twice Johnson got the carry and got stopped. On 4th and 1, Bruce Arians decided to go for it. Out of the shotgun, Carson Palmer took a costly delay of game penalty. A disgusted Arians sent in the field goal team on 4th and 6 from the 13 for a chip shot 30 yarder. Then came the play of the day. The snap sailed over everyone’s head, and after a mad scramble, Williams picked up the ball and raced 53 yards for a Bills touchdown. Special teams had the Bills up 30-7.

The Cardinals have the offensive firepower to rally, and they did. Johnson ran for a 22 yard touchdown run. The 2 point try failed but the Cardinals were within 30-13 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter a desperate Bruce Arians had Catanzaro try a 60 yard field goal. His field goal kicking is more than three times as good as his punting, as he drilled it to get the Cardinals within 30-16. However, Palmer kept throwing interceptions. Carpenter hit a 45 yard field goal to put the game out of reach. Buffalo gave up a safety late but it did not matter. Tyron Taylor was only 12 of 25 for 119 yards, 0 touchdowns and an interception. Yet Carson Palmer, despite going 26 of 50 for 261 yards, threw 0 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. Every time Rex Ryan is about to get fired, he wins a big one. Arizona was supposed to be a Super Bowl contender. Instead they and Buffalo are both 1-2 on the season. 33-18 Bills

Baltimore Ravens at Jacksonville Jaguars — Joe Flacco moved the Ravens 75 yards and scrambled the final 8 yards himself for a 7-0 Ravens lead. In the second quarter Justin Tucker hit a 43 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Ravens. With 6 minutes left in the half, Greene returned a punt 42 yards, setting up Jacksonville at the Baltimore 37. At the 2 minute warning, Blake Bortles hit Andre Robinson for a 3 yard touchdown to get the Jaguars within 10-7. Tucker hit from 42 at the halftime gun for a 13-7 Ravens lead. Tucker hit again from 37 in the third quarter to make it 16-7 Ravens. Bortles then led the Jaguars 78 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. An 11 yard touchdown pass to Andre Robinson had the Jaguars only down 16-14 after three quarters. An ugly game saw each team try to lose. With 9 minutes left, a fumbled punt gave the Jaguars the ball on the Baltimore 39. After failing to gain a first down, Josh Myers hit a 49 yard field goal to make it 17-16 Jaguars midway threw the fourth quarter. The game then got comically ugly.

With 5 1/2 minutes left Joe Flacco was intercepted, setting up the Jaguars at the Baltimore 31. On 3rd and 10, in field goal range, Blake Bortles threw an interception right back. Baltimore took over at their own 29. Two plays later, Flacco was intercepted again. The Jaguars had it at the Baltimore 29. On 3rd and 6, Bortles was sacked for a 9 yard loss. With 3 minutes left, Myers came in for a 52 yard try to extend the Jaguars lead. The kick was blocked. The Ravens took over at their own 43. With one minute left, Tucker leveled a 54 yard field goal to put the Ravens up by 2 points. With 21 seconds left, on 3rd and 21 from their own 14, Bortles was intercepted again. Bortles and Gus Bradley may soon get a phone call and face the wrath of owner Shad Khan at 0-3. Meanwhile, john Harbaugh was supposed to have a bad team, but somehow are 3-0 with plenty of dumb luck helping them. 19-17 Ravens

Cleveland Browns at Miami Dolphins — The Stupor Bowl saw Ryan Tannehill get quickly intercepted and then saw the Browns start 3rd string Cody Kessler, their 26th starting quarterback since 1999. Kessler was quickly hit and fumbled. Ryan Tannehill later on had more success, hitting Parker for a 26 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Dolphins lead. Cody Parkey missed a 41 yard field goal but began the second quarter by hitting a 46 yarder to get the Browns within 7-3. midway through the second quarter the Dolphins faced 3rd and 3 at their own 21. Tannehill was intercepted by Boddy-Calhoun, who returned it 27 yards for a touchdown and a 10-7 Browns lead. Franks hit a 37 yard field goal at the 2 minute warning for a 10-10 game. Parker hit from 48 as the Browns took a 13-10 lead into the locker rooms.

The Browns offense went dead for much of the second half. In the third quarter Tannehill connected with Landry on a 42 yard touchdown to make it 17-13 Dolphins. 30 seconds into the fourth quarter on 3rd and 1 from the Cleveland 10, Tannehill hit Williams for the touchdown and a 24-13 Dolphins lead. The Browns came back 83 yards. On 3rd and 7 from the Miami 11, Kessler was hit and fumbled. Miami recovered, but defensive offsides gave the Browns another chance. Terrelle Pryor came in for Kessler, who was hurt on the previous play. Another defensive offsides was followed by Pryor running for a 3 yard touchdown. Kessler came back in and hit Gary Barnidge for the 2 point conversion. With 10 1/2 minutes left, the Browns were within 24-21.

With 6 minutes left, the Browns took over at their own 6. Crowell ran for 25 yards and Kessler hit Pryor for a 40 yard gain. Parker hit a 38 yard field goal as the game was tied 24-24 with less than 3 1/2 minutes to play. Then came a sequence of events that fit in perfectly with the last 50 years for the Browns since Jim Brown retired. With 26 seconds left from the Miami 35, Tannehill went back to pass, was sacked and fumbled, and the Browns recovered at the Miami 27. The Dolphins had just given the game away, but remember…These are the Browns. With 20 seconds left, Hue Jackson took no chances. Kessler took a knee and the Browns called timeout with 4 seconds left. Parker came in for the 46 yarder to win it. Last year in this same position, the Browns had the winning field goal blocked and returned for a touchdown in a stunning loss. Remember, these are the Browns.

This time the kick was merely no good, wide by a mile. The Browns won the coin toss, but Jackson inexplicably decided to defer. This was his way of saying he did not trust his own offense. These are the Browns. The defense did force a punt, and the Browns took over at their own 9. After briefly moving forward, they went far backward and faced 3rd and 28 at their own 9 where they started. A run gained 4 yards. These are the Browns. A 13 yard punt return had the Dolphins starting at the Cleveland 44. Tannehill hit Landry for a 32 yard gain down to the Cleveland 11. One play later Ajayi ran it in to end the game with 9 minutes left in overtime. Adam Gase got his first win as an NFL head coach while Hue Jackson saw his Browns remain winless. These are the Browns. 30-24 Dolphins, OT

Washington Redskins at New York Giants — The Redskins fumbled a punt, setting up the Giants at the Washington 28. 3 plays later Shane Vereen got in form he one to make it 7-0 Giants. Josh Brown hit the kickoff out of bounds, setting up the Redskins at their own 40. Dustin Hopkins hit a 49 yard field goal to get Washington within 7-3. Eli Manning quickly moved the Giants 75 yards as a 23 yard touchdown pass to Shepard made it 14-3 Giants. Washington moved to the Red zone but again settled for a 33 yard Hopkins field goal to get within 14-6. Hopkins hit from 45 in the second quarter to get Washington within 14-9. While the Redskins were kicking field goals, the Giants were finishing drives. 75 yards came easily and Darkwa found light for a 2 yard score and a 21-9 Giants advantage. The Redskins finally got back in it 30 seconds later as Kirk Cousins followed a 31 yard completion to DeSean Jackson with a 44 yard touchdown bomb to Jackson. The Redskins only trailed 21-16.

In the third quarter a short pass from Cousins to Crowder allowed Crowder to split the seams with some great blocks and race for a 55 yard touchdown as the Redskins led 23-21. The rest of the game was a seesaw as each kicker made 2 field goals in alternating success. Josh Brown hit from 29 in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, helped along by a fake punt, Dustin Hopkins hit from 25. Then Brown responded from 30. With 1:51 to play, Hopkins hit from 37 as the Redskins led by 2 after the fifth lead change of the second half. With 1:09 to play from the Giants 39, with Big Blue driving for the sixth lead change, Manning was intercepted by Cravens. Ben McAdoo lost his first game as an NFL head coach and Jay Gruden finally got a win this year. For decades, the Giants have played to the level of their competition. They win tough road games and lose games at home they should win easily. 29-27 Redskins

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers — The last time these teams met, the Lions blew a 20-0 lead and Aaron Rodgers shocked the Detroit crowd with a Hail Mary for the ages. This time in Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers started hot. A 14 yard touchdown pass to Devonta Adams made it 7-0 Packers. The Lions then held the ball for 15 plays and 8 1/2 minutes, yet settled for a 42 yard Matt Prater field goal as the Lions trailed 7-3. Rodgers later in the quarter hooked up with Jordy Nelson for a 49 yard gain inside the Detroit 10. Rodgers and Nelson connected again on an 8 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Packers. On the first play of the second quarter, Rodgers went bombs away and drew a 66 yard defensive pass interference call. One play later Rodgers hit his non-relative Richard Rodgers for a 2 yard touchdown as the Packers were up 21-3 and rolling.

Things got worse for the Lions when Stafford threw what looked like a completion to Eric Ebron. Randall ripped the ball out of Ebron’s hands and picked up a convoy of blockers, returning it 44 yards to the Detroit 25. Mason Crosby hit a 36 yard field goal to make it 24-3 Packers. The Packers got it back and 67 yards came quickly and easily. Rodgers hit Nelson for a 17 yard touchdown as the Packers were blasting the Lions 31-3. The Lions finally caught a break when a mistackle by the Green Bay defense allowed a pass form Matthew Stafford to Marvin Jones to go for a 73 yard touchdown as the Lions were down 31-10 at the break.

In the third quarter the Lions moved 77 yards in 12 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. Matthew Stafford hit Anquon Boldin for a 2 yard touchdown as the Lions were only down 31-17. A 46 yard Mason Crosby field goal gave the Packers some breathing room up 34-17. Matt Prater responded from 50 in the fourth quarter as the Lions clung to life down 34-20. Detroit got it back and Stafford kept firing. A 35 yard deep ball to Jones had the Lions cut a 28 point deficit to within 7 points with 3 1/2 minutes left. Detroit needed the ball back. On 3rd and 8 from the Green Bay 27, Rodgers scrambled for 11 yards as the Packers ran 0out the clock to survive the scare. Stafford was 28 of 41 for 385 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Rodgers was only 15 of 24 for 205 yards, but he also had 4 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Meanwhile, Eddie Lacy gained 103 yards on 17 carries, as Mike McCarthy finally has Lacy running well enough to help Rodgers. 34-27 Packers

Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers — The Vikings have been devastated by injuries, and losing Adrian Peterson could be a death blow for this team. Mike Zimmer will not tolerate excuses, but going at Carolina was a lot to ask without your best players. Early on Graham Gano hit a 48 yard field goal. The Panthers got it back at their own 43. Cam Newton ran for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Panthers. Later in the first quarter Newton went back to pass form his own end zone. He held on to the ball way too long and was sacked for a safety as the Vikings trailed 10-2. No offense? No problem. mike Sherels returned a punt 54 yards for a touchdown. Blair Walsh’s kicking struggles continued with another missed extra point as the Vikings were only down 10-8 at the half.

In the third quarter Sam Bradford moved the Vikings 79 yards in 10 plays in 5 1/2 minutes. A 15 yard touchdown pass to Kyle Rudolph was followed by McKinnon running in the 2 point conversion. On sheer grit and determination, the Vikings led 16-10. Blair Walsh hit  28 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to make it 19-10 Vikings. Walsh tacked on a 31 yard field goal to complete the scoring. Newton was intercepted 3 times as the defending NFC champions fell to 1-2. Bradford managed the game without an interception. This was a Mike Zimmer win. The National Football League does not tolerate excuses. Neither does the military. Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer understands both. He is very pro-military, and demands discipline of his players. He leads a ferocious defense that rarely makes mistakes. He has no patience for excuses. He has lost his star quarterback and his star running back, yet the team is 3-0. They have won with defense and special teams. Zimmer is on his way to being coach of the year. 22-10 Vikings

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks — Despite scoring only one touchdown in 2 games, Seattle’s Legion of Boom is as solid as ever. Despite winning their opener by 28, the 49ers were exposed las week. Seattle almost always blows out San francisco in Seattle, and this game was no exception. On the third play of the game, Michael Ran for a 41 yard touchdown for the Seahawks. Seattle then moved 62 yards in 14 plays, taking 8 1/2 minutes off the clock. Michael got in again from 4 yards out as the Seahawks led 14-0 after the first quarter.

A Seattle fumble in the second quarter had the 49ers at the Seattle 30. Yet on 3rd and 4 from the 6, the 49ers called a West Coast Offense dink and dunk pass. Joe Montana and Steve Young are retired. Bill Walsh is gone. The league has caught up. Blaine Gabbert completed a 2 yard pass and Phil Dawson hit a 22 yard field goal to have the 49ers down 14-3. Seattle does not dink and dunk. On 3rd and 14 from their own 23, Russell Wilson went deep to Doug Baldwin for a 59 yard gain. Wilson hit Graham on the next play for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 21-3 Seahawks. After Dawson missed a 53 yard field goal, the Seahawks moved to a 3rd and 1 at the 49ers 15 with 1:22 left in the half. Michael got stopped and Pete Carroll opted for the field goal on 4th and 1. Steve Hauschka hit from 33 to make it 24-3 Seahawks at intermission.

In the third quarter a 62 yard punt return by Tyler Lockett had the Seahawks at the 49ers 26 yard line. A Sack of Wilson had Seattle facing 3rd and 21 and possibly out of field goal range. Wilson was sacked again, but a horse collar tackle penalty instead gave Seattle an automatic first down. Hauschka hit a 33 yard field goal to make it 27-3 Seahawks. Then on 3rd and 8 from their own 27, Gabbert was intercepted. The game was such a laugher that Pete Carroll decided to give Russell Wilson and his injured ankle a rest like they do in preseason. The Seahawks started at the 49ers 20 but Trevor Boykin could not get in the end zone. Hauschka hit from 22 to make it 30-3 Seahawks. In the froth quarter on 3rd and 6 from the 16, Boykin hit Baldwin for the touchdown to make it 37-3 Seahawks. A pair of garbage time 8 yard touchdown runs by Carlos Hyde made the game a blowout instead of a complete blowout. 37-18 Seahawks

Los Angeles Rams at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Rams are 1-1 despite scoring only 3 field goals in 2 games combined. Jeff Fisher has a defense. In this game he finally saw some offense, but then the defense took some time off. Case Keenum threw a 44 yard touchdown pass to Quick for a 7-0 Rams lead. Keenan’s second touchdown pass went to Alexander, who plays defense for the Buccaneers. The 38 yard interception return had Keenum throwing one touchdown pass to each team for a 7-6 Rams lead when the extra point was no good.. Greg The Leg Zuerlein would hit a 53 yard field goal to have the Rams up 10-6 after the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Buccaneers moved 75 yards. On 4th and 1 from the Rams 16, Dirk Koetter decided to go for it. Jameis Winston hit Mike Evans for 2 yards. Sims got in from one yard out on 3rd and goal to put the Buccaneers up 13-10. The Buccaneers got it back with a short field after a fumble at the Los Angeles 43. Jameis Winston hit Brate for the 3 yard touchdown and a 20-10 Buccaneers advantage. With 2 1/2 minutes left from the Tampa Bay 27, Winston was intercepted, setting up the Rams at the Bucs 22. On 3rd and goal at the one with 28 seconds left in the half, Todd Gurley got the carry and got in to have the Rams down 20-17.

In the third quarter the Rams moved 69 yards and Gurley got in again from the one to make it 24-20 Rams. After that, both defenses dug in for awhile. With 12 minutes left in regulation, the Buccaneers had moved from their 34 to a 2nd and 6 at the Rams 13. After an incompletion came the play of the game on 3rd and 6. Winston was sacked, fumbled, and Westbrooks returned it for a 77 yard touchdown the other way for a 31-20 Rams lead. Winston brought the Buccaneers back 75 yards. A one yard touchdown pass to Brate with 9 minutes left had the Bucs right back in it. The 2 point try failed but the Buccaneers were only down 31-26.

Midway through the fourth quarter Keenum threw incomplete on 3rd and 17 at their own 18. Yet defensive holding gave the Rams new life. Keenum went deep to Tavon Austin for a 43 yard touchdown and a 37-26 Rams lead after the failed 2 point conversion try with 4 1/2 minutes left. Winston brought the Buccaneers back quickly 75 yards. A 7 yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans followed by a failed 2 point conversion had the Buccaneers within 5 points again with 2:15 to play. At the 2 minute warning, the Rams faced 3rd and 11 at their own 5. The game was then suspended due to a lightning storm.

After over an hour play resumed and the Rams went deep incomplete. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 44 with 1:42 left. 3 straight completions moved the ball to the Rams 27 with 54 seconds left. A 12 yard completion to Sims had the ball at the 15 with 26 seconds left. Three incompletions left 4 seconds on the clock and one play for all the marbles. Mike Dyson was not available to make the tackle. However, the Mighty Quinn was. Winston avoided a sack, scrambled, gained 10 yards but was moving slowly looking for a receiver. Quinn blasted him to the ground and ended the game 5 yards short. 37-32 Rams

Pittsburgh Steelers at Philadelphia Eagles — It was one thing for the Eagles to win a couple games against the two biggest NFL tomato cans. It was quite another to take on Pittsburgh. In the first quarter, Caleb Sturgis hit a 29 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Eagles. In the second quarter Carson Wentz led a 12 play, 82 yard, 6 minute drive. A 12 yard touchdown pass to Matthews made it 10-0 Eagles. Chris Boswell would hit a 40 yard field goal to get the Steelers on the board, but Sturgis answered from 38 to make it 13-3 Eagles at halftime. The Eagles exploded in the third quarter right at the outset. Wentz connected with Darren Sproles on a 73 yard touchdown connection to make it 20-3 Eagles. Smallwood ran it in from 8 yards out and Barner ran for an 8 yard touchdown to complete the blowout. The Eagles are 3-0, Carson Wentz looks like a veteran, and not one Philly fan has called for Doug Pederson to be fired yet. The City of Brotherly Love is feeling the love. 34-3 Eagles

New York Jets at Kansas City Chiefs — After a big emotional win over archival Buffalo last week, the Jets came out flat at Kansas City. After a Jets punt, the Chiefs showed why they will never get to the next level. From their own 17, they moved to a 3rd and 9 at the Jets 30. Alex Smith was sacked for an 8 yard loss and out of field goal range. A punt had the Jets pinned at their own one yard line. On 3rd and 9 from their own 22, Fitzpatrick was intercepted. From the Jets 35, the rest came easy. Smith hit Kelce for a 12 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Chiefs after the first quarter.

In the second quarter after a Jets fumble, the Chiefs took over at their own 47 and kept playing dink and dunk West Coast Offense football. They held the ball for 7 minutes and 14 plays, yet gained one 44 yards. On 1st and goal from the 3, Smith completed a pass that lost a yard. Cairo Santos hit a 27 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Chiefs. Andy Reid teams win regular season games with defense and special teams. A fumble by the jets on the ensuing kickoff was returned 27 yards by Harris for a touchdown and a 17-0 Chiefs lead. Nick Folk got the Jets on the board with a 28 yard field goal just before the 2 minute warning as the Jets trailed 17-3 at break time.

In the third quarter Smith kept drinking and dunking, but it works when the other team plays bad defense. A short pass to Kelce went for 42 yards and another short pass gained 13 yards. Ware got around the end for a 6 yard touchdown and a 24-3 Chiefs lead. However, upon further review, the touchdown was called back in a big way. The ball came loose from Ware’s hand just before it hit the Pylon. Instead of a touchdown, it was a fumble and a touchback. The Jets drove down the field but midway through the fourth quarter, a pass from the red zone to the end zone was deflected and intercepted. Interceptions on 3 consecutive drives killed Gang Green. The last one was returned by Johnson for a 55 yard clinching touchdown. When you have a solid defense forcing 8 turnovers including intercepting 6…yes, 6…Fitzpatrick passes, Alex Smith can manage the game. He does nothing spectacular but does not lose you the game either. 24-3 Chiefs

San Diego Chargers at Indianapolis Colts — Andrew Luck and Philip Rivers are both quarterbacks who have gotten very little help in the last couple years. Early on it was all Colts. Adam Vinatieri hit a 38 yard field goal. Then Frank Gore capped off an 85 yard drive with a 6 yard touchdown run to have the Colts up 10-0 after the opening quarter. Josh Lambo hit field goals of 42 and 34 to get the Chargers within 10-6. The second one came after an interception of Luck had the Chargers with 1st and goal at the 6. Offensive holding and 3 Rivers incompletions meant a wasted chance. The Colts moved 60 yards in 11 plays and took up 7 1/2 minutes, but settled for Vinatieri from 33 to make it 13-6 Colts. With one minute left in the half, the Colts had 1st and 10 at the San Diego 23. They were in total control. Then after a false start, Luck was sacked and fumbled. Caraun Reid picked it up and rumbled 61 yards before a stunned Lucas Oil Stadium crowd. Out of nowhere the teams were tied 13-13 at the midpoint.

In the third quarter the Chargers moved 80 yards in 12 plays in 6 1/2 minutes. Melvin Gordon got in from the one. The extra point was partially blocked by Antonio Cromartie, but the Chargers led 19-13. The Colts responded by going 75 yards in 10 plays and nearly 6 minutes. Turpin got in from the one as the Colts retook the lead 20-19. Early in the fourth quarter, the Colts had the ball just past midfield. A hail of penalties wiped out a 58 yard touchdown and had the Colts facing 2nd and 40. A 3rd and 37 pass did not pick up the first down. The Chargers moved from their 18 to a 2nd and goal at the 4. Rivers then threw incomplete and was sacked. Josh Lambo hit the 27 yard field goal to put the Chargers up by 2 midway through the fourth quarter.

The Colts began their last chance at their own 17 with 2 1/2 minutes left and 2 timeouts left plus the 2 minute warning. A 3rd and 7 pass was dropped at the 2 minute warning. On 4th and 7, luck hit TY Hilton for 8. A 9 yard completion to Josh Ferguson saw Brandon Flowers stay down injured for the Chargers. This stopped the clock, a gift break for the Colts. The crowd clapped as Flowers got up and walked off under his own power. On the next play, Luck zipped a pass to Hilton, who split 2 defenders, spun one around, and outraced everyone. The home crowd erupted as the 63 yard miracle put the Colts in front by 4 points. The 2 point try failed. Because of Lambo’s earlier missed extra point, the Chargers need a touchdown to win it. Now it was the Chargers with 1:17 to play who needed to go 75 yards. They had 2 timeouts. An 18 yard completion was followed by a fumble. Mike Adams recovered for the defense as the Colts got their first win. Mike McCoy has seen his boys collapse in two of three games late. 26-22 Colts

Chicago Bears at Dallas Cowboys was the Sunday night game. It was a mismatch from the start. Bak Prescott moved the Cowboys 75 yards in plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Prescott got in from the one to make it 7-0 Cowboys. Dan Bailey nailed a 49 yard field goal for a 10-0 Cowboys lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter Dunbar got in from the one to cap a 72 yard drive and make it 17-0 Cowboys. The Bears finally got on the board when Connor Barth hit a 34 yard field goal. The Cowboys came back with a 12 play, 73 yard, 7 minute drive. Alfred Morris ran for a 3 yard touchdown to have the Cowboys cruising up 24-3 at halftime. Bryan Hoyer did throw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Bryan Hoyer in the third quarter, but the Cowboys put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter. Prescott capped of a 10 play, 88 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive with his first NFL touchdown pass, a 17 yarder to Dez Bryant to make it 31-10 Cowboys. Hoyer and Miller hooked up again but it was far too little, too late as the Bears remained winless. 31-17 Cowboys

Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints was the Monday night game. For those who suffered through the worst presidential debate in history, you missed a fine football game. Emotions were sky high in the Superdome. This was the 10 year anniversary of Steve Gleason’s blocked punt. Gleason was in attendance for this game, and his battle with ALS is widely documented. Drew Brees and Sean Payton were in the same role as they were a decade ago, superstar player and coach respectively. There were no blocked punts in this game like in 2006 and 2015, but it was thrilling offensive football. In a very classy display with thoughts of Hurricane Katrina and recent social unrest in the background, the players and coaches all held hands before the game. This was real unity.

Then they played football. Brees moved the Saints 75 yards in 11 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. A 2 yard touchdown pass to Coby Fleener made it 7-0 Saints. The Saints held on defense and had all the momentum, but it was fleeting. The Saints fumbled a punt and the Falcons took over on the Saints 11. On 3rd and 1 from the 2, Coleman got in to tie the game 7-7.

Later on the Falcons moved 74 yards in 11 plays and 5 minutes. On 4th and 1 from the Saints 33, Coleman got the yard and a horse collar tackle added 15 more yards. On the first play of the second quarter, Matt Ryan hit Freeman for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Falcons. The Saints came back 75 yards in 12 plays and 5 minutes. Brees hit Thomas from 2 yards out for a 14-14 tie. The pinball machine kept rolling for both sides, as now the Falcons did their 11 play, 75 yard drive. Coleman got in from the 2 for a 21-14 Falcons lead.

The Falcons held on defense and got it back on their own 6 with 1:51 left in the half. On 3rd and 2 from the 14, Ryan threw incomplete. However, defensive pass interference meant a 25 yard gain. Ryan then found Hardy for 22 yards and Gabriel for 14 more. With 30 seconds left in the half, Ryan threw a 4 yard touchdown to Hardy for a 28-14 Falcons lead. After a touchback the Saints faced 3rd and 10 at their own 25. Brees hit Fleener for 32 yards. On the last play of the half Lutz nailed a 57 yard field goal to get the Saints within 28-17.

The Falcons kept rolling. On the first play of the second half after a touchback, Ryan hit Freeman for 26 yards and Coleman for 34 yards. Coleman ran it in from 6 yards out to make it 35-17. The Saints soon faced 3rd and 7 at their own 28. Brees hit Thomas for 25 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 3, John Kuhn got in. Mark Ingraham converted the 2 point conversion on the ground to get the Saints within 35-25 midway through the third quarter.

The Falcons moved from their 21 when Freeman ran for a 21 yard gain. However, on 3rd and goal at the 3 Ryan threw incomplete. Matt Bryant hit the 21 yard field goal for a 38-25 Falcons lead. The Saints appeared right back in it when they moved from their 25 to 1st and 10 at the Atlanta 11 only one minute into the fourth quarter. Then came the play of the game. Brees was intercepted by Jones, who went 90 yards the other way for the dagger. Instead of only being down 38-32, the Saints trailed 45-25.

Brees quickly brought the Saints back again, tossing a 5 yard touchdown pass to Ingram with 10 minutes left in regulation. The Saints even held on defense and moved from their 14 to a 1st and 10 at the Atlanta 28. This came after a critical 4th and 1 conversion. Yet a sack of Brees soon found the Saints facing 4th and 21 from the Atlanta 39 with 3 minutes left. They failed to convert. Freeman burst free for a 48 yard gain to the Saints 4 yard line, but Matty Ice ended the game with the same class it began. He took a knee rather than run up the score on this proud home crowd. Ryan finished 20 of 30 for 240 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Brees was 36 of 54 for 376 yards and 3 touchdowns, but also with the one killer interception. The win had the Falcons in sole possession of first place in the NFC South. 45-32 Falcons

NFL 2016 Week 3 Prequel

http://www.commdiginews.com/sports/nfl/nfl-2016-week-3-preview-and-bettors-guide-71396/

eric

NFL 2016 Week 2 Recap

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills was the Thursday night game. For those who love old-school defense, this was not your game. For those who loved the American Football League pinball machine, this was your game. Forget ground and pound. This was an aerial assault.

On the third play of the game, facing 3rd and 10 at their own 25, Ryan Fitzpatrick went deep to Enunwa for a 34 yard gain. After converting four times on third down, the Jets had 3rd and 2 at the Buffalo 5. A killer false start followed by an incompletion ended the drive. Despite running 15 plays and holding the ball for nearly 8 1/2 minutes, the Jets settled for a 28 yard Nick Folk field goal and a 3-0 lead.

Three plays later the Bills faced 3rd and 12 at their own 16. Tyron Taylor went bombs away to Goodwin for an 84 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Bills. The Jets took over at their own 14. On 3rd and 5 from their 30, Fitzpatrick threw incomplete but a 26 yard defensive pass interference penalty kept the drive going. On 3rd and 2 from the Buffalo 12, a shovel pass gained only one yard. On 4th and 1, on the last play of the first quarter, a disappointed Todd Bowles settled for a 29 yard Folk field goal. Despite controlling the ball for 13 1/2 minutes in the opening quarter, the Jets trailed 7-6.

In the second quarter Buffalo went 3 and out. Taking over at their own 34, The Jets saw Fitzpatrick go deep again to Brandon Marshall for a 37 yard gain. Matt Forte ran in for a one yard touchdown to make it 13-7 Jets. The jets got it back at their own 23 and Fitzy kept going deep, hitting Enunwa for 21 yards and Marshall for 21 more. Fitzpatrick then hit Eric Decker for 18 and again for the 5 yard touchdown. With 4 minutes left in the half, the Jets offense was gashing Rex Ryan’s defense for a 20-7 Jets lead.

Taylor moved the Bills from their 25 to a critical 4th and 1 at the Jets 32 with 41 seconds left in the half. Rex Ryan pulled a switch, brought Taylor off the field, and backup EJ Manuel came in for one play. Manuel gained 2 yards and Taylor came back on. With 15 seconds left in the half, the Bills faced 3rd and 1 at the Jets 21. Taylor threw incomplete and Ryan settled for a 39 yard Dan Carpenter field as the Bills trailed 20-10 at halftime. While it appeared the Jets were in total control, this game was just warming up.

On the third play of the third quarter, the Bills faced 3rd and 6 at their own 29. History repeated itself as offensive coordinator Greg Roman went bombs away again. Taylor hit Salas for a 71 yard touchdown as the Bills were right back in it down 20-17. Five plays later, the Jets faced 2nd and 8 at their own 33. A short completion to Marshall saw several defenders swarm Marshall and punch the ball out of his hand. Robey-Coleman returned the fumble 36 yards for a touchdown. Only 3 1/2 minutes into the second half, the Bills had stormed back to take a 24-20 lead. Then things turned again.

After an exchange of punts, the Jets embarked on another long drive. 84 yards, 12 plays, and 6 1/2 minutes saw the Jets move from their own 16 to a critical 3rd and 8 at the Buffalo 46. Fitzpatrick hit Decker for 17 yards and Marshall for 16 more. Forte ran it in for a 3 yard touchdown as the Jets retook the lead 27-24 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. A strong kickoff return had the Bills taking over at their own 47. On the first play of the fourth quarter, on 3rd and 1, OC Roman stayed aggressive rather than play it safe. Taylor went deep again, but this time was intercepted by Williams at the Jets 13.

On 3rd and 9 from their own 14, Fitzpatrick kept the aerial circus going, hitting Marshall for 27 yards and Decker for 35 more. On 3rd and 6 from the Buffalo 20, Fitzpatrick only gained 2 yards. Folk hit the 36 yard field goal to make it 30-24 Jets with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Both offenses were moving at will, as Buffalo took over at their own 22. LeSean McCoy quickly gained 24 yards. On 3rd and 1 at the Jets 45, Rex Ryan again got creative. Emanuel came in at quarterback again and Taylor moved out to wide receiver. For all of that, Emanuel took the carry and got nothing. Midway through the fourth quarter, on 4th and 1, Rex Ryan decided to go for it. In a game with little to no defense, McCoy got the carry and ran into a Gang Green brick wall.

From the Jets 44, Rex Ryan saw his twin brother Rob Ryan’s defense continue to get torched. Fitzpatrick hit Decker for 27 yards and Forte scored his third rushing touchdown from 12 yards out. With 4 minutes left, the Jets now had a 37-24 lead. Yet in a game of big momentum swings, this game was not over.

Despite leaving the game earlier after taking a hit, Taylor quickly cleared concussion protocol. He showed absolutely no symptoms, and quickly returned to the game. While it was right to pull him, it was also proper to clear him. He showed absolutely no sign of a concussion, and player safety does not mean overreacting either. Taylor quickly moved the Bills 75 yards. An 18 yard touchdown pass to Gillislee gave the Bills life. Gillislee dove and stretched just past the plane of the goal after initially being ruled down at the one. On further review, a reversal properly gave him the touchdown. The Bills were within 6 points with 1:17 to play. Now it was up to the onside kick team.

The try failed but the Bills still had 2 timeouts left. On 4th and 5 from midfield, the Jets punted with 18 seconds left. A fair catch had the Bills at their own 15 with only 10 seconds left. That was enough time to complete a 25 yard pass and set up a Hail Mary. Instead the Bills went for the hook and ladder play. The completion gained 10 yards and the lateral added another 18 yards to the Buffalo 43. Yet Goodwin did not get out of bounds, and the clock ran out before the Hail Mary could even be tried.

Taylor played very well, going 18 for 30 for 297 yards, 3 touchdowns, and one interception. Fitzpatrick was 24 of 34 for 374 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. The offenses ruled this game. The defenses played miserably for long stretches despite the one Buffalo defensive touchdown. The Bills fell to 0-2, and the team is already in a state of total panic. Since Rex Ryan will not fire his own brother despite his being fired by several other locations, Ryan instead fired Greg Roman. This made no sense, give that the offense played well most of the game. The Rex Ryan death watch has officially begun. 37-31 Jets

Tennessee Titans at Detroit Lions — After winning a thrilling shootout last week on the road, the Lions had what was supposed to be a much easier game at home against Tennessee. For most of the game, it was. In the first quarter DeMarco Murray was tackled in the end zone to put the Detroit defense on the board first. After the free kick, Matthew Stafford threw a 24 yard touchdown pass to Anquon Boldin as the Lions led 9-0 after the opening quarter. The defenses then dug in. Ryan Succop hit a 46 yard field goal in the second quarter. Matt Prater responded from 42 and then in the third quarter from 27 as the Lions led 15-3 after three quarters.

On the first play of the fourth quarter, Marcus Mariota threw a 30 yard touchdown to Walker. Midway through the fourth quarter the Titans took over at their own 17 yard line. Mariota led the Titans down the field, converting a pair of short third down conversions. With 1:19 to play, everything came down to the Titans facing 4th and 4 at the Detroit 9. Mariota found Andre Johnson for the touchdown. The two point try failed but the Titans led by a point. With 28 seconds left needing a field goal to win, the Lions faced 3rd and 10 at their own 45. Stafford was intercepted by Cox as Mike Mularkey got his first win as Tennessee’s head coach. Despite winning last week, the Lions have blown double digit leads in both games this season. 16-15 Titans

Kansas City at Houston Texans — In the playoffs last year in Houston, the Chiefs returned the opening kickoff 106 yards for a touchdown on their way to a 30-0 thrashing over the Texans. This time the Texans won the coin toss, preventing that repeat humiliation. The Texans moved from their own 16 to a critical 3rd and goal at the 2. Brock Osweiler was then intercepted, killing the drive. A few plays later the Chiefs faced 3rd and 6 at their own 44. Alex Smith fumbled a snap out of the shotgun and JJ Watt recovered for the Texans at the Houston 27. One play later Osweiler went deep to Hopkins for the touchdown and the 7-0 Texans lead. The rest of the game was hideously ugly, with Chiefs kicker Cairo Santos and Texans kicker Nick Novak both hitting four field goals.

On the first play of the second quarter, Cairo Santos hit a 53 yard field goal to get the Chiefs on the board. With 4 minutes left in the half, Nick Novak hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 10-3 Texans. A Chiefs fumble gave the Texans a golden opportunity at the Kansas City 14 with 1:40 left in the half. Houston again struggled offensively but Novak’s 24 yarder made it 13-3 Texans. Late in the third quarter Osweiler was intercepted. On the first play of the fourth quarter Santos hit from 43 to get the Chiefs within 13-6. The teams then traded field goals. Novak hit from 31, Santos hit from 35, and Novak hit again from 43 with 3 minutes left for a 19-9 Texans lead.

History almost repeated itself as the Chiefs returned this ensuing kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown. However, holding on the kick instead had the Chiefs start at their own 12 yard line. Santos would hit a 30 yard field goal with 49 seconds left, but the onside kick failed and Houston had the ugly win. 19-12 Texans

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots — After looking good in his first ever NFL start, Jimmy Garoppolo in his first ever home start looked like the hall of fame he is briefly replacing. Last week Miami’s defense was stellar until the final 60 seconds. This week they were awful from the opening moments. Garoppolo threw first quarter touchdown passes of 12 yards to Danny Amendola and 20 yards to Marcellus Bennett and a second quarter 10 yard touchdown pass to Amendola. Stephen Gostkowski tacked on a 34 yard field goal as the Patriots built a 24-0 lead. Garoppolo was 18 of 27 for 234 yards and 3 touchdowns with 0 interceptions, but the news was not all good. In the second quarter Garoppolo got leveled and left the game with an injured shoulder. The Patriots were down to third stringer quarterback Brissett. The Dolphins did kick a field goal before the half, but a 9 yard touchdown run by LeGuarette Blount in the third quarter had the Patriots in cruise control up 31-3.

The cruised a bit too early. Ryan Tannehill led a furious rally, throwing a 24 yard third quarter touchdown pass to Kenny Stills. In the fourth quarter Tannehill hit Cameron for a 12 yard touchdown. After drives of 75 and 88 yards, Tannehill led a 74 yard drive that culminated in Drake running it in from 7 yards out with 6 minutes left to get the Dolphins within 7 points. Bill Belichick kept it on the ground, as the Patriots ate up the clock. With one minute left, Gostkowski came in for the 39 yarder to lock up the win. It was no good. The Dolphins took over at their own 29 with 1:04 left. With 9 seconds left, the Dolphins faced 4th and 5 at the New England 29. Tannehill went to the end zone and was intercepted by Harmon. Despite going 32 of 45 for 389 yards, Tannehill aw the Dolphins fall to 0-2 while the Patriots and their 3rd string quarterback are unbeaten. 31-24 Patriots

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns — If ever a game represented the history of the Cleveland Browns franchise since Jim Brown retired, this one was it. Despite RGIII’s Browns career likely ending after one game, veteran Josh McCown came in and played well right away. He hit Coleman for a 31 yard touchdown pass. Then Ian Crowell broke off an 85 yard touchdown run. Then McCown hit Coleman again for an 11 yard touchdown. 3 Browns touchdown had them up 20-0 in the first quarter. This game was turning into a laugher. They were an extra point away from leading 21-0. However, these are the Browns.

Last year the Browns attempted the winning field goal against the Ravens on the final play. In a shocker, the kick was blocked and returned for a touchdown and a Ravens victory. This time, the extra point was blocked and returned all the way by the Ravens the other way. This now counts for 2 points. The Ravens were on the board, but they still trailed 20-2. However, remember. These are the Borwns. With 1:15 left in the half, Joe Flacco hit Mike Wallace for a 7 yard touchdown to get within 20-9. 2 plays later McCown was intercepted. Justin Tucker hit a 52 yard field goal at the gun as the Ravens only trailed 20-12. Early in the third quarter Flacco hit Wallace for another 17 yard touchdown. Now the Ravens only trailed 20-19.

One minute into the fourth quarter, Murray came in for a 52 yard field goal try for the Browns. The kick was no good. With 11 1/2 minutes left Tucker hit from 49 as the Ravens now had the 22-20 lead. Baltimore got it back and Tucker hit again from 41. 25 unanswered points had the Ravens up by 5 with 3 minutes left. McCown moved the Browns from their 25 to the Baltimore 30 with 27 seconds. McCown hit Terrell Pryor for a 20 yard gain down to the 10. However, offsetting penalties nullified the play. McCown went deep to Pryor again and this time was intercepted at the one yard line. John Harbaugh exhaled as Hue Jackson wondered if he truly was in charge of a cursed franchise. LeBron James delivering for the Cavaliers has not helped the football team. Once this team won with Jim Brown. Ever since then, they just lose. These are the Browns. 25-20 Ravens

Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers — This blood feud only got nastier since Pittsburgh escaped with an 18-16 playoff win at Cincinnati last year. As expected, this game featured plenty of hard-hitting defense. In the first quarter, Ben Roethlisberger hit Xavier Grimble for a 20 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Steelers lead. After that the defenses clamped down. Mike Nugent hit a 25 yard field goal for the Bengals. In the second quarter, Chris Boswell hit from 49 and Nugent responded from 33 as the Bengals trailed 10-6 at halftime. Their inability to turn the red zone into the green zone proved costly.

In the third quarter Big Ben hit James for a 9 yard touchdown. Again Red Rifle Andy Dalton moved the Bengals deep and again they could not crack the end zone. Nugget’s third field goal from 21 yards out had the Bengals trailing 17-9 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter Roethlisberger led a 12 play, 68 yard drive that ate 7 minutes off the clock. Big ben hit Deangelo Williams for the 4 yard touchdown with 6 1/2 minutes left to make it 24-9. Dalton finally got the Bengals to pay dirt with 3 1/2 minutes left with a 25 yard touchdown pass to Bernard. Cincinnati got it bak at their own 25 with 3 minutes left. At the 2 minute warning they were already at the Pittsburgh 39 seeking the tying touchdown. Dalton hit Boyd on a short pass, but Boyd fumbled and the Steelers recovered to lock up the tough win. Despite going 31 of 54 for for 366 yards, Dalton’s red zone troubles were the difference. Roethlisberger’s three touchdown passes were the difference. 24-16 Steelers

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Redskins — Dak Prescott played well in his rookie debut in a one point loss where he got little help when it mattered most. Prescott was very impressive in this game as well, going 22 of 30 for 292 yards. He did not throw a touchdown or an interception. Early on he led a 13 play, 5 1/2 minute drive. Yet an incompletion 3rd and 4 means a 22 yard Dan Bailey field goal to open the scoring. Too many field goals is why Dallas lost last week. On the next series Prescott led a 94 yard drive. This time the Cowboys finished it as Ezekiel Elliott got in from the one to make it 10-0 Cowboys after the first quarter.

In the second quarter the Redskins moved 75 yards and Jones ran for a 14 yard touchdown to get the Redskins on the board. With 4 1/2 minutes left in the half Bailey hit a 31 yard field goal to make it 13-7 Cowboys. Hopkins countered from 36 with 30 seconds left to have the Redskins trailing 13-10 at the break. The Redskins got the ball to start the third quarter and moved 75 yards. Kirk Cousins hit Crowder for an 11 yard touchdown as the Redskins took the 17-13 lead. Prescott then had his turn leading a 75 yard drive that took 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Prescott got the last 6 yards himself for a 20-17 Cowboys advantage.

Jason Garrett then went to his bag of tricks, trying a surprise onside kick. It did not work, as the Redskins took over at the Dallas 38. On 3rd and 6 from the 11, Cousins threw incomplete. Hopkins hit from 29 to tie the game 20-20 with 2 minutes left in the third quarter. 2 plays later Elliott fumbled and the Redskins had another short field at the Dallas 34. Yet despite 2nd and goal at the 4, Cousins threw incomplete twice. Again Washington settled for a field goal. hopkins hit from 22 as the Redskins led 23-20 after three quarters.

Washington got it back at their own 21 and Cousins went deep to Doctson for a 57 yard gain. A 13 yard completion to Reed set up 1st and goal at the 6. Cousins threw incomplete twice, and on 3rd and goal he was intercepted in the end zone. With 10 1 /2 minutes left, the Redskins missed a major chance to create some distance. Prescott led the Cowboys from their 20. With 6 minutes left the Cowboys had moved to a 3rd and 11 at the Washington 24. Prescott hit Cole Beasley for 12 yards and Jason Witten for 8 more. Former Redskins running back Alfred Morris is now with the Cowboys, and his 4 yard touchdown run gave Dallas a 4 point lead with 4:45 to play.

The Redskins moved from their own 25 to a 3rd and 1 at their own 44. Thompson got the carry and gained nothing as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. On 4th and 1, Cousins threw incomplete. The Redskins had all 3 timeouts left and got the ball back at their own 10 with 90 seconds left. On 3rd and 10 Cousins found Thompson for a 38 yard gain. A critical false start penalty on Washington led to a 10 seconds runoff. With 4 seconds left from the Dallas 41, Cousins threw the Hail Mary. It was incomplete. Despite Cousins finishing 28 of 46 for 364 yards with one touchdown and one interception, Jay Gruden saw the Redskins fall to 0-2. Rumors of locker room frustration with Cousins were quickly shot down by Gruden. Meanwhile, Dallas has a very impressive rookie at the helm. He just got his first NFL win. 27-23 Cowboys.

New Orleans Saints at New York Giants — Last week Drew Brees threw for 423 yards as the Saints lost a pinball shootout. This week the Saints were in a defensive slugfest. Last week the defense gave up 35 points including the critical two point conversion. This week the Saints defense did not yield a single touchdown. For the second week in a row, Ben McAdoo saw Big Blue play blue collar football. After a scoreless first quarter, Saints quarterback Lutz lined up for a field goal. The kick was blocked and returned by Janoris Jenkins for a 7-0 Giants lead. Then came a slog. Lutz would make a 39 yard second quarter field goal and Josh Brown countered with a 48 yarder in the third quarter as the Giants led 10-3 entering the final quarter.

On the third play of the fourth quarter, Brees hit Snead for a 17 yard touchdown to cap a 74 yard drive and tie the game 10-10. The Giants moved from their own 25 to a 1st and goal at the one. Twice Shane Vereen got the carry, and twice he was stopped cold. On 3rd and goal, Eli Manning threw incomplete. On 4th and goal at the one, Ben McAdoo ignored the crowd and opted for the field goal. Mccadowo is not from the Bill Parcels-Tom Coughlin-Sean Payton “go big or go home” coaching tree. Josh Brown hit the 19 yard field goal to make it 13-10 Giants with 9 minutes left.

After an exchange of punts, the Saints moved from their 26 to a 2nd and 8 at the Giants 27. Brees threw incomplete twice. Lutz hit from 45 to tie the game 13-13 with 3 minutes left. Manning then had his turn, moving the Giants from their 25 to a 3rd and 8 at the Saints 36 with 1:49 left. Rather than set up for a very long field goal, Manning went deep to Victor cruz for 34 yards down to the 2. When the Giants won their last Super Bowl, they scored too early. This time they refused to score a touchdown. Manning took a knee three times and took the clock down to 2 seconds. If anything went wrong on a 23 yard field goal try, McAdoo would get pilloried. Brown made the kick and the Giants got to 2-0. After 9/11, the Giants won with inspired defense. One day after a bomb explosion injured 30 people in New York City, Big Blue again played inspired defense. Manning was a superb 32 of 41 for 368 yards without a touchdown. Neither signal caller was intercepted. Brees was 29 of 44 for 263 yards and one touchdown, but it was the Saints staying winless. 16-13 Giants

San Francisco 49ers at Carolina Panthers — Last week the 49ers won by 28 while the Panthers lost a one point heartbreaker at the gun. This week was a return to reality. Cam Newton was intercepted on the second play of the game, leading to a 29 yard Phil Dawson field goal and a 3-0 49ers lead. With 4 minutes left in the first quarter Carlos Hyde fumbled and the Panthers returned it 9 yards for a touchdown and a 7-3 Panthers lead. In the second quarter Blaine Gabbert found Torry Smith for a 28 yard touchdown to make it 10-7 49ers. One play later Newton went deep to Greg Olsen for a 78 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Panthers. With 42 seconds left in the half, a field position game had the Panthers taking over at their own 46. Graham Gano hit a 39 yard field goal as the Panthers took a 17-10 lead into the locker rooms. In the second half the Panthers exploded, and Chip Kelly had no answers.

In the third quarter Newton threw touchdown passes of 10 and 9 yards to Kelvin Benjamin to turn a close game into a 31-10 Panthers blowout. Newton fumbled early in the fourth quarter, setting up the 49ers at the Carolina 17. After 3 plays lost 4 yards, needing 3 touchdowns, Chip Kelly opted for a field goal. Ted Ginn then fumbled the ensuing kickoff, as the 49ers recovered at the Carolina one. Gabbers got in as the 49ers were now only down 31-20. Garo hit a 31 yard field goal to get it back up to 14 points, but then Gabbert threw a short pass to Vince McDonald that turned into a 75 yard touchdown pass. with 8 minutes left in regulation, the 49ers were now only down 34-27.

They would get no closer. On 3rd and 10 from the Carolina 29, Newton found Benjamin for 25 yards. Garo hit a 49 yard field goal with 4 minutes left to make it 37-27 Panthers. 2 plays later Gabbert was intercepted to give Carolina a short field. On 3rd and 4 from the San Francisco 16, Newton hit Devon Funchess for the touchdown. Despite the blocked extra point, Gabbert was intercepted again and Gano added a 41 yard field goal to complete the scoring. Newton did have a couple turnovers, but he was 24 of 40 for 353 yards and 4 touchdowns. This was a complete team win for Ron Rivera. 46-27 Panthers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals — Last week the Buccaneers got a quality road win while the Cardinals did not look like a Super Bowl contender in losing their opener at home on the final play. However, after this week the Cardinals may be exactly what we thought they were. That is not good for the rest of the league and certainly not for the overmatched Bucs on this day. After a scoreless first quarter, the Cardinals blasted the Buccaneers in the second quarter. Carson Palmer threw a 4 yard touchdown to Larry Fitzgerald and Chandler Catanzaro added a 22 yard field goal. Palmer then tossed a 1 yard touchdown to Malcolm Floyd and a 51 yard touchdown to Josh Brown for a 24-0 Cardinals halftime lead.

The second half was just a formality. Jameis Winston did throw a 19 yard touchdown pass to Mike Evans, but that was it. After Catanzaro added a 40 yard field goal, the Arizona defense put a lid on the game. Cooper returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown. In the fourth quarter Chris Johnson ran in from three yards out to complete the blowout. Palmer finished 18 of 31 for 308 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Winston was 27 of 52 for 243 yards, one touchdown, and four interceptions. This is what Bruce Arians expects from a Super Bowl contender, and on this day the team delivered. 40-7 Cardinals

Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams — This was the first Los Angeles Rams home game since 1994. After losing by 28 points last week on the road and scoring 0 points, the fans expected better. Meanwhile, Seattle last week did nothing for 59 minutes yet pulled out a win. Jeff Fisher and Pete Carroll both know defense, and Fisher’s Rams are always tough at home against division opponents. This game was all defense. Greg Zuerlein hit a 39 yard field goal for Rams. In the second quarter Steve Hauschka hit from 23 and Zuerlein hit from 28. In the fourth quarter Zuerlein hit his third field goal from 47. Despite trailing by 6, Seattle had a chance for the second week in a row to pull of heroics. With 57 seconds left, on 3rd and 10 from the Rams 35, A short pass by Wilson to Ogletree was fumbled. The Rams recovered. Jeff Fisher is a Buddy Ryan disciple, and Buddy was up in heaven beaming over this one. 9-3 Rams

Indianapolis Colts at Denver Broncos — This was the battle between Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and the Super Bowl Denver defense led by Von Miller. Early on Adam Vinatieri hit a 48 yard field goal for the Colts and Brandon McManus answered from 23 for a 3-3 game. in the second quarter CJ Anderson ran it in from 4 yards out for a 10-3 Broncos lead. The field goal kickers each struck again, Vinatieri from 52 and McManus from 43 as the Broncos took a 13-6 lead into the locker rooms. In the third quarter Luck led a 13 play, 79, 7 minute drive yard drive capped off by Turbin running in from 5 yards out to tie the game 13-13. Denver also moved 13 plays and 60 yards over 7 minutes but settled for a 33 yard McManus field goal. The Broncos only led 16-13 after three quarters, but the fourth quarter saw the best defense since the Orange Crush remind the league why they are the defending champions.

Aqib Talib intercepted Luck and returned it 46 yards for a touchdown to make it 23-13 Broncos. Luck then led a 12 play, 80 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive. Luck hit Frank Gore for a 7 yard touchdown to get the Colts within 23-20 with 4 minutes left. The Broncos moved from their 25 to a 3rd and 1 at the Indy 17 at the 2 minute warning. Anderson failed to get the yard as the Colts took their last timeout with 1:54 remaining. Gary Kubiak on 4th and 1 decided not to go for it and put the game away, a very curious decision. McManus hit the 35 yard field goal, but the Broncos only led 26-20. From the Indy 25, Luck had 1:51 to get the win. The defense bailed out the Broncos and Kubiak. Von Miller sacked Luck and Ray returned the ensuing fumble 15 yards to put the game on ice. Chuck Pagano has an 0-2 squad while Denver remained unbeaten. 34-20 Broncos

Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders — The Falcons suffered an embarrassing home loss last week while the Raiders pulled out a thrilling road win. By now the whole world knows that Jack Del rio called the 2 point conversion that won it. However, the Raiders have plenty of weakness on the defensive side of the ball, especially in the secondary. Ken Norton Jr. did not see things get any better in this game. After a scoreless first quarter, Matt Ryan began carving up the Oakland defense as Drew Brees did last week.

The Falcons moved right down the field until the Raiders finally held near the goal line. Matt Bryant opened the scoring with a 21 yard field goal. Derek Carr quickly moved the Raiders 91 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Oakland 38, Carr hit Amari Cooper for 25 yards. Defensive pass interference on the next play moved the ball 36 yards down to the one and nullified an interception. Latavius Murray got in on the next play to make it 7-3 Raiders. Ryan quickly moved the Falcons 75 yards. A 21 yard touchdown pass to Julio Jones had the Falcons up 10-7 with 5 minutes left in the half. With 1:53 left in the half, Marquette King punted a solid 55 yard shot to the Atlanta 9. Eric Weems returned it 73 yards with a horse collar tackle penalty tacked on. Despite starting at the Oakland 9, the Falcons could not get it in. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Ryan completed a one yard pass. Bryant hit the 20 yard field goal as the Falcons led 13-7 with 37 seconds left in the half. On the last play of the half, Sebastian Janikowski missed a 58 yard field goal.

The Silver and Black came out hot in the second half on offense from their own 19. They received a break when they punted on 4th and 3 from their own 36 when the Falcons had too many men on the field for the punt. Given new life, Carr threw a 31 yard touchdown pass to Clive Walford to put the Raiders back in front 14-13. Matty Ice quickly went to Hooper for a 44 yard gain and Freeman gained 18 more yards to the Oakland 11. Yet on the next play Ryan was intercepted in the end zone by David Amerson as the Raiders held the lead. It was the only mistake Ryan would make all day and the last solid play by the Oakland defense.

Atlanta got it back at their own 15 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter and moved the ball at will. Ryan hit Coleman for 24 and Hooper for 34. Ryan threw a 14 yard touchdown to Jacob Tamme. Ryan got in the 2 point conversion himself for a 21-14 Falcons lead. Carr responded with a 13 play, 75 yard, nearly 7 minute drive. Early in the fourth quarter the Raiders had 1st and goal at the 2. Murray got the carry and got nothing, and Carr threw incomplete twice. Jack Del Rio decided to gamble again on 4th and goal at the 2. Carr hit Michael Crabree for the touchdown. With 12 minutes left in regulation the game was tied 21-21 and Del Rio’s legend was growing.

Yet the defense could not get a stop as the Falcons quickly moved from their 25. A deep pass from Ryan to Jones gained 48 yards. With 9 1/2 minutes left the Falcons faced a critical 3rd and 6 at the Oakland 8. Ryan threw a ball over the middle that was deflected off an Atlanta receiver high in the air. With several defenders looking for it, Justin Hardy came down with the freak doink pass for a ridiculous touchdown and a 28-21 Falcons lead.

Midway through the first quarter with the Raiders just shy of midfield, Carr on 3rd and 2 found Amari Cooper near the sideline. Cooper split the seam and was off to the races for a 51 yard touchdown. Just like that it seemed the game would be tied 28-28. Just like that it was not. Cooper was called for an illegal touch because he accidentally stepped out of bounds and was the first player to touch the ball. Instead of a touchdown, it was an incomplete pass. Del Rio again decided to go for it on 4th and 2.

While it is nice to say that he trusts his offense, and deservedly so, the big problem is that he does not trust his defense, again deservedly so. This time Jalen Richard got the carry and only gained one yard. Del Rio was right to go for it anyway since he was right not to trust his defense. Ryan hit Jones for 20 and Coleman ran up the middle for a 13 yard touchdown. with only 4 1/2 minutes left, the Falcons led 35-21.

The Raiders offense fought back valiantly. Carr moved them 75 yards and hit Andre Holmes for a 6 yard touchdown to get the Raiders back within 7. With 2:12 to play, the Raiders had all 3 timeouts and the 2 minute warning. Del Rio decided to kick it deep and not try the onside kick. This time he decided to trust his defense, despite their poor play. The Falcons were pinned at their own 13. On 3rd and 3 with everything on the line, Ryan hit Mohammed Sanu for a 15 yard gain. The Raiders did finally hold, but they got it back at their own 20 with 2 seconds left. Carr threw over the middle to Cooper, but the hook and ladder just led to a few laterals and no miracle. Dan Quinn got his first win this year while the Raiders have to figure out what to do with a defense that is clearly not helping the offense. Del Rio is a defensive guy, but he and Ken Norton need to find answers quickly. 35-28 Falcons.

Jacksonville Jaguars at San Diego Chargers — Last week both these teams lost heartbreakers, as San Diego blew a 21 point second half lead. This game was a blowout from the start. Melvin Gordon ran for a 3 yard touchdown pass to open the scoring for the Chargers. Then came the Philip Rivers show. He tossed 4 touchdown passes. In the second quarter he hit Travis Benjamin from 6 yards out and Antonio Gates for a 2 yard score. In the third quarter Rivers threw a 44 yard touchdown to Williams and a 45 yard score to Benjamin as the Chargers led 35-0 after three quarters. Blake Bortles finished 31 of 50 for 329 yards, but most of that including his 2 touchdown passes came in garbage time. Bortles was also intercepted twice while Rivers was not picked off. Jacksonville remained winless and Gus Bradley may soon face the wrath of owner Shad Khan. 38-14 Chargers

Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings was the Sunday night game. For those who love old-school black and blue football, this was it. The very first game played in the new Minnesota stadium was a bare-fisted slobber knocker. Sam Bradford started his very first game for the Vikings. He was sharp and did not make a mistake. In the first quarter Aaron Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for a 1 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Packers. In the second quarter Bradford found Kyle Rudolph from 8 yards out to tie the game. Blair Walsh hit a 46 yard field goal to give the Vikings the lead. In the third quarter Bradford moved the Vikings 87 yards. He hit Diggs for a 15 yard touchdown as the Vikings led 17-7 after three quarters. Early in the fourth quarter on 3rd and goal at the 10, Rodgers scrambled for the touchdown to get the Packers within 3 points. After that Mike Zimmer’s defense cracked down on Mike McCarthy’s offense. Midway through the fourth quarter Rodgers was hit and fumbled. The Packers fumbled four times, losing that one. With 1:50 left, Rodgers was intercepted to lock up the brutal Vikings win. Adrian Peterson left the game injured, so this may be a very costly win. 17-14 Vikings

Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears was the Monday night game. Sometimes a pair of bad teams can combine for an NFL thriller. This was not that game. In the first quarter Caleb Sturgis hit a 25 yard field goal for the Eagles. In the second quarter the Bears cracked the end zone when Jeremy Langford got in from one yard out for a 7-3 Bears lead. Surges added field goals from 29 and 53 to have the Eagles up 9-7 at the break. Late in the third quarter the eagles reached the Chicago 3. Ryan Mathews went straight up the gut, got stopped cold, and somehow bounced off the tackles, maintained his feet, and got outside. He dove just past the pileon for a 16-7 Eagles lead. Jay Cutler then quickly did what he does. He can always be counted on for a touchdown pass, but the question is to which team. Cutler’s interception set up the Eagles at the Chicago 2. Carson Went hit Tre Burton for the touchdown. The extra point doinked off the upright but the Eagles led 22-7 after three quarters.

To add injury to insult, Cutler injured his hand on the interception. Bryan Hoyer played the fourth quarter. To add insult to injury, Langford fumbled to give the Eagles a short field. On 4th and goal at the 2, Doug Pederson decided to go for it rather than kick the field goal. Although a run up the middle was stopped short, the Bears defense was in the neutral zone. Given a second chance on 4th and goal from the one, a pitchout to Mathews saw him get to the corner before everyone else for another touchdown and a 29-7 Eagles romp. Hoyer completed his first 9 passes, but on 4th and 1 in the red zone, Hoyer retreated about 25 yards before throwing a prayer to the end zone incomplete. John Fox had no answers, but good coaches can only do so much without players. The Bears did get in the end zone again when Eddie Royal returned a punt 65 yards for the score with 5 minutes left. This is what Chicago considers offense. 29-14 Eagles

NFL 2016 Week 2 Prequel

http://www.commdiginews.com/sports/nfl/nfl-2016-week-2-preview-and-bettors-guide-70877/

eric

NFL 2016 Week 1 Recap

15 years after the worst terrorist attack on American soil, Americans did what many of them did back in 2001. They sought comfort in football. On September 23, 2001, football lifted up the nation 12 days after the horrific terrorist attacks. In 2016, with everyone from President George W. Bush to Mayor Rudy Giuliani attending the games, the National Football League returned in glorious fashion. There were no rebellions on this day. Patriotism was everywhere. This is the best of America. This is the National Football League. With that, here is the NFL 2016 Week 1 Recap.

Carolina Panthers at Denver Broncos was the Thursday night game. 7 months after the Broncos beat the Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50, the rematch kicked off the 2016 NFL season. Peyton Manning is retired, and Trevor Sieman is for now Denver’s starting quarterback. After an early Denver fumble, Cam Newton threw a 14 yard touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin for a 7-0 Panthers lead. Janovich ran for a 28 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7 in the second quarter. Carolina responded with a staggering 18 play, 89 yard drive that consumed 9:15 off the clock. Newton got in from 2 yards out to make it 14-7 Panthers with 3 minutes left in the half. Denver went 3 and out, and Newton quickly led the Panthers into field goal range. Graham Gano hit from 44 to have the Panthers up 17-7  at the half.

Simian was intercepted twice in the first half, but on the first play of the fourth quarter he threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to CJ Anderson to get the Broncos within 17-14. Chris Harris then intercepted Newton, giving Denver the ball at the Carolina 23. On 4th and 1 from the 2, Gary Kubiak decided to go for it. Anderson got the yard. on 3rd and goal at the one, Anderson got in to put the Broncos up 21-17 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 4 1/2 minutes left in regulation, Gano hit a 36 yard field goal after Newton threw incomplete on 3rd and 5 from the Denver 18. The Panthers trailed 21-20, but they got the ball back at their own 40 with 3 minutes left.

Newton took a beating in the Super Bowl, but was relatively unscathed in the first half of this game. In the second half he got knocked around again, including helmet to helmet. With 2 minutes left the Panthers faced 4th and 21 at their own 29. Newton threw deep incomplete, but illegal use of hands on Harris gave the Panthers new life. On 3rd and 10 from the Carolina 47, newton found Benjamin for 16 yards. With 9 seconds left to play, Gano came in for a 50 yarder field goal try to give the Panthers the win. The kick was no good! The devil still lives in Denver. 21-20 Broncos

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons — An NFC South battle saw both teams get on the board with a field goal as Aguayo hit from 43 for the Buccaneers and Matt Bryant countered from 34 for a 3-3 game. Matt Ryan hit Mohammed Sanu for a 5 yard touchdown at the end of the first quarter for a 10-3 Falcons advantage. Jameis Winston brought the Buccaneers back 75 yards in the second quarter as a 4 yard touchdown pass to Brandon Myers had the game deadlocked 10-10. Bryant hit again from 34 to make it 13-10 Falcons, but Winston brought the Bucs back again. With only 1:45 left in the half from the Tampa Bay 25, Winston went right to work. On 3rd and 10 from the Atlanta 41, Winston found Vincent Jackson for 11 and threw a 23 yard touchdown to Sims to make it 17-13 Buccaneers at the intermission.

Tampa Bay exploded out of the gate in the second half, as Winston hit Seferian-Jenkins for a 30 yard touchdown and a 24-13 Buccaneers lead. Tampa Bay got it back and quickly went 92 yards, as a 45 yard touchdown pass from Winston to Mike Evans had the Buccaneers cruising 31-13. Ryan moved the Falcons 71 yards and hit Julio Jones for a 25 yard touchdown. Ryan hit Sanu for the 2 point conversion as the Falcons were within 31-21. After Tampa Bay went 3 and out, the Falcons moved to the red zone and Bryant hit from 29 yards out to get the Falcons within 7 points with 5 minutes left. Atlanta got it back at their own 9 with 1:52 left. After a 19 yard completion, Matty Ice went ice cold. 4 incompletions later, it was over. Dirk Cotter got his first ever win as an NFL head coach and a Gatorade bath after the game. Winston finished 23 of 33 for 281 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.  31-24 Buccaneers

Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans — Teddy Bridgewater is out for the season and Sam Bradford is not ready yet. 37 year old Shaun Hill got the start for the Vikings. Ryan succor hit a 28 yard field goal early on for a 3-0 Titans lead. neither team could generate much offense, and Blair Walsh’s misery that started last year continued with a missed 37 yard field goal as the Vikings remained scoreless. With 5 minutes left in the half, Marcus Mariota led a 75 yard drive. A 6 yard touchdown pass to DeMarco Murray with 47 seconds left in the half had the Titans up 10-0.

The Vikings got a spark when Cordarelle Patterson returned the second half kickoff 61 yards to the Tennessee 34. The lifeless Minnesota offense gained 2 yards, and Walsh hit from 50 to get the Vikings on the board down 10-3. Minnesota got it back and moved into the red zone. They settled for a 33 yard Walsh field goal and trailed 10-6. Marcus Mariota then had an interception returned 77 yards for a touchdown. Walsh’s misery continued with a failed extra point, but Mike Zimmer’s defense had willed the Vikings to a 12-10 lead.

In the fourth quarter Walsh hit from 45 to make it 15-10 Vikings. Then the Purple People Eaters struck again. Hunter returned a fumble 24 yards for another defensive touchdown as the Vikings gutted out a 22-10 lead with 10 minutes left to play. Walsh tacked on one more field goal from 30 yards out to put the game away. Tennessee added a late garbage touchdown. For Minnesota, it was a win of guts and heart, also known as a Mike Zimmer win. 25-16 Vikings

Cleveland Browns at Philadelphia Eagles — Carson Went threw his first NFL touchdown pass in the first quarter, a 19 yarder to Jordan Mathews for a 7-0 Eagles lead. The second quarter began with Hue Jackson calling a fake punt on 4th and 5 from the Cleveland 41. It blew up and lost 6 yards. Went got the Eagles to the 4 yard line but threw incomplete on 3rd and goal. Caleb Sturgis hit the 22 yarder for a 10-0 Eagles lead. Robert Griffin III finally got the Browns going. A deep ball to Terrell Pyror went for 44 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 8 RGIII threw incomplete but defensive pass interference kept the drive going. Ian Crowell got in from the 2 to get the Browns within 10-7. Sturgis tacked on a 38 yarder to have the eagles up 13-7 at the break.

On the first play of the second half, RGIII went deep to Coleman for a 58 yard gain to Philly 17. The Browns got nothing else as Murray hit the 35 yard field goal to get the Browns within 13-10. The Browns got it back at their own 15, and disaster immediately struck. RGIII fumbled, the ball went out of the back of the end zone, and the Eagles had a safety and a 15-10 lead. After the free kick, the Eagles moved 73 yards. Went threw a 35 yard touchdown to Nick Agholor for a 22-10 Eagles lead. Ryan Mathews added a one yard run for the Eagles with just over one minute left to complete the scoring. RGIII finished a miserable 12 of 26 for 190 yards, 0 touchdowns, and 1 interception, in addition to the fumble for a safety. Went finished 22 of 37 for 278 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions for a very impressive NFL debut. Doug Pederson got his first win as an NFL coach. 29-10 Eagles

Cincinnati Bengals at New York Jets — Emotion ran high at MetLife Stadium on the 15th anniversary of 9/11. With Rudy Giuliani taking part in pregame ceremonies, Gang Green jumped all over the Bengals at the start. A 3 yard touchdown pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick and his beard to Enunwa had the Jets up 7-0. An interception of Red Rifle Andy Dalton had the Jets on the move again. Despite multiple chances from inside the 10 yard line, the Jets came up empty when Nick Folk had his 23 yard field goal try blocked. Momentum swing as Mike Nugent hit a 33 yard field goal to get the Bengals on the board.

In the second quarter Dalton went bombs away to AJ Green for a 53 yard touchdown and a 10-7 Bengals lead. Marshall returned the ensuing kickoff 65 yards to the Cincinnati 39. Fitzpatrick threw a 15 yard touchdown pass to Eric Decker. The extra point was no good but the Jets led 13-10. Folk would add a 45 yard field goal for the Jets to put them up 16-10. Nugent hit a 21 yarder to end the half. Despite 5 sacks of Dalton, the Bengals only trailed 16-13.

In the third quarter the Bengals moved 92 yards. Jeremy Hill ran for a 12 yard touchdown to put the Bengals back in front 20-16. Early in the fourth quarter the Jets had a golden chance to take the lead. On 2nd and goal at the one, Matt Forte lost a yard. Then Fitzpatrick threw incomplete. On 4th and goal at the 2, Todd Bowles went for the field goal. Folk hit from 20 as the Jets trailed 20-19 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Dalton moved the Bengals to the Jets 26, but a sack killed the drive. With 9 minutes left from 52 yards out, Forsett’s field goal try this time was no good. The Jets moved down the field. Although they had to settle for a 23 yard Folk field goal, they led 22-20 with 3 1/2 minutes to play.

The Bengals took over at their own 16 and Dalton went right to work. A few short passes and a defensive facemark penalty had the Bengals on the move. With 1:11 to play, the Bengals fced 3rd and 13 at the Jets 40. Dalton hit Green for an 11 yard gain. Nugent came in for the 47 yarder for the lead. It was good and the Bengals were back on top by a point. The Jets got it back at their own 25 with 54 seconds left. On 3rd and 10, Fitzpatrick was intercepted. 15 years ago, in the wake of 9/11, at home, with everyone rooting them on, the Jets lost. 15 years later, riding a wave of emotion, they lost again. Give Dalton some credit. He finished a lights out 23 of 30 for 366 yards passing, one touchdown, and one interception. Nick Folk had never missed an extra point before this game. His miss today was the difference, in addition to the chip shot field goal that was blocked. 23-22 Bengals

Oakland Raiders at New Orleans Saints — The Raiders were preseason darlings, but now it was time for real football. The saints got the ball first. After a pair of Drew Brees incompletions, Brees was hit on 3rd and 10 and fumbled. The Raiders began their first drive of the regular season at the Saints 21. Their first play from scrimmage resulted in offensive holding. After 3 plays and negative 8 yards, Sebastian Janikowski hit the 47 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Raiders.

Brees moved the Saints from their own 11 to 3rd and 8 at the Oakland 11. He was then called for intentional grounding and a 13 yard loss. Lutz hit the 42 yard field goal to tie it 3-3. A holding penalty on the ensign kickoff had the Raiders backed up to their own 9 yard line. On 3rd and 7 Derek Carr found Richard for a crucial 8 yard gain. Carr then found Amari Cooper on a slant for 35 yards and went deep to Cooper again for 34 more yards. Latavius Murray barreled over 3 defenders for a tough 6 yard touchdown run for a 10-3 Raiders lead.

The Saints took over at their own 25 and gained 2 on 3rd and 1. From the Saints 42, Brees went deep to Snead for a 49 yard gain. Although replay clearly showed Snead going out of bounds around the 20 yard line, Jack Del Rio did not challenge the call. On 4th and goal at the 2, Sean Payton lined up the Saints to go for it and try to draw the raiders offsides. The entire defense complied, making it 4th and goal at the one. Payton went for it again, and Brees hit Snead for the touchdown over the middle for a 10-10 tie.

Carr showed some fire, scrambling for 11 on 3rd and 9 from the Oakland 26. He leapt into the air over a defender. Yet one play later an offensive facemask killed the Raiders. They committed way too many dumb penalties in the first half. Brees moved the Saints 80 yards as a 15 yard touchdown pass to Cooks made it 17-10 Saints. On the next series the Raiders faced 3rd and 1 at their own 33. Murray gained 9 yards, but offensive holding nullified it. With 6 seconds left in the half from the Oakland 46, Carr threw a 2 yard pass. With 3 seconds left, Carr again threw short rather than a deep Hail Mary or record breaking field goal try. Despite being torched by Brees for 200 yards in the first half, the Raiders only trailed 17-10.

The Raiders commit too many penalties. An angry Menelik Watson was not flagged for it, but on the sideline he punched a bench twice, knocked it over, and slammed his helmet to the ground. This did not gain the Raiders any points. The Raiders began the third quarter with more ineptness. Carr threw incomplete on 3rd and 3. When the Raiders got it back with a short field, a penalty on the punt return set them back. They had multiple special teams penalties in this game, yet were still in it. Despite moving to the Saints 45, the Raiders punted. Marquette King nailed a beauty, as the Saints were pinned at their own 2 yard line. Then came the backbreaker.

Most teams dink and dunk. Sean Payton believes the game is about “big balls,” learned from Bill Parcells. Go big or go home. While virtually every other quarterback is checking down, newly minted 44 million dollar man Drew Brees is throwing haymakers. He went deep, and a 98 yard touchdown connection with Cooks had the Saints up 24-10. Midway through the third quarter, the Raider Nation would soon find out if more drinking and dunking and penalties and punting was in their future.

First came a false start. Then on 2nd and 2 with Carr screaming to have the ball snapped, it came late, nearly resulting in an interception. On 3rd and 2 the Raiders burned a timeout. The Raiders moved to a 1st and 10 at the Saints 15 before bogging down. A pass to the end zone to Walford was well defended but catchable, and Walford did not haul it in. Seabass hit from 31 but the Raiders still trailed 24-13 with 3 minutes left in the third quarter.

The Raiders caught a break when a 50 yard field goal try by the Saints was no good. From the Oakland 40, they immediately got called for offensive pass interference. On 1st and 20 form their 30, Carr finally unleashed. A deep ball to Cooper went for 43 yards. Another deep ball to Michael Crabtree gained 25 yards down to the 2. Olawale barreled in. Despite 12 minutes still remaining in regulation, Jack Del Rio made the questionable decision to go for 2 points. A low percentage pass play to the corner failed, but the Raiders were very much alive down 24-19.

The Raiders killed themselves on defense. Malcolm Smith was called for a 23 yard defensive pass interference call. 2 plays later DJ Hayden was called for defensive pass interference and 17 more yards. The defense finally held inside the 10. Lutz hit the 20 yard field goal. The Saints had a 27-19 lead with 9 minutes left, and that missed 2 point conversion loomed large. The Raiders struck back immediately in a big way. Richard took a handoff up the gut, broke some tackles, and was off to the races for a 75 yard touchdown run. On the 2 point conversion, Carr rifled a corner pass to Cooper. With a full 8 1/2 minutes left, the game was tied 27-27.

At this point Brees knew that all he had to do was throw a deep ball and the defense would commit pass interference. From the Saints 16, Hayden obliged again, giving the Saints 11 yards. From the Saints 31, Brees went deep to Snead for a 43 yard gain. Snead fumbled the ball, yet somehow Thomas outraced 3 Raiders, picked up the ball, and raced another 10 yards to the Oakland 2 yard line. Brees hit Cadet on the next play for the touchdown. With 6 minutes left the Saints led 34-27. However, they were out of timeouts.

From the Oakland 25, the Raiders moved well. Murray gained 10 and Carr hit Walford for 18 more. On 3rd and 4 from the Saints 41 with 3 1/2 minutes left, Carr threw incomplete. Defensive holding kept the Raiders alive. At the 2 minute warning the Raiders faced 1st and 10 at the Saints 23. Then came brain freeze. A pass to a wide open Walford near the goal line was incomplete because Walford never looked to see where his feet were. One foot stepped out of bounds. On 2nd down, a pass over the middle to a wide open Seth Roberts was just dropped. On 4th and 5 from the 18  with 1:41 to play, Carr threw incomplete and it appeared the Raiders were done.

Defensive pass interference kept the Raiders alive again. Carr then fired a 10 yard touchdown pass to Roberts. With 52 seconds left the Raiders trailed 34-33. A simple extra point would tie it. Jack Del Rio made football heads across America explode by going for the 2 point conversion. Nobody in their right mind makes this decision. Del Rio was breaking out his big balls, but it is one thing to call a fake punt or field goal like Sean Payton has in the biggest games. Those are unexpected. This was risking the entire game when it was expected.

Del Rio’s reasoning, if one wants to assume he was reasoning, is that his defense could not stop Brees. If the game went to overtime, Del Rio did not want to see his exhausted and gashed defense carved up any more. Brees was at home, and on pace for 500 yards passing if things went to overtime. While this does not speak well of the defense, it also speaks high praise of future first ballot hall of fame Drew Brees. Carr took the snap and fired to the corner for Crabtree, who out-wrestled the defender and caught the ball. A penalty flag came down, and again it was on the Raiders. However, it was post-possession. Crabtree was called for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Raiders had the one point lead, but they would be kicking off from their own 20.

The Saints took over at their own 23 with 40 seconds left and no timeouts. Brees found Snead for gains of 21 and 13 and spiked the ball to stop the clock with 9 seconds left. After an incompletion left 5 seconds, Sean Payton sent Lutz out to try a 61 yard field goal. As everyone from the Left Coast to the Bayou held their breath, Lutz boomed it. At the last second, it curved just barely outside. No good!

After 13 years of frustration and losing, the Raiders had a real character win. One game does not a season make, but this was a big win. Brees finished 28 of 42 for 423 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions, and the early fumble. Carr was 24 of 38 for 319 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Two things that have killed the Raiders over the years are penalties and turnovers. The Raiders committed an abominable 14 penalties for 141 yards. The defensive pass interference penalties have to cease now. However, the Raiders also had 0 turnovers. Most importantly, they showed guts, heart and character. Jack del rio trusted Derek Carr with everything on the line, and Carr delivered. 35-34 Raiders

San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs — Walrus Lite saw his team start 1-5 last year before ripping off 10 straight wins. This time Cairo santos hit from 47 to make it 3-0 Chiefs early on. The Chargers answered with Melvin Ingram getting in from the one to cap a quick 75 yard march for a 7-3 Chargers lead. Early in the second quarter Gordon got in from 6 yards out to make it 14-3 Chargers. The Chiefs punted on 4th and 28 from their own 7, giving the ball to the Chargers at the Chiefs 38. Philip Rivers threw a 4 yard touchdown pass to Danny Woodhead for a 21-3 Chargers lead.

In the third quarter Josh Lambo tacked on a 29 yard field goal for a 24-3 Chargers lead. Whenever the Chiefs trail by 21 points or more, Alex Smith is allowed to throw the ball more than 4 yards. A 9 yard touchdown pass from smith to Hill had the Chiefs within 24-10. Lambo hit a 28 yard field goal early in the fourth quarter to have the Chargers up 27-10. Smith was then intercepted, giving the Chargers 1st and 10 at the Chiefs 44. A couple first downs would put this laugher of a game on ice.

Instead the Chargers failed to gain a first down. With 11 1/2 minutes left, on 4th and 2 from the Chiefs 36, Mike McCoy brought Lambo in for a 54 yard field goal to make it 30-10. Rambo was no good. The Chiefs took over at their own 44. Now that they were down by 17 in the fourth quarter, Alex Smith would be allowed to throw more than 4 yards. On 4th and 2 from the Chargers 48, Smith hit West for 7 yards. Smith threw a 19 yard touchdown to Jeremy Maclin. With 9 1/2 minutes left the Chiefs were within 27-17.

The Chiefs got it back and moved from their 23 to the San Diego 15. Santos hit from 33. The Chiefs were now only down 27-20, and a full 3 minutes remained. The Chargers went 3 and out, and the stadium erupted when punter Kaser shanked a 17 yard punt. With 1:49 left the Chiefs took over at the Chargers 42. Oh, those Chargers special teams. From the San Diego 32, Smith hit Maclin for 22. Ware ran it in from 5 yards out. With one minute left the Chiefs had come all the way back to tie the game 27-27. The Chargers again did nothing with it and the game went to overtime. The Chiefs got the ball first at their own 30.

Smith found Ware for 20 and he ran for 13 more. On 3rd and goal at the 2 came the critical play. A field goal would give the Chargers one chance with the ball while a touchdown would end it. Smith took it himself and just barely got the ball over the goal line. 23 unanswered points led to the largest comeback in Chiefs history. This game was a microcosm of the entire Chargers franchise. It was also typical Alex Smith, who can look awful for 3 1/2 quarters until Andy Reid takes the shackles off. Winning ugly is still winning, and nobody does it like Alex Smith. 33-27 Chiefs, OT

Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens — Two teams with question marks went at it, Justin Tucker hit a 50 yard field goal early for a 3-0 Ravens lead. In the second quarter Joe Flacco hooked up with speedster Mike Wallace for a 66 yard touchdown and a 10-0 Ravens lead. The Bills moved 75 yards in 12 plays, taking 7 minutes to do it. After failing to ram it in on 3rd and goal at the one, Rex Ryan went for it. On 4th and goal, Lesean McCoy got the tough yard as the Bills trailed 10-7 at halftime. An ugly first half was followed by an even uglier second half. Midway through the fourth quarter, Tucker hit from 45 to put the Ravens by 6 with 6 minutes left. Buffalo went nowhere on offense. At the 2 minute warning on 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 45, West got the carry and the first down as Baltimore ran out the clock. Even by Rex Ryan standards this was ugly. 13-7 Ravens

Chicago Bears at Houston Texans — Langford got in from one yard out to make it 7-0 Bears. In the second quarter nick Novak hit a 28 yard field goal to get the Texans on the board. With 3 minutes left in the half, Brock Osweiler threw a 23 yard touchdown o Deandre Hopkins for a 10-7 Texans lead. With 24 seconds left in the half the Bears faced 1st and 20 at their own 27. Jay Cutler went deep to Alston Jeffery for a 54 yard gain. Cutler then went to Eddie Royal for the 19 yard touchdown as the Bears took a 14-10 lead into the locker rooms.

Cutler began the second half by being quickly intercepted, setting up the Texans at the Chicago 25. They failed to take advantage, settling for a 28 yard Novak field goal and a 14-13 deficit. In the fourth quarter Osweiler hit Fuller for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 20-14 Texans. The Texans held on defense and Novak added a 38 yard field goal to lock up the win as Osweuiler got his first win as a Texan. 23-14 Texans

Green Bay Packers at Jacksonville Jaguars — Blake Bortles was quickly intercepted, setting up the Packers at the Jacksonville 29. On 4th and 1, Mike McCarthy gambled early. Eddie Lacy got the yard. Aaron Rodgers ran for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Packers. Bortles would rebound with a short field and Weldon would run for a 5 yard touchdown for a 7-7 game. In the second quarter Myers hit a 26 yard field goal to put the Jaguars in the lead, but Rodgers brought the Cheeseheads back again. A 6 yard touchdown pass to Jordy Nelson made it 14-10 Packers. Bortles brought the Jaguars back quickly, as a 22 yard touchdown pass to Julius Thomas capped the 75 yard march for a 17-14 Jaguars lead just before intermission. With 75 yards to go and 1:09 on the clock, Rodgers did what he does. Helped along by a 30 yard defensive pass interference call, the Pckers faced 3rd and 10 at the Jacksonville 29 with 20 seconds left. Rodgers went deep to Devonta Adams for the touchdown. This was not the Hail Mary against Detroit, but it was still spectacular vintage Rodgers as the Packers led 21-17 at halftime.

The first half was exciting while the second half was a slog. Rodgers began the second half leading the Packers 68 yards in 13 plays. However, after 1st and goal at the 8 the drive bogged down. Mason Crosby hit the 25 yard field goal to make it 24-17 Packers. Bortles led the Jaguars right back from their 25 to a 2nd and 7 at the Green Bay 21. Yet 2 incompletions later, and the Jaguars were settling for a 39 yard field goal and a 24-20 deficit.

Rodgers led a staggering 16 play drive that took 9:15 off the clock. Yet on 3rd and goal at the 2, Starks went nowhere. Mike McCarthy took no chances as Crosby hit from 20 to make it 27-20 Packers with 12 minutes left in regulation. Bortles again came back with a 14 play drive from the Jacksonville 31. On 4th and 4 just past midfield, Bortles found Robinson for just enough. On 4th and 3 from the Packers 38, Bortles hit Robinson for 9. Yet on 3rd and 6 from the 25, a critical delay of game penalty and a sack meant 4th and 13 at the 32. This was too much for Gus Bradley with 5 minutes still remaining. He decided to go for the field goal and trust his defense. Myers nailed the 50 yarder and again the Jaguars were within 4 points again.

The Jaguars got it back at their own 37 with 3:17 left. At the 2 minute warning the Jaguars faced 4th and 4 at the Packers 46. Bortles gained 7 but offensive holding killed it. On 4th and 14 with 1:53 left, Bortles was intercepted. Yet defensive holding gave the Jaguars a whole new set of downs. A 22 yard pass to Robinson saw him fumble but recover it himself. On 3rd and 1 from the Green Bay 14, Bortles threw incomplete. 23 seconds remained. The Jaguars had converted on 4th down 3 times, 4 times if you count the one called back. Only one yard was needed.

Gus Bradley picked the absolute worst time to play West Coast Offense dink and dunk football. Bortles threw a sideways pass, and Alex Hurns actually lost a yard. Dink. Dunk. Death. Neither team scored a touchdown in the second half as Green Bay escaped. Rodgers threw for less than 200 yards but made no mistakes. Bortles passed for 320 yards, but he needed 321 and did not get it. 27-23 Packers

Miami Dolphins at Seattle Seahawks — The Seahawks decided not to show off Seattle as the worst city in America on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The players did not act like grungers at a WTO conference. The bigger disgrace was the Seattle offense. Adam Gase is the new Dolphins coach, and he is supposed to be an offensive wizard. In the first half, his offense was just offensive as well. The Legion of Boom was ready in an ugly first half. Steve Hauschka hit a 39 yard first quarter field goal. In the second quarter Franks hit from 41 to tie the game. Hauschka answered from 38 as the Seahawks took a 6-3 lead into the locker rooms.

The third quarter was even more hideous. On 4th and 1 from the Miami 31, Pete Carroll decided to go for it. Russell Wilson threw incomplete. On the first play of the fourth quarter, a controversial fumble call against Wilson set up Miami at the Seattle 36. Despite 1st and goal at the 5, three plays lost 4 yards. Andrew Franks had his 27 yard field goal try blocked with 10:45 to play. The Seahawks moved from their 20 to a 2nd and 2 at the Miami 37. A running play was blown up in the backfield for a 4 yard loss. Instead of a field goal try, Seattle punted. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Dolphins were backed up at their own 14.

Ryan Tannehill had been bottled up all game. He hit Kenny Stills for 16, Landry for gains of 9 and 28, and Williams for 29 more down to the Seattle 2 yard line. This time the offense would not be denied. It took nearly 56 minutes of football, but the end zone was cracked. Tannehill took it in himself for the 10-6 Dolphins lead. Seattle took over after a touchback and soon faced 4th and 1 at their own 34. Michael gained 7. After a pair of Wilson incompletions, with 2:08 left the Seahawks faced 4th and 4 at their own 47. Wilson even burned a timeout before the next play call. Yet he calmly found Doug Baldwin for a 22 yard gain. Wilson went back to Baldwin again for a 9 yard gain down to the Miami 2 with 35 seconds left. Wilson threw a fee to the end zone for Baldwin and he came down with it. After 59 1/2 minutes, Seattle had reached paydirt. The extra point was hooked badly wide, but had it been kicked straight it would have been blocked. Miami got it back at their own 18 with 26 seconds left. Tannehill was sacked twice, as Cliff Avril belted him on the final play. Boom. It was ugly, but it was a win. 12-10 Seahawks

New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys — 15 years ago after the 9/11 attacks, the Giants played inspired defense in gutting out a road win. In 2016, on the anniversary of the attacks, the Giants were again spared the emotion of playing at home. They were at hated Dallas. Tony Romo is out, which means the Dak Prescott era has begun. Both Prescott and Eli Manning were solid in the first half. Manning was 13 for 16 for 147 yards and Prescott was 14 of 19 for 134 yards. Neither quarterback was intercepted. The difference was Manning throwing two touchdowns while Prescott did not reach the end zone.

In the first quarter Prescott led an impressive 15 play, 70 yard drive that consumed 8 1/2 minutes. Yet on 3rd and goal form the 6, Prescott threw a 1 yard pass. Dan Bailey hit from 23 to make it 3-0 Cowboys. In the second quarter Bailey had a 46 yard field goal nullified by offensive holding. Jason Garrett gambled on having Bailey try it again from 56 yards out. Bailey has the leg, and he drilled it to make it 6-0 Cowboys. Tom Coughlin is gone, and Bob McAdoo was coaching his first game as skipper. After a sluggish start, Manning finally got going. A 45 yard bomb to O’Dell Beckham was followed by a 15 yard touchdown to Donnell as the Giants grabbed a 7-6 lead.

Prescott again led Dallas into the red zone but for the third time not into the green zone. Bailey hit his third field goal, a 25 yarder to make it 9-7 Cowboys with 4 minutes left in the half. Manning moved the Giants from their 25 to a 3rd and 3 at the Dallas 9 with 13 seconds left in the half. Manning threw a jump ball to Shephard, and he came down with it for the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Giants led 13-9 at break time.

The Giants began the second half with Manning quickly getting intercepted, setting up Dallas at the Giants 35. Ezekiel Elliot ran for an 8 yard touchdown to put the Cowboys back in front 16-13. One minute into the fourth quarter, Bailey again came through bigtime as a 54 yard field goal increase the Dallas lead to 19-13. A field position game had the Giants taking over at their own 46 with 10 1/2 minutes left in the game. Shane Vereen gobbled up yards for Big Blue on the ground. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Manning hit Victor Cruz for the touchdown. With 6 1/2 minutes left the Giants had retaken the lead by a point.

The Giants held on defense and got it back on their own 23 with 4 minutes left. At the 2 minute warning, the Giants faced 3rd and 12 at the Dallas 48. With the Cowboys out of timeouts, Ben McAdoo played it very safe and kept it on the ground. Rashad Jennings gained 11 yards. On 4th and 1 from the Dallas 37, McAdoo again took no chances. Forget going for it or trying a 55 yard field goal. The Giants punted and Dallas got it back at their own 20 with 1:05 to play.

Prescott hit Dunbar for 16 yards, but Dunbar went forward to gain a couple extra yards rather than go out of bounds. On 3rd and 15 from the Dallas 31, Prescott found Beasley exactly at the sticks and then spiked the ball to stop the clock with 17 seconds left. With 12 seconds left, Prescott found Terrence Williams. Yet Williams also inexplicably ran toward the middle of the field rather than get out of bounds. While a field goal try still would have been about yards, Bailey has the leg and was 4 of 4 on the day. He never got a fifth chance as Williams was inconsolable after the game. Ben McAdoo has his first win as an NFL head coach. 20-19 Giants

Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts — Jim Caldwell faced off against the team he took to the Super Bowl and then fired him. Meanwhile, the Lions were one of the hottest teams last year the second half of the season when Martha Ford fired people and let lions fans know that losing would no longer be tolerated. in the first quarter the Lions moved 80 yards and Theo Roddick ran for a 21 yard touchdown run to make it 7-0 Lions. In the second quarter the Lions moved 15 plays and 82 yards in 7 minutes. Washington got in from the one to make it 14-0 Lions.

Adam Vinatieri put a 50 yard field goal on the board for the Colts, but Matthew Stafford came right back. 75 yards came easily as a 6 yard touchdown pass to Eric Ebron had the Lions up 21-3. Jim Caldwell was so pleased he almost made a facial expression. The Colts had only 1:37 to work with from their own 25, but it was enough for Andrew Luck. He went to Donte Moncrief for 32 yards, Ferguson for 14, and Allen for 16 more. On 3rd and 7 from the 10, Luck found TY Hilton for 8. Luck then hit Moncrief for the 2 yard touchdown as the Colts trailed 21-10 at halftime.

After a Lions punt in the third quarter Luck moved the Colts from their own 15. On 2nd and 20 from their own 18, Luck went deep to Dorsett for a 51 yard gain. On 3rd and 10 from the Detroit 31, Luck found Turbin for 12 and then Allen for the 19 yard touchdown. Luck hit Allen for the 2 point conversion as the Colts were right back in it down 21-18. Then from the Detroit 29 came a heavy dose of Detroit’s Abdullah. He gained 7 and 18 yards. On 3rd and 9 at the Indy 30, Stafford found Abdullah, who caught the ball fell down, got up without being touched, and gained 13 yards. 2 plays later Stafford hit Abdullah for the touchdown. With 2 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter, the Lions had some breathing room with a 28-18 lead.

They would not be breathing for long. Less than one minute into the fourth quarter, Adam Vinatieri hit a 40 yard field goal to get the Colts within 28-21. The Lions went 3 and out and the Colts got it back at their own 6 yard line. On 3rd and 2, Luck found Ferguson for 12 yards. From the Indy 39, Luck went deep to Hilton for a 32 yard gain. Luck hit Jack Doyle for the 16 yard touchdown. With 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Colts had erased the 18 point deficit as game was tied 28-28.

The Lions took over at their 25.  Stafford hit Golden Tate for 12 and Abdullah for 14 more. On 2nd and 13 from the Indy 40, Stafford hit Anquon Boldin for 14, Ebron for 13, and Riddick for the 13 yard touchdown. Although Matt Prater missed the extra point, with 4 minutes left the Lions had reclaimed the lead 34-28. From the Indy 25, Luck hit Hilton for 9 and then went deep to Hilton for a 33 yard gain to the Detroit 26. A touchdown saving ankle tackle by Lawson set up 3rd and 4 at the Detroit 6 with 46 seconds left. Prater could only watch helplessly knowing his extra point miss could make him the goat. Prater’s nightmare came true as Luck fired high over the middle to the back of the end zone. Dolyle came down with it. Vinatieri did what Prater did not, as the Colts had the one point lead with 37 seconds left. A couple years ago Luck overcame a 28 point second half playoff deficit, so 18 points in a regular season game is nothing.

The Lions form their own 25 still had all 3 timeouts. Stafford quickly completed a 19 yard pass to Roddick followed by a timeout. He then found Ebron for 9 and the Lions took another timeout with 22 seconds. Stafford then found Jones for a perfect 22 yard strike right near the sideline. Jones inexplicably did not get out of bounds. Stafford screamed at Jones, but the Lions quickly used their last timeout with 12 seconds left. After dangerously gambling on one more play, Stafford quickly threw it out of bounds. with 8 seconds left, Prater came in for a 43 yard field goal try to win it. For Prater, it was very sweet redemption. For Chuck Pagano and the Colts, a tough loss. For the man he replaced, Jim Caldwell was as quietly stoic in victory as he is classy in defeat. Meanwhile, Martha Ford remains 7-2 as an owner. At 90 years old, Lions fans have a winner at the helm and on this day on the field. The final play featured the hook and laterals that eventually resulted in a safety to complete the scoring. 39-35 Lions

New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals was the Sunday night game. Both teams came up one game short of the Super Bowl last year. For the Patriots, one missed extra point cost them the AFC Title Game. The Cardinals are in win or bust mode, while the Patriots for only the second time since 2000 will not start Tom Brady at quarterback. With Gisele Bundchen’s husband serving a 4 game Deflategate suspension, the Jimmy Garoppolo era has begun. In a surprising turn of events against perhaps the league’s best team, Garoppolo went on the road under the Sunday night lights and looked good early on. A deep ball to Chris Hogan went for a 37 yard touchdown. Garoppolo then led a 12 play, 63 yard, 5 minute drive that culminated in a 47 yard Stephen Gostkowki field goal as the Patriots led 10-0 after the opening quarter. The Cardinals finally got some offense going in the second quarter. Carson Palmer led a 6 1/2 minute drive that culminated in a 3 yard touchdown pass to Larry Fitzgerald to get Arizona within 10-7.

In the third quarter the Patriots marched 75 yards. Leguarrette Blount ran it in from 8 yards out for a 17-7 Patriots lead. The next time New England got the ball, Blount coughed it up. Arizona took over at the Patriots 33 yard line. David Johnson gotten from one yard out as the Cardinals trailed 17-14 with 5 minutes left in the third quarter. Gostkowski drilled a 53 yard field goal to put the Patriots up 20-14 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation.

The Cardinals got it back at their own 21. From the Arizona 43, David Johnson appeared stopped before spinning away from several tacklers and racing 45 yards to the New England 13. On 3rd and 10 Palmer found Michael Floyd for 11 yards down to the two. Palmer then threw a perfect fade pass to Larry Fitzgerald in the corner of the end zone. Fitzgerald made a circus catch with a defender draped all over him. The extra point was good as the Cardinals had their first lead of the night up 21-20 with 10 minutes left in regulation.

A sack of Garoppolo had the Patriots facing 3rd and 16 at their own 19. Garoppolo danced around, avoided another sack, and heaved a deep ball to Danny Amendola for a 33 yard gain. On 3rd and 3 from the Arizona 41, Garoppolo founds James White for 7. On 3rd and 11 from the Arizona 35, a run meant to just make the field goal try shorter saw Blount gain 13 yards and another first down. On 3rd and 5 from the 17, Garoppolo gained only 3 yards under heavy pressure. Gostkowski hit the 32 yard field goal to put the Patriots back on top by 2 points. The Cardinals still had 3 1/2 minutes to work with, but no timeouts. Bruce Arians decided to use them on defense before the field goal try rather than wait until the clock got closer to the 2 minute warning.

A penalty on the ensuing kickoff had the Cardinals starting at their own 8 yard line. Palmer found Brown for 8 and Larry Fitzgerald for gains of 21, 15, and 10 on 3rd and 6. At the 2 minute warning, the Cardinals were already in long field goal range at the New England 34. At this point it was Arians going conservative and running the ball, forcing Bill Belichick to take his timeouts to preserve some clock. Arians going conservative lasted one play before going back to being aggressive. Palmer was intercepted, but the defender came down out of bounds. However, a critical holding penalty pushed the Cardinals back out of field goal range. As the clock ticked down to 70 seconds, the Cardinals faced 3rd and 23. With everything on the line, Palmer found Jerron Brown for 18 yards. On 4th and 5, Chandler Catanzaro came in for a 46 yard field goal try to win it. Belichick took New England’s last timeout with 40 seconds left.

The snap was terrible, the ball was barely placed down in tim, and the kick was wide left. The Evil Empire of Football escaped again. Last year it was Denver and New England in the AFC Title Game. This week they both survived on the final play due to a missed field goal. The Evil Hoodie did it again. As for Jimmy Garoppolo, it was a very impressive debut. The Patriots served notice that even without their leader, they will be a Super Bowl contender again. 23-21 Patriots.

Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Redskins is the first Monday night game. Rarely does a team and the media focus on a team’s left tackle, but on this night they did for all the right reasons. Pittsburgh’s Alejandro Villanueva did 3 tours of duty in Afghanistan. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he knew his players would be standing tonight during the national anthem out of respect for him. Joe Namath once said that “Football taught me that life is the ultimate team game.” This was a very classy display. Villanueva took on al Qaeda. He can handle Big Ben’s blind side. As for the game, sometimes one play can turn a game around.

Early on it was all Redskins. Dustin Hopkins hit field goals of 31 and 40 to make it 6-0 Redskins. The second one was set up by an interception of Ben Roethlisberger that gave Washington a short field. Their inability to crack the end zone hurt them. With one minute left in the third quarter and the Steelers taking over at their own 25, Roethlisberger was sacked and fumbled. The Redskins were all over it except the defender tried to pick it up and run with it rather than just fall on it. This error allowed the Steelers to recover the ball and escape with only a 12 yard loss. Big Ben hit Williams for 14 and on 3rd and 8 found Antonio Brown for 13 more. On 3rd and 8 from the Washington 36, Roethlisberger found James for 7 yards. Mike Tomlin decided to go for it on 4th and 1. Rather than ram it up the gut, Big Ben went deep to Antonio Brown for the touchdown. Instead of trailing 13-0, the Steelers led 7-6. The 14 point swing deflated Washington for much of the game.

On 4th and 6 from the Pittsburgh 38, Cousins inexplicably completed a 5 yard pass. For those who do not despise West Coast Offense dink and dunk football, you should. Throwing past the marker works wonders. The Steelers took over at their own 33 with 6 1/2 minutes left and ate up most of the remaining clock. With 1:24 left in the half and facing 4th and 1 at the Washington 34, Tomlin again decided to go for it. Again he went big and bold rather than run it straight ahead. Big Ben found Rogers for 19 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the 9, Roethlisberger hit James for 6 and then Rogers for the 3 yard touchdown as the Steelers led 14-6 at halftime.

Chris Boswell hit a 46 yard field goal in the third quarter to make it 17-6 Steelers. An interception of Kirk Cousins killed another Washington drive. From their own 25, Roethlisberger went deep to Sammy Coates for a 42 yard gain. On 3rd and 3 from the Washington 26, Roethlisberger went deep to Brown for the touchdown and a 24-6 Steelers lead midway through the third quarter.

Late in the third quarter Washington reached the red zone but again had to settle for a Hopkins field goal from 34 yards out as the Redskins trailed 24-9. The fourth quarter Began with Cousins moving the Redskins from their 23 down the field again. From the Washington 44, Cousins found Pierre Garcon for 19, Crowder for 16, and Vernon Davis for 20 more down to the one. Thompson got in the end zone and the Redskins were within 24-16 with a full 13 minutes left. Now the Redskins needed one stop on defense.

They didn’t get it. From the Pittsburgh 27, the Steelers just gashed the Washington defense. On 3rd and 13 from the Washington 41, Big Ben found Coates for 14. On 2nd and 19 from the Washington 36, Roethlisberger found Brown for 21. On the next play DeAngelo Williams broke through bad tackling attempts and raced for the 15 yard touchdown. The 13 play, 73 yard drive took over 7 minutes off the clock. With only 6 minutes left the Steelers led 31-16. Williams added a 6 yard touchdown run with 1:54 to play to complete the blowout. 38-16 Steelers

Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers is the second Monday night game. When a fan runs on the field naked, the media no longer covers them. They move cameras elsewhere to avoid giving them attention. That is what should be done with San Francisco’s backup quarterback. I will not even mention his name until he takes the football field and plays. He is not starting a conversation. He is throwing a temper tantrum. Football is about football players. As of now, he is as much of a spectator as I am. The real story is not that one or two players engaged in a shallow rebellion against nothing in particular. It is that 99% of the players DID stand for the flag. Let’s focus on the mainstream, not the wingnuts. This was a game between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers.

What matters is the players in the game. Blaine Gabbert is 8-27 as a starter. Yet he is starting. Imagine how little the coaching staff thinks of his backup. In football, taking a knee is a form of giving up to avoid getting hit. Who wants a guy who takes a knee before the game even starts? “Sorry coach, the pregame meal was too tough for me. I need to kneel down for awhile. Standing up is dangerous hard work.”

Then they played a football game. In the first quarter Carlos Hyde ran for an 11 yard touchdown as the 49ers lead 7-0. Blaine Gabbert’s views on social justice & climate change remained unknown. 70,000 fans seem unconcerned. This was the highest attended event since the last preseason game. About 69,980 more people attended this game than the last college protest rally. Even in San Francisco, people are more interested in watching a ballgame than listening to someone blather on about the ills of the world. Football is interesting. Social justice activists are boring. This is not hard to understand. So if you are in San Francisco and someone starts babbling political nonsense, just say, “Hey, how about those 49ers?” Everyone else will ignore them and converse with you.

Meanwhile, an interception of Case Keenum led to a 3 year touchdown run by Shaun Draughn for a 14-0 49ers lead in the second quarter. Late in the third quarter the Rams got a break when a strong punt return had them starting at the San Francisco 38. Keenum was then intercepted again. With 12 minutes left in regulation Gabbert threw an 8 yard touchdown pass to Vance McDonald and make it 21-0 49ers. Hyde scored a one yard touchdown run with 6 minutes left for a 49ers blowout. 3,600 years after Abraham, the entire Rams offense is being sacrificed. Los Angeles NFL fans now demanding the scoreless Rams move back to St. Louis. 28-0 49ers