NFL 2016 Week 14 Recap
Welcome to December football. To quote John Randall, “This is when the big dogs come out!”
Oakland Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs was the Thursday night game. With 1st place in the AFC West on the line, Pro football’s best blood feud took center stage. Andy Reid gave the entire town permission to take a half day at work to make it to the stadium. The Raiders received a break only 90 seconds into the game when they punted and Tyreeq Hill fumbled it. The Raiders took over at the Chiefs 38. Despite golden field position, the Raiders offense could do little against the Chiefs defense. Sebastian Janikowski hit a 44 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Raiders. The Chiefs moved from their 25 to a 4th and 1 at the Oakland 27. Walrus Lite Andy Reid decided to go for it. Ware got the carry and ran into a brick wall. The Oakland defense played well in the first quarter but the offense could not get anything going. Late in the first quarter the Chiefs took over at their own 30 and finally got going.
The second quarter began with the Chiefs at the Oakland 36. West Coast Offense Dink and Dunk Game Manager Alex Smith plays Captain Checkdown against everyone except the Raiders, whose awful defense makes him look like Joe Montana. Smith went deep to Hill for the touchdown and the 7-3 Chiefs lead. The Raiders soon faced 2nd and 3 at their own 32. Derek Carr threw incomplete and then scrambled but came up just short of the sticks. The Chiefs soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 26. Smith threw a short pass to Travis Kelce that went for a 28 yard gain. Even after holding had the Chiefs facing 1st and 20, a short pass from Smith Conley went for 31 yards. West got in from 3 yards out to make it 14-3 Chiefs.
The Raiders soon had to punt on 4th and 7 from their own 29. Marquette King hit a short punt that had the Chiefs at their own 25. Yet a penalty on the Raiders for being out of bounds on the punt had Andy Reid deciding to make Oakland kick again from 5 yards deeper. King got off a 54 yard punt, but Hill made the Raiders pay. He split the seams and went for a 78 yard touchdown. With 6 1/2 minutes left in the half the Chiefs were leading in a laugher 21-3. Last week the raiders came back from 15 points down in the third quarter. This time they were down 18 and had no offense. Meanwhile, despite only 19 yards rushing, the Chiefs were dominating because Alex Smith had 202 yards passing in the first half alone.
To make matters worse the Raiders were backed up to their own 8 yard line. Carr hit Amari Cooper for 10 yards and the Raiders finally got going. On 3rd and 5 from their 23, Carr found Clive Walford for 18 yards. On 3rd and 1 from midfield, Latavius Murray ripped off an 11 yard gain. On 3rd and 1 from the 19, Murray gained 5. Defensive pass interference put the ball on the one with 17 seconds left in the half. Murray got the carry, appeared stopped, and just stretched the ball over the plane before being pushed backward. Initially ruled a stop, the officials reviewed it and gave the Raiders the touchdown. The 14 play, 92 yard, 6 minute drive had the Raiders down 21-10 at halftime.
On the second play of the second half, with the Chiefs facing 2nd and 5 at their own 23, Smith fired over the middle and was intercepted by TJ Carrie. Carrie returned the interception 14 yards to the Kansas City 18 yard line. yet despite a gift, the Raiders offense could not capitalize. On first down a lob to the end zone was dropped by Seth Roberts. On 3rd and 6 Carr threw incomplete again. Seabass hit the 33 yard field goal to get the Raiders within 21-13, but it was a moral victory for the Chiefs defense. Then for the third week in a row came the Monster Mack. Khalil Mack beat his man, strip sacked Alex Smith, and the Raiders recovered the fumble at the Chiefs 18. Murray bull rushed forward for an 11 yard gain. Yet on 1st and goal at the 7, offensive holding pushed them back. Again the Raiders squandered an opportunity. Things got even worse when King could not handle the snap on the field goal try. Despite forcing two turnovers deep in Kansas City territory, the Raiders managed only three points total and still trailed by eight.
The Raiders held on defense but were pinned at their own 9. They punted back and the Chiefs moved from their 38 to a 3rd and 1 at the Oakland 42. Smith threw incomplete and was lucky he was not intercepted again. On 4th and 1 Andy Reid lined up to go for it but it was a bluff. The Raiders did not take the bait, and after the delay of game the Chiefs punted. Again the Raiders had poor field position at their own 15. They managed to get to their own 40 but Carr just could not find any windows to complete passes. This time it was the Chiefs with bad field position at their own 10. Holding pushed them back to the 7, where they began the fourth quarter with 1st and 13. Once again, the Raiders had no answers when it matters most. Smith went deep to Kelce for a 34 yard gain. On 3rd and 4 from the Chiefs 47, Smith raced to the sideline and just got the first down. On 3rd and 4 from the Oakland 41, Smith’s pass was well defended. With 11 minutes left in regulation, the Raiders again had awful field position at their own 13.
After Murray gained 12 yards on the ground, the Raiders had 2nd and 7 at their own 28. Carr fired to Roberts, who yet again dropped the ball. Roberts would have had the first down. On 3rd and 7 Carr avoided a sack and threw to a wide open Cooper. This was the tying touchdown. Yet Cooper inexplicably stopped running and the ball fell incomplete. Nothing as going right, and another short punt from King had the Chiefs taking over at midfield. Only 9 minutes remained in regulation, and the Chiefs again had a chance to deliver the knockout blow. Yet on 3rd and 10, a completion came up well short. Again the defense held. Again it was up to the offense to do something. Again the Raiders had miserable field position at their own 15 yard line midway through the fourth quarter.
A heavy dose of the running game had the Raiders facing 2rd and 2 at their own 37. Murray got the carry, appeared stopped, and bulled his way just past the first down marker. On 1st and 10, with 4:38 to play, Carr didn’t like what he saw and burned a timeout. Carr then threw a well thrown ball that again was dropped. The Raiders were bailed out by the zebras as defensive pass interference meant a 19 yard gain to the Chiefs 42. On 3rd and 4, Carr was hit as he threw for an incompletion. With 3:15 to play, under heavy pressure, Carr fired to Roberts. Roberts has his drops but he caught this one, evaded a tackler, and gained 13 yards. On 3rd and 1 from the 14, rather than run up the middle, Carr went for it all and threw incomplete with exactly 2:01 to play.
On 4th and 1, it appeared the Chiefs jumped offsides. Instead the officials called a false start. On 4th and 6, Carr went to Roberts, and the play had no chance and fell incomplete. Now the Raiders were desperate. The defense had to get a stop for them to have a prayer. With 1:07 to play, on 3rd and 2 from their own 27, Ware got the carry. Initially it looked like he was stopped, but the officials gave very generous forward progress. It was a first down by less than half a football length. Despite forcing three turnovers and committing none, the Raiders fell into a first place tie with the Chiefs at 10-3. The Chiefs have swept the season series. The Raiders entered the game with the top seed in the AFC. With the loss, they now fall all the way to the five seed and the wildcard. 21-13 Chiefs
Denver Broncos at Tennessee Titans — The Titans have the high powered offense while the Broncos have the tough defense. Yet it was Tennessee’s defense that stole the show. In the first quarter the Titans moved 70 yards in 11 plays and 6 minutes. DeMarco Murray got in on 3rd and goal from the one to make it 7-0 Titans. After that it was all defense. The Broncos quickly fumbled the ball and the Titans took over at the Denver 40. The defense held but Ryan Succop nailed a 53 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Titans. In the second quarter the Titans mounted a ridiculous 19 play, 74 yard drive that took 8 minutes. Succop hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 13-0 Titans. With one minute left in the third quarter, the Broncos finally made a third down conversion. The fourth quarter began with the Broncos facing 4th and goal at the 4. Gary Kubiak decided to go for it. Trevor Siemian threw incomplete.
The Tennessee offense wasted the goal line stand. The Titans punted on 4th and 13 from their own one. A personal foul on Tennessee on the return had the Broncos taking over at the Titans 26. Siemian threw a 3 yard touchdown pass to Emanuel Sanders. With 10 minutes left in regulation, the Broncos only trailed 13-7. A short punt had the Broncos getting the ball back at their own 45. On 3rd and 12 from the Tennessee 20, Siemian hit Denarius Thomas for 13 yards. Yet on 1st and goal from the 7, Siemian was sacked and then threw incomplete twice. McManus hit the 34 yard field goal as the Broncos were down 3 with 4 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Denver got it back but a great punt had them pinned at their own 2 yard line with 2 1/2 minutes to play. With one minute left from the Denver 29, Siemian found AJ Derby for a 12 yard gain. Yet Derby had the ball ripped out of his hands and the Titans recovered. Siemian finished 35 of 51 for 334 yards, one touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Mariota was a miserable 6 of 20 for 88 yards without an interception or touchdown. Tennessee won by gashing Denver’s Super Bowl defense for 180 yards on the ground. The Titans got to 7-6 and dropped the Broncos to 8-5 in an absolute stunner. 13-10 Titans
San Diego Chargers at Carolina Panthers — A pair of teams on the brink of elimination tried to prevent it from being official. Graham Gano hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Panthers. Philip Rivers was sacked and fumbled, setting up Carolina at the San Diego 39. The defense held but a shanked punt gave it back to Carolina at the San Diego 35. On 3rd and goal from the one Jonathan Stewart got in to make it 10-0 Panthers. On the first play of the second quarter from the San Diego 41, Rivers was intercepted. Worley returned it 22 yards to the Carolina 42. On 3rd and goal at the 6, Cam Newton went to Devon Funchess for the touchdown and the 17-0 Panthers lead. Carolina got it back at their own 40 and Gano hit from 44 to make it 20-0 Panthers. On 3rd and 8 from the San Diego 27, Rivers was intercepted again. Gang hit from 45 to make it 23-0 Panthers with 4 minutes left in the half.
The Chargers finally mounted some offense, going 75 yards. From the san Diego 47, Rivers went deep to Williams for a 46 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 9 Rivers hit Henry to get the Chargers on the board down 23-7. In the third quarter both teams moved into the red zone but not the green zone. Gang hit from 23 to make it 26-7 Panthers. Josh Lambo hit from 32 to get the Chargers within 26-10. The Chargers got it back and quickly moved 66 yards. Rivers hit Dontrell Inman for a 19 yard touchdown. The 2 point try from Rivers to Antonio Gates was broken up at the last moment as the Chargers trailed 26-16.
With 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation the Chargers faced 3rd and 7 at their own 29. Rivers was intercepted, giving Carolina the ball at the Chargers 24. On 1st and goal at the 4, Newton had a pass intercepted at the goal line and returned by Reed 100 yards for a touchdown. Out of nowhere it looked like the Chargers were within 26-23. However, it all came back. The interception stood, but Reed was down at his own 3 yard line. On 3rd and 9 from the 4, Rivers was sacked in the end zone for a safety. The 9 point swing had the Panthers up 12 with 10 minutes left. San Diego would get the ball back again with 5 1/2 minutes left at their own 3 yard line. On 4th and 10 from their own 21, Rivers was intercepted for the third time. 28-16 Panthers
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts — The Texas came in losing three straight as both these 6-6 teams knew that only the division winner would make the playoffs. Tennessee was also tied with them at 6-6. Adam Vinatieri hit a 32 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Colts. The Colts got it back at their own 18 and Andrew Luck was quickly intercepted. The Texans took over at the Indy 16, but on 2nd and goal at the 3, Brock Osweiler threw incomplete twice. Nick Novak hit from 21 to make it 3-3. In the second quarter the texans took over. A 12 play, 80 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive saw Miller get in from 2 yards out to make it 10-3 Texans. Novak hit a 52 yard field goal to make it 13-3 Texans at halftime. The Colts began the third quarter facing 3rd and 2 at their own 35.. Luck was intercepted again, and this time Hal returned it 24 yards to the Indy 18. Again the Texans could not take advantage. On 2nd and goal from the 6, Osweiler threw incomplete twice. Novak hit from 24 to make it 16-3 Texans.
Defense was keeping the Colts in the game, and the offense finally got going after a touchback. From the Indy 41, Luck was intercepted again. This time defensive pass interference nullified the turnover and the colts took over at the Houston 18. On the next play Luck went to Frank Gore for the touchdown as the Colts only trailed 16-10. The Colts got it back and moved from their own 14 to a 3rd and goal at the 3 after a run lost a yard. Smelling the lead, instead Luck was sacked and fumbled. Jadavean Clowney blew Luck up in the backfield and the Texans recovered the ball.
The Texans moved 64 yards in 12 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Novak hit his fourth field goal from 41 yards as the Texans had some breathing room up 19-10 with 12 minutes left in regulation. The Colts got it back and soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 23. Luck found Robert Turbin for 9 yards. On 3rd and 10 from the Indy 47, Luck found TY Hilton for 14 yards. Two plays later Luck went deep to Hilton for a 35 yard touchdown. With 9 minutes left to play the Colts were right back in it down 19-17.
After a touchback, Houston moved from their 25 to a 3rd and 2 at the Houston 18, taking 11 plays and nearly 6 1/2 minutes off the clock. Alfred Blue got the carry and came up short. On 4th and inches Bill O’Brien decided not to go for it. Novak hit his fifth field goal from 34, but the Texans only led by 5 points. Andrew Luck has had plenty of comebacks in his career, and he appeared primed for another one. After a touchback, with 1:24 to play, the Colts faced 4th and 1 at the Houston 42. There would be no comeback as Luck threw incomplete. If you think Donald Trump is active on Twitter, observe Colts owner Jim Irsay. Osweiler was only 14 of 24 for 147 yards, 0 touchdowns, and one interception. Luck was 24 of 45 for 276 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. The Texans are tied atop the woeful AFC South at 7-6 while the 6-7 Colts are in trouble. 22-17 Texans
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns — The Bengals are bad but the Browns are winless. Robert Griffin III returned from injury but it did not help the beleaguered Browns. The Bengals quickly moved 73 yards. Red Rifle Andy Dalton threw a 14 yard touchdown pass to Tyler Eifert for a 7-0 Bengals lead. Cincinnati got it back at the Cleveland 45. On 3rd and 9 from the Cleveland 30, Dalton hit Boyd for 11. Jeremy Hill got in from the one. The Extra point was blocked but the Bengals led 13-0. Midway through the second quarter the Browns took over at their own 2 yard line. RGIII was quickly intercepted at the Cleveland 26. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Dalton hit Eifert for the touchdown as the Bengals led 20-0 at halftime. NFL regulations required that the second half not be canceled. Cleveland did reach the end zone in the third quarter and both teams kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter of a game that deserves no further description. Hue Jackson and the Browns are 0-13 and running out of chances to make the worst kind of history. 23-10 Bengals
Pittsburgh Steelers at Buffalo Bills — A pair of teams fighting to make the playoffs played a game with snow coming down. Early on Ben Roethlisberger was intercepted once and barely escaped a second interception. Eventually the Steelers got the ground game going. LeVeon Bell on 3rd and goal from the 3 appeared stopped but bulled his way forward into the end zone for a 7-0 Steelers. Tyrod Taylor then had a pass bounce off a receiver’s hands and intercepted and returned for another Steelers touchdown. However, defensive holding nullified the turnover as the Bills dodged a major bullet. In the second quarter the Steelers moved 61 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes. On 4th and 1 from the Buffalo 40, Mike Tomlin decided to go for it. Roethlisberger hit Johnson for a 15 yard gain. Bell ran for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Steelers.
The Steelers got it back and Roethlisberger was intercepted by Gilman, who returned it 31 yards to the Pittsburgh 7. On 3rd and goal from the 8, Taylor went to Sammy Watkins for the touchdown to get the Bills within 14-7. Yet in the third quarter the Steelers moved 82 yards in 10 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. Bell scored his third touchdown from 5 yards out to make it 21-7 Steelers. Early in the fourth quarter an interception of Taylor gave Pittsburgh a short field at the Buffalo 48. Chris Boswell hit a 37 yard field goal to make it 24-7 Steelers with 10 minutes left. Buffalo got it back and soon faced 3rd and 9 at their own 19. Taylor found LeSean Shady McCoy for a 41 yard gain and then went deep to Clay for a 40 yard touchdown. The extra point doinked off the upright as the Bills trailed 24-13 midway through the fourth quarter.
With the Bills expecting the Steelers to run the ball, Roethlisberger hit Antonio Brown on a short pass that went for 29 yards. On 3rd and 1 from the Buffalo 37, Big Ben hit Bell for 14 yards. Boswell hit a 39 yard field goal to make it 27-13 Steelers with 3 1 /2 minutes to play. After a touchback Taylor hit Watkins for 18 and Woods for 29 more. McCoy ran for a 3 yard touchdown to get the Bills with 7 points with 90 seconds to play. Yet the onside kick failed and Buffalo dropped to 6-7 and on the brink of playoff elimination. Despite the snow in Buffalo, Rex Ryan’s coaching seat is now red hot. He likes to play ground and pound, but it was LeVeon Bell pounding his brother Rob Ryan’s defense for 236 rushing yards. Meanwhile, the 8-5 Steelers are very much alive. 27-20 Steelers
Arizona Cardinals at Miami Dolphins — This game was played in a downpour. On 3rd and 6 just shy of midfield, Carson Palmer was intercepted to set up the Dolphins at their own 48. Ryan Tannehill went deep to Kenny Stills for a 28 yard touchdown for a 7-0 Dolphins lead. The Cardinals came right back as JJ Nelson took an end around for a 56 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as the Cardinals trailed 7-6. The second quarter began with the Cardinals punting on 4th and 8 from their own 3. The Dolphins took over with a short field at the Arizona 43. On 3rd and 4 from the 7, Tannehill hit Sims for the touchdown and the 14-6 Dolphins lead. With 1:49 left in the half the Dolphins punted on 4th and 34 from their own 7. This time it was the Cardinals with the short field at the Miami 38. Palmer threw 3 straight incompletions but Chandler Catanzaro leveled a 56 yard field goal to get the Cardinals within 14-9.
The third quarter began with the Dolphins quickly facing 3rd and 7 at their own 26. A short pass from Tannehill to Landry went for a 71 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Tannehill hit Williams for the touchdown to make it 21-9 Dolphins after three quarters. Early in the fourth quarter the Dolphins were pinned back at their own one. Palmer immediately came out throwing and hit Michael Floyd for 15 yards. It took 12 plays and 7 minutes, but on 3rd and goal at the 9, Palmer hit Golden for the touchdown. The 99 yard drive had the Cardinals within 21-15 midway through the fourth quarter. The simple extra point is no longer simple. Catanzaro’s kick was blocked by Phillips. Aikens picked it up and brought it all the way back for 2 points the other way. Now the Dolphins led 23-15.
Miami did nothing with the ball and the Cardinals got it back at midfield with 5 minutes left. Palmer hit Gresham for 9 and David Johnson for 12. Bruce Arians then went to the bag of tricks, as Williams took a wildcat snap 11 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the 8, Palmer found Nelson for the touchdown with 3 minutes left. On the critical 2 point conversion try, Palmer fired over the middle to Johnson for a tie game 23-23. Tannehill was 15 of 20 for 195 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions, but he left the game injured. It would be up to back up Matt Moore to try and win it in a driving rain.
Miami punted, but Arizona punted it back. A 20 yard punt return had the Dolphins taking over at the Arizona 47with 90 seconds left. On 2nd and 5, Moore found Kenny Stills for 12 and then again deep for 29 yards down to the one. . Adam Gase took the clock down. After Moore nearly fumbled a handoff, the Dolphins were lucky to stop the clock with one second left. With hard rain coming down, Andrew Franks hit the 21 yard field goal and the Dolphins got the tough win. At 8-5, Miami is in serious playoff contention. As for Arizona, the preseason Super Bowl favorite is done. 26-23 Dolphins
Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions — There was no way the 3-9 Bears would go on the road and beat the 8-4 Lions. As ESPN user-announcer Chris Berman reminds us, “That’s why they play the games.” The Bears move 60 yards in 12 plays and 7 1/2 minutes. Yet they settled for a 38 yard Connor Barth field goal for a 3-0 Bears lead. In the second quarter it was the Lions moving 74 yards in 12 plays and 7 minutes. Matt Prater hit a 29 yard field goal for a 3-3 game. Detroit got it back and went 81 yards in 10 plays. This time Matthew Stafford threw a 16 yard touchdown pass to Anquon Boldin to make it 10-3 Lions. In the third quarter the Lions held the ball for another 6 minutes. Prater nailed a 54 yard field goal to make it 13-3 Lions.
The Bears came back 75 yards quickly. Matt Barkley hit Meredith for a 31 yard touchdown to get the Bears within 13-10. The Lions moved from their 25 to a 3rd and 4 at the Chicago 9 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Stafford fired over the middle. The ball was batted up in the air and intercepted in the end zone for a touchback. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Lions faced 3rd and 5 from their own 14. Stafford was intercepted again by LeBlanc, who returned it 24 yards for a Chicago touchdown. In front of a stunned home crowd, the Bears led 17-13.
Yet these are not your father’s Lions, and this is not your father’s Matthew Stafford. From the Detroit 24, Stafford hit Marvin Jones for 8 and Boldin for 23 more. With 3 1/2 minutes left from the Chicago 7, Stafford went back to pass and could not find anyone. He evaded the sack, slipped several Chicago tacklers, and through sheer will bowled over his own offensive lineman to get into the end zone. Now the Lions were up by a field goal.
Chicago moved from their 25 to a 1st and 10 at the Detroit 43 with one minute left. One more first down would be long field goal range. Matt Barkley found Meredith for a 27 yard gain, but offensive holding meant 1st and 20. Barkley went deep to Braverman for 23 yards, but offensive holding again meant 1st and 30 as john Fox exploded on the sideline. On 4th and 11, with 19 seconds left, Barkley threw incomplete. For Chicago, this is your father’s Bears team and not why they play the games. Meanwhile, the 9-4 Lions have a 2 game lead in the NFC North. Jim Caldwell was so pleased he almost made a facial expression. 20-17 Lions
Minnesota Vikings at Jacksonville Jaguars — Mike Zimmer was back on the sideline after missing one game due to eye surgery. Despite losing 6 of 7 following a 5-0 start, they faced the pathetic Jaguars and soon to be ex-coach Gus Bradley. The first half was unwatchable unless one loves field goals. Kai Forbath and Jason Myers both hit three of them. Forbath hit from 43 and 32 to lead 6-0 after the opening quarter. In the second quarter Myers hit from 45 and Forbath answered from 40 for a 9-3 Vikings lead. Myers then hit from 55 and from 24 as the teams took a 9-9 lead into the locker rooms. In the third quarter Forbath hit from 46 to make it 12-9 Vikings.
Finally, the end zone was discovered. The Jaguars moved 90 yards in 11 plays. Blake Bortles hit Walters for a 14 yard touchdown as the Jaguars had the surprising 16-12 lead after three quarters. Minnesota took over at their own 38. From midfield, Sam Bradford hit McKinnon for 12 and Adam Thielen for 23 more. The fourth quarter began with Matt Asiata banging in from one yard out. A false start on the extra point had Forbath trying again from 38 yards out. His second try was no good as the Vikings led 18-16.
Jacksonville went 3 and out and the Vikings got it back at their own 41. On 4th and 15 from the Jacksonville 46, Minnesota punted it back. Yet roughing the kicker kept the drive going. On 1st and goal at the one, Asiata got stopped and Bradford threw incomplete. On 3rd and goal, Asiata got the carry and fumbled the ball. Jacksonville recovered in the end zone for a touchback. With 6:19 to play the Jaguars had avoided the knockout blow and needed only a field goal to win it. Yet again they could not move the ball. Minnesota got it back at their own 46. A defensive facemark moved the Vikings to the Jags 28. On 3rd and 10, Bradford hit Cordarelle Patterson for 11 yards. Bradford threw a 3 yard touchdown to Kyle Rudolph with 2:13 to play, and the extra point put the game out of reach. At 7-6, Minnesota clings to playoff life. 25-16 Vikings
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles — Division rivals clinging to playoff life played a close one. Caleb Surges hit a 45 yard field goal in the first quarter and a 36 yarder in the second quarter for a 6-0 Eagles lead. The Redskins finally got going, moving 69 yards in 10 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. R. Kelley ran for a 22 yard touchdown for a 7-6 Redskins lead with 4 minutes left in the half. The Eagles took their turn going 77 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Philly 41, Carson Wentz hit Burton for 16 yards. On 3rd and 3 from the Washington 36, Wentz hit Turner for 16. Wentz hit Darren Sproles for a 4 yard touchdown and a 13-7 Eagles lead at the half.
The third quarter belonged to the Redskins, as they struck in a big way. Kirk Cousins connected with DeSean Jackson on an 80 yard touchdown to give the Redskins the 14-13 lead. The Eagles moved from their own 18 to the Washington 29 before stalling. The Eagles were without a long snapper due to a [air of injuries, a severe blow to their kicking game. Captain Morgan Brent Celek was even brought in as a long snapper. A field goal try to give the Eagles the lead was fumbled, giving the Redskins the ball back at their own 46. Cousins soon hit Pierre Garcon for a 15 yard touchdown and a 21-13 Redskins lead after three quarters.
Early in the fourth quarter the Redskins faced 2nd and 6 at their own 20. Cousins was intercepted by Leodis McKelvin, who returned it 29 yards for an Eagles touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Eagles were within 21-19. Washington went 3 and out and committed a penalty on the return as the Eagles took over at their own 40. On 4th and 1 from the Washington 34, Doug Pederson decided to go for it midway through the fourth quarter. Wentz gained 2 yards. On 4th and 1 from the 23 with 5 minutes left, this time Pederson played it safe. Sturgis hit from 41 as the Eagles led 22-21.
Washington got it back at their own 23 and on 2nd and 10 Cousins threw a deep ball to Crowder that was ruled incomplete. Jay Gruden challenged the call, and it was reversed to a 33 yard gain to the Philly 44. With 3 minutes left, the Redskins faced 4th and 1 at the Philly 35 after a Cousins incompletion. Needing only a field goal for the lead, Jay burden decided to go for it. Cousins hit Garcon for 6 yards. At the 2 minute warning, Thompson ran for a 25 yard touchdown to give Washington the 5 point lead in this see-saw battle. The 2 point try failed. Wentz led a valiant rally from the Philadelphia 25 to the Washington 14 yard line with 21 seconds left. On 2nd and 10, with victory in sight, Wentz was sacked and fumbled and Washington recovered. Washington at 7-5 is still alive while the Eagles have lost 8 of 10 after a 3-0 start to kill their chances. 27-22 Redskins
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Saint shave pinball wizard Drew Brees but the Buccaneers have a very good defense. Early on it was Buc Ball. Roberto Aguayo hit a 41 yard field goal in the first quarter. In the second quarter the Buccaneers moved 75 yards in 11 plays and 6 1/2 minutes. Muscle Hamster Doug Martin got in from the one to make it 10-0 Buccaneers. Tampa Bay got it back and Aguayo hit from 39 to make it 13-0 Buccaneers. Then the game severely tightened despite the Saints being unable to crack the end zone.
Will Lutz hit a 42 yard field goal to get the Saints on the board. The Buccaneers fumbled the ensuing kickoff and were lucky to recover at their own one. On the next play Martin got the carry and got belted backward for a safety as the Saints were within 13-5. The Saints took the free kick with 5 minutes left in the half at midfield. At the 2 minute warning, the Saints faced 4th and 1 at the Tampa Bay 14. Sean Payton decided to go for it and Brees got 2 yards himself. With 13 seconds left in the half, the Saints had 1st and goal at the one. A killer false start penalty followed by a sack of Brees meant 3rd and goal at the 15. Only 4 seconds remained so Payton took no chances. Lutz hit the 34 as the Saints trailed 13-8 at halftime.
The second half was a slog. The Saints moved from their 20 to a 3rd and 2 at the Bucs 4 yard line. Brees fired to Brandon Cooks for the touchdown, but on further review the call was reversed to incomplete. Again the Saints were denied the green zone. Lutz hit from 22 as the saints trailed 13-11. The Bucs responded by going from their own 25 to a 3rd and 4 at the Saints 7. This time it was Jameis Winston throwing incomplete. With 13 minutes left in regulation Aguayo hit from 26 to give the Buccaneers a 5 point lead. With 10 minutes left, on 3rd and 1 from the Tampa Bay 47, Brees was intercepted. With 2:08 to play and facing 4th and 7 at the Saints 35, Dirk Koetter decided to punt. At the 2 minute warning the Saints took over at their own 3 yard line. With 1 minute left, on 4th and 1 from the Saints 45, Brees was intercepted again. 5 straight wins have the Bucs at 8-5 while at 5-8 the Saints are done. Three interceptions of Brees had the Bucs thinking Pewter Power. 16-11 Buccaneers
New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers — This week’s Stupor Bowl featured the 3-9 Jets at the 1-11 49ers. On the second play of the game, from the Jets 14, rookie Brice Petty was intercepted. The 49ers began at the Jets 7. One play later Colin Kaepernick hit Carlos Hyde for the touchdown. The 49ers got it back at their own 19 and moved quickly. Hyde ran for 11 and then ripped off a 47 yard run. Draughn ran the final 4 yards to make it 14-0 49ers after the opening quarter. In the second quarter Nick Folk hit a 36 yard field goal to get the Jets on the board. Phil Dawson countered from 47 to make it 17-3 49ers. The game would have been a bigger blowout but Dawson missed 2 other field goal tries. Then came the surprise.
In the third quarter the Jets moved from their 24 to a 1st and goal at the 3, holding the ball for 7 1/2 minutes and 13 plays. Yet a false start and a sack of Petty killed the drive. Folk hit from 30 but the Jets still trailed 17-6 after three quarters. In the fourth quarter the Jets mounted another long drive, going 66 yards in 15 plays and taking 8 1/2 minutes off the clock. Powell ran for a 5 yard touchdown and Petty ran in the 2 point conversion himself. With 5 minutes left in regulation, the Jets were within 17-14. The Jets held on defense and got the ball back with 2 1/2 minutes left and 2 timeouts at their own 35. Petty hit Enunwa and Anderson for a pair of 9 yard gains. With 43 seconds left, Folk came in for a 50 yard field goal try to tie the game. Folk was good and the teams were headed to overtime tied 17-17.
The 49ers got the ball in overtime after a touchback and moved quickly. Hyde got around the end for a 25 yard gain. Only 2 minutes into the extra session, the 49ers quickly faced 4th and 2 at the Jets 37. Rather than punt or try a 55 yard field goal for the lead, Chip Kelly decided to go for it. Hyde got the carry and ran into a Gang Green wall. A pair of runs by Powell had the Jets near midfield. Petty went deep to Anderson for 26 yards. A field goal would end the game. Folk never got the chance. On 3rd and 4 from the 19, Powell broke free all the way for the touchdown. 20 unanswered points gave the Jets a stunning comeback in an otherwise lost season. If the players quit on Todd Bowles, it did not show. Meanwhile, after winning the opener, the 49ers have lost 12 straight. 23-17 Jets, OT
Seattle Seahawks at Green Bay Packers — The Seahawks won the Fail Mary game and the thrilling NFC Title Game miracle two years ago. The Packers won the playoff game made famous with Matt Hasselbeck being intercepted by Al Harris. On this night, it was a one sided affair dominated by Green Bay. Right off the bat Rodgers went to Devonta Adams for a 66 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Packers. The Seahawks moved 64 yards in 13 plays and 7 minutes. They settled for a Steve Hauschka 28 yard field goal. They were only down 7-3, but in the second quarter the Packers exploded. An interception of Russell Wilson had Green Bay at the Seahawks 26. Montgomery got in from the one to make it 14-3 Packers. Green Bay got it back with another short field at the Seattle 48. Rodgers hit Jordy Nelson for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 21-3 Packers. Another interception in the third quarter meant another short field for Green Bay at the Seattle 32. Rodgers hit Nelson for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 28-3 Packers.
The fourth quarter was a formality. Mason Crosby hit a 38 yard field goal to make it 31-3 Packers. Seattle eventually got in the end zone but yet another interception of Wilson meant another short field at the Seattle 19. One play later Janis ran around the end for the final score of the game. The NFC Title Game 2 years ago saw Wilson overcome 4 interceptions in the first 55 minutes to lad a miracle comeback. This tome there would be no miracles. He finished 22 of 39 for 240 yards, one garbage time touchdown, and 5 interceptions. Rodgers was 18 of 23 for 246 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Green Bay at 7-6 needs to run the table to make the playoffs, while at 8-4 the Seahawks fell half a game out of the first round bye race. 38-10 Packers
Atlanta Falcons at Los Angeles Rams — Atlanta has the offense, but Julio Jones was out injured. It did not matter. Jeff Fisher is known for defense, but on this day his team had none. The Rams fumbled the opening kickoff and the Falcons recovered at the Los Angeles 3 yard line. One play later Matt Ryan hit Hardy for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Falcons. In the second quarter the Falcons moved 88 yards. Ryan hit Coleman for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 14-0. Jared Goff was then intercepted by Jones, who returned it 33 yards for a touchdown to have the Falcons cruising 21-0 at the break. The second half was just as ugly.
In the third quarter Ryan quickly hit Gabriel for a 64 yard touchdown to make it 28-0 Falcons. Atlanta got it back and Coleman had another 6 yard touchdown run to make it 35-0 Falcons. Then Goff was sacked and fumbled, and Vic Beasley returned it 21 yards for a touchdown as the Falcons led 42-0 after three quarters. The Falcons slept through the fourth quarter and allowed a pair of garbage time touchdowns to see Dan Quinn’s squad get to 8-5. The Rams have another losing record and Jeff Fisher tied dan Reeves for all time losses as an NFL head coach. Fisher was fired the following day. 42-14 Falcons
Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants was the Sunday night game. The Giants went into Dallas in the season opener and beat the Cowboys by one point. Dallas has not lost since, and a win in the rematch would clinch the NFC East. The Giants gave the Cowboys all they could handle in a game that was all defense. In the first quarter the Cowboys moved 67 yards in 10 plays and Dak Prescott hit Terrence Williams for a 31 yard touchdown pass to make it 7-0 Cowboys. On the last play of the half a 55 yard field goal try by Dan Bailey to extend the lead was no good, hitting the crossbar. In the third quarter the Giants finally got on the board when Robbie Goal hit from 39 to get the Giants within 7-3. One play changed the game. O’Dell Beckham and Eli Manning both missed chances in the first half, but in the third quarter they came together in a big way. Manning fired over the middle to Beckham, who outraced everyone for a 61 yard touchdown and a 10-7 Giants lead after three quarters.
Dez Bryant was having a nightmarish game, with 0 catches with only 2 1/2 minutes to play. With Dallas facing 3rd and 6 at their own 28, Prescott found Bryant for a 10 yard gain. Yet his first catch soon became a fumble after Bryant was belted by Janoris Jenkins. Jenkins recovered the fumble as the Big Blue home crowd went wild. At the 2 minute warning with the Cowboys out of timeouts, everything came down to the Giants facing 3rd and 3 at the Dallas 31. Up to this point The Giants were 2 for 14 on third downs and the Cowboys were 1 for 14. A run went nowhere as the clock ticked down to 1:15 to play. Ben McAdoo decided to go for it rather than try a 50 yard field goal and risk a block. Manning barked the hard count but Dallas did not bite. After a delay of game the Giants punted. Perfect punt coverage had the Cowboys backed up to their own 2 yard line.
On 4th and 10 Prescott fired to Bryant for a 17 yard gain and then hurried up to the line. Yet just before they snapped the ball, the officials reviewed the play and reversed it to an incomplete pass. The ball clearly hit the ground, well defended again by Jenkins. Dallas saw their 11 game win streak snapped to fall to 11-2. They still have the NFL’s best record, but they have been swept by the Giants. The Giants are 9-4 and in strong position for a wild card. A third match between these teams in the playoffs would be must see television. 10-7 Giants
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots was the Monday night game. Four minutes into the game, brilliant punt coverage had the Ravens pinned at their own one yard line. Kenneth Dixon got the carry and got blown up in the end zone by Malcolm Brown for a safety and a 2-0 Patriots lead. Midway through the first quarter the Ravens faced 3rd and 6 at their own 24. Joe Flacco found Kyle Juszczyk, who shed several tackles for a 40 yard gain with 15 more tacked on for a defensive personal foul. Yet on 2nd and 5 from the 16, Flacco threw incomplete twice. Justin Tucker had not missed a field goal or extra point all season. Yet Shane McLellin timed the snap perfectly, jumped over the center, and blocked the kick. The Patriots soon faced 3rd and 3 at their own 33. Brady went deep to Julian Edelman for a 28 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the one, LaGuerrette Blount churned forward and got in to make it 9-0 Patriots.
In the second quarter the Ravens moved to a 2nd and 7 at the New England 41. Yet consecutive incompletions by Flacco meant another punt. The Patriots soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 17. Brady found White over the middle, and White split the seams for a 61 yard gain. On 3rd and goal from the 6, Brady fired a laser between defenders to Malcolm Mitchell for the touchdown to complete the 89 yard drive and make it 16-0 Patriots. After Flacco threw deep and was intercepted, Brady quickly moved the Patriots to a 3rd and goal at the 2 looking to put the game away. Instead Brady got belted as he threw and was intercepted in the end zone. With 11 seconds left in the half, Tucker hit a 50 yard field goal to finally get the Ravens on the board.
In the third quarter Bill Belichick went for the kill shot. With the Patriots at their own 48, a perfectly executed flea flicker went to Chris Hogan for a 28 yard gain. On 3rd and 5 from the Baltimore 19, Brady lobbed a pass to Marcellus Bennett in the end zone and Bennett ripped it away from the defender for the touchdown. With 9 minutes left in the third quarter the Patriots led 23-3. They were dominating on offense and defense, but then came some disasters on special teams.
The Patriots fumbled a punt and the Ravens recovered at the New England 3 yard line. Flacco fired over the middle to Waller for the touchdown to get the Ravens within 23-10. Then the Patriots fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Ravens recovered at the New England 22. Flacco threw an 8 yard touchdown to Dixon and the Ravens were right back in it down 23-17. In the fourth quarter the Ravens faced 1st and 20 from their own 24. Flacco went bombs away and found Perriman for a 47 yard gain. Yet on 3rd and 4 from the New England 12, Flacco was sacked for an 8 yard loss. With 6 1/2 minutes remaining, Tucker hit a 38 yard field goal to get the Ravens within 23-20.
11 seconds later the Patriots had blown the game open again. From the Patriots 21, Brady went deep to Hogan, who outraced everybody for a 79 yard touchdown to make it 30-20 Patriots. Flacco led a furious rally. On 3rd and 8 from the Baltimore 21, Flacco found Mike Wallace for 20 yards. On 3rd and 5 from the Baltimore 46, Flacco went to Steve Smith for a 25 yard gain. On 3rd and 3 from the New England 22, Flacco fired to Dennis Pitta at the sticks. Officials ruled Pitta was short of the sticks and the clock kept running. Rather than take a timeout on 4th and inches and needing 2 scores, John Harbaugh hurried the field goal team on the field to beat the 2 minute warning. Tucker just snuck the kick inside the left upright with 2:03 left.
Down by 7, the onside kick failed. However, 2:01 remained. The Ravens would have the 2 minute warning and 2 timeouts. In a stunning move, Brady came out throwing. After an 8 yard completion. Blount barreled over defenders for the killer first down. The Patriots at 11-2 are one game ahead of everyone for home field throughout the playoffs. The Ravens at 7-6 are one game back in the AFC North, and in deep trouble of missing the playoffs. Joe Flacco was 37 of 52 for 324 yards and two touchdowns, but it was not enough. Brady was 25 of 38 for 406 yards and three touchdowns. Each quarterback was intercepted once. 30-23 Patriots.