NFL 2018 Week 2 Recap
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals was the Thursday night game. Baltimore built a 40 point lead in their opener en route to a 47-3 win. The Bengals went on the road, fell behind 23-10, and rattled off 24 straight points for the win. Both teams beat up on weaker teams. Now each had a better measuring stick of where they were.
The Bengals jumped all over the Ravens at the start. After an exchange of punts, the Ravens took over at their own 18. Joe Flacco was intercepted by Bates, who returned it it 21 yards to the Baltimore 16. It looked liked Red Rifle Andy Dalton returned the favor on the very next play. A pass to the end zone was marvelously deflected into the air and intercepted on a spectacular grab by Eric Weddle. Despite the acrobatic efforts, Weddle’s 2nd foot saw his tow on the line out of bounds. Dalton escapade with an incompletion and a few plays later hit AJ Green for a 4 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Bengals lead.
The Bengals got it back at their own 20 and Dalton quickly hit Uzomah for a 29 yard gain. Greg Bernard ran for 11 and 8. On 3rd and 2 from the Baltimore 32, Dalton zipped a pass to Green, who bounced off a tackler and split the seams for a touchdown to make it 14-0 Bengals. The Bengals got it back at their own 28 and embarked on a 12 play, 672 yard drive that consumed 6 minutes. Joe Mixon gained 11 and Dalton went to Boyd for a 27 yard gain. The second quarter began with the Bengals facing 3rd and 13 at the Baltimore 15. An illegal use of hands penalty gave the Bengals a new st of downs. On 3rd and goal at the 7, Dalton hit Green for the touchdown as the Bengals were all over Baltimore 21-0.
After a touchback Baltimore finally got going. On 3rd and 15 from their own 32, Flacco went deep to Brown for a 45 yard gain. On 3rd and 5 from the Cincy 8, Flacco threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Allen got it to get the Ravens on the board. From the Cincy 22, the Bengals kept rolling. On 3rd and 9 from the Cincy 38,Dalton went deep to Boyd for 22 yards. On 3rd and 8 from the Baltimore 26, Dalton hit Boyd for 17 yards. Dalton found Boyd again for a 14 yard touchdown. With 3 minutes left in the half, the Bengals were winning a 28-7 laugher.
After a touchback the Ravens moved to a 4th and 4 at the Cincinnati 38. John Harbaugh decided to go for it and Flacco threw incomplete. Only 1:22 remained in the half, but an attempt to deliver the knockout blow backfired. Rather than run the ball and go to the half up by 21, Marvin Lewis had Dalton keep throwing. He was hot as blazes, so it was a sensible move. However, Dalton threw 3 straight incompletions and only 20 seconds went off the clock. The Ravens still had one more chance from their own 19 with one minute left.
Flacco hit Collins for 22 yards, Michael Crabtree for 17 more, and Andrew for another 11. From the Cincinnati 31, a deep ball drew defensive pass interference and 1st and goal at the one. With 8 seconds left in the half on 3rd and goal, Flacco hit Andrews for the touchdown. The Ravens were only down 28-14 at halftime, and they now had momentum.
In the third quarter the Ravens took over at their own 35. Flacco went to Williams for a 25 yard gain. The drive stalled, but John Harbaugh gambled on a 55 yard field goal. Justin Tucker nailed it and the Ravens were within 28-17.
Baltimore moved from their 21 to a 3rd and 2 at the Cincinnati 44, but when Flacco threw incomplete, John Harbaugh decided to gamble on 4th and 2. Flacco hit Allen, but only for one yard as the Ravens turned it over on downs. The Bengals moved to a 2nd and 8 at the Baltimore 37. Dalton threw incomplete twice, and Marvin Lewis opted against going for it or trying a 55 yard field goal. The Bengals punted. Flacco threw another interception but the Bengals did not capitalize.
The Ravens began the fourth quarter at their own 13. Flacco hit Brown for 17 and Snead for 10 more. From the Cincy 33, Flacco hit Allen for 16. On 2nd and 14 from the Cincy 21, Flacco went to Brown for the touchdown. The 2 point try failed, but with 9 1/2 minutes left in the game, the 12 play, 5 minute, 87 yard drive had the Ravens within 28-23.
The Bengals soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33. Dalton threw incomplete but defensive holding kept the drive going. From the Baltimore 37, Mixon gained 21 yards. Randy Bullock hit a 28 yard field goal to put the Bengals up 31-23 with 3 minutes left. 3 plays later on 3rd and 10 from the Baltimore 25, Flacco got leveled and fumbled. The Bengals recovered at the Baltimore 29. With 2 1/2 minutes left, Bullock drilled a 40 yard field goal to put the game on ice.
After a touchback Baltimore moved to the Cincinnati 23 with 8 seconds left. Needing 2 scores, the only chance was to try a field goal and then an onside kick. Instead Flacco threw a short pass that gained 11 yards but let the clock run out. The Bengals won by the same score for the second straight week. Flacco threw 55 passes, completing 32 of them for 376 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had 2 interceptions. Dalton was 24 of 42 for 265 yards and 4 touchdowns, all in the first half. While he and the entire offense cooled off after halftime, Dalton was not intercepted. It is the Bengals who are now the 2-0 team. 34-23 Bengals
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons — With the Carolinas getting belted by Hurricane Florence, it was fate that the Panthers were on the road at Atlanta. Graham Gano hit a 54 yard field goal for the Panthers and Matt Bryant responded from 44 for a 3-3 game after the first quarter. The Panthers took over at their own 30 to start the second quarter. On 4th and 4 from the Atlanta 33, Riverboat Ron Rivera decided to go for it. Cam Newton scrambled for 10 yards, gave himself up on a foot first slide, and got drilled in the head by Kazee. Tempers flared, Kazee was ejected, and Newton stayed in the game. On 3rd and 5 from the atlanta 18, Newton hit devon finches for 12. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Newton hit Wright for the touchdown and the 10-3 Panthers lead.
The Falcons soon faced 3rd and 9 at their own 26. Matt Ryan threw incomplete, but defensive pass interference meant a 14 yard gin. Coleman raced for a 32 yard gain. On 3rd and 8 from the Carolina 11, Ryan fired to Ridley for the touchdown as the teams were deadlocked 10-10. With 1:35 left in the half, the Falcons got it back at their own 15. Ryan hit Ridley for 22 and went deep to Hall for 30 yards. Ryan hit Hooper for an 8 yard touchdown as the Falcons took a 17-10 lead to the locker rooms.
Ryan was intercepted in the third quarter, pinning the Panthers back at their own 2 yard line. Atlanta got it back and soon faced 3rd and 12 at their own 40. Ryan hit Ridley for 22 yards. Smith ran for gains of 13 and 18. Ryan snuck for the last yard himself to make it 24-10 Falcons. Late in the third quarter the Panthers took over at their own 20. On the last play of the third quarter facing 3rd and 6 at their own 35, Newton hit Wright for 7 yards. Defensive pass interference added 15 yards a couple plays later. On 3rd and 4 from the 11, Newton found Thomas for 8 yards and Smith for the 3 yard touchdown to get the Panthers within 24-17.
After a touchback, defensive holding followed by Ryan hitting Mohammed Sanu for 12 had the Falcons on the move. From the Atlanta 47, Ryan went deep to Hooper for 30 yards and Paulsen for 10 more. On 3rd and 5 from the 8, Ryan scrambled around the end and got past the pylon for the score to make it 31-17 Falcons midway through the fourth quarter. On the next series Newton was intercepted to set the Falcons up at their own 47, but they went 3 and out. Carolina got it back at their own 4 yard line.
Newton hi McCaffrey for gains of 5 and 7. Then he went deep to Wright for 22 and back to McCaffrey for 11 more. Newton then went deep to Moore for a 51 yard touchdown to get the Panthers within 31-24 with 2:20 to play. Carolina took two timeouts on defense. The falcons faced 3rd and 1 at their own 34. Coleman got the carry and got stopped cold as the clock hit the 2 minute warning.
Carolina got it back at their own 16 with 1:48 left. Newton scrambled for 16 yards and hit McCaffrey for 10 more. With 26 seconds left, on 3rd and 6 from the Carolina 46, Newton found Devon Funchess for 12 yards. With 4 seconds left from the Atlanta 31, Newton’s Hail Mary to one receiver and four defenders initially appeared to be answered. On closer inspection it was incomplete as Atlanta for the second straight week went down to the final play. This time they got the win. 31-24 Falcons
Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints — The Saints scored 40 points last week but surrendered 48. The 0-16 Browns managed a tie. They forced 5 turnovers last week and started this game forcing a fumble. Zane Gonzalez hit a 39 yard field goal to open the scoring. The Saints moved 63 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. A pass to the end zone was broken up at the last moment as the Saints settled for a 31 yard Will Lutz field goal and a 3-3 tie. Lutz missed from 44 with 4 minutes left in the half. The Saints dominated statistically but turned it over three times. Gonzalez hit from 39 again with 1:55 left in the half for a 6-3 Browns lead.
In the third quarter the Browns mounted a 12 play, 79 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive. Carlos Hyde got the last yard. The extra point was no good, but just enough offense and stifling defense had the Browns up 12-3 after three quarters. Could they finally finish game and get a win? Less than one minute into the fourth quarter, a 3rd and 6 pass for the Browns was dropped. Then Gonzalez missed a 44 yard field goal. Was a collapse inevitable?
From their own 34 to start the fourth quarter, Alvin Kamara ran for 18 yards. With 12 minutes left, the saints faced 3rd and 3 at the Cleveland 41. Drew Brees was sacked for a 9 yard loss. Yet illegal contact on the defense meant an automatic first down for the Saints. These are the Browns. With 8:45 to play, Brees threw a 2 yard touchdown pass to Thomasas the Saints only trailed 12-10. The word inevitable had that inevitable feeling.
Both teams went 3 and out as the Cleveland defense was giving every ounce they could. All they ask was that the offense not give the game away. With 5 minutes left, from the Cleveland 30, Tyrod Taylor was intercepted. Williams returned it 22 yards to the Cleveland 18. These are the Browns. On 3rd and 2 from the Cleveland 10, Kamara gained 5 yards. Brees hit Thomas for the touchdown. Kamara ran in the 2 point conversion as the Saints led 18-12 with 2 1/2 minutes left. These are the Browns.
With 1:24 left the Browns faced 4th and 5 at the Saints 47. One more failure would end things. Rather than just try to pick up the first down, Hue Jackson went for all the marbles. Tyrod Taylor went for the bomb, and shocked the football world with a touchdown pass to Callaway. The game was tied and the extra point would give the Browns the lead. These are the Browns?
Gonzalez had already missed an extra point and a field goal, so now was his time for redemption. Again he missed. The game remained tied 18-18. Say it with me, world. These are the Browns.
After a touchback with 1:16 remaining, the entire world knew Brees would give the Saints the lead. He hit Ted Ginn Jr. for 8 yards. On the next play he went deep to Ginn for a 42 yard gain to the Cleveland 25. With 43 seconds left the Saints were already in field goal range. They could bleed the clock down and kick a field goal on the final play. Then Sean Payton made some very questionable play calls.
On 2nd and 11 and again on 3rd and 11, Payton called pass plays. Brees threw incomplete twice, stopping the clock. With 26 seconds left, Will Lutz came in for the 44 yarder to give the Saints the lead. Lutz was good, but the Browns after a touchback still had 21 seconds and one timeout.
Taylor went deep to Jarvis Landry for 25 yards as the Browns called their final timeout with 14 seconds left. Taylor then went to Callaway for 16 yards. Callaway barely got out of bounds to stop the clock with 8 seconds left. Hue Jackson decided not to run another play. Without a timeout, it was too risky. Gonzalez had missed 2 extra points and a field goal, but now it was finally time for redemption. Last week the Browns went to overtime tied 21-21. One successful field goal and they would again.
Gonzalez missed again. THESE. ARE. THE. BROWNS. For those seeking employment and are willing to relocate to Ohio, the Browns are one of several teams desperately in need of a kicker. To quote Paul Maguire, “I hate kickers. They should be paid $50 a game.” Maguire later revised his offer to 25 cents. Hue Jackson is too good a man for this. The team founded by Paul Brown and made famous with Jim Brown should consider renaming itself the Charlie Browns. He couldn’t kick a football either. 21-18 Saints
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans — Blaine Gabbert was in for the injured Marcus Mariota. Mike Vrabel went to his bag of tricks. Yard lined up at quarterback and lobbed a floater to Cruikshank. There was no defense anywhere as the connection resulted in a 66 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Titans. The Texans failed to score when Fairbairn missed a 54 yard field goal. The Titans took over at their own 44. From the Houston 18, Blaine Gabbert threw a West Coast Offense dink and dunk sideways pass, and thanks to bad attempts at tackling, it became a touchdown and a 14-0 Titans lead. The Texans moved the ball and Deshaun Watson went deep to the end zone into multiple coverage and was intercepted for a touchback.
With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half the Titans punted on 4th and 29 at their own 13. The Texans took over at their own 47. On 1st and 20 from their own 37, illegal contact on the defense meant an automatic first down.Pm 3rd and 7 from their own 45, Watson went deep to Deandre Hopkins for 23 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Tennessee 28, Watson went deep again to Hopkins for the touchdown as the Texans trailed 14-7 at the intermission.
The defenses controlled the third quarter as a 34 yard Fairbairn field goal had the Texans trailing 14-10 after three quarters. The Texans began the fourth quarter at their 30. DeShaun Watson hit Akins for 13 yards. Watson then went deep to Fuller for a 39 yard touchdown to make it 17-14 Texans. After a touchback, Gabbert hit Stocker for 11 yards with 15 more tacked on for unsportsmanlike conduct. On 3rd and 3 from the Houston 42, Gabbert hit Sharpe for 14 yards. Ryan Succop hit a 42 yard field goal to tie the game 17-17 with 9:45 to play.
After a touchback, the Texans moved to a 4th and 8 at the Tennessee 37. With 6:50 to play, Bill O’Brien opted to play it very safe and punt rather than go for it or try a 55 yard field goal. The Titans took over at their own 25. Lewis ran for 13 yards and Gabbert hit Davis for 13 more. On 3rd and 1 from the Houston 39, Gabbert got the yard. On 2nd and 12 from the Houston 40, Gabbert hit Davis for 18 yards. With 1:05 to play, on 4th and 1 from the 13, Succop came in to break the tie from 31 yards out. On a day of shaky kickers, Succop was good and the Titans had the lead.
With 33 seconds left facing 3rd and 6 at their own 29, Watson hit Hopkins for 19 yards. Watson spiked the ball to stop the clock, but the Texans burned their 3rd and final timeout with 17 seconds left. From the Houston 48, Watson found Hopkins for 31 yards. The Texans raced to the line to spike the ball and try the tying field goal. They never got the chance as the clock ran out. 20-17 Titans
Indianapolis Colts at Washington Redskins — Andrew Luck moved the Colts 75 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes and hit Eric Ebron for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Colts. In the second quarter an interception of Luck had the Redskins taking over at their own 42. Dustin Hopkins hit a 49 yard field goal to get the Redskins on the board. After a touchback, a 37 yard defensive pass interference penalty had the Colts on the move. Hines ran for an 8 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Colts at halftime.
An ugly second half saw the Redskins move the ball but not finish their drives. Hopkins hit from 27 in the third quarter and from 49 n the fourth quarter to get the Redskins within 14-9. Washington was hitting field goals while the Colts were scoring touchdowns. A 13 play, 75 yard drive took 6 minutes off the clock. On 3rd and goal from the 3, Luck hit TY Hilton for the touchdown to all but end the game midway through the fourth quarter. The Redskins fumbled the ball away with 5 minutes left to seal their fate. 21-9 Colts
Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers — The Steelers punted and Ryan swather returned it to the Pittsburgh 21. Patrick Mahomes hit Chris Conley for a 15 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Chiefs. Kansas City got it back at their own 29 and Mahomes hit Sammy Watkins for 10 and then again deep for a 40 yard gain. Mahomes hit Travis Kelce for the 19 yard touchdown and a 14-0 Chiefs lead. Pittsburgh missed a chance to get on the board when Chris Boswell hooked a 49 yard field goal wide. The Chiefs took over at their own 39 and kept making it look easy. On 3rd and goal at the 5, Mahomes hit Kareem Hunt for the score to make it 21-0 Chiefs.
A turning point in the game came with one minute left in the first quarter. The Steelers faced 3rd and 10 at their own 19. Ben Roethlisberger was hit and fumbled. Jones recovered it at the 5 and took it in for what looked like a 28-0 Chiefs lead. Yet defensive holding nullified the score. The second quarter began with the Steelers at the Chiefs 40. Roethlisberger hit Juju Smith-Schuster for 14 and James for a 26 yard touchdown to get the Steelers on the board. Pittsburgh got it back at their own 15 and moved again. Big ben hit Spitzer for 14 and James for 20. From the Chiefs 26, Roethlisberger hit Antonio Brown for 6, McDonald for 11, Smith-Schuster for 11, and Smith-Schuster again for the 2 yard touchdown. Boswell missed the extra point but the Steelers were within 21-13.
Pittsburgh got it back at their own 10 with 3 minutes left in the half. From the 20, Pittsburgh went deep to James for a 32 yard gain. Defensive pass interference a couple plays later tacked on 15 more yards. With 24 seconds left in the half, on 3rd and 10 from the Chiefs 14, Big Ben went to Washington for the touchdown as the Steelers. Mike Tomlin opted to go for 2 and Roethlisberger hit James Conner for the conversion as the teams were tied 21-21 at the break.
After a touchback to start the third quarter Mahomes connected with Tyreeq Hill for a 36 yard gain. Mahomes found Kelce for 13 and then again for a 25 yard touchdown as the Chiefs took the 28-21 lead. After a touchback the Steelers responded. Roetholisberger hit Smith-Schuster for 15 yards and again for 21 more. Big Ben hit nix for 19 yards down to the 5 yard line. On the next play an incompletion that was almost intercepted was negated due to defensive holding. On 1st and goal at the 2 Roethlisberger went to the end zone and was intercepted. Yet defensive pass interference gave the Steelers 1st and goal at the one. Conner got the carry off left tackle, appeared, stopped, and bulled his way forward. His elbow came down before the pylon but the ball in his other hand was just past the plane of the goal for the score and the 28-28 tie.
The Chiefs came back again. With 3 minutes left in the third quarter, Mahomes fired to the back of the end zone for Robinson. Officials ruled that Robinson did not get both feet down inbounds, calling an incompletion. Walrus Lite Andy Reid challenged the call. On further review, the call was reversed to a touchdown and a 35-28 Chiefs lead, making Andy Reid a most pleased Walrus Lite indeed.
The Steelers went 3 and out and the Chiefs took over late in the third quarter at their own 35. Mahomes went to Watkins for a 25 yard gain. The fourth quarter began with the Chiefs facing 3rd and 1 at the Pittsburgh 31. The defense jumped offside. On 2nd and 13 from the Pittsburgh 29, Mahomes went deep to Hill for the touchdown as the Chiefs led 42-28.
The Steelers punted again, but a perfect punt pinned the Chiefs back at their own one yard line. After a deep incompletion, Hunt got the carry and was tackled in the end zone for a safety. With a full 12 minutes left, the Steelers were within 42-30. The Steelers could not capitalize after the free kick. The Chiefs moved from their 20 to a 1st and at the Pittsburgh 36 with 5 minutes left. A short completion was fumbled away as the Steelers were still alive at their own 34.
Roethlisberger went deep to James for a 46 yard gain. With 4 minutes left, on 4th and 3 from the Chiefs 13, Roethlisberger hit Smith-Schuster for 7 yards. On 4th and goal at the 3, unable to find anyone, Big Ben took off running and made it around the end just past the pylon for the touchdown. At the 2 minute warning, the Steelers were within 5 points.
Needing a stop, the defense saw Hunt gain 9 and then 3 more for a critical first down. The Steelers took their timeouts on defense and finally got a stop. The Chiefs had to punt, but only 11 seconds remained. From the Chiefs 41, the Steelers went for the block, didn’t get it, and got called for roughing the punter. The automatic first down let Mahomes take one knee for the win.
Roethlisberger threw 60 passes, completing 39 of them for 452 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Yet the Steelers lost because the league has a new superstar. Patrick Mahomes went 23 of 28 for 265 yards and 6…yes, 6…touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Mahome broke Peyton Manning’s NFL for most touchdown passes in the first 2 games of an NFL season. Manning had 9. Mahomes through 2 games has 10. Gone is the dinking and dunking West Coast Offense failures. Walrus Lite Andy Reid has a gunslinger at the helm. 42-37 Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers at Buffalo Bills — Last week the Bills lost 47-3 under Nathan Peterman, who has never finished an NFL game. Last year Peterman threw 5 interceptions in the first half against the Chargers. This time it was Josh Allen getting the start. An exchange of punts had the Chargers taking over at the Buffalo 38. Philip Rivers quickly hit Victor Green for 25 yards and Mike Williams for the 10 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Bills. The Chargers got it back at their own 39 and moved easily. Melvin Gordon ran for a 20 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Chargers.
In the second quarter the Bills managed a 43 yard Steve Hauschka field goal, but the Chargers kept rolling on offense. Ekeleer ran for 22 yards after a touchback and Rivers hit Green for 23 more. Rivers hit Gordon for the 9 yard touchdown to make it 21-3 Chargers. The Chargers got it back and moved 81 yards in 12 plays and 7 minutes. Rivers hit Gordon for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 28-3 Chargers.
Buffalo inspired the football world when Hauschka hit a 40 yard field goal to get the Bills within 28-6 at halftime. For some reason, league rules required the second half to be played. The Bills did move 75 yards to start the third quarter. Chris Ivory got in from one yard out to get the Bills within 28-13. An uneventful fourth quarter saw Caleb Sturgis tack on a 24 yard field goal and Allen throw a garbage touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin to make the score look respectable. At least nobody can blame this loss on Nathan Peterman. 31-20 Chargers
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets — Sam Dranold’s first ever NFL pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown, but the Jets won 48-17. This week Darnold threw an interception that had the Dolphins starting at the Jets 15. Drake ran for the 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Dolphins. Midway through the second quarter the Jets moved from their own 8 to their own 39. A pass from Darnold to Anderson was fumbled and the Dolphins recovered just past midfield. A defensive facemark moved Miami closer. Ryan Tannehill went to Wilson, who got to the corner and just past the pylon for a 29 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Dolphins. The Dolphins got it back late in the half and quickly moved 62 yards. Tannehill hit Derby for a 19 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Dolphins led 20-0 at halftime.
In the third quarter the Jets moved 75 yards. Darnold went to Powell for a 28 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good as the Jets trailed 20-6. The Dolphins tried to give the game away from their own 29 as Tannehill was hit and fumbled. The jets refused to accept the generosity. Starting from the Miami 12, Darnold was intercepted for a touchback. In the fourth quarter the Jets had an 11 play drive that took 6:15 off the clock but somehow gained only 22 yards. Myers bailed the Jets out with field goals of 55 and 41 yards to get the Jets within 8 points.
With 6 minutes left, Gang Green needed a stop on defense. After a touchback, Drake ran for a 20 yard gain. With 3 1/2 minutes left, Todd Bowles saw his defense facing 3rd and 19 at the Jets 45. A short pass from Tannehill to Frank Gore gained the exact amount. Now it was desperation time. With 2 1/2 minutes left, the Dolphins faced 3rd and 6 at the Jets 22. The jets were out of timeouts. Tannehill escaped for an 8 yard gain and then took 3 knees. One week after looking like the league’s most exciting team, the Jets lost to the league’s most boring team. To be fair to Adam Gase, the team was boring before he arrived. 20-12 Dolphins
Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers — Aaron Rodgers played, but it was special teams that started the scoring. From their own 15, the Vikings punted and the Packers blocked it and recovered in the end zone for a 7-0 Packers lead. A 46 yard kickoff return by Hughes had the Vikings starting at their own 43. Kirk Cousins hit Adam Thielen for 7 and Sean Diggs for 18 more. On 3rd and 3 from the Green Bay 14, Cousins went to Treadwell for the touchdown and a 7-7 game.
In the second quarter the Packers moved 75 yards in 11 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Rodgers went to Devontae Adams for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 14-7 Packers. Green Bay got it back and moved 43 yards. Mason Crosby hit a 37 yard field goal before the half ended to put the Packers up 17-7. In the third quarter the Packers moved 67 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes. A touchdown pass was called back due to a penalty. The Packers settled for a 40 yard Crosby field goal to lead 20-7.
For three quarters the Packers were in command. Football is four quarters. Late in the third quarter the Vikings faced 3rd and 1 at their own 38. Ham got the carry up the gut for 5 yards. On the last play of the third quarter, the Vikings faced 3rd and 1 at the Green Bay 28. Cousins went to Kyle Rudolph for a 23 yard gain. Cousins hit Diggs for a 3 yard touchdown to get the Vikings within 20-14 and almost all of the fourth quarter to go.
2 plays after a touchback from the Green Bay 36, Rodgers went deep and was intercepted. However, offsetting penalties kept Green Bay on offense. Rodgers then went to Greg Allison for 22 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Minnesota 13, Williams got the carry and lost a yard. Crosby hit the 31 yard field goal to give the Packers breathing room up 23-14 midway through the fourth quarter. They would not have breathing room for long. 2 plays and 17 seconds later, Cousins went deep to Diggs for a 75 yard touchdown. Just like that, the Vikings were within 23-21.
From the Green Bay 31, the Packers offense mounted a long drive and again tried to put the game away. Rodgers hit Jimmy Graham for a 16 yard gain. With 4 minutes remaining and the Packers facing 3rd and 3 at the Minnesota 41, Mike McCarthy called the Packers final timeout. After a false start, on 3rd and 8, Rodgers hit Allison for 12 yards. Yet on 3rd and 6 from the Minnesota 30, Rodgers threw incomplete. Crosby hit the 48 yard field goal. With 2:13 to play the Packers led 26-21, but they had not closed the door.
Disaster immediately struck the Vikings after a touchback. Cousins was intercepted by Haha Clinton-Dix, who returned it 24 yards to the Minnesota 13. Mike Zimmer’s defense needed to come up monster big, and they did as 3 offensive plays for the Packers lost 5 yards. Crosby hit again from 36 to make it 29-21 Packers. Yet with 1:45 left the door was still open.
After a touchback, Cousins was quickly intercepted by Alexander. The Packers celebrated, but a very questionable roughing the passer penalty on Clay Matthews gave the ball back to Minnesota. Matthews’s hit was completely legal. Whatever the officials saw, nobody else did. Cousins then hit Thielen for 12 and Rudolph for 10. With 36 seconds left, from the Green Bay 22, Cousins went deep to Thielen for the touchdown. Cousins went to Diggs for the 2 point conversion and the game was tied.
A touchback left 31 seconds left. Williams gained 11 yards and Rodgers spiked the ball with 16 seconds left to stop the clock. Rodgers then went to Graham for a 27 yard gain and to Adams for 3 more yards. With 3 seconds left, Crosby came in for the 52 yard field goal try to win it. The kick was no good, and these hated rivals were going to overtime.
In overtime, Minnesota moved from their 30 to a 2nd and 9 at the Green Bay 31. Cousins threw incomplete twice. Carlson came in for the 49 yard field goal to win it for the Vikings, with Crosby looking on helplessly on the other side. The kick was no good, and the game continued. Green Bay went from their 39 to a 3rd and 4 at the Minnesota 40. Rodgers was sacked to kill the drive.
From the Minnesota 20, Cousins hit Diggs for 12 and Thielen for 25 more. With 2 minutes left in overtime, the Vikings faced 3rd and 3 at the Green Bay 36. Cousins found Diggs for 6 yards. Latavius Murray had gains of 9 and 4. With 4 seconds left in overtime, Carlson came in for a chip shot 35 yarder to redeem himself and win the game. Again the kick was no good. Ties are rare in the NFL, but this season has seen 2 ties in only 2 weeks. In both games, it was missed kicks that prevented wins and validated Walrus Paul Maguie’s anti-kicker maxim. Rodgers finished 30 of 42 for 281 yards, one touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Cousins was a ridiculous 35 of 48 for 425 yards, 4 touchdowns, and one interception. Either quarterback would rather have a win, which neither one got. 29-29 tie, OT
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The Buccaneers put up 48 points last week but surely that was a fluke, right? On the first play from scrimmage, Ryan Fitzpatrick went deep to Desean Jackson for a 75 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Buccaneers lead. The game slowed down considerably as the defenses dug in for the rest of the first quarter. In the second quarter the eagles moved 78 yards in 13 plays and 6 minutes. Clement ran for a 15 yard touchdown and a 7-7 tie.
Then the Buccaneers did it again. One play. One pass. 75 yards. Fitzpatrick to OJ Howard. Last time it took 11 seconds. This time it took 12 seconds for the Buccaneers to lead 13-7 after the failed extra point. The Bucs got it back at their own 30 and this time needed a whole 1:44 to score. Fitzpatrick hit Chris Godwin for an 8 yard touchdown as the Buccaneers led 20-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter Doug Pederson decided to go for it with the Eagles facing 4th and 4 just past midfield. Naturally, Pederson called a West Coast Offense dink and dunk pass rater than a throw past the first down marker. Nick Foles hit Zac Ertz for 3 yards and the Eagles turned it over on downs. On 3rd and 7 from the Philly 34, Fitzpatrick went deep to Jackson again for a 28 yard gain. Fitzpatrick hit Evans for the 4 yard touchdown to make it 27-7 Buccaneers.
With 4 minutes left in the third quarter, the Eagles took over at their own 16. Foles hit Clement for 19 and connected with Nelson Agholor for a 50 yard gain. On 4th and 1 from the 6, Foles got 2 yards. Jay Ajayi ran for a 2 yard touchdown to get the Eagles within 27-14 after three quarters. The Buccaneers then fumbled the ball away around midfield, and the Eagles recovered at their own 43. The Eagles reached a 1st and 10 at the Tampa Bay 35 when a run went nowhere and Foles threw 3 straight incompletions as the Eagles turned it over on downs.
With 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Eagles took over at their own 22. Defensive pass interference moved the ball to the 32. Foles hit Aiken for 18 and Perkins for 30 more to midfield. On 4th and goal at the 2 with 2:51 to play, Foles hit Agholor for the touchdown. The Eagles were within 6 points, and the missed Tampa Bay extra point loomed large.
On 2nd and 13 from their own 12, Fitzpatrick hit Jackson for a critical Tampa Bay first down. With 2:23 to play the Eagles took their final timeout with the Bucs facing 3rd and 3 at their own 36. Fitzpatrick hit Evans for 10 yards. 3 straight runs yielded nothing but bled the clock. By the time the Eagles got the ball back at their own 10, only 19 seconds remained. They got no further than their own 28 after failed hook and laterals ended the game. Foles played well, going 35 of 48 for 334 yards, one touchdown, and 0 interceptions. Fitzpatrick for the second straight week was white hot, going 27 of 33 for 402 yards, 4 touchdowns, and one interception. Rather than the defending champions, it is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a backup quarterback who are 2-0 with 2 road wins against 2 of the top teams from last year. 27-21 Buccaneers
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams — The Rams may be the best team in the league. The Cardinals may be the worst. Sometimes a bad team can go on the road and shock a good team in an upset for the ages. This was not that game. Goliath beat up David and took his lunch money. After a scoreless first quarter, reality set in. Todd Gurley capped off a 58 yard drive with an 11 yard touchdown run to start the deluge. Johnny Hekker added a 20 yard field goal. The Rams got it back at the Arizona 32 and Gurley ran for a one yard touchdown. After both touchdowns, Sean McVay went for 2 point conversions and the Rams made them both to led 19-0 at halftime.
The second half was a formality. Gurley’s third touchdown run from 2 yards out came in the third quarter. The Rams made another 2 point try. In the fourth quarter the Rams took over at the Arizona 25. Jared Goff went to Tyler Higbee for a 3 yard touchdown. Sean McVay in an act of mercy kicked the extra point to complete the blowout. Goff finished 24 of 32 for 354 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Truly great teams beat bad teams easily. Former Rams 1st pick in the draft Sam Bradford finished a miserable 17 of 27 for 90 yards. 34-0 Rams
Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers — Last week the Lions gave up 31 third quarter points in a 48-17 loss at home. Now they had to face an angry 49ers team that ran into a buzzsaw last week on the road. The 49ers opened the scoring with a 45 yard Robbie Gould field goal, but the Lions came back 69 yards. Matthew Stafford hit Kenny Golladay for a 30 yard touchdown. The Lions led 7-3 after the opening quarter, but after that the game changed.
The 49ers took over at their own 12 and gradually moved down the field. They began the second quarter at the Detroit 47. Jimmy Garoppollo hit Kittle for a 17 yard gain. On 1st and 20 from the Detroit 40, Defensive pass interference gave the 49ers 20 yards exactly. On 3rd and 2 from the Detroit 12, Garoppollo hit Breida for 8 yards and Bourne for a 4 yard touchdown to put the 49ers in front 10-7. With 6 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Lions faced 3rd and 3 at their own 26. Stafford was sacked and fumbled, and the 49ers recovered at the Detroit 16. Gould hit a 24 yard field goal for a 13-7 49ers lead.
With 40 seconds left in the half, the Lions faced 3rd and 10 at their own 34. Stafford hit Marvin Jones for 18 yards. A defensive facemark added 15 more yards on the next play. With 10 seconds left in the half, the Lions faced 3rd and 2 at the Frisco 9. Stafford threw incomplete. Matt Prater hit the 27 yard field goal as the Lions trailed 13-10 at halftime.
The 49ers thought they had returned the second half kickoff 101 yards for a score, but a facemask penalty nullified the score. However, the 49ers were still starting at the Detroit 26. Garoppollo hit Greg Celek for an 11 yard touchdown to make it 20-10 49ers. A 45 yard kickoff return had the Lions taking over at their own 48. LaGuerrette Blount ran for 13 yards and Johnson added 21 more to the Frisco 18. Penalties killed the drive and Prater hit a 43 yard field goal to get the Lions within 20-13.
With 2 minutes left in the third quarter, the 49ers were pinned back at their own 3 yard line. Garoppollo hit Celek for 11 yards. Breida then ran for 20 more. On the next carry, Breida raced for a 66 yard touchdown as 97 yards took only 3 plays for a 27-13 49ers.
The 49ers began the fourth quarter at their own 47. Garoppollo hit Garcon for 19 yards. Alfred Morris ran for 7, 9 and 3. Gould hit a 36 yard field goal as the 49ers had a 30-13 lead with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
Stafford tried to lead a furious rally. From the Detroit 20, Stafford hit Theo Riddick for 10. On 3rd and 17 from the Detroit 23, Stafford went deep to Golden Tate for a 67 yard gain. Stafford hit Jones for a 5 yard touchdown as the Lions got within 30-20 with 8 1/2 minutes left. The 49ers went 3 and out and the Lions thought they had a 73 yard punt return for a touchdown. An illegal block instead had the Lions taking over at their own 21 with 6 minutes left.
Stafford hit Golladay for 11 and a pair of defensive penalties helped the Lions. On 3rd and goal from the 15 with 3 1/2 minutes left, Stafford found Roberts for the touchdown. The Lions were within a field goal. The 49ers took over at their own 22. With 2:24 to play and the Lions down to one timeout, the 49ers faced 3rd and 2 at their own 43. Garoppollo was intercepted, but defensive holding nullified the turnover and gave the 49ers a crucial first down.
The Lions did get the ball back at their own 16 with 0 timeouts and 1:08 to play. Terrible play calls in the form of short passes wasted time. With 21 seconds left and the Lions facing 4th and 2 at their own 39, Stafford threw incomplete. The Lions fell to 0-2 under rookie head coach Matt Patricia. 30-27 49ers
New England Patriots at Jacksonville Jaguars — Last year in the AFC Title Game in New England, the Jaguars led 20-10 after three quarters before Tom Brady rallied the Patriots for a 24-20 win. The Jaguars came in burning for revenge, and this game was in Jacksonville. The Patriots started out after a touchback by moving to a 4th and 7 at the Jacksonville 36. Bill Belichick opted veteran Stephen Gostkowski to make a 54 yard field goal, but the kick was no good.
The Jaguars soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 48. Blake Bortles hit Seferian-Jenkins for 11 yards. Bortles then completed a pass for 5 yards that was fumbled, but the Jaguars retained possession, gained another 6 yards, and had another first down. On 3rd and 7 from the New England 12, Bortles went to Grant for 8 yards and to Donte Moncrief for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Jaguars.
New England went 3 and out when a 3rd and 1 run failed. The Jaguars soon faced 3rd and 6 at their own 20. Bortles scrambled for 9 yards. On 1st and 15 from the Jacksonville 24, Bortles hit Cole for 22, Grant for 13, and O’Shaughnessy for 17 more. Bortles then went to Cole for a 24 yard touchdown as the Jaguars had the 14-0 lead after the first quarter.
In the second quarter the Patriots took over at their own 6 yard line and embarked on a staggering 16 play, 83 yard drive that took 8:20 off the clock. Yet on 1st and 10 from the 11, Brady threw a pair of incompletions sandwiched around a completion that went nowhere. Gostkowski hit the 29 yarder to get the Patriots on the board.
The Jaguars took over at their own 25 with 2:45 left in the half. On 3rd and 7 from their own 39, Bortles found Seferian-Jenkins for 8 yards. Bortles then hit Cole for gains of 17 and 14. With 14 seconds left in the half, the Jaguars faced 3rd and 3 at the New England 4. Bortles hit Seferian-Jenkins for the touchdown as the home crowd erupted. The Jaguars led 21-3 at halftime, but their fans knew there was still a long way to go.
The fans and to feel good when the Jaguars began the third quarter with a 15 play, 71 yard drive that consumed more than 7 minutes. The way to beat Tom Brady is to keep him off the field. Starting at their own 19, the Jaguars faced 3rd and 11 at their own 38. Bortles went to Cole for 22 yards. The drive eventually stalled at the New England 8 yard line, but Josh Lambo hit a 28 yard field goal to make it 24-3 Jaguars.
Jacksonville fumbled on their next series, and the Patriots took over at the Jacksonville 48. On 3rd and 6 from the 44, Brady ran for 10 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 7, Brady hit Chris Hogan for the touchdown as the Patriots were within 24-10. Jacksonville went 3 and out and the Patriots got it back at their own 41. Brady found White for 27 yards. The fourth quarter began with the Patriots facing 2nd and 4 at the Jacksonville 26. After an incompletion, a short pass lost 2 yards. Gostkowski hit a 46 yard field goal to get the Patriots within 24-13.
The home crowd got lumps in their throats when from the Jacksonville 18, Bortles was intercepted. New England took over at the Jacksonville 25. The comeback was inevitable. Except this time Sacksonville came up big. On 3rd and 9, Brady was sacked and fumbled. The Jaguars recovered at their own 32. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Jaguars took over at their own 39. A short pass to Westbrook went for a 61 yard touchdown. The dagger was in. The Jaguars led 31-13.
The Patriots did get a 29 yard touchdown pass from Brady to Hogan with 3:45 to play to cut the gap to 11 points. The Jaguars took over at their own 16 and made sure Brady never saw the ball again. On 2nd and 16 from their own 10, Bortles went to Paul for 22 yards. On 3rd and 8 from the Jacksonville 34, Bortles scrambled for 10 yards. With 1:11 to play the Jaguars faced 3rd and 3 near midfield. Rather than play it safe, Doug Marrone went bold. Bortles hit Grant for 5 yards.
The Jaguars got their revenge, and Captain Grumpy Tom Coughlin seems to be the only guy in the NFL who can repeatedly figure out Bill Belichick. If these teams have another Tuna Bowl AFC Title Game with matching records, it will be in Jacksonville. Brady finished 24 of 35 for 234 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Bortles…yes that Bortles…finished 29 of 45 for 377 yards, 4 touchdowns, and one interception. Coughlin was so pleased at the win that he almost smiled. 31-20 Jaguars
Oakland Raiders at Denver Broncos — Since Jon Gruden left the Raiders after the 2001 Tuck Rule game, the Raiders have spent most of the last 16 years finding ways to lose games. Gruden was brought in to change that. In his first stint with the Raiders, he never went 0-2. After getting blown out at home, the Raiders traveled to arch-rival Denver, where Vance Joseph has inspired few people. Derek Carr was lights out. He completed 29 of 32 passes for 288 yards, one touchdown, and 0 interceptions. He had only 3 incompletions the whole game. The Broncos had 0 first downs and only 23 yards in the first quarter. They had only 3 first down by halftime. Would any of this mean anything?
After a touchback, Marshawn Lynch ran for a 6 yard gain and Carr hit Jordy Nelson for 23 yards. Like last week, the Raiders looked solid on their first drive. This time the Raiders failed to finish their first drive. On 3rd and 3 from the Denver 4, a short pass to Lynch lost 4 yards. Mike Nugent hit the 26 yard field goal for a 3-0 Raiders lead. The Raiders moved from their 29 to a 3rd and 3 at the Denver 21 with 12 minutes left in the half. Carr was sacked for a 7 yard loss. Nugent hit the 46 yard field goal to make it 6-0 Raiders.
From the Denver 25, Lindsey raced for a 53 yard gain. On 3rd and 6 from the Oakland 18, Keenum thought he had a touchdown but instead was intercepted by Melvin at the one. Melvin returned it 15 yards to the Oakland 16. With 5 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Raiders took over at their own 25. Carr hit Jared Cook for 20 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Denver 44, Carr threw incomplete but defensive holding kept the drive going. From the Denver 34. Carr hit Cook for 20 yards. Lynch banged it in from the one as the Raiders led 12-0. Nugent missed the extra point. The Raiders dominated the first half yet only led by 12. How would they find ways to blow this game?
After a touchback to start the second half, Case Keenum hit Emanuel Sanders for 21 yards. Lindsay had gains of 5, 6 and 11. Freeman gained 14 more. On 3rd and 7 from the 15, it appeared the Raiders had held when a completion left the Broncos one long yard short of the sticks. Yet a mind-blowing unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Bruce Irvin after the play gave the Broncos 1st and goal at the 4. Then it it appeared Keenum had found Patrick for the touchdown. Yet despite the acrobatic catch, replay showed that Patrick did not secure the ball. On 3rd and goal at the one, Freeman got in. The Broncos were within 12-7, and it was the first of many examples where one stop would have changed the game.
The Raiders often fold in situations like this, but this time the offense responded well. After a touchback, Lynch gained 9 and Carr hit Cook for 5 more. Carr then went deep to Cooper for 30 yards. On 1st and 20 from the Denver 41, Carr went to Cooper for 20 and to Seth Roberts for the 20 yard touchdown. The Raiders led 19-7 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. It would take a lot of effort to blow this game.
On 2nd and 9 from the Denver 26, Keenum went deep to Sutton for a 42 yard gain. Jon Gruden challenged the completion, and the call was overturned. Replay clearly showed that the receiver did not get both feet inbounds. On 3rd and 3 from the Oakland 47, Keenum hit Sanders for 23 yards. On 3rd and 7 from the Oakland 21, keen went deep to Sanders, who made an acrobatic touchdown catch. Yet on further review, the call was again reversed. Sanders had one foot just touch the white chalk in the end zone. The Raiders were getting every call of the officials, an unheard of occurrence. Brandon McManus did hit the 39 yard field goal but the Broncos still trailed by 2 scores. After three quarters, Denver was down 19-10. The Raiders still had time to screw things up.
After a touchback, the Raiders again moved the ball smartly. Lynch gained 8. On 3rd and 2 from their own 33, Carr hit Cooper for 13 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Denver 46, Carr hit Cooper for 4 yards as the third quarter ended. On 3rd and 3 from the Denver 35, Jalen Richard got the carry and came up inches short. A field goal would be about 51 yards. With 13 minutes left in the game, Gruden decided to go for it. This was the right decision. The play call was terrible.
5 years ago, the world saw what happens when you have Marshawn Lynch, need 6 inches, and decide to call a pass play. Derek Carr even joked that in that situation, the Raiders would hand the ball off. Jon Gruden summoned up his inner Pete Carroll and Darrell Bevell. Rather than use the battering ram to gain 6 inches, Gruden called a play action pass. It was a short pass, and it totally fooled the defense. Smith was so close to Carr that Carr could have practically handed it to him. Carr threw it right to him. Smith dropped it and the Raiders turned it over on downs. The inevitable then inevitably happened.
Keenum hit Butt for 22 yards. On 3rd and 3 from the Oakland 38, Keenum gained 8 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Oakland 22, Freeman gained 7. On 3rd and 1 from the 6, Lindsay got 2 yards. On 3rd and goal at the one, Freeman got stopped. 6 minutes remained and the Broncos needed 2 scores. One stop would end the game. Vance joseph decided to go for it. On 4th and goal at the one, Joseph decided not to get too cute by half like Gruden did. Keenum took the sneak and barely got in. The Broncos were within 19-17, and the earlier missed extra point was looming large.
The Raiders have no idea how to close out games, and they ended one more meltdown or stupid mistake to lose the game. After a touchback, Carr hit Roberts for 10 yards. With 3 1/2 minutes left on 3rd and 1 from the Oakland 45, Lyn ch got the carry and got the yard. With 2:55 to play and the Raiders with 2nd and 4 at the Denver 48, a false start made life tougher. On 3rd and 8, Carr completed a pass for only 3 yards. Denver got the ball back at their own 20 with 1:58 to play and 0 timeouts. Could the Raiders actually get a stop?
An offensive holding penalty and an incompletion had the Broncos facing 2nd and 20 at their own 10. Keenum went deep to sanders for a 21 yard gain. Keenum then went to Butt for 14 more. With 26 seconds to play, the Broncos faced 3rd and 3 at the Oakland 48. Keenum hit Heuerman for a 4 yard gain, and naturally Heuerman got out of bounds. After an incompletion, 18 seconds remained. From the Oakland 44, one more stop was
all the Raiders needed. With everything on the line, a short pass from Keenum to Patrick saw a defensive breakdown and a 26 yard gain. With 10 seconds left, McManus came in to try and win it. Rather than a 62 yarder, he was only attempting a 36 yarder.
On a day of various kicker meltdowns throughout the league, McManus of course nailed his field goal. He almost missed it, but snuck it inside the right upright. McManus also did not miss any exit points. Despite only 3 incompletions, Carr again saw his team let him down. A receiver dropping a pass from close range. A mindless unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. A defensive breakdown on the final offensive play. A horrendously bad coaching decision. Jones Gruden is now an 0-2 coach $50 million per loss. 20-19 Broncos
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys is the Sunday night game. Last week both of these teams lost in ugly fashion. They played another ugly game. It started beautiful for Dallas. A 64 yard bomb from Dak Prescott to Tavon Austin made it 7-0 Cowboys. Maher tacked on a 37 yard field goal in the first quarter and a 29 yarder in the third quarter to lead 13-0. Rosas hit a 28 yarder for the Giants, who trailed 13-3 after three quarters. Any chance for suspense ended in the fourth quarter. The Cowboys mounted a suffocating 14 play, 82 yard drive that consumed 8 1/2 minutes off the clock. Ezekiel Elliott ran for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 20-3 Cowboys.
The Giants tried to rally, moving 75 yards in 11 plays. Eli Manning hit Evan Engram for an 18 yard touchdown to get the Giants within 20-10. The Giants got it back, and needing 2 scores, opted for a 38 yard Rosas field goal try. With 11 seconds left, the kick was good. The onside kick was far from good, kicked out of bounds to end this game that deserves no further elaboration. 20-13 Cowboys
Seattle Seahawks at Chicago Bears was the Monday night game. With Brian Urlacher in attendance to have his name put in the Bears ring of honor, the Bears honored him in the first half with inspired defense. Russell Wilson was sacked 5 times. Khalil Mack forced another fumble. The only thing keeping the Seahawks in the game was their defense intercepting Mitchell Trubisky twice. In the first quarter the Bears moved 96 yards in 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Trubisky hit Burton for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Bears. The rest was defense. In the second quarter a 12 play, 5 1/2 minute drive led to a 25 yard Cody Parkey field goal to make it 10-0 Bears. The Seahawks finally got on the board on the last play of the half when Sebastian Janikowski drilled a 56 yard field goal with plenty to spare.
In the third quarter the Seahawks ran 6 plays for one yard, giving them 80 yards through three quarters. The Bears mounted a 66 play, 11 yard, 6 minute drive. The fourth quarter began with a 10 yard touchdown from Trubisky to Anthony Miller. It was far from pretty, but the Bears led 17-3. The Seahawks finally got going, moving 75 yards in 11 plays. Aided by a defensive pass interference penalty, the Seahawks reached the red zone. Wilson threw a gorgeous rainbow to Tyler Lockett, who was well defended but came down with it for a 19 yard touchdown. The Seahawks were within 17-10 with over 10 minutes left in regulation. Seattle got it back and had a chance to tie the game. Yet with 6 1/2 minutes left, the Bears defense put the dagger in. A sideline pass by Wilson saw Prince Amukamara jump the route at midfield, race down the sideline, juke a defender at the 20, and glide into the end zone for the clinching touchdown. Wilson did throw a touchdown to will Dissly with 14 seconds remaining, but it was too little, too late. Matt Nagy got his first win as an NFL head coach. 24-17 Bears
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