Hanukkah 2018 Night 1: NFL 2018 Week 13 Recap
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys was the Thursday night game. This one belonged to the defense. The Cowboys owned the first half. Brett Maher hit a 26 yard field goal to start the scoring. Dan Prescott then hit Ezekiel Elliott for a 16 yard touchdown to cap an 85 yard drive and make it 10-0 Cowboys after the first quarter. In the second quarter the Cowboys mounted a staggering 16 play,70 yard drive from their own 2 that consumed over 9 minutes. They settled for a 46 yard Maher field goal and a 13-0 halftime lead. Dallas had the ball for 22 minutes in the first half.
The third quarter belonged to the Saints. Wil Lutz hit a 33 yard field goal to cap a 10 play, 60 yard, 5 minute drive. A 10 play, 88 yard drive including a successful fake punt culminated in Drew Brees hitting Keith Kirkwood for a 30 yard touchdown. The Saints were within a field goal after three quarters. They never got it. On a night dominated by defense, an interception of Brees sealed the upset Dallas win. The Saints fell to 10-2 while the Cowboys are at 7-5 and now atop their division. 13-10 Cowboys
Arizona Cardinals at Green Bay Packers — Nothing says December football like snow in Green Bay. A field position game saw a scoreless first quarter. In the second quarter a 24 yard punt return had the Packers taking over at the Arizona 35. On 4th and 4 from the Arizona 13, Mike McCarthy passed up a 31 yard field goal try and decided to go for it. Aaron Rodgers hit Devonta Adams for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Packers. Arizona came back 75 yards in 11 plays and 7 minutes. Edmonds ran for a 6 yard touchdown to tie the game. Green Bay used up the final 4 1/2 minutes of the half. This time Mike McCarthy put his faith in Mason Crosby, who hit the 32 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Packers at halftime.
The Cardinals were a 2-9 warm weather team playing a rookie quarterback on the road. Nobody told them that. In the third quarter from their own 13, Kirk ran for 23 yards and caught a 37 yard pass from Josh Rosen. Despite 2nd and 9 from the Green Bay 26, Rosen threw incomplete twice. Zane Gonzalez hit a 44 yard field goal for a 10-10 game.
Arizona got it back and from their own 35, Rosen ran for 33 yards and Edmonds added 29 more. Edmonds ran for an 8 yard touchdown as the Cardinals had the stunning 17-10 lead. With 11 minutes left in regulation the Packers took over at their own 5 yard line. On 3rd and 4 from their 11, Rodgers hit Adams for 11 yards. Valdes-Scantling then ran for 21 yards. From the Arizona 27, Rodgers hit Adams for 19 yards. Jones ran for an 8 yard touchdown and a 17-17 game with 5 1/2 minutes left in regulation.
With 4 1/2 minutes left a sack and a penalty had the Cardinals facing 3rd and 23 at their own 12. One stop and the Packers would give Rodgers a chance to do what he does. Instead Rosen went deep to Larry Fitzgerald for a 32 yard gain. With 1:41 left, Gonzalez came in for a 44 yard field goal try to give the Cardinals the lead. The kick was good. There was no way a 2-9 warm weather team was going to go on the road into snowing Green Bay and win. Surely Rodgers would get it done.
With 1:05 left the Packers faced 4th and 5 at their own 30. Rodgers hit Jimmy Graham for 7 yards. With 15 seconds left from the Arizona 40, Rodgers found Randall Cobb for 9 yards. with 9 seconds left, Rodgers went deep incomplete. Now it was 4th and 1 from the Arizona 31 with 3 seconds left. Crosby came in to tie the game from 49 yards out. The kick was no good. The crowd was shellshocked. The only things not frozen were the red hot seats of Mike McCarthy and Mason Crosby. Later that night, despite being in his 13th season with a Super Bowl ring, Packers President Mark Murphy fired McCarthy and named Joe Philbin interim coach. For Josh Rosen, it was a sweet way to start Hanukkah. 20-17 Cardinals
Cleveland Browns at Houston Texans — One week after losing team founder and owner Bob McNair, the Texans grieved the loss of favorite son and former President George Herbert Walker Bush. Meanwhile, the Houston offense kept rolling. A 13 play, 63 yard drive took 7 minutes. Kaimi Fairbairn hit a 35 yard field goal to start the scoring. Houston got it back and mounted a 10 play, 82 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive. Deshaun Watson hit Jordan Thomas for an 11 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Texans.
In the second quarter Baker Mayfield was intercepted by Cunningham, who returned it 38 yards for a touchdown and a 17-0 Texans lead. Mayfield was then intercepted again, leading to a 42 yard field goal and a 20-0 Texans advantage. Fairbairn would connect again from 48 as the Texans led 23-0 at halftime.
The second half was a formality. Nick Chubb would run for a 2 yard touchdown in the third quarter for the Browns, but Fairbairn then drilled a 53 yard field goal as the Texans were cruising up 26-7. Fairbairn hit from 38 with 6 minutes left in regulation to make it 29-7 Texans. Cleveland got one garbage touchdown but nothing more. After an 0-3 start, the Texans have won 9 straight games. 29-13 Texans
Baltimore Ravens at Atlanta Falcons — The Falcons held the ball for 12 plays and 5 1/2 minutes, but settled for a 44 yard Matt Bryant field goal to make it 3-0 Falcons. Baltimore after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 15 from the Atlanta 18. A pass only gained one yard, but defensive illegal use of hands kept the drive going. On the next play Lamar Jackson ran around the end and got to the pylon for a 13 yard touchdown and a 7-3 Ravens lead.
In the second quarter the Ravens began a drive just past midfield. On 4th and 7 from the Atlanta 46, Jim harbaugh called a fake punt. Punter Koch hit Moore for 21 yards. Yet from the Atlanta 22, Jacksongot hit and fumbled. Vic Beasley returned it 74 yards the other way for a defensive touchdown and a 10-7 Falcons lead. Yet Atlanta could not get their offense going. Justin Tucker hit a 41 yard field goal to end the half and tie the game. In the third quarter the Ravens moved to the Atlanta 3 yard line but Jackson threw incomplete on 3rd and goal. Tucker hit from 21 to make it 13-10 Ravens.
Jackson got hit and left the game. Robert Griffin III led a 14 play, 60 yard, 8 minute drive. Tucker hit a 45 yard field goal as the Ravens led 16-10 after three quarters. Jackson cleared concussion protocol and returned. In the fourth quarter a 13 play, 55 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive led to a 47 yard Tucker field goal. Midway through the fourth quarter the Ravens led 19-10. After a touchback, Matt Ryan got sacked and fumbled. Young returned it 11 yards for a score as the Ravens led 26-10. Atlanta did get a touchdown but not the 2 point conversion. Baltimore has won 3 straight games with Jackson. John Harbaugh will have a big decision to make when Joe Flacco returns from injury. 26-16 Ravens
Carolina Panthers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Tampa Bay marched 75 yards in 11 plays and 5 minutes. Jameis Winston hit Adam Humphries for 11 yards and again for 5 more. Winston hit Chris Godwin for 10 yards. Winston then ran for gains of 6 and 18 sandwiched around a 17 yard run by Peyton Barber. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Winston fired over the middle to Humphries for the score to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. An interception of Cam Newton off a deflected pass gave the Buccaneers a short field. Cairo Santos hit the 35 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Buccaneers.
Carolina got it back at their own 27. From their 39, Christian McCaffrey ran for a 53 yard gain. On the next play Newton hit McCaffrey for an 8 yard touchdown to get the Panthers within 10-7. With one minute left in the half an interception of Newton set up Tampa at the Carolina 32. With 13 seconds left in the half, on 3rd and 11 from the Carolina 13, Winston hit Godwin for the score to make it 17-7 Buccaneers.
In the third quarter after a touchback, the Panthers moved to a 3rd and 7 at the Tampa Bay 9 yard line. A touchdown was nullified by offensive holding, killing the drive.Graham Gano hit a 37 yard field goal to get the Panthers within 17-10. The Buccaneers soon faced 3rd and 7 from their own 28. Winston threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 12 yard gain. On 3rd and 11 from their own 39, Winston hit Godwin for 18 yards. On 1st and 20 from their own 47, a defensive pass interference call on a deep ball meant 1st and goal at the one. Barber got in to make it 24-10 Buccaneers.
The Panthers came back 92 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes. On 3rd and 7 from their own 11, Newton hit McCaffrey for 15 yards and Moore and Thomas each for gains of 11. McCaffrey ran for 18 and Samuel added 8 more. Newton hit Devon Funchess for a 10 yard touchdown to get the Panthers within 7 after three quarters.
Defense dominated the fourth quarter. The Panthers took over at their own 26 with 1:05 left and 0 timeouts. On 2nd and 1 a swing pass failed to gain the first down or get out of bounds. Only 13 seconds remained with the Panthers at their own 44. The Hail Mary failed but a defensive penalty gave the Panthers one more shot. Ron Rivera took out Cam Newton and brought in backup Taylor Heinecke for the final Hail Mary try. This time it reached the end zone but was batted down. The Panthers lost their fourth straight game, with Newton throwing 4 interceptions in this game. 24-17 Buccaneers
Chicago Bears at New York Giants —Chase Daniel got the nod again in place of the injured Mitchell Trubisky. Early on from deep in his own territory, Daniel had a swing pass intercepted by Alec Ogletree, who bulled over Daniel for an 8 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Giants lead. The Bears came back 70 yards in 10 plays and 5 minutes. On 4th and 1 from the Giants 48, Matt Nagy decided to go for it. Tarik Cohen gained 8 yards. On 3rd and 5 from the Giants 35, Howard gained 22 yards. Daniel hit Shaeen for a 2 yard touchdown and a 7-7 tie.
In the second quarter the Bears moved 74 yards. From their own 26, howard ran for 25 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Giants 45, Daniel threw incomplete but defensive illegal use of hands kept the drive going. On 3rd and goal at the one, Howard got stopped. Matt Nagy decided to go for it. Hicks got in to make it 14-7 Bears. Then the game changed. With 1:15 left in the half the Giants took over at their own 43. On the last play of the half, Aldrich Rosas drilled a 57 yard field goal. The Giants only trailed 14-10 at halftime and had momentum.
In the third quarter the Giants moved 75 yards and Pat Shurmur went to his bag of tricks. O’Dell Beckham took an end around and threw a deep option pass to Sterling Shepard for a 49 yard touchdown and a 17-14 Giants lead. The Giants got it back at their own 40. On 3rd and 5 from the Chicago 30, Eli Manning hit Saquon Barkley for 17 yards. Defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Barkley got stopped twice and Manning threw incomplete. On 4th and goal from the one, Pat Shurmur decided to go for it. Manning hit Beckham for the score as the Giants led 24-14 and were smelling upset.
In the fourth quarter the Bears moved to a 1st and 10 at the Giants 13. Penalties killed the drive. Cody Parkey hit 36 yard field goal to get the Bears within 24-17 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 2 1/2 minutes left the Bears took over at their own 2. They quickly fumbled the ball, giving the Giants the ball at the Chicago 13. Rosas hit the 37 yard field goal. With 1:53 left the Giants led 27-17. They celebrated the upset win. They celebrated way too early.
After a touchback, the Bears moved to a 4th and goal at the 3 with 1:15 left. Needing 2 scores, Matt Nagy opted for the field goal. Parkey hit the 21 yarder to get the Bears within 27-20. A perfectly executed onside kick had the Bears taking over at their own 47. Daniel went to Cohen for 14 yards. With 17 seconds left, the Bears faced 4th and 3 at the Giants 32. They needed a miracle and got one as Daniel went to Cohen for 23 yards. An incompletion left 3 seconds. Daniel threw incomplete again but defensive pass interference meant the Bears would get one untimed down from the one yard line.
Rather than go textbook run or even play-action pass, Matt Nagy went to the bag of tricks and called perhaps the craziest play ever with the game on the line. A double reverse option pass led to Anthony Miller hitting Cohen for the score. 2 scores in the final 75 seconds had the teams going to overtime tied 27-27. For the second straight week the Giants had blown a fourth quarter lead, but this time they still had a chance to win.
After a touchback, The Giants moved from to a 2nd and 3 at the Chicago 23. A run lost 3 yards and Manning threw incomplete. Rosas came in for a 44 yard field goal try to give the Giants the lead. The kick was good. 6 minutes remained in overtime, but Chicago would get a chance with the ball. On 4th and 7 from their own 28, Daniel hit Robinson for 10 yards. With 3 minutes left in overtime, on 4th and 8 from their own 40, Daniel went deep incomplete. The Bears fell to 8-4 while the Giants have won 3 of 4. They did it the hard way, but they got the upset. 30-27 Giants, OT
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins — After a touchback to start the game, Ryan Tannehill went to work. He hit Kenny Stills for11 yards and Brice Butler for 5 more. A roughing the passer call tacked on another 15. Tannehill on 3rd and 9 hit Devontae Parker for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Dolphins.
The Bills began the second quarter at their own 45.From the Miami 41, LeSean Shady McCoy ran for 12 and Josh Allen ran for 11 more. On 3rd and 10 from the Miami 18, defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the 4. On 2nd and goal from the 15 after a holding penalty, Allen hit Jones for the touchdown. Steve Hauschka missed the extra point as the Bills trailed 7-6. With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half the Bills fumbled a punt and the Dolphins took over at the Buffalo 36. On 3rd and 7 from the Buffalo 19, Ryan Tannehill hit Frank Gore for 10 yards. Tannehill hit Kenyon Drake for a 3 yard score to make it 14-6 Dolphins at halftime.
Hauschka hit a 32 yard field goal in the third quarter to get the Bills within 14-9 in a badly played game. Allen was intercepted, but Tannehill gave the interception right back. The Bills took over at their own 17 to start the fourth quarter. Allen scrambled for 28 yards and then hit Thompson for 12 more. Allen then went to Zay Jones for a 25 yard touchdown. Allen went to Jones again for the 2 point conversion as the Bills led 17-14 with 12 minutes left in regulation.
After a touchback, from the Miami 37, a defensive pass interference penalty moved Miami 25 yards forward. Drake then ripped off a 20 yard gain, with a defensive taunting penalty moving the ball to the 11. After a failed run, Tannehill hit Stills for a 13 yard touchdown. With 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Dolphins had regained the lead by 4 points. After a touchback the Bills moved to a 1st and 10 at the Miami 24. Consecutive sacks of Allen had the Bills facing 4th and 23 at the Miami 37. With 3 1/2 minutes left, Sean McDermott had Hauschka try a 55 yard field goal to get the Bills within one point. The kick was no good.
Buffalo got it back with 2 1/2 minutes left at their own 10. Allen went deep to Foster for 27 yards, to McCoy for 11, and deep again to McKenzie for 23 more yards. With 1:10 to play, the Bills faced 3rd and 11 at the Miami 30. Allen went deep to Jones for a 24 yard catch to set up 1st and goal at the 6. Yet officials reviewed the catch and reversed it to an incompletion. On 4th and 11, mayhem ensued. Allen ran for his life under heavy pressure, escaped everyone, zigged and zagged, ended up to his left, and threw across his body to the right. Jones was wide open in the end zone. There was nobody near him. The ball was under thrown but catchable. Jones had to go from the back of the end zone to the front of the end zone. He dove and dropped the ball. He just dropped it. Miami got to 6-6 with the dumbest of dumb luck. 21-17 Dolphins
Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals — Red Rifle Andy Dalton is now on injured reserve for the year as Jeff Driskel started his first NFL game. After a scoreless first quarter, in the second quarter Denver took over at their own 45. On 3rd and 10 from the Cincy 44, Case Keenum went to Donte Booker for a 30 yard gain. Lindsay ran for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Broncos with 1:56 left in the half. After a touchback, Cincinnati quickly moved to a 1st and goal at the 7 with 30 seconds left in the half. Intentional grounding killed the drive. Randy Bullock hit a 35 yard field goal as the Bengals trailed 7-3 at the break.
In the third quarter the Bengals fumbled a punt and Denver recovered at the Cincinnati 33. Two plays later Keenum went deep to Chris Sutton for a 30 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Broncos. The Bengals moved to the Denver 30, but Driskel went deep and was intercepted. The Broncos took over at their own 15. On 3rd and 6 from their own 19, Keenum hit Sutton for 16 yards. On the next play Lindsay got around the end for a 65 yard touchdown and a 21-3 Broncos lead. The Bengals tried to rally, moving 75 yards. Driskel threw a 30 yard touchdown to Core as the Bengals trailed 21-10. They would get no more as Denver tacked on a fourth quarter field goal. Once left for dead, Vance Joseph has seen Denver win 3 straight to get to 6-6 and alive for a playoff berth. 24-10 Broncos
Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions — The 10-1 Rams faced a 4-7 Lions team ready for a fight. In the first quarter the Rams moved 74 yards in 10 plays. On 3rd and 4 from the Detroit 6, Jared Goff threw incomplete. Greg Zuerlein hit a 24 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Rams. The Lions moved 65 yards in 10 plays in the second quarter and faced 3rd and 2 at the Rams 7. a swing pass from Matthew Stafford lost 3 yards. Matt Prater hit a 28 yard field goal for a 3-3 game.
After the Lions failed to capitalize on an interception of Goff, the Rams moved 71 yards in 12 plays and 6 minutes. On 3rd and 7 from the Detroit 8, Goff hit Woods for the score to make it 10-3 Rams. The Rams got it back at their own 32 and moved to a 1st and 10 at the Detroit 29. Goff threw 3 straight incompletions. Zuerlein hit the 47 yard field goal to make it 13-3 Rams at halftime.
In the third quarter the Lions recovered a fumble and took over at the Rams 47. On 1st and goal at the 4, a run lost 5 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 9, a touchdown pass was nullified by offensive pass interference. Prater hit a 29 yard field goal to get the Lions within 13-6. Matt Patricia called a surprise onside kick that did not work. The Rams took over at the Detroit 38. On 3rd and 2, Todd Gurley got stopped. Sean McVay opted for the field goal and Zuerlein delivered from 48 to make it 16-6 Rams.
After a touchback from the Detroit 38, Stafford went to Toilolo for a 39 yard gain. Stafford hit Theo Riddick for 12 yards and to Decker for the 11 yard touchdown. After three quarters the Lions only trailed 16-13. With 8 1/2 minutes left in regulation, a sack of Stafford forced a fumble that Ebukam recovered at the Detroit 24. Gurley ran for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 23-13 Rams. After a touchback and needing 2 scores, the Lions moved to a 1st and 10 at the Rams 15. A pair of runs each lost a yard and Stafford then threw incomplete. With 3 minutes left, Matt Patricia opted for the field goal. Prater hit from 35 to get the Lions within 23-16.
The onside kick failed and the Rams faced 3rd and 3 at the Detroit 38 with 2:44 left.Gurley then showed why he is not only a legitimate MVP candidate but the league’s most unselfish player. For the second time this season, Gurley gave up a chance at a touchdown. He broke through the line and was on his way when he stopped at the one yard line and allowed himself to be tackled. This forced the Lions to take their final timeout. By the time Gurley ran for the 2 yard touchdown, the Lions were left with only 1:54 rather than 2 1/2 minutes. The Rams at 11-1 have the NFL’s best record. 30-16 Rams
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars — The Colts came in winners of 5 straight to get to 6-5 against a reeling Jaguars squad that had lost 7 straight. Yet this game was all defense. Josh Lambo hit a 30 yard field goal with 2 minutes left in the half and a 37 yarder with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 1:51 left the Colts took over at their own 15 and moved to a 2nd and 6 at the Jags 29 with 15 seconds left. Luck went to the end zone incomplete. With 9 seconds left, Luck inexplicably threw a short pass that gained only 4 yards. Despite being near the sideline, officials ruled the receiver inbounds as the clock ran out. 6-0 Jaguars
Kansas City Chiefs at Oakland Raiders — The Chiefs cut Kareem Hunt after video showed him punching a woman. Meanwhile, the 9-2 Chiefs were supposed to punch the daylights out of the helpless 2-9 Raiders with ease. On the first play of the game from the Chiefs 22, Patrick Mahomes hit Travis Kelce for a 24 yard gain. Kelce fumbled and the Raiders recovered at their own 44. 16 seconds into the game with a fired up home crowd, and the Raiders were in business. On 4th and 1 from the Chiefs 47, Jon Gruden decided to keep the crowd fired up by going for it. Muscle Hamster Doug Martin gained 10 yards. However, offensive holding negated the run and made it 4th and 11. The Raiders were out of business and punted. A shanked 22 yard punt had the Chiefs starting at their own 35.
This time the Chiefs struck quickly. Tyreeq Hill ran for 33 yards. Defensive pass interference added 26 more yards. Mahomes hit Kelce for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Chiefs. The Raiders then fumbled and the Chiefs recovered just past midfield. Harrison Butker hit a 29 yard field goal as the Chiefs led 10-0 after the first quarter. The Raiders moved from their own 38 in the second quarter to a 1st and 10 at the Chiefs 28. Deandre Washington got the carry and fumbled. The Chiefs recovered at their own 30. 12 plays and 6 minutes later, Butker nailed a 50 yard field goal to make it 13-0 Chiefs.
The Raiders were desperate to not get blown out. After a touchback, Martin gained 7 yards and Derek Carr went deep to Jared Cook for 29 more yards. On 3rd and 13 from the Chiefs 42, Carr hit Seth Roberts for 16 yards and Harris for 9 more. With 1:12 left in the half, on 3rd and 5 from the 7, Carr threw incomplete. Yet defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Martin got the yard. The 11 play, 75 yard, 6 minute drive had the Raiders within 13-7.
Only 55 seconds were left in the half. A defensive stop would actually make this a competitive game. From the Chiefs 18, Mahomes hit Conley for 5 yards and Kelce for gains of 25 and 8. With 12 seconds left, the Chiefs were only at the Oakland 44. It didn’t matter. Mahomes went deep to Robinson for a 38 yard gain with 7 seconds left. Mahomes then went to Kelce for the 6 yard touchdown. The extra point try was blocked but the Chiefs led 19-7 at halftime.
In the third quarter after a touchback the Raiders moved to a 1st and 10 at the Chiefs 34. Carr was sacked and fumbled, but the Raiders retained possession. Dan Carlson hit a 50 yard field goal to get the Raiders within 19-10. The Chiefs moved after a touchback to a 3rd and goal at the one. Ware got the carry and got stopped. It was now 4th and goal at the one. Walrus Lite Andy Reid decided to go for it. The whole world knows he passes in that situation. One stop would send the crowd into overload. Instead Reid actually called another run and Ware got in to make it 26-10 Chiefs.
The Raiders got it back at their own 32. Carr hit Jordy Nelson for 6 yards and Cook for 20 more On 3rd and 4. Jalen Richard ripped off a 23 yard gain. Carr hit Cook for a 24 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Raiders were within 26-16. The Raiders held on defense and got the ball back at their own 34. Richard ran for a 17 yard gain but fumbled the ball away. The Chiefs took over at their own 48. On 3rd and 10 from the Oakland 41, Mahomes went to Kelce for 28 yards and to Demetrius Harris for a 13 yard touchdown. After three quarters the Chiefs had their biggest lead of the game up 33-16.
As awful as the Raiders are, they did not quit. After a touchback, Martin ran for gains of 7, 4 and 17. Carr hit Nelson for 13 yards. On 3rd and 4 at the Chiefs 28, Carr hit Nelson for 9 yards. Richard ran for a 16 yard gain. Carr hit Smith for a one yard touchdown. With 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation, the Raiders were within 33-23. The Raiders held on defense and soon faced 2nd and 12 at their own 44. Defensive pass interference added 17 yards. Carr hit Nelson for 20 and Marcell Ateman for a 9 yard touchdown. With 6:46 to play the Raiders were only down 33-30. A defensive stop could actually give the Raiders a chance for the upset of the year.
It was too much to ask. After a touchback, Mahomes ran for 8 yards with defensive holding adding 5 more. On 3rd and 5 from the Chiefs 43, Mahomes threw incomplete but the Raiders had jumped offsides. On 3rd and 5 from the Oakland 29 with 2:14 left, one more stop would give the Raiders a chance. Mahomes went to Kelce for a 25 yard gain. With 1:54 left, it all came down to 3rd and goal at the 2. The Raiders needed one stop. Instead, Mahomes hit Conley for the touchdown to make it 40-30 Chiefs.
Carr furiously led the Raiders down the field. With 30 seconds to play the Raiders had 1st and 10 at the Chiefs 26. Needing 2 scores, Jon Gruden decided to go for the field goal immediately. Carlson hit from 44 to get the Raiders within 7 points. The onside kick failed and the Raiders were done. Both quarterbacks threw 38 passes. Carr completed 29 of them for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns. Mahomes completed 23 of them for 4 touchdowns. Neither quarterback was intercepted. The Raiders are 2-10, and Jon Gruden still has a shot at the top draft pick. The Chiefs are 10-2 with a shot at home field throughout the playoffs, making Andy Reid a most happy Walrus Lite indeed. 40-33 Chiefs.
New York Jets at Tennessee Titans — This was a tale of 2 games. The Jets moved from their own 39 to the Tennessee 36 before the drive stalled. Jason Myers drilled a 54 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Jets. On 3rd and 4 from their own 31, Marcus Mariota was intercepted by Trumaine Johnson. Johnson took it 31 yards for the score as the Jets led 10-0. In the second quarter the Jets mounted a 14 play, 59 yard, 7 minute drive. Myers hit a 34 yard field goal to make it 13-0 Jets. The Jets then blocked a punt and took over at the Tennessee 18. They went backward but Myers hit from 43 as the Jets were dominating 16-0 with less than 3 minutes left in the half. Then the game totally changed.
Mariota moved the Titans from their own 32. At the 2 minute warning on 3rd and 1, the Jets jumped offsides. From the Jets 48, Mariota went to Davis for 22 yards. Mariota then ran for 14 yards. Finally he hit Anthony Firkser for a 12 yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked but the Titans were within 16-6 at halftime.
In the third quarter, the Jets took over at their own 40. Myers would hit a 39 yard field goal. His fourth kick of the day made it 19-6 Jets. After a touchback, Mariota hit Sharpe for 28 yards and again for 20 more. From the Jets 24, Mariota hit Smith for 13. Derrick Henry ran for 12 yards and then got the last yard to get the Titans within 19-13. The Jets then mounted a 15 play, 55 yard drive that consumed nearly 7 1/2 minutes. Yet for the fifth time on the day, they had to settle for a field goal. Myers hit again from 39 as the Jets led 22-13 after three quarters.
In the fourth quarter it was the Titans moving the ball but settling for field goals. From their own 36, they moved to a 1st and goal at the 5. A pair of runs by Mariota went nowhere and then he threw incomplete. Ryan Succop hit a 24 yard field goal to get the Titans within 22-16 with 9 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Tennessee got it back at their own 35. Mariota went deep to Taylor for a 55 yard gain. Yet a pair of incompletion sandwiched around a sack again left it up to Succop. He hit from 33 as the Titans trailed 22-19 with 5 1/2 minutes left.
With 90 seconds to play, the Titans were facing 2nd and 10 at their own 14 yard line. Mariota was sacked, but defensive illegal use of hands stopped the clock and kept the drive going. Mariota then scrambled for 25 yards, fumbled, recovered his own fumble, and saw 15 more yards tacked on due to a defensive facemark. Mariota then hit Firkser for 25 yards. With 36 seconds left, it all came down to the Titans facing 3rd and 7 at the Jets 11. Mariota hit Davis for the score. Josh McCown had his Hail Mary intercepted as mike Vrabel saw his Titans get to 6-6. Todd Bowles experienced another agonizing loss in what may be his last year with the Jets. 26-22 Titans
Minnesota Vikings at New England Patriots — The Patriots began their first drive on their own 19 yard line and went right to work. On 2nd and 15, Tom Brady hit Julian Edelman for 13, Chris Hogan for 18, Cordarelle Patterson for 24, and Ronnie Burkhead for 15. Edelman took an end around 15 yards down to the one. James Develin got in to make it 7-0 Patriots. The Patriots moved from their 25 to the New England 22, but a sack of Kirk Cousins was followed by Dan Bailey missing a 48 yard field goal.
In the second quarter the Patriots moved 68 yards in 15 plays and took nearly 8 1/2 minutes off the clock. On 3rd and goal at the one, Brady threw incomplete. In a surprising move at home, Bill Belichick decided not to go for it. Stephen Gostkowski hit the 20 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Patriots. With 1:52 left in the half the Vikings took over at their own 26, Cousins hit Stefan Diggs for 24 yards and Kyle Rudolph for 23 more. With 15 seconds left, Cousins hit Adam Thielen for a 5 yard touchdown. Despite being dominated, the Vikings only trailed 10-7 at halftime. In the third quarter Gostkowski missed a 48 yard field goal. The resulting field position led to Bailey making a 39 yard field goal. with 2:20 left in the third quarter, the game was tied 10-10.
After a touchback Brady went to Josh Gordon for 24 yards and Rob Gronkowski for 15 more. James White ran for 12 yards and Brady went back to Gordon for a 24 yard touchdown to put the Patriots up 17-10 after three quarters. The fourth quarter began with Edelman returning a punt 23 yards to midfield. Defensive pass interference added 20 yards. With 11 minutes left in regulation, Develin ran for a 2 yard touchdown to put the game on ice. The Vikings are 6-5 while the Patriots at 9-3 are in a strong playoff position. 24-10 Patriots
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks — The NFC’s nastiest rivalry in recent years is now just a case of a good team beating up on a bad team. In the first quarter the Seahawks moved 74 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Russell Wilson hit Jaron Brown for the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Seahawks led 6-0 and never looked back. In the second quarter Seattle got it back at their own 43 and struck quickly. Wilson connected with Tyler Lockett for a 52 yard touchdown to make it 13-0 Seahawks. The 49ers then fumbled a punt and the Seahawks recovered at the Frisco 33 with 1:51 left in the half. On 3rd and goal at the one, Wilson hit Doug Baldwin for the score as the Seahawks led 20-0.
The 49ers did get a field goal before the half, but it didn’t matter. Lockett returned the second half kickoff 84 yards to the Frisco 20. One play later Rashaad Penny ran for the touchdown to make it 27-3 Seahawks. The 49ers did reach the end zone to get within 27-10 after the three quarters, but this game was a Seattle carpet-bombing. Seattle moved 88 yards. The fourth quarter began with Wilson Brown for an 18 yard touchdown to make it 34-10 Seahawks.
Nick Mullens did come right back with a 75 yard touchdown pass to Dante Pettis to get the 49ers within 34-16. Seattle responded with a 6 1/2 minute drive that ended with a 40 yard field goal by Seabass to make it 37-16 Seahawks. After a touchback, the 49ers moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Seattle 5 with 4 minutes left. Mullens was intercepted by Bobby Wagner, who returned it 98 yards for a touchdown the other way to complete the mauling. Seabass missed a 2nd extra point, but when you win by 4 touchdowns it can get overlooked. Mullens was 30 of 48 for 414 yards, 2 touchdowns and one interception. Wilson was only 11 of 17 for 185 yards. Yet he also threw 4 touchdown passes with 0 interceptions. Seattle is 7-5 and Pete Carroll has them on the right path. 43-16 Seahawks
Los Angeles Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers is the Sunday night game. The Chargers are always talked about as the real deal until they lose a game like this. They go on the road in cold weather and fold like the Southern California boys they are. Respect is earned, and much of this game was the Steelers beating the Chargers up. Until they weren’t. The Chargers moved from their 25 to a 4th and 1 at the Pittsburgh 34. Anthony Lynn opted for the 52 yard field goal try, and Mike Badgley was no good.
Pittsburgh took over at their own 42. From the Chargers 47, Ben Roethlisberger went deep to Antonio Brown for a 46 yard gain. James Conner got the last yard to make it 7-0 Steelers. A short 36 yard punt gave the Steelers a short field at the Chargers 48. On 3rd and 7 from the Chargers 29, a deep ball drew defensive pass interference and put the ball on the one. Conner got in again. The extra point was no good but the Steelers led 13-0.
The Chargers ron faced 3rd and 5 at their own 30. Philip Rivers went to Keenan Allen for 9 yards and Williams for 14 more. Rivers then went to Travis Benjamin for a 46 yard touchdown as the Chargers only trailed 13-7 after the first quarter. With 3 1/2 minutes left in the half, a fumbled punt had the Steelers taking over at the Chargers 34. Boswell hit a 48 yard field goal to make it 16-7 Steelers.
With 1:35 left in the half, the Steelers took over at their own 9 yard line. Conner ripped off a 20 yard gain. Roethlisberger hit Juju Smith-Schuster for 16 yards. With 30 seconds left in the half, the Chargers faced 3rd and 4 at the Chargers 45. Defensive pass interference moved the ball 17 yards and left 17 seconds. Big Ben went to Antonio Brown for the 28 yard touchdown. The Steelers led 23-7 at halftime, and the game appeared over. It seemed silly at the time, but the missed extra point that had the Steelers up by 16 instead of 17 would loom large later on.
In the third quarter the Chargers took over at their own 12 yard line. On 3rd and 2 from their 20, Rivers went to Allen for 21 yards. On 2nd and 14 just shy of midfield, Rivers went to Williams for 20 yards. On 3rd and 14 from the Pittsburgh 35, Rivers went to Williams for 18 yards. Rivers hit Allen for the 10 yard touchdown. A 24-7 game would have meant an extra point try and a 24-14 game. However, a 23-7 game meant a 2 point conversion try. Rivers hit Antonio Gates and the Chargers only trailed 23-15 after three quarters.
The play of the game came with 13 minutes left in regulation. The Steelers were punting on 4th and 24 from their own 16. Desmond King returned it 73 yards for a touchdown. Rivers went to Allen for the 2 point conversion. Rather than trail 24-21, the Chargers had tied the game 23-23. One minute later the Chargers got it back at their own 21. Rivers hit Allen for 14 and Justin Jackson ran for 18 more. Rivers then hit Jackson for 19 yards. Jackson ran for the 18 yard touchdown. With 8 minutes left in the game, 23 unanswered points had the Chargers up 30-23.
The Steelers took over at their own 22. From their 26, Big Ben hit James for 7 and Brown for 15. With 6 minutes left the Steelers faced 4th and 1 at the Chargers 43. Mike Tomlin decided to go for it and Conner got 2 yards. Unnecessary roughness a couple plays later tacked on 15 more yards. Roethlisberger hit Jaylen Samuels for a 10 yard touchdown to tie the game 30-30 with 4 minutes left.
From their own 25, Rivers hit Ekeler for 10 yards and Allen for 12 more. Jackson gained 11. With 1:12 to play, the Chargers faced 3rd and 4 at the Pittsburgh 34. At that distance it would be a 52 yard field goal try. Rivers hit Allen for 12 yards. With 3 seconds left, Badgley came in for a 39 yard field goal try to give the Chargers a stunning road win. Badgley swung his leg, and pandemonium ensued.
The kick was no good. It appeared to be just over the top of the upright, but at the last moment was just outside of it. However, the Steelers had jumped offsides. Badgley would get a second chance from 34 yards out. This time the kick was blocked and nearly returned for a Pittsburgh touchdown. However, the Steelers had again jumped offsides. Badgley had a third chance, this time from 29 yards out. The kick should have been blocked, but the defender got such a jump that he dove past Badgley, who kicked it behind him. This time the kick was dead center. Besides, the Steelers were offsides for a third time anyway.
Rivers finished 26 of 26 for 299 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Roethlisberger was 29 of 45 for 281 yards, 2 touchdowns, and one interception. The Steelers fell to 7-4 and barely in the AFC North lead. They have lost 2 straight games and were one Jacksonville collapse away from 3 straight losses. The Chargers got to 9-3 and only one game back in the AFC West. Again, respect is earned. On this night, the Chargers finally earned some by winning a big cold weather road game against a good team. 33-30 Chargers
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles was the Monday night game. This was a competitive football game for three quarters. After a touchback, Carson went hit Zac Ertz for 11 yards and the Eagles were rolling. Runs and short passes led to a 6 yard touchdown pass from Carson Wentz to Golden Tate and a 7-0 Eagles lead. In the second quarter the Redskins moved from their 39 to a 1st and 10 at the Philadelphia 16. Penalties moved the Redskins back to a 3rd and 30, and they were lucky to escape with a 44 yard Dustin Hopkins field goal to trail 7-3. Colt McCoy was not so lucky. 2 weeks after Alex Smith was lost for the year with a broken leg, McCoy suffered the same cruel fate. Third stringer Mark Sanchez played the rest of the game.
Washington got it back at their own 10 and needed only one play to take the lead. Who said Adrian Peterson is washed up? Certainly not the defenders he blew by on the way to a 90 yard touchdown run and a 10-7 Redskins lead. The Eagles moved from their 22 to a 4th and goal at the one. Doug Pederson decided to go for it. Adams got the carry and got blasted for a 2 yard loss. Yet the Redskins offense wasted the goal line stand and the Eagles got the ball back at the Washington 40. Darren Sproles ran for a 14 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Eagles with 1:46 left in the half. Sanche moved the Redskins in position for a 47 yard Hopkins field goal with seconds left. The Redskins trailed 14-13 at halftime and after a scoreless third quarter.
The Eagles took over at their own 15. Adams ran for 18 yards. Wentz hit Clement for 23 yards and Ertz for gains of 8 and 5. The fourth quarter began with Wentz hitting Jordan Matthews for a 4 yard touchdown. For reasons somebody somewhere understood, Doug Pederson went for the 2 point conversion. Wentz hit Golden Tate to make it 22-13 Eagles. Sanchez was then intercepted, setting up a 46 yard Jake Elliott field goal to make it 25-13 Eagles. Elliott tacked on a 44 yarder to complete the scoring. Both teams are 6-6 and one game back in the NFC Least but moving in opposite directions. 28-13 Eagles