This is when the big dogs come out!
NFL 2019 Week 14 Recap
Dallas Cowboys at Chicago Bears was the Thursday night game. A pair of 6-6 teams fighting for their playoff lives fought it out, but only one team really showed up. The Cowboys began the game with a mind-numbing 17 play, 75 yard drive that took 9 minutes. Runs and short passes led to a 3rd and 11 at the Chicago 26. Dan Prescott hit Jarwin for 12 yards. On 3rd and 8 from the Chicago 12, Prescott hit Michael Gallup for 9. Ezekiel Elliott ran for a 2 yard touchdown. The Cowboys led 7-0, but in the second quarter the Bears took over.
A field position game in the second quarter led to a punt that pinned the Cowboys at their own one. They punted from their 6 and the Bears took over just shy of midfield. On 3rd and 9 from midfield, Mitchell Trubisky threw incomplete but the defense jumped offsides. On 3rd and 4, Trubisky went to Tariq Cohen for 6 yards and then the Holtz for a 30 yard gain. Trubisky hit Allen Robinson for the 5 yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7. The Bears got it back again in excellent field position at their own 46 yard line. Montgomery ran for 11 and 20. Eddie Pineiro hit a 36 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Bears. A key play in the game came with 5 minutes left in the half when Brett Maher missed a 42 yard field goal that would have tied the game. With the Bears facing 3rd and 6 at their own 36, Trubisky gained 7 yards. On 3rd and 2 just past midfield, the Cowboys jumped into the neutral zone. On 1st and 15 from the Dallas 29, Trubisky hit Miller for 21. With 10 seconds left in the half, the Bears faced 3rd and goal at the 8. Trubisky hit Robinson for the touchdown to make it 17-7 Bears. The 14 play, 68 yard nearly 5 minute drive was enhanced when the Bears in the third quarter marched 84 yards in 11 plays and over 6 1/2 minutes. On 3rd and 2 from their own 24, Trubisk ran for 9. On 3rd and 9 from their own 34, Trubisky went to Cordarelle Patterson for 33 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Dallas 19, Trubisky threw incomplete, but defensive holding meant a new set of downs. On the next play Trubisky hit Miller for the 14 yard touchdown to make it 24-7 Bears.
The Cowboys tried to mount a fourth quarter rally. A Chicago fumble led to the Cowboys facing 4th and 3 at the Chicago 47 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. Prescott hit Gallup for 21 and 15. On the first play of the fourth quarter, Dallas faced 4th and 1 at the Chicago 2. Elliott got the first down and the touchdown to get the Cowboys within 24-14. However, the ensuing kickoff went out of bounds to put the Bears at their own 40. From the Dallas 45, Trubisky went to Robinson for 22 and then ran for a 23 yard touchdown himself to quickly make it 31-14 Bears. The Cowboys did move from their own 7 to a 4th and 4 at the Chicago 48, where Prescott threw incomplete. Midway through the fourth quarter the Cowboys took over at their own 15. Prescott went to Gallup for 24 and again for 26. Prescott went to Amari Cooper for a 19 yard touchdown to get the Cowboys within 31-21. However, the 10 play 85 yard drive left only 4 1/2 minutes in the game. With 1:50 left and needing 2 scores, The Cowboys took over at their own 10 yard line. With 20 seconds left, they reached the Chicago 48. Prescott went to Randall Cobb for 35 yards, but only 8 seconds remained. Maher hit the 31 yard field goal, but the onside kick failed. Roger Staubach is long retired. There would be no Hail Mary. The Bears at 7-6 alive while the Cowboys at 6-7 are still atop the horrendous NFC Least. Jerry Jones is getting angry, and no one in Dallas is going to be spared Jerrah’s wrath unless his boys turn it around fast. 31-24 Bears
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons — After nearly a decade, the Panthers took the field without the recently fired Ron Rivera. From their own 26, Matt Ryan moved the Falcons by hitting Gage for 14. On 2nd and 21 from the Carolina 46, Ryan hit Calvin Ridley for 11. On 3rd and 10, Ryan hit Devontae Freeman for 11. On 3rd and 5 from the Carolina 19, Ryan threw incomplete. Koo hit form 37 to make it 3-0 Falcons. Joey Slye answered from 46 in the second quarter for a 3-3 game. From the Atlanta 26, Ryan hit Hooper for 18 and Julio Jones for a 38 yard gain. On 3rd and 7 from the Carolina 15, Ryan hit Ridley for the touchdown to make it 10-3 Falcons with 5 minutes left in the half. The Panthers took over at their own 13 with 2 1/2 minutes left in the half. Kyle Allen hit Christian McCaffrey for 10 and Moore for 39 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Atlanta 30, McCaffrey gained 6. Allen hit Wright for 15 and Thomas for a one yard touchdown for a 10-10 game with one minute left in the half.
After a touchback, that was enough time for Ryan to hit Ridley for a pair of 16 yard gains and Hardy for 19. Koo hit a 35 yard field goal to put the Falcons up 13-10 at the break. The Panthers fumbled a punt in the third quarter to set up the Falcons at the Carolina 46. Ryan went to Julio Jones for 15 and 7. Freeman ran for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 20-10 Falcons. The play of the game came when the Falcons got it back at their own 5. On 3rd and 8 from their own 7, Matty Ice went for it all and found Zaccheus for a 93 yard touchdown that lit up the home crowd and put the Falcons up 27-10. A Panthers fumble then led to Koo hitting from 29. An interception of Allen led to Koo hitting from 50 to turn a close game into a blowout with the Falcons leading 33-10 after three quarters. Carolina did manage another field goal in the fourth quarter, but a failed onsides kick set up the Falcons at the Carolina 42. Hill ran for a 3 yard touchdown to make it a carpet-bombing with the Falcons up 40-13. Carolina got a garbage touchdown. 40-20 Falcons
Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — The 6-6 Colts still have a shot at the playoffs. The Buccaneers took over at their own 25. From their 35, Jameis Winston was intercepted by Leonard, setting up the Colts at midfield. On 3rd and 6, Jacoby Brissett went deep to Johnson for a 46 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Colts. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 30. On 3rd and 11 from their own 40, Jameis Winston went to Ogunbowale for 8 yards, but Ogunbowale fumbled and the Colts recovered at the Bucs 48. Newly acquired Chase McLaughlin hit the 50 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Colts.
After 2 consecutive turnovers, the Buccaneers settled down. On 3rd and 1 from their own 34, Pierre Barber gained 2. On 3rd and 6 from the Indy 45, Winston hit Brad Perriman for 31 yards and Brate for 13 down to the one. Winston got in himself to complete the 10 play, 75 yard, 5 minute drive to get the Buccaneers within 10-7. 30 seconds later the Buccaneers got it back at their own 39. Only 9 seconds after that, the Buccaneers had the 14-10 lead as Winston went deep to Mike Evans for the 61 yard
touchdown.
The second quarter was even wilder. A 19 yard punt return had the Colts at the Tampa 47. On 3rd and 1 from the Tamps 38, Jacoby Brissett ran for 6. On 4th and 1 from the Tampa 11, Frank Reich decided to go for it. Brissett gained 9 and Marlon Mack ran for the 2 yard touchdown to make it 17-14 Colts. Winston moved the Buccaneers from their 25 to a 3rd and 10 at the Colts 23. Winston was intercepted by Leonard, who returned it 80 yards the other way for a defensive touchdown and a 24-14 Colts lead with 2 1/2 minutes left in the half.
The Bucs faced 3rd and 1 at their own 34 when Winston hit Howard for 8 at the 2 minute warning. Winston then went to Ogunbowale for 6 and 17, and to Brate and Watson for a pair of 11 yard gains. On 3rd and 10 from the Indy 13, Winston hit Watson for just enough. Winston then hit Brate for the 3 yard touchdown to get the Buccaneers within 24-21 with 38 seconds left in the half. After a touchback, Brissett went deep to Johnson for 50 yards with roughing the passer adding 13 more. With 13 seconds left on 4th and 1 from the Tampa Bay 3, Frank Reich decided to go for it with 13 seconds left in the half. Brissett gained 2 but by the time the Colts called timeout, only 3 seconds remained. On 1st and goal at the one, the aggressive Reich went conservative McLaughlin hit the 19 yard field goal as the Colts led 27-21 at the intermission. In the third quarter the Colts took over at their own 24. Mack ran for 13 with defensive unnecessary roughness adding 15 more. On 3rd and 12 from midfield, Brissett hit Zach Pascal for 37 yards. On 3rd and 9 at the Tampa Bay 12, Brissett went to Pascal for the touchdown and again for the 2 point conversion to make it 35-21 Colts.
Back in 2006 in the Tony Dungy Bowl, his new team the Colts trialed his old team the Buccaneers 35-14 with 5 minutes left in regulation. Peyton Manning led a miracle comeback for a 38-35 Colts victory. Dungy is long retired, but this time it was the Buccaneers trying mount a comeback down by 14. At least they had 21 minutes to work with. After a touchback,Winston hit Jones for 9, Howard for 33, Godwin for 11, and Watson for a 17 yard touchdown. With 3 minutes left in the third quarter the Buccaneers were within 35-28. With the Colts facing 4th and 1 at their own 34, Frank Reich was not taking any chances. The Buccaneers got it back at their own 19. On 3rd and 6 from their own 23, Winston hit Watson for 13 as the third quarter ended. A 27 yard completion to Howard gave the Buccaneers 1st and 10 at the Indy 26. Winston then threw 3 straight incompletions. Matt Gay hit the 44 yard field goal to get the Buccaneers within 35-31 with 13 minutes left in regulation.
The fourth quarter became a blunder bowl. The Colts moved from their 25 to a 3rd and 6 at the Tampa Bay 21, aided by a 45 yard defensive pass interference call. Brissett hit Hines for 5 yards, but Hines then fumbled and the Buccaneers took over at their own 13. Two plays later Winston was intercepted again, and Hooker returned it 13 yards to the Bucs 25. Mack was blown up in the backfield for a 5 yard loss. On 3rd and 15, a completion gained only one yard. Adam Vinatieri was out injured this game, so it was up to McLaughlin to hit the 47 yard field goal to put the Colts up by 7. The kick was no good. The Buccaneers took over at their own 37 and Winston went to Perriman for a 27 yard gain. With 5 minutes left on 3rd and 1 from the indy 15, Barber costa yard. On 4th and 2 from the 16, Winston hit Ogunbowale for 4 and Perriman for the 12 yard touchdown. 17 straight points had the Buccaneers up by 3 with 3:50 to play. After a touchback, it all came down to 4th and 2 at midfield with 1:56 left. Brissett threw incomplete. Barber ran for an 11 yard gain as Winston took 3 knees to end it. The once 5-2 Colts are now 6-7 and in dire straits. As for Bruce Arians and his 6-7 Buccaneers, you get the best and worst of Winston all in the same game. Winston was 33 of 45 for a ridiculous 456 yards and 4 touchdowns, but also with 3 interceptions. Yet Winston led them to a win, and the NFL is a bottom line business. This game was the exact same score of the 2006 Dungy Bowl, only in reverse. 38-35 Buccaneers
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets — The Dolphins embarked on a mind-numbing 16 play, 92 yard drive that took over 8 minutes. Yet they came up 4 yards short of the end zone. Sanders hit the 22 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Dolphins. The Jets took over at their own 26. Powell gained 11 and 8. On 3rd and 3 from the Miami 45, Sam Darnold hit Robbie Anderson for 8 yards as the first quarter ended. Darnold went back to Anderson for a 26 yard touchdown to make it 6-3 Jets. The extra point was no good. A quick interception of Fitzpatrick set up the jets at the Miami 44. Sam Ficken hit a 37 yard field goal to make it 9-3 Jets. Miami again moved the ball well on a 10 play, 67 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive. Again the drive bogged down deep as Fitzpatrick threw incomplete on 3rd and 4 from the Jets 6. Sanders hit the 25 yard field goal to get the Dolphins within 9-6. The Jets soon faced 3rd and 11 at their own 22. Darnold went deep to Anderson for 39 yards and to Crowder for 17 more. Darnold then went to Thomas for a 14 yard touchdown to make it 16-6 Jets with 1:55 left in the half.
Fitzpatrick then had a pass intercepted by Burgess, who returned it 49 yards for a defensive touchdown. However, defensive holding on Burgess nullified the score. The Dolphins moved from their 25 to a 2nd and 4 from the Jets 10 with 30 seconds left in the half. For the third time the Dolphins came up short as Fitzpatrick threw incomplete twice. Sanders hit the 28 yard field goal as the Dolphins trailed 16-9 at the half. In the third quarter the Dolphins moved into the red zone again. For the fourth time, they settled for a 31 yard Sanders field goal as the Dolphins trailed 16-12. An interception of Darnold gave the Dolphins gift field position at the Jets 23. On 3rd and 3 from the 16, Fitzpatrick threw incomplete. 5 red zone trips meant 5 field goal tries. This time from 34, Sanders was no good. The Jets moved from their 20 to a 2nd and 1 at the Miami 14. Montgomery got stopped and Darnold threw incomplete. Adam Gase went for it on 4th and 1 and Powell got stopped. In the fourth quarter Sanders kicked field goals of 53 and 47 as the Dolphins led 18-16 on the strength of 4 straight field goals and 6 of 7 field goals overall from Sanders.
Yet with 4 minutes left Ficken hit a 42 yard field goal to put the Jets back up 19-18. After a touchback, Fitzpatrick went to Ford for 16, Hurns for 6, and Ford for 12. On 1st and 20 just shy of midfield, Fitzpatrick hit Hurns for 15 at the 2 minute warning and then hit Laird for 21. Like every other Miami drive on the day, this one stalled. With 1:33 to play, Sanders came in for a 37 yard field goal try. For the 7th time in 8 tries, Sanders was good to give the Dolphins BlackJack and a 21-19 lead the hard way. After a touchback, a short pass from Darnold to Smith went for 37 yards. With 47 seconds left, the play of the game came with the Jets facing 3rd and 18 at the Miami 46. Darnold threw incomplete, and pass interference on the defense was not called. Yet the officials reviewed the play under the new rule, and it was reversed to defensive pass interference and an 8 yard gain and an automatic first down. Brian Flores exploded in anger but was helpless to stop the inevitable. Darnold hit Montgomery for 12 more yards. With 4 seconds left, Ficken came in for a 44 yard field goal try. with everything on the line, Ficken was good. Sanders’s career day was wasted as Flores kept screaming at the officials after the game. 22-21 Jets
San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints — A battle of 10-2 teams saw the Saints go right to work from their own 27. Drew Brees hit Alvin Kamala for 9 yards and Latavius Murray run for 8 more. On 3rd and 2 from their own 45, Brees hit Michael Thomas for 5. From midfield, Brees went to Taysom Hill for 12. On 3rd and 10 from the Frisco 38, Brees went deep to Jared Cook, who broke a tackle and completed the 38 yard touchdown to put the Saints up 7-0 only 3 1/2 minutes into the game. After a touchback, Jimmy Garoppolo went to Emanuel Sanders for 19 yards and again for 31 more. Garoppolo then found Deebo Samuel for 25. On 3rd and goal at the 6, Garoppolo fired over the middle to Kevin Bourne for the touchdown for a 7-7 game.
Harris returned the ensuing kickoff 51 yards to the Saints 46. On 3rd and 9 from the Saints 47, Brees hit Ted Ginn for 12. From the San Francisco 26, Brees went to Cook, who made a leaping catch in the end zone for the touchdown. A personal foul for a hit to Cook’s head and neck area caused Sean Payton to try for a 2 point conversion instead of kicking. A run by Hill fooled nobody has the Saints led 13-7. A sack of Garoppolo had the 49ers punting on 4th and 21 from their own 14. Harris got a crack of daylight and returned it 25 yards to the San Francisco 29. On the first play of the second quarter, Brees found a wide open Hill in the flat for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 20-7 Saints.
14 seconds later the 49ers were right back in it. After a touchback, Garoppolo went bombs away to Sanders, who caught it at the Saints 25 yard line. Sanders quickly realized that he had not been touched, so he got up and made it to the end zone for a 75 yard touchdown. Just like that, the 49ers were down 20-14. The Saints took over at their own 16. Brees went to Thomas for 7 and Murray ran for 6. Brees hit Ginn for 10 and Kamara added 17 more on the ground. A short pass from Brees to Murray saw Murray tightrope the sideline while ignoring tacklers for a 30 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Kamara only gained one yard. Sean Payton decided to go for it on 4th and goal at the one. Brees took the quarterback sneak over the top for the touchdown. The 49ers entered with the league’s top defense, but it was the Saints who led 27-14.
Only 3 plays after a touchback, the 49ers were in the end zone again. Garoppolo went to Samuel for 21. Mostert ran for 19. Kyle Shanahan went to the bag of tricks. Garoppolo handed off to sanders, who lateraled the ball to Sanders. As Sanders was falling down, he threw a duck to a wide open Mostert, who strolled in for a 35 yard touchdown to get the 49ers with 27-21 with 6 minutes left in a wild first half. The Saints faced 3rd and 1 at their own 34 but a run by Hill lost 6 yards. The 49ers defense finally got a stop and got it back at their own 20. On 3rd and 10 Garoppolo went to Greg Kittle for 20. Matt Breida ran for 28. On 3rd and 1 from the 23, Garoppolo handed to Juszczyk, who just before getting belted lateraled the ball to Mostert, who ran for 18 yards. After a false start, Mostert ran for a 10 yard touchdown as the 49ers had their first lead of the game up 28-27 due to the failed 2 point try.
In the third quarter an interception of Garoppolo set up the Saints at the Frisco 40. the defense held but Wil Lutz drilled a 55 yard field goal to make it 30-28 Saints. On their next series Kamala fumbled and the 49ers took over at the Saints 20. Garoppolo went to Juszczyk for 16 and to Kittle for the 5 yard touchdown to make it 35-30 49ers. The Saints moved from their 25 to a 4th and 1 at the 49ers 41. Sean Payton went for it and Hill gained 5 yards. Yet on 2nd and 4, Brees threw incomplete twice. Lutz hit from 48 as the Saints were within 35-33. With one minute left in the third quarter the Saints prepared to punt on 4th and 18 from the Frisco 45. Sean Payton called a fake punt and it didn’t work as Hill threw incomplete. On 3rd and 7 from their own 48 Garoppolo was sacked but defensive holding kept the drive going. On 3rd and 6 from the Saints 43, Garoppolo went to Bourne for just enough. On 3rd and 5 from the Saints 32, Garoppolo went to Sanders for 16. On 3rd and 8 from the Saints 14, a completion only gained 2 yards but defensive unnecessary roughness meant 1st and goal at the 6. Garoppolo hit Bourne for the touchdown. With 9 minutes left in the game, the 49ers turned 13 deficit into a 9 point lead up 42-33. They had out-scored the Saints 28-6 during that stretch.
Needing 2 scores and facing 3rd and 5 from their own 30, Brees was sacked. Yet defensive holding on Richard Sherman kept the drive going. Brees then went deep to Thomas for 49 yards. On 2nd and 15 from the Frisco 21, Brees went to Thomas for the score. With 6 minutes left the Saints were within 42-40. The 49ers after a touchback moved to a 2nd and 5 at the Saints 19 with 2 1/2 minutes left. Kyle Shanahan did what Kyle Shanghai does: He loves pass plays when you’re supposed to run the ball. It’s how he lost the Super Bowl with Atlanta. Garoppolo was sacked for an 11 yard loss. Gould hit the 41 yard field goal to put the 49ers up 45-40, but 2:23 still remained as the Pinball Wizard Brees took over at his own 24. This instant classic for the ages was far from over.
From his own 24, Brees went to Smith for 11, Thomas for 11 more, Ginn for 25, and Thomas for 5. On 3rd and 5 from the Frisco 24, Brees threw incomplete. Yet defensive pass interference meant 6 yards and a new set of downs. On the next play Brees went to Tre-Quan Smith for the 18 yard touchdown. The 2 point conversion throw was incomplete but the Saints led 46-45 with 53 seconds left. With 39 seconds left, the 49ers faced 4th and 2 at their own 33. The fate of both teams hung on one play. Garoppolo completed a short pass to Kittle, who dragged defenders down the sideline for a 39 yard gain. A defensive facemark added 14 more yards. With 2 seconds left, on 3rd and 8 from the Saints 12, Gould came in for a 30 yard field goal try. The kick was good. The 11-2 49ers regained their place atop the NFC for the moment, while the 10-3 Saints saw their Super Bowl or Bust season take a hit. 48-46 Saints
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings — The 8-4 Vikings entered one game back in the NFC North. From the Minnesota 18, Kirk Cousins hit Conklin for 11. Dalvin Cook gained 9 and 4. From the Detroit 46, Cousins hit Stefan Diggs for 14 and Cook for 10. Cousins hit Johnson for a 9 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Vikings. In the second quarter the Vikings moved from their 35 to a 3rd and 1 at the Detroit 4. Ham got stopped. Mike Zimmer went for it, but a false start killed that try. Dan Bailey hit the 27 yard field goal to make it 10-0 Vikings. With 1:10 left in the half, Matt Prater missed a 45 yard field goal that would have gotten the Lions on the board. With 40 seconds left in the half the Vikings faced 3rd and 2 at their own 43. Cousins hit Diggs for 10 and then went deep to Diggs for a 44 yard gain. Cook got the final 3 yards as the Vikings took a 17-0 lead to the locker rooms. The uneventful second half saw the Vikings tack on a fourth quarter field and the Lions get a garbage touchdown just before the two minute warning to avoid the shutout. The Vikings are Mike Zimmer tough, winning with running and hard-nosed defense. 20-7 Vikings
Denver Broncos at Houston Texans — Drew Lock won his first NFL start last week but now faced off against the 8-4 Texans who led the AFC South by one game. The Broncos took over at their own 8 yard line and Lock connected with Nick Fans for a 48 yard line and Beck for 29 more. On 3rd and 12 from the Houston 14, Lock went to Fant for the touchdown and the 7-0 Broncos lead. The Texans moved from their own 25 to a 1st and 10 at the Denver 37. Deshaun Watson went to Coutee for 8 yards, but Coutee fumbled and Attaochu recovered for Denver. Attaochi lateraled to Jackson, who raced 70 yards the other way for a defensive touchdown and a 14-0 Broncos advantage. Denver got it back at the start of the second quarter facing 3rd and 9 at their own 21. Lock went deep to Patrick for 37 yards and to Booker for 25 more. On 3rd and 3 from the Houston 8, lock went to Heuerman for the touchdown as the Broncos led 21-0 in front of a shell-shocked home crowd in Houston.
Kaimi Fairbairn finally got the Texans on the board with a 54 yard field goal, but the Broncos kept rolling. Brandon McManus hit a 36 yarder to make it 24-3 Broncos. At the 2 minute warning, Bill O’Brien gambled with the Texans facing 4th and 1 at their own 34. Watson threw incomplete. Lock hit Cortland Sutton for 11. On 3rd and 3 from the Houston 7, Lock threw incomplete but defensive holding meant 1st and goal at the 3. Lock hit Freeman for the touchdown as the Broncos led 31-3. A 33 yard kickoff return with 5 more tacked on had the Broncos starting the third quarter at their own 43. On 3rd and 6 from the Houston 48, Lock went to Fant for 23 and Sutton for 10. Lock hit Sutton for 8 yards down to the one and Philip Lindsay got the last yard as the Broncos were winning a laugher 38-3. Lock finished a lights out 22 of 27 for 309 yards and 3 touchdowns with one interception. The Texans piled up a ton of garbage time yards and points, but 3 touchdowns were still not enough when they needed 5 of them. The final score looked almost respectable but the game was a blowout. Either Drew Lock is the second coming of John Elway or the Texans were hung over after their emotional win over New England last week. Bill O’Brien’s press conference will be a contentious one. 38-24 Broncos
Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills — The 10-2 Ravens took on the 9-3 Bills in a potential battle for the top spot in the AFC. Buffalo was only one game back in the AFC East as well. A short 35 yard punt had the Ravens taking over at the Buffalo 45. John Harbaugh pounded the rock down Buffalo’s throat, but on 2nd and 4 from the Buffalo 12, Hill lost 6 yards. Jackson’s only pass on the drive on 3rd and 10 was incomplete. Justin Tucker hit the 36 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Ravens. In the second quarter the Bills faced 3rd and 8 at their own 33. Josh Allen was sacked and fumbled and the Ravens took over at the Buffalo 24. Again the Ravens kept it on the ground. A 13 yard run by Jackson led to a 3rd and goal at the 3. The only pass on the drive was Jackson hitting Boyle for the touchdown to make it 10-0 Ravens. The Bills tried to make a game of it as Steve Hauschka hit field goals of 36 and 47 to get the Bills within 10-6 at the half. After a touchback to start the third quarter the Ravens struck quickly. Jackson went deep to Hurst for a 61 yard touchdown to make it 17-6 Ravens. Hauschka hit a third field goal from 47 to get the Bills within 17-9.
The fourth quarter began with a shanked 29 yard punt giving the Ravens the ball just shy of midfield. Jackson ran for 10. A roughing the passer call a couple plays later added 15 more. On 3rd and 2 from the Buffalo 7 out of the wildcat, Ingram took the direct snap 3 yards. Jackson hit Willie Snead for a 4 yard touchdown to put the Ravens comfortably in front 24-9 with 10 minutes left in regulation. The Bills took over at their own 22. Allen went deep to Knox for a 37 yard gain. Singletary then broke free for a 38 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 3, Allen hit Cole Beasley for the score to get the Ravens within 7 points midway through the fourth. Buffalo held on defense and got the ball back at their 28 with 5 1/2 minutes left. With 2:49 to play the Bills had 3rd and 4 at the Baltimore 32. Allen was sacked for a 12 yard loss. On 4th and 16 Allen threw incomplete. Yet defensive pass interference meant a 26 yard gain at the 2 minute warning. After a pair of incompletions, the Bills were down to 4th and 8 from the Baltimore 16 with one minute left. Allen threw incomplete again. Jackson did not have his best game statistically against Buffalo’s tough defense. He was 16 of 25 for 145 yards with 40 more on the ground. Yet he also threw for 3 touchdowns with one interception. Buffalo at 9-4 is still in strong playoff position as a wildcard while the 11-2 Ravens are still as of now the top seed in the AFC. 24-17 Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns — The Bengals got their first win last week while the 5-7 Browns needed to win out to have a shot at the playoffs. From their own 25, Red Rifle nay Dalton hit Boyd for 21 and 14. On 3rd and 3 from the Cleveland 6, Dalton threw incomplete and got called for intentional grounding. Bullock hit the 34 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Bengals. Baker Mayfield was then intercepted, but the Bengals soon faced 3rd and 23 from their own 48. Dalton gave it right back with an interception by Ward, who returned it 61 yards for a defensive touchdown. The Dawg Pound was rocking as the Browns led 7-3. The Bengals responded and moved from their 24 to a 3rd and 7 at the Cleveland 18. Yet a sack of Dalton ended that drive. Bullock hit from 44 to get the Bengals within 7-6. Mayfield was intercepted again as the Bengals began the second quarter at their own 43. From the Cleveland 46, Dalton hit a 29 yard completion and then found Boyd for 16 down to the one. Joe Mixon got in to make it 13-7 Bengals.
The Browns soon faced 3rd and 19 at their own 16. Mayfield went to Landry for 20 and to Hunt for another 29. On 3rd and goal at the 7, Mayfield ran for the touchdown himself as the Browns took a 14-13 lead to the locker rooms. In the third quarter the Browns soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33. Nick Chubb gained 7 and then ripped off a 57 yard gain. Karim Hunt ran for the 3 yard touchdown as the Browns led 21-13. The Bengals then embarked on a staggering 16 play, 76 yard drive that took 7 1/2 minutes off the clock. On 4th and 1 from the 3, the Bengals went for it and Mixon got the yard. Yet on 1st and goal at the 2, a sack of Dalton and a pair of incompletions had the Bengals settling for a 28 yard Bullock field goal to trail 21-16. Austin Seibert answered from 53 to put the Browns up 24-16.
The Bengals began the fourth quarter from their own 24 and had a 16 play, 74 yard drive that ate up 8 minutes. On 3rd and goal from the 4, Dalton threw incomplete. The Bengals went for it and on 4th and goal Dalton only gained 2 yards. A game of long drives saw the Browns then move 85 yards in 14 plays and 6 minutes. They took over at their own 2 yard line. On 3rd and 5 from their own 18, Mayfield was intercepted. On further review, the call was reversed to defensive pass interference with 5 minutes left. On 3rd and 10 from the Cleveland 47, Mayfield went to Landry for 34 yards. The Browns settled for a 31 yard Seibert field goal but led 27-16 with one minute left. Needing 2 scores, the Bengals got a 46 yard field goal from Bullock with 12 seconds left. he onside kick failed. For some reason backup quarterback Gilbert took the final kneel down rather than Mayfield. Nevertheless the 6-7 Browns are actually clinging to playoff life. 27-19 Browns
Washington Redskins at Green Bay Packers — The 9-3 Packers entered one game ahead in the AFC North and one game back of the NFC leaders. The Redskins punted on 4th and 20 from their own 15 and the Packers took over at midfield. Aaron Rodgers went to Jimmy Graham for 20 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Washington 26, Rodgers ran for 13. On 3rd and 1 from the Washington 4, Aaron Jones took it in to make it 7-0 Packers. Green Bay got it back at their own 43. Rodgers went to Graham for 25. Jones ran for 4 and 16. Rodgers hit Tonysn for a 12 yard touchdown to make it 14-0 Packers. The Redskins actually hung tough in this game. From their own 5 Derrius Guice gained 7, 7, and 4. Adrian Peterson gained 11 and Guice added 23. Peterson ran for 1, 13. On 3rd and 13 from the Green Bay 32, Dwayne Haskins went to Harmon for 30. Peterson got the final 2 yards. The extra point was no good but the 11 play, 95 yard, 6 minute drive had the Redskins within 14-6. In the third quarter Mason Crosby hit a 32 yard field goal to help the Packers extend the lead but Dustin Hopkins hit from 52 to get the Redskins back within 17-9. The Packers in the fourth quarter faced 3rd and 14 at their own 7. Rodgers went to Jones for 25 yards. A 14 play, 74 yard drive ate up 7 1/2 minutes. Crosby hit the 33 yard field goal to lock up the win with 2 1/2 minutes left. The Redskins did get a garbage touchdown with 1:17 to play, but the 2 point try and the onsides kick failed. The 10-3 Packers remained one game up in the NFC North and one game back in the overall NFC. 20-15 Packers
Los Angeles Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars — A pair of underachieving teams battled to see who wanted it less. The Jaguars started with a 14 play, 74 yard drive that ate up 7 1/2 minutes. Despite 1st and 10 at the Chargers 12, the Jaguars settled for a 26 yard Josh Lambo field goal and a 3-0 lead. After that the Chargers blasted them. From their own 21, Austin Ekeler ran for 27 yards. Philip Rivers went to Keenan Allen for a 45 yard gain. Melvin Gordon ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Chargers. In the second quarter the Chargers after a touchback saw Gordon run for 10. On 2nd and 4 from the Jags 48, Ekeler ran for 23. Rivers hit Gordon for 19. Watt got the last yard to cap the 10 play, 75 yard, 6 minute drive and make it 14-3 Chargers. Next time the Chargers struck quickly. From their own 20, Ekeler ran for 35 yards with a facemask adding 15 more and Rivers hit Henry for a 30 yard touchdown to make it 21-3 Chargers. With 1:10 left in the half the Chargers got it back at their own 26. Rivers hit Henry for 9 and Ekeler for 8 with a horsecollar tackle adding 15 more. Mike Badgley hit a 40 yard field goal to end the half with the Chargers up 24-3. league rules prevented the second half from being canceled. The Chargers began the third quarter facing 3rd and 10 from their own 16. Rivers went to Ekeler and a short pass became an 84 yard touchdown to make it 31-3 Chargers. Doug Marrone contemplated retirement but decided to coach the rest of the game. The Jaguars did get a third quarter touchdown, but the Chargers kept rolling. On 3rd and 16 from the Jaguars 44, Rivers went deep to Williams for another touchdown. The Jaguars went for it on 4th and 1 at their own 39 and got stopped. Anthony Lynn let Rivers call it a day and backup Tyrod Taylor got some playing time. Taylor hit Green for a 14 yard touchdown. After not cleaning house last year, Shad Khan probably will do so this year. The only question will be if Captain Grumpy Tom Coughlin goes down with Marrone. 45-10 Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Arizona Cardinals — 10 years after a Super Bowl for the ages, Larry Fitzgerald is still doing it. Sadly he has a young team and little help. The Steelers after an 0-3 start are 7-5 in what might be Mike Tomlin’s best coaching job. The Steelers took over at their own 22 and third string quarterback Devlin “Duck” Hodges hit Samuels for 18 yards. Whyte ran for 13 to midfield. On 3rd and 13 from their own 47, Hodges hit Edmunds for only 7 but defensive unnecessary roughness added 15 more. Chris Boswell hit a 30 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Steelers. Special teams got the Steelers a touchdown when Johnson returned a punt 85 yards for a score to make it 10-0 Steelers. In the second quarter a Pittsburgh fumble set up the Cardinals at the Pittsburgh 34. Despite 1st and goal at the 3, a completion by Murray gained nothing and then he lost a yard. After that he was sacked. Zane Gonzalez hit the 30 yard field goal to get the Cardinals on the board. Arizona soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 23. Kyler Murray hit Byrd for 10, Cooper for 5 and Drake for 18. Drake added 10 more on the ground. On 3rd and 4 from the Pittsburgh 5, Murray went to Clay for the touchdown for a 10-10 game with 1:51 left in the half.
After a touchback, Hodges went to Washington for 12 and ran for 22 himself. Hodges hit Johnson for 18. Boswell hit from 37 to end the half with the Steelers up 13-10. In the third quarter the Cardinals moved had to punt on 4th and 8 from their own 41. Cliff Kingsbury called a fake punt and Edmonds gained 9 yards. Yet on 2nd and 5 from the Pittsburgh 26, Murray was intercepted by Joe Haden. The Steelers took over at their own 27. Hodges hit Whyte for 9 and ran fro 9 himself. On 2nd and 6 from the Arizona 31, Hodges threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 15 yard gain. Hodges went to Johnson for 14 down to the 2 yard line. Hodges hit Johnson for the touchdown as the Steelers led 20-10. The Cardinals after a touchback moved to a 4th and 2 at the Pittsburgh 6 with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Needing 2 scores, Cliff Kingsbury opted to go for it rather than kick the field goal. Murray threw to the end zone and was intercepted for a touchback.
The Steelers had to punt on 4th and 8 from their own 40, and Mike Tomlin called for a fake. It failed miserably as the direct snap went for an 8 yard loss. On 3rd and 2 from the Pittsburgh 24, Murray went deep to Johnson for the touchdown. With 6:44 to play the Cardinals were within 20-17. The Steelers moved from moved from their own 16. From their 29, defensive pass interference added 24 yards. On 3rd and 13 from the Arizona 26, Hodges hit Johnson for 17. The defense finally held. Boswell hit a 25 yard field goal. The Steelers led by 6 with 1:46 left but Arizona had life. With 47 seconds left, on 4th and 7 from their own 18, Murray went deep and was intercepted. Pittsburgh is 8-2 in their last 10 games and in strong position for a wildcard. 23-17 Steelers
Tennessee Titans at Oakland Raiders — The Titans started 2-4 but went 5-1 since for a 7-5 record as Ryan Tannehill has been playing well. The Raiders were 6-4 but got blown out in consecutive 31 point road losses to drop to 6-6. They were at home, but would be without Josh Jacobs, who had a bum shoulder. Worse, the Raiders defense was playing as awful as ever. The Titans as expected moved easily from their own 27. The 12 play, 54 yard, 6 minute drive had the Titans facing 3rd and 8 at the Oakland 19. The defense needed a miracle and they got one. A short pass was deflected and intercepted by big man Hurst. Anyone but a Big Man with football has a touchdown the other way. Nevertheless, Big Man with football rumbled 55 yards to the Oakland 24 before being tackled by, of all people, Tannehill. Deandre Washington ran for a 14 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Raiders. Then reality set in.
The Titans soon faced 3rd and 1 at their own 35. Derrick Henry gained 12 and 6. Tannehill went to Blasingame for 24 and Smith for 10. Henry ran for an easy 12 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. The Raiders in the second quarter moved from their 25 to a 2nd and 4 at the Titans 46. A run lost 2 yards. On 3rd and 6, a completion came up just short but offensive holding instead killed the drive. A good punt pinned the Titans at their own 9 yard line. 12 seconds later the Titans had the lead. Tannehill was hit as soon as he threw it, but it was caught by Brown, who easily broke through a pathetic attempt at a tackle and went for a 91 yard touchdown. Just like that the Titans led 14-7. The Raiders soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33. Jalen Richard ran for 10 and 4. On 3rd and 2 from the Tennessee 49, Carr found a wide open Gafford for the touchdown and 14-14 game.
The Titans took over at their own 23 and again made it look easy against a horrendous Oakland defense. Tannehill hit Brown for 22 yards, ran for 10, and hit Davis for 24 and Henry for 6. On 3rd and 3 from the Oakland 6, a touchdown pass was nullified by offensive holding. On 3rd and 13 from the Oakland 16, Tannehill hit Brown for the touchdown. The Titans led 21-14 against the heartless Oakland defense. The Raiders took over at their own 29. Carr hit Washington for 9 and 4. On 3rd and 8 from the Titans 48, Carr hit Darren Waller for 11. Carr went to Waller again for 25 yards down to the one. A run lost a yard and Carr threw incomplete. However, defensive pass interference again meant 1st and goal at the one. Carr hit Moreau for the touchdown. With 24 seconds left in the half, the game was tied 21-21. 24 seconds was enough time for the Raiders defense to collapse. From their own 30 with 12 seconds left, Tannehill went to Firkser for a 39 yard gain. Ryan Succop’s 42 yard field goal try to end the half doinked off the upright no good. Despite giving up 352…yes, 352 yards in the first half, the Raiders were lucky to be tied 21-21 at halftime. However, the second half was inevitable.
The Raiders moved from their own 17 to a 3rd and 2 at the Titans 39. With no Jacobs in to play smashmouth, Carr was sacked for a 4 yard loss. The defense actually got a stop and got the ball back at their own 47. They did nothing with the ball and gave it back to the Titans, who took over at their own 11. Tannehill hit Blasingame for 23, Davis for 10 and Pruitt for 42. Henry ran for a 10 yard touchdown to make it 28-21 Titans. As expected, Tennessee finally figured out Oakland’s offense while Oakland’s defense continued to play like a high school rejects. On 3rd and 4 from their own 22, Tannehill hit Sharpe for 8. Henry ran for 24. Lewis added 6. On 3rd and 4 from the Oakland 40, Tannehill hit Raymond for 11, Brown for 12, and Smith for the 17 yard touchdown to start the fourth quarter. The Titans led 35-21, and the only thing left for the Raiders to do was self-destruct so the game would be a blowout loss. After a touchback, the Raiders moved to a 1st and 10 at their own 45. Carr hit Waller for 3 yards, but Waller fumbled. Brown picked it up right near the sideline and raced 46 yards for a defensive touchdown. Although 13 minutes remained the game, this one was over, as was the final season the Raiders played in Oakland. They overachieved for much of the year, but there is zero talent in the secondary and the rest of the NFL knows that. The Raiders final indignity came when they moved to a 1st and goal a the 2 with 5 minutes left and with 4 tries couldn’t get in the end zone. Tannehill was 21 of 27 for 391 yards, 3 touchdowns, and the one fluke interception. Henry added 103 yards on the ground. The 8-5 Titans are alive and the 6-7 Raiders are all but dead. 42-21 Titans
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots — The 8-4 Chiefs comfortably led the AFC West but had their long-awaited AFC Title Game rematch. The 10-2 Patriots took a beating last week at Houston and have lingering questions about their offense. Kansas City’s defense gives up gobs of yards but not points as they force turnovers. On 3rd and 7 their own 20 to start the game, Tom Brady threw incomplete. However, defensive pass interference meant an 8 yard gain. On 3rd and 6 from their own 32, Brady again threw incomplete. Again, defensive pass interference this time meant a 31 yard gain. On the next play Brady went deep to Julian Edelman for a 37 yard touchdown. Less then 2 1/2 minutes into the game, the Patriots led 7-0. Yet in a shocker to the home crowd in New England, the Chiefs after that hit the Patriots in the mouth.
On 3rd and 10 from their own 17, Patrick Mahomes hit Sammy Watkins for 23 yards. and Pringle for 14 more. Offensive holding ended the drive as Mahomes threw incomplete on 3rd and 2 from the Patriots 30. Harrison Butker hit the 48 yard field goal to get the Chiefs within 7-3. The Patriots moved from their own 22 on a 13 play, 55 yard drive that took 5 minutes. On 3rd and 3 from the Chiefs 23, Brady threw incomplete. Nick Folk is the fourth Patriots kicker to kick for them this year. He was briefly on injured from an appendectomy but was back in the lineup. His 41 yard field goal try was blocked. The Chiefs soon faced 3rd and 2 at midfield. Mahomes was sacked, but defensive holding kept the drive going. A sack of Mahomes to begin the second quarter had the Chiefs facing 3rd and 19 at their own 46. Mahomes went deep to Tyreek Hill for 21 yards. After an offensive penalty meant 2nd and 25 at the New England 48, Mahomes went deep again to Harman for the touchdown to make it 10-7 Chiefs.
One play after a touchback, Brady was intercepted to set up the Chiefs at the Patriots 35. On 3rd and 5 from the Patriots 24, Mahomes went to Travis Kelce for 20. On 3rd and goal from the 4, A wildcat snap to Kelce went for the touchdown as the Chiefs led 17-7. The Patriots moved from their 31 to a 2nd and 7 at the Chiefs 27. Brady threw incomplete and Bill Belichick went for it on 4th and 7 rather than try a 45 yard field goal. Brady threw incomplete again. With 2:48 left in the half the Chiefs took over at their own 13. Mahomes went to Thompson for 19, Kelce for 12, and roughing the passer added 15 more. Mahomes hit Hill for 16 and 8 and Thompson for a pair of 7 yard gains. On 2nd and 3 from the Patriots 13, Mahomes threw incomplete twice. Butker hit the 31 yard field goal as the Chiefs led 20-7 at halftime. In the third quarter the Chiefs moved from their 25 to a 4th and 1 at the Patriots 33. Walrus Lite Andy Reid went for it and ware gained 2 yards. Butker hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 23-7 Chiefs. Then the game changed again.
The Patriots couldn’t get anything going on offense, and with 5 minutes left in the this quarter it was their special teams that got them back in it. The Chiefs punted on 4th and 19 from their own 35. Dustin Colquitt’s punt was blocked, and the Patriots took over at the Chiefs 19. Bolden ran for a 10 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Patriots were within 23-13. The Chiefs moved from their own 29 to a 3rd and 2 at the Patriots 37. A short completion was fumbled by Kelce and the Patriots recovered at their own 43. The Patriots moved to a 1st and goal at the 3. White lost 2 yards, and on 3rd and goal at the 5, Brady was sacked. Folk hit the 29 yard field goal to get the Patriots within 23-16 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The Patriots got it back at their own 32 with 5 minutes left. Bill Belichick went his bag of tricks. Brady handed to White, who threw the option pass to Meyers for a 35 yard gain. With 3 1/2 minutes left, it came down to 4th and 6 at the Chiefs 29. Brady scrambled for 17 yards. With 90 seconds left, the Patriots faced 4th and 3 at the Chiefs 5. Andy Reid brought the House and a well defended pass to the end zone was knocked away incomplete. The Chiefs at 9-4 clinched the AFC West, making Andy Reid a most happy Walrus Lite indeed. The Patriots have lost 2 straight to fall to 10-3. They are still one game up in the AFC East but are one game back in the overall AFC. 23-16 Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams was the Sunday night game. The 10-2 Seahawks took on the 7-5 Rams, who were clinging to playoff life. The Seahawks moved from their 25 to a 3rd and 3 at the Rams 15. Russell Wilson was sacked for a 6 yard loss. Jason Myers hit the 39 yard field goal to get the Seahawks on the board. After that the Rams dominated. On 3rd and 4 from their own 31, Jared Goff hit Robert Woods for 19 yards to midfield and again for 15. On 3rd and 9 from the Seattle 34, Goff went to Tyler Higbee for 33 yards down to the one. Brown got it to make it 7-3 Rams. The Rams got it back and faced 2nd and 4 from their 21. Goff hit Woods for 14 and 12. Reynolds ran for 12. Goff hit Higbee for 11. The second quarter began with the Rams at the Seattle 30. Todd Gurley ran for 7, 4 and 2. On 3rd and 1 at the Seattle 10, Goff hit Cooper Kupp for 3. Goff hit Woods for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 14-3 Rams. The Seahawks went from their 25 to a 4th and 1 at the Rams 24. Pete Carroll decided to go for it and Wilson threw incomplete. With 4 minutes left in the half the Rams took over at their own 28. Gurley ran for 6 and Goff hit Higbee for 22. On 2nd and 14 from their own 48, Goff went to Kupp for 21. Gurley ran for 7, 2, and on 3rd and 1 from the Seattle 18, 2 more. On 3rd and 4 from the Seattle 10, Goff hit Kupp for the touchdown to make it 21-3 Rams.
The Rams were in total control and in the third quarter after a touchback moved to a 2nd and 5 at the Seattle 43. A Gurley run lost 5 yards. On 3rd and 10 under heavy pressure, Goff got rid of it just before getting belted. It was intercepted by Diggs, who pretty much strutted to the end zone for a 55 yard defensive touchdown. The Seahawks were right back in down 21-9but the extra point was no good. The Rams moved from their 26 to a 3rd and 5 at the Seattle 37. Goff went for it all and was intercepted again by Diggs at the Seattle 3 yard line. The Rams got it back at their own 48 and moved to a 2nd and 7 at the Seattle 19. After Gurley got stopped, Sean McVay went to the bag of tricks on 3rd and 7. Goff lateraled to Kupp, who threw the option pass to a diving Higbee in the end zone. It was just out of Higbee’s reach incomplete. Zuerlein’s 37 yard field goal try with 5 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter was partially blocked. In the fourth quarter the Rams finally put the game away. From their own 5 yard line, Goff went to Higbee for 32 yards. Goff went to Woods for 20 and Woods ran for gains of 16 and 13. From the Seattle 7, Gurley got around the end and stiff-armed a defender out of the way en route to the clinching touchdown. With 11 minutes left in regulation. the Rams led 28-9.
After a touchback, the Seahawks faced 3rd and 22 at their own 44. Wilson went to DK Metcalf for 35 yards. Despite 1st and 10 at the Rams 11, consecutive penalties meant 1st and 25. On 4th and 15 and needing 3 scores, Pete Carroll opted for the field goal. Myers hit from 34 to get the Seahawks within 16 midway through the fourth quarter. A sack of Wilson had the Seahawks facing 4th and 18 at their own 10. Wilson went to Josh Gordon for 23 yards. With 90 seconds left from midfield, Wilson went for it all and was intercepted in the end zone by Troy Hill for a touchback. The loss dropped the Seahawks to 10-3 and one game out in the NFC West. They are still in a strong position to make the playoffs. The 8-5 Rams are on the outside looking in by one game in the playoff chase. 28-12 Rams
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles was the Monday night game. The 2-10 Giants actually played an inspired game as Eli Manning returned to the lineup in place of the injured Daniel Jones. Meanwhile, the 5-7 Eagles could move into a tie for the NFC Least lead with a win. In pouring rain and wind after a scoreless first quarter, the Giants took the early advantage. A field position game had the Giants moving from their own 43. On the first play of the second quarter, facing 3rd and 13 at the Philly 35, Manning went for it all and found Darius Slayton for the touchdown and the 7-0 Giants lead. Both teams then had identical drives where they moved from their own 25 to a 1st and goal at the 9. The Eagles had a touchdown nullified by holding and the Giants suffered a fumbled snap. Jake Elliott and Aldrick Rosas both hit 34 yard field goals as the Giants held a 10-3 lead. With 1:46 left in the half the Giants took over at their own 16. With 27 seconds left in the half the Giants faced 3rd and 8 at their own 45. Manning went for it all again and hit Slayton for the 55 yard touchdown. The Giants led 17-3 at halftime and were smelling upset.
In the third quarter the Eagles faced 3rd and 5 at their own 47. Carson Wentz hit Boston Scott for 10, Perkins for 6, Zach Ertz for 9, and Arcega-Whiteside for 7. On 3rd and 3 from the Giants 6, Scott gained 4 and then the 2 yard touchdown. With 90 seconds left in the third quarter, the Eagles were within 17-10. The Eagles missed a chance to get closer when Elliott missed a 47 yard field goal with 10 minutes left in regulation. On their next drive a sack of Wentz had the Eagles facing 2nd and 19 at their own 6 yard line. On 3rd and 10 Wentz threw incomplete but defensive illegal contact kept the drive going. Then Doug Peterson made a major decision. With 5 minutes left the Eagles faced 4th and 1 at their own 29. Ask Barry Switzer how going for it worked out for him. Yet Pederson gambled big and Wentz gained 2 yards. On 3rd and 4 from their own 37, Wentz hit Arcega-Whiteside for 22 yards and Dallas Goedert for 28 more. Wentz hit Ward for 12 down to the one. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Wentz hit Ertz for the touchdown. With 1:53 to play, the game was 17-17 and headed to overtime. The Eagles won the toss and took the ball. After a touchback, Wentz hit Sanders for 11. Scott ran for 25. Wentz hit Perkins for 13 and Ward for 8. On 3rd and 2 from the Giants 18, Sanders gained 10 and Scott added 6 down to the Giants 2 yard line. Wentz hit Ertz for the touchdown as the Giants never saw the ball in overtime. It was a sad ending for the Manning family watching from the luxury suite. 20 unanswered points may have saved the Eagles season. At 6-7 they own the tie-breaker over Dallas and actually lead the NFC Least. 23-17 Eagles, OT