NFL 2019 Week 15 Recap
New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens is the Thursday night game. Sometimes a below average team can go on the road and shock a great team in an upset for the ages. This was not that game as the 11-2 Ravens handled business easily. Baltimore took over at their own 16. Lamar Jackson hit Hurst for 19 and ran for 20 himself. Jackson hit Snead for 15. On 3rd and 1 from the Jets 16, Mark Ingram gained 5. Ingram ran for a 6 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Ravens. The Jets moved from their 36 to a 1st and 10 at the Baltimore 32. A run gained one yard, Sam Darnold threw incomplete twice, and Sam Ficken missed a 49 yard field goal try. From their own 39, Ingram ran for 29, Jackson added 25, and Jackson hit Boykin for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 13-0 Ravens. The extra point was no good. The Jets tried to make a game of it, taking over at their own 37. On 3rd and 9 from midfield to start the second quarter, Darnold went deep to Jamison Crowder for a 41 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 4, Darnold hit Crowder for the touchdown. The Jets were only down 13-7, but after that Baltimore took over.
After a touchback, Ingram ran for 7, Jackson added 12, and Edwards added 4. A defensive pass interference penalty on a bomb went for a 43 yard gain down to the one. It took 5 tries due to penalties on both teams, but Jackson hit Mark Andrews for the one yard touchdown and Ingram ran in the 2 point conversion to make it 21-7 Ravens. The Jets moved from their own 26 on a 13 play, 67 yard, 8 minute drive. At the 2 minute warning, Adam tase went for it on 4th and 1 from the Baltimore 7. Darnold threw incomplete. The Jets got it back at the Baltimore 41 with one minute left in the half. From the Baltimore 25, Darnold went deep and the last chance for the Jets to make a game of it ended with an interception at the 5 yard line. Midway through the third quarter the Jets took over at their own 15. On 3rd and 8 from their own 35, Darnold was sacked and fumbled. The Ravens recovered at the Jets 24. Jackson went deep to Brown for the 24 yard touchdown to make it 28-7 Ravens. Baltimore got it back and a possibly overconfident John Harbaugh went for it on 4th and 1 from his own 29. Out of the shotgun, Jackson went deep to Andrews for a 36 yard gain. On 2nd and 20 from the Jets 33, Jackson went deep to Seth Roberts for the touchdown and a 35-7 Ravens lead. The Jets did get a s special teams touchdown in the fourth quarter on a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, but the onside kick failed and a short field led to a 10 yard touchdown pass to Ingram to make it 42-13 Ravens. The Jets got one more garbage touchdown. After his third game this year with 5 touchdown passes, Jackson took a seat and backup Robert Griffin III took some snaps. The 12-2 Ravens as of now are still the top AFC seed and can win home field throughout the playoffs with one more win in their final two games. 42-21 Ravens
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions — Jameis Winston continues to complete passes to both teams. Early on he was intercepted, but the Buccaneers held on defense. The Bucs took over at their own 21 and Winston hit Brate for 9, Brad Perriman for 22, and Watson for 5. On 3rd and 1 from the Detroit 36, Winston gained 2 and then went deep to Perriman for a 34 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers got it back at their own one yard line. On 3rd and 6 from their 5, Winton went to Miller for 11, deep to Godwin for 51, and then deep to Miller for the 33 yard touchdown. 99 yards the easy away made it 14-0 Buccaneers. In the second quarter the Buccaneers took over at their own 33. From their own 44, Winston hit Ogunbowale for 13 and Godwin for 20. On 3rd and 15 from the Detroit 25, Winston went to Perriman for the touchdown to make it 21-0 Buccaneers as Matt Patricia contemplated where he’d be applying for work next year.
The Lions tried to make a game of it. Matt Parater hit a 44 yard field goal with just over 3 minutes left in the half to get the Lions on the board. Matt Gay answered form 46 early in the third quarter to make it 24-3 Buccaneers. After a touchback, Blough hit James for 11 and 13 and Kenny Golladay for 5. On 3rd and 10 from their own 48, Blough went deep to Danny Amendola for a 46 yard gain. On 3rd and goal from the one, Hills got in to get the Lions within 24-10. The Lions got it back and faced 3rd and 1 at their own 22. Blough went deep to Golladay for 26 and deep again to Lacy for a 48 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the one, Hills got in again on the first play of the fourth quarter to get the Lions within 24-17. Midway through the fourth quarter, Gay missed a 54 yard field goal that would have given the Buccaneers some breathing room. The Lions moved from their 44 to a 1st and 10 at the Detroit 32 looking to tie the game. Blough was sacked for a 3 yard loss. With 5 minutes remaining on 2nd and 13, Blough was intercepted by Bunting, who returned it 70 yards the other way to put the game on ice with the Buccaneers up 31-17. After the Lions turned it over on downs at their own 46, Winston on 3rd and 7 threw a 25 yard touchdown pass to Perriman to complete the blowout. The Lions added one more fumble for good measure. Winston has his critics, but on this day his 458 yards and 4 touchdowns did not come during garbage time. His only interception came early in the game. He played well. 38-17 Buccaneers.
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins — The 6-7 Eagles came in actually tied for the NFC Least lead. In the first quarter the Eagles moved from their own 5 yard line on a staggering 16 play, 88 yard drive that took over 7 1/2 minutes. Despite 2nd and goal at the 7, Carson Wentz threw incomplete twice. Elliott hit the 25 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Eagles. 12 seconds later the Redskins had the lead. After a touchback, a short pass from Dwayne Haskins to McLaurin went for a 75 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Redskins. The Eagles got it back and faced 2nd and 8 at their own 27. Wentz threw incomplete but defensive unnecessary roughness added 15 yards. Wentz went to Dallas Goedert for 16 yards. Penalties had the Eagles facing 2nd and 22 from the Washington 26. Wentz threw incomplete but roughing the passer meant 15 yards and another first down. Another offensive penalty had the Eagles facing 1st and 20 at the Washington 31. On 2nd and 12 from the Washington 23, Wentz hit Goedert for 9 and on 3rd and 3 went to Ward for 6. Sanders ran for 7 and then for the one yard touchdown to cap the 10 play, 75 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive and make it 10-7 Eagles. Again after a touchback Washington responded. Defensive pass interference added 14 yards. Haskins went to Sims for 19. Adrian Peterson ran for 13. A sack was wiped away by defensive holding. Peterson ran for 14 more. On 3rd and goal from the 5, Haskins hit Sims for the score to make it 14-10 Redskins midway through the second quarter.
The Eagles in the third quarter faced 2nd and 8 from their own 36. Wentz threw incomplete, but yet another roughing the passer penalty added 15 yards. On 3rd and 9 from the Washington 48, Wentz hit Zach Ertz for 11. On 3rd and 2 from the Washington 29, Scott gained 3. On 3rd and 5 at the Washington 21, Wentz hit Scott for 5, Goedert for 6, and after a false start, Sanders for the 15 yard touchdown to put the Eagles back in front 17-14. The 12 play, 66 yard drive took 6 minutes off the clock. The Redskins after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 1 at their own 44. Peterson gained 10. On 3rd and 1 from the Philly 37, Haskins got around the end for 23 yards. Peterson ran for 4 and then for the 10 yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 21-17 Redskins. The Eagles soon faced 3rd and 10 at their own 25. Sanders got around the end for a 56 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Wentz hit Ertz for the score as the Eagles led 24-21 with 10 minutes left in regulation. Sims returned the ensuing kickoff 41 yards to the Washington 45. Haskins hit McLaurin for 22. Hopkins drilled a 53 yard field goal for a 24-24 game midway through the fourth quarter.
The Eagles took over and soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33 with 6 1/2 minutes left. Wentz was sacked and fumbled. The Redskins took over at the Philly 34. On 4th and 1 from the Philly 25 with 5 minutes left, Bill Callahan was not in a gambling mood. Hopkins hit the 43 yard field goal to make it 27-24 Redskins. After a touchback came the thrilling finish. On 3rd and 5 from their on 30, Wentz hit Ward for 13. Scott caught a pass for 6 and ran for 6 more. Wentz went to Goedert for 20 and Ward for 13 and 10. With 30 seconds left in the game, the Eagles had 1st and goal at the 4. Wentz hit Ward for the touchdown as the Eagles led 31-27. Sims returned the ensuing kickoff 30 yards to the Washington 31 with 18 seconds left. Haskins hit Harmon for 17 and Thompson for 10. With 13 seconds left the Redskins had 1st and 10 at the Philly 42, well in Hail Mary Range. Yet a shotgun snap was fumbled at midfield. Bradham picked it up and returned it 47 yards for a defensive touchdown exclamation point. The 7-7 Eagles are very much alive in the NFC Least as they find ways to win ugly in the final moments. 37-27 Eagles
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers — The 10-3 Packers came in one game up in the NFC North but one game back in the overall NFC. Early on the Bears punted on 4th and 19 from their own 16. A short punt followed by a catcher interference penalty on Chicago had the Packers starting at the Chicago 35. On 4th and 4 from the 29, Matt Lafleur decided to go for it rather than try a 47 yard field goal. Aaron Rodgers went deep to Devontae Adams for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Packers. The Bears managed a 30 yard Eddie Pineiro field goal just past the 2 minute warning, but this was a game about the Green Bay defense. In the third quarter the Packers took over at their own 27. Rodgers went to Adams for 34 yards and ran for 17 more himself. Aaron Jones then ran for a 21 yard touchdown as the Packers led 14-3. The Bears after a touchback moved to a 3rd and 4 at the Green Bay 32. Mitchell Trubisky was sacked for a 2 yard loss and Matt Nagy went for it on 4th and 6. Trubisky threw incomplete. The Packers faced 3rd and 4 at their own 40. Rodgers went deep to Kumerow for 49 yard and Adams for 9 more. Jones ran for the 2 yard touchdown as the Packers were safely ahead 21-3.
The Bears tried to make a game of it in the fourth quarter. They moved from their own 16 to a 3rd and 6 at the Green Bay 9. Trubisky threw incomplete. Needing 3 scores, on the first play of the fourth quarter Matt Nagy opted for the field goal. Pineiro hit from 27 to get the Bears within 21-6. Chicago got it back at their own 33. Trubisky hit Robinson for 9 and Anthony Miller for 17. On 3rd and 15 from the Green Bay 41, Trubisky only gained 8 but defensive holding meant an automatic first down. On 3rd and 7 from the Packers 25, Trubisky hit Robinson for 15. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Trubisky hit Miller for the score. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Bears were only down by 8. They had 3 more chances with the ball. With 6:40 to play, Trubisky was intercepted to set up the Packers at the Chicago 33. With 5 minutes left the Packers had 3rd and 4 at the Chicago 27, in easy field goal range for the clinching field goal try. Rodgers was sacked for an 11 yard loss and the Packers punted. The Bears mood from their own 5 yard line to a 1st and 10 just past midfield. Trubisky then threw 4 straight incompletions with 1:51 left. Chicago’s defense held again and the Bears got it back at their own 22 with 36 seconds left. With 9 seconds left from the Green Bay 34, Trubisky threw a Hail Mary. It bounced off the fingers of the defenders and then bounced off the fingers of the receiver in the back of the end zone. The Bears almost had it. One second still remained. This time the Bears went for the hook and laterals. It was working. Trubisky hit Cohen for 13, back to Trubisky for 5 more, then to Horsted for 9 all the way to the Green Bay 7. Then big man with football coughed it up and a scramble ensued. The Packers recovered at their own one yard line. It was typical ugly NFC North Black and Blue football, but the 11-3 Packers got the win. 21-13 Packers.
New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals— The Patriots do cheat, but does anyone think they could possibly gain a competitive advantage by spying on the Bengals? What could they possibly learn? After a touchback, Tom Brady immediately went to James White for 22 yards. Sony Michel gained 8 and 12. Harry gained 10. Brady went to White to make it 7-0 Patriots barely 3 minutes into the game. After a touchback, the Bengals rammed it on the ground. Joe Mixon ran for 2, 7, 3 on 3rd and 1, 2, and then 29. Bernard ran for 17, 4 and 3. On 3rd and 3 from the 8, Red Rifle Andy Dalton threw his first pass of the entire drive. He hit Carter for the touchdown to tie the game 7-7. The Bengals got it back at their 35. Mixon gained 13 and 5 and Dalton hit Tyler Eifert for 19. Despite 1st and 10 at the New England 17, a false start ended the drive. Bullock hit the 34 yard field goal as the Bengals had the surprising 10-7 lead after the first quarter. Then reality set in.
In the seconds quarter the Patriots moved from their own 25 to a 4th and 4 at the Cincy 35. Bill Belichick decided to go for it rather than try a 53 yard field goal. Brady threw incomplete. The Bengals moved from their own 35 to a 4th and 1 at the Patriots 30. The Bengals also went for it and Mixon got stuffed. The Patriots then moved from their own 31 to a 4th and 4 at the Cincy 22. This time Belichick opted for the field goal. Nick Folk hit from 40 for a 10-10 deadlock with 4 minutes left in the half. With 90 seconds left in the half, the Bengals fumbled a punt and the Patriots recovered at the Cincinnati 23. These are the plays that cause the Patriots to win games and the Bengals to lose games. Yet on 3rd and 8 from the Cincy 21, Brady was sacked for a 7 yard loss. Folk drilled the 46 yard field goal with 5 seconds left in the half to make it 13-10 Patriots. The third quarter began with the Bengals facing 3rd and 6 at their own 29. Dalton was intercepted at his own 43. Brady hit LaCosse for 6, Sony Michel for 14, and on 3rd and goal, Harry for the 7 yard touchdown in the back of the end zone to make it 20-10 Patriots. The Bengals moved from their own 12 to 1st and 10 at the Patriots 36. Dalton hit Mixon for 6 more, but an ineligible man downfield instead made it 1st and 15 from the Patriots 41. On the next play a short sideline pass saw Stephan Gilmore jump the route and glide 64 yards the other way. The defensive touchdown had the Patriots comfortably ahead 27-10. The Bengals did manage a field goal but the onsides kick failed and the short field gave the Patriots another touchdown. At 11-3 the Patriots are one step closer to a first round bye but still trail in the race for home field advantage throughout. 34-13 Patriots.
Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans — These 8-5 teams came in tied for the AFC South lead and play each other twice in the last 3 weeks. Early on the Texans moved from their 26 to a 2nd and 7 at the Titans 20. Deshaun Watson went to the end zone and was intercepted. The Titans moved from their own one yard line to a 2nd and 7 at the Houston 27. Ryan Tannehill threw incomplete twice. Ryan Succop’s 45 yard field goal try was blocked. In the second quarter the Titans moved from their own 24 to a 1st and goal at the 5. Tannehill was intercepted by Mercilus at the 2 yard line. Mercilus was merciless, returning the interception 86 yards to the Tennessee 12. Watson then went to Kenny Stills for the touchdown as the Texans led 7-0. The Texans got it back at their own 28. From the Titans 45, a 6 yard completion saw a 15 yard facemark call added on. On 3rd and 2 from the Titans 16, Watson went to Stills for the score as the Texans led 14-0 with just over 3 minutes left in the half.
The Titans began the third quarter facing 3rd and 5 at their own 29. Tannehill hit AJ Brown for 9 yards. On 3rd and 3 from their own 45, Tannehill hit Smith for 11. On 3rd and goal at the one, Henry got stopped. Mike Vrabel decided to go for it. After 15 plays, 76 yards and 9 1/2 minutes, it came down to 4th and goal at the one. Tannehill got around the end and got in to get the Titans within 14-7. The Titans moved from their own 36 to 2nd and goal at the 4. In a game of big defensive stops, Watson went to the end zone and was intercepted for a touchback. The Titans began the fourth quarter facing 2nd and 3 at their own 27. Smith got around the end for a 57 yard gain. Tannehill went to Brown for a 5 yard touchdown. 90 seconds into the fourth quarter, the game was tied 14-14.
The Texans took over at their 25. From their 36, Watson went to Deandre Hopkins for a 35 yard gain. On 3rd and 8 from the Titans 27, Watson gained 12, with defensive holding adding 5 more. Carlos Hyde ran for the 10 yard touchdown to put the Texans back in from 21-14 with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation. Houston got it back at their own 9 yard line. On 3rd and 1 from their 18, Hyde gained 2. Watson then went deep to hopkins for 35 yards. and again for 25 more. Kaimi Fairbairn hit a 29 yard field goal with 3 1/2 minutes left to give the Texans some breathing room up 24-14. After a touchback, Tannehill did what he could. He hit Smith for a pair of 5 yard gains and then for 23, Sharpe for 12, Davis for 19 and Lewis for the 11 yard touchdown. The Titans were within a field goal at the 2 minute warning. Tennessee got it back with 17 seconds left at their own 12. Tannehill was sacked to end the game. Houston’s big road win put them at 9-5 and dropped Tennessee to 8-6. The rematch is in 2 weeks in the season finale in Houston. 24-21 Texans
Seattle Seahawks at Carolina Panthers — The 10-3 Seahawks came in one game back in the NFC West. On 3rd and 1 from their own 34, Chris Carson gained 23 yards. Russell Wilson hit Tyler Lockett for and CJ Prosise for a pair of 10 yard gains. Carson ran for 6 and then for the 16 yard touchdown to make it 6-0 Seahawks. The extra point dunked off the upright no good. Seattle got it back at their own 20. From their 30, Wilson went deep to Lockett for 44 yards and to DK Metcalf for a 19 yard touchdown to make it 13-0 Seahawks.
After that the Panthers finally got going. On 2nd and 11 from their 24, Kyle Allen hit Samuel for 12 and Christian McCaffrey ran for a pair of 13 yard gains and then 5 and 4. On 3rd and 1 from the Seattle 29, Moore gained 10. On 3rd and goal from the one, McCaffrey got in to get the Panthers within 13-7 only one minute into the second quarter. Yet Seattle kept rolling. On 2nd and 18 from their own 17, Wilson went deep to Josh Gordon for 58 yards. On 3rd and 4 from the Carolina 19, Wilson was sacked and fumbled. However, defensive offsides kept the drive going. On 2nd and 15 from the Carolina 19, Wilson went to Lockett for the touchdown to make it 20-7 Seahawks. A hideous third quarter saw the Panthers kick a field goal to get within 20-10.
Allen was intercepted, then Wilson was intercepted, and then Allen was intercepted again. The Seahawks managed the answering field goal to lead 23-10 after three quarters. The Seahawks began the fourth quarter at their own 18. Carson ran fro 15 and Wilson hit Lockett for 20. On 3rd and 9 from the Carolina 46, Wilson went to Metcalf for 17 and Brown for 9. On 4th and 1 from the Carolina 6 midway through the fourth quarter, Pete Carroll went for the kill shot. Carson got in to make it 30-10 Seahawks. After a touchback, Allen mounted a furious rally. He hit McCaffrey for 4, Moore for 9, Thomas for 11, Hogan for 13, and Moore for 15. McCaffrey ran for a 15 yard touchdown to get the Panthers within 30-17 with 5 minutes left. 30 seconds later the Panthers got it back at their own 16 after taking their timeouts on defense. Allen Moore for a pair of 22 yard gains and then for 17 more, McCaffrey for 18, and on 3rd and goal, Curtis Samuel for the 5 yard touchdown. The Panthers were within 6 with 3:14 to play. With 2:21 left on 3rd and 11 from their own 24, Wilson hit Lockett for 14 yards. At the 2 minute warning on 2nd and 9 from the Seattle 39, Carson gained 10 and Wilson took a couple knees. It was scary at the end, but with the win the Seahawks moved to 11-3 but still in the wild card slot. 30-24 Seahawks
Denver Broncos at Kansas City Chiefs — The Chiefs made it look easily early on in a game with snow falling at Arrowhead. From their own 21, a roughing the passer penalty added 15 yards. Patrick Mahomes then hit Sammy Watkins for 10, Robinson for 13, and Tyreek Hill for a 41 yard touchdown to make it 6-0 Chiefs. Due to miserable weather conditions, the extra point snap was fumbled and the try never got off the ground. The Chiefs mounted two long drives in the second quarter that bogged down inside the Denver 10 yard line. Harrison Butker kicked field goals of 23 and 24 yards for a 12-0 Chiefs lead. Denver did move after a touchback to a 4th and 1 at the Chiefs 48. Needing a spark Vic Fangio went for it. Rather than ram it up the gut, Drew Lock went for it all and hit Nick Fans for a 43 yard gain to set up 1st and goal at the 9. Yet a run lost 5 yards and Lock threw incomplete twice. Brandon McManus hit the 32 yard field goal to get the Broncos on the board, but the Chiefs came back again. From their own 21, Mahomes went to Travis Kelce for 12, 17, and 39. Despite 1st and 10 at the Denver 21 with 37 seconds left, Mahomes threw incomplete twice and on 3rd and 10 was sacked for a 5 yard loss. With 2 seconds left Butker came in for a 44 yard try. The kick was good as the Chiefs led 15-3 at the break. The Chiefs looked to quickly put the game away in the third quarter from their 25. Mahomes went to Kelce for 9 and Hill for 7. On 3rd and 4 from their own 43, Mahomes went to Hill for 12, Kelce for 16, Bell for 11, Kelce for 10, and Hill for the 5 yard touchdown. Mahomes went to Watkins for the 2 point conversion to cap the 10 play, 75 yard, 5 minute drive. In heavy snow, the final 21 minutes were scoreless. At 10-4, the Chiefs still have an outside shot at a 1st round bye, making Andy Reid a most happy Walrus Lite indeed. 23-3 Chiefs
Miami Dolphins at New York Giants — The 3-10 Dolphins faced the 2-11 Giants in a game that league officials said would not be canceled. In the second quarter, the Dolphins moved from their own 11 to a 2nd and 9 at the Giants 47. Ryan Fitzpatrick went to Gesicki for 6, to Wilson on 3rd and 3 for 21, and to Parker for the 20 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Dolphins. The Giants responded quickly. On 3rd and 10 from their own 25, a defensive pass interference call on an incomplete pass added 24 yards. Eli Manning then went deep to Golden Tate for a 51 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. With 90 seconds left in the half, an interception of Manning set up the Dolphins at the Giants 28. Yet on 4th and 1 from the Giants 6 with 47 seconds left, Brian Flores took no chances. Sanders hit the 24 yard field goal to make it 10-7 Dolphins. The third quarter began with the Giants at their own 30. Manning went to Slayton for 26, to Saquon Barkley for 6, to Latimer for 21, and to Slayton for the 5 yard touchdown to make it 14-10 Giants. A hideous third quarter saw the Dolphins facing 3rd and 10 at their own 25. Fitzpatrick gained 5 but fumbled the ball away at their own 33. On 3rd and 1 from the Miami 24, Manning was intercepted by Baker, who returned it 34 yards just shy of midfield. Despite 2nd and 6 from the Giants 29, Fitzpatrick threw incomplete twice. Sanders hit the 47 yard field goal to get the Dolphins within 14-13.
Miami got it back but a good punt pinned them at their own 3. A false start meant 1st and 11 from their 2. Laird was tackled in the end zone for a safety to make it 16-13 Giants. That was the turning point in the game. Scott returned the free kick 34 yards to the Miami 40. Manning went to Shepard for 15 and 24 down to the one. Barkley got in for the score to make it 23-13 Giants. The Giants got it back at their own 34. Barkley gained 6 and 4. Manning went to Shepard for 24 yards. Barkley ran for 8, 7 and the 10 yard touchdown on the first play of the fourth quarter to make it 30-13 Giants. With 6:40 left and the Dolphins having to go for it on 4th and 12 from their own 44, Fitzpatrick threw incomplete. Javorious Allen ran for a one yard touchdown to make it 36-13 Giants as 22 straight points turned a close game into a blowout. Nobody piles up garbage yards and points like Ryan Fitzpatrick, as the Dolphins got a garbage touchdown. With the win, Giants fans will complain that they blew it by losing a spot in the 2020 NFL Draft. 36-20 Giants
Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders — The final Raiders home game in the history of Oakland had the team emotional. At 6-7 after a 3 game losing streak, they needed a miracle to make the playoffs. Yet winning their final ever game in the Black Hole had to happen. The Jaguars were a total mess, and they had the 30th ranked rushing defense. The Raiders had Josh Jacobs back from a one game injury. If ever there was a game the Raiders could win, this was it. With Raiders legends past and present on hand, the Raiders did what they could. In the first half Derek Carr was 14 of 23 for 221 yards passing and one touchdown. Gardner Minshew was 3 of 10 for 69 yards, with most of that coming on one play. The Jaguars had one first down in the entire first half. The Jaguars had 10 total yards rushing and 75 total yards. The Raiders had early 300 yards of total offense. The Raiders had the ball for over 21 minutes compared to less than 9 minutes for the Jaguars. The Raiders had only one penalty for 5 yards. It was total Silver and Black domination everywhere except where it mattered…on the scoreboard.
After a touchback to start the game, John Gruden pounded the rock. Jacobs ran for 8, 1, and on 3rd and 1, 6. Derek Carr hit Deandre Washington for 9 and Darren Waller for 10. On 2nd and 9 from the Jacksonville 40, Carr found Tyrell Williams, who blasted through a would-be tackler and coasted in for the touchdown. The Raiders led 7-0 only 3 1/2 minutes into the game, but all their yards would not get them in the end zone the rest of the half. The Jaguars soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 31. Gardner Minshew went deep to Cole for a 55 yard bomb. That one play was more than 2/3 of what would be the entire yards Jacksonville would gain in the first half. On 3rd and 9 from the Oakland 13, Minshew only gained 3. Josh Lambo hit the 28 yard field goal to get the Jaguars within 7-3. They would not have another first down the entire rest of the half. Daniel Carlson hit field goals of 33 in the first quarter and 34 and 27 in the second quarter, the last one coming to end the half. The Raiders led 16-3 at halftime, but missed opportunities in the red zone prevented this from being a blowout. The end result was inevitable.
The Jaguars in the third quarter held the ball for 8 1/2 minutes on a 14 play, 59 yard drive. From their own 16, they moved to a 4th and 1 at the Oakland 36. Doug Marrone went for it and the Raiders had 12 men on the defense. On 3rd and 9 from the Oakland 32, Minshew hit Conley for 18. On 3rd and 9 from the Oakland 13, Minshew was sacked for a 12 yard loss. Lambo hit a 43 yard field goal to get the Jaguars within 16-6. The Raiders punted on 4th and 21 from their own 35 with 11 minutes left. The Jaguars took over at their own 21. Minshew hit Devalve for 11. On 3rd and 8 from the Jacksonville 34, Minshew only gained 6 but the Raiders jumped offsides. On 4th and 1 from their own 41, Doug Marrone had to go for it. One defensive stop would end it. Leonard Fournette was hit in the backfield but gutted ahead. He still appeared short but was given a first down by half a football length. The spot was not challenged. With 5:15 to play, Minshew hit Conley for the touchdown. The Jaguars only trailed 16-13. The entire world knew what was going to happen to the Raiders, but the way it happened was still shocking.
They moved from their own 30 to the Jacksonville 43. Carr ran for a 12 yard gain and pumped his fist. The clock should have ticked down to the 2 minute warning. Then the refs who have hated the Raiders since the arrival of Al Davis struck again. The Tuck Rule was bad. This was a knife in the heart. Officials ruled that Carr slid out of bounds, even though replay clearly showed his knee inbounds. John Gruden was not allowed to challenge the call. tHE raiders were also charged with a delay of game. So instead of 2:00 left and 1st and 10, it was 2:05 and 1st and 15. Jacksonville was gifted an extra timeout on this horrendous all. With 1:52 left the Raiders had 3rd and 11 from the Jags 32. The Raiders had to run the ball. Instead Carr threw incomplete. Carlson came in for a 50 yard field goal try to make it a 6 point game. He was no good, but the Raiders got a gift when Jacksonville ran into the kicker. Given another chance from 45 yards out, Carlson was no good again. The end of this game was inevitable.
From the Jacksonville 35, Minshew hit Board for 8 and ran for 8. Minshew hot Fournette for 11 and Conley for 21. An incompelte pass was nullified by a very questionable roughing the passer penalty. With 34 seconds left, it came down to 3rd and goal at the 4. Did anyone think the heartless Raiders defense would get a stop? Gardner hit Minshew for the score and the collapse was complete. With 13 seconds left from their own 17, a defensive pass interference call put the ball at midfield for a 33 yard gain. With 8 seconds left from the Jags 40, Carr’s Hail Mary was knocked down. With 2 seconds left, the final Hail Mary was also knocked down incomplete. Oakland finished with a heartless effort in the most meaningful Raiders game since Al Davis died in 2010. Jon Gruden must fire defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. Gruden and Mike Mayock must fix the pass defense, especially the secondary. To the refs who hate the guts of the #RaiderNation, we hate your guts too. It’s not a conspiracy when it’s actually happening. The Raiders had the game stolen from them, but they can blame themselves for being 6-8 and out of the playoffs. 20-16 Jaguars
Minnesota Vikings at Los Angeles Chargers — The 9-4 Vikings came in one game back of Green Bay in the NFC North. Minnesota began facing 3rd and 1 at their own 34. Kirk Cousins hit Kyle Rudolph for 5 yards and again for 21 more. Cousins hit Stephan Diggs for another 10. On 3rd and 6 from the Chargers 16, Cousins threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. On the next play Cousins hit Smith for the touchdown to make it 6-0 Vikings. The extra point was no good. The Chargers moved from their own 15 to a 2nd and 4 at the Minnesota 23. A run went nowhere and Philip Rivers then threw incomplete. Mike Badgley hit the 41 yard field goal to get the Chargers within 6-3. The Chargers got the ball back at their own 4 yard line. From their 11, Melvin Gordon fumbled and the Vikings took over at the same spot. The Chargers held Minnesota to a 26 yard dan Bailey field goal and a 9-3 Vikings lead on the first play of the second quarter. The Chargers soon faced 3rd and 7 at their own 28. Rivers went to Keenan Allen for 19. A sack of Rivers had the Chargers facing 2nd and 19 at their own 38. Rivers hit Williams for 11 and on 3rd and 8 Allen for 14. Rivers then went to Austin Ekeler for 27 yards. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Rivers went to Williams for the touchdown. The Chargers led 10-9 but after that Mike Zimmer’s defense pounded the Chargers into the ground.
The Vikings moved from their 25. On 3rd and 7 from their own 42, Cousins went to Adam Thielen for 13 yards and Dalvin Cook for 11 more. On 3rd and 7 from the Chargers 26, Cousins threw incomplete. Bailey hit from 44 to make it 12-10 Vikings. The teams traded interceptions and the Chargers moved from their 43 to a 2nd and 2 at the Minnesota 26 with 23 seconds left in the half. Even a field goal would give the Chargers the lead. Rivers was sacked for a 10 yard loss and fumbled. Odenigbo picked it up and rumbled 56 yards for a defensive touchdown as the Vikings led 19-10 at the intermission. in the third quarter a Chargers fumble led to a Bailey field goal of 38 yards. Bailey hit again from 27 to have the Vikings up 25-10. The Chargers moved from their own 23 to a 4th and 2 at the Minnesota 35. Anthony Lynn went for it and Rivers went to Hunter Henry for 24 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Minnesota 7, Rivers was sacked for a 3 yard loss as the third quarter ended. Then came a false start. Then Rivers threw incomplete. The Vikings began the fourth quarter at their own 15. Cousins went to Rudolph for 22. on 3rd and 14 from their own 46, Cousins went deep to Diggs for 46 yards. On the next play Boone ran for the 8 yard touchdown. with 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation the Vikings led 32-10. One play after a touchback, a short completion was fumbled and the Vikings recovered at the Chargers 10 yard line. Boone ran for 3, 5, and on 3rd and goal got the 2 yard touchdown to make it 39-10 Vikings.
Cleveland Browns at Arizona Cardinals — The Cardinals began at their own 10. Kenyon Drake ran for 16 and 13 sandwiched around a Kyler Murray completion to Drake for 9. Murray then went to Larry Fitzgerald for a pair of 16 yard gains and then for 10 more. Drake ran for the 5 yard touchdown as the 10 play, 90 yard 5 minute drive had the Cardinals up 7-0. The Browns moved to the Arizona 20 but Baker Mayfield went to the end zone and was intercepted for a touchback. The Cardinals began the second quarter facing 1st and 10 at their own 33. Murray got around the end for a 35 yard gain. On 3rd and 14 from the Cleveland 36, Murray hit Cooper for 17 and Clay for 18 down to the one. Drake got in to make it 14-0 Cardinals.
The Browns took over and after a delay of game faced 2nd and 15 at their own 12. Mayfield went to O’Dell Beckham for 17 and Ratley for 12. Nick Chubb did the rest, running for 6, 17, 3, and then the 33 yard touchdown to get the Browns within 14-7. A quick interception of Murray had the Browns taking over at the Arizona 28. On 3rd and 2 form the Arizona 20, a truck play of laterals lost 6 yards. Austin Seibert hit the 44 yard field goal to get the Browns within 14-10. The Cardinals got it back at their own 13. Murray and Byrd combined on a 51 yard gain. On 4th and 1 from the Cleveland 26, Klff Kingsbury went for it. Drake gained 3 yards. On 3rd and 1 from the Cleveland 14, Murray gained 7. Murray hit Arnold for the 6 yard touchdown with 30 seconds left in the half. The 11 play, 87 yard drive had the Cardinals up 21-10. After a touchback to start the third quarter, the Browns faced 3rd and 4 at their own 36. Mayfield went to Karim Hunt for just enough. Chubb then ran for 12 and 8. On 3rd and 3 from the Arizona 41, Mayfield ran for 4 with defensive holding adding 5 more. Chubb then ran for 29 down to the 3. Mayfield hit Seals-Jones for a 2 yard touchdown to get the Browns within 21-17.
The Cardinals took over at their own 39 and Murray hit Byrd for 17, Kirk for 15, and Byrd for 5. On 3rd and 3 from the Cleveland 22, Murray threw incomplete. Arizona challenged the call, and it was reversed to defensive pass interference and 1st and goal at the one. On the next play Drake ran it in to make it 28-17 Cardinals after three quarters. The Browns moved from their own 22 to a 4th and 3 at the Arizona 27 with 12 minutes left in regulation. Needing 2 scores, Freddie Kitchens opted for the 45 yard field goal try. It was no good. After that the Cardinals turned out the lights. The Cardinals took over at their own 35. From their 38, Murray hit Byrd for 7. Drake ran for 12 and 7. On 3rd and 3 from the Cleveland 36, Murray went to Kirk for 10. Drake ran for 9 and then the 17 yard touchdown to make it 35-17 Cardinals. One play after a touchback, Mayfield went to Seals-Jones for 26 yards but Seals-Jones fumbled and the Cardinals recovered. Zane Gonzalez hit a 21 yard field goal to make it 38-17 Cardinals. The Browns did get a garbage touchdown on a 91 yard drive, but needed 19 plays to do it. 38-24 Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers — The 11-2 49ers entered one game ahead of Seattle, Green Bay and New Orleans in the NFC, and Green Bay and Seattle won earlier in the day. In the first quarter the 49ers took over at their own 12 yard line. On 3rd and 1 from their own 21, Mostert ran for 7 and 8, Matt Breida added 9, and Samuel gained 8 more. On 4th and 1 from the Atlanta 36, Kyle Shanahan decided to go for it. Jimmy Garoppolo hit Greg Kittle for 5 yards. On 3rd and 19 from the Atlanta 40, Garoppolo threw incomplete but a roughing the passer call meant 15 more yards and more downs. The second quarter began with the 49ers facing 3rd and 1 at the Atlanta 16. Garoppolo gained 3. On 3rd and 4 from the Atlanta 7, Garoppolo hit Kittle for 5. Mostert ran for the 2 yard touchdown to cap what may be the drive of the year. 21 plays. Yes, 21 plays. 88 yards. Nearly 11 minutes. The 49ers led 7-0 but the Falcons finally got moving. On 3rd and 4 from their own 36, Matt Ryan hit Julio Jones for 28 yards and again for 9. On 3rd and 2 from the Frisco 23, Ryan hit Austin Hooper for 5. On 3rd and 3 from the Frisco 11, Matty Ice went to Jones for 6 and then again for the 5 yard touchdown as Jones made a gorgeous toe-tap in the end zone to make it 7-7. The rest of the half was a slugfest. Koo hit a 43 yard field goal for the 49ers. With one minute left in the half the Falcons had 2nd and goal at the 3. A run lost a yard and Ryan threw incomplete. Robbie Gould hit from 22 as the teams went to the locker rooms deadlocked 10-10.
In the third quarter the 49ers took over at their own 37. Garoppolo was sacked but roughing the passer added 15 yards. Robbie Gould hit a 46 yard field goal to make it 13-10 49ers. With 10 1/2 minutes left in regulation the Falcons fumbled a punt and the 49ers recovered at the Atlanta 2 yard line. Garoppolo hit Juszczyk for the touchdown. The extra point was no good as the 49ers led 19-10. The Falcons soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 31. Ryan hit Jones for just enough. On 3rd and 5 from the Atlanta 40, Ryan hit Jones for 15. From the Frisco 33, Ryan threw deep incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 32 yard gain and 1st and goal at the one. Ollison got in to get the Falcons within 19-17 with 5:15 to play. The 49ers after a touchback tried to run out the clock. At the 2 minute warning, the 49ers faced 3rd and 4 at the Atlanta 28. Garoppolo hit Kittle, who fumbled but retained possession for a 3 yard gain. On 4th and 1 at the Atlanta 25 with 1:52 to play, Kyle Shanahan opted for the field goal. Gould hit from 43 but the 49ers only led 22-17.
Now it was time for a finish that would scramble the entire NFC upside down. From the Atlanta 30 with 1:42 left, Ryan hit Freeman for 13, Gage for 8, and Jones for 25. Ryan ran for 9. With 30 seconds left on 3rd and 1 from the Frisco 15, Ryan went to Jones for 10. With 8 seconds left and 2nd and goal at the 5, Ryan went to Hooper for the touchdown. The Falcons celebrated but on further review, the call was reversed incomplete. Unlike Oakland, San Francisco gets every single call. With 5 seconds left, Ryan hit Jones at the goal line. Officials ruled Jones was short, but replay clearly showed that Jones broke the plane of the goal. On further review, the call was reversed. For the first time in decades, San Francisco did not get the call. With 2 seconds left, the Falcons led 23-22. On the ensign kickoff, the hook and laterals were fumbled and returned for another touchdown. An Absolute shocker dropped the 49ers to 11-3. Just like that, they are no longer the top seed. They are tied with Seattle but Seattle has the tie-breaker. The 49ers if the playoffs ended today would be a wildcard and have to win on the road. In 1995, the defending champion 49ers needed a win over lowly Atlanta to secure home field throughout the playoffs. They led 21-6 and somehow lost 28-27. They lost home field and were knocked out in the wildcard round. 24 years later we shall see if history repeats itself. 29-22 Falcons
Los Angeles Rams at Dallas Cowboys — Despite the Rams being 8-5 and the Cowboys being 6-7, Dallas was actually in a better playoff position because of the woeful NFC Least. Midway through the first quarter the Cowboys faced 3rd and 3 at their own 17. Ezekiel Elliott gained 4 yards. On 3rd and 9 from their own 34, an interception of Dak Prescott was wiped away by offsetting penalties. On the next play Prescott went Amari Cooper for 19 and Jason Witten for 9. Elliott ran for 9 and Pollard added 8. On 3rd and 10 from the Rams 19, Prescott went to Witten for the touchdown. The 15 play, 90 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive had the Cowboys up 7-0. The Rams soon faced 3rd and 2 at their own 33. Jared Goff hit Robert Woods for 5 yards and then went to Reynolds for 28 more as the first quarter ended. On the first play of the second quarter, Goff went to Tyler higgle for 26 more. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Goff hit Todd Gurley for the score to make it 7-7. After that Dallas took over the game.
After a touchback, Elliot ran for 15 and Prescott went deep to Teryl Austin for a 59 yard touchdown to put the Cowboys up 14-7. Dallas got the ball back at their own 3 yard line and then delivered a backbreaking drive. On 3rd and 4 from their own 9, Prescott went to Jarwin for 20. Elliott gained 8 and 2. Pollard ran for 25 and Prescott hit Jarwin for 20. On 4th and 1 from the Rams 7, Jason Garrett decided to go for it. Prescott gained 2. On 3rd and goal at the one at the 2 minute warning, Elliott got in to make it 21-7 Cowboys. The Rams soon faced 2nd and 15 at their own 20. Goff was intercepted by Sean Lee, who returned it 25 yards to the Rams 9. With 30 seconds left in the half on 3rd and goal at the 7, Prescott threw incomplete but defensive illegal use of hands meant 1st and goal at the 3. On the next play Elliott got in to have the Cowboys up 28-7 at halftime. A pointless second half saw Kai Forbath hit field goals of 50 in the third quarter and a pair of 42 yarders in the fourth quarter to put the Cowboys up 37-7. The Rams got a pair of garbage touchdowns sandwiched around another Cowboys touchdown. Jason Garrett is the new Wayne Fontes. Every time he is about to get fired, he wins. 44-21 Cowboys
Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers was the Sunday night game. The 9-4 Bills took on the 9-5 Steelers in a game that had playoff implications for both of them. This was an old-school barefisted slobberknocker. A shanked 22 yard punt had the Bills taking over at the Pittsburgh 40. On 4th and 6 from the Pittsburgh 36, Sean McDermott decided to go for it rather than try a 54 yard field goal. Josh Allen hit Brown for 10. On 3rd and 2 from the Pittsburgh 18, Singletary ran for 3 and then 14 down to the one as the first quarter ended. The second quarter began with Allen getting the last yard to make it 7-0 Bills. The Steelers moved from their 28 to the Buffalo 28, but a run lost 3 yards and Devlin “Duck” Hodges threw incomplete twice. Chris Boswell hit a 49 yard field goal to get the Steelers within 7-3. The Steelers began the third quarter at their own 31. Hodges went to Johnson for a 29 yard gain. On 3rd and 3 from the Buffalo 31, Hodges hit Gentry for 4. James Conner ran for 17 and caught an 11 yard touchdown pass from Hodges as the Steelers took the 10-7 lead. Late in the third quarter on 1st and 10 from the Buffalo 43, Hodges was intercepted by White, who returned it 49 yards to the Pittsburgh 18. The fourth quarter began with the Bills facing 3rd and 2 at the Pittsburgh 10. Allen got just enough. Despite 1st and goal at the 8, three straight runs all went for losses. Steve Hauschka hit the 36 yard field goal with 12 1/2 minutes left in regulation for a 10-10 tie.
With 10 minutes left the Bills took over at their own 30. Allen went deep to Brown for a 40 yard gain. Singletary gained 15. The Bills fumbled but retained possession. On 3rd and 9 from the Pittsburgh 14, Allen went to Kroft for the touchdown as the Bills led by 7 midway through the fourth quarter. With 5:13 to play Pittsburgh took over at their own 19. Hodges hit Johnson for 4 and 10 and Vannett for 7. With 3:10 to play on 3rd and 1 from the Pittsburgh 42, out of the shotgun Hodges went deep to Washington for a 32 yard gain. On 3rd and 20 from the Buffalo 36, Hodges hit Vannett for 13 yards. It all came down to 4th and 7 from the Buffalo 23 at the 2 minute warning. Hodges went to the end zone and was intercepted for a touchback. Pittsburgh took their timeouts on defense and a short 31 yard punt gave the Steelers the ball back at their own 43 with 90 seconds left. A mindless offensive holding penalty on Buffalo before the punt stopped the clock and preserved 40 seconds for the Steelers. Two defensive penalties on Buffalo including a facemark gave Pittsburgh 20 free yards and kept stopping the clock. With 39 seconds left the Steelers had 1st and 10 at the Buffalo 26. Yet on the next play Hodges was sacked for an 8 yard loss. The clock kept ticking down to less than 15 seconds. From the Buffalo 34, a desperate Hodges again went into the end zone, again found double coverage, and again was intercepted for a touchback with 6 seconds left. The Bills got to 10-4 and clinched a playoff birth but remain one game back of New England in the AFC East. The Bills have a showdown at New England in 6 days on a special edition of Saturday Night Football. The 8-6 Steelers can still make the playoffs with a win in either of their final two games, but both will be on the road. This was the biggest win for Buffalo in some time. 17-10 Bills
Indianapolis Colts at New Orleans Saints was the Monday night game. The Colts at 6-7 are collapsing, and they played like it. The 10-3 Saints are in Super Bowl or bust mode and they played like it. This game was over by halftime. In the first quarter the Colts punted on 4th and 19 at their own 39. It was partially blocked to set up the Saints at the Indy 33. Wil Lutz hit a 33 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Saints. The Saints got it back at their own 10. Drew Brees went to Michael Thomas for 23 and Latavius Murray for 10. The second quarter began with the Saints facing 3rd and 2 at the Indy 37. Brees threw incomplete but defensive holding kept the drive going. On 3rd and 11 from the Indy 33, Brees went to Jared Cook for 18 and to Thomas for the 15 yard touchdown to make it 10-0 Saints. The Saints followed up the 12 play, 90 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive with a 10 play, 85 yard, 6 minute drive. On 3rd and 1 from their own 24, Line got the yard. Brees then went to Thomas for 24 and Murray for 10. Brees threw a 21 yard touchdown pass to Treyquon Smith to make it 17-0 Saints. The Saints then moved 80 yards in 10 plays at the end of the half. They went from their own 12 to 1st and goal at the 6 until the Colts defense finally got a stop. Lutz hit from 26 to end the half with the Saints up 20-0. The second half was pointless. In the third quarter the Saints went 75 yards in 12 plays and 8 minutes. Brees hit Josh Hill for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 27-0 Saints. The Saints got it back at their own 49 and Brees threw a 28 yard touchdown pass to Taysom Hill to make it 34-0 Saints. Brees had a game for the ages. He completed 29 of 30 passes. You read that correctly. One incompletion. 307 yards, 4 touchdowns, 0 interceptions. The 11-3 Saints are one of four teams tied for the top record in the NFC. The Colts got a fourth quarter garbage touchdown to avoid the shutout. 34-7 Saints