NFL 2020 Week 10 Recap
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans was the Thursday night game. A pair of good football teams faced off in an AFC South showdown. Early on the Titans made it look easy. From their own 33, Ryan Tannehill hit Blasingame for 13 and AJ Brown for 21. On 3rd and 2 from the Colts 25, Tannehill hit Davis for 20 and D’Onta Foreman for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Titans. After a touchback, the Colts failed to convert on 3rd and 1 from their own 45. Frank Reich decided to gamble on 4th and 1 in his own territory and Taylor got a critical 2 yards. Yet on 4th and 1 from the Titans 29, Reich went for it again and Wilkins got stopped short. The Colts got it back and moved from their own 25 to a 3rd and 3 at the Titans 6 yard line. Philip Rivers threw incomplete. This time Frank Reich settled for the 24 yard field goal. Rodrigo Blankenship hit it and the Colts were within 7-3. In the second quarter after a touchback, the Titans moved with help from Derrick Henry ripping off a 20 yard gain. Yet on 3rd and 8 from the Indy 35, a completion from Tannehill to Batson only gained 5 Stephen Gostkowski drilled a 50 yard field goal to make it 10-3 Titans.
The Colts took over at their own 20. Rivers hit Nyheim Hines for 11. On 3rd and 2 from their own 39, Rivers hit Pittman for 30, Taylor for 14 and Hines for the 13 yard touchdown to make it 10-10. After a touchback, Henry caught a pass for 6 and ran for 8, 5, 4 and 16. Tannehill went to Davis for 18. Defensive pass interference added 17 yards down to the one. Jon Smith got in as the Titans led 17-10 with 3 minutes left in the half. The Titans moved the ball well for most of the first half, but after that the Colts defense shut them down. The Colts took over at their own 24 and Rivers hit Hilton for 11. On 3rd and 4 from their own 41, Rivers went to Harris for 21 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Titans 30, Rivers hit Hilton for 8. With 16 seconds left in the half the Colts had 2nd and 8 at the Titans 9. Rivers was sacked for an 11 yard loss. Without a timeout, Rivers hurried everyone to the line and spiked the ball with one second left. Blankenship hit from 43 as the Colts trailed 17-13.
The Colts ended the half with a 13 play, 51 yard drive and began the third quarter with a 15 play, 73 yard, 7 1/2 minute drive. From their own 26, they moved to a 4th and 2 at the Titans 25. Frank Reich went for it and Rivers hit Zach Pascal for 9. On 4th and 1 from the Titans 7, Reich gambled again. Taylor gained 2. On 3rd and goal at t he one, Taylor got stopped and Reich rolled the dice a 3rd time. Wilkins got stopped. The Titans defense celebrated the goal line stand, but it was their last gasp. They were exhausted. The Titans faced 3rd and 1 at their own 20 and needed to give their defense a rest. Instead, Tannehill was sacked for a 10 yard loss. Then Daniel shanked a 17 yard punt to set up the Colts at the Titans 27. The Titans defense finally broke. Pittman ran for a 21 yard gain and Hines ran for a 2 yard touchdown to make it 20-17 Colts.
The Titans went 3 and out and had to punt on 4th and 9 from their own 26. Things got worse for Daniel as this time his punt was blocked. TJ Carrie picked it up and ran for a 6 yard special teams touchdown to make it 27-17 Colts. In the fourth quarter the Titans moved from their own 22 on a 52 yard, 12 play drive. With 12 minutes left in regulation and needing 2 scores, Gostkowski came in for a 44 yard field goal try to make it a one score game. The kick was no good. From their own 34, the Colts quickly delivered the dagger. A defensive facemask moved the ball near midfield. Rivers went to Pittman for a 40 yard gain. Jacoby Brissett came in for one play and ran for a 2 yard touchdown to complete the scoring. The Titans reached 3rd and 3 at the Indy 12 but Tannehill fired incomplete twice as both teams are 6-3 on the year but the Titans have lost 3 of their last 4 games. 34-17 Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars at Green Bay Packers — A couple weeks ago the 5-1 Packers were shocked at home by 1-5 Minnesota. Today the 6-2 Packers were supposed to steamroll over the anemic 1-7 Jaguars. Cue ESPN uber-announcer Chris Berman: “THAT’s why they PLAY the GAMES!” Jacksonville’s defense came for a street fight. In the first quarter from their own 38. Jake Luton went to DJ Chark for 11 and Robinson ripped off 3 straight 6 yard gains. On 3rd and 4 from the Green Bay 33, Luton threw incomplete. Chase McLaughlin hit a 52 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Jaguars. Bad field position and the Jacksonville defense were hurting the Packers, who took over at their own 9. On 3rd and 3 from the 16, Rodgers went to Devontae Adams for 6. On the first play of the second quarter from their own 22, Rodgers went bombs away to Marques Valdez-Scantling, who broke a tackle, crisscrossed the field, picked up an inadvertent block from the official, and outraced the defense for a 78 yard touchdown and a 7-3 Packers lead. One play gave the Packers the lead and one play gave it back to the Jaguars. This time it was special teams as Keelan Cole returned a punt 90 yards for a touchdown to make it 10-7 Jaguars.
The Packers soon faced 3rd and 6 from their own 23. Rodgers went deep to Valdez-Scantling for 22. On 3rd and 7 from his own 48, Rodgers hit Williams for 12. On 3rd and 1 from the Jacksonville 31, Williams got the yard. Rodgers hit Adams for 18. Rodgers ran for a 5 yard touchdown as the 13 play, 81 yard, 8 minute drive had the Packers up 14-10 with 2:15 left in the half. After a touchback, the Jaguars soon faced 1st and 10 at their own 37. Luton went over then middle and was intercepted by Amos, who returned it 23 yards to the Jags 26. With 19 seconds left the Packers faced 3rd and 17 at the Jags 22. Rodgers fired a laser over the middle to Adams for the touchdown. However, offensive holding nullified the score. The Packers settled for a 39 yard Mason Crosby field goal and a 17-10 halftime lead.
In the third quarter the Packers were pinned at their own 2. Rodgers hit Adams for a 22 yard gain, but Adams fumbled and Miles Jack recovered for the Jaguars at the Green Bay 16. On 3rd and 6, Luton hit Kenneth Cole for a 12 yard touchdown and a 17-17 tie. After a touchback the Packers moved to a 3rd and 3 at the Jags 33. Rodgers threw incomplete and Matt LaFleur opted to go for it rather than try a 51 yard field goal with wind resistance. Rodgers threw incomplete again. The Packers got it back at their own 20. Rodgers went to Valdes-Scantling for 31 yards. Yet on 3rd and 8 from the Jacksonville 47, Rodgers was intercepted. The Jaguars took over at their own 44. Luton went to Chark for gains of 21 and 17. Robinson ran for an 18 yard touchdown, but it was nullified by offensive holding. the Jaguars settled for a 31 yard McLaughlin field goal and a 20-17 lead with 13 minutes left in regulation.
The Packers soon faced 3rd and 9 from their own 26. Rodgers went deep to Tronyan for 23 and Aaron Jones for 7. Jones ran for 20. Rodgers hit Valdes-Scantling for 18 and Adams for the 6 yard touchdown. With 9 minutes left the Packers had a 4 point lead. With 2 1/2 minutes left, the Packers had the ball and faced 3rd and 1 from their own 23. Jones got stopped and the Jaguars had life. A short 30 yard punt had the Jaguars taking over at their own 47. At the 2 minute warning on 3rd and 2 from the Green Bay 45, Robinson gained 9. Yet consecutive sacks of Luton had the Jaguars facing 4th and 26 from their own 48 with 1:10 left. Luton is not Donovan McNabb, and the Jaguars did not convert. The Jaguars were game, but their miserable season continued and the Packers survived a scare. 24-20 Packers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers — One week after the worst beating of his career, Tom Brady sought to rebound. However, the Buccaneers had a problem even making the 90 minute flight to Charlotte. Their private plane had mechanical issues and was stranded on the tarmac for 5 hours of a 7 hour delay. The Buccaneers were as out of sync as their plane early on. On their second play from scrimmage from their 26, a short completion was fumbled and the Panthers took over at the Tampa 33. On 4th and 3 from the Tampa 26, Matt Rhule decided to go for it. Teddy Bridgewater hit Robbie Anderson for 9. Bridgewater went to Thompson for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Panthers. After a touchback, Brady went deep to Chris Godwin for 23 yards. On 3rd and 2 from the Carolina 44, Brady went deep to Mike Evans for 19. On 3rd and 7 from the Carolina 22, Brady went to Godwin for 14. On 3rd and goal from the Carolina 5, Brady hit Cameron Brate for the score. The 10 play, 75 yard drive tied the game 7-7.
After a touchback the Panthers quickly responded. From his own 38, Bridgewater went deep to DJ Moore for a 38 yard gain. On the next play a simple West Coast Offense pass from Bridgewater to Moore went for a 24 yard touchdown and a 14-7 Panthers advantage. In the second quarter after a touchback the Buccaneers went on a 14 play, 70 yard, nearly 7 minute drive. On 3rd and 1 from their own 44, Jones gained 3. On 3rd and 1 from the Carolina 44, Leonard Fournette gained 14. On 3rd and goal from the 5, Brady threw over the middle incomplete. Ryan Succop hit the 23 yard field goal to get the Buccaneers within 14-10. The Panthers soon faced 3rd and 3 from their own 32. Bridgewater went to Thomas for 7. On 2nd and 4 from the Tampa 43, Bridgewater was belted by Minter for an 8 yard loss. Yet a horrendous roughing the passer call on Minter kept the drive going. It was a textbook legal hit, and if Minter grabbed Bridgewater’s helmet it was because Bridgewater lowered his own head. Nevertheless, that penalty was enough for Joey Slye to hit a 46 yard field goal to make it 17-10 Panthers with 4 minutes left in the half.
The Buccaneers soon faced 3rd and 11 at their own 24. Brady fired over the middle to Godwin for 15 and to Antonio Brown for 16. On 2nd and 13 from the Carolina 48, just past the 2 minute warning, Brady went deep to Rob Gronkowski for a 44 yard gain. Brady threw a high pass over the middle and Mike Evans made the leaping catch and somehow got both feet inbounds in the back of the end zone. with 35 seconds left in the half the game was tied 17-17. The Panthers took over at their own 25 and Bridgewater went deep to Moore for a 42 yard gain. Yet on further review it was reversed to incomplete as the ball hit the ground. It was Bridgewater’s first incompletion of the game after 14 completions to start.
After a touchback to start the third quarter, runs and short passes had the Buccaneers facing 3rd and 1 from their own 46. Brady went to Godwin for 31 yards. On 1st and goal at the 7, Brady threw incomplete twice and ran for one yard. Succop hit from 24 to make it 20-17 Buccaneers. The Buccaneers got the ball back but were pinned at their own 2 yard line. Ronald Jones took a handoff up the middle, broke through several tackles, escaped a couple of attempts to catch him from behind, and ended up with a 98 yard touchdown. The extra point was blocked but the Buccaneers led 26-17. One play after a touchback, Bridgewater was intercepted. The Buccaneers took over at the Carolina 38 and moved to a 2nd and goal at the one. This time Jones lost a couple yards and Brady threw incomplete. Succop hit from 21 to make it 29-17 Buccaneers. After a touchback the Panthers faced 4th and 5 from their own 40. Matt Rhule gambled on a fake punt and Charlton was sacked. Another short field for the Buccaneers at the Carolina 35 led to Succop’s fourth field goal from 40 yards out as the Buccaneers were up 32-17 early in the fourth quarter.
After surrendering 22 consecutive points, the Panthers got a jolt of momentum when Cahnon returned the ensuing kickoff 98 yards to the Tampa 4 yard line. 2 plays later Bridgewater ran for the 3 yard touchdown. With 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation, Matt rule made the questionable decision to try for the 2 point conversion. Bridgwater threw incomplete and the Panthers trailed 32-23. The Buccaneers soon faced 3rd and 1 from their own 34. Brady hit Brown for 8. On 3rd and 3 just shy of midfield, Brady hit Brown for 25. Jones ran for 12 and Brady hit Evans for 13 down to the one. Brady crashed into the line and got the touchdown to make it 39-23 Buccaneers with 6 1/2 minutes left in regulation. With 4 minutes left Brady hit Gronk for a 7 yard touchdown to complete the blowout and right the Tampa Bay pirate ship. 46-23 Buccaneers
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants — Somebody has to win the NFC Least. Nobody should care. The Giants began facing 2nd and 15 at their own 10. Daniel Jones hit Slayton for 22. Gallman gained 17. On 3rd and 8 from the Philadelphia 38, the Eagles jumped. On the next play Jones got around the end for a 34 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 Giants. After a touchback the Eagles got stopped on 3rd and 1 from their own 47. Doug Pederson decided to go for it. On 4th and 1 Carson Wentz hit Reagor for 10. On 3rd and 3 from the Giants 22, Wentz threw incomplete. Elliott hit the 40 yard field goal to get the Eagles within 7-3. After a touchback, Jones hit Smith for 11, Mack for 9, and Shepard for 12. On 3rd and 2 from the Philly 33, Jones hit Shepard for 3. Morris ran for 4 and 10. On 3rd and 1 from the 2, Penny got stopped. Joe Judge decided to go for it. On the first play of the second quarter on 4th and 1 from the 2, Gallman went airborne over the top for the touchdown to make it 14-3 Giants.
The Eagles began the third quarter at their own 16. Miles Sanders ran for 14. Wentz hit Dallas Goedert for 6 and Ward for 5. Boston Scott took an end around 56 yards for a touchdown. Although Scott may have stepped out of bounds, a lengthy review let the touchdown stand. Doug Pederson went for the 2 point conversion and Sanders got in as the Eagles were within 14-11. After a touchback Jones went deep to Shepard for 27 and to Golden Tate for 38. Gallman gained 8, one, and on 3rd and goal at the one, the last yard to make it 21-11 Giants. After a touchback, the Eagles soon faced 1st and 10 from their own 36. Wentz hit Reagor for 16, Goedert for 8, and Ward for 16 and 5. Sanders ran for 14 and Clement got the 5 yard touchdown. Doug Pederson again inexplicably went for a 2 point conversion and Wentz was sacked. The Eagles were within 21-17 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter.
The Eagles began the fourth quarter at their own 5 yard line and had to punt on 4th and 17 from their own 11. Jabril Peppers returned the punt 20 yards to give the Giants a short field at the Philly 41. With 9 minutes left Jones ran for a 14 yard touchdown, but it was nullified by offensive holding. Graham Gano hit a 35 yard field goal to make it 24-17 Giants midway through the fourth quarter. After a touchback the Eagles moved to a 1st and 10 at the Giants 36. A run went nowhere and Wentz threw 3 straight incompletions as the Eagles turned it over on downs with 5 minutes left. Rather than grind down clock, Jones went deep to Slayton for a 40 yard gain. That was enough for Gano to come hit a 44 yard field goal with 3:10 left to lock up the win. 27-17 Giants
Houston Texans at Cleveland Browns — The start of this game was delayed 35 minutes due to lightning. The winds were a factor all game. The Browns began after a touchback with a 12 play, 52 yard, 6 1/2 minute drive. On 3rd and 1 from the Houston 7, rather than play smashmouth, Baker Mayfield was in the shotgun. A low snap rolled pass him. Mayfield picked it up and threw it away. The intentional grounding call was a 16 yard loss. Cody Parkey hit the 41 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Browns. The Texans from their own 29 embarked on a 14 play, 67 yard, 7 minute drive. Yet early in the second quarter on 3rd and goal from the 2, DeShaun Watson fired to Randall Cobb, who dropped it. Romeo Crennel went for it. Out of the shotgun, Watson tried the quarterback draw and the Browns defense knew it was coming. Miles Garrett blew up Watson for a 2 yard loss. With 4:20 left in the half the Browns took over at their own 4 yard line. The moved all the way to a 3rd and 4 at the Houston 37. Mayfield had an open receiver but misfired incomplete. Rather than try a 55 yard field goal in bad conditions, Kevin Stefanski decided to go for it. Mayfield went deep and overthrew his receiver incomplete.
In the third quarter the Texans moved from their own 29 to a 4th and 2 at the Cleveland 27. Romeo Crennel prepared to go for it, called timeout, and then opted for the field goal. Form 46 yards out, Kaimi Fairbairn was no good. Late in the third quarter the Browns faced 3rd and 18 from their own 28. Mayfield hit Higgins for 21. On 3rd and 8 just past midfield, Mayfield threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant a 14 yard gain. Nick Chubb did the rest, running for 11, 11 again, 4, and then the 9 yard touchdown. 90 seconds into the fourth quarter, the Browns led 10-0. Midway through the fourth quarter, the Texans took over at their own 10. Watson hit Fells for 15. On 3rd and 6 from their own 29, Watson hit Cobb for 29 and again for 10 with unnecessary roughness adding 15 more. Watson went to Pharaoh Brown for a 16 yard touchdown to get the Texans within a field goal with 5 minutes left. The Browns fumbled the ensuing kickoff but were lucky enough to recover at their own 3 yard line. Karim Hunt ran for 3, 6, and on 3rd and 1 from his own 12, a critical 2. Hunt ran for 19 as the clock hit the 2 minute warning. Hunt then ran for 3 and 4 as the Texans were out of timeouts. With 1:07 left, it call came down to the Browns facing 3rd and 3 at their own 40. After 6 straight carries by Hunt, it was Chubb who got the carry and broke free for a 59 yard gain down to the Houston one yard line. Kevin Stefanski took a knee rather than run up the score. 3 years after going 0-16, the Browns are 6-3 after winning a truly ugly one. 10-7 Browns
Washington Election Chaos at Detroit Lions — In 1991 this game mattered. The Lions took over at their own 8 yard line. Swift ran for gains of 5, 11 and 16. Matthew Stafford went deep to Hall for a 55 yard touchdown and a 7-0 Lions lead. The No-Names managed to moved from their own 26 to a 2nd and 8 at the Detroit 20. Alex Smith threw incomplete twice and the No-Names settled for a 38 yard Dustin Hopkins field goal to trail 7-3. The Non-Redskins began the second quarter punting on 4th and 5 from their own 12. The Lions took over at their own 47. Adrian Peterson ran for 13, caught a pass for 9, and ran for 4. On 3rd and 10 from the Washington 27, Stafford went deep to Marvin Jones for the touchdown to make it 14-3 Lions.
A strong kickoff return had the non-Redskins taking over at midfield. On 4th and 3 from the Detroit 43, Riverboat Ron Rivera went for it and Smith hit Sims for 13. Yet on 3rd and 5 from the Detroit 25, Smith overthrow an open receiver deep incomplete. Hopkins then missed a 43 yard field goal. Washington got it back and moved from their own 16 to a 1st and 10 at the Detroit 33 with 1:20 left in the half. short completion was fumbled as the 11 play, 53 yard, 5 1/2 minute drive came up empty. The Lions took over at their own 19 and Stafford hit Jones for 19, Hockensen for 8 and Hall for 6. Matt Prater nailed a 53 yard field goal to end the half with the Lions up 17-3. The Lions began the third quarter facing 2nd and 20 from their own 26. Stafford went to Swift for a 26 yard gain. On 3rd and 4 from the Washington 42, Stafford went to Hockensen for 5 and Jones for 18. On 3rd and 6 from the Washington 15, Stafford went to Swift for the touchdown. Midway through the third quarter, the Lions led 24-3. Yet nobody blows big leads like the Lions.
The Election Frauds took over at their own 18. Gibson caught a 13 yard pass from Smith and then ran for 12. Smith hit Wright for 6, Sims for 11, and Terry McLaurin for 20. With 3 minutes left in the third quarter, the No-Names faced 4th and 13 at the Detroit 17. One defensive stop would end the game. Smith hit Thomas for 15 and JD McKissic ran for the 2 yard touchdown to get the Non-Redskins within 24-10. The Redskins got it back at their own 16 and Smith hit Sims for 19 and Thomas for 14 as the third quarter ended. On 3rd and 2 from the Detroit 43, McKissic got just enough. Smith hit McLaurin for 11, Wright for 13, and Gibson and Wright for 8 apiece. Gibson ran for a 2 yard touchdown as the Non-Redskins only trailed 24-17 with 11 1/2 minutes left in regulation. The No-Names got it back with 9 minutes left and soon faced 3rd and 5 at their own 39. Smith went deep to Sims for 23 and to Thomas for 27. Gibson ran for a 5 yard touchdown. With 6 minutes left, the game was now tied 24-24.
After a touchback Stafford hit Swift for 9 and 5 and Gibson for 10. On 3rd and 1 from their own 48, Swift gashed the No-Names for gains of 17, 9 and 6. On 1st and 10 from the Washington 20, rather than grind down the clock, Matt Patricia opted for the passing game. Stafford threw incomplete twice sandwiched around a failed run. With 2 1/2 minutes left Prater came in for a 37 yard field goal try. The kick was good and the Lions led 27-24, but this game was far from over. The Non-Entities took over at their own 11 and needed 17 plays. On 3rd and 13 from their own 8, Smith went deep to McLaurin for 26. On 4th and 5 from their own 39, Smith threw incomplete. Yet defensive pass interference meant 5 yards. These are the Lions. On 3rd and 10 from their own 44, Smith threw incomplete. Yet defensive holding meant new downs. These are the Lions. On 3rd and 10 from just shy of midfield, Smith hit Sims for 11 and McLaurin for 11 more. Hopkins came in for a 41 yard field goal try. The kick was good. The game was tied 27-27 with only 16 seconds left and appeared headed for overtime. These are the Lions.
After a touchback, Stafford hit Cephus for 10 and took their first timeout with 12 seconds left. Stafford then threw deep incomplete but roughing the passer gave the Lions 15 yards to midfield with 6 seconds left. Stafford quickly fired to Jones for 9 yards and called another timeout with 3 seconds left. Prater came in for a 59 yard field goal try. Prater holds the NFL record for a 64 yard field goal, and in the past drilled a 59 yarder at the gun to force overtime in a win. This time it was to avoid overtime, and again Prater delivered. Despite another double digit collapse, this time Detroit found a team who wanted it less. 30-27 Lions
Buffalo Bills at Arizona Cardinals — Early on the Cardinals moved 75 yards in 13 plays and 5 minutes. From their own 20, they reached 2nd and goal at the 5. Kyler Murray threw incomplete twice. Zane Gonzalez hit from 23 to make it 3-0 Cardinals. A 40 yard kickoff return had the Bills taking over at their own 37. Josh Allen hit Knox for 6 and Stefan Diggs for 10. On 3rd and 8 from the Arizona 45, Allen hit John Brown for 31.nSean McDermott then went to the bag of tricks. Allen threw a backward pass to Isaiah McKenzie and McKenzie threw a 12 yard touchdown pass to Allen to make it 7-3 Bills.
In the second quarter, the field goal kickers took over. Tyler Bass hit from 54 to make it 10-3 Bills. Gonzalez hit from 42 and Bass answered from 55 to make it 13-6 Bills. Despite a 16 play, 72 yard drive and 2nd and goal at the 3, Murray again threw incomplete twice. Gonzalez hit from 21 with 90 seconds left in the half but Bass leveled a 58 yarder at the gun as the Bills took a 16-9 advantage to the intermission. In the third quarter the Cardinals fumbled and the Bills recovered with a short field at the Arizona 37. Allen went to Cole Beasley for a 22 yard touchdown for a 23-9 Bills lead.
After a touchback, Murray hit Kirk for 9, Deandre Hopkins for 35, Kirk again for 6, and Edmonds for 11. On 3rd and 3 from the Buffalo 21, Murray hit Kirk for 7. Edmonds ran for 6, Drake added 7, and Murray got the last yard to get the Cardinals within 23-16. The Bills had to punt on 4th and 4 from their own 18, and a 12 yard punt gave the Cardinals the ball at the Buffalo 30. On 3rd and 7 Murray threw incomplete. Gonzalez hit from 45 to get the Cardinals within 23-19. After a touchback the Bills faced 2nd and 10 from their own 39. Allen hit Singletary for 21 yards, but offsetting penalties nullified the gain. On the next play Allen went deep and was intercepted by Patrick Peterson. The Cardinals took over at their own 44 and struck quickly. Murray ran for 28 and then for a 15 yard touchdown as 17 unanswered points had the Cardinals up 26-23 after three quarters.
Each quarterback was intercepted in the fourth quarter, and with 3 1/2 minutes left the Bills took over at their own 22. On 3rd and 4 from their own 28, Allen hit Beasley for just enough. Allen ran for 12. On 3rd and 5 just shy of midfield, Allen hit Beasley for 7. On 2nd and 13 from the Arizona 47, Allen hit Beasley for 17. Allen went deep to Diggs for a 21 yard touchdown with 34 seconds left. Diggs was the hero from the Minneapolis Miracle, and this game would end in another miracle. Although the Bills led 30-26, it would not be another Diggs miracle finish. After a touchback, Murray hit Andy Isabella for 14, Hopkins for 9 and Larry Fitzgerald for 9. With 11 seconds left and the Cardinals out of timeouts, the Cardinals had 1st and 10 at the Buffalo 43. Murray scrambled, barely avoided being sacked, and launched a Hail Mary to the end zone. Hopkins was surrounded by 3 defenders, but somehow he out-jumped them all and held on to the ball for a miracle touchdown with 2 seconds left. Sean McDermott took a knee on the extra point rather than risk it being blocked and returned. The lateral attempt on the kickoff went nowhere and the Cardinals had a finish for the ages. 32-30 Cardinals
Los Angeles Chargers at Miami Dolphins — The Chargers find creative ways to lose heartbreakers, but this game started with them getting blown out. They punted on 4th and 14 from their own 21 and the Dolphins blocked it. The Dolphins took over at the Chargers one and Ahmed got in for a 7-0 Dolphins lead. The Dolphins got it back at their own 12. Tua Tagovailoa went deep to Gesicki for 23 and Grant for 13. Ahmed ran for 18. Tagovailoa hit Grant for 15. Ahmed ran for 8. On 3rd and 1 from the Chargers 10, Tagovailoa threw incomplete. On 4th and 1, Brian Flores played it safe and opted for the field goal. Sanders hit from 28, but the defense jumped offside. Flores took the points off the board. On 3rd and goal from the 3, Tagovailoa hit Grant for the touchdown and the 14-0 Dolphins lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter the Dolphins moved from their own 44 to a 3rd and 1 at the Chargers 9. The Dolphins were in complete control when a fumbled snap was returned 44 to the Miami 37. At that point the Chargers tried to claw back.
Kelley gained 7 and 2. On 3rd and 1 from the Miami 28, Ballage gained 10 and 3. On 3rd and 2 from the Miami 10, Ballage only gained one. Anthony Lynn decided to go for it. On 4th and 1 from the Miami 9, Ballage got the yard. On 3rd and goal at the one, Ballage got stopped. Anthony Lynn again went for it and Justin Herbert easily snuck across for the touchdown. With 4 1/2 minutes left in the half, the Chargers were within 14-7. With 1:20 left in the half the Chargers had to punt on 4th and 15 from their own 10. A 20 yard punt return gave the Dolphins a short field at the Chargers 47. Tagovailoa hit Perry for 13. Sanders nailed a 50 yard field goal as the Dolphins took the 17-7 lead to the club houses. In the third quarter the Chargers took over at their own 32. Herbert hit Keenan Allen for 15 and Nabers for 9. On 3rd and 3 from the Miami 34, Herbert hit Williams for 10. Ballage ran for 7, 4, 7 again, and 4 again, Herbert hit Hunter Henry for the 2 yard touchdown as the Chargers were within 17-14 midway through the third quarter.
After a touchback Tagovailoa hit Gesicki for 17 and Perry for 8. Ahmed ran for 18 and Tagovailoa hit Shaheen for 19. Despite 1st and 10 from the Chargers 18, a pair of runs gained a total of one yard and on 3rd and 9 Tagovailoa threw incomplete. Sanders hit the 35 yard field goal to make it 20-14 Dolphins with 2 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. The Chargers moved from their own 18 to a 1st and 10 at their own 47 to start the fourth quarter. On 3rd and 12, Herbert was intercepted by Howard, who returned it 28 yards to the Chargers 32. Tagovailoa hit Grant for 12. Ahmed ran for 11 and 2 and caught a pass for 2. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Tagovailoa hit Smythe for the touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Dolphins led 26-14 with 12 minutes left in regulation. Sanders would miss a 47 yard field goal with 8 1/2 minutes left, but with the Chargers facing 4th and 1 at their own 46, Herbert threw incomplete. Sanders did hit from 49 with 4 minutes left to tighten the screws and make it 29-14 Dolphins. Herbert did hit Allen for a 13 yard touchdown with 2 minutes left, but the onside kick failed and the Dolphins got to 6-3 on the year. 29-21 Dolphins
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders — Throw out the records when these AFC West rivals play. The Raiders were one dropped pass from being 4-4 instead of 5-3. The Broncos bungled the opening kickoff, starting at their own 3 yard line. They punted on 4th and 5 from their own 8. Hunter Renfrow returned the punt 29 yards to the Denver 23, but a penalty on the return instead had the Raiders taking over at their own 38. On 3rd and 5 from their own 43, Carr went to Renfrow for 25 yards and Henry Ruggs for 9. Carr ran for 9 and Josh Jacobs ran for an 11 yard touchdown. The Raiders led 7-0, but their offense took most of the rest of the half misfiring on all cylinders.
The Broncos took over at their own 26. Drew Lock hit Nick Fant for 9, Patrick for 14, and Jerry Jeudy for 17. On 1st and 10 from the Raiders 32, Lock threw 3 straight incompletions. Brandon McMcManus hit a 50 yard field goal to get the Broncos within 7-3. The Broncos got it back and had to punt on 4th and 10 from their own 2. Hunter Renfrow returned the punt 60 yards for a Raiders touchdown, but an illegal blindside block nullified the score.
The Broncos got it back and moved from their own 7 to a 3rd and 14 from their own 32. Lock went deep and was intercepted by Jeff Heath, who returned it 24 yards to the Denver 39. On 3rd and 2 from the Denver 31, Davante Booker only gained one. Jon Gruden began the second quarter deciding to go for it on 4th and 1 from the Denver 30. Jacobs got the yard but offensive holding killed the drive and pushed the Raiders out of field goal range. The Raiders got it back and faced 3rd and 7 from their own 32. Carr fired to Nelson Agholor, and Agholor just dropped it. The Broncos faced 3rd and 15 from their own 24. Lock hit Jeudy for 26 and Patrick for 27. On 3rd and 3 from the Raiders 16, a completion gained only one yard. Vic Fangio opted for the field goal and McManus hit from 33 to get the Broncos within 7-6.
The Raiders took over at their own 13. Jacobs gained 9. Carr hit Waller and Jacobs for 8 yard apiece. On 3rd and 4 from their own 47, Carr went deep incomplete. Yet the defense jumped offside and the drive continued. Carr hit Edwards for 16 and Jacobs ran for 24. At the 2 minute warning the Raiders had 2nd and goal at the 6. Carr threw incomplete twice. Carlson hit a 24 yard field goal and the Raiders led 10-6. After a touchback with 1:44 left, the Broncos moved 65 yards in 11 plays. With 18 seconds left in the half the Broncos had 2nd and 4 at the Raiders 5. Lock easily got in for the touchdown, but offensive holding nullified the score. On the next play from the 10, Lock went to the end zone and was intercepted again by Heath. The Raiders only led 10-6 at halftime, but that interception was a momentum shift.
The Raiders began the third quarter facing 3rd and 7 from their own 23. Carr hit Agholor for 8. Jacobs ran for 13 and 6. Carr went deep to a wide open Darren Waller, who dropped it. It was a gift touchdown refused. On 3rd and 7 from their own 48, Carr went deep to Waller again over the middle and Waller caught it for a 24 yard gain. Yet after 1st and 10 from the Denver 28, Jacobs was tacked for a 5 yard loss and Carr threw incomplete followed by a gain for nothing. Carlson drilled a 52 yard field goal to make it 13-6 Raiders. The Raiders never put games away, but in this game they eventually did. They got it back at their own 22. Jacobs ran for 11 and 2. A sack of Carr was nullified for defensive holding. On 3rd and 4 from their own 46, Carr went to Ruggs for 21. Booker ran for 9, 9 and 2. . Carr went to Jacobs for 13. On 3rd and 5 from the Denver 10, Carr hit Waller for just enough. Jacobs ran for a 5 yard touchdown as the Raiders led 20-6 after three quarters.
Two plays after a touchback to start the fourth quarter, Lock was intercepted for the third time. Nassib returned it 23 yards to the Denver 11. Yet on 3rd and 3 from the Denver 4, Carr threw incomplete. Carlson hit the 22 yard field goal to make it 23-6 Raiders. With 10 minutes left in regulation, the Broncos took over at their own 7. A short completion was fumbled, and the Raiders recovered at the Denver 7 yard line. One play was enough for Booker to run it in and make it 30-6 Raiders. The Broncos finally reached the end zone with 6 minutes left but the 2 point conversion failed. So did the onside kick. From the Denver 48, Booker carried 7 straight times. He gained, 3, one, 8 on 3rd and 6, 2, 9, 2, and just past the 2 minute warning, a 23 yard touchdown. Lock threw in a fourth interception for good measure. The Raiders defense came into the game with 3 interceptions and 5 total turnovers the whole year. They got 4 interceptions and 5 total turnovers in this game alone. Jon Gruden likes to pound the rock, and did his team ever. They ran the ball 41 times for 203 yards, 5 yards a carry. Jacobs finished with 112 yards on 21 carries. The Raiders are 6-3 and next week have a major AFC West showdown against Kansas City in Las Vegas. 37-12 Raiders
Seattle Seahawks at Los Angeles Rams — A critical NFC West showdown took place in Los Angeles. After a touchback to start the game, the Rams moved 70 yards in 10 plays and 5 1/2 minutes. Yet on 2nd and 3 from the Seattle 4, Akers lost a yard and Jared Goff then threw incomplete. Kai Forbath hit a 23 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Rams. The Seahawks soon faced 3rd and 1 from their own 31. Russell Wilson went to Greg Olsen for 22 and Swain for 21 and 8. Collins ran for a 13 yard touchdown to make it 7-3 Seahawks.
The Rams soon faced 3rd and 4 at their own 29. Goff went deep to Tyler Higbee for 39, to Higbee again for 14, and to Greg Everett for 16 down to the one. Darrell Henderson got the yard to make it 10-7 Rams. The Rams got it back at their own 7. Akers gained 17. Goff hit Robert Woods for 8 and Josh Reynolds for a pair of 9 yard gains. On 3rd and 1 from midfield, Brown ran for 13. On 3rd and 9 from the Seattle 36, Goff hit Brown for 11, Reynolds for 10, and Cooper Kupp for 9. On 3rd and 2 from the Seattle 7, Brown got in to make it 17-7 Rams.
The Seahawks took over at their own 32. Wilson hit Tyler Lockett for 6 and then again for 39 yards. On 3rd and 11 from the Rams 24, Wilson hit Homer for only 5 yards. Myers hit a 37 yard field goal to get the Seahawks within 17-10. After the teams exchanged turnovers, the Seahawks took over at their own 9 with 1:11 left in the half. They moved to a 1st and 10 at the Rams 43 with 14 seconds left in the half. Wilson threw 3 straight incompletions. Yet Pete Carroll and the entire team got a jolt of energy when Myers drilled a 61 yard field goal to end the half wit the Seahawks within 17-13.
The Rams began the third quarter at their own 12. Henderson ran for 16. On 3rd and 13 from their own 25, Goff hit Reynolds for 17 and 21. On 3rd and 5 from the Seattle 32, Goff went to Woods for 7 and Reynolds for 9. On 3rd and 2 from the Seattle 4, Goff threw incomplete but defensive pass interference meant 1st and goal at the one. Brown got the touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Rams led 23-13 with 6 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter after the 14 play, 88 yard, 7 minute drive. The rest of the game belonged to the defenses. In the fourth quarter the Seahawks had consecutive turnovers with a fumble and an interception. With 3 1/2 minutes left the Seahawks ere pinned at their own 5. They moved 74 yards in 13 plays. On 1st and 10 from the Rams 11 with 35 seconds left, Wilson was sacked for a 10 yard loss. Needing 2 scores with 25 seconds left, Myers came in and hit a 39 yard field goal. The onside kick failed and the Rams got the win as both teams are 6-3 on the year. 23-16 Rams
San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints — Saints are in Super Bowl or bust mode, and the 49ers are injury riddled. The 49ers began with 3rd and 1 from their own 34. McKinnon gained 2. On 3rd and 4 from their own 42, Nick Mullens hit James for 5. On 3rd and 2 from the Saints 45, Mullens hit Kendrick Bourne for 4. Unnecessary roughness tacked on 15 more yards. Mullens hit Aiyuk for 14 and again for a 4 yard touchdown to make it 7-0 49ers. The Saints then fumbled a punt and the 49ers recovered just past midfield. On 2nd and goal at the 3, McKinnon lost 2 yards and Mullens was sacked. Robbie Gould hit a 32 yard field goal on the first play of the second quarter. The 49ers led 10-0, but after that the Saints defense turned out the lights.
The Saints began their onslaught with special teams, as the ensuing kickoff was returned by Harris 75 yards to the San Francisco 25. The offense went backward but Wil Lutz hit a 49 yard field goal to get the Saints within 10-3. The 49ers then fumbled a punt and the Saints recovered at the San Francisco 21. Roughing the passer put the ball on the 11. On 3rd and 1 from the 2, Alvin Kamara got in for a 10-10 game. The 49ers moved from their own 14 to a 3rd and 1 at the Saints 41 at the 2 minute warning. Mullens threw incomplete and Kyle Shanahan decided to go for it. On 4th and 1, McKinnon got blown up for a 2 yard loss. Drew Brees form his own 43 hit Kamara for 8 and again for 34. On 3rd and 3 from the San Francisco 8, Brees hit Sanders for 5. Kamara ran for a 3 yard touchdown to make it 17-10 Saints.
Drew Brees did not play the second half as Jameis Winston finished the game. Brees was playing with sore ribs and he finally could no longer go. While he rested in the training room, the Saints defense did the rest. Lutz added a 23 yard field goal with 12 minutes left in regulation. The 49ers then fumbled another punt and the Saints recovered at the Frisco 22. Latavius Murray ran for 18 and Kamara ran for a one yard touchdown to have the Saints up 27-10 midway through the fourth quarter. The 49ers did manage one more field goal but this game was about the 49ers turning the ball over, especially on punts. It was a costly victory for the Saints. They are 7-2, but will be without Brees for several weeks. He has several broken ribs on each side and a punctured lung. 27-13 Saints
Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers — Sometimes a bad team can go on the road and shock a much better team. This was not that game. Goliath beat up David early and often. The Bengals fumbled a punt and the Steelers recovered at the Cincinnati 32. Chris Boswell hit a 41 yard field goal to make it 3-0 Steelers. A 15 yard punt return gave the Steelers the ball back at the Cincinnati 46. On 3rd and 6 from the Cincy 12, Ben Roethlisberger threw incomplete. Boswell hit a 30 yarder to make it 6-0 Steelers. The Steelers got the ball back at their own 26. Roetholisberger went deep to Johnson for a 46 yard gain. Roethlisberger then went to Washington for 16 and to Johnson for the 12 yard touchdown. The 2 point try failed but the Steelers led 12-0.
In the second quarter the Bengals took over at their own 10. Perine ran for 14. Joe Burrow went deep to Higgins for a 54 yard gain. On 3rd and goal at the 2, Burrow threw incomplete. Zac Parsons went for it and Burrow hit Higgins for the touchdown to get the Bengals within 12-7. The Steelers soon faced 3rd and 6 from their own 26. Roethlisberger hit Chase Claypool for 15 and Juju Smith-Schuster for 24. Roughing the passer and defensive pass interference penalties gave the Steelers 30 free yards down to the 5. On 3rd and goal from the 8, Roethlisberger hit Smith-Schuster to make it 19-7 Steelers. Boswell tacked on a 45 yard field goal with 1:48 left in the half to make it 22-7 Steelers. The Bengals moved from their own 22 to a 1st and 10 at the Pittsburgh 35 with 30 seconds left. Burrow was sacked to kill the drive. The second half was a formality. In the third quarter the Steelers marched 67 yards in 12 plays. Big Ben hit Claypool for an 11 yard touchdown to make it 29-7 Steelers. In the fourth quarter the Steelers returned a punt 42 yards to the Cincy 15. Roethlisberger hit Claypool for a 5 yard touchdown to make it 36-7 Steelers. For the few people somewhere in Southwestern Ohio who cared, the Bengals managed another field goal. Mike Tomlin has the NFL’s only unbeaten team as the Steelers got to 9-0 on the year. 36-10 Steelers
Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots was the Sunday night game. John Harbaugh is one of the only coaches who could beat Bill Belichick when the Patriots were at their best. This is the worst Patriots team in 20 years, while the Ravens only 2 losses came against 9-0 Pittsburgh and 8-1 Kansas City. Yet it is always a mistake to count out the Evil Hoodie, especially in a driving rainstorm. The Ravens took over at their own 6 yard line midway through the first quarter. On 3rd and 2 from their own 14, Lamar Jackson gained 3. Jackson hit Andrews for 13 and Willie Snead for 21 more. Jackson ran for 7 and hit Duvernay for 19. On 3rd and 2 from the New England 9, Edwards gained 3. On the first play of the second quarter, Jackson hit Snead for the 6 yard touchdown to cap the 13 play, 94 yard, 8 minute drive and make it 7-0 Ravens.
After a touchback, Cam Newton went to Meyers for 19 with 15 more tacked on for lowering the head to initiate contact. On 3rd and 3 from the Baltimore 34, Burkhead gained 4. Newton hit Izzo for 20 and Burkhead for a 7 yard touchdown to make it 7-7. The Ravens soon faced 3rd and 1 from their own 34. Jackson got the yard. Jackson hit Andrews for 11 and Edwards for 31. Another lowering the head to initiate contact penalty meant 1st and goal at the 9. On 3rd and goal at the 6, Jackson threw incomplete. Justin Tucker hit a 24 yard field goal as the Ravens led 10-7 with 5 1/2 minutes left in the half. After that the Patriots took over.
On 3rd and 2 from their own 33, Newton hit James White for 4. Harris gained 12, 5 and one. On 3rd and 4 from the Baltimore 45 at the 2 minute warning, Newton hit Meyers for just enough. Harris gained 13 and 4. With one minute left in the half, Bill Belichick went to his bag of tricks. Newton pitched it to Meyers, who threw the halfback option pass to Burkhead for a 24 yard touchdown. The extra point was no good but the Patriots led 13-10. The Ravens after a touchback moved to a 2nd and 4 at the New England 38 with 7 seconds left in the half. Even the great Justin Tucker should not be asked to try a 56 yard field goal in a driving rainstorm. Rather than try and gain a few more yards, Jackson went deep and was intercepted.
The Patriots struck quickly in the third quarter after a touchback. Harris gashed the Baltimore defense for gains of 16 and 25. Newton went to Meyers for 26. Newton ran for the 4 yard touchdown to make it 20-10 Patriots. The Ravens moved from their own 27 to a 4th and 1 at the Baltimore 48. John Harbaugh decided to go for it and out of the shotgun Ingram fumbled. The Patriots moved from the Baltimore 37 to a 3rd and goal at the 2. Newton threw incomplete but Nick Folk hit the 20 yard field goal to make it 23-10 Patriots with 6 1/2 minutes left in the third quarter. Then momentum shifted again.
After a touchback, Jackson hit Boyle for 4, Duvernay for 14 and Andrews for 18. Again, the Ravens faced 4th and 1 at the New England 48. Again John Harbaugh went for it. This time Edwards gained 11. On 3rd and 4 from the New England 31, Jackson gained 8. Jackson went to Snead for an 18 yard touchdown at the end of the third quarter as the Ravens were back in it down by 6.The fourth quarter was a slog. With 3 1/2 minutes left the Ravens took their first timeout on defense as the Patriots faced a critical 3rd and 3 from their own 25. Newton fired over the middle to Meyers for 4 yards. On 2nd and 2 from their own 37, the Patriots got another first down when the defense jumped. With the Ravens out of timeouts, everything came down to the Patriots facing 3rd and 7 from their own 45 at the 2 minute warning. Newton tried to run, saw no openings, and quickly went down after a 2 yard loss protecting the football. The Ravens took over at their own 17 with 1:05 to play. The rain turned into a monsoon and on 4th and 6 from their own 21, a pass past the first down marker was dropped with 2 seconds left. 23-17 Ravens
Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears was the Monday night game. The Bears started 5-1 but have lost 3 straight. The Vikings started 1-5 but have won 2 straight. This was an NFC North slobber knocker. The Vikings moved from their 25 to a 1st and 10 at the Chicago 40. Kirk Cousins hit Kyle Rudolph for 12 but Rudolph fumbled and the Bears recovered at their own 27. 2 plays later Nick Foles was intercepted, setting the Vikings up at the Chicago 41. On 3rd and 5 from the Chicago 36, Cousins hit Beebe for 12. On 3rd and 3 from the Chicago 17, Cousins hit Adam Thielen for the touchdown to make it 7-0 Vikings. The Bears after a touchback moved 70 yards in 14 plays and 6 minutes. Yet on 3rd and goal at the 5, Foles threw incomplete. Cairo Santos hit the 23 yard field goal to get the Bears within 7-3. In the second quarter the Vikings moved from their 20 to a 1st and 10 at the Chicago 28 with 1:51 left in the half. Cousins was intercepted by Khalil Mack, who returned it 33 yards to the Minnesota 45. Foles hit Miller for 21 and then threw 3 straight incompletions. Santos hit from 42 as the Bears trailed 7-6 at the break.
The third quarter started with a bang when Cordarelle Patterson returned the second half kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown and a 13-7 Bears lead. Special teams again played a role as the Vikings punted and the Bears fumbled it. The Vikings took over at the Chicago 20, but Cousins threw incomplete twice sandwiched around a failed run. Dan Bailey hit a 37 yard field goal to get the Vikings within 13-10. The Vikings got it back and faced 3rd and 1 at their own 24. Calvin Cook ripped off a 36 yard gain, but offensive holding nullified it. On 3rd and 11 from their own 14, Cousins went deep to Jefferson for 54 yards. On 3rd and 10 from the Chicago 32, a completion only gained 7. Bailey hit from 43 as the game was deadlocked 13-13 after three quarters.
The Vikings began the fourth quarter at their own 37. Cook ran for 8 and 13. On 1st and 20 from the Chicago 48, Cousins hit Rudolph for 22 and Jefferson for 14. Cook ran for 6. On 3rd and 4 from the Chicago 6, Cousins fired to Thielen in the end zone for the touchdown. The 10 play, 63 yard, 5 minute drive put the Vikings up by 6 with 10 minutes left in regulation. A terrible snap on the extra point led to a desperation incomplete pass. Another special teams play had the Bears in golden field position when they returned a punt 32 yards to the Minnesota 46 with 5 minutes left. On 4th and 9 from the Minnesota 35, Foles faced heavy pressure but went deep. Miller dove but the ball was just barely overthrown. Miller got fingers on it but could not haul it in as it fell incomplete. 2:04 remained, and the Bears had all 3 timeouts plus the 2 minute warning.
At this point Minnesota had out-gained Chicago 360 to 131 but was still barely ahead. Cousins went to Rudolph for 21 yards. On 3rd and 6 from the Chicago 36, Mike Zimmer played it safe. A run gained only one yard. A 53 yard field goal would lock up the win, but Zimmer took no chances. A punt went for a touchback. Foles had 44 seconds and 0 timeouts to go 80 yards and pull off a miracle. Foles immediately got slammed to the ground and stayed down for several minutes. Mitchell Trubisky was already out with a separated shoulder. The 3rd string quarterback is Tyler Bray. He had 37 seconds to work with, a tough ordeal for his very first NFL action. His first pass was a completion to Nall for 18 yards. He then spiked the ball to stop the clock and then got belted for an incompletion. With 8 seconds remaining, it came down to 4th and 10 from the Chicago 38. Needing 62 yards, he threw a 10-15 yard out incomplete. 19-13 Vikings