WEEK 14
NFL GAME REVIEWS
Oakland Raiders (3‐10) 7 San Diego Chargers (5‐8) 34 Thursday Night football line‐up was a must win game for the Chargers. At 4‐8 they had a much worse record than can be expected – they had to beat the reeling Raiders to have any chance of keeping their reputation as an up and coming superstar team. They didn’t exactly start in style...Nate Kaeding got the game underway from 20yds out for his first field goal. Hey, didn’t you used to be the NFL’s superstar running back? Yes Ladanian Tomlinson was back and ran it in from 3yds out for the 10 point charger lead. On the next drive it took San Diego 15 plays but River’s pass to RB Darren Sproles from 8yds out opened up the gap. After Jamarcus Russell was picked, Rivers dealt a killer blow by hitting 6ft 5in receiver Vincent Jackson from 59yds out for yet another TD. Russell was picked again on his next drive and Nate Kaeding turned that into a 39yd field goal. This game was turning into the definition of “one sided”, that was until the Chargers punted to Justin Miller...he took it 92yds back to the club house for the Raiders to avoid the shutout. The halftime score was 27‐7. After a scoreless third quarter, it was left up to Phillip Rivers to end the game by sending another touchdown pass towards Darren Sproles – 18yds out, Sproles did the rest! On the next Oakland punt, Sproles did actually have another TD – an 86yd kick return, but it was nullified by penalty. The game was finally over when Andrew Walter came on for the injured Jamarcus Russell and threw a pick straight to Matt Wilhelm. The game ended 34‐7 and the Chargers earn some reputation points. Game Notes.... o o o
Third down town – The Raiders converted just 2‐of‐12 third‐down attempts, or 16 percent, to remain the league's least successful third‐down offense. Christmas Spirit? – San Diego has won 11 straight games in the month of December, dating back to a 23‐7 loss to the Broncos in 2005 All time ‐ The Chargers have won the last 11 meetings against the Raiders, though Oakland still leads the all‐time series 55‐42‐2.
Jacksonville Jaguars (4‐9) 10 Chicago Bears (7‐6) 23 Jacksonville are out of it...suffering from the same unapparent lack of co‐ordination that the Chargers are, they appear to be uncharacteristically bad! The Bears on the other had, under the leadership of Randy Orton and Sexy Rexy, look strong. Who would win between the Bears and the “Bear with us”? After Jacksonville managed to turn the ball over at least twice on the first drive (you had to see it to believe it!), it didn’t take long for Orton to hit Desmond Clark in the end zone from 2yds out for the lead. What followed was a 12 play drive that culminated with a 40yd Josh Scobee kick to get the Jags rolling. The Bears answered with their own 13 play drive and a 22yd field goal for Robbie Gould. Gould extended the lead mid‐way through the second quarter, hitting a 36yd field goal. It was nearly disaster for the Bears when all‐pro kick returner Devin Hester muffed the catch, but he recovered and Kyle Orton gifted Greg Olsen a 22yd TD pass – it was challenged and upheld. That’s how the half ended – 20‐3 to the Bears. After a scoreless third quarter which included two muffed catches, a fumble and a pick – Garrard tried turning it around by connecting with Maurice Jones‐Drew from 4yds out for their first TD. Gould ended the game with a 35yd field goal and the Bears romp past the Jags and remain in contention for the NFC North title. Game Notes.... o o o
It’s third down town you clown– The Jaguars converted less than 30 percent of their third‐down attempts (5‐of‐17). Uh‐Oh! – The Jaguars have lost four consecutive games and six of their last seven. Lookie at the Rookie ‐ Bears running back Matt Forte has topped 100 yards from scrimmage in his past six games.
Minnesota Vikings (8‐5) 20 Detroit Lions (0‐13) 16 The Lions...oh the Lions...STILL going for the perfect season and the odds are now stacked against them winning a game. The Vikings will have appreciated this matchup a lot as they are still in contention for the NFC North title – and with the Bears losing today, they could take the lead. Let’s see what happened when the Vikings pillaged the Lions...It looked like a good start for the Lions, they capped off their first drive with a 25yd Jason Hanson field goal, followed by a Gus Frerotte pick ‐ Jason Hanson turned that into a 23yd field goal, giving the Lions 6 point lead. Ryan Longwell cut that down with a 35yd field goal. It took just another Frerotte pick to end the half – 6‐3 Lions. Hey who’s the other half back in Minnesota...oh hey it’s Chester Taylor! 17 yard run...touchdown...no mention of Adrian Peterson...DAMN! It didn’t take long for the Lions to answer back though – Dante went deep to his only receiver who can actually catch a ball – Calvin Johnson took it 70yds for the tying TD. Fourth quarter now and after Gus Frerotte got injured – Tarvaris Jackson stepped into QB and opened up the fourth with an 11yd TD to Visanthe Shiancoe (Try saying that 10 times fast!) Jason Hanson closed the gap to four points with a 39yd field goal, but it was over when Longwell made it seven again with his 50yd attempt. The funny thing is that for the last play of the game, Dante’s arm was sore – so in stepped Drew Henson for the Hail Mary play...He got sacked! Game Notes.... o o
There’s a reason you are winless! – On consecutive series in the second quarter the Lions elected to go for it on fourth down while they were within field goal range. They failed both times. Fill me in... ‐ After starting QB Gus Frerotte left the game with a back injury at the end of the first half, backup Tarvaris Jackson came out in the second half and filled in admirably. Jackson finished 8‐of‐10 for 105 yards and one touchdown and did not have a turnover.
Cincinnatti Bengals (1‐11‐1) 3 Indianapolis Colts (9‐4) 35 Well...tell me the first thing that came into your head when you read the above line wasn’t something along the lines of...”surprise, surprise!” This game wasn’t even close and the scoring rundown will read like the Colts Playmaker’s tribute script! Dominic Rhodes started off the scoring for the Colts; he sliced through the Bengals defence for a 17yd TD. The only score for the Bengals came after Peyton Manning fumbled the ball away and Shane Graham turned it into a 19yd field goal. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw a pick on the next possession and Manning wasted no time in turning that into a 5yd Marvin Harrison TD pass. It was 14‐3 at halftime. The Bengals defence had had a rest and they were about to get worn right down again...after a 15 play drive, Peyton went right to Anthony Gonzales from 2yds out for another TD. Peyton was firing on all cylinders and this time went 4yds to Dallas Clark for his third TD. The final score came when Fitzpatrick tried a pass to HB Travis Henry, but unfortunately Kelvin Hayden got in the way and drove it all the way back – 85yds to the house. The game ended 35‐3 and the Bengals showed why they now have 4 “1” digits in their win/loss/tie stats for this year. Game Notes.... o o o o
Back to business! – Coming off his worst performance of the season, Peyton Manning picked apart the Bengals secondary, connecting on 26 of 32 passes for 277 yards and three touchdowns. DE...decked – Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis would not let Bengals quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick get comfortable. Indianapolis' defensive ends combined for four of the Colts' five sacks. Go home! ‐ The Bengals are 0‐7 on the road this season Streaks ‐ The Colts have won six straight games, including four in a row at Lucas Oil Field
Philadelphia Eageles (7‐5‐1) 20 New York Giants (11‐2) 14 Boy is there ever a fight going on in the NFC East...The Giants (even though they lost today) have clinched the division, but the Eagles proved they are not unbeatable and that the Eagles themselves – are no pushover. This was a tough matchup and I sure wouldn’t have liked to pick the winner. It took tough plays to win this one...even the kickers! David Akers got the Eagles in the lead first of all, it came from a 51yd attempt – I think the Eagles realised that they needed every point they could get, to beat the Giants. John Carney had a 47yd kick blocked after a 12 play drive and only 2 drives later Brian Westbrook toasted the Giants defenders, taking the ball 30yds for the TD and the lead. The Giants had a reprieve before halftime, when David Akers attempted a 32yd field goal. It was blocked and picked up by Kevin Dockery – he managed to elude defenders and take it 71yds back to the Giants house, narrowing the halftime lead to 10‐7 Philadelphia. Akers had another kick blocked to start the third quarter, the end of a 15 play drive. Fourth quarter would decide all and Donovan McNabb started in style – He didn’t actually pass any TD’s to his receivers today, but instead gave it to Brian Westbrook...Westbrook did the rest, taking it 40yds to the house. After another 14 play drive it was Akers turn to put another kick in the air – this time it was good from 34yds out. Eli Manning started the fight back, hitting Darcy Johnson from 1yd out, to bring them within 6 points. They tried the onside kick...but it failed. The Eagles run out the clock and beat the “Plaxico‐less” Giants in the Meadowlands. Game Notes.... o o o o
Where there’s a will... – Philadelphia was outstanding on third down. It converted 12 of 18 tries and seemed to break the Giants' defensive will with its repeated success in continuing drives. Block Shock – For the second time this season, the Eagles had a field goal blocked as time expired in the first half and run back for a touchdown. HAHAHAHAHA ‐ Plaxico Burress' replacement, Domenik Hixon, dropped a potential 85‐yard touchdown. 6 times no more ‐ The Giants' six‐game home winning streak was snapped.
Cleveland Browns (4‐9) 9 Tennessee Titans (12‐1) 28 I’ll admit it...I love the 70’s style look Jeff Fisher has got going on. The Sunglasses and Goatee really should be what every coach should look like! (Maybe he should give Bill Bellichuck some fashion advice...Red Sweater during the Superbowl was just tempting fate!) Anyway, we had a game on our hands and the Browns travel to Jack Daniels country – would they pull of a “neat” game...or end up “on the rocks”? Well they sure started off well; Phil Dawson struck a 47yd field goal for the early lead. After Kerry Collins had a pass intended for Justin Gage picked, Dawson struck again from 41yds out. But there’s a reason the Titans have only lost 1 game – Kerry Collins to Ahrmad Hall from 28yds out erased the lead. Lendale White is the power back in Tennessee and he characteristically powered his way up the middle from 3yds out for the TD. Third quarter now and after Ken Dorsey was picked off by Michael Griffin, it took only 2 plays for Collins to hit Justin Gage from 9yds out for another passing TD. It could have been slightly closer after Lendale White fumbled the ball back to the Browns, but Phil Dawson missed a 44yd field goal – he was wide right. Kerry Collins was picked on the next drive though, and Dawson had another shot – this time from 39yds out – he nailed it this time! After a Browns punt it took rookie RB sensation Chris Johnson only 1 play to score – he managed a 25yd run to end the scoring. The Browns fought until the final whistle but time ran out on them – Final score was 28‐9 to the Titans, but you must admire the determination of the Browns – who never gave up! Game Notes.... o o
Touchdowns are worth 7, Field goals are worth 3! – The Browns entered the game with no touchdowns in their last eight quarters and continued that trend Sunday. Cleveland failed to reach the red zone, let alone the end zone, settling for three field goals. Buttock Clinching... – The Titans clinched the AFC South with the win
Atlanta Falcons (8‐5) 25 New Orleans Saints (7‐6) 29 An NFC South matchup to whet your appetite for the Bucs Vs Carolina game on Monday night and this was the battle of third and fourth, but the game didn’t reflect records. The Falcons have a tough time playing in the Louisiana Superdome, dating back to the first game played after hurricane Katrina. This was important to both teams and now both need a win in order to keep pace with Carolina and Tampa. After Matt Ryan tried going to Roddy but was picked by Jason David, Drew Brees capitalised and hit returning RB star Reggie Bush from 5yds out for the early lead. Second quarter now and Garrett Hartley nailed a 26yd field goal for the Saints, giving them a double digit lead. Time for the Falcons to spread their wings...Michael “The Burner” Turner carried half the Saints defence in from 5yds out for the first Falcon score. After Hartley added another three points for the Saints, Matt Ryan went to Brian Finneran from 2yds out for the second score. Hartley ended the half with a 25yd field goal, giving the Saints a 16‐14 lead – going into the locker room. After halftime, the Falcons came out and constructed a 15 play drive on their second possession that ended with a 23yd Jason Elam field goal. Fourth quarter now and Drew Brees went to second halfback star Pierre Thomas from 7yds out for the score – the ensuing two point attempt failed. The Falcons are full of fighting spirit and Matt Ryan is too – he scrambled in himself from 12yds out for the score and then hit Michael Jenkins for two. The game was over when Pierre Thomas got in from 5yds out for the TD – The Falcons failed their next drive and the Saints an out the clock. They pick up a valuable win to go 7‐6 and can now keep pace in a division which has teams with winning records of 10, 9, 8 and the Saints 7. Game Notes.... o
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Fourth Down Town– The game changed on fourth down. The Saints converted a fourth‐down attempt late in the fourth quarter, leading to Thomas' winning touchdown. The Falcons punted on fourth‐and‐5 from their own 35‐yard line with 3:23 remaining and never got the ball back. Pierre! – Thomas was the Saints' offense in the fourth quarter. He scored on a 7‐yard touchdown pass and a 5‐yard run for the winning score. He also picked up two first downs on the Saints' final drive. Roddy! – Roddy White is continuing to have an amazing season; he caught 10 balls for 164yds and had a 59yd reception. Matt Ryan set a new personal best this week – 315yds and 1TD.
Houston Texans (6‐7) 24 Greenbay Packers (5‐8) 21 Welcome to the ultimate in “Catch” games. By catch I mean – thinking that the Packers are going to sweep this one, but overlooking their record – never mind the Texans! This was going to be a close game, both teams had 5‐7 records and both have struggled this season. There was one difference today...the Texans got Matt Schaub back! Schaub Wasted no time in getting back to form – It took only three plays for him to hit Kevin Walter 58yds down the field for the TD. Second quarter now and after Schaub was picked off, Aaron Rodgers (Not Brett Favre!) took only two plays to hit Donald Lee 20yds down the field for the game tying TD. Kris Brown capped off a 7 play drive with a 30yd field goal to follow that drive and on the very next kick Will Blackmon nearly had a 99yd return, but it was nullified by a penalty. The drive ended with a Rodgers pick – the half ended when Kris Brown missed a 41yd field goal attempt. 10‐7 Texans at halftime. Kris Brown got the only score of the third quarter, sticking a 41yd field goal through the uprights, the quarter ended with a Steve Slaton fumble, the fourth quarter began with a 6yd Ryan Grant TD for Greenbay. The Texans weren’t beaten though – Matt Schaub went to the NFL’s leading receiver this year, Andre Johnson – he caught an 11yd TD pass and then followed by catching a two point pass attempt. Greenbay recovered a Texans muffed punt catch and Aaron Rodgers turned that into a 9yd TD pass to Jordy Nelson. The Game now came down to the last possession and the Texans managed to drive the ball into field goal range, 40yds out – it was good! The Texans beat the Packers on the very last play of the game – the Packers taste defeat yet again and many gamblers will no doubt have lost money by betting on this “Catch” game! Game Notes.... o
Turnover? – The Texans won despite allowing the Packers, who lead the league with 114 points off takeaways this season, to score all of their points off four Texans turnovers.
Miami Dolphins (8‐5) 16 Buffalo Bills (6‐7) 3 Coming to you from Ralf Wilson Stadium in...Toronto! Yes this game was live from across the border and it was the ultimate in close call games! (Unless you look at the score!) The Dolphins had only turned the ball over 10 times and the Bills had an electric offense...I guess it came down to defence then! Well Chad Pennington embarrassed the Bills defence when he went deep to Anthony Fasano from 20yds out for the opening score, The Bills Ryan Lindell answered back with a 40yd field goal. Dan Carpenter struck a 50yd field goal to open the second quarter, followed by a 35yd field goal which was the culmination of a 15 play drive. (Ricky Williams did have the TD but it was nullified by a holding penalty). The score was 13‐3 at the half. It took until the fourth quarter for the next score to come, a 27yd field goal by carpenter was all the Dolphins needed, the Bills final possession ended with a J.P. Losman fumble. The Dolphins beat the Bills at home – The Bills lost the advantage of a cold weather game which they could have had at Ralph Wilson Stadium, this was because they closed the roof in Toronto, thus the temperature rose! Game Notes.... o o o
Pennington lives in Miami – Chad Pennington was efficient in leading the Dolphins to a sweep of their AFC East rivals. On Miami's second drive, Pennington found Anthony Fasano for his 12th TD pass of the season. He finished the game 23 of 29 for 181 yards. Worn Down – The Dolphins wore down the Bills with long drives, and held onto the ball 15 minutes longer than the Bills (37:31 to 22:29 in time of possession). Home Field? ‐ The game was played in Toronto at the Rogers Centre, the first of five regular‐season games to be played there in the next five years
New York Jets (8‐5) 14 San Francisco 49’ers (5‐8) 24 How about this one then...The 49’ers beating the Jets! It sure does look like Mike Singletary has turned this franchise around and it wasn’t so much a key victory for the 49’ers who have peaked too late and are now effectively out of playoff contention, but more a key defeat for the Jets as they now share the same 8‐5 record as the Patriots and Dolphins – both of whom look strong. The game started out with a wild score. A Shaun Hill pass to Jason Hill was fumbled and recovered by Joe Staley recovered it for the TD. Brett Favre, remember him? Well he ran the ball in himself – 2yds out and Brett Favre is the fastest 100 year old man on the planet. Shaun Hill followed up by putting together a 14 play drive and capping that off with a 4yd TD pass to Frank Gore. Third quarter now and after a Shaun Hill interception, it was Thomas Jones, who turned the corner and ran in 17yds for the TD. Shaun Hill nearly had a 28yd TD to Delanie Walker, but it was nullified by a holding penalty – they settled for a 32yd Joe Nedney field goal. Shaun Hill gave the 49’ers the final lead courtesy of a 3yd pass to Bryant Johnson for the final score. The game was over when Brett Favre threw a pick to Walt Harris. ...and that’s the story of one of the most surprising results this year! Game Notes.... o
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Take Your Chances – The Niners dominated in every statistical category, but perhaps the most telling stat was fumble recoveries. San Francisco put the ball on the ground five times, but was able to recover four of them, avoiding any major momentum shifts that could have gotten New York going. Turning a Corner? ‐ Since becoming the 49ers starting quarterback in Week 10, Shaun Hill has played extremely well and led the team to a 3‐2 record. He continued his run of success with 285 passing yards and two touchdowns against the Jets.
New England Patroits (8‐5) 24 Seattle Seahawks (2‐11) 21 The Patriots need to think very hard about their QB situation – Matt Schaub is developing a rapport with this team and is looking very good indeed. Would you sacrifice that for an injured Brady? Only Bellichuck can decide. Meanwhile – Seattle got their QB back in action a couple of weeks ago, but Matt Hasslebeck is no miracle worker, not even he has managed to turn this team around – with Seneca Wallace at QB today – could he get a win? Wallace started out well; he threw a 14yd TD pass to Deion Branch to start their scoring. Steve Gostkowski didn’t let the game get out of control – he struck a 50yd field goal for three points. Wallace was certainly on‐line today; he managed another TD pass, this time to John Carlson from 10yds out for a 14‐3 lead. That lead was cut when Cassell struck Benjamin Watson from 2yds out to bring the game close again. Third quarter now and Gostkowski nailed a 42yd field goal to cut the gap to 1 point. Seneca Wallace went back to what he knows best...passing TD’s to Deion Branch...4yd TD and 3 passing TDs for Seneca Wallace. Gostkowski sure was the “points workhorse” for the Pats today – a 27yd field goal brought them within a TD. That TD came when Sammy Morris went straight down the field – 1yd out was the winning score. The Pats went for two and converted with a Cassell connection with Wes Welker. Game Notes.... o o o
Redemption – Since 2003, the Patriots are 18‐1 in games following a loss, including a 5‐0 record in such games this season. Want to Win? – The Seahawks have lost six straight, including five in a row at home. Holmgren’s in hell ‐ Seattle's 11 losses are the most it's ever had under coach Mike Holmgren
Kansas City Chiefs (2‐11) 17 Denver Broncos (8‐5) 24 A Very important game for the Bronco’s – it is their first step on their way to securing the AFC west. The Chiefs season is over and they must try to salvage something. Charlie Barth got the game rolling with a 26yd field goal, giving the Chiefs the early lead. Jay Cutler was awake though...he went deep to Brandon Stokely for...an interception by Maurice Leggett, who took it 27yds for a TD. Peyton Hillis answered back for the Bronco’s he turned the corner from 18yds out for the TD. Tyler Thigpen sure is capable...capable of stringing together a massive 17 play drive and capping it off with a 13yd TD pass to Tony Gonzales. Jay Cutler was successful in hitting Brandon Marshall from 12yds out to give the Broncos only a 3 point deficit going into the locker room. It was Matt Prater who kicked off the third quarter, hitting a 33yd field goal to tie things up. Prater ended the half by missing a 48yd attempt. The finishing score was another TD to Brandon Marshall – 6yds out sewed things up. The Bronco’s beat the Chiefs and Things are looking pretty good for a Bronco Playoff run! Game Notes.... o
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Time Travel – The Broncos had a decisive edge in time of possession, leading 36:38 to 23:22Run For The Hillis – Broncos rookie RB Peyton Hillis recorded a season‐high 129 rushing yards. He is the first player to rush for more than 100 yards against the Jets this season Hillis Out ‐ Hillis was the sixth running back to go down for the Broncos this season. Tatum Bell replaced Hillis and rushed for 52 yards. ... Hillis scored a touchdown in his fourth consecutive game.
St. Louis Rams (2‐11) 10 Arizona Cardinals (8‐5) 34 An NFC West divisional matchup and the two ends of the spectrum. Arizona has now clinched the division and have guaranteed themselves a playoff place. The Rams never even got close to a playoff run and are extremely lucky not to be in the same position as the Lions. Tim Hightower has taken over from Edgerrin James in Arizona and he capped of the first drive of the game with a 1yd TD run. Kurt Warner opened up his cannon and passed short to Larry Fitzgerald from 12yds out for a 14 point lead. The first Ram points came off a Kurt Warner pick and were a Marc Bulger connection with star running back Steven Jackson. Neil Rackers turned the next Cardinal possession into a 44yd field goal and followed that with a 22yd attempt two drives later. Steven Jackson was having a miserable day and he ran into trouble when Gerald Hayes whacked him and caused a fumble. That was picked up by Darnell Dockett and he took it in for an 11yd fumble recovery. Josh Brown got the last of the Rams points in the form of a 51yd field goal. The game ended with a no huddle play for the Rams – Bulger was picked by rookie Dominic Rodgers‐Cromartie and he took it back to the house – 99yds on an electrifying play! Game Notes.... o o o
Well Deserved – The Cardinals earned their first playoff berth since 1998 History repeated – The Cardinals won their first ever NFC West title, and first division title since taking the NFC East in 1975 Home again ‐ The Cardinals will host their first playoff game as a franchise since they defeated Philadelphia in the 1947 NFL Championship Game.
Dallas Cowboys (8‐5) 13 Pittsburgh Steelers (10‐3) 20 What a matchup and this is the classic. The Steel Curtain Vs Americas team. Both teams needed a win, the Steelers to ensure they remain ahead of Baltimore and the Cowboys to secure a wildcard. Romo threw a pick on the first drive of the game, but fortunately Jeff Reed missed the 45yd field goal that the turnover set up! After two fumbles and a Romo interception, the teams exchanged field goals to end the half – Jeff Reed from 24yds out and Nick Folk from 44yds. The halftime score was 3‐3. Third quarter now and Romo finally got his act together – hitting T.O. Terrell Owens from 12yds out for the first TD of the game. Nick Folk added another 3 points for the Cowboys and they led by 10 points going into the final period. Jeff Reed started the Steeler fight back with a 41yd field goal and when the Cowboys punted on their next possession, Roethlisberger went to Heath Miller from 6yds out to tie the game up. The Key play of the game came when Romo went to Jason Witten but was picked off by Deshea Townsend – Deshea took it 25yds to the house and that pick cost the Cowboys the game! Game Notes.... o o
The Steel Curtain is back – The Steelers were bailed out by their defence again. The unit intercepted Romo three times, sacked him three times and forced one fumble. Points are all that count – Pittsburgh scored 10 points on three fourth‐quarter possessions; the Cowboys had four possessions in the final period, with two punts, an interception and a turnover on downs.
Washington Redskins (7‐6) 10 Baltimore Ravens (9‐4) 24 Yet another massive battle and one in which the result, should have been obvious. The Redskins are full of might and power – yes they have Clinton Portis and Santana Moss, but their one key weakness is Jason Campbell. This QB is going to cost the Redskins somewhere along the line. In contrast, the Ravens have one fine QB who has had an amazing rookie year. The Ravens will need to win here to keep pace with the Steelers, but even now are looking very promising for the Playoffs. Jason Campbell was intercepted on his first drive of the game and LaRon McLaine turned this into points when he ran in from 8yds out. Clinton Portis couldn’t hang on to the ball either – he fumbled it away and it was recovered by the man who possesses the TWO longest interception returns in history –Ed Reed. He picked it up and took it 22yds to the house for a 14 points lead. Shaun Suisham missed a field goal for the Redskins and that ends the first half of play. 14‐0 Ravens. Matt Stover was kicking at his best, 32yds out was on‐line for the Ravens. After Flacco made a rookie mistake and was picked, Shaun Suisham hit Washington’s first points of the day from 43yds out. Willis McGahee then fumbled the ball away a few plays later and Jason Campbell hit Aantwan Randle El from 5yds out for the first (and last) Redskin TD of the day. Flacco dealt the final blow and hit Derrick Mason from 28yds out to close the scoring – Campbell threw another pick to end the game, the Ravens win by 24‐10 and it does look like the whole of the Redskins team is costing them victory! Game Notes.... o
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He is the best – Ed Reed put on a show from the first series to the last. He began the game with an interception of Jason Campbell, then stripped Clinton Portis, picked up the fumble and scored on the Redskins' third possession. He finally sealed the victory by picking off Campbell a second time with 1:53 to play. Run Hard With A Vengeance‐ Coming into the game, the Redskins and Ravens had two of the league's best rushing attacks. Only Baltimore's held up to its lofty standing Sunday night, however, as it rolled up 147 yards on the ground, compared with only 62 for the Redskins.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9‐4) 23 Carolina Panthers (10‐3) 38 NFC South – the division from hell. No‐one can predict the results and all we can say is – this was another “catcher” game. (See Texans V Greenbay) The results would be simple – win this game and you go to the top of the division. Lose and you risk missing the playoffs altogether. Who was stronger and who had the better run game in the end? Well it was quiet first quarter, the only score being a 33yd John Kasay field goal. Things started to get heated in the second quarter, After Jake Delhomme was picked by Ronde Barber, Matt Bryant turned it into a 20yds field goal to tie up the game. The Bucs couldn’t resist the dominant Panthers blocking game and Jonathan “The Daily Show” Stewart was able to run in from 2yds out. The half ended 10‐3 Panthers. After Delhomme came out with “INTERCEPTION” written all over the ball, Jeff Garcia finally found Antonio Bryant from 50yds out for their first TD of the game. Delhomme cleaned his ball and threw it to Steve Smith in the end zone from 38yds out. Cadillac Williams sure can do lots of miles to the gallon and he ran in from 4yds out to tie the game at the end of the third quarter. The Daily show was being repeated and Stewart took the ball in from 4yds out to give the Panthers the lead. The Bucs defence was looking tired and worn down and that’s what let DeAngelo Williams turn the left corner and get in from 16yds out. Jeff Garcia salved some hope when he hit Antonio Bryant from 15yds out to bring the Bucs within18 points, but it was killed when DeAngelo Williams got in again from 36yds out, running hard and right through a nonexistent defence. The game ended when Garcia looked for Bryant for the third time but was picked. The Panthers take the lead in the NFC South and the Bucs have serious questions hanging over the strength of their formerly 9th ranked rush defence, not to mention the age of their players which showed with the fatigue. Game Notes.... o o
Run Down – The Panthers scored a touchdown on five of their final seven possessions, not counting their final drive when they kneeled down twice. The Bucs hung around for a while, but ultimately were unable to keep up with Carolina's torrid scoring pace. Tired and Run Down – Williams and backfield partner Jonathan Stewart dominated what was the ninth‐ranked Tampa Bay rush defence. The Panthers felt no need to even disguise their desire to run, lining up in power formations as Williams and Stewart simply ploughed through an overmatched Bucs defence.