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Week 12 Game Reviews
Week 12 Game Reviews
WEEK 12 NFL GAME REVIEWS
Cincinnati Bengals (1‐9‐1) 10 Pittsburgh Steelers (8‐3) 27
As the snow came down in Pittsburgh, it was time for Thursday night football and this one
looked like a good one. You may think...Bengals? Good game? Well don’t forget what they
did to the Eagles last week – holding Donovan McNabb to a tie is a pretty mean feat for a
1‐8 team! Let’s see how they got on when they took a trip to the big Beanz at Heinz field!
The Bengals certainly started strong – Ryan Fitzpatrick hit Glenn Holt from 10yds out for
the games opening TD. Big Ben Roethlisberger was also on top form in the snow – a short
pass left to TE Heath Miller tied up the game. Jeff Reed nailed a 37yd field goal to end the
half ‐ 10‐7 Steelers. Reed started out as he finished, his second kick of the day was on‐line
from 38yds out. Gary Russell is the third string RB in Pittsburgh and he got let loose
tonight – 2yds out, it was his first NFL TD. Shane Graham got 3 back for the Bengals from
26yds out, but you can’t stop Big Ben when he gets rolling – he ran the ball in himself from
8yds out. The game finished with the only pick of the night – Ryan Fitzpatrick was
intercepted by Troy Polumalu and the Steelers go on to get a crucial win in the AFC North
– keeping them 1 game ahead of the rallying Ravens.
Game Notes....
o Surprising the way Big Ben ticks – Roethlisberger won the 47th game of his five‐year career, passing John Elway for the most
through a quarterback's first five seasons. He is now just one win behind Otto Graham, Dan Marino and Tom Brady for the most
since 1950
o Key Improvements or just...the Bengals? – Coming into their meeting with the Bengals, the Steelers had given up the fourth‐most
sacks (35) in the NFL, and Roethlisberger was the most‐sacked quarterback in the league (32, tied with Matt Cassel and J.T.
O'Sullivan). But the Steelers kept Roethlisberger safe all game, not allowing a sack for just the second time all season.
Philadelphia Eagles 7 (5‐5‐1) Baltimore Ravens (7‐4) 36
Philadelphia’s record really doesn’t reflect how many problems have arisen in this team
and they almost all revolve around Donovan McNabb...inconsistency...too much reliance
on Brian Westbrook...3rd down plays failing – it doesn’t look good. After another poor
performance today, McNabb was benched for Kevin Kolb – could either of them do
anything to beat the strong looking ravens? After a scoreless first quarter, the first big
play of the game was a Donovan McNabb pick. The first score came from Matt Stover’s
Boot – 44yds out and good. McNabb was intercepted for a second time on the next drive
– picked by Ed Reed who took it 43yds back into Eagle territory. Joe Flacco then finished
off the drive with a TD to Daniel Wilcox from 1yd out. It was then time for Philadelphia’s
first score of the day – it didn’t come from the offense, but from a 100yd Quinn Demps
kick‐off return. The Half ended 10‐7 after Steven Hauschka missed a 53yd field goal for
the Ravens. After McNabb was benched at halftime, Kevin Kolb was on at QB – his team
didn’t exactly start well, the Ravens got the first score of the half, a blocked Eagle punt
went out of the back of the end zone for a safety. Kevin Kolb then threw his first pick of
the game – this one to Samari Rolle. Matt Stover turned this into three points from 42yds
out. Flacco added insult to injury when he threw the deep ball to Mark Clayton – a 53yd bomb went for 6. The game was
already out of control but Kevin Kolb wasn’t finished embarrassing himself yet – he threw a pick in the end zone to Ed Reed –
Reed took the ball all the way back the other way for a 108yd interception return, a new NFL record which breaks the previous
of 106yds set by...Ed Reed! After Kolb failed a fourth down on the next drive, Baltimore gave the ball to LaRon McLain from 1yd
out for another TD. The Eagles failed another fourth down on the ensuing drive; the Ravens go on to win 27‐10 in an
embarrassing defeat for the Eagles.
Game Notes....
o The Reasons– With five, the Eagles had almost as many turnovers as points. Those miscues were cashed in for 17 points by the
Ravens.
o Promise – For the fifth time in his last six starts, Joe Flacco did not throw an interception
o Times are Changing ‐ McNabb was benched by the Eagles at halftime after committing three turnovers in the second quarter. Kolb
was not any better, completing 10 of 23 passes for 73 yards and two interceptions.
Houston Texans (4‐7) 16 Cleveland Browns (4‐7) 6
Two very quiet teams this year – The Browns are trying to ease Brady Quinn into the role of
starting QB, to which he has taken to well. The Texans are trying to fill Matt Schaub’s shoes
with an 8 year veteran, Sage Rosenfels – the Texans started well but have gone on a losing
streak – the Browns had a big win last Monday against the Bills – but who could get it right
today? The game started very positively for the Texans, Sage Rosenfels capped off a long 14
play drive with a 17yd TD to Kevin Walter. After Brady Quinn fumbled the ball away on his
first possession – the Texans turned it into points, Kris Brown was on‐line from 31yds out for
3 points. Phil Dawson got the Browns rolling when he put a 32yd attempt through the
uprights. Kris Brown’s next attempt from 49yds out was blocked, but the Browns couldn’t
drive it all the way – they settled for another Phil Dawson field goal – 32yds out. Andre
Davies was so close to a 93yd kick‐off return but it was nullified by an offensive holding
penalty. None the less Rosenfels drove the ball down the field and gave Kris Brown a 31yd
attempt for another 3 points. On the final kick off of the first half, Houston recovered a
Browns muff, but had no time to drive the ball – Kris Brown had a 56yd attempt but missed. Third quarter now and the only
score came after an interception exchange, Rosenfels was picked by Brodney Pool, swiftly followed by Quinn throwing it back to
Anthony Weaver. Kris Brown then hit the 36yd field goal. The rest of the game consisted of a Brady Quinn Pick, a Derek
Anderson pick and fumble, a Zastudil fumble, a Rosenfels pick and a missed Phil Dawson field goal. Big Plays – no scores! The
Texans go on to win 16‐6 in a battle of defences.
Game Notes....
o Ultimate clutch – The teams combined to go 4‐for‐4 on fourth‐down attempts, but just 6‐for‐25 on third‐down attempts.
o Not all glory... ‐ Though he didn't lead the Texans in receptions or yards, WR Kevin Walter made the big plays for Houston. Of his
seven receptions, five earned Houston either a touchdown or first down, allowing the Texans to keep drives alive and control the
clock all game.
Tampa Bay Buaneers (8‐3) 38 Detroit Lions (0‐11) 20
Welcome to the definition of an un‐even matchup. NFC South leader Vs NFL loser. With
Dante Culpepper at the helm, the Lions started out promisingly, he gifted Calvin Johnson a
15yd TD. The defence was rolling as well – they forced a fumble from Jeff Garcia (well, Garcia
ran into Warrick Dunn!) and Daniel Bullocks took it 44yds to the house for a 14 point lead.
Jason Hanson banged through a 38yd field goal and the Lions were up 17 points at the end of
the first quarter! Warrick Dunn began the Bucs rally – he ran 13yds to the end zone for the
TD. Jeff Garcia followed that by hitting Ike Hilliard 36yds down the field for another TD. After
Culpepper was picked on the next drive, Garcia was good again – hitting TE Jeremy Stevens
from 24yds out to take the lead. Third quarter now and what a way to start it...Clifton Smith
took a Nick Harris punt 70yds back to the house for the first Bucs punt return since 2004!
After Garcia fumbled on the next drive, Dante Culpepper hit...Ronde Barber at the Tampa
35yds line – Ronde took the ball all the way back, 65yds to the house. Jason Hanson got
three points back for the Lions from 40yds out. 4th quarter now and Matt Bryant got his first
field goal of the day – 48yds out. The game ended when Dante Culpepper fumbled the ball
away and Tampa ran out the clock. This win, followed by a Carolina loss puts the Bucs at the
top of the NFC South.
Game Notes....
o QB Roulette– Culpepper left the game in the third quarter and was replaced by backup Drew Stanton. When Stanton left with a
concussion, Culpepper returned in the fourth quarter.
o Welcome Back Cadillac – Bucs RB Cadillac Williams saw his first game action since September 2007
o Barber Baby! ‐ Barber picked off Culpepper twice, and the Bucs converted both interceptions into points.
Buffalo Bills (6‐5) 54 Kansas City Chiefs (1‐10) 31
So far this season the Herminator has been Herminated...After a tough loss last week against
the Browns, the Bills look to rebound with a road victory. This was a key game for Buffalo;
they cannot afford to lose another game, lest they will slip behind the AFC East wildcard race.
High scoring game...Who scored more? Well Tyler Thigpen didn’t take long to warm up – he
hit Jamaal Charles from 36yds out. Marshawn Lynch has been on form all season – he ran up
the middle from 1yd out for 6 points. Ryan Lindell struck a 21yd field goal to put Buffalo back
on top, but Thigpen went to “the best TE on the planet” – Tony Gonzalez from 2yds out after
a 63yd Larry Johnson run. After Thigpen fumbled the ball on the next drive, Ryan Lindell
turned it into three points courtesy of a 39yd field goal. Tyler Thigpen got the ball back but
threw it straight to Leodis McKelvin – he took it 65yds back home for a Bills TD. Charlie Barth
got his first field goal of the day from 25yds out, followed by a counter‐field goal from Ryan
Lindell, his attempt was good from 34yds. After Thigpen was picked on the next drive, Trent
Edwards took the ball 15yds into the end zone himself, giving the Bills a 30‐17 lead at
halftime. Trent Edwards was looking like this generation’s Michael Vick when he took the ball
in for a second time, 5yds out and his 2nd rushing TD. After Ryan Lindell added another 3
points from 38yds out, Tyler Thigpen tried to get something going when he hit Mike Bradley from 45yds out, torching the Bills
DB’s. The Bills got the ball back and Trent Edwards actually passed for a TD this time – 8yds out, he hit Josh Reed. Can you
believe he did it again early in the fourth quarter! Derek Schouman took a short pass 17yds to the end zone. The final TD of the
game came after Thigpen was replaced with Quinn Gray at QB – he hit Dwayne Bowe from 3yds out to make the final score 54‐
31 in a great chess game between two mediocre teams.
Game Notes....
o Possession is 9/10 of the law – The Bills forced five turnovers and did not commit one.
o Officially the best – Chiefs tight end Tony Gonzalez moved past Kellen Winslow for the most 100‐yard career receiving games (25) for
a tight end. Gonzalez had 10 receptions for 113 yards and touchdown.
o 54 Times a charm ‐ Buffalo's 54 points represents the highest total ever scored against Kansas City.
Chicago Bears (6‐5) 27 St. Louis Rams (2‐9) 3
This was clearly a key game for the Bears – after a tough loss last week to division rivals
Green Bay, they needed a win to keep pace in the NFC North, with the Packers and
Minnesota. The Rams were without Steven Jackson again, and the result sure shows how
important he is to that offense! The Bears don’t exactly have an explosive offense, but it
really didn’t take long for them to get scoring – after 4 plays Matt Forte took the ball 13yds
up the middle for the opening score. Kyle Orton then added to the Rams discomfort, he
struck Jason McKie from 7yds out and another TD. Josh Brown missed the opportunity to get
the Rams on the board when he missed a 40yd field goal – Matt Forte didn’t miss his
opportunities though – like a hot knife through butter, he torched the Rams defence, taking
the ball 47yds to the end zone. Josh Brown didn’t miss his second field goal attempt – 43yds
out it was good. Robbie Gould followed with a 43yd field goal of his own. Robbie Gould also
hit the only field goal of the third quarter – 38yds out. There were several turnovers on both
sides but no more scores. The Bears hold the Rams to no TD’s and keep pace in the NFC
North.
Game Notes....
o QB Roulette– Rams quarterback Marc Bulger left the game after taking a blow to the head early in the first quarter, and was
replaced by Trent Green. Third‐string quarterback Brock Berlin played in the fourth quarter
o Without Steven Jackson... – Chicago held St. Louis to only 14 rushing yards.
New York Jets (8‐3) 34 Tennessee Titans (10‐1) 13
It was all over the press this week...the same headline...the same prediction...the same story – “If
anyone can do it, Brett Favre can!” They were of course referring to dealing the Titans their first
defeat of the season. The ingredients are all right ‐ Brett Favre with a big arm, Cotchery and Coles
as his weapons and a dominant runner in Thomas Jones. But could they pull off an upset against a
Titans team that always seem to find a way to win?? Old man Favre didn’t waste time, capping off
a 9 play drive with a 10yds pass to Thomas Jones. Second quarter now, The Titans are usually
good at turning turnovers into points but they couldn’t capitalise on a Brett Favre pick. Jay Feeley
got the 10 point lead for the Jets courtesy of a 20yd field goal. The Titans responded with a 12
play drive but could only get 3 points from a 43yd Rob Bironas field goal. It was 103 in favour of
the Jets at halftime. Third quarter now and Jay Feeley hit another 30yd field goal, and after Chris
Johnson fumbled the ball away – Brett Favre put the game effectively out of reach when he hit
Lauverneus Coles in the end zone for a 2yd TD. The Titans never gave up though – Rob Bironas hit
three points to give them some momentum back, but it was drained away very quickly when Leon
Washington took the ball 61yds on a massive run to the end zone. Kerry Collins got the Titans their only TD of the game – a short
pass to Antoine Hall. It ended with another Leon Washington run for a TD – 4yds out and the Jets manage the upset. The Titans
lose for the first time this season and Brett Favre earns some respect in the Tennessee DB core.
Game Notes....
o Third down frown– The Titans were plagued by another slow start in which they punted on their first five possessions. Dating back to
last week, the Titans have converted 5‐of‐23 third downs, including a 36 percent success rate vs. the Jets.
o Close...but no cigar – The Jets knocked off the league's lone unbeaten team and snapped Tennessee's 13‐game winning streak,
dating back to Dec. 16 of last season
o On the run ‐ The Jets have won five consecutive games for the first time since going 5‐0 to begin the 2004 season
o Three of a kind ‐ Washington's 61‐yard score was the Jets' longest play of the season. Washington became one of three players to
score via the pass, run and kick return this season (along with Joshua Cribbs and J.J. Arrington)
o Pro‐Bowl Bound! ‐ Titans CB Cortland Finnegan recorded his league‐leading fifth interception.
New England Patroits (7‐4) 48 Miami Dolphins (6‐5) 28
Oh the Patriots will never forget the embarrassing defeat the Dolphins handed them earlier in
the season! What are the odds that Bill Bellichuck spent some considerable time this week
developing some clever way of stopping that Patented Miami wildcat formation? Let’s see if it
worked...Cassel started off with some impressive passing, he led the Pats down the field for a
30yd Steve Gostkowski field goal. Cassel was picked on the next drive, this set up Chad
Pennington to hit Greg Camarillo from 3yds out for the TD. 2nd quarter now and Matt Cassel sure
can pass – but he can run too! 8yds up the middle for the first Pats TD! After Sammy Morris
fumbled the next Pats possession away, Chad Pennington proved he can hustle too – he ran in
from 7yds out for two consecutive QB rushed for TD’s. Matt Cassel had Tom Brady in his helmet
when he went deep to Randy Moss for a 25yd TD. It was 17‐14 New England at halftime. Chad
Pennington couldn’t wait to get scoring again, and he sure showed that – his 2yd pass to Casey
Cramer capped off their opening drive. Cassel just couldn’t get Brady out of his head! He hit
Randy Moss again – 8yds out for Moss’ second TD of the day. The Pats started to control the
game once Kevin Faulk had torched the Dolphins from 21yds out for his first TD of the day. 4th quarter now and the Dolphins
weren’t beaten yet – Pennington went high (but not in the Ricky Williams sense) to...Ricky Williams for a 13yd TD! Cassel now
had Brady on the Brain – Randy Moss caught his third TD of the game – this one was classic Moss from 29yds out. After
Pennington was intercepted, Gostkowski added another 3 points to the Pats total. (Matt Light and Channing Crowder were
ejected from the game after fighting on this play...Don’t worry – at least they have future careers in the NHL) When Miami failed
on a fourth down, it was left up to BenJarvus Green‐Ellis to finish the game – his 1yd run made the final score 48‐28.
Game Notes....
o Long time record – New England's victory snapped Miami's four‐game winning streak and moved the Patriots (7‐4) into second place
behind the Jets in the AFC East
o A ledged in the making – Moss now has 132 career touchdown receptions, passing Cris Carter to move into third all‐time
o Who needs Brady? ‐ Cassel finished the game 30‐of‐43 with a season‐high 415 yards, marking the second‐straight week he's gone
over 400 yards passing. Cassel added a 14‐yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter.
Minnesota Vikings (6‐5) 30 Jacksonville Jaguars (4‐7) 12
This game would come down to one battle – Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor Vs the
Jags Defence...who could come out on top? Well the Vikings resorted to shock tactics and
killed the Jags before they could even get going – after just 2 plays of their very first drive,
David Garrard fumbled the ball away to the Vikings and Nick Harris took the fumble all the
way back, 27yds to the house. When the Vikings were on special teams they forced a
fumble on the next kick off and recovered the ball...when they were on offense it took just
3 plays for Chester Taylor to run the ball 3yds up the middle for a double digit lead. David
Garrard finally calmed his offense down and when he did, he hit Reggie Williams from 8yds
out to cut the lead down. Ryan Longwell added three points for the Vikings, ending the half
with a 17‐7 Viking lead. Josh Scoobe struck the only score of the second quarter; his 21yd
field goal meant the lead was still 17‐10 going into halftime. After the pep talk in the locker
room, The Jags came out and...Fumbled the ball away! That gave Ryan Longwell the only
score of this quarter, 32yds out. So the Jags had to overcome a 10 point deficit in the
fourth...That turned into 13 points after Ryan Longwell hit another field goal and then
became 20 again when Adrian Peterson finally broke the tired Jags defence down, his 16yd
run put the game out of reach. The Jags did get the last laugh – they Forced Chris Kluwe into a safety when he had to punt from
his own end zone. It was irrelevant though, the Vikings struck quick and struck fiercely. The Jags could never overcome their
early mistakes and the Vikings held on for the win.
Game Notes....
o Behave Adrian! – The league's leading rusher, Adrian Peterson, did not enter the game until Minnesota's third series. He was being
disciplined by coach Brad Childress for being late to a team meeting on Saturday
o Shock Tactics – The Vikings forced two fumbles, sacked Garrard four times and intercepted him twice. The league's second‐ranked
rush defence also held Jacksonville to 35 yards on the ground. The Jaguars had been averaging 118 rushing yards a game.
San Francisco 49’ers (3‐8) 22 Dallas Cowboys (7‐4) 35
Is it me or is this game closer than it looks? Upon first look you see a bad team and a good
team...but think about it. San Francisco has been performing much better under Mike
Singletary and since the introduction of Shaun Hill at QB, has been looking dangerous. Dallas
is still one of the best in the NFL, but may still need to get back to rhythm with Tony Romo
returning from his injured pinkie finger. Joe Nedney got the first 2 scores of the game for the
49’ers, 22 and 23yd field goals looked a positive start for the underdogs. But then came the
second quarter...Tony Romo went deep to T.O. and got a 75yd TD out of it, The 49’ers had a
punt blocked – it went out of the end zone for a Dallas safety, Nick Folk added a 48yd field
goal, he followed that with a 41yd field goal and to round off the half, Romo went to
Martellus Bennett on play action from 1yd out for another TD. The Cowboys score 22
unanswered points and take a 22‐6 lead at halftime. It didn’t get any better after halftime, for
the 49’ers – Romo was looking sharp again – he went to Patrick Crayton from 10yds out for
another TD Joe Nedney did manage to get back a35yd field goal. The fourth quarter started
with a 47yd Nick Folk field goal and then Shaun Hill finally got his first TD of the day – a deep
pass to Isaac Bruce from 18yds out saved the 49’ers some dignity. After another Nick Folk field goal, Shaun Hill got his second TD
of the day – DeShaun Foster was the lucky recipient from 9yds out – the following 2 point attempt failed. Romo and the
Cowboys ran out the clock and take the game – they manage to keep pace with the Redskins in the incredibly tough NFC East
Division.
Game Notes....
o Take Your Chances – Dallas took advantage of its opportunities to score, converting both of its goal‐to‐go situations into
touchdowns. Meanwhile, the 49ers missed on both of their chances to score when facing a goal‐to‐go circumstance.
o Back On Form ‐ Tony Romo threw for a season‐high 341 yards.
o T.O. WOW – Terrell Owens had yet to post a 100‐yard receiving game this season, but got loose for 213 yards and a touchdown
against the 49ers. It was his highest receiving total since the 2000 season and he averaged over 30 yards per catch.
Oakland Raiders (3‐8) 31 Denver Broncos (6‐5) 10
Now who would have predicted that result! Well Denver was at home...Oakland is in
turmoil...let’s see how Oakland managed to turn it around. Well after a scoreless first
quarter Sebastian Janikowski gave the Raiders the early lead with a 26yd field goal. Matt
Prater responded for Denver, his 44yd field goal tied the game. Johnny lee Higgins is magic
for Oakland and he sparked this team today – a week after taking a kickoff 90yds for a TD, he
took a punt 89yds today for another one – giving Oakland a boost they so desperately need.
After Matt Prater missed a 44yd field goal before half time, they pulled it back after the half
when Patrick Hillis turned the corner from 6yds out for the rushing TD to tie the game.
Darren McFadden has had a quiet rookie season but today he made a key play – He took the
ball in from 1yd out when Justin Fargas just couldn’t manage it – 17‐10 Oakland. JaMarcus
Russell was back at QB for Oakland and he passed to former Bronco, Ashley Lelie from 4yds
out for a small dose of revenge! Darren McFadden got the final and definitive score of the
game from 1yd out to finish off the Broncos. The irony is that the Broncos embarrassed the
Raiders at home earlier in the season, now the Raiders have done it ten‐fold to the Broncos –
who were expected to win. The Ashley Lelie TD was a touch of...serving the dish extra cold!
Game Notes....
o Surprising – The Raiders hadn't scored an offensive touchdown in 15 consecutive quarters (206 plays) but scored three touchdowns
in 18 plays during the second half.
o Deciding 4th quarter – McFadden scored two touchdowns, but running back Justin Fargas was able to move the chains for the
Raiders, rushing for 107 yards. Highlights. Fargas' running helped set up the Raiders' two fourth‐quarter touchdowns as the team
went 7‐for‐8 on third‐down conversions in the fourth quarter. The lone failure occurred when quarterback JaMarcus Russell took a
knee on the final play of the game.
Carolina Panthers (8‐3) 28 Atlanta Falcons (7‐4) 45
Doesn’t Arthur Blank look like he should be starring in either Peter Pan or
Pirates of The Caribbean? Well his Atlanta Falcons have been
swashbucklingly good this season! With a 6‐4 record going into this game
they have surprised us all. With Matt Ryan at the Helm and Michael Turner
as his Cabin Boy...none of this team need to walk the plank. (Apologies for
the poor pirate references!) As Carolina came into range of the Bubba
Dome’s cannon armed QB – who won the Bubba Dome brawl? Jason Elam
started the game by showing he’s no peg‐leg! He struck a 23yd field goal to
cap off a good opening drive. Harry Douglas doesn’t exactly get many
carries, but he took the ball in from 7yds out to give the Falcons a 10 point
first quarter lead. It was time for the Falcons to start firing on all broadsides
– Michael “The Burner” Turner went straight up the middle for a 1yd TD.
John Kasay finally got the Panthers on the board – his 23yd field goal cut the Falcons half time lead to 17‐3. After John Fox had
taken off his eye‐patch and pep talked his Panthers, DeAngelo Williams opened up the third quarter scoring with a 5yd TD run.
John Kasay added another 3 points at the end of the third; the score was now 17‐13 at the end of the third. The Burner went
4yds straight down the middle again for the Falcons, opening up the gap again – but Jake Delhomme sure can hustle too – he
ran 12yds for a QB rushing TD, followed by a successful 2 point conversion. The Burner was cannon‐balling his way through
Carolina and went 1yd up the middle for his 3rd TD of the day. Here’s something you don’t see from the Falcons very often –
Harry Douglas taking a punt 61yds back to the house for the TD! The Panthers closed the gap back down to 10 points when
Delhomme iced the Falcon DB’s and hit Mushin Muhammad from 16yds out but Ice is no match for fire...more specifically...A
Burner! Yes he took the ball 16yds for his 4th rushing TD of the game and the Falcons roll the Panthers over 45‐28 and Sail off
with Matt Ryan in the crow’s nest and their Jolly Rodger flying higher than ever!
Game Notes....
o The Burner – With four touchdowns, Turner now has 12 in six home games
o Smith Myth – Panthers WR Steve Smith finished with season‐highs in receptions (eight) and receiving yards (168)
New York Giants (10‐1) 37 Arizona Cardinals (7‐4) 29
A highly anticipated game between two division leaders – we’ve seen both of these
teams develop over the last year – not least the Cardinals passing game becoming the
most effective in the league. Let’s see what happens when these two powerhouses
met...Neil Rackers hit a 34yd field goal to get the game underway and with Brandon
Jacobs out – it was left up to Derrick Ward to run in for the TD from 1yd out. Tim
Hightower has impressed this season and he impressed with a 4yd TD run from
scrimmage. Arizona went for two to give them a 7 point lead but unfortunately – no dice.
After a Neil Rackers, John Carney field goal exchange, Eli Manning got the passing game
going again – his 12yd pass to Amani Toomer was good for 6. In a last ditch effort to cut
the first half score line, the Cardinals tried a 68yard field goal with Neil Rackers –
predictably he missed it! It was 17‐12 Giants at the Half. When Kurt Warner came out
and fumbled the ball away, Eli Manning made no such mistake – he passed to Madison
Hedgecock from 2yds out for another TD. Tim Hightower kept the Cardinals in the game
with a 1yd run, but Eli Manning never let up. His next TD was to TE Kevin Boss from 10yds
out to give them back their 12 point lead. Kurt Warner was intercepted on his next drive
and that allowed the Giants to extend their lead even further – a 27yd John Karney field goal did the job. Kurt Warner is a fighter
though – he hit Anquan Boldin from 5yds out for his first TD of the day. The game ended with another Rackers, Carney field goal
exchange and the Giants hold off the Cardinals and took full advantage of the pressure they got on Kurt Warner – turning his
mistakes into points.
Game Notes....
o Simple As That – The Giants started five drives in Arizona territory and all of them ended with scores.
o Home Sweet Home – The Cardinals lost for first time at home this season
o 300 X 5 = 1500 ‐ Arizona QB Kurt Warner threw for more than 300 yards for the fifth consecutive game
Washington Redskins (7‐4) 20 Seattle Seahawks (2‐9) 17
Am I the only one who is surprised that Washington is 6‐4? Well they have shown a
distinct inability to win games in Clutch situations – the reason –Jason Campbell. Still
looking uncomfortable in the pocket and, without Clinton Portis, having pressure put on
his passing game. Let’s see if they could defeat the Seattle Seahawks who have their
west‐coast star – Matt Hasslebeck back. Orlando Mare gave the Seahawks an early lead
courtesy of a 45yd field goal. Shaun Suisham later missed a 43yd field goal attempt to
end the first quarter. Ladell Betts gets to start in place of Clinton Portis and he proved
he can still carry the load – he ran in from 1yd out to cap off an 11 play drive. Matt
Hasslebeck was back to form – driving the ball down the field and hitting Maurice Morris
(Remember – if he was English his name would be “Morris Morris”) in the end zone from
4yds out to give them the lead. After the break it was Orlando Mare’s turn to face the
shame of a missed kick – 53yds was too long for him. Suisham didn’t miss his
opportunity from 26yds though – the game was tied. This may have been the key play of
the game...Matt Hasslebeck was picked off by SS Laron Landry and Jason Campbell
turned it into an 8yd TD pass to Aantwan Randle El. Fourth quarter now and Hasslebeck
proved he can keep cool under pressure, when he threw his second TD pass of the day to John Carlson from 10yds out, tying the
game. Shaun Suisham then nailed a 22yd field goal to end the scoring. Seattle had a chance to tie it after Ladell Betts fumbled
the ball back to them, but Hasslebeck was intercepted on his first deep pass attempt of the following drive to end any possible
comeback. The win allows Washington to stay one step ahead of Dallas in the wildcard hunt; it looks to be a decisive division for
playoff contenders in the NFC East.
Game Notes....
o Possession is 9/10 of the law – The Seahawks had the ball for fewer than 22 minutes. Their lack of possession enabled the Redskins'
defence to stay fresh and make key plays at the end of the game.
o Very Interesting! – LaRon Landry intercepted Hasselbeck in the third quarter. Including the playoffs, Landry has three career
interceptions ‐‐ all have come against Hasselbeck
Indianapolis Colts (7‐4) 23 San Diego Chargers (4‐7) 20
Welcome to the Sunday night football game of the season! These two teams always
produce absolute crackers, ever since they met in the Divisional playoffs last year –
the tension and excitement is electric! Peyton Manning and the Colts are back to
near full strength, and they would need it against a tough defence and a line‐up of
offensive stars. We paid close attention to the undersized Colt DB’s against the 6ft
5in Vincent Jackson and 6ft 4in Chris Chambers...not to mention 6ft 4 in Antonio
Gates! So how did the undersized Colts cope with the Giant Chargers? It was a slow
first quarter for this matchup – Adam Vinatieri hit a 23yd field goal which turned out
to be the only score of the quarter. Nate Kaeding hit his first attempt from 35yds out
to level the game. Peyton Manning managed to under throw Marvin Harrison and
Quentin Jammer was waiting for it! Phillip Rivers made no such mistake when he
made a very difficult throw, into coverage, hitting Vincent Jackson from 39yds out
for the first TD of the game. The Colts got the ball back just before halftime and on a
crucial 3rd and 2 play, Manning went deep to his favourite 3rd down outlet guy –
Anthony Gonzalez – he caught Manning’s 13yd pass to tie the game at 10‐10 at
halftime. Phillip Rivers made a critical error in the red zone on his first possession of
the third half – he didn’t get a strong enough grip on the ball ‐ Richard Mathis forced
the fumble and Raheem Brock recovered. Peyton Manning is a veteran who doesn’t
make those kind of mistakes very often, he managed to drive the ball down the field and capped it off with a 1yd TD pass to
Dominic Rhodes to give Indianapolis the edge. Fourth quarter now and Vinatieri managed to hit a second field goal, this one
from 38yds out – 10 point lead to the Colts. Phillip Rivers and his big play offense didn’t take long to respond back – he drove the
ball well and got it to Jacob Hester in the end zone from 1yd out to bring them within 3. That 3 came when Nate Kaeding struck
a 47yd field goal and the game was tied. It then took an impressive bit of clock management, time‐outs, spikes and very lucky
referee decisions to set Adam Vinatieri up from 51yds out for the game winning field goal – 2 second left. Vinatieri missed a
clutch kick like this during the Divisional playoffs last year that sent the Colts out, but he made no such error this time – “Mr
Clutch” sent it through the uprights and the Colts manage to edge the Chargers.
Game Notes....
o Good to See You! – The Chargers have now lost their last 4 games in a row within the last 24 second of the game!
o Snap! – The Colts snapped a three‐game losing skid to the Chargers
o Clever Play! ‐ The Colts converted both of their fourth‐down attempts. Manning hit Dominic Rhodes on a 1‐yard touchdown pass. He
also connected with Marvin Harrison on fourth‐and‐1 for 13‐yards to put Vinatieri in position to make the winning kick.
Greenbay Packers (5‐6) 29 New Orleans Saints (6‐5) 51
It is notoriously difficult to win in the Louisiana Superdome as the Falcons found out last
season! Both of these teams are 5‐5 and a win tonight is critical for both teams. The
Packers would be level with Chicago and Minnesota at the top of the NFC North,
meanwhile the Saints need a win just to keep pace with the rest of the NFC South, in which
they are currently bottom. John Kuhn got the Packers rolling first, 1yd TD run capped off a
long drive. Drew Brees was electric all evening – he started in style when he hit Lance
Moore from 70yds out – Moore just burns the safety and goes all the way for the tying TD.
After the Packers went 3 and out on their next possession, Pierre Thomas took the ball in
for the Saints, 4yds out and the TD. 2nd quarter now and Aaron Rodgers hit Greg Jennings
from 7yds out, capping off a 12 play drive. Drew Brees was throwing all over the field and
he went back to Lance Moore again from 14yds out for another TD. Aaron Rodgers
responded again, he scrambled into the end zone himself, the QB run went 10yds and the
game was tied at 21. Garret Hartley, the rookie, nailed a 30yds field goal to give the Saints
the lead again – the Saints go into halftime 24‐21. The Saints came out with the starting
possession and they went 13 plays before Drew Brees went deep to Billy Miller for a 16yd
TD and they open up a 10 point lead. After Aaron Rodgers was picked off by Jason David on the next drive, it was Deuce
McAllister who took the ball in from 3yds out and becomes the new all‐time leading Saints TD scorer with number 56. Aaron
Rodgers got the ball back and threw another pick to...Jason David. Sean Peyton went for the knockout punch with a double pass
play – Lance Moore to throw and he is picked by Antoine Rouse. After the Packers went 3 and out again, Drew Brees went deep
yet again – This time to Marques Colston another 70yd pass for yet another TD. It took a 15 play drive, all of which were passes,
for the Packers to respond – Rodgers hit Ruvell Martin from 4yds out for the TD and added two points. It appeared that the
Saints were unstoppable and Pierre Thomas took the ball in from 31yds out for another Saint TD – the following 2 point attempt
failed. Aaron Rodgers was not looking good and he got desperate – a throw into the end zone was picked by Kevin Kaesviharn
for a touchback – that was Rodgers third pick of the day. It turned out to be too little too late and the Saints go on to win in the
super dome 51‐29.
Game Notes....
o Breeze – Drew Brees was looking razor sharp all season. He hit 20 of 26, 323yds and 4 passing TD’s (including two 70yd TD passes to
both Lance Moore and Marques Colston)
o Deuuuuce – Deuce McAllister is now the all time leading TD scorer for the Saints, he now has 56 TD’s as a Saint.
o David’s Game – Jason David had his first multiple‐pick game of his career!