MNF 11/11/13: Miami & Tampa Bay

It was the Miami Dolphins taking on the 0-8 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I did get a chance to check out some of this game. Miami's 22-19 loss to the previously winless Buccaneers is now it's worst loss of the season. Just when you thought Miami's running game was coming around, it completely disappeared Monday against TB.  The Dolphins rushed for a franchise low 2 yards on 14 carries. The Dolphins final possession ended with 2 straight sacks, an incomplete pass and an interception by Darrelle Revis. Chances are the Dolphins will be sitting at home in January. The Buccaneers did blow a 15-0 lead and took the game down to the wire, but they are the Buccaneers so no surprise there. Miami rallied to take a 19-15 lead, but TB came back with a 1-yd TD run by Bobby Rainey with 10:19 left. With this win, they avoided their 5th, 0-9 start in team history. Tannehill threw for 229yds & 2 TD's. Glennon threw for 139yds & 1 TD. Nothing more to report on this game.

TNF: 11/14/13: Indianapolis Colts & Tennessee Titans.

My first thought was the same as last week, is Indy going to dig themselves into a deep hole that they cannot get out of. That wasn't the case, they were determined not to bury themselves this time. They went up against the Tennessee Titans. The Titans outscored the Colts 17-16 in the 1st half of the game. The Colts made up for that, scoring 17pts in the 3rd Qtr & holding the Titans to 0 pts in that Qtr. The 4th Qtr was almost even in scoring but the end result was the Colts winning 30-17 over the Titans. The Colts sealed the victory with an 11-play drive capped by Brown with an 11 yd TD with 3:01 left. The Colts ran on 10 of the 11 plays for 60 yards. They are back in charge in the AFC South too, now having beaten all 3 divisional opponents on the road. Luck threw for 232 passing yds & 0 TD's.  C. Fleener had 8 receptions for 107 yards. They had a point to prove after last Sunday and they did. You could say they got their good LUCK charm back.

NFC NORTH:

Detroit Lions: 6-4:
I thought for sure that the Lions would walk away with this one. But Big Ben & his crew said, not this time. The Steelers defeated the Lions 37-27. The game was pretty close most of the time. Stafford threw TD passes of 79 & 19 yds to CJ, but he only completed 19 of 46 passes and threw an interception. Add two fumbles to the mix and there you go. The Steelers threw away a 14 point lead before making a comeback and winning this one. Big Ben threw for 367 passing yds & 4 TD's. A. Brown had 7 receptions for 147 yds & 2 TD's Stafford threw for 362 yds & 2 TD's. While CJ added 6 receptions for 179 yds & 2 TD's. 

Chicago Bears: 6-4:

We TRULY played in the WINDY CITY yesterday. It was a sloppy game and I don't just mean all the mud. By the time the game was over the Bears & Ravens were tied 20-20.  The BEARS had penalties flying out of their butts, 13 of them to be exact, giving up 111 yards. Offense, defense and special teams were all guilty. But we would prevail and win this one 23-20 in OT.I had a few favorite moments in this game. I always love it when JP is on his game and he was yesterday with two sacks on Joe Flacco.  Then David Bass, his deflection, then catch, then TD, brought me to my feet. I was like, who is that, I never heard of him. But he was in the right spot at the right time. Forte came through, with a couple of major carries and good as GOULD, did what he does best, scored the winning FG in OT. I could write all day about DA BEARS, but I gotta keep it fair and I gotta keep it moving. McCown, that's a whole other topic, he is just the man right now and I hope he is enjoying it as much as the fans are. Remember when I said last week, love hurts? Well I am not hurting this week.  Loving DA BEARS!! McCown will play again Sunday against The St. Louis Rams. McCown threw for 216 yds & 1 TD, Forte had 18 carries for 83 rushing yards & A. Jeffrey had 7 reception for 83 yds. Flacco threw for 162 yds & 1 TD while R. Rice had 25 carries and 131 rushing yards & 1 TD. I wonder if they got all that mud out of those uniforms???

Green Bay Packers: 5-5:
Read about the Packers 3rd straight loss to the NYG, 27-13 in the Giants game recap. 

Minnesota Vikings: 2-8:

It's a bad enough situation for the Vikings this season already. Then they have to turn around and face the 9-1 Seattle Seahawks. I assure you, it did not end the way the Vikings hoped and probably prayed it would. Christian Ponder, QB for the Vikings threw for 129 yds & 1TD.  Russell Wilson of Seattle threw for 230 yds & 2 TD's. Marshawn Lynch ran for 2 TD's & a scoring pass from Wilson. Seattle forced 4 turnovers in this 41-20 defeat of the Vikings. Jarius Wright of the Vikings caught 2 TD passes.

NFC SOUTH:

New Orleans Saints: 8-2:

The Saints took on the San Francisco 49'ers. With 3:18 remaining in the 4th Qtr, 49'ers Ahmad Brooks was called for a personal foul, blow to the head & neck area of a QB. The Saints maintained possession & later tied the score @ 20 all on a 42yd FG by G. Hartley. Though Brooks disagreed, he felt that call changed the whole course of the game, it didn't matter. The game went on and the Saints pulled out another one 23-20. I read several fan comments on what they thought about the call. Most folks think that the "Elite QB's" are more protected than the other QB's. More than half of the comments believed that had it been someone like Weeden or Smith, (nothing personal to these guys), they would not have gotten that call. Thus, the Saints remain perfect (6-0) at home. Brees threw for 305 passing yds & 1 TD. Colston had 5 receptions for 80 yds. Kap threw for 127 passing yds & 2 TD's. 

Carolina Panthers: 6-3:

Look for the recap of this game against the New England Patriots on the WEEK 12 UPDATE. They host the New England Patriots on MNF. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 2-8:

OK, so I thought I was seeing things when I saw that TB beat the Atlanta Falcons 41-28. I guess they are still on a row from last week. And, if that is not enough of a slap in the face to the Falcons, TB kicked them out of 3rd place in their division. I didn't see this game but I saw their game against Miami.  If TB played this game the way they played the Dolphins, then I see why they won. So their winning streak is at 2, let's see what happens. Mike Glennon, QB for TB threw for 231 passing yds & 2 TD's. Bobby Rainey added 30 carries for 163 rushing yds & 2 TD's. I see he picked up where he left off in the game against Miami.  Vincent Jackson got in on the fun and had 10 receptions for 165 yds & 1 TD. Matt Ryan, QB for the Falcons threw for 254 passing yds & 2 TD's. Harry Douglas had 6 receptions for 134 yds including a 80yd pass from Matt Ryan.

Atlanta Falcons: 2-8:

You can read all about this surprise outcome in the Tampa Bay game recap. Atlanta lost, 41-28 and TB knocked them out of 3rd place in their division. It's on now, but I have a feeling that both teams are done, even if they both win their last 6 games.

NFC EAST:

Philadelphia Eagles: 6-5: 

Philadelphia, finally snapped a 10-game home losing streak, dating back to last season with a 24-16 win over the Redskins.  All of the Eagles wins up until Sunday had come away from home.  With Dallas idle, the Eagles moved into sole possession of first place in the NFC East.  The Eagles did not cough up the ball at all Sunday, and in their last 5 victories they have a grand total of 2 turnovers.  The Redskins appeared anything but motivated as they stumbled through the first three quarters and then finally showed up. It wasn't until the 49th minute and 24 pts in the hole, that the Redskins got on the score board but their arrival came too late. RGIII being sacked 4 times didn't help at all.  

With a couple of nail-biting wins over the Redskins, the Eagles have staked their claim to the top of the division. Nick Foles threw for 298 passing yds, no TD's. RB LeSean McCoy totals 150 yds, 2 TD's. RGIII threw for 264 passing yds & 2 TD's. I'm just going to go ahead and say it. Foles is the new starting QB for the Eagles. 

Dallas Cowboys: 5-5:  

First the terrible loss last week, now they have been knocked out of 1st place in the NFC EAST. The Cowboys had a bye this week. Look for them to come to the Big Apple & take on the NYG this Sunday @ 3:25 pm. 

New York Giants: 4-6:

The NYG are not only back in the playoff hunt with a 4 game winning streak, they are calling the plays that get them those wins.With the Giants clinging to a 20-13 lead early in the 4th Qtr, Pierre-Paul said in the huddle he was going to pick a pass and score.And that's what he did. Pierre-Paul scored on a spectacular, leaping 24yd, 4th Qtr interception return and the born again Giants won 27-13 over the slumping and injured-riddled Packers. Manning threw a 26yd TD pass to Rueben Randles and Brandon Jacobs added a 1yd run as the Giants handed the Packers their 3rd straight loss. I thought that GB would win this one but the 3 interceptions that Tolzien had doomed the Packers. I haven't seen GB loose like this in a long time. The Packers are in more trouble than I thought. It appears that GB is nothing without Rodgers.  Manning threw for 279 passing yds. Cruz had 8 receptions for 110 yds. Tolzien, 3rd b/u QB for Rodgers, threw for 339 passing yds. Nelson had 8 receptions for 117 yds. 

Washington Redskins: 3-7:

I could not help but hear the song, "I'm going down" for the Redskins. Things have not gotten any better for them. It seems they did their best to eliminate themselves from contention. Washington's late rally falls short in 24-16 loss in Philly. Details in the Eagles recap. 

NFC WEST:

Seattle Seahawks: 10-1:

Read about this expected win against the Vikings, 41-20 in Minnesota's game recap.

San Francisco 49'ers: 6-4:

After what most people felt was a call that "lost" them the game, the 49'ers went down 23-20 to the Saints. Read about it in the Saints recap. 

Arizona Cardinals: 6-4:

In the opening drive, QB Carson Palmer completed 6 passes to 6 receivers that led to a Cardinals TD in this 27-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Cardinals, who have been plagued by turnovers this year, including 15 interceptions, could not afford to lose this game as they try to stay in the playoff mix. Even though the Jaguars outscored the Cardinals 14-17 in the 1st Qtr, they did not score in the 2nd Qtr while the cardinals added 7 more pts. Going into the half, we had a 14 all tie. Needless to say, the Jaguars did not score at all in the 2nd half while the Cardinals added 13 more. I wonder if the Jaguars will win more than 1 this year?  Palmer threw for 419 yds & 2 TD's. M. Floyd added 6 recetptions for 193yd & 1 TD into the mix. Henne threw for 255 yds, 1 TD.  

St. Louis Rams: 4-6:

The Rams had a bye this week. They will host the Chicago Bears this Sunday @ 12pm. 

AFC NORTH:

Cincinnati Bengals: 7-4:

Yep, turned out just the way I thought. The Bengals would take this one and have a solid 7-4 record and locking down 1st place in their division. There was no OT needed this time, the Bengals easily brushed aside the Cleveland Browns for a 41-20 win. Dalton had a terrible start that helped Cleveland get a promising early lead. He threw two passes that were picked off by J. Hadden, who ran one of them back 29 yds for a TD and just like that, the Bengals fell behind 13-0 in the first quarter. Andy's turn. Andy Dalton threw 2 TD passes and Cincinnati returned a blocked punt and a fumble for touchdowns during a 31-point 2nd Qtr on Sunday. The Browns had pegged it as a chance to show they're a contender. Instead, they left with the most lopsided game in the intrastate series since Cincinnati's 30-0 win in Cleveland in 2006. Andy Dalton, QB for the Bengals threw for 93 yds & 3 TD's. I am guessing by looking at the stats that Sanu came in & threw for 25 yds & 0 TD's.  QB for the Browns, J. Campbell threw for 248 yds & 1 TD. Cincinnati heads into it's bye week with the division lead tucked neatly away. 

Pittsburgh Steelers: 4-6:
Read about the come from behind win over the Detroit Lions, 37-27 in Detroit's game recap.

Baltimore Ravens: 4-6: 

Read about the muddy battle that the Ravens lost to the Chicago Bears, 23-20, in OT to boot, in Chicago's game recap.

Cleveland Browns: 4-6:

Read about the Browns 41-20 loss to the Bengals in the Cincinnati game recap.

AFC SOUTH:

Indianapolis Colts:7-3:

Read about the Colts win over the Titans, 30-27 in TNF game recap. 

Tennessee Titans: 4-6:

You already read about the loss to the Colts in the TNF recap. Fitzpatrick threw for 222 passing yds & Walker had 10 receptions for 91 yards.  

Houston Texans:2-8:
This is just crazy. I thought the Texans would bounce back and win over the Oakland Raiders. Read about it in the Raiders game recap.

Jacksonville Jaguars:1-9:

The Jaguars failed to get win number 2 against the Cardinals. Read about it in the Arizona game recap. 

AFC EAST:

New England Patriots:7-2:

The Pats are taking on the Carolina Panthers on their home turf on MNF.   I am going out on a limb and picking the Panthers.This show down will be on  WEEK 12 UPDATE.

New York Jets: 5-5:

Read about the upset by the Bills 37-14 against the Jets in the Buffalo game recap.
   

Miami Dolphins: 5-5:

You just never know which Miami Dolphin team is going to show up each week. Wouldn't you know it, the winning team did and beat the San Diego Chargers 20-16. I know one thing was weird, neither team scored over 7pts in either Qtr. They either scored 7pts or 3pts each per Qtr.  Just so happens Miami had one more 7pt Qtr than the Chargers. Brent Grimes broke up Phil Rivers pass in the end zone as time expired and the embattled Dolphins beat the Chargers. The Dolphins who are now 5-5 won for the second time in the past 7 games. I read that they are still in contention for an AFC wild-card berth, despite an awful defeat last Monday @ Tampa Bay and the distractions of the harassment case. The Chargers who were plagued by penalties and missed tackles, lost their 3rd game in a row. Coach Mike McCoy for the Chargers said "We made too many mistakes from start to finish," "We hurt ourselves way too much." Maybe the should start working on next season. Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill threw for 268 passing yds, 1 TD & 1 interception. C. Clay added a little something with 6 reception for 90 yds & 1 TD. Chargers QB, P. Rivers threw for 298 yds, 1 TD & 1 interception. R. Matthews added 19 carries for 127 yds.  

Buffalo Bills:4-7:

Every dog has it's day and this past Sunday was the Bills day as they dog walked the NY Jets quite easily 37-14. from start to finish as the Bills defense and blustery winds gusting up to 30 mph proved too much for Smith and the Jets to handle. Safety, Jarius Byrd for the Bills had 2 interceptions & defensive tackle Kyle Williams had 2 sacks and forced a fumble and, yes there's more, DaNorris Searcy returned another Smith interception 32 yds for a TD. At this point, Buffalo turned 4 turnovers by the QB into 17 pts. There was no looking back at that point. The Bills got after the Jets QB in the opening possession. Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus knocked Smith out of the game briefly by hitting him in the mid section. LOL, I hear that the Bills did not take to kindly to the Jets hanging out at Dave & Busters the day before the game, didn't even prepare for the game. Bills defensive end Mario Williams said "Me personally, I feel they're disrespectful in the first place, so it didn't shock me."  I guess the Bills rang their bell Sunday.  Bills QB, E. Manuel threw for 245 passing yds & 2 TD's. NYJ QB, G. Smith threw for 103 yards & had 3 interceptions. Back-up M. Simms had 60 passing yds & 1 TD. Maybe Simms didn't play at D&B the night before.

AFC WEST:

Denver Broncos: 9-1:

I definitely went with the Broncos on this one. I checked out some of the pre- game shows and all hands pointed to the Chiefs. Well, not if the Broncos had anything to say about it and they did. Peyton walked away with the biggest game of the season for the Broncos. They put the Chiefs down 27-17 & it left the Broncos & the Chiefs in a tie atop the AFC West at 9-1. Manning was barely touched by the Chiefs sack happy defense.  Manning said "The protection was outstanding," We ran the ball consistently, tried to keep them off-balance.  We wanted a mix of running & passing game, and I'm really proud of those guys up front."  The Broncos offensive line shut out the Chiefs defense, which entered the game with a league leading 36 sacks.  The Chiefs had not lost a game since the Broncos beat them 38-3 in the final game of last season. Peyton's ankles were wrapped so thick, I thought he had on leg warmers.  Hey, it worked, it's only weird if it doesnt' work. Manning threw for 323 yds & 1 TD. A. Smith threw for 230 yds & 2 TD's. 

Kansas City Chiefs: 9-1:

Not only did the lose their first game to Denver 27-17, they dropped from 1st place in their division.Read about it in the Broncos game recap. 

Oakland Raiders: 3-6:

You just never know about a team until the have no place to go but down. The Raiders beat the Texans, 28-23.  Who knew. The Raiders had rookie QB Matt McGloin was so good in this victory over the Texans, one may start to wonder if Terrelle Pryor will get his job back when he's healthy. McGloin threw 3 TD passes in his first NFL start, handing Houston their 8th loss this season. 
The 28 pts scored in this game was the most points that the Raiders put on the board this season.Kubiak replaced Keenum with Schaub after Houston's first three drives of the 2nd half all ended in punts. Schaub was terrible early this season and hadn't played since Oct. 13.They pretty much exchanged the lead during the 1st half. But Oakland secured the win in the 2nd half, outscoring the Texans 14-6. Back-up QB M.McGloin for the Raiders threw for 197 passing yds & 3 TD's. R. Jennings added 22 carries for 150yds & 1 TD. 
Kennum threw for 170 passing yds with 1 TD & 1 interception. He was benched & Schaub came in & contributed 155 passing yds. G. Graham had a nice contribution for the Texans with 7 receptions for 136yds & 1 TD. 

San Diego Chargers: 4-6:

The Chargers tried but it was not to be.  Read about their 20-16 in Miami game recap.

After WEEK 11:

There are NO undefeated teams left in the NFL. The Broncos made sure of that. 

OFF THE FIELD: 

Anything I am missing besides the obvious, let me know.

Trivia answer for WEEK 11:

How many NFL teams have used more than one QB this season? 

13th but too many to list, so take my word for it. 

I don't believe I got an answer to my Trivia question on, "what is the lowest scoring game in the NFL?"  

In 1943 the Giants and Lions ended the game 0-0. 

Trivia question for WEEK 12:

This is so easy it's shameful. Who is the longest-tenured coach in the NFL?  There are two, can you name both and the teams they coach?