This was an exciting weekend in the NFL! The third highest scoring game in NFL history took place, and my favorite team was involved, albeit on the wrong end. There was a battle of unbeatens, as the 6-0 Packers visited the Mile High City to take on the 6-0 Broncos. The 6-0 Bengals were in action, putting their undefeated record on the line as well. There were some big comebacks again this weekend, as well as some upsets. Pretty intense week, as things are really heating up.
New Orleans 52, NY Giants 49 - The Giants were involved in what I suspect should easily be considered the game of the week yesterday, as the two teams combined for the third highest scoring game in NFL history. It was a back and forth affair, with both teams showing resiliency and the ability to come back from a deficit, although it was ultimately the New Orleans Saints managed to get into position to kick the winning field goal in the game's final seconds. When it sailed through the uprights, New Orleans had secured a historical win, earning the 52-49 win. The two teams scored a combined 14 touchdowns, and their quarterbacks, Drew Brees of the Saints and Eli Manning of the Giants, combined threw thirteen touchdown passes. Manning had a record day, throwing six touchdown passes, but Brees was slightly better, throwing for a record seven touchdown passes. An incredible game, although the defenses on both sides left something to be desired. For the Giants, they become only the second team in NFL history to have scored at least 49 points, only to lose the contest. Not a good day for defenses down in the Big Easy.
Cincinnati 16, Pittsburgh 10 - It was not easy, but the Bengals remained perfect, and all but clinched the AFC North division title with a tough road win against their division rivals, the Steelers - with their regular starting quarterback! It looked for most of the game like the Steelers were en route to win and had the Bengals their first defeat, but Cincy came back when they needed to, and pulled off a huge road win to keep them perfect, and put plenty of cushion between them and everyone else in the division. What a win!
Denver 29, Green Bay 10 - In a game reminiscent of the legendary and highly memorable Super Bowl XXXII match-up between these two franchises (and a possible Super Bowl preview this season), the defense of the Broncos was able to hold off Aaron Rodgers and the Packers, and hand them their first defeat of the season. This was only the fourth meeting in NFL history of two teams that sported records of 6-0 or better, so it was huge. And the Broncos responded with a huge win to remain unbeaten, and with a three game margin of comfort between themselves and their closest division rivals, the surprising Raiders.
St. Louis 27, San Francisco 6 - The Rams wore the 49ers out with a physical style of play, beating their division rivals with a solid running game and a stifling defense. Ultimately, they earned a convincing, lopsided victory for themselves to keep on the heels of the division leading Arizona Cardinals. Also, the Rams played with their old-style uniforms, which I personally think look way better than their present day uniforms. It would be nice if they simply returned to those uniforms that they wore for decades, and which they won Super Bowl XXXIV with. A much better look for them! So, why do I not believe that they will actually ever do this?
Seattle 13, Dallas 12 - This one was a defensive slugfest, but the defending NFC Champs held off the reeling Dallas Cowboys, who dropped their fifth in a row. The Seahawks played a physical style, their trademark. While they did not dominate in the same manner that they did at San Francisco in the prior game, they played just well enough to secure the win, as they slowly but surely claw their way back into the NFC West race, surprisingly quietly so far.
(London) Kansas City 45, Detroit 10 - Another embarrassing, blowout loss for the Lions. This time, it happened on European soil, against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions actually were leading, very briefly, early on. But then, they spotted the Chiefs 38 points in an apparent experiment, before finally trying to get back in the game and scoring a touchdown. This season shows that the off-season personnel losses in Detroit hit them hard, while the Chiefs seem to be getting back into things quite a bit this season, having earned their second straight win.
Arizona 34, Cleveland 20 - For quite some time, it looked like the Browns were about to pull off a huge upset. But then came a barrage of points from the Arizona Cardinals to restore sanity. Arizona earned a tough road win, while the Browns suffered yet another huge disappointment in a season that is likely almost lost for them already. With the win, the Cardinals stay on top of St. Louis and Seattle in the NFC West race, albeit just barely ahead.
Minnesota 23, Chicago 20 - This game was more or less indicative of how the season is going for both teams. The Bears seemed on the verge of pulling off a big upset for most of the game, only to watch the Vikings turn it up a couple of notches at the end, and take the game away from them. Another disappointing loss for Chicago, another step towards the playoffs for Minnesota.
New England 36, Miami 7 - The Dolphins were hot going into this game, but few places will cool down a hot team like a trip to Foxboro. The Patriots crushed the Dolphins to remain perfect at 7-0, while Miami suffered a sobering defeat that will likely sting for some time.
Houston 20, Tennessee 6 - This was one of the most easily overlooked games from yesterday. But the Texans played the Titans, and were able to grind out a solid win against perhaps the worst team in the league, most likely, for the second season in a row.
Baltimore 29, San Diego 26 - A clash of two teams that have been among the biggest disappointments in the season thus far. Both teams showed something, and both teams seemed in decent position to win this one. Finally, however, the Ravens finally earned only their second victory of this season, and their first at home before their fans in Baltimore.
Tampa Bay 23, Atlanta 20 (OT) - This was a stunner. Who could have seen the Falcons losing their first and, so far, only home game to the Buccaneers? But, that is precisely what happened, and a reminder of why they play the game on Sundays, because you never know what is going to happen. Atlanta looked flat throughout most of the game, but rallied right at the end to force overtime. It was all too easy to picture the Bucs losing another heartbreaker, only they did not. They got the field goal in OT, and then the defense stopped the Falcons to secure the road win.
Oakland 34, NY Jets 20 - The Jets played New England tough last weekend, only to fall for only the second time of the season. But the loss to the Raiders is dispiriting, for sure. As far as the Raiders go, however, this was a huge win that gets them back to a winning percentage, and catapults them into the playoff race.
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