Week 10 Recap: What A Choke

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Cough! Cough! Gag! Sorry, I was just doing my impression of the New England Patriots.

Colts 35 (9-0) Patriots 34 (6-3)

It's time to face facts. The Patriots are the chokers, and the Colts are clutch. The Patriots have not won anything in over 5 years now, and not only that, you can absolutely count on them to blow it when all the chips are on the table. Just add this one to their most recent history of gag jobs. The 2007 AFC Championship, the Super Bowl against the Giants, and now this one. And it is time to stop giving Bilicheck a free pass. Any other coach would be fired for doing something like that. He cost the Patriots the game, and likely a chance at the Super Bowl. How do you recover from that kind of loss? This is the kind of loss that can destroy a season. Now the Patriots will have to go on the road in the playoffs - if they can still get there.

Saints 28 (9-0) Rams 23 (1-7)

The Saints remained perfect, but it was much harder than expected. The Rams played well, but Reggie Bush had his best game of the season. Bush found the end zone twice, helping the Saints overcome 3 turnovers and remain unbeaten.

Bengals 18 (7-2) Steelers 12 (6-3)

The AFC North is now the Bengals' for the taking. The Bengals defense stole the show, keeping the Steelers out of the end zone. Usually the Bengals are done for the year by this point. Now they look like they will be playing for a first round bye.

Redskins 27 (3-6) Broncos 17 (6-3)

Miracles do happen. Ladell Betts had 114 yards and a touchdown, and the special teams added a touchdown on a fake punt, leading the Redskins to the upset win. The Broncos have now lost 3 in a row, and they also saw Kyle Orten go down with an injury. Time to press the panic button in Denver.

Dolphins 25 (4-5) Buccaneers 23 (1-8)

Chad Henne was the story in this one, going from goat to hero in the final minutes. After throwing a huge interception with under 2 minutes left that set up the go ahead TD by the Bucs, Henne was able to redeem himself. With 1:14 left, Henne directed a 77 yard drive, setting up the game winning field goal with 10 seconds remaining. The win keeps the Dolphins slim playoff chances alive.

Panthers 28 (4-5) Falcons 19 (5-4)

What is wrong with the Falcons? Matt Ryan struggled again, and the Falcons have now dropped 3 of 4. The Falcons may be the most disappointing team in the league. There is too much talent on this team to only be 5-4.

Titans 41 (3-6) Bills 17 (3-6)

Chris Johnson stole the show, going over 100 yards rushing and receiving, and adding a pair of TDs to lead the Titans to the win. The Titans have now won three straight games after starting the season 0-6.

Vikings 27 (8-1) Lions 10 (1-8)

Brett Favre and Sidney Rice are starting to become a lethal combo. Rice caught 7 passes for 201 yards, leading the Vikings to an easy win. Adrian Peterson was he usual self, gaining over 130 yards on the ground and adding a pair of scores.

Jaguars 24 (5-4) Jets 22 (4-5)

The annual free fall of the New York Jets has begun. Maurice Jones-Drew's heads up play, taking a knee at the one yard line rather than score, helped run down the clock and set up a last second field goal by Josh Scobee. Rex Ryan sure isn't talking much these days, as the Jets have now lost 5 of 6.

Chiefs 16 (2-7) Raiders 10 (2-7)

Who needs Larry Johnson? Jamaal Charles stepped in and rushed for 100 yards plus a score, as the Chiefs won for only the second time this year.

Packers 17 (5-4) Cowboys 7 (6-3)

Just when you think that maybe Tony Romo is turning things around, and that the Cowboys may avoid a late season meltdown, they have the kind of game they had in Green Bay. The Cowboys offense struggled, and Tony Romo threw a late int at the Packers goal line to seal the win for Green Bay. It was a nice bounce back victory for the Pack, after dropping a tough decision to the Bucs one week ago.

Cardinal 31 (6-3) Seahawks 20 (3-6)

It's now how you start, but how you finish. After falling behind 14-0, Kurt Warner and the Cardinals rallied, as Warner threw for 340 yards and 2 TDs. It was only the Cardinals second home win of the season.

Chargers 31 (6-3) Eagles 23 (5-4)

Three weeks ago, it looked like there was no way the Chargers could catch the Broncos in the AFC West. Now it looks like it is the Chargers division to lose. Behind two TDs from LT, the Chargers have now won four straight to get to the top spot in the AFC West. The Eagles may have lost more than the game. Brian Westbrook suffered another concussion and may be done for the year.