Week 9 Recap: Pats Gain Control of AFC East

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

It wasn't always pretty, but the Patriots took control of the AFC East with a division win against the Miami Dolphins, highlighting week number nine in the NFL.

Patriots 27 (6-2) Dolphins 17 (3-5)

Just when the Dolphins looked poised to pull off a potential upset, going on a ten minute drive that ended with a touchdown in the 3rd quarter, the Patriots came right back with a touchdown of their own to take the lead. Tom Brady's 71 yard TD pass to Randy Moss ended any real chance for the Dolphins, and the Patriots now sit in firm control of the AFC East. Get ready for a big game next week, as the Patriots head to Indy to face the unbeaten Colts.

Colts 20 (8-0) Texans 17 (5-4)

Sometimes its better to be lucky than good, and that certainly applies to the Colts this week. Houston's Kris Brown missed a potential game tying 42 yard field goal on the final play, and the Colts remained undefeated. The win sets up a huge meeting with the Patriots next week in Indy.

Falcons 31 (5-3) Redskins 17 (2-6)

The Falcons beat the NFL's version of a minor league team, as Michael Turner ran for 166 yards and a pair of TDs. The most interesting part of this game was the fight that broke out along the Atlanta sideline after a late hit on Matt Ryan. It was actually the first time this season that the Redskins have shown any fight.

Cardinals 41 (5-3) Bears 21 (4-4)

Kurt Warner bounced back nicely, as after throwing 5 picks last week against the Panthers, he threw 5 touchdown passes this week against the Bears. Larry Fitzgerald was his main target, as he grabbed nine passes for 123 yards and two scores.

Bengals 17 (6-2) Ravens 7 (4-4)

If there were any doubts that the Bengals are a legit contender in the AFC North this year, those doubts were erased on Sunday. Cedric Benson went over 100 yards and added a score, and the Bengals defense shut down the Ravens from there. The win sets up a potentially huge game at Pittsburgh next week, with first place in the division at stake.

Buccaneers 38 (1-7) Packers 28 (4-4)

Maybe the Bucs should wear those orange uniforms more often. Josh Freeman threw for 3 touchdowns in his first career start, and the Bucs earned their first win of the season.

Jaguars 24 (4-4) Chiefs 21 (1-7)

Matt Cassel actually played well, throwing for 262 yards and a couple of touchdowns, but it was still not enough to beat the Jaguars. Maurice Jones-Drew was once again the Jags best player, gaining 97 yards rushing and adding a TD in the win.

Saints 30 (8-0) Panthers 20 (3-5)

It wasn't easy, but the Saints improved to 8-0 for the first time in team history with a win at home against the Panthers. After falling behind 14-0, Drew Brees heated up and threw for over 300 yards and a TD in the win.

Chargers 21 (5-3) Giants 20 (5-4)

The Giants thought they had snapped a 3 game losing streak, but Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers had other ideas. Rivers found Vincent Jackson on an 18 yard touchdown pass with 21 seconds remaining to hand the Giants a fourth straight loss, this time in stunning fashion. The Giants are now in danger of dropping out of the race for the NFC East.

Seahawks 32 (3-5) Lions 20 (1-7)

After falling behind 17-0 early, the Seahawks rallied for a comeback win at home against the Lions. Matt Stafford struggled, throwing 5 ints in the loss.

Titans 34 (2-6) 49ers 27 (3-5)

Don't look now, but the Titans are actually on a winning streak. Vince Young didn't put up big numbers, but he also didn't make any mistakes, leading the Titans to the win. After a promising 3-1 start to the season, the 49ers have now dropped four in a row.

Cowboys 20 (6-2) Eagles 16 (5-3)

Maybe it is time to start believing in Tony Romo. Romo's 49 yard TD pass to Miles Austin in the 4th quarter put the Cowboys ahead for good, as the Cowboys gained a huge road win in Philadelphia. The win gives the Cowboys the top spot in the NFC East.