By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Patriots won, but questions still remain, as New England looks like it will be one and done in the playoffs.
Patriots 20 (8-5) Panthers 10 (5-8)
It was hard to feel good about this win. The Patriots came out on top, but looked far from a playoff team. After playing uninspired in the first half, the Patriots managed to do just enough in the second half to avoid yet another upset loss. What has happened to the offense? There is just too much talent on the Patriots to only be putting up around 20 points each week.
Colts 28 (13-0) Broncos 16 (8-5)
This was a record breaking day for both teams. Even though he threw 3 picks, Peyton Manning also managed to add 4 TD passes in helping the Colts stay perfect. The win also was the 22nd straight regular season win for the Colts, breaking the record held by the Patriots. The Colts were not the only one breaking records, as Brandon Marshall caught an NFL record 21 passes for 200 yards and 2 TDs for the Broncos.
Saints 26 (13-0) Falcons 23 (6-7)
The Saints are suddenly living dangerously. Behind 3 TD passes by Drew Brees and a late field goal by Garrett Hartley, the Saints managed to sneak by the Falcons in Atlanta. It was the second straight week that the Saints survived a scare, having beaten the Redskins in overtime the week before.
Packers 21 (9-4) Bears 14 (5-8)
It looked like the Pack was poised to blow out the Bears, jumping out to a quick 10-0 lead, but the Bears rallied, taking a 14-13 lead in the 3rd quarter. Hope for an upset quickly faded however, as Jay Cutler threw a costly pick in the 4th quarter to set up the go ahead score by Green Bay. Ryan Grant had a nice game for the Pack, rushing for 137 yards and two scores.
Bills 16 (5-8) Chiefs 10 (3-10)
Can things get any worse for Matt Cassel? Cassel threw four interceptions, including one in the Bills end zone, as the Bills escaped Arrowhead with the win.
Vikings 30 (11-2) Bengals 10 (9-4)
One week after playing his worst game as a pro, Adrian Peterson bounced back nicely. Peterson ran for 97 yards and 2 scores, as the Vikings gained an impressive win at home against the Bengals. The Vikings defense also shinned, holding Carson Palmer to under 100 yards passing.
Jets 26 (7-6) Buccaneers 3 (1-12)
Maybe the Bucs should change QB's again. Josh Freeman threw 3 more interceptions, as the Jets earned an easy win in Tampa. Thomas Jones made things easy for Kellen Clemens, as Jones ran the ball 24 times for 99 yards and two scores in the win.
Dolphins 14 (7-6) Jaguars 10 (7-6)
The Dolphins are doing just enough to stay alive in the wild card race. Behind 108 yards and a TD from Ricky Williams, the Dolphins managed to pull off another upset, this time in Jacksonville. Miami is now right in the middle of the playoff picture.
Ravens 48 (7-6) Lions 3 (2-11)
You never know what to expect from Baltimore. After looking terrible against the Packers on Monday night, the Ravens were great against the Lions on Sunday. The win keeps the Ravens in the hunt for a spot in the post season.
Texans 34 (6-7) Seahawks 7 (5-8)
This is the Texans team many people expected to see this season. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson were the show, hooking up for two scores in an easy win at home.
Titans 48 (6-7) Rams 3 (1-12)
The Titans may have won big, but may have lost Vince Young to injury in the process. With Young missing most of the game with a leg injury, Kerry Collins was back in at QB. Collins only needed to hand off to Chris Johnson however, as Johnson went over 100 yards and added a pair of scores. The win keeps the Titans slim chances at the playoffs alive.
Redskins 34 (4-9) Raiders 13 (4-9)
Hail to the Redskins! The Redskins offense has come to life, scoring 30 or more points for the second straight week. The defense also came up big, getting 8 sacks in the win at Oakland.
Chargers 20 (10-3) Cowboys 17 (8-5)
Wade Phillips saw a real team of winners beat his Cowboys this week. The Chargers made it 8 straight wins, and the Cowboys continue their history of December fades, losing their first two games of this month.
Eagles 45 (9-4) Giants 38 (7-6)
DeSean Jackson's two TDs, one which was on a punt return, helped the Eagles win a shootout over the Giants at the Meadowlands. The win gives the Eagles possession of first place in the NFC East.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Monday Night Football: Cardinals Seek Another NFC West Title
By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
These Arizona Cardinals are rare birds.
With a win over the San Fransisco 49ers on MNF, the Cardinals will win consecutive division titles for the first time in over 30 years. A generation has passed since the last time the Cardinals franchise has had this kind of success.
Some may say, including myself for much of the season, that the Cardinals are only winning division titles because of the weak competition in the NFC West. While the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are not exactly NFL powerhouses, the Cardinals are starting to show that they are more than a team that wins just because of their schedule. Need proof? Then look no further than last week when the Cardinals dominated the Minnesota Vikings, handing Brett Favre and the Vikings just their second loss of the season.
Kurt Warner has been the key to the turnaround in the desert. Warner has been on fire lately, throwing 12TDs and no picks in his last four games. Having weapons like Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, who is finally healthy, certainly makes life much easier for any QB, but it all comes back to Warner. After missing a game in Tennessee due to a concussion, the Arizona offense struggled with Matt Lienart under center. Once Warner returned to action, the offense was clicking again. If the Cards are going to do any real damage in the playoffs, then it is imperative that Warner stay healthy.
Although the offense generally gets the headlines for Arizona, the defense has also contributed. Last week they harassed Brett Favre, sacking him 3 times, and intercepting him twice. The run defense was also impressive holding all pro running back Adrian Peterson to a season low 19 rushing yards.
If the Cards can play like this the rest of the season, then they could be one of the few teams in the NFL that could upset the New Orleans Saints. The Cardinals however should not be looking too far ahead, and must first deal with the 49ers. The Cards have played down to their competition at times (think of the home loss to Carolina), and the 49ers have started to look better on offense. Alex Smith has started to show signs of looking like a franchise QB at times, and Michael Crabtree has helped get the 49ers offense moving.
If the 49ers are going to pull off the upset at Candlestick however, it will be with their defense. Constant pressure must be applied to Warner if the 49ers have any shot. Problem is that the Vikings, who have a better defense than San Fransisco, were not able to do that last week with any real consistency.
In the end, Kurt Warner will have another big day, and Cardinals will have their back to back division titles.
Prediction: Cardinals 34 49ers 13
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
These Arizona Cardinals are rare birds.
With a win over the San Fransisco 49ers on MNF, the Cardinals will win consecutive division titles for the first time in over 30 years. A generation has passed since the last time the Cardinals franchise has had this kind of success.
Some may say, including myself for much of the season, that the Cardinals are only winning division titles because of the weak competition in the NFC West. While the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers are not exactly NFL powerhouses, the Cardinals are starting to show that they are more than a team that wins just because of their schedule. Need proof? Then look no further than last week when the Cardinals dominated the Minnesota Vikings, handing Brett Favre and the Vikings just their second loss of the season.
Kurt Warner has been the key to the turnaround in the desert. Warner has been on fire lately, throwing 12TDs and no picks in his last four games. Having weapons like Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin, who is finally healthy, certainly makes life much easier for any QB, but it all comes back to Warner. After missing a game in Tennessee due to a concussion, the Arizona offense struggled with Matt Lienart under center. Once Warner returned to action, the offense was clicking again. If the Cards are going to do any real damage in the playoffs, then it is imperative that Warner stay healthy.
Although the offense generally gets the headlines for Arizona, the defense has also contributed. Last week they harassed Brett Favre, sacking him 3 times, and intercepting him twice. The run defense was also impressive holding all pro running back Adrian Peterson to a season low 19 rushing yards.
If the Cards can play like this the rest of the season, then they could be one of the few teams in the NFL that could upset the New Orleans Saints. The Cardinals however should not be looking too far ahead, and must first deal with the 49ers. The Cards have played down to their competition at times (think of the home loss to Carolina), and the 49ers have started to look better on offense. Alex Smith has started to show signs of looking like a franchise QB at times, and Michael Crabtree has helped get the 49ers offense moving.
If the 49ers are going to pull off the upset at Candlestick however, it will be with their defense. Constant pressure must be applied to Warner if the 49ers have any shot. Problem is that the Vikings, who have a better defense than San Fransisco, were not able to do that last week with any real consistency.
In the end, Kurt Warner will have another big day, and Cardinals will have their back to back division titles.
Prediction: Cardinals 34 49ers 13
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