By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The New England Patriots finally won on the road, and several games came down to the final seconds, as week 15 in the NFL is in the books.
Patriots 17 (9-5) Bills 10 (5-9)
The Patriots picked up their first real road win of the year, and inched closer to an AFC East title in the process. Randy Moss showed up this week, catching 5 passes for 70 yards and a score. The win marks the 13th straight for the Patriots over the Buffalo Bills.
Steelers 37 (7-7) Packers 36 (9-5)
Ben Roethlisberger's TD pass to Mike Wallace as time expired gave the Steelers a remarkable win, and kept their playoff chances alive. Big Ben had a career day, throwing for over 500 yards and 3 TDs, as the Steelers ended a five game losing streak.
Chargers 27 (11-3) Bengals 24 (9-5)
Playing with heavy hearts after the passing of Chris Henry, the Bengals rallied late to tie the game at 24 apiece in the 4th quarter. The Chargers came right back however, as Nate Kaeding hit a 52 yard field goal with 3 seconds left to give San Diego the win. The win was the ninth straight for the Chargers, as they clinched the AFC West title.
Cowboys 24 (9-5) Saints 17 (13-1)
Undefeated no more. The Dallas Cowboys finally won a big game in December, knocking off the previously unbeaten Saints. Tony Romo may be shaking off his reputation as a choker, as he put together yet another solid game throwing for over 300 yards and a score. It is also safe to say that Nick Folk may have played his last game as the kicker for the Cowboys.
Titans 27 (7-7) Dolphins 24 (7-7)
They needed overtime, but the Titans have incredibly gotten back to the five hundred mark with a huge win over the Miami Dolphins at home. Rob Bironas was the hero, kicking a 46 yard field goal to give the Titans the win.
Falcons 10 (7-7) Jets 7 (7-7)
The Dolphins were not the only AFC East team to suffer a devastating loss on Sunday. Matt Ryan hit Tony Gonzalez with a six yard TD pass with just over 90 seconds left, as the Falcons shocked the Jets at the Meadowlands. It was another tough day for Mark Sanchez, as the rookie QB threw 3 picks in the loss.
Cardinals 31 (9-5) Lions 24 (2-12)
The Cardinals nearly blew a 17 point lead, but Anquan Boldin's TD catch with just under 2 minutes to play helped lift the Cards to a win in Detroit. The win clinches the NFC West title for the Cardinals for the second year in a row.
Browns 41 (3-11) Chiefs 34 (3-11)
In what looked like one of the worst match ups of the year, the Browns and Chiefs actually put on an entertaining game. It was a record setting day for Cleveland, as James Harrison rushed for a team record 286 yards, and Josh Cribbs returned two kickoffs for scores, giving him a NFL record 8 for his career.
Texans 16 (7-7) Rams 13 (1-13)
The Texans did just enough to sneak by the Rams in St. Louis. Andre Johnson had a big day, hauling in 9 passes for 196 yards.
Raiders 20 (5-9) Broncos 19 (8-6)
Could it be happening to Denver again? JeMarcus Russell's TD pass with 35 seconds left gave the Raiders a shocking win over the Broncos at Invesco Field. The loss was the second straight for Denver, and could come back to haunt them if they are unable to clinch a wild card spot.
Eagles 27 (10-4) 49ers 13 (6-8)
The Eagles are getting hot at the right time. DeSean Jackson was big once again, catching six balls for 140 yards and a score to lead Philly to the win. The win was their fifth straight, and clinched a post season spot for the Eagles.
Buccaneers 24 (2-12) Seahawks 7 (5-9)
The Seahawks made things easy for Tampa, turning the ball over 5 times as the Bucs picked just their second win of the year. It was also just the Bucs second win in their last 17 games.
Ravens 31 (8-6) Bears 7 (5-9)
This year cannot end quickly enough for Jay Cutler. Cutler threw 3 more interceptions, giving him an NFL high 25 for the year. Joe Flacco had a career day for the Ravens, throwing 4 TDs and kept the Ravens in position for a wild card spot in the process.
Panthers 27 (6-8) Vikings 7 (11-3)
Who saw this one coming? Lead by 109 yards rushing and a TD from Jonathan Stewart, the Panthers dominated the Vikings on Sunday Night Football. With the loss, the Vikings are no longer looking like a sure bet for the number two seed in the NFC.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Monday Night Football: Redskins Are the Spoiler
By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Washington Redskins have had a nightmare of a season, but heading into Monday night, the Redskins still play an important role in deciding the NFC playoff picture.
The Redskins have the perfect opportunity to play the spoiler role. A win over the Giants at FedEx Field will all but eliminate the Giants from the post season. Misery loves company, and you can be sure that Washington would like to make the Giants feel the misery of missing the playoffs.
If the Giants lose to the Redskins, miserable would be the right word to describe how the G-men must be feeling as the season comes to a close. After starting the season 5-0, the Giants are now just 7-6, and fighting for a post season spot.
The Giants defense has been the main culprit for the recent struggles. With players like Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Antonio Peirce, the defensive unit figured to be one of the best in the league. This has not been the case however, as the defense has allowed opponents to score 30 or more points in four games this season.
It was the defense that led the way to the Super Bowl run two years back, and also led the team to the division title last season. It will be the defense that keeps the Giants from getting to the playoffs this year.
One could argue that the Redskins present a good chance for the Giants defense to get back on track. After all, the Redskins have struggle to move the ball most of the season, but recently things have started to look up for the Redskins offense. The Skins have put up over 30 points in back to back games. Fred Davis has filled in nicely for the injured Chris Cooley, and Devin Thomas has started to look like the number one receiver the Redskins thought he could be.
Even though he may not be back next season, Jason Campbell has been solid the past few games. If the offensive line can keep him upright, and with the Giants defense struggling, then Washington may be able to put up some points. It would be interesting to see what kind of QB Campbell could be if he had an offensive line that could protect him.
Plus don't worry about the potential of Mike Shanahan becoming the next Redskins head coach being a distraction. The Jim Zorn situation has been a distraction all season long. The one thing the Redskins have learned to deal with this season is distractions.
The Redskins will clean house at the end of the season, and the process has already started as the team hired a new GM this week. None of this will effect the play of the team on the field however.
Yes, the Redskins have had a horrible season, but if they can make the Giants miserable too, then at least they will have one fond memory of this season. After Monday night, they will make the Giants feel their pain.
Prediction: Redskins 35 Giants 31
Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The Washington Redskins have had a nightmare of a season, but heading into Monday night, the Redskins still play an important role in deciding the NFC playoff picture.
The Redskins have the perfect opportunity to play the spoiler role. A win over the Giants at FedEx Field will all but eliminate the Giants from the post season. Misery loves company, and you can be sure that Washington would like to make the Giants feel the misery of missing the playoffs.
If the Giants lose to the Redskins, miserable would be the right word to describe how the G-men must be feeling as the season comes to a close. After starting the season 5-0, the Giants are now just 7-6, and fighting for a post season spot.
The Giants defense has been the main culprit for the recent struggles. With players like Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora, and Antonio Peirce, the defensive unit figured to be one of the best in the league. This has not been the case however, as the defense has allowed opponents to score 30 or more points in four games this season.
It was the defense that led the way to the Super Bowl run two years back, and also led the team to the division title last season. It will be the defense that keeps the Giants from getting to the playoffs this year.
One could argue that the Redskins present a good chance for the Giants defense to get back on track. After all, the Redskins have struggle to move the ball most of the season, but recently things have started to look up for the Redskins offense. The Skins have put up over 30 points in back to back games. Fred Davis has filled in nicely for the injured Chris Cooley, and Devin Thomas has started to look like the number one receiver the Redskins thought he could be.
Even though he may not be back next season, Jason Campbell has been solid the past few games. If the offensive line can keep him upright, and with the Giants defense struggling, then Washington may be able to put up some points. It would be interesting to see what kind of QB Campbell could be if he had an offensive line that could protect him.
Plus don't worry about the potential of Mike Shanahan becoming the next Redskins head coach being a distraction. The Jim Zorn situation has been a distraction all season long. The one thing the Redskins have learned to deal with this season is distractions.
The Redskins will clean house at the end of the season, and the process has already started as the team hired a new GM this week. None of this will effect the play of the team on the field however.
Yes, the Redskins have had a horrible season, but if they can make the Giants miserable too, then at least they will have one fond memory of this season. After Monday night, they will make the Giants feel their pain.
Prediction: Redskins 35 Giants 31
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