Week 13 Recap: Dolphins Shock Patriots

By Dan Shouse
Fan Fanaitc Sports Staff

The Patriots, Steelers, and Redskins were all on the wrong end of some surprising results, highlighting week 13 in the NFL.

Dolphins 22 (6-6) Patriots 21 (7-5)

Where to begin? A lack of pass rush by the Patriots helped make Chad Henne look like an all pro. Henne led a last minute drive to set up a game winning field goal by Dan Carpenter, and Channing Crowder picked off Tom Brady to ice it, as the Dolphins stunned the Patriots in Miami. The offense must also share some of the blame, as there definately were some points left out on the field. Never mind getting the second seed in the AFC, the Pats must now do some work just to make the playoffs.

Saints 33 (12-0) Redskins 30 (3-9)

Just when the Redskins looked poised to pull off the biggest upset of the season, the Saints find a way to pull out a miracle win. With a chance to ice the win, Redskins kicker Shaun Suisham missed a 23 yard field goal. Minutes later Brees and company took full advantage, tying the game on a 53 yard TD reception by Robert Meacham. New kicker Garret Hartley then won it in overtime, as the Saints remained unbeaten.

Raiders 27 (4-8) Steelers 24 (6-6)

Don't worry Patriots fans - things could be worse. After all you could be the Steelers. The Steelers dropped their fourth straight, this time in stunning fashion to the lowly Raiders. Bruce Gradkowski hit Louis Murphy from 11 yards out with just 9 seconds left to hand the Steelers a last second loss at Heinze Field. The defending champs may be all but done for year.

Colts 27 (12-0) Titans 17 (5-7)

There was no drama this week for the Colts. Peyton Manning helped put 24 points on the board in the first half, and the Colts cruised to an easy win from there. Vince Young suffered his first loss after taken over for Kerry Collins at QB.

Eagles 34 (8-4) Falcons 7 (6-6)

Michael Vick managed to get a measure of revenge against his former team. Vick found the end zone twice, once by air and once by ground, to highlight a big win by the Eagles. Chris Redman, in for an injured Matt Ryan, had a tough day, throwing 2 ints, one which was returned 83 yards for a TD by Sheldon Brown.

Bears 17 (5-7) Rams 9 (1-11)

Can you believe it? Jay Cutler went a whole game without throwing a interception. Cutler wasn't great, but he didn't have to be. The Bears jumped out to an early 10-0 lead, and the defense took over from the there. The win keeps the Bears slim hopes at the post season alive.

Bengals 23 (9-3) Lions 13 (2-10)

Cedric Benson was the show for the Bengals, rushing for 110 yards on 36 carries, as the Bengals are now on the verge of clinching a spot in the playoffs. The win gives the Bengals at least a 2 game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North.

Broncos 44 (8-4) Chiefs 13 (3-9)

A few weeks back, it looked like the Broncos were going let their season slip away after losing four straight. Now it looks like the Broncos are back among the AFC's best. Denver ran all over Kansas City, gaining over 240 yards rushing in a rout of the Chiefs. Matt Cassel had a QB rating of 14.6 for the game. Who knew it was possible to be that bad?

Panthers 16 (5-7) Buccaneers 6 (1-11)

Josh Freeman moved the Tampa Bay offense fairly well most the game, but the problem was interceptions. Freeman threw 5 picks, and Carolina was able to pull out the win at home.

Jaguars 23 (7-5) Texans 18 (5-7)

The Jags continue to do just enough to stay in the playoff chase. Behind David Garrad's 2 TD passes, the Jags won for the fourth time in the last five games, and remained in the middle of the race for a wild card playoff spot.

Chargers 30 (9-3) Browns 23 (1-11)

This one was not as close as the final indicates. San Diego led 27-7 in the fourth quarter, before the Browns added a pair of late scores to make the score look closer than it really was. Phillip Rivers was huge, passing for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns, as San Diego won for the seventh straight time.

Giants 31 (7-5) Cowboys 24 (8-4)

Domenik Hixon's 79 yard punt return for a TD helped put the game away for the Giants, and put the New York right back in the race for the top spot in the NFC East. Romo was not to blame this time around, as the QB was solid, throwing for 392 yard and 3 TDs in the loss.

Seahawks 20 (5-7) 49ers 17 (5-7)

The 49ers may have seen their chances at a post season appearance come to and end in Seattle. Olindo Mare kicked a 30 yard field goal as time expired, lifting the Seahawks to a win at home. The loss spoiled a great day by Alex Smith who threw for 310 yards and a pair of scores.

Cardinals 30 (8-4) Vikings 17 (10-2)

Kurt Warner had a big night, throwing for three scores, as the Cardinals handed the Vikings just their second defeat of the season. Brett Favre threw 2 ints, marking the first time he has throw an int since week 7 against the Steelers.