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Hi Folks, As we do each Monday, here are our exclusive Game Recaps where we sit a couple
of our guys down in front of every NFL game to pull out the important items you
need to know from a Fantasy Football standpoint. Joe Thanks to Footballguys recap writers: Andrew Abouzeid, Mike Anderson, Michael Bartlett, Bill Brown, Michael Brown, Christopher Clark, Timothy Creech, Cathy Fazio, Bradley Gabbard, Cory Gilbert, Chris Gilman, Anoop Jalan, Alex Knapik, Jeff Lewis, Scott Martin, John Matthes, Doug Mobley, David Oleyar, Jeff Pasquino, Greg Porzucek, Steve Prosapio, David Shick, Jeff Siedsma, Dave Teller, Chris Thomas, Dave Thompson, Rob Umberger, Mark Westmyer, George Willock, and Todd Young Edited by Joe Bryant with Cathy Fazio Cincinnati Bengals 27 at Baltimore Ravens 26 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Cincinnati Bengals Carson Palmer built off his 4 touchdown performance of a week ago, throwing for three more scores and 382 yards against the vaunted Baltimore Ravens' defense. As gaudy as those numbers are, though, Palmer's accuracy was equally impressive, as he completed 29 of his 36 attempts, offset by just one interception. Palmer and the Bengals offense came to life in the fourth quarter, as all three of his touchdown passes and 203 of his passing yards came in the last 15 minutes of the game. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh both benefited from Palmer's performance. Johnson had 10 receptions for 161 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Houshmandzadeh added 10 catches of his own for a touchdown and 171 yards. Tight ends Reggie Kelly, Matt Schobel, and Tony Stewart combined for 7 more receptions for 40 yards. While the passing game took off, Rudi Johnson struggled behind an offensive line that couldn't open up any holes. Johnson finished the game with just 56 yards on 19 carries, or less than 3 yards per attempt, a far cry from the 202 yards and 2 touchdowns he managed last week against the softer Cleveland defense. The Cincinnati defense has now given up 74 points to the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens over the past two weeks, which is not likely to earn them comparisons to the '85 Bears. The Bengals did record 1 sack and 1 interception in the game. Baltimore Ravens Baltimore suffered a crucial clock management error throwing the ball on 3rd and 17 from the 27 on the play prior to Stover's field goal with 1:50 left in the game. A running play there could have taken valuable seconds off the clock. Or at least cost the Bengals a time out. Instead, they gave the ball back to Cincinnati with 1:37 on the clock and the Bengals drove the field and scored as time expired. Jamal Lewis, who averages more than 130 yards per game against Cincinnati over his career, was unable to play due to his ankle injury, but Chester Taylor picked up right where he left off. Taylor ran for 139 yards and a touchdown on 23 carries, while adding 25 more yards receiving. Jamel White, signed just over a week ago, gained 43 yards on just 6 carries in the game. Kyle Boller showed flashes of good play, leading the Ravens on consecutive scoring drives at the end of the second quarter and the start of the third. However, he once again struggled to perform over the entire game, finishing the day with just 172 yards and an interception on 19 of 33 passing. Todd Heap's return to the field was unspectacular, as he caught only three passes for 22 yards during limited action. The Ravens defense gave up far more points than normal, but big plays more than made up for it from a fantasy perspective. The Ravens recorded 3 sacks, a forced fumble, and an interception in the game, returning the interception for a touchdown. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Cincinnati Bengals QB: Carson Palmer (29-36-382, 3 TD, 1 INT, 2-7 rushing) was nothing short of brilliant against the Ravens, moving around in the pocket to buy time and then hitting his receivers in stride with perfectly thrown passes. Palmer did all this despite a sputtering running game and a score which saw Baltimore ahead by a 20-3 margin at the start of the fourth quarter. Palmer's 382 passing yards represent a career high, while his 3 touchdowns are eclipsed only by the 4 touchdown performance he had last week. Palmer spread the ball around, completing ten passes apiece to Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, with five other receivers catching at least one throw. Two of Palmer's touchdown passes went to Johnson, one a well-thrown lob to the wide open receiver in the corner of the end zone, the other a perfectly thrown dart which split double coverage. Palmer's third touchdown went over the middle to Houshmandzadeh. Even the interception was not fully Palmer's fault, as he was hit on his plant foot as he threw, causing the ball to hang in the air for the easy interception downfield. RB: Rudi Johnson (19-56 rushing, 1-3 receiving on 1 target) could not get the running game on track against a tenacious Baltimore defense. The offensive line was not able to open holes for the Bengals' runner, and while Johnson showed a lot of power in pushing forward for the extra yard, he was too often forced to do so at or behind the line of scrimmage. Once the Ravens went up by 17 points at the end of the third quarter, the running game was all but abandoned with Johnson getting just two carries in the final period. Kenny Watson (1-19 rushing, 1-7 receiving on 2 targets) got into the game on obvious passing downs, which included the first and 15 play on which he scampered for 19 yards.. Jeremi Johnson (1-0 rushing) started at fullback, and got his only carry on a third and 1 play, where he failed to reach the first down marker. WR: T.J. Houshmandzadeh (1-16 rushing, 10-171, 1 TD receiving on 11 targets) had the best receiving game of his career, besting his prior mark of 7-116 which came against the Ravens in week 3 of this season. Houshmandzadeh had little trouble shaking off his defenders in the game, and proved very adept at finding soft spots in coverage when Baltimore went to a zone. Houshmandzadeh looked like a human vacuum cleaner at times, catching any ball thrown near his hands. His 9 yard touchdown reception came on a quick slant over the middle of the field, and gave Cincinnati their first lead of the game. Chad Johnson (10-161, 2 TD receiving on 12 targets) appeared able to get open at will against the Baltimore secondary, particularly on his first touchdown reception where he was able to make a sliding catch in the end zone with no defenders within 5 yards. Johnson caught a bullet thrown between two defenders by Carson Palmer for his second score, this from 12 yards out. Johnson was also able to get open deep, running by his defender for a 51 yard reception which provided Cincinnati's first offensive spark of the game. Kelley Washington did play, but was not targeted in the game. TE: Reggie Kelly (4-25 receiving on 4 targets) proved to be an excellent receiving weapon on short routes, catching the ball well in traffic and posting two 11 yard receptions. Matt Schobel (2-11, 1 fumble lost receiving on 2 targets) was stripped of the ball by a defender after making his first catch of the game. Tony Stewart (1-4 receiving on 1 target) had a more eventful game than his stat line would suggest, having a second catch for nine yards negated by a penalty, and also forcing an Ed Reed fumble on an interception return. K: Shayne Graham (3 XP, 2-3 FG) hit field goal tries of 41 and 24 yards, the latter being the game winner with no time remaining. He was a few yards short on a 53 yard attempt, which would have been his career long had he made it. Pass Defense: Any team's pass defense numbers come with an asterisk when they play the Baltimore Ravens, and the Bengals were no exception In this game. The final numbers, holding Baltimore to under 200 yards and no scores through the air, were more a result of the Ravens' run-oriented offense than good play by the Bengals. Baltimore's receivers were able to get open in the secondary, while the Bengals struggled to produce pressure on the quarterback. Cincinnati's only sack of the game came on a cornerback blitz, which caught Baltimore completely by surprise. The Madieu Williams interception was actually on a well thrown pass which the receiver made no effort to catch. Run Defense: The Bengals have traditionally struggled on run defense against Baltimore, and this game was no exception. Despite the Ravens having to go without Jamal Lewis and the huge right tackle Orlando Brown, backup running back Chester Taylor set a career high with 139 yards and a touchdown in the game, while Jamel White, who hadn't even been on an active roster two weeks ago, gained 43 yards on just six carries. Linebacker Brian Simmons was the only bright spot for the Bengals on run defense, recording 10 solo tackles on the day. Baltimore Ravens QB: Kyle Boller (19-33-172, 1 INT, 2-10 rushing) struggled mainly with his consistency in this game, as he looked great in leading the Ravens on consecutive scoring drives at the end of the first half and beginning of the third quarter, but then appeared to be on a different page than his receivers during the fourth quarter collapse. In Boller's defense, his numbers were hurt by a number of dropped passes, and his interception was actually a very catchable throw which rookie receiver Clarence Moore opted not to extend for over the middle of the field. Boller and his receivers have simply not shown the ability to perform well over the course of an entire game yet. RB: Chester Taylor (23-139, 1 TD rushing, 3-25 receiving on 3 targets) got the start in place of the injured Jamal Lewis, and responded with a career effort. While a great deal of the credit goes to the superb blocking of the Baltimore offensive line, Taylor demonstrated good vision in finding the holes, and excellent acceleration to get through them and around the corner. Taylor's touchdown was a 1 yard dive over the top of the pile, and only an outstanding effort by Cincinnati cornerback Keiwan Ratliff, who ran Taylor down from across the field, prevented Taylor from adding a 73 yard touchdown. The play instead went for 47 yards. Taylor did have a key fumble on a reception late in the game, but the play was negated by a Bengals penalty. Jamel White (6-43 rushing, 1 for -2 receiving on 1 target) was used to spell Chester Taylor, and proved quite adept at finding the holes created by his offensive line, too. White's best carry of the game came when he squirted through a hole at the line, made a defender miss, and then spun out of another tackle, eventually being brought down less than a yard from the end zone for a 16 yard gain. Alan Ricard (0-0 rushing, 1-4 receiving on 1 target) is the starting fullback, and got his usual one touch per game. WR: Travis Taylor (2-40 receiving on 6 targets) continued to frustrate in the Ravens' offense, showing the ability to get open with regularity against his defenders, but dropping far too many catchable passes. In between drops, Taylor made a spectacular leaping catch for a 24 yard gain. Kevin Johnson (3-27 receiving on 4 targets) just doesn't seem to get the looks from Kyle Boller. When Boller did throw to Johnson, the receiver was open and made the catch, including one to convert a key third down on the Ravens' last scoring drive late in the fourth quarter. Clarence Moore (2-9 receiving on 5 targets) impacted the game most on a very bad play, when Kyle Boller threw a strike to him over the middle on a 15 yard post pattern, but Moore stopped running and braced for impact with a Cincinnati defender rather than extend to catch the ball. The ball sailed on, into the waiting arms of Bengals safety Madieu Williams. TE: Terry Jones (3-38 receiving on 3 targets) had all three of his catches within a four play span at the end of the second quarter. Jones started the game at tight end with Todd Heap being eased back into the lineup. Todd Heap (3-22 receiving on 4 targets) returned to the field for the Ravens after missing 9 games with an ankle injury, but was limited to about 30 snaps as the team tried not to ease him back into the game. Heap narrowly missed a 20 yard reception on his fourth target, as the defender managed to wrestle him loose from the ball. Darnell Dinkins (1-9 receiving on 2 targets) is yet another tight end on the Ravens' depth chart. K: Matt Stover (2 XP, 4-4 FG) connected from 20, 22, 38, and 45 yards in the game. Stover also had one punt for 33 yards, when Baltimore lined up for what appeared to be a 51 yard field goal try but instead snapped the ball directly to the kicker. Pass Defense: For a team that starts some of the best individual talents in the league in the secondary, the Ravens looked like a very poor pass defense against Carson Palmer and the Cincinnati Bengals. Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh were both able to get open at will, while the defensive front was able to provide only sporadic pressure on the Bengals' quarterback, resulting in three sacks. Ed Reed and Chris McAlister combined on an unusual scoring play, when Reed intercepted a Palmer throw but then fumbled the ball during the return. McAlister scooped the ball up on the run and maneuvered around four different Bengals on his way to the end zone. Will Demps forced a fumble and recorded 13 solo tackles, but the big plays weren't enough to make up for the poor overall coverage. Rushing Defense: Baltimore was able to dominate the Bengals' offensive line, with the result being that Rudi Johnson was held to less than 3 yards per carry. Ray Lewis chipped in seven total tackles. Arizona Cardinals 12 at Detroit Lions 26 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Arizona Cardinals John Navarre made his first NFL start at quarterback for the Cardinals. He is the third Arizona Cardinal quarterback to make a start in the last four games. But Navarre did not have an easy go of it as he threw 4 interceptions in the game. Navarre and his wide receivers were just not on the same page, and he completed less than half of his passing attempts. Navarre finished with 18 completions out of 40 attempts for 168 yards. He did connect with tight end Freddie Jones for a 33 yard touchdown pass, but Jones was aided by poor tackling from the Lions to make the score. The Cardinals' running back corps did not fare well either. Emmitt Smith was out for the game and Larry Croom got the start in his place. Croom rushed for 49 yards on 18 carries. Obafemi Ayanbadejo and Josh Scobey added an additional 45 rushing yards. Anquan Boldin led all Cardinals receivers with only 5 receptions for 48 yards, though he was targeted 15 times by Navarre. Boldin did have a pass go right through his hands. Two of Navarre's interceptions were on passes intended for Boldin. Detroit Lions The Lions' offense went 3 and out on their first 2 possessions of the game. But then Joey Harrington led them on a drive finishing with a touchdown pass to Tai Streets. Harrington finished with 15 completions out of 27 attempts for 196 yards. Harrington did squander a scoring opportunity near the end of the first half, throwing an interception. In the second half of the game, the Lions were advancing down the field, but were held to field goals on 4 of their 7 drives. The Lions finally have what has been plaguing them for a while now, a solid running game. Rookie Kevin Jones had a career best game with 196 rushing yards and 1 touchdown. He did that on 26 carries for an amazing average of 7.5 yards per carry. His best run of the game went for 74 yards. Jones broke tackles and was aided by wide receiver Roy Williams who provided some blocks. Dre Bly spearheaded the Lions' defense with his 2 interceptions. Defensive end James Hall also contributed with an interception and a sack. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Arizona Cardinals QB: John Navarre (18-40-168, 1 TD, 4 Int) It was a rough outing for the rookie quarterback. Navarre attempted a number of deep passes, but his timing was off with his receivers as they were just not in sync. Navarre threw his first touchdown pass to Freddie Jones in the second quarter. But from there things went downhill. At the end of the half, Navarre took the Cardinals downfield after Harrington's interception, but was himself intercepted by Dre Bly on a poorly thrown pass. Navarre threw three more interceptions in the game. And what would have been a fifth interception was brought back on a defensive offside penalty. RB: Larry Croom (18-49 rushing) Croom started for Emmitt Smith and spun to gain 8 yards on his first carry. He made a great 20 yard run in the second quarter. Croom showed the patience necessary to make cuts and gain yards in the game but only saw 7 rushing attempts in the second half of the game. Josh Scobey (5-23 rushing, 3-23 receiving on 5 targets) Scobey had a minimal impact on the game. Though he rushed for 23 yards and his 5 carries and made 3 receptions for 23 yards on his 5 targets. Obafemi Ayanbadejo (3-22 rushing) Ayanbadejo's longest rush of 15 yards came in the third quarter of play. Emmitt Smith did not play and was in street clothes. But he contributed on the sidelines offering advice to John Navarre. WR: Anquan Boldin (5-48 receiving on 15 targets) Boldin was Navarre's favorite target with 15 looks, but only a third of those were actual receptions. Dre Bly broke up the second passing attempt to Boldin. And Boldin had a pass go through his hands near the end of the second half. Larry Fitzgerald (2-12 receiving on 9 targets) Fitzgerald only made 2 receptions on his 9 targets. He was targeted deep, but the pass was just slightly overthrown for him to make the reception. Bryant Johnson (4-34 receiving on 7 targets) Johnson returned a kick off for 47 yards to the Detroit 38 yard line. He made an 11 yard reception on that same drive. Reggie Newhouse (1-5 receiving on 2 targets) Newhouse made a 5 yard reception
first quarter and was targeted again in the second quarter. K: Neil Rackers (2-2 FG) Rackers made a 42 yard field goal on the Cardinals' opening drive. On the only touchdown scoring drive for the Cardinals' the elected to unsuccessfully make a 2 point conversion attempt. Pass Defense: Joey Harrington was sacked twice. James Darling sacked Harrington to end the Lions' second drive. Bertrand Berry contributed a league leading 11th sack. David Macklin intercepted Joey Harrington in the red zone. Rush Defense: The Cardinals defense found it difficult to stop Kevin Jones, who rushed for a career best 196 yards and a touchdown. They simply didn't offer much to hold Jones back. Detroit Lions QB: Joey Harrington (15-27-196, 1 TD, 1 INT, 6-19 rushing) After going 3 and out on their first two possessions, Harrington led the Lions on a scoring drive. He completed 5 out 5 passes for 65 yards finishing with a 17 yard strike to Tai Streets. Harrington was intercepted in the red zone on a poorly thrown pass intended for Tai Streets near the end of the first half. RB: Kevin Jones (26-196, 1 TD rushing, 4-22 receiving on 5 targets) It was the best game of the year for Jones who scored a 2 yard touchdown during the second quarter. Jones broke tackles and evaded defenders for a career best superb 74 yard run. Shawn Bryson (2-38 receiving on 2 targets) Bryson caught both of the passes that came his way. But he was not used until the third quarter when he made a 30 yard gain on a screen pass. WR: Roy Williams (4-76 receiving on 9 targets) Williams was targeted deep on Harrington's first pass of the game. Williams made a fantastic 45 yard reception. It was a short reception that he ran over the slot, across the middle to gain the yardage and led to Kevin Jones' touchdown run. It appeared that Williams may have fumbled at the end of the play, but he was ruled down by contact. Williams provided key blocks on Kevin Jones long 74 yard run. Tai Streets (3-54, 1 TD receiving on 6 targets) Streets was the main contributor during the Lions' third drive of the game. Streets made a sharp 20 yard reception over the middle. He then made a 17 yard reception on a crossing pattern. And Streets finished the drive with a second 17 yard touchdown reception. He was targeted in the end zone in the third quarter, but was unable to make the catch. TE: Stephen Alexander (1-5 receiving on 1 target) Alexander made the first reception for the Lions on their second drive, for a 5 yard gain. K: Jason Hanson (4-4 FG, 2-2 XP) Hansen made both a 22 yard and a 45 field goal attempt in the third quarter. He added two more field goals for 31 and 36 yards in the fourth quarter. Pass Defense: The Lions intercepted John Navarre 4 times in the game. Though poor tackling on the defense's part contributed to Freddie Jones' 33-yard touchdown reception. The Lions were able to bat down three of Navarre's passing attempts at the line of scrimmage. Rush Defense: The Detroit rushing defense held the Cardinals to a total of 94 rushing yards, from their 3 running backs. San Francisco 49ers 6 at St. Louis Rams 16 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW San Francisco 49ers Kevan Barlow once again struggled, netting only 15 yards on 9 carries in the first half of play against the NFL's worst rushing defense. Barlow was able to contribute to his stat line with 3 short receptions and some nice yards after catch. He ran better in the second half with 33 yards on 10 carries until he left the game with a concussion, but it wasn't enough to make this a decent fantasy day. Terry Jackson and Maurice Hicks also saw a handful of caries in this game with similar results. Tim Rattay set the tone of the game by committing a false start penalty and had a miserable day, finishing 10 of 21 with only 121 passing yards. The bulk of those yards came on a 52-yard first quarter reception to Brandon Lloyd. Outside of that completion, Rattay seldom found time to let pass routes develop and the vast majority of his targets were short dump offs to his backs and tight ends. With the trio of 49er running backs unable to establish a rushing game, Rattay found himself under pressure often, taking four sacks and many hits. The 49er defense looked overmatched early on, giving up large chunks of yardage to Steven Jackson and letting Torry Holt score an easy touchdown. They improved as the game wore on and, to their credit, played very tight when the Rams' offense neared the red zone, forcing long field goal attempts and allowing only one touchdown. The 49ers' defense kept their team in the game today, but their offense lacked the firepower to capitalize. The 49ers' offense ran only one red zone play the entire game and it resulted in a Tim Rattay interception. St. Louis Rams Marc Bulger was sacked by Bryant Young on the Rams' second offensive possession and left the field favoring his right shoulder. Veteran signal caller Chris Chandler came in and immediately hit Torry Holt for a 19-yard reception as Bulger headed into the locker room for x-rays. Results of the x-rays were negative, but Bulger did not return. The injury is being called a sprained AC joint. Chris Chandler entered the game and led his team to victory, but did not look sharp. His stat line depicts an efficient day as he completed 18 of 27 passes for 217 yards and 1 touchdown with only one interception. Many of the passes he missed, however, were thrown into heavy coverage and well off-target. Rams' receivers became defenders and saved what could have easily been 3 interceptions of Chandler passes. Steven Jackson started the game for the injured Marshall Faulk and ran all over the 49ers' defensive line. He showed excellent acceleration and change of direction while netting 37 yards on 8 carries in the Rams' opening drive. They settled for only a field goal, but the drive established a Rams' running game that would continue to be successful between the 20s for most of the game. Game commentators noted on multiple occasions Jackson's grace and speed in the open field as well as his Faulk-like vision. The Rams ran only five offensive red-zone plays in the first half and none in the second. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW San Francisco 49ers QB: Tim Rattay (10-21-121, 1 Int, 1-1 rushing) The Rams' defense blitzed often and were very successful in keeping Rattay scrambling and severely limiting his looks downfield. A single big play, 52-yards to Brandon Lloyd in the first quarter, accounted for nearly half of Rattay's passing yardage. More often than not, Rattay found himself checking down quickly and trying to dump passes off short. He was sacked four times and hit on several other occasions. He also had a handful of passes tipped at the line. RB: Kevan Barlow (19-48 rushing, 3-21 receiving on 3 targets) Barlow struggled in establishing the running game averaging 1 yard on his first three carries and ended the first half with 9 carries for only 15 yards. Things did look a little brighter in the second half, with Barlow finding some space and picking his way through small holes, but his longest rush of the day was 9 yards and he had no other runs greater than 5 yards. He left the game late in the fourth quarter with a concussion. Maurice Hicks (3-16 rushing, 0-0 receiving on 1 target) Hicks had a nice 10-yard run in the fourth quarter, but was otherwise a non-factor. Terry Jackson (3 for -8 rushing) Jackson's first carry of the game came on a Rams' blitz and he was hit by three defenders in the backfield a split second after taking the handoff for an 8-yard loss. Fred Beasley (1-8 receiving on 4 targets) Rattay looked Beasley's way when he was running for his life. WR: Brandon Lloyd (2-64 receiving on 3 targets) Lloyd burned the Rams' man-to-man coverage for 52-yards on a perfect go-route on his first target of the day. He wasn't targeted again until the fourth quarter as Rattay just didn't have the time to find a wide receiver. Cedric Wilson (0-0 receiving on 3 targets, 1-6 rushing) Wilson wasn't a fantasy factor today. Curtis Conway (1-5 receiving on 1 targets) Conway was even less of a fantasy factor. TE: Eric Johnson (2-15 receiving on 6 targets) Johnson was Rattay's most targeted receiver today, but most passes were tipped or uncatchable. Aaron Walker (1-8 receiving on 1 target) The first tight end target of the day went his way. K: Todd Peterson (2-2 FG) Peterson scored the 49ers' only points today, hitting from 51 yards in the first quarter and 40 yards in the fourth. Pass Defense: The 49ers secondary began the day looking really bad. Chandler
came into the game on the Rams' second offensive series and immediately hit
Torry Holt for a big gain. On the Rams' next drive, Chandler horribly under
threw Torry Holt, but the 49ers' cover man stood around confused while Holt
adjusted and made the reception. Two plays later, Chandler hit Holt in the corner
of the end zone with no 49er nearby. San Francisco would manage a second quarter
interception that ending a promising Rams' drive and looked better as the game
progressed, but Chandler gave them several other interception opportunities
that weren't capitalized on. Chandler felt the 49ers rush and was hurried on
a number of occasions, taking 3 sacks, including one that forced his third quarter
fumble. St. Louis Rams QB: Chris Chandler (18-27-216, 1 TD, 1 Int, 1 fumble lost) Chandler entered the game on the Rams' second offensive possession when Bulger left the field with an injury to his throwing shoulder. Chandler led the team to its only touchdown, a 22-yard strike to Torry Holt, but looked rusty for much of the game. His second quarter interception was thrown well over Holt's head and into double coverage. Later, he severely under threw Isaac Bruce into double coverage in the end zone and Bruce saved an interception by committing offensive pass interference. Chandler was able to connect with Torry Holt eight times on the day and kept the team moving well enough to score long field goals and get the win. Marc Bulger (3-4-22) Bulger was sacked by Bryant Young in the first quarter and left the game with a separated/sprained right shoulder. RB: Steven Jackson (26-119 rushing, 3-30 receiving on 6 targets) Jackson started in place of the injured Marshall Faulk and carried the ball very well. His 26 carries were split evenly between the two halves of play and Jackson was a model of consistency with 59 yards in the first half and 60 yards in the second. Jackson found significant holes to exploit with seven rushes of 5 yards or more and four nice runs of 10, 12, 13 and 13 yards. Though Jackson didn't find the end zone, he proved himself a viable fill-in for Marshall Faulk. Joey Goodspeed (2-4 rushing, 3-11 receiving on 3 targets) Goodspeed was called on to convert a third and inches in the second quarter and proved to be a good check down option for Chandler. Arlen Harris (1-2 rushing) Harris' first carry went for 17 yards, but it was nullified by penalty. WR: Torry Holt (10-160, 1 TD receiving on 12 targets) Holt was far and away the Rams' most popular target today and had his strongest statistical game of the season. He found himself wide open in the corner of the end zone for the Rams' lone touchdown of the day. Two plays earlier, Holt adjusted to a badly under thrown Chandler pass and pulled it in for a 40-yard reception. Chandler was able to hit Holt almost at will between the 20s, but Isaac Bruce (2-18 receiving on 4 targets) It's not often you see this written about Bruce, but he was not a fantasy factor in this game as Torry Holt garnered most of the looks. Bruce did save Chandler from a sure interception by committing offensive pass interference on a badly under thrown ball in the end zone. Shaun McDonald (2-10 receiving on 5 targets) McDonald did nothing of note. Kevin Curtis (0-0 receiving on 1 target, 1-2 rushing) His only target came in the first quarter. TE: Cameron Cleeland (1-9 on 1 target) Cleeland was the only tight end targeted by Chandler. Brandon Manumaleuna (0-0 receiving) Manumaleuna played most of the game, but was not targeted. K: Jeff Wilkins (1 XP, 3-3 FG) Wilkins was perfect, including a pair of 52 yarders. Pass Defense: The Rams kept a good amount of pressure on Tim Rattay throughout the game, but really came on strong in the fourth quarter. The 49ers offense had only one red zone play this game, after a recovered Chris Chandler fumble, and Jerametrius Butler intercepted Tim Rattay on this play. Rush Defense: The struggling Rams run defense got just what it needed from Kevan Barlow, who averaged only 2.5 yards per carry in this game. Barlow was stuffed repeatedly at the line and his second efforts found nothing. Bad met worse and the Rams won. Houston Texans 7 at New York Jets 29 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Houston Texans Houston played fairly well in the first half of the game, but did not establish any offensive rhythm in the second half. David Carr played showed flashes of his ability in the first half, connecting with Andre Johnson on some nice plays, but was unable to get the Texans' offense going in the second half. Carr ended the game with ugly numbers of 157 yards, no touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Domanick Davis' game also was markedly different from the first half to the second half. Davis ran very well in the first half, averaging close to 4 yards per carry and accounting for Houston's lone touchdown, which came on a 2-yard run up the middle. He also had a very nice 60-yard run for a touchdown called back due to holding. On that run, he ran up the middle, put a nice move to shake a defender, and ran the rest of the way untouched. In addition, on a 3rd and 18 play, Davis hauled in a reception and ran for a first down, but the play was called back due to a personal foul that put the Texans in 3rd and 33. That drive ended in a punt. Andre Johnson had an outstanding game, finishing with 7 catches for 125 yards on 14 targets. Johnson showed off his speed and tremendous strength on one play when Carr threw him the ball 36 yards in the air. Johnson was double-teamed and went up for the ball along with two Jets' defenders. Both defenders got their hands on the ball, but Johnson came away with the catch. No one else contributed to the Texans' passing game however. The Texans' defense was very solid in the first half, limiting the Jets to two field goals. While they did not generate much pressure on Chad Pennington, they were able to intercept him once. Like the other units, the Texans' defense was not effective in the second half. The Jets ran very well against them and Pennington was not pressured very often. For the game, the Texans gave up 5.8 yards per carry to the Jets. This dominance combined with Pennington's pinpoint passing, led to Houston giving up 23 points in the second half. Houston starting Linebacker Jay Foreman came out of the game with a leg injury and did not return. New York Jets The Jets played sound offensive football. They did not attempt many risky plays as Chad Pennington attempted only one pass over 15 yards in the first half. Instead they relied on intermediate passing from Pennington, who finished with 20 completions in 27 attempts and a heavy dose of Curtis Martin. Pennington looked very sharp from the outset, as he completed his first 9 passes for 81 yards. He did not show any rust from his 3-game layoff due to his shoulder injury, and ran the Jets' offense very well. Not only did Pennington show no ill effects of his shoulder injury throwing the ball, he did so running. On a 3rd and 8 play in the 4th quarter from the Houston 16-yard line, Pennington scrambled up the middle for a 10-yard run. He was tackled and fell on his right shoulder, which was the one that was injured. He immediately jumped to his feet, and pointed towards the end zone, signifying the first down - with his right arm. He got a great response from the crowd for that. Curtis Martin ran very well, amassing 134 yards rushing and a touchdown. He also added 20 yards receiving and a receiving touchdown. Martin was featured when the Jets were close to the end zone. On their first trip there in the second half, with a first and goal at the 4-yard line, Martin ran for no gain. On the next play, his number was called again, and he ran in for a touchdown to make the game 13-7. The next time the Jets were close, at 2nd and goal from the 5-yard line, Pennington passed to Martin who eluded a defender and outran the pursuit to score again, putting the Jets up 19-7. LaMont Jordan was also involved in the running game, especially in the second half, and finished with 60 yards rushing on 11 carries in relief of Martin. The Jets' receivers did not have any big plays. They were not thrown to deep, and settled for intermediate throws from Pennington. Justin McCareins was the most productive wide receiver with 4 receptions for 47 yards on 6 targets. Santana Moss only had 1 reception for 6 yards, but did return a punt 46 yards to the Houston 4-yard line. He displayed the quickness and speed that make him a threat on any play and presented a case to be more involved in the offense. The Jets' defense was good in the first half and improved in the second half. They applied pressure to Carr and forced him to throw the ball before he was ready to several times. Though they only sacked Carr twice, the Jets harassed him frequently and intercepted him twice. Thanks in part to the Jets taking the lead in the second half, the defense was able to focus on stopping the pass and did a very good job. Though they gave up a few big plays to Andre Johnson, none of the other Texans' receivers had an impact on the game. The Jets' run defense held the Texans to just over 3 yards per carry for the game. The vast majority of those yards came in the first half. Starting Defensive End John Abraham left the game and did not return. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Houston Texans QB: David Carr (12-25-157, 2 Int, 4-16 rushing) Carr was inconsistent in this game. At times he looked very good, especially when connecting with Andre Johnson, but at other times he forced some throws into double coverage. He could have been picked off more that the 2 times he was in this game. Overall a forgettable game for Carr. RB: Domanick Davis (17-52 rushing 1 TD, 1-4 receiving on 2 targets) Davis was very productive when he was part of the game plan, which was in the first half. Houston relied more on the passing game in the second half as they were playing catch-up, and did not utilize the run much. Davis also had a 60-yard touchdown run and an 18-yard reception called back due to penalties. Jonathan Wells (2-9 rushing, 0-0 receiving on 1 target) Wells was not used much on offense, and came in only a handful of times to spell Davis. The one pass thrown his way was as a result of Carr throwing the ball away while scrambling. Moran Norris (1-0 rushing, 1-0 receiving on 1 target) The fullback was used primarily as a blocker. WR: Andre Johnson (7-125 on 14 targets, 1-6 rushing) Johnson was the only productive member of the passing game and was Carr's favorite target by far. He ran deep routes, short crossing routes and intermediate routes all very well and had a productive day despite being double-teamed most of the game. He displayed a combination of size, strength and speed along with good hands that not many receivers have. Jabar Gaffney (2-21 on 2 targets) Gaffney disappeared in the second half, as he was not targeted once. He seemed unable to take advantage of the double-teams commanded by Johnson. Derick Armstrong (1-7 on 4 targets) Most of the throws to Armstrong were difficult to catch, mostly due to good coverage. TE: Billy Miller (0-0 on 4 targets) Despite being targeted 4 times, Miller was unable to have a reception. The only time he caught the ball, it was ruled an incomplete catch as he came from out of bounds to catch the ball. K: Kris Brown (1-1 XP) A very slow day for the Texans kicker who converted one extra point attempt. Pass Defense: The Texans' pass defense was inconsistent. They did not allow the Jets' receivers to beat them deep, but did give up a lot of completions on the intermediate routes. They did not generate a pass rush consistently. Rush Defense: The rush defense was overwhelmed by the Jets' offensive linemen, Curtis Martin and LaMont Jordan to the tune of 210 rushing yards. Chad Pennington contributed to this total by finding room to run on his two scrambles. New York Jets QB: Chad Pennington (20-27-155, 2 TD, 1 INT, 2-16 rushing) Pennington played well, especially considering this was his first game action since his shoulder injury. Though he did not attempt many deep throws he was able to complete all the various intermediate throws at a very high percentage. He looked very comfortable running the offense. RB: Curtis Martin (23-134, 1 TD rushing, 4-20, 1 TD receiving on 4 targets) Martin was outstanding in all facets of the game. He ran well inside and outside and was more involved in the passing game with Pennington back. Martin did not seem to tire and ran with a lot of energy in the second half. He continued to play like one of the top all-around running backs in the game today. LaMont Jordan (11-60 rushing, 1 for -1 receiving on 1 target) Jordan ran with power and speed and averaged an impressive 5.45 yards-per-carry average. Jerald Sowell (5-38 receiving on 6 targets) Sowell was Pennington's favorite outlet receiver. On one play he ran through an attempted tackle by Linebacker Jamie Sharper and rumbled for a first down. WR: Justin McCareins (4-47 on 6 targets) McCareins did not go deep often, but displayed good hands on several jump balls along the sideline. Though Pennington spread the ball to a lot of different receivers, McCareins was the most targeted of the wide receivers and tight ends. Wayne Chrebet (2-25 on 4 targets) While Chrebet was not targeted often, Pennington looked to him when he needed a third down, and Chrebet came through. Jonathan Carter (2-18 on 2 targets) Carter turned his 2 opportunities into 2 receptions. Santana Moss (1-6 on 3 targets) Moss was not used much and had a disappointing day. His best play was on a 46-yard punt return that led to the Jets scoring the touchdown that put them ahead to stay. TE: Anthony Becht (1-2 on 2 targets) Becht was the recipient of a play-action pass from Pennington from the 2-yard line. K: Doug Brien (2-2 XP, 3-3 FG) Brien made field goals from 41, 26 and 25 yards. Pass Defense: The Jets pass defense was aggressive throughout the game. They gave up some big plays to Andre Johnson, but apart from him, they kept the other Houston receivers in check. The Jets generated a strong enough pass rush that made Carr hurry some of his throws as well as throw on the run. They had 2 interceptions and forced a lot of incomplete passes. Rush Defense: The Jets run defense was average in the first half, allowing a 2-yard touchdown run to Domanick Davis, but holding him to below 4 yards per carry. They clamped down in the second half and allowed very few yards on the rare occasions Houston attempted to run. New York Giants 7 at Washington Redskins 31 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW New York Giants The Giants' offense as a whole was downright pathetic. With just over three minutes remaining in the game, the Giants had gained a total of 86 yards. Eli Manning was terrible, and that hurt the run game in the process. KR Derrick Ward returned a kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown for the Giants' only score of the game. The Giants' run defense was torn apart right from the outset by both Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts. The Giants gave up 211 yards on the ground to the Redskins, as Washington thoroughly dominated the game in all aspects. Due mostly in part to the excellent running game, the Redskins were able to top 18 points for the first time all season long - a very bad sign for how the Giants day went. RB Tiki Barber, a fantasy stud to this point, managed just 38 yards on 15 carries. His long run of the game was just nine yards. If opposing defenses don't need to respect the Giants' passing game, then Barber will find the going just as tough in the coming weeks. Starting G Chris Snee, the team's best run-blocker, was deactivated just before game time due to what was called a "gland problem". Wayne Lucier started in his place. Washington Redskins RB Clinton Portis followed up one of the worst games of his career with one of his best games of this season. Joe Gibbs gave Portis the ball early and often, and the RB responded with 148 yards on 31 carries. The yards were all of the tough, grind-it-out variety as there weren't many long open-field bursts. Portis just simply battered and bruised the Giants from start to finish. He displayed great patience and vision when hitting the holes, and almost never went down on the first hit. QB Patrick Ramsey had one of his best days as a pro, in large part because of the effectiveness of the running game. That took a lot of pressure off the young QB, and he was able to complete an astounding 86% of his passes, including three touchdowns. The Redskins' defense absolutely manhandled the Giants in this game. They have very quietly assembled one of the top defenses in the league, and their blitz packages confused Eli Manning all game long. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW New York Giants QB: Eli Manning (12-25-113) looked like a rookie QB for just about the entire game. Early on, he held onto the football far too long when under pressure. And later in the game, nearly all of his throws misfired on where they were supposed to go. He threw balls at players' feet, over their heads, and generally not where they were supposed to go. To make matters worse, there were several instances in which he hung his receivers out to dry, especially Amani Toomer, who caught a few big shots late. If not for a 48-yard completion to Amani Toomer with three minutes left to play, Manning would have fallen far short of 100 passing yards for the game. Manning managed to avoid turning the ball over, though the Redskins did him some very big favors by dropping at least three easy interceptions. Manning also could have managed a touchdown out of this mess of a game when he had an open Ike Hilliard streaking into the end zone on the Giants' last possession. The ball, however, was overthrown and fell harmlessly incomplete. With the Giants still mathematically alive for the final playoff spot, it will be interesting to see if HC Tom Coughlin makes the switch back to Kurt Warner. It is clear that Manning cannot move the offense with any regularity. RB: Tiki Barber (15-38 rushing) was not effective. What few carries he did see went nowhere, and he was a non-factor in the passing game. Barber's long run of the game went for just nine yards, and he averaged just over two yards per carry for the entire game. There was never much room for him to run, and the lack of a viable threat in the passing game really hurt him. Washington, it seemed, almost knew when Barber was going to run the ball and really focused on taking him out of the game. Barber was running behind a line that was without starting G Chris Snee, who was deactivated due to a gland problem. WR: Amani Toomer (2-59 receiving on 8 targets) had poor statistics, though it could have been much worse. And much of it wasn't his fault. Toomer had just one reception for 11 yards through the first fifty-seven minutes of the game, but then came up with a 48-yard reception down the right sideline late in the game. Toomer was able to get open on occasion, but Eli Manning never seemed able to put the ball where it needed to be. Toomer ended up getting laid out on several occasions when trying to reach for balls that were misfired by Manning. On many others, Manning's pass attempts fell far short of Toomer and bounced in front of him. TE: Jeremy Shockey (3-23 receiving on 4 targets) was quiet for much of the game. He came close to scoring on one occasion, but a diving Sean Taylor knocked the ball away from Shockey at the last moment down near the Washington 1-yard line. K: Steve Christie (1 XP) connected on his lone extra point attempt. Pass Defense: It's tough to put a lot of blame on the defensive backs, because the tone of this game was really set by the Giants' inability up front to stop the Washington running game. Had they done a better job up front, the Redskins may not have been able to run the type of pass plays they did. As it was, the Giants allowed Patrick Ramsey of all people to complete 19 of his 22 pass attempts in the game. He never came close to turning the ball over, and was only sacked once. There weren't too many possibilities for him to make a bad decision or a poor play, and he came away having played nearly flawlessly. Run Defense: The Giants got trampled. That's the simplest way to put it. Giving up 148 yards and a touchdown to Clinton Portis is bad enough, but understandable against a Pro Bowl-quality back. But they also allowed Portis' backup, Ladell Betts, to rumble for an additional 64 yards on just 11 carries. Regardless of who was running back there, the holes were open, the tackles were shoddy, and the results from New York's end were not pretty. Washington Redskins QB: Patrick Ramsey (19-22-174, 3 TD; 3 for -1 rushing) played a nearly-flawless game. He threw just three incomplete passes the entire game, with one coming on a deep pass attempt to Rod Gardner. He made good, quick decisions with the football, managed the offense, and still managed to have an outstanding fantasy day with three scores. One of the passing touchdowns came on a shovel pass to Clinton Portis, but it still counts as a passing TD. Ramsey actually could have had an earlier score, as he completed a pass to TE Brian Kozlowski for eight yards that was taken right down to the one-yard line. It wouldn't be the last time we'd see a Redskins tight end being active in the red zone, however. Ramsey sought out his tight ends whenever the team got in close. Ramsey connected on a later touchdown to Robert Royal, and another to Chris Cooley. The pass prior to the Cooley touchdown was also a completion to Cooley. Earlier in the game, Ramsey had seemingly thrown a 38-yard touchdown pass to Cooley over the middle, but the score was nullified due to a holding penalty. Both Ramsey and Cooley were rewarded later, however, because the two hooked up on their touchdown on that very drive. RB: Clinton Portis (31-148, 1 TD rushing, 3-14, 1 TD receiving on 3 targets) had a monster game. Nearly every time he touched the football, something good happened for the Redskins. He came out looking very good right from the start of the game, and never let up once. He was the main focus of the Washington attack, and was over 100 yards and two touchdowns even before halftime. In the process, Portis went over 1,000 yards rushing for the season. Most of his carries in the second half went to Ladell Betts since Washington had such a large lead. Ladell Betts (11-64 rushing) did very well spelling Clinton Portis throughout the game. Betts' carries weren't just limited to garbage-time runs, as he came in on several plays in the first half to give Portis a breather. When Betts was in the game, the Redskins didn't miss a beat. His per-carry average for the game was outstanding, and really wore down the Giants in the second half despite them knowing he was getting the ball for the most part. WR: Laveranues Coles (6-60 receiving on 7 targets) was the main beneficiary of Patrick Ramsey's effectiveness when Washington was between the 20's. Coles caught several balls on the opening drive and made a number of nice grabs throughout, though the big knock on him an inability to score touchdowns was very noticeable again today as he wasn't even looked to when the Redskins got in close to the end zone. Rod Gardner (2-27 receiving on 4 targets) caught just two passes but was effective with each catch. He was thrown a wide receiver screen in the first half that he took down to the 5-yard line. He was fairly quiet after that. TE: Chris Cooley (3-21, 1 TD receiving on 4 targets) had a very solid game. Cooley has quietly managed to score five touchdowns this season, including one today. He was actually looked for down by the end zone by Patrick Ramsey, and responded with another score. Several plays earlier, Cooley had apparently caught a 38-yard touchdown pass but the play was nullified due to a holding penalty. Luckily for Cooley, he was rewarded several plays later with the touchdown. K: John Hall (1-1 FG, 4 XP) connected on a 46-yard field goal attempt in his first game back from injury. Pass Defense: Despite their inability to come up with a turnover and only recording one sack, there is no question that this unit came to play. This is why defensive fantasy stats can be a bit misleading. The Redskins' defense was outstanding in all phases of the game except for holding onto the football when it was in their hands. Walt Harris, Shawn Springs, and Sean Taylor all had golden opportunities for interceptions, but had the ball fall to the ground incomplete. About the only hiccup in the Redskins' performance was a 48-yard completion to Amani Toomer with about three minutes left to play. It didn't lead to anything, as the Giants were unable to get the ball into the end zone anyway (or even close). Outside of that one play, the Redskins held the Giants to just 65 passing yards for the entire game. Run Defense: Tiki Barber had nowhere to go all day long. He carried 15 times for just 38 yards and never had anywhere to run. The fact that the Giants' passing game was so utterly shut down probably led to Barber's ineffectiveness. The Redskins knew they could focus on corralling Barber and still be able to hold Manning in check, and the game plan worked to perfection. New England Patriots 42 at Cleveland Browns 15 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW New England Patriots The Patriots extended their record to 11-1 with a dominating 42-15 win over the Cleveland Browns, setting an early tone by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown. Going on the road, the New England offense was able to effectively outrun the Browns' rush defense, allowing Corey Dillon to reach 100 yards for the 7th time this season. Dillon left briefly in the 2nd half with a thigh injury before returning to get to the 100-yard marker with 2 touchdowns, but was replaced admirably by Kevin Faulk, who gained 87 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. Cedric Cobbs also saw extensive action within this game, but was held in check, gaining just 29 yards on 16 carries. Tom Brady played just 2 and a half quarters before giving way to Rohan Davey,
finishing with just 157 yards and 1 touchdown on the day, as the Patriots primarily
ran the ball in the red zone. No receiver finished with more than 3 catches
on the day as Brady and Davey spread the ball around. Patten caught a 44 yard
touchdown pass as part of a 3 catch, 74 yard day, though it was David Givens
who saw the most passes with 9 on the day. Deion Branch and Troy Brown played
just a minor role in the passing game in Week 13. The Browns were unable to get much going with the offense until late in the game, when Luke McCown began to click with Antonio Bryant, who went over 100 yards for the second week in a row. Bryant finished the day with 2 touchdowns on 7 catches for 115 yards, topping Dennis Northcutt, who had 5 catches for 93 yards. In his debut as a starter, the rookie Luke McCown had a roller coaster day, finishing with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions by going 20-34 for 277 yards versus the Patriots defense. With Lee Suggs out, the Browns were unable to get any type of running game
going, as William Green finished with just 12 carries for 15 yards, before being
sent to the bench, when he had a fumble returned for a touchdown. 7th round
draft pick Adimchinobe Echemandu replaced Green and carried the ball 3 times
for 12 yards, and caught 3 balls out of the backfield. New England Patriots QB: Tom Brady (11-20-157, 1 TD, 1 Int, 2-16 rushing) Brady played 2 and a half quarters prior to being relieved by Rohan Davey. Brady finished with modest numbers on the day, including a 55% completion rate and 76.5 passer rating, but did average nearly 8 yards per pass, thanks in large part to a 44-yard touchdown to David Patten. RB: Corey Dillon (18-100, 2 TD rushing, 1 fumble lost, 0-0 receiving on 1 target) Corey Dillon left at various points in this game due to a thigh injury, but returned late to gain a couple of extra yards to get to the 100 yard barrier before exiting the game again. Once the Patriots got out to a big lead, they did not necessarily need Dillon to carry the ball. Dillon likely could have remained in the game but New England pulled many of its starters with the game well in hand. Kevin Faulk (13-87,1 TD rushing,1-4 receiving on 1 targets) Immediately following Dillon's injury, it was Faulk who saw the action as the primary running back, but was then replaced by Cedric Cobbs. But after Cobbs fumbled, the Patriots went back to Faulk and Kevin Faulk continued to perform well in the role. Cedric Cobb (16-29 rushing, 1 fumble lost) In his first major action, Cobb was less than impressive, but was facing a Browns' defense that was stacking the line in a game where they knew New England was just trying to run out the clock. In the event that Dillon's thigh injury to linger, it would be interesting to see if the Patriots would expand Cobb's role this late in the season. Patrick Pass (1-1 rushing, 2-19 receiving on 2 targets) Pass played a minimal role in the victory. WR: David Patten (3-74, 1 TD receiving on 5 targets) Patten's primary contribution on the day came on a 44-yard touchdown reception that extended the Patriots lead to 42-7. Patten also successfully drew an interference call down the field to extend a Patriots drive, but was not targeted as often as Givens in Week 13. David Givens (3-25 receiving on 9 targets) Givens saw 9 targets, most of which came in the first half, but did not have prolific game from a statistical standpoint. Deion Branch (1-13 receiving on 2 targets) For the first time since his return from an injury, Branch was held in check, catching just 1 ball on the afternoon. Bethel Johnson (1-20 receiving on 1 targets) Bethel's biggest contribution on the day came with the opening kickoff, when he went untouched for a touchdown to set the tone for the game. TE: Daniel Graham (1-14 receiving on 2 targets) The Patriots spread the ball around to their tight ends, targeting Graham, Christian Fauria and Jed Weaver, though, with the big lead, did not utilize them in the red zone. K: Adam Vinatieri (6-6 XP) Though the Patriots were in field goal range multiple times in the second half, they did not ask Vinatieri to kick any field goals with a four or five touchdown lead. Pass Defense: The Patriots' secondary is still banged up and potentially the weak link on the squad, but with the production all-around, it hasn't caught up with them often. The unit finished with 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, and a forced fumble. Rush Defense: The rush defense held William Green to 15 yards on 12 carries, and forced Green to fumble, which they returned for a touchdown to open the lead up to 28-7. Cleveland Browns QB: Luke McCown (20-34-277, 2 TD, 2 Int, 1-11 rushing) Luke McCown drew the world champion New England Patriots in his debut as a starter, and found it tough going, but did produce a couple of bright spots, finishing with 2 touchdowns on the day to offset his 2 interceptions. McCown finished with an 80.1 rating, averaging 8.1 yards per passing attempt and a 59% completion percentage. RB: William Green (12-15 rushing, 1 fumble lost, 3-24 receiving on 4 targets) Green was benched by interim coach Terry Robiskie after fumbling early in the 3rd quarter. It wasn't any great loss for the Browns as he'd been totally ineffective prior to his fumble. Adimchinobe Echemandu (3-12 rushing, 3-25 receiving on 3 targets) Echemandu got his first real opportunity to play and made the most of it as the Browns were playing from behind. WR: Antonio Bryant (7-115, 2 TD receiving on 11 targets) Antonio Bryant became the first receiver in 15 years to post back-to-back 100 yard games by a Cleveland Brown, and looks to be a solid move in what will be a rebuilding effort for the organization. He was targeted often late in the game when McCown was playing his best ball of the afternoon. Dennis Northcutt (5-93 receiving on 11 targets, 1-8 rushing) Northcutt caught a long pass on the 2 play, 93 yard drive that brought the score back to 42-15, but his primary contributions came early in the 1st half when he was the leading Browns target. TE: Steve Heiden (2-20 receiving on 5 targets, 1 fumble lost) A week after catching 3 touchdown passes, Heiden was kept in check by the Patriots' defense, catching just 2 balls. Heiden successfully caught a two point conversion attempt in the fourth quarter. K: Phil Dawson (1-1 XP) Dawson converted his extra point attempt. Pass Defense: The Browns were pretty successful in shutting down the passing game, but the Patriots did not need to pass on this afternoon. The defense showed a successful pass rush early and got to Brady a couple of times, but drew some dumb penalties which extended drives and cost the team any chance at changing the momentum within the flow of the game. Rush Defense: Even though the Browns knew the Patriots would be running, they still gave up 50 carries for 225 yards and 3 touchdowns, able to slow down only the rookie Cedric Cobb. Carolina Panthers 32 at New Orleans Saints 21 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Carolina Panthers Jake Delhomme looked sharp and threw accurately in this game, despite continuing to play with a broken thumb. Delhomme completed 22 of 29 passes for 294 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown came on a screen pass to Muhsin Muhammad as he juked past CB Mike McKenzie on route to the end zone. Delhomme's longest gain came on a perfectly thrown flea flicker to Muhammad for 51 yards in the second quarter. Nick Goings broke the century mark for the third straight game. While he was held to under 3.4 yards a carry by the last place Saints run defense, he still managed 122 yards and a touchdown. Goings was relied on heavily as the Panthers ran out the clock late in the game. Muhsin Muhammad was looked to early and often by Delhomme and responded with 179 yards and a touchdown. He was able to get open against the Saints defense and received a team high 13 targets. Muhammad was close to a second touchdown late in the game, but couldn't get his second foot down inbounds as he made a reception in the back of the end zone. 6'6" 283 pound defensive end Julius Peppers was inserted into the game as a tight end late in the first half. He was targeted by Delhomme in the end zone, but Delhomme overthrew the ball and it landed out of bounds. New Orleans Saints Saints' players simply had trouble holding on to the ball in this game and those drops led to an easy victory for Carolina. As New Orleans' offense went nowhere for most of the first half, Carolina ran up a 23-0 lead. The Saints seemed to wake up for short stretches in the middle of the game, but in the end reverted back to form, dropping easy passes and turning the ball over. Aaron Brooks struggled for most this game, running very hot and cold and only being able to move the New Orleans' offense sporadically. Brooks looked best during a stretch that lasted from the end of the 2nd quarter through the middle of the third quarter. During that time period, he threw two touchdown passes to Joe Horn, He was close to a third score, but Jerome Pathon let a pass bounce off his hands at the 2 yard line and it was intercepted by the Panthers. While Brooks was credited with only one fumble (which the Saints recovered), he was very close to losing two more. He fumbled once on a scramble, but was ruled down before the ball came out. On another play, he fumbled as he was sacked dropping back to pass, but it was ruled that his arm was coming forward and called an incomplete pass. Deuce McAllister was mostly invisible during the first half of this game and completed his disappearing act in the second half. When he carried the ball, he found little room to run and was often met at the line of scrimmage by Carolina defenders. McAllister dropped two easy passes as well, one of which would have gone for a first down on a 3rd and long. McAllister's first quarter fumble deep in New Orleans' territory led to a Panther touchdown one play later. McAllister carried only twice in the second half, both times on the Saints' first drive of the second half. With receivers dropping balls left and right, Aaron Brooks keyed in on Joe Horn and he responded with a big game. Held without a catch for most of the first half, Horn caught 3 balls for 55 yards and a touchdown on a New Orleans' drive right before halftime. He then managed to rack up yards in the second half and scored again on a busted play where Brooks managed to escape a near sack and found him open in the back of the end zone. His 160 receiving yards allowed him to reach 1000 yards in a season for the fourth time in his career. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Carolina Panthers QB: Jake Delhomme (22-29-294, 1 TD, 2-0 rushing) looked very sharp in this game despite continuing to play with a broken thumb. On occasion, Delhomme would have a pass or two sail on him. This was apparent on one play in particular in the first half as Delhomme badly overthrew an open Keary Colbert on the sidelines. But as the game progressed, Delhomme's accuracy improved. He clearly favored Muhsin Muhammad, delivering 13 targets his way including a 10 yard touchdown strike. Delhomme delivered the ball on a wide receiver screen and let Muhammad do the rest, juking CB Mike McKenzie to get into the end zone for the score. Delhomme delivered a beautifully thrown flea flicker down the middle to Muhammad for a 51 yard gain in the second quarter. That led to a Goings score a few plays later. Delhomme looked for DE Julius Peppers in the end zone on a play where Peppers was inserted as a TE near the goal line. But the ball was overthrown and sailed out of bounds. RB: Nick Goings (36-122 rushing, 1 TD, 6-46 receiving on 6 targets) Goings' 122 yards in this game marked the 3rd straight game that he has gone over the century mark. Goings managed just under 3.4 yards per carry against the league's worst run defense, but got enough carries to post good yardage numbers and a touchdown. Goings took a carry straight up the middle for a 6 yard score early in the 2nd quarter. Goings received four carries inside the 20 yard line on the Panthers' last drive as they ran out the clock, but was unable to score. Brad Hoover (4-10 rushing, 2-5 receiving on 2 targets) Hoover received three of his four carries in the fourth quarter with the Panthers holding a commanding lead. WR: Muhsin Muhammad (10-179 receiving on 13 targets, 1 TD) pulled in a 20 yard reception on Jake Delhomme's first throw of the day and continued to be his favorite target throughout the afternoon. Delhomme looked Muhammad's way early and often and was usually the first read on most passing plays. Muhammad received a screen pass on the Saints' 10 yard line and badly faked out CB Mike McKenzie for Carolina's first score of the day. On the Panthers' next drive, Muhammad caught a bomb down the middle of the field on a flea flicker to set up Goings' short touchdown run a few plays later. Muhammad had 131 of his 179 yards in the first half. He was close to a second touchdown late in the game. He made a clean reception in the back of the end zone and got one foot down inbounds, but his second foot came down just on the line. Keary Colbert (1-22 receiving on 2 targets) was only targeted twice all day long, both times in the first half. His 22 yard catch setup a field goal just before the end of the first half. Ricky Proehl (1-21 receiving on 2 targets) Proehl's 21 yard reception on 3rd and 23 setup a successful field goal early in the game. Proehl was targeted in the end zone on a short corner route just before halftime, but couldn't make the touchdown grab and the Panthers settled for a field goal. Julius Peppers (0-0 receiving on 1 target) was inserted into the game as a tight end for one play late in the first half when the Panthers were on the goal line. The 6'6" 283 pound defensive end was targeted in the end zone on the play, but Jake Delhomme put way too much air under the ball and it sailed out of bounds. TE: Kris Mangum (2-21 receiving on 3 targets) caught his first pass of the day just before halftime for 11 yards. K: John Kasay (2 XP, 6-6 FG) had a big day kicking for the Panthers. Late in the first quarter, Kasay was brought on to attempt a 35 yard field goal for the Panthers. Before he could kick, Carolina was pushed back 5 yards due to a false start penalty. Kasay then drilled a 40 yard field goal. However Carolina was called for offensive holding and penalized another 10 yards. Thinking that the 50 yarder was now out of Kasay's range, John Fox sent on the punting unit. But Kasay stayed on the field waving the punting unit back to the sidelines. Kasay then proceeded to connect on the 50 yard attempt. While his aim was true, the kick cleared the crossbar by only a few feet. One of Kasay's late field goals ricocheted off the left upright and was barely good. Pass Defense: Carolina recorded only one sack in this game, but frequently got pressure on Aaron Brooks. CB Artrell Harkins picked off Aaron Brooks after a good pass bounced off of Jerome Pathon's hands. CB Will Witherspoon picked off an ugly Aaron Brooks throw late in the game to end any hopes of a New Orleans' rally. Rush Defense: The Panthers did a great job of clogging the running lanes and
giving Deuce McAllister little room to run early on. After the Panthers built
a big lead, the Saints abandoned the run completely. After running twice on
their first drive of the second half, the Saints didn't have another carry by
a back for the rest of the game. QB: Aaron Brooks (20-40-251, 3 TD, 2 INT) looked awful for most of this game, particularly for long stretches in the first half. During his cold spells, Brooks was plagued by his receivers dropping the ball. With about three minutes to play in the first half and trailing 23-0, Brooks finally started to show signs of life. He took his team on a 53 yard drive capped off by a 13 yard touchdown strike to Joe Horn. But with less than a minute to play in the first half, Brooks was close to a disastrous mistake. After a Saints' kickoff gave Carolina the ball at their own 31 yard line with less than a minute to go, New Orleans elected to run a few more plays instead of taking a knee. On the first play, Brooks was hit by DT Kindal Moorehead as he was attempting a pass, and Carolina recovered the ball at the 17 yard line. But after an official's review, it was ruled that Brooks' arm was going forward and that the play resulted in an incomplete pass. In fact, Brooks was close to losing fumbles three different times in this contest. Early on, he fumbled the exchange with his center, but New Orleans managed to recover the ball. He also lost the ball while scrambling in the second quarter, but officials ruled that he was down before he lost the ball. After halftime, Brooks came out of the locker room focused, and New Orleans again showed renewed life, as Brooks marched them on another long drive. However that drive ended in a turnover, when Brooks' short pass to Jerome Pathon bounced right off the receiver's hands and into the air where it was intercepted by CB Artrell Hawkins. Brooks made a great play on the next series, scrambling away from a near sack and finding a wide open Joe Horn in the back of the end zone for a touchdown. But after that touchdown drive, New Orleans' offense reverted back to the dormant state it displayed throughout most of the first half. In the only other second half drive where the Saints effectively moved the football, Brooks was picked off on an ugly throw that went directly to LB Will Witherspoon. RB: Deuce McAllister (7-22 rushing, 1-1 receiving on 4 targets, 1 fumble lost) received only seven carries in this game, five coming in the first half and the other two coming off the Saints' first drive of the second half. When McAllister ran the ball, he was swarmed by Carolina defenders and found little room to operate. But it was his mistakes that caused the team to stop looking his way. McAllister dropped two balls in the first half that hit him squarely in the hands, one of which would have gone for an easy first down. After taking a handoff late in the first quarter, McAllister was drilled by LB Brandon Short and fumbled the ball away. Carolina scored a touchdown one play later and McAllister wasn't much of a factor throughout the rest of the game. WR: Joe Horn (8-160 receiving on 15 targets, 2 TD) seemed to be the only New Orleans' receiver capable of holding on to the football. Brooks looked his way for long stretches throughout this game. His 160 receiving yards allowed him to record his fourth 1000 yard season. After dropping a tough but catchable ball on the Saints first offensive play, Horn rebounded to catch most everything that was thrown his way. Horn, like most of New Orleans' offense was very quiet for most of the first half, but came alive just before the half. On that drive, Horn was usually Brooks' first read, and caught 3 balls for 55 yards and a touchdown. Horn managed to split the linebacker and the safety and extended his body in the back of the end zone to make the touchdown catch. In the second half, Horn racked up most of his yardage, and caught a 24 yard touchdown on broken coverage as Brooks scrambled away from a near sack. Brooks looked for Horn in the end zone on back-to-back plays late in the game, but threw the ball just out of Horn's reach on one play and had the ball knocked away on the next. Late in the game, Horn dropped a catchable ball after getting leveled by a linebacker. Donte' Stallworth (3-44 receiving on 5 targets, 1 TD) was plagued by the drops like most of the Saints' offense. Stallworth didn't start this game, but played frequently as the Saints ran many formations with three wideouts. In the fourth quarter, Stallworth found himself wide open running down the right sideline, but dropped an easy pass that hit him in the hands that surely would have gone for a big gain. He rebounded on the very next play by making a great grab at the sidelines, dragging his toes to secure the reception. He also dropped a ball in the end zone that would have been a tough but makeable catch for the touchdown. Stallworth scored in garbage time, finding himself wide open on a 4th and 15 for an easy score that meant little to the final outcome. Jerome Pathon (2-12 receiving on 5 targets) started this game opposite Joe Horn, but his most memorable moment was one he'd like to forget. Pathon was targeted just short of the end zone on the Saints' first drive of the second half. However, he let the pass bounce off of his hands and high into the air where it was intercepted by CB Artrell Hawkins. TE: Boo Williams (3-24 receiving on 6 targets) All three of Williams' catches came in the second half. He was close to a touchdown early in the third quarter. On the play, Williams jumped up for a Brooks' pass but it was a bit too high and he watched a tough but catchable ball fall incomplete. Later in the second half, Williams had his helmet taken off on a hard hit. He ended his day by dropping a ball he seemingly had after a brutal hit by S Mike Minter. Ernie Conwell (1-8 receiving on 1 target) hauled in his only target of the
day for eight yards. Pass Defense: The Saints defense was able to sack Jake Delhomme four times, including sacks by DE Darren Howard on back-to-back plays. However, their defensive pressure was intermittent and Delhomme had time to throw for long stretches of the game. Muhsin Muhammad was seemingly always open and the New Orleans' secondary struggled to cover him. Rush Defense: New Orleans managed to stuff Nick Goings for short gains on many runs, holding him to just under 3.4 yards per carry for the game. However, Goings got a heavy workload and was able to break the century mark against the Saints and punch in a touchdown. Atlanta Falcons 0 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Atlanta Falcons The Falcons went to Tampa with a chance to clinch the NFC South Division but were unable to come away with a victory. Although the Falcons offense was slightly better statistically, costly turnovers and poor play execution resulted in a shutout for Tampa Bay. The Falcons squandered two great scoring chances during the game with two turnovers from the Tampa Bay 1 yard line. The Falcons offensive line was not able to keep the Buccaneers pass rush from pressuring QB Michael Vick throughout the entire game. Vick was sacked 5 times and the Falcons had 5 turnovers in the game. Michael Vick was less than sensational this week as the Tampa Bay defense shutdown Vick and the Falcons. Vick had a terrible day passing the ball completing less than 50% of his passes for just 117 yards. He had two interceptions in the game and two lost fumbles. Vick left the game after taking a big hit from Tampa Bay LB Derrick Brooks. The hit knocked Vick's helmet off and left him on the ground for several minutes. Although he did return after sitting out one play, Vick was on the sideline holding ice to the knot left on his forehead. Alge Crumpler was held to one reception for 5 yards after having four receptions for 118 yards and a TD in the earlier meeting between the teams in Atlanta. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Derrick Brooks and the Tampa Bay defense were out to prove Michael Vick was human and capable of making mistakes. Brooks led the Tampa Bay defense with 11 combined tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble and a tipped pass that was intercepted. DE Simeon Rice also contributed with two sacks in the game, giving him a career total of 101 sacks. Rice became the 22nd player in NFL history to reach the century mark in sacks. QB Brian Griese completed 13 of 21 attempts for 131 yards and one touchdown and an interception. His lone touchdown of the game came on a 36-yard pass to WR Joey Galloway early in the third quarter that increased the lead to 20-0. Griese led the Buccaneers to a touchdown drive on their first possession of the game completing 5 of 6 pass attempts for 46 yards. Griese and the Tampa Bay offense were very opportunistic in the game as they converted five Atlanta turnovers into 20 points. Griese's passing was not needed in the second half as the Buccaneers had a lead with the defense playing well. Michael Pittman and Mike Alstott led the Buccaneers rushing attack that totaled 132 yards in the game and two touchdowns. Pittman led the team with 68 yards rushing and scored the first Tampa Bay touchdown on a 4 yard run. Alstott added a rushing touchdown late in the game that sealed the victory for Tampa Bay. K Jay Taylor, who took over the kicking duties after the Buccaneers released veteran Martin Gramatica on Tuesday was successful on both field goal attempts of his NFL career. Taylor had kicked for the Orlando Predators of Arena Football League and was highly recommended by his coach Jay Gruden, the brother of Tampa coach Jon Gruden. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Atlanta Falcons QB: Michael Vick (13-27-115, 2 INT's, 8-81 rushing, 2 lost fumbles) Michael Vick was not very good in this game and his passing statistics prove that fact. He managed just 46 yards passing in the first half on a mere six completions. Vick should not take all the blame of his poor performance, his offensive line provided him little time to find his target and left him scrambling most of the game. Early in the game, as the Falcons were driving for a touchdown, Vick threw an interception in the end zone on pass intended for WR Dez White. Later in the game Vick had the same result as his pass was intercepted at the goal line. He also had two lost fumbles in the game both on sacks by the Tampa Bay defense. This is surely a game that Vick would like to forget. Although he had a horrible day, Vick did lead the Falcons in rushing with 81 yards. With his rushing total for Sunday, Vick now has 800 yards for the season on his way to perhaps being the first quarterback to rush for 1,000 yards in NFL history. Matt Schaub (0-2-0, 1 Int) Rookie Schaub came in late in the game on the Falcons last drive to throw two passes; one of them was intercepted by Tampa Bay. RB: Warrick Dunn (11-43 rushing, 2-9 receiving on 2 targets) Dunn had both of his receptions and just three rushing attempts in the first half. As in most games, Dunn was pulled from the game in short yardage and goal line situations. Dunn was not able to establish a running game as the Falcons fell behind early and were forced to try and throw the ball. T.J. Duckett (7-32 rushing, 1-3 receiving on 1 target) Duckett had a nice 20 yard run up the middle which came in the second quarter. Duckett was used in both goal line situations for the Falcons but only touched the once for a 2 yard gain that put Atlanta at the 1 yard line early in the second quarter. On the next play, Vick threw an interception on first down. Justin Griffith (2-7 rushing, 2-2 receiving on 3 targets) Griffith returned to the line-up this week after missing last week's game with a knee injury. Griffith was not a factor in the game for Atlanta. WR: Dez White (3-37 receiving on 7 targets) Dez White was the leading receiver for the Falcons. White did receive two targets in the end zone in the game, one of them was intercepted the other was thrown over his outstretched arms in the back of the end zone. White was Vick's target on four consecutive plays late in the fourth quarter, including a 19 yard reception and one of his end zone targets. Peerless Price (2-30 receiving on 9 targets) Price made both of his receptions in the first half and came up empty in the second half of the game. Several of the targets thrown to Price were either at his feet or over his head. Price was the intended receiver in the end zone in the fourth quarter on a pass from Vick that was intercepted. Michael Jenkins (1-23 receiving on 3 targets) Rookie WR Michael Jenkins caught just his second pass of the season late in the fourth quarter. His reception was a nice 23 yard grab that put the Falcons into Tampa Bay territory but the drive would later stall. Jenkins was also the target on a fake punt by Atlanta in the third quarter which would have given them a first down but he was unable to keep both feet inbounds. TE: Alge Crumpler (1-5 receiving on 2 targets) After a huge game for Crumpler
last week and signing a new contract extension with the Falcons, Crumpler had
a very disappointing game for fantasy owners. He appeared to be invisible during
the game as his only catch came early in the K: Jay Feely (0 XP, 0 FG) Feely had a chance to rest this week and had no extra point or field goal attempts in the game. Pass Defense: The Falcons allowed just 131 yards passing by Buccaneers' QB Griese but did allow him to throw a touchdown pass. They also had one interception in the game but the offense was not able to capitalize on the turnover. The defense was able to sack Brian Griese three times in the contest. DE Patrick Kerney registered 1 ½ sacks in the game to bring his team leading total to 10 sacks and is amongst the leaders in the NFL. Rush Defense: The Falcons' rush defense allowed 132 yards rushing in the game and gave up two touchdowns on the ground. The defense allowed 73 yards in the first half and was able to tighten up in the second half but by then the game was nearly out of reach. The Falcons did allow Tampa Bay to rush for 10 first downs in the game. Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB: Brian Griese (13-21-131 passing, 1 TD, 1 Int, 4-(-3) rushing) Griese's numbers were less than impressive in the game but he was successful in coming away with a victory. After throwing for nearly 350 yards a week ago, Griese was held to just 131 yards against the Falcons but he took advantage of a couple of occasions where he had a "short" field to work with compliments of his defenses' turnovers. Griese quickly drove his team down the field on their first possession to take an early lead. He connected on 11 of 15 attempts in the first half for 89 yards but his touchdown did not come until the second half. After a fumble recovery by the defense, on the first play from scrimmage, Griese threw a beautiful 36 yard touchdown strike to WR Joey Galloway to put the Buccaneers up 20-0. Griese's only miscue of the game was an interception late in the third quarter on a pass intended for WR Joe Jurevicius but it was of no harm to the Buccaneers. RB: Michael Pittman (17-68 rushing, 1 TD, 2-12 receiving on 2 targets) Pittman turned his rushing numbers around this week rushing for 68 yards and one touchdown. His receiving numbers were way down from a week ago but the good news this week for Pittman was no fumbles. Pittman ran with his usual "all or nothing" style hitting the hole and trying to break outside and was successful on occasion. Pittman's touchdown run came on the first series of the game for Tampa Bay as Pittman ran down the right sideline just barely making it inside in the pylon for a 4 yard touchdown. Mike Alstott (9-42 rushing, 1 TD, 1-6 receiving on 1 target) The only action for Alstott in the first half was his only reception of the game on the first scoring drive of the game for Tampa Bay. Alstott had his chance to carry the ball in the second half and made the most of his attempts. His longest run of the game was a 14 yard gain late in the fourth quarter. On that series Alstott was the only offense Tampa Bay needed as he carried the ball four consecutive times, the last attempt culminating in a 5-yard touchdown run for Alstott. WR: Joey Galloway (4-63 receiving on 7 targets, 1 TD) Joey Galloway had his best game of the season for Tampa Bay hauling in four receptions for 63 yards. Galloway also scored his first touchdown of the season early in the third quarter on a 36 yard reception. Joey Galloway beat the Falcons cornerback in a zone defense where the safety failed to get over to help and he raced down the right sideline for the score. The touchdown was the 50th of Galloway's career. Michael Clayton (1-15 receiving on 2 targets) Clayton had a disappointing game for fantasy owners this week catching just one pass for 15 yards in the game. More disappointing was the fact the both of his targets came on the Buccaneers opening possession and he did not get another target for the rest of the game. Clayton has still had an outstanding rookie season and has a bright future with Tampa Bay and for fantasy owners. Joe Jurevicius had just 2 targets in the game and was not a factor in the Tampa Bay passing game. TE: Ken Dilger (4-27 receiving on 5 targets) Dilger was not a big factor in the game for Tampa Bay but two of his four receptions were for first downs. Dilger was injured on the Buccaneers first series but he would return to the game. K: Jay Taylor (3-3 XP, 2-2 FG) Taylor's debut with the Buccaneers was a memorable one for the former Arena Football League kicker. The fans, teammates and coaches went crazy went Taylor connected on his first NFL field goal attempt from 50 yards away. Later in the game he would make it two for two on the day when he drove one through the uprights from 30 yards. Pass Defense: The Buccaneers sacked Michael Vick 5 times and forced two fumbles on those sacks. They held Michael Vick to just 115 yards passing and put constant pressure on the Falcons' quarterback. They also had three interceptions in the game; two against Michael Vick, both of them were intercepted in the red zone. DB Brian Kelly and Dwight Smith were the recipients of the Vick miscues. Brian Kelly ran his interception back 75 yards before appearing to "run out of gas" and being tackled. Rush Defense: The Buccaneers' run defense did give up 163 yards on the ground but almost half of those yards were from Michael Vick scrambling from the pocket under pressure from the pass rush. Although they did give up plenty of yardage to the Falcons on the ground they did manage to keep them from the end zone. Minnesota Vikings 14 at Chicago Bears 24 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Minnesota Vikings QB Daunte Culpepper came into the game leading the NFL with a 70% completion
percentage and did nothing to hurt that average as he completed 23 passes out
of 33 attempts for 279 yards. After going to a RBBC approach the past few weeks, RB Onterrio Smith started the game and was the featured back. Smith put up solid numbers, rushing for 79 yards on 13 carries in the game, but his production was hurt in the second half due to the Vikings having to play catch up. RB Michael Bennett did not have a touch in the game and only saw the field briefly in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. WR Randy Moss called the Bears defense out before the game but did little to back up his words. Moss had 4 catches for just 31 yards and lost a fumble. The other two wide receivers, Marcus Robinson and Nate Burleson, each had a TD catch in the first half. Robinson led all receivers with 6 catches for 90 yards on 7 targets and a 40-yard TD reception. The Vikings defense was dealt a serious blow when their leading tackler and best DB Antoine Winfield suffered an ankle injury late in the first quarter and did not return to the game. Chicago Bears QB Chad Hutchinson signed as insurance back in September after the season-ending
knee injury to starter Rex Grossman was given his first start since December
29, 2002 as a rookie with the Dallas Cowboys. Hutchinson made his Chicago debut
a memorable one as he completed 18 passes out of 30 attempts for 213 yards and
three TD passes in leading the Bears to victory. He combined with TE Desmond
Clark and WR David Terrell for TD passes in the first half and connected with
backup FB Jason McKie for a TD, early in the fourth quarter. TE Desmond Clark was Hutchinson's favorite target as he amassed 6 catches for 58 yards on 9 targets and a 6-yard TD reception for the Bear's first score. Bolstered by the return of MLB Brian Urlacher, the Chicago defense was outstanding. They sacked Culpepper 5 times, caused 4 Vikings' turnovers and held the high powered Minnesota offense scoreless in the second half. Without Urlacher in the lineup the Bears are winless at 0-4, with Urlacher playing, a competitive 5-3. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Minnesota Vikings QB: Daunte Culpepper (23-33-279, 2 TD, 3 INT, 6-50 rushing) was under constant pressure and was sacked 5 times. He was often forced to scramble around looking for open receivers and amassed 50 yards rushing on 6 carries. Culpepper's two interceptions in the first half were both in the red zone and ended long, potential scoring drives. Culpepper was frustrated by a blanketing Bears' secondary in the second half and failed to rally the Vikings' offense as they were held scoreless after halftime. His last interception was the result of being hit just as he threw the ball and the outcome of the game had already been decided. RB: Onterrio Smith (13-79 rushing, 2-9 receiving on 3 targets) received the
starting nod and did not disappoint as he carried 7 times for 60 yards in the
first half. Smith helped set up the Vikings' first TD when he darted through
the left side of the line and used some nifty cutbacks for a 25- yard gain down
to the Bears 2. Midway through the second quarter, Smith again burst through
the left side for another huge run for 20 yards. He did not have a touch in
the fourth quarter as the Vikings had to go to a passing attack trailing by
10 points with just over 10 minutes to go in the game. Michael Bennett spent the majority of the game on the sidelines and did not receive a single touch as he was only inserted into the backfield in the final minutes of the game. WR: Marcus Robinson (6-90 receiving on 7 targets, 1 TD) With Moss unable to get open, Culpepper favored Robinson and he came through, grabbing 6 catches for 90 yards on 7 targets. Midway through the second quarter, Culpepper targeted Robinson in the end zone, but had the pass intercepted when Brian Urlacher jumped into the throwing lane. On the very next drive, Robinson made an amazing over the shoulder catch which he bobbled and controlled before stepping out of the back of the end zone for a 40-yard TD. The play was challenged by the Bears and upheld. Randy Moss (4-31 receiving on 6 targets, 1 fumble lost) still does not look fully recovered from his hamstring injury and does not seem able to get that extra burst of speed that makes him such a terrifying deep threat when healthy. Moss caught his first pass for 13 yards, early in the first quarter. He bobbled and dropped a well thrown 2-yard fade pass in the end zone at the end of the first quarter. Early in the third quarter after a 2-yard reception, Moss was stripped by CB Charles Tillman and fumbled the ball away. Moss and Tillman got into a wrestling match on the sideline after a play later on in the third quarter, but no flags were thrown. After the game, members of the Bears' secondary stood in the end zone and waved goodbye to Moss and other Vikings' receivers. Nate Burleson (3-31 receiving on 5 targets, 1 TD) made a tremendous leaping catch for 23 yards on Culpepper's first pass of the game. Late in the first quarter, Culpepper hit Burleson for a 4-yard TD catch. He was the intended target on Culpepper's first INT, but the ball was thrown high and behind him and Burleson had the ball go out his fingertips into the hands of CB Jerry Azumah. Burleson was quiet in the second half, only hauling in one reception for 4 yards. TE: Jermaine Wiggins (4-73 receiving on 5 targets) continues to be a reliable target for Culpepper in the passing attack. Wiggins' first catch was for a huge 39-yard gain as he carried a Bears' tackler on his back for the last 15 yards of the play. Late in the game, Wiggins had another big catch for 21 yards. K: Morten Andersen (2-2 XP, 0-1 FG) missed wide right on his only field goal attempt from 38 yards as the ball was deflected by tackle Marc Colombo, late in the third quarter. Pass Defense: The Vikings secondary was hurt by the early exit of CB Antoine Winfield due to an ankle injury. His replacement Derek Ross slipped and was burned for a 15-yard TD catch by David Terrell at the end of the second quarter. The Vikings defensive line was able to get decent pressure on Chad Hutchinson, sacking him 5 times and causing a fumble for the only turnover of the game. However, the defense could not come up with the big stop as Hutchinson threw all three of his TD passes on third down plays. Rush Defense: Although the Vikings held the running back tandem of Jones and Thomas to a respectable 3.47-yard per carry average for the game, the defense was plagued by bad tackling and the linebackers were often caught out of position. The Bears running attack controlled the fourth quarter and their offense held the ball for 11 minutes and 18 seconds of the final quarter. Chicago Bears QB: Chad Hutchinson (18-30-213 passing, 3 TD, 3-14 rushing, 1 fumble lost) making his first start as a Bear was able to bring the missing ingredient to the Chicago offense, a vertical passing game. Hutchinson used his strong arm and made correct reads as he got rid of the ball quickly. Although he was under heavy pressure from the Vikings' defensive line and was sacked 5 times, Hutchinson was able to scramble and make things happen. All three of Hutchinson's TD passes came on third down plays. His only turnover came early in the third quarter when he was sacked from behind and stripped of the ball as Hutchinson was preparing to throw. Had it not been for two dropped passes by David Terrell, Hutchinson's numbers could have been much better. RB: Anthony Thomas (15-55 rushing, 1-10 receiving on 1 target) was used sparingly
in the first half only garnering 4 yards on 1 carry. Thomas replaced Jones at
the end of the third quarter and was the workhorse for the Bears' offense as
he compiled 45 yards on 12 carries in the fourth quarter. Thomas' best run for
17 yards up the middle came on a draw play and was good for a third down conversion
to the Vikings 3. Backup FB Jason McKie (1-5 receiving on 1 target, 1 TD) scored the decisive TD on a 5-yard throw from Hutchinson, early in the fourth quarter. FB Bryan Johnson (2 targets) was targeted of the backfield twice, but did not have a catch. WR: David Terrell (3-44 receiving on 6 targets, 1 TD) had all his catches in the first half, including a perfectly thrown 15-yard TD strike from Hutchinson, just before halftime. It was Terrell's first TD of the season and only the third TD by a wide receiver this year. Terrell missed out on a couple of big opportunities as he dropped a beautifully thrown pass by Hutchinson for 25 yards early in the second quarter and again dropped a deep pass that was tipped right to him at the end of the third quarter. Bobby Wade (2-43 receiving on 4 targets) made a great, bobbling catch for 31 yards and a third down conversion that helped set up the Bears' second TD, just before halftime. Wade's second catch was a 12-yard gainer and another third down conversion at the end of the third quarter. Justin Gage (2-31 receiving on 4 targets) was wide open for his first catch of 20 yards after CB Brian Williams fell down. The catch was good for a third down conversion down the Vikings 4 and helped set up the Bears' first TD. Gage's second catch was good for 11 yards, early in the second quarter. He was only targeted once in the second half. Bernard Berrian (2-26 rushing) took a hand off from Anthony Thomas on a double reverse and raced 25 yards down the left sideline on the second play of the game. Early in the fourth quarter, Berrian gained 1 yard on an end around. TE: Desmond Clark (6-58 receiving on 9 targets, 1 TD) was Hutchinson's favorite target as he went to Clark early and often. Clark was the intended target on Hutchinson's first two pass attempts that fell incomplete. They hooked up on their third attempt for a 6-yard TD pass for the Bears' first score. Clark amassed 39 yards on 5 catches and a TD in the first half. Clark caught the only pass thrown his way in the second half for 19 yards down the middle on the final play of the third quarter. K: Paul Edinger (3-3 XP, 1-2 FG) converted on his first field goal attempt from 53 yards early in the second quarter. Edinger missed his second attempt from 52 yards on the next drive, coming up well short. Pass Defense: The Bears' pass defense was able to get excellent pressure on Daunte Culpepper all game long as they sacked him 5 times. Brian Urlacher saved an apparent TD midway through the second quarter, as he read Culpepper's eyes and jumped into the throwing lane, intercepting the pass at the Chicago 3 and returning it 42 yards to the Chicago 45. CB Jerry Azumah also had two interceptions with his second one sealing the victory late in the fourth quarter. Rush Defense: Onterrio Smith gouged the Bears defense for two huge runs of 20 and 25 yards and totaled 60 yards on 7 carries in the first half, a dreadful 8.57-yard per carry average. The rush defense fared as poorly with Daunte Culpepper as he broke containment and was able to pick up 50 yards rushing on 6 carries. However, the Bears' rush defense stiffened in the second half and allowed just 19 yards on 6 carries to Smith in the third quarter and nothing in the fourth quarter. Tennessee 24 at Indianapolis 51 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Tennessee Titans HC Jeff Fisher mentioned the chance of using the on side kick earlier this week. When questioned about giving the Colts good field position, Fisher reported said "What does it matter? Their offense will have them there within 4 plays anyway". With that "what have we got to lose" attitude, Tennessee tried three on side kicks in the first quarter, and then attempted a center eligible fake punt in the third quarter. This was a very fun game to watch through the first half, and into the 3rd quarter. With the Titans running everything they had at the Colts in the 1st quarter, QB Billy Volek actually got the best of Manning and the Colts in the beginning of the game. Volek out scored Manning with 3 long TDs to WR Drew Bennett, and had tons of time to throw the ball as the Colt's defensive line just couldn't get through to him. The party was over with the end of the 1st quarter, as the Titans never scored again, and Volek was roughed up all game, taking 7 sacks, and throwing 2 interceptions. After throwing for 180 yards in the first quarter, Volek passed for 89 yards over the final three-quarters. RB Chris Brown started the game, and put up 105 yards before leaving in the 3rd quarter after aggravating his turf toe injury. Indianapolis Colts The Colts defense was not sharp early, looking totally bewildered by the crazy play calling coming from the other sideline, while they were burned for three long touchdown passes from Billy Volek to Drew Bennett in the first quarter. WR Brandon Stokley seemed to be an after thought to the Titans. He was certainly not an afterthought to Manning, who found him unprotected, or in single coverage for a career high 153 receiving yards. Stokley was targeted a Colt's high 11 times, catching 8 of them. Statistically, Harrison had a great game toping 100 yards with a TD. The reality of the game is that he had a poor outing, didn't find ways to get open, and was all but ignored in the second half with only 2 targets as compared to say Wayne's 6. Harrison caught a 59 yard pass where he was completely uncovered by blown defensive play calling. Without that freebie, Harrison ends the day with 3 receptions for 46 yards and a TD. Today was all about Stokley in the 1st half, and Wayne in the second half. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Tennessee Titans QB: Steve McNair was inactive for the game. Billy Volek (21-35-269, 3 TD, 2 INT, fumble) Volek started the game with a full head of confidence that Fisher seemed to instill in the entire team. He had time to throw the ball, and used that time to hook up with Bennett for 3 long scores. The Titans were certainly in this game through the 1st quarter. After that quarter, Volek was simply overmatched. The Titans never scored again, and except for a few bright sparks, Volek looked terrible. The time he had enjoyed to throw evaporated, and was sacked 7 times, and intercepted twice. RB: Chris Brown (19-104, 1 target) Brown was a game time decision with his injured toe. He did start, and had a great day. He was able to move the chains, break tackles, and make a number of moves. He looked most crisp in the 1st quarter when the entire Titan team was on fire. As the rest of the team fell into poor play, Brown was still moving the chains. Brown aggravated his turf toe injury and left in the 3rd quarter. Antowain Smith (5-12, 4-31 receiving, 4 targets) Smith came in for Brown, and did a good job in relief. He caught every ball thrown his way, and seemed to click with Volek at the end of the game. Robert Holcombe (1-6 receiving, 1 target) Holcombe opened some nice running lanes for Brown and Smith, but added nothing offensively. Troy Fleming (1 target) Fleming was a non-factor in the game. WR: Derrick Mason (6-79, 11 targets) It was Bennett that Volek went to early in the game, as it was Bennett that the Colts where leaving poorly protected. As the game wore on, and the Colts took Bennett out of the game, it was Mason who tried to carry the team. With 11 targets, Mason was looked at twice as often as anyone else on the team. Mason had a nice long gain of 32 yards. Drew Bennett (3-124, 3 TDs, 6 targets) Bennett's first TD was on a straight fly route where he beat the man coverage. His second TD was the exact some route against RCB Joseph Jefferson, where Volek had all day to throw the ball. Bennett walked into the end zone standing up for his third TD. The Colts simply didn't respect Bennett early on, and he torched them for 3 TDs. After the 3rd TD, the Colts reacted to him, covering Bennett like a blanket, and he never caught another ball. Bennett could have added yet another TD in the 3rd quarter as he got out in front of the coverage, but Volek overthrew him. Eddie Berlin (1-5, 5 targets) Berlin had 3 pass attempts come his way in the same series towards the start of the second half. He also had an 8-yard reception nullified due to a penalty. Outside of that, he was a non factor in the game. TE: Erron Kinney (3-23, 4 targets) Kinney didn't have a single ball thrown his way in the entire 1st half. He was looked to almost exclusively as a safety valve for Volek in the second half, picking up some stats. Ben Troupe (3-1, fumble, 6 targets) Troupe had a 30 yard TD nullified due to an illegal use of hands penalty at the end of the 1st half. For 6 targets, Troupe has absolutely nothing to show for it. K: Gary Anderson (3-3 XP, 1-2 FG) Pass Defense: FS Lamont Thompson (3 tackles) and LCB Andre Dyson (1 tackle) each intercepted Manning. LDE Antwan Odom (3 tackles, 1 assist) sacked Manning. The Titans tried everything imaginable to hold the Colts, and keep the ball out of Manning's hands. They threw everything they had at him, and Manning still put up 317 yards and 2 TDs in the first half alone. Rush Defense: RCB Michael Waddell (8 tackles) led the team in stops. They didn't do too much to limit Edgerrin James as he rolled up 105 yards on just 18 carries. They also allowed 52 yards on just 4 carries to Dominic Rhodes. Indianapolis Colts QB: Peyton Manning (25-33-425, 3 TDs, 2 INTs) With the Titans throwing everything they had in the book at Manning and the Colts in the first half, they barely slowed him down. The Titans were successful with the "On side Kick keep away" game early on, but by half time, Manning had 317 yards and a pair of TDs. Manning could have had 3 more TDs. He was picked off in the end zone, another time at the goal line, and TE Pollard dropped what was easily another TD. This game was all Manning until he took a seat with the game completely out of reach. Manning is in a zone the likes of which many never have been seen in the NFL. Jim Sorgi (0-1-0, 3 for -4 rushing) Sorgi did a fine job of handing the ball off just like he has in the last two games. What was different is that he did get a chance to throw the ball this week. That attempt was an incomplete pass to Pollard. The 3 carries for negative yards were the kneel downs at the end of the game. RB: Edgerrin James (18-105, 2 TDs, 4-31 receiving, 4 targets) James ran with power and had great moves. He sat out in the 4th quarter and still put up 100+ yards and 2 TDs. I can't say that this was an awesome performance, as the Titans were so clearly out matched. James looked great moving the ball. All 4 of his receptions came in the 1st half, as he caught every ball thrown his way. Dominic Rhodes (4-52) Rhodes had one long run for 55 yards that was kept going
by a key downfield block from Wayne. He had three other carries that were stopped
on the line of scrimmage, or for a loss. He was unimpressive in relief of James. Brandon Stokely (8-153, TD, 11 targets) With 153 yards, Stokley put up his career high in receiving yards. Stokley was targeted 8 times in the first half, and was the key to the offense. The Titans just had too many weapons they had to cover, often leaving Stokley unattended or with a very favorable match up. Reggie Wayne (6-96, TD 8 targets) Wayne had a great downfield block to help keep Rhodes moving on his long 55 yard run. After being almost ignored in the 1st half, Wayne was the focal point of the offense in the second half, with 6 targets. The next closest was Stokley, who only had 3 targets in the second half. TE: Dallas Clark was inactive for the game. Marcus Pollard (3-39, 5 targets) Pollard dropped what would have easily been a TD. Pollard was a major part of the offense in the first half. His only single pass attempt in the second half was a poor throw from Jim Sorgi. K: Mike Vanderjagt (6-6 XP, 3-3 FG) Pass Defense: RDE Dwight Freeney (4 tackles) sacked Volek 3 times. MLB Rob Morris, and LDT Montae Reagor (4 tackles, 1 assist) each added another sack. MLB Gary Bracket (1 tackle, 2 assists) and RCB Jason David each intercepted Volek. Rush Defense: MLB Rob Morris (7 tackles, 3 assists) led the team in stops. They were vulnerable to Chris Brown until he left after aggravating his toe injury. Pittsburgh Steelers 17 at Jacksonville Jaguars 16 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger was finally given the opportunity to drive his team for a winning score and he handled it easily, capping off nearly as efficient a performance as a quarterback can have with 56-yard drive for the game-winning field goal by Jeff Reed with just 18 seconds left. He was just three-tenths of a point shy of the perfect passer rating on the night. Roethlisberger completed 14 of 17 passes for 221 yards and two scores, with one of the three incompletions coming as he spiked the ball to set up the winning kick. In addition, Roethlisberger used his mobility to run for 40 yards on three carries, 23 yards more than RB Jerome Bettis, who was relegated to backup duties with Duce Staley's return to the lineup. Roethlisberger hooked up with WR Hines Ward and TE Jay Riemersma for first half touchdowns. RB Duce Staley had a hard go of it against a stout Jaguars defense, gaining just 51 yards on 17 carries. Jerome Bettis carried three times for 17 yards, and looked like he might have been more effective given the opportunity, but without his power running attack, the Steelers actually lost the time of possession battle. Given added opportunities due to the injury to WR Plaxico Burress, Antwaan Randle El was Roethlisberger's top target with five catches for 71 yards. Hines Ward caught all four of his targets for 80 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown pass on Pittsburgh's opening drive. Jay Riemersma had the other score from 26 yards out on his only target, before leaving the game with an injury after the play. Riemersma was on crutches on the sideline, celebrating the winning kick along with Roethlisberger. After allowing Jacksonville to drive down for a field goal to take a 16-14 lead with under two minutes left in the game, the Steelers defense allowed Jacksonville to complete a late pass to Jimmy Smith, setting up a potential winning FG try by Josh Scobee from 60 yards out. The kick, on the final play of the game, had the distance but was less than a yard right of the goalpost. Jacksonville Jaguars K Josh Scobee's desperation 60-yard field goal try sailed just right as time expired, dealing a crushing blow to the Jaguars playoff hopes. QB Byron Leftwich played well, throwing for 268 yards and a score. In fact, Jacksonville seemed to rely too heavily at times on a running game that struggled to find room against the Pittsburgh defense. Leftwich rallied Jacksonville for the go-ahead field goal with 1:55 left in the game, but ultimately the team's failure in the red zone cost them the win. Jacksonville managed just three field goals in four red zone appearances, and a couple misfired fade passes in the end zone hurt their chances. RB Fred Taylor was the workhorse, running 27 times for 76 yards. He had trouble finding running room, but ran hard all game and was effective at times. He was particularly effective on the Jaguars go-ahead drive late in the 4th quarter. WR Troy Edwards played an exceptional game against his former team, catching 5 passes for 90 yards, including a nifty 22-yard touchdown catch and run in the first quarter. WR Jimmy Smith was not as effective, catching just 4 of 10 targets for 52 yards. The Jaguars defense played tough against the run, but had nothing to stop Ben Roethlisberger all night long. As was the case with Jacksonville, Pittsburgh's conservative, run-oriented play calling seemed to hold them back more than anything. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Pittsburgh Steelers QB: Ben Roethlisberger (14-17-221, 2 TD, 3-40 rushing) played a superb game. He hooked up with Hines for 37 yards and a touchdown on the Steelers' opening drive, and Jay Riemersma on a perfect 26-yard pass for their second score. Roethlisberger used his mobility to scramble and find open receivers, and also to run three times for 40 yards. He had a nice 20-yard run in the 4th quarter on third down, but that drive stalled out after a sack. On the winning drive, he coolly completed one pass to Randle El for 12 yards and two passes to Lee Mays for 28 yards. RB: Duce Staley (17-51 rushing) struggled to find open space against a tough Jacksonville run defense. At times, Pittsburgh seemed to rely too heavily on him, while Jacksonville was unable to stop Roethlisberger all game long. Staley's longest run was just eight yards, and he caught no passes. When backup Jerome Bettis spelled him, the Steelers looked better and had more success, but Bettis was only given three carries. WR: Hines Ward (4-80 receiving on 4 targets, 1 TD, 1-0 rushing) opened the scoring with a 37-yard catch and run for a score. In fact, Ward caught three passes for 65 yards on the opening drive, before disappearing for most of the rest of the game. On his touchdown, he went up for a nice catch at the 20-yard line, eluded a defender near the 15, and ran it in. Antwaan Randle El (5-71 receiving on 7 targets) was Roethlisberger's main target after the opening drive. He played a steady game and converted four first downs. His biggest play may have been a 17-yard catch that led to nothing, but he came back toward the ball on an ill-advised pass and snatched the ball just before Jacksonville's Rashean Mathis was able to pick it off. TE: Jay Riemersma (1-26 on 1 target, 1 TD) made his limited time worthwhile, going over the middle to snare a nice pass from Roethlisberger for a 14-7 Pittsburgh lead. Jacksonville challenged the catch, but the touchdown was upheld. Riemersma was hurt on the play, and watched the rest of the game from the sideline. K: Jeff Reed (2 XP, 1-1 FG) hit the game-winning field goal perfectly from 37 yards out with 18 seconds to go. Pass Defense: Pittsburgh struggled a bit against the Jacksonville passing game, allowing Leftwich to throw for 268 yards. Clark Haggans had the lone sack and Pittsburgh did not force a turnover. Rush Defense: Fred Taylor ran hard, but found little room for most of the game. Jacksonville averaged less than 3 yards per carry against them. James Farrior had eight tackles. Jacksonville Jaguars QB: Byron Leftwich (16-27-268, 1 TD, 1-4 rushing) also played a solid game and may have been adversely affected by his team's insistence on trying to run the ball. Leftwich was particularly successfully throwing over the middle of the field, hitting big plays to Todd Yoder for 56 yards, Ernest Wilford for 36, and Tory Edwards a couple times including his 22-yard touchdown. Leftwich also drove Jacksonville for what looked like the winning field goal, only to be upstaged by Roethlisberger. RB: Fred Taylor (27-76 rushing, 5-34 receiving on 6 targets) ran hard all night long, but struggled most of the game. On the Jaguars' go-ahead drive, he got it going, running seven times for 38 yards. Taylor was also a big factor in the passing game, catching five passes. WR: Troy Edwards (5-90 receiving on 7 targets, 1 TD) had his biggest game of the season against his former team. He tied the game at 7-7 with a 22-yard touchdown catch, a nice play where he caught the ball near the 10-yard line, spun out of a tackle, and ran to the right sideline into the end zone. Edwards also caught a 36-yard bullet from Leftwich, and was run out of bounds inside the 5-yard line, leading to a field goal. Jimmy Smith (4-52 receiving on 10 targets) was not a major factor in the game until late, as Leftwich tried to get the ball to him but Smith was rarely open. He did catch a big pass on the final play of the game, setting up Scobee's missed 60-yard field goal attempt. He also caught two passes on the previous drive, leading to the go-ahead field goal. TE: Todd Yoder (1-56 receiving on 2 targets) was targeted twice on one drive, catching a 56-yard pass wide open over the middle of the field and then missing a chance for a touchdown when Leftwich's fade pass went over the wrong shoulder. K: Josh Scobee (1 XP, 3-5 FG) was kicking the ball right all game long, missing once from 32 yards and barely making a couple short ones. Surprisingly, his 60-yard prayer as time expired nearly made it, appearing to have the distance but going wide right by a couple feet at most. Pass Defense: Jacksonville had no answer for the Steelers passing game, except whatever mind trick they used to stop Bill Cowher from letting Roethlisberger throw the ball 30 times. They did get decent pressure, including two sacks, but Roethlisberger typically had little trouble escaping and finding open receivers. Rush Defense: Jacksonville stuffed Duce Staley almost all game long. Mike Peterson led the team with 8 tackles. Denver Broncos 17 at San Diego Chargers 20 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Denver Broncos The Bronco receiving corps had an embarrassing series of miscues as Denver lost a showdown for the lead in the AFC West at San Diego. Quarterback Jake Plummer completed only 16 of his 40 attempts and was charged with 4 interceptions, but 3 of those picks hit his intended targets in the hands. Tight ends Jeb Putzier and Dwayne Carswell and wide receiver Rod Smith each had a chance at catchable passes that ended up in San Diego's possession. The fourth interception came on an incredibly athletic play by Charger linebacker Shaun Phillips, who batted a pass up in the air then picked it off. In addition to the 3 deflected passes that went for interceptions, several Plummer passes were dropped and others were broken up by San Diego defenders. The weather might have had something to do with all the drops the rain came down in usually Sunny San Diego. The vaunted Denver running game was shut down by an inspired San Diego defense. Reuben Droughns had just 38 yards on 14 carries, and Tatum Bell added 31 yards on 7 attempts. Wide receiver Ashley Lelie had 1 carry on an end around on a fourth quarter field goal drive, but was stopped for a loss of 1 yard. San Diego Chargers The Chargers leaned heavily on running back LaDainian Tomlinson, who carried the ball 30 times for 113 yards and 2 touchdowns. Tomlinson also had a team-high 5 receptions for 17 yards. His first quarter touchdown gave him nine straight games with a TD, tying the Charger record. The only time this year Tomlinson did not score was Week 1 at Denver. Late in the game, with San Diego attempting to run out the clock, Tomlinson went over 1,000 yards for the season. He has eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his four seasons. Quarterback Drew Brees finally cooled off after a lengthy hot streak. Brees completed 14 of 27 passes for just 106 yards, with no touchdowns and 1 interception. The first quarter interception was the first for Brees since the Atlanta game in Week 6, breaking a string of 195 attempts without an interception - the longest such streak in the NFL this year. Brees nearly gave the game away at the two-minute warning, though, when he fumbled while being sacked by Denver safety John Lynch. Brees eventually fell on the ball, but not until after a Bronco lineman had a chance to recover. Tight end Antonio Gates also had a quiet game. He entered the contest with 69 receptions, second in the league to Tennessee's Derrick Mason, but had only 3 catches for 31 yards on 8 targets. On the first pass thrown to him, Gates and Brees read the defense differently and the ball was intercepted by Denver. Gates had scored at least 1 touchdown in four consecutive games (8 TDs total), but was held out of the end zone by the Broncos. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Denver Broncos QB: Jake Plummer (16-40-278 passing, 0 TDs, 4 Int, 2-6 rushing) Plummer got little help from his receivers and tight ends, as 3 of his 4 interceptions were not his fault. The first bounced off the hands of TE Jeb Putzier, the second bounced off the chest of TD Dwayne Carswell, and the third hit WR Rod Smith in the hands before it was swatted up in the air by San Diego's Drayton Florence and picked off by Jerry Wilson. The latter play was the most painful, as it occurred in the end zone with Denver trailing by three points with less than four minutes to play. Plummer completed several lengthy passes, including one for 45 yards to Smith, 36 and 44 yards to Ashley Lelie and 39 yards to Putzier. RB: Reuben Droughns (14-38 rushing, 1 TD, 4-35 receiving on 5 targets) Droughns, who played high school ball in nearby Orange County, was playing as a featured back in front of friends and family for the first time in his pro career. He was knocked out of the game on the first play from scrimmage, but quickly returned. Droughns was unable to find much running room against the swarming Charger defense. When the Broncos had the ball second and goal at the San Diego 7-yard line to open the fourth quarter, they gave the ball twice in a row to Droughns. He carried for 3 yards, then scored on a 4-yard blast. His longest run of the day was 10 yards, which came on a fourth quarter drive that ended in a field goal that cut San Diego's lead to 20-17. Tatum Bell (7-31 rushing, 1 TD, 0-0 receiving on 0 targets) The rookie from Oklahoma State had just 14 rushing attempts in Denver's first 11 games (he appeared in 9 of those contests), but he gave the Broncos a spark with his 16-yard touchdown run that tied the game at 7-7 on the third play of the second quarter. Bell had one other carry for 7 yards, but only 8 yards on his remaining 5 rushes. He has yet to catch his first NFL pass. WR: Ashley Lelie (4-105 receiving on 9 targets, 1- -1 rushing) All four of his receptions produced first downs. The first time he was targeted by Plummer, Lelie caught a pass for 44 yards to convert third and 8 from the Denver 14. His second and third catches, for 36 and 14 yards, respectively, helped set up Bell's tying TD. Rod Smith (4-76 receiving on 11 targets) Smith was shut out in the first half, though he only was targeted twice. He and Plummer finally hooked up late in the third quarter on a 45-yarder that put the ball at the San Diego 20. After a running play, Smith caught passes on back-to-back plays for 8 and 2 yards that led to Droughns' TD. Smith added a 21-yard catch in the fourth quarter that helped set up a field goal. Darius Watts (2-23 receiving on 4 targets) Watts dropped a pass in the first quarter - the only time he was targeted in the first three periods. On Denver's final, desperation drive, he made a great catch to convert a fourth and 10 with 32 seconds left. On the final play of the game, Watts made a reception for 10 yards on another fourth and 10, but failed to get out of bounds and time ran out. Nate Jackson (0-0 receiving on 1 target) In the fourth quarter, with Denver down by 6 points and facing second and goal from the 13, Jackson got open in the end zone, but the pass was broken up by Jamar Fletcher at the last instant. Two plays later, the Broncos kicked a field goal. TE: Jeb Putzier (1-39 receiving on 5 targets) The first pass thrown to Putzier bounced off his hands and was intercepted. He dropped the second one. His lone catch came in the fourth quarter when he split wide right and simply outran the linebacker covering him down the sideline. Dwayne Carswell (1-0 receiving on 4 targets) Carswell has had a lot better days than this in his lengthy career. The first time he saw the ball, it hit him square in the chest, bounced up and was intercepted. His lone reception was good for no gain. K: Jason Elam (2-2 XP, 1-2 FGs) On a rare wet day in San Diego, Elam hooked a 43-yard field goal try wide left in the first quarter. He was successful on a 31-yard try in the fourth quarter that cut Denver's deficit to three points. Pass Defense: The Broncos generated 2 sacks for 20 yards in losses, and one nearly turned the game in the waning moments before Brees fell on his own fumble. Denver only allowed Brees to pick up 106 yards through the air. Rush Defense: LaDainian Tomlinson rushed for 113 yards and 2 scored, but he had to carry the ball 30 times to reach that total. Denver held the Chargers to an average of 3.5 yards per rush. San Diego Chargers QB: Drew Brees (14-27-106 passing, 0 TDs, 1 Int, 1-2 rushing) Brees spent much of the day handing off to LaDainian Tomlinson as the Chargers opted to play it safe on a rainy, wet Sunday. He targeted 11 passes to wide receivers, 11 to tight ends and 3 to running backs. RB: LaDainian Tomlinson (30-113 rushing, 2 TDs, 5-17 receiving on 5 targets) Tomlinson reportedly is over the nagging groin injury that bothered him for much of the middle part of the season. He had no problems being the workhorse back Sunday, handling the ball on 35 of San Diego's 64 total plays. On the Chargers' first possession, he carried 3 straight times once they reached the Denver 13-yard line, scoring on a 5-yard bull rush up the middle. Midway through the second quarter, when San Diego took over at the Denver 21 after a good punt return, Tomlinson carried the ball on 5 of 6 plays, including a 1-yard TD. Lorenzo Neal (1-8 rushing, 0-0 receiving, on 1 target) The veteran fullback got a rare carry in the third quarter and made it count. Neal's 8-yard run was his longest of the season. Jesse Chatman (2-7 rushing, 0-0 receiving on 0 targets) Chatman fumbled on his first carry when John Lynch blasted him, but San Diego recovered. He picked up a first down in the third quarter with a 5-yard run on second and 2. WR: Eric Parker (3-37 on 5 targets, 1- -8 rushing, 1 fumble lost) The third-year receiver from Tennessee helped get the Chargers off to a good start with a 30-yard catch on the first play from scrimmage. Tomlinson scored three plays later. Parker's first quarter rushing attempt lost 8 yards. Later in the same drive, he caught a pass and then fumbled. The turnover led to Denver's tying TD early in the second quarter. Parker had a 19-yard punt return to help set up Tomlinson's second touchdown. Keenan McCardell (2-15 receiving on 6 targets) As was the case with several Charger offensive players, McCardell had a quiet day. His only 2 receptions came in the second quarter. McCardell dropped a pass in the fourth quarter. TE: Antonio Gates (3-31 receiving on 8 targets) The top tight end in the league didn't do much, as he was the focus of Denver's defense. He made one reception in each of the first three quarters. His first catch was good for 13 yards to convert a third-and-12 situation. His second picked up 10 yards on third and 4 at the Denver 15, and Tomlinson scored three plays later to give San Diego a 14-7 lead. Justin Peelle (1-6 receiving on 3 targets) Peelle's lone catch was short of a first down on third and 11 in the second quarter. He had a possible touchdown catch go off his hands in the third quarter. K: Nate Kaeding (2-2 XP, 2-2 FG) The rookie from Iowa had a perfect afternoon, though he didn't attempt any long kicks. He made a 23-yard field goal as time ran out in the first half, then added another 23-yarder in the third quarter. Pass Defense: San Diego's pass defense had a nice game statistically, but things might have been different if the Bronco receivers had hung on to the ball on 3 of the 4 interceptions. It should be noted that Charger linebackers and defensive backs broke up numerous would-be completions, which helped lead to Plummer's 16 of 40 passing day. Rush Defense: The Chargers' run defense was excellent, allowing just 74 net yards on 24 carries, a 3.1-yard average. Green Bay Packers 17 at Philadelphia Eagles 47 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Green Bay Packers QB Brett Favre (14-29-131-0-2) was out of sync early and never got into a rhythm. Favre threw two interceptions in the first half, and was under pressure early and often from the Eagles blitzing defense. Favre was unable to throw a touchdown pass, breaking his 37-game streak of throwing at least one TD pass in a game. RB Ahman Green was very quiet on the afternoon, as the Packers were forced to throw the ball to try and catch up on the scoreboard. Green touched the ball just 14 times for 54 all-purpose yards. WRs Javon Walker (7-72-1) and Robert Ferguson (3-68) contributed the most for Green Bay catching passes, but most of the effort was to no avail. Once the score was 35-0, the game quickly degenerated into a scrimmage where numbers were padded and second-stringers saw action against starters. Walker and Ferguson helped backup QB Craig Nall throw two touchdown passes in the fourth quarter, but those scores mattered little. The Green Bay defense, in particular the pass defense, was terrible. The Packers have surrendered 5 touchdown passes in the first half twice this year, first to QB Peyton Manning of the Colts and now QB Donovan McNabb. Philadelphia Eagles The Philadelphia Eagles were in total control of this game, dominating from the onset. Philadelphia focused almost exclusively on the passing game, calling 30 pass plays to just 5 runs in the first half. As a result, Philadelphia lit up the scoreboard, leading 35-0 in the second quarter. From that point, the outcome was academic as the Eagles improved to 11-1 and Green Bay fell back into a first-place tie at 7-5 with Minnesota in the NFC North. Donovan McNabb had a career day, starting 14-14 and finishing the first half going 24-28-305 and 5 touchdowns. Only two QBs have thrown 5 TDs in the first half of an NFL game in the last 10 years, and both came this year against Green Bay (QB Peyton Manning is the other). McNabb was in complete control of the game, passing at will and dissecting the Packer defense. RB Brian Westbrook contributed mostly in the passing game, catching 11 balls for 156 yards and 3 scores. The running game was not his strong point, as Westbrook only gained positive yardage on 6 of his 12 carries. WR Terrell Owens (8-161-1) continues to make the case as the best receiver in the game. Owens went over 100 yards for the 7th time this year, and also went over 1,000 yards and added his 14th touchdown for the season. Both the TD totals and the 100-yard game totals are Eagles records. Important note regarding the Eagles and fantasy playoffs - the Eagles win coupled with Tampa Bay's upset of Atlanta (9-3) has moved Philadelphia (11-1) even closer to clinching home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Two more victories or Atlanta losses will secure the Eagles as the top seed in the NFC. This may factor in to some Eagles' starters playing time in late December, as Head Coach Andy Reid may want to keep some players out to ensure their health for the playoffs. Week 16 is many leagues' Super Bowl, and Philadelphia may have already clinched everything before they take the field Monday Night against St. Louis. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Green Bay Packers QB: Brett Favre (14-29-131-0-2) lost his streak of throwing a touchdown pass in 37 consecutive games. Favre never seemed comfortable in the pocket, and was under constant pressure from the Eagles' Defense. Philadelphia kept Favre under constant pressure, sacking him 3 times (the most sacks against Green Bay all year, not including the additional two against Chris Nall). Favre seemed to be inaccurate as well, missing open receivers on the occasion when he did have time. Favre threw two interceptions that had very little chance of completion. The first went into double coverage deep, where FS Brian Dawkins just ran under it and made the catch. The second was a poor attempt at go route towards the end zone, where CB Sheldon Brown stepped in front and made the catch. Favre left the game after the final drive of the third quarter and the outcome was decided (the score was 44-3 at that point). Favre could have played for the record, but he seemed at peace with being out of the game for the team's greater good. Craig Nall (8-11-95-2-0) played the entire 4th quarter for Green Bay. He played well, all things considered, in what can only be considered "garbage time". Nall tossed two touchdowns, and focused on both Javon Walker (5 targets) and Donald Driver (4 targets) while he gained some more NFL experience. RB: Ahman Green (11-37 rushing, 3-17 receiving, 6 targets) returned to action after missing Green Bay's last game with a rib injury. Green appeared to play just fine and with no pain, playing into the third quarter. Green left the game after the outcome was already determined. Green's rushing numbers suffered due to the fact that the Packers had to throw most of the time, playing from behind. Tony Fisher (2-10 rushing, 2-10 receiving on 4 targets) gained 20 yards on 4 touches in the second half. Najeh Davenport (4-4 rushing) played briefly, carrying the ball just four times. Davenport was reportedly still hurting from his performance last week, so he was used sparingly in the backfield. However, Davenport was healthy enough to play special teams, as he returned 3 kickoffs for a total of 59 yards. FB William Henderson (0-0 rushing, 3-7 receiving, 1 receiving TD, 3 targets) caught three short passes, including a one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter from backup QB Craig Nall. WR: Javon Walker (7-72 receiving, 1 TD, 13 targets) was the most targeted receiver by both QB Brett Favre and backup QB Craig Nall. Walker produced most of his yardage in the fourth quarter, gaining 39 yards on three catches from Nall in the final period. Walker's touchdown reception, also in the fourth quarter, was a 17-yard catch. Robert Ferguson (3-68 receiving, 4 targets) made one catch in each of the final three quarters for 13, 31, and 24 yards respectively. All three receptions were for first downs. Ferguson was also the main kickoff returner, and in this game he was most certainly very busy. Ferguson had 5 returns for 115 yards. Donald Driver (3-33 receiving, 7 targets, 1-(-1) rushing) caught just one pass in the first half, an 11-yard catch in the second quarter. Driver added 22 more yards on two catches in the final period. Driver also added one run, an end-around in the opening period that was well defended. Driver was tackled for a short loss on the play. Antonio Chatman (1-19 receiving, 3 targets) had just one catch, a 19-yard gain in the first quarter. His other two looks came in the second period. Chatman also returned one punt for 11 yards. TE: Bubba Franks (0-0 receiving, 1 target) was thrown towards just once, when Franks drew a pass interference penalty in the end zone in the fourth quarter that set up Green Bay's first touchdown. Rookie Ben Steele (0-0 receiving, 2 targets) was looked to twice. The first ball went off his hands on a pass from Favre in the first quarter. The second, a short pass in the second quarter, was defended by the defense. K: Ryan Longwell (1-1 FG, 2 XP) made his only field goal attempt of 40 yards just before halftime. Longwell added two PATs in the fourth quarter. Pass Defense: Green Bay did not put a consistent rush on QB Donovan McNabb, who had all day to pick the defense apart. McNabb put up career (and franchise) numbers, and McNabb later stated "it felt like I was playing a video game" when asked about his proficiency. The Eagles passed the ball at will, scoring 5 times via the air and gaining over 300 yards before halftime. The tiny bright spot was registering 4 sacks. Rush Defense: The Eagles were so good at throwing the ball, they only ran the ball 5 times before the half. Yes they only gained 7 yards, but did you see the 5 touchdown passes? Philadelphia added 15 more rushing plays in the second half, managing the clock, and gaining 93 total yards for the game. Philadelphia Eagles QB: Donovan McNabb (32-43-464, 5 TD, 0 INT) had his best performance of the season and of his career, throwing for 5 touchdowns and 305 yards in the first half. McNabb's record-setting performance began by his completing his first 14 pass attempts, an Eagles record. McNabb finished the first half 24-28-305 with 5 TD passes. McNabb extended his totals to a Philadelphia franchise record 464 yards passing, and he left the game to rest with more than 8 minutes to go in the game. McNabb was extremely accurate and efficient, spreading the ball amongst eight different receivers. Koy Detmer (0-2 passing) took over under center for the Eagles with 8:18 left in the game. Detmer attempted just two passes - throws to the flat to FB Josh Parry - that both fell incomplete. RB: Brian Westbrook (12-37 rushing, 11-156 receiving on 12 targets, 3 receiving TDs) continues to contribute greatly to the Philadelphia offense. Westbrook touched the ball 23 times and gained nearly 200 all-purpose yards. Westbrook also found the end zone three times on receptions in the second quarter. The scores were for 9, 41, and 12 yards. Westbrook was unimpressive running the ball, but the Eagles were much more comfortable passing against Green Bay. Of Westbrook's 12 rushes, only 6 were for positive yardage. RB Dorsey Levens (7-63 rushing, 1 TD, 2-14 receiving on 3 targets) took over much of the rushing duties in the second half, giving Westbrook some time to rest. Levens broke a 45-yard rush in the fourth quarter, which accounted for the majority of his yardage. All 7 of Levens' carries came in the second half. FB Josh Parry (1-4 receiving on 5 targets) continues to struggle with catching passes. Parry was given the opportunity to make five catches out of the backfield, but he could only haul in one, a 4-yard gain in the first quarter. WR: Terrell Owens (8-161 receiving, 1 TD, on 11 targets, 1-(-8) rushing) was McNabb's favorite target once again, much as he has been all season. Owens found the end zone once again, making a 41-yard catch-and-run in the first quarter for his 14th touchdown this year. This total sets an Eagle record for most TD receptions. Owens had his 7th 100-yard game of the season, also an Eagles record, and went over the 1,000 yard mark for the season. Owens continues to contribute big yardage catches, as he had three additional catches for 20 yards or more (45, 21 and 20). Owens also had one run, an end-around in the first quarter, which went nowhere fast. Owens lost 8 yards on the play. Todd Pinkston (3-32 receiving on 7 targets) caught three passes in the first
half for 32 yards. Pinkston's catches, for 5, 12, and 15 yards, gave the Eagles
two first downs. Pinkston also drew two penalties with his routes, including
a gain of 31 yards on pass interference. Greg Lewis (2-25 receiving on 4 targets, 1-1 rushing) caught two balls in the first half - one for 17 yards, the other for 8. Also of note was that one of Lewis' targets was in the end zone. Lewis also gained one yard on an end-around in the third quarter. TE: L.J. Smith (4-42 receiving, 1 TD on 5 targets) tied his season high with four receptions, his total now for two weeks in a row. Smith finally found the end zone for only his second TD on the season. Chad Lewis (0-0 receiving on 1 target) was looked at just once, and was unable to haul in the catch. K: David Akers (5-5 XP, 4-4 FG) connected on all his attempts, making field
goals of 22, 45, 47 and 22 yards (again). Akers finished with 17 points as he
added 5 extra points. Rush Defense: Green Bay only ran the ball 18 times in the game, mostly because they were throwing all the time to try to catch up on the scoreboard. The Packers had no rushes for over 10 yards, and were held in check on the ground when they did attempt to run. Kansas City Chiefs 34 at Oakland Raiders 27 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Kansas City Chiefs RB Larry Johnson (20-118 rushing 1 TD, 3-56 receiving on 4 targets, 1 TD) checked in when RB Derrick Blaylock left the game with a next strain, and produced over 160 yards from scrimmage and two TDs. Johnson was effective running outside, on short yardage, and on screen passes, and the Chiefs offense was effective when Johnson replaced Blaylock. WR Eddie Kennison (8-149 receiving on 12 targets, 1 TD) had little trouble getting open thanks to extra attention given to TE Tony Gonzalez. Kennison was targeted five times in the red zone, scored the winning TD on a 70-play late in the fourth quarter, and had three good chances at a second TD on passes thrown his way in the end zone that didn't connect. QB Trent Green (23-35-340 passing, 3 TD, 1 INT, 4-5 rushing) had yet another game of over 300 passing yards, and threw three TDs. After an inconsistent stretch in the second quarter, Green was remarkably sharp in the second half - he was 14-for-15 passing, hitting 12 passes in a row, and his only incomplete pass came on a ball batted down at the line of scrimmage. TE Tony Gonzalez (3-32 receiving on 5 targets) was contained by a game plan designed to slow him down. On pass plays, Gonzalez was double-covered and/or shadowed by Charles Woodson shifting over to safety to cover him. Oakland Raiders WR Ronald Curry (9-141 receiving on 11 targets, 2 TD) could not be stopped
by the Chiefs defense. Curry was effective downfield and short routes across
the middle, equally adept at moving the chains and the scoreboard. Curry scored
twice, including a spectacular catch-and-run on a 34-yard screen pass TD in
the second quarter. Curry left the game in the fourth quarter with an injury. WR Jerry Porter (3-67 receiving on 8 targets, 1 TD) caught TD pass and had 67 receiving yards, but dropped passes cost him another score and at least another 30 yards. Porter let a sure TD slip through his hands in the first quarter, but pulled in a 51-yard bomb for a second-quarter TD.
Kansas City Chiefs QB: Trent Green (23-35-340 passing, 3 TD, 1 INT, 4-5 rushing) had a great game that could have been even greater. Green's high completion percentage helped the Chiefs move the chains and control the clock - the only incomplete pass Green threw in the second half was batted down at the line of scrimmage. Green threw 3 TDs, including a 70-yard bomb to WR Eddie Kennison with a little over 2 minutes left in the game for the winning score. Green's INT was not his fault - WR Johnnie Morton fell down making his cut, allowing CB Charles Woodson to make an easy pick. But Green failed to connect on four pass plays to the end zone late in the first half, making poor throws to open receivers, and forcing Kansas City to settle for a field goal. RB: Larry Johnson (20-118 rushing 1 TD, 3-56 receiving on 4 targets, 1 TD) entered the game in the 2nd quarter when RB Derrick Blaylock left the game with a neck strain. Johnson struggled at first, but played great in the second half, contributing several double-digit gains and scoring twice. Johnson was never stopped in the backfield; even when there appeared to be no running room, Johnson would manage to get tackled while moving forward and gain two yards. Once Johnson had a little success, he was used much like Priest Holmes - outside runs with pulling offensive linemen, patiently letting the play develop, with a few inside runs and screen passes in the mix. Johnson's rushing TD was a 5-yard run around left end, beating everyone to the corner for the score. Johnson's receiving TD was a 10-yard swing pass, catching the ball at the line of scrimmage and racing up the right sideline untouched for the score. Derrick Blaylock (12-37 rushing, 3-37 receiving on 5 targets, 1 TD) struggled
as a rusher, but was effective the in the passing game until getting injured
in the second quarter. Blaylock's TD came on a screen pass - Blaylock sold the
run on a play fake, then cut out to the left side for the pass, and followed
his blockers to the end zone. Blaylock suffered a neck strain after receiving
a monster hit from Oakland CB Nnamdi Asomugha, a play where Blaylock was exposed
in the flat on an incomplete pass. Blaylock briefly returned in the third quarter,
but Johnson was playing so well, Blaylock was not missed. WR: Eddie Kennison (8-149 receiving on 12 targets, 1 TD) got the bulk of his yards on one catch late in the 4th quarter, a 70-yard TD bomb that provided the winning score. Kennison beat his man deep, caught the pass at the Oakland 30, broke an attempted tackle/strip by S Stuart Schwiegert, and ran to the end zone. Kennison had a lot of balls thrown his way when Oakland shifted Charles Woodson to safety to cover TE Tony Gonzalez, and converted many of them into first downs. Three of his four missed targets came at the end of the first half on balls thrown into the end zone; all three were poorly thrown, but the third, a pass thrown high and a little behind a wide-open Kennison, would have been caught by a lot of NFL receivers. Johnnie Morton (1-23 receiving on 3 targets) struggled to get open all day. He did pull down a 23-yard catch on a seam route for his only reception. Morton had a 10-yard reception wiped out on an illegal contact penalty away from the ball - the play was short of a first down, so the Chiefs took the penalty and the automatic first down. Morton's lowlight came in the second quarter, when he fell down making his cut, leaving a clear view of the pass for CB Charles Woodson to grab the only Oakland interception of the day. Dante Hall (0-0 receiving on 1 target) did not catch a pass, but did draw a pass interference penalty on the only pass thrown his way. No yards gained for Hall, but a first down for the Chiefs. TE: Tony Gonzalez (3-32 receiving on 5 targets) got a lot of attention from the Oakland defense. He was often double-covered, and Charles Woodson shifted to safety in some obvious passing situations to cover Gonzalez. While all the attention opened the outside for Kennison, it hurt Gonzalez's production. Gonzalez had one bad drop, a pass that hit him in the numbers, but he started to turn upfield before pulling the ball in, and dropped it. Jason Dunn (2-22 receiving on 3 targets) was used mostly as a blocker, but did sneak out for two short receptions. Dunn's third target was in the end zone at the end of the first half - Dunn had decent position for the catch, but tight coverage prevented the catch and TD. K: Lawrence Tynes made all of his kicks - two chip shot FGs and four PATs. Pass Defense: was so ineffective the Raiders didn't bother with running the ball much. Curry was open at will across the middle, and all three TD passes were on long plays of at least 26 yards. The pass defense finally showed up in the final two minutes, forcing four incomplete passes, logging one sack, and preventing the tying score. Rush Defense: Oakland RBs only ran the ball seven times combined. The combination of Kansas City's control of the clock and poor pass defense led Oakland to move the ball through the air most of the time. Oakland Raiders QB: Kerry Collins (27-41-343 passing, 3 TD, 0 INT, 3-(-1) rushing) made some
great decisions, and showed great arm strength and body control, throwing for
343 yards, 3 TDs, and no INTs. Collins mixed in short passes to the backs in
the flats with deep balls to the wideouts. All three Oakland TD passes were
for at least 26 yards. While one TD was mostly due to the efforts of WR Ronald
Curry after the catch, the other two were the direct result of great throws
by Collins - a 51-yard bomb to Porter after a convincing pump fake, and a 26-yard
deep sideline pass that his Curry at the goal line in stride while the Chiefs
were blitzing. Justin Fargas (2-14 rushing, 3-17 receiving on 4 targets) broke a 15-yard pitchout
run up the left side that was easily Oakland's longest run of the day. Fargas
also caught three passes, but Fargas did not play as much as J.R. Redmond did
in the pass-heavy offense. Zack Crockett (0-0 rushing, 2-13 receiving on 2 targets) caught passes on back-to- back plays in the first quarter. He did not carry the ball, and was used primarily as a blocker. WR: Ronald Curry (9-141 receiving on 11 targets, 2 TD) was the most consistently effective and productive Raider. Curry was willing to go across the middle, and delivered several first downs on short passes. He caught two TDs. The first was a 34-yard screen pass that Curry caught on the left side, followed his blockers for the first down, then worked all the way across the field, picking up a couple extra blocks, and scoring just inside the right sideline. The second was a deep sideline route against single coverage, where Curry simply beat his man at the line of scrimmage, had a step down the field, and Collins hit him at the goal line in stride for the score. The only thing that stopped Curry was his own health - he left the game in the fourth quarter after getting twisted around on a tackle, and did not return to the game. Jerry Porter (3-67 receiving on 8 targets, 1 TD) caught a 51-yard bomb for a TD, but could have produced a lot more in the game. Porter's first target should have been a TD - he was open in the end zone, but the catchable pass slipped through his hands. He redeemed himself later when he got behind two mismatched linebackers, got even more separation thanks to a great pump fake by Collins, and caught the 51-yard pass for a score. John Stone (1-18 receiving on 2 targets) did not play much, mostly seeing the field after Curry left the game. Both of his targets were on the last Raider drive Doug Gabriel (1-11 receiving on 5 targets) struggled today. Great efforts on incomplete passes, like a great jump over a cornerback that he nearly stole for a big gain, were offset by bad mistakes, like one pass he dropped when he looked down to see if he was still in bounds. TE: Teyo Johnson (1-9 receiving on 1 target) was used mostly as a blocker, but snuck out to catch one pass. Johnson drifted off the left side when the play was flowing to the right, and Collins turned back a hit him with the pass. K: Sebastian Janikowski made all of his kicks - two short FGs, and three PATs. Pass Defense: gave Gonzalez a lot of attention and contained him, but at the expense of a huge day for Eddie Kennison. They also gave up a lot of yardage on screen passes, especially screens setup with play action. CB Charles Woodson's INT was a gift pick when Johnnie Morton fell down on the play. Rush Defense: contained Blaylock when he was in the game, but couldn't knock Johnson backwards when there wasn't running room. The Chiefs were able to run for first downs on short yardage, too. Buffalo Bills 42 at Miami Dolphins 32 WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Buffalo Bills The Buffalo Bills opened the game with a special teams touchdown and ended the day with a defensive touchdown. In between there was little other defense and a lot of offense. Terrence McGee returned the opening kickoff 104 yards for a touchdown, but over the remainder of the first quarter Buffalo was outscored 21-7. Down 24-14 in the second quarter Buffalo went to a no-huddle offense and turned the momentum of the game. While this game was viewed as a homecoming for Willis McGahee, it was actually Drew Bledsoe who was the star of this game. With the Dolphins keyed to stopping McGahee, Bledsoe used his tight ends to attack the middle of the field and then struck deep to his wide receivers. Bledsoe, given good protection for most of the day, threw 4 touchdowns - 1 to his backup tight end and 3 to his wide receivers. With starting tight end Mark Campbell leaving the game with a knee injury, backup tight ends Tim Euhus and Ryan Neufeld stepped up big combining for 6 catches for 72 yards and 1 touchdown. They each found the middle of the field open for big gains as Euhus went untouched for a 15 yard touchdown on Buffalo's first drive and Neufeld had a key 29 yard reception in the second quarter when Buffalo went no huddle to grab back the momentum. The success of the tight ends allowed Bledsoe to eventually attack downfield with rookie speedster Lee Evans. On the play after Neufeld's reception Bledsoe hit Evans for a 21 yard touchdown. Then with 2 seconds left in what had been a scoreless third quarter, Bledsoe hit Evans on a beautiful 70 yard touchdown bomb. Evans stretching of the field also allowed Eric Moulds to get back into the game. Moulds was shutout in the first half but caught 5 balls for 68 yards including a 30 yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter. In a reverse of the Bills offense of late, the passing game eventually opened the running game. The Dolphins were definitely keyed on stopping Willis McGahee and did a good job early on as his first 7 carries netted 11 yards. His eighth carry went for 12 yards but the Dolphins continued to close the gaps and keep him bottled. He finally broke free for a 20 and 21 yard gain on a mid fourth quarter drive. This is the first game Buffalo has won with McGahee starting but not rushing for 100 yards. Miami Dolphins The Dolphins opened things up as they threw the ball all over the field. Although they found themselves down 7-0 after the opening kickoff the Dolphins quickly gained momentum by throwing all over the Bills number 3 ranked defense. AJ Feeley started out very sharp going 3 for 4 for 62 yards, finishing off the opening drive with a 27 yard strike to Bryan Gilmore. Feeley opened with consecutive 18 yard sideline passes to Chris Chambers before finishing to Gilmore. Chambers scored to finish the second drive but after that Marty Booker gained most of Feeley's attention as the Dolphins attacked CB Terrence McGee. Booker had a nice day finishing with 96 yards on 5 catches. Feeley led the Dolphins to a 21-14 first quarter lead and had them up 24-14 before the wheels fell off and turnovers allowed the Bills to score 21 unanswered points. Feeley finished with 303 yards and 3 touchdowns but the day was marred by his 5 interceptions, the last of which was returned 20 yards for a touchdown by Pat Williams to kill any hopes the Dolphins had for a comeback. Although Travis Minor started at tailback for the Dolphins, Vick King, newly signed off the practice squad saw quite a bit of time early on. They switched off by series in the early going but Minor finally saw most of the time and finished with 82 yards rushing and a touchdown. Leonard Henry came in late in the third to give Minor a breather and immediately fumbled the exchange killing what was a nice drive into Bills territory. In addition to the interceptions the Dolphins also lost 2 fumbles on the day. WHAT YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Buffalo Bills QB: Drew Bledsoe (19-30-277, 4TD) With the Dolphins focused on stopping Willis McGahee, Bledsoe worked the middle of the field to his tight ends and wide receivers on crossing routes. This eventually provided him the opportunity to go deep and took advantage hitting Lee Evans in stride for a 70 yard touchdown. He was sacked 3 times but had good protection otherwise & made some nice moves to avoid trouble and give himself an open throwing lane. Most importantly Drew did not throw a single interception. For the second game in a row the Bills successfully used the no huddle to create a nice offensive rhythm and keep the defense off balance. RB: Willis McGahee (23-91, 0 TD, 1 Fumble lost, 1-4 receiving on 3 targets) McGahee certainly gave the Bills a scare when he limped off with an ankle injury after his first carry. Luckily he was able to get re-taped and return to the game. For most of the day McGahee was shutdown by the Dolphin defense. His first 7 carries gained 11 yards before he finally broke off a 12 yard run. He continued to pound away at the Dolphin defense and finally wore them down in the fourth quarter breaking off a 20 and 21 yard carry on a drive attempting to kill the clock. McGahee was hurt by 2 penalties - one which could have given him a big day. He had a 15 yard run wiped out by holding and a 67 yard screen pass called back on a questionable holding call. Joe Burns (3-8 rushing) 3 carries to give McGahee a breather. He did have a key drop on what would have been a first down as the Bills were trying to kill the clock in the fourth. Damion Shelton (1-4 receiving on 2 targets) Reception came on play right after McGahee left with ankle injury. WR: Eric Moulds (1 for -1 rushing, 5-68 receiving 1 TD on 7 targets) Eric Moulds did all his damage in the second half. Shutout in first half he finally starting getting free for some short passes. With a couple completions Bledsoe started looking his way much more frequently. Early in the fourth he took a 7 yard crossing pass and turned it up field breaking a couple arm tackles and scoring a 30 yard touchdown. Lee Evans (4-110, 2 TD on 5 targets) Evans has really started to blossom with all the playing time he is receiving with Josh Reed nursing injuries. Its obvious he has the confidence of Bledsoe. Evans broke free for a 21 yard touchdown when the Bills went to the no huddle in the second quarter. His 69 yard touchdown at the end of the third was a thing of beauty as it seemed Bledsoe overthrew him before Evans hit another gear and tracked it down in stride. On the play the corner jumped the underneath route of Moulds and safety Sammy Knight had no chance of catching up to Evans. Josh Reed (2-19 on 3 targets) Reed finally saw some action after missing past couple games with knee injuries. He saw some action on 3 receiver sets but obviously not targeted much. TE: Tim Euhus (4-32 1 TD on 4 targets) Euhus scored on Buffalo's second drive on a short dump pass that he turned into a 15 yard touchdown. He was uncovered & ran straight up the middle. After starter Mark Campbell went down with a knee injury while blocking Jason Taylor, Euhus played an important role as a key dump off for Bledsoe. Ryan Neufeld (2-40 on 2 targets) With Campbell's injury Neufeld saw more action and caught a big 29 yard pass over the middle which set up Lee Evans first touchdown. K: Rian Lindell (0-1 FG, 6-6 XP) Lindell missed a 38 yarder that would have given the Bills a tie at the half. Pass Defense: The Bills seemed to be caught standing still when the Dolphins opened with a passing attack. They were giving the receivers too much room off the line and were not getting any pressure on Feeley. After giving up 3 touchdown passes in the first quarter the secondary finally stepped up and started pressing the receivers. While Miami still got yardage Feeley started to force throws and this led to a big turnover day for the defense as they ended with 5 interceptions - 1 each by Nate Clements, Terrence McGee (who was an out of bounds toe from having 2), Rashard Baker, Takeo Spikes and finally Pat Williams who engulfed a ball at the Dolphins 20, spun and returned it 20 yards to finish the Bills scoring. Run Defense: The defense was not particularly strong versus the run today yielding over 4 yards per carry to Travis Minor. Minor made a couple nice bounces to the side for his longer gains. Not a great day from one of the league's stronger units. Miami Dolphins QB: AJ Feeley (25-51-303, 3 TD, 5 INT) AJ Feeley opened the game very sharp leading the Dolphins to a touchdown on their opening drive by going 3-4 for 62 yards, including 2 beautiful 18 yard sideline passes to Chambers. This attack seemed to catch the Bills by surprise and the Dolphins took advantage by racing out to a 21-14 first quarter lead. Feeley favored Chambers early and then started looking to Marty Booker who was being covered by Terrence McGee, the Bills weakest corner. Unfortunately, Feeley could not keep up his Dan Marino impression and reverted back to being AJ Feeley by throwing 5 interceptions over the remainder of the game. RB: Travis Minor (20-82 1 TD, 2-14 receiving on 7 targets) Travis Minor had a nice game averaging over 4 yards per carry. He bounced out a couple runs to the outside for some nicer gains, including his longest of 14 yards. Minor scored his touchdown from the 2. Vick King (3-8, 1-8 receiving) King was signed this week from the practice squad and saw time in the first half and second half substituting on a couple drives in place of Minor. Leonard Henry (1 for -2 1 lost fumble) Henry entered the game on a drive in the third quarter inside Buffalo territory and promptly fumbled the handoff from Feeley. Rob Konrad (2-18, 1-13 receiving 1 target) Saw time on 1 series to give Minor a break. WR: Chris Chambers (5-49 1 TD on 13 targets) Chambers was Feeley's favorite target and opened the game with 2 pretty catches down the sideline. His touchdown in the first quarter came from the 2. Chambers seemed to be open quiet often throughout the day but Feeley lost his early touch and had trouble making completions. Marty Booker (5-96 on 12 targets) Marty Booker took advantage of Terrence McGee on crossing patterns throughout the day. Late in the third he caught a 36 yarder that beat the Bills on a zone blitz. He was also targeted in the end zone on what would have been a 40 yard touchdown. The ball was catchable and went off his hands but Terrence McGee was called for illegal contact. Bryan Gilmore (3-44 1 TD on 5 targets) Gilmore finished off the Dolphins opening drive running a nice inside route that resulted in a 27 yard touchdown. Derrius Thompson (3-42 on 5 targets) Thompson had a touchdown bounce off his hands and into the hands of Terrence McGee for what was originally ruled an interception. Replay reversed as McGee's toe was out of bounds. Minor scored from the 2 on next play. TE: Randy McMichael (2-14 on 3 targets) McMichael was not targeted much in this game with the success Chambers and Booker were having. His 2 catches came on back to back plays and the following pass was also targeted to him but picked by Takeo Spikes. An early touchdown to Chambers from the 2 looked to be on a play designed for McMichael but tight coverage by Spikes forced Feeley to scramble and look elsewhere. Donald Lee (1-15 1 TD 1 target) Lee closed out the first quarter scoring on a 15 yard touchdown reception. K: Olindo Mare (1-1 FG, 3-3 XP) Made field goal from 47 yards Pass Defense: For boasting 2 of the better cornerbacks in the league Miami did not have a good day as they allowed 4 touchdowns and had no interceptions of Bledsoe. Lee Evans got behind the secondary for 2 scores and Eric Moulds broke 2 weak tackle attempts on a 30 yard crossing pattern that scored. The Dolphins sacked Bledsoe 3 times but he was also able to make get out of trouble a few times for completions. Run Defense: The Dolphins were definitely targeting Willis McGahee as they held him to around 50 yards before a final drive in the fourth quarter. The Dolphins closed gaps and did not allow him to bounce outside. Jason Taylor ripped ball from McGahee to force a turnover, McGahee's first fumble of career. |
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