Week 9: Recaps

Jags 44 (5-3) - Texans 17 (5-3) Game Of The Week *Updated*


The race for the AFC South title is a 3-way race between the Jags, Texans, and Colts. After losing to the Colts in Week 8, the Jags found themselves in third place and pressured to win this week's crucial match-up against the first place Texans. With the Colts already losing in Week 9, the Texans had an opportunity to take command of the division by beating Jacksonville. Unfortunately, the Jags came out firing on all cylinders. QB David Garrard (15-17, 232 yrd, 2 TD), who had an awful Week 8 performance (11-24, 150 yrd, 4 INTs), redeemed himself this week. In the first quarter, he connected with WR Mike Thomas and TE Marcedes Lewis for a 29-yrd, and 14-yrd TD, respectively. His favorite target was Pro Bowl receiver Mike Sims-Walker who had 6 receptions for 100 yards.

By halftime, the Texans were behind by 14 points, 10-24. The Jacksonville defense provided their own offense by returning two INTs (Derek Cox) and one fumble for TDs. It seemed like every attempt by the Texans to get into the game resulted in a turnover. QB Matt Shaub (16-38, 265 yrds, 1 TD, 4 INTs) could not find an open receiver. His attempts to force the ball pass defenders were constantly picked off. When it comes to determining who makes the playoffs, the Texans might regret not being able to perform better in this game. In Week 10, Houston will face-off against the Eagles in a must win. Jacksonville will host the bruising Redskins in a anticipated match-up.


Panthers 24 (8-0) - Ravens 14 (1-7) *Updated*

It's Week 9 and the Carolina Panthers are the only undefeated team in the NFL. It looks like anything less than an championship will result in a dissappointing season. The Ravens are on the other end of the spectrum. A very talented team that has come under hard times. Althought the Panthers continued their perfect season, the Ravens proved to be a challenging opponent.

Through two quaters, the game was tied at 7-7. In the first quarter, the Ravens attacked first when RB Ray Rice (11 car, 41 yards, I receiving TD) scored on a 5-yard TD pass from QB Joe Flacco (19-28, 141 yards, 2 TDs), who put forth a modest, but efficient performance. In the second quarter, with under 1 minute left, RB Deangelo Williams (18 car, 94 yards, 2 TDs) scored on a 3-yard TD run.

In the second half, the Panthers came out determined to put this game away. Continuing their attacking ground game, Carolina outscored Baltimore 17-7, which included a 38-yard rushing TD from speedy RB Deangelo Williams. The Ravens put a solid effort, but just couldn't sustain drives long enough to score in the more than 7 points in the second half. In Week 10, the Panthers go to New Orleans to face the 7-1 Saints in a greatly anticipated game. The Ravens match-up against the winless Steelers in a game contain two talented teams that are having unexpected results this season.

Falcons 28 (7-2) - Buccs 21 (5-3) *Updated*

The NFC South is the most competitive division so far this season. At 5-2, the Buccs are in fourth place while the 6-2 Falcons are in third place! The undefeated Panthers (8-0) and the 7-1 Saints are currently on top of the division. In order to keep pace with these two leading teams, the Buccs and Falcons come into this game with must win mentality.

To open the scoring, QB Matt Ryan (13-20, 155 YDS, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) found HOF TE Tony Gonzalez (3 rcps, 60 yds, 1 TD) open for a 31-yrd TD pass. In the second quarter, CB Tye Hill returned a Tampa fumble 27-yrds to put ATL on top 14-0. Right before halftime, the Buccs put together a good offensive series that ended with a 1-yrd TD run by RB Cadillac Williams (12 car, 42 yds, 1 TD). The Falcons owned the third quarter, where they scored 14 unanswered points and put themselves on top 28-7. The Buccs put forth a solid fourth quarter comeback attempt when QB Josh Freeman (20-36, 251 YDS, 2 TDs, 3 INT) connected with WR Maurice Stovall (6 rcps, 75 yrds) for 2 TDs. In the end, the Buccs fell short and at 5-3 are now in critical territory in this division. With the win, the Falcons are now 7-2 and although they are still in third place, they have kept themselves in the race for the NFC South division.

Patriots 16 (6-2) - Vikings 14 (4-5) *Updated*

On the untackable back of HB Adrian Peterson, the Vikings came into this game with a 4-game winning streak. The Pats game-planned all week for Peterson and were confident they could contain him.

Both teams posses potent offenses so it was surprising that this game turned out to be a defensive battle. All but 3 points (game-winning FG) were scored in the first half. In the first quarter, QB Tom Brady (21-30, 238 yrds, 1 TD, 2 INTs) hooked up with WR Randy Moss (6 rcpts, 38 yrds, 1 TD) for 7-yard TD pass. On the very next play, WR Percy Harvin returned the kickoff 97 yards. In the second quarter, New England only managed 2 FGs, while Minnesota was able to scored a TD. At halftime, the Vikings were up 14-13. The only other scoring occurred in the 4th quarter where K Gostkiwski converted on a 47-yd FG with 3:26 left on the clock.

Down by only 2 points, the Vikes were in good position. All they had to do was get within FG position to win the game. Unfortunately, neither rookie QB James (6-11, 94 yrds, 0 TDs, 3 INTs) nor RB Adrian Peterson (16 car, 51 yrds) could beat the Pats defense. In the end, the Pats came out victorious, 16-14, in a hard fought battle between two talented teams. In Week 10, the Vikes will have an entire bye week to ponder over this missed opportunity, while the Pats face the 7-1 Dolphins in what could be the Game of the Week.



GB (4-4) 13 @ MIA (7-1) 23 Credit: gbted1

The Fish continue to demonstrate their dominance!

Mason Crosby kicked a 28 yard field goal with 6:09 remaining in the game, pulling the Packers to within a touchdown of the Dolphins. Unfortunately that was as close as Aaron Rodgers (13-23-211-0-0) and his Packers would come in their eventual loss to the AFC powerhouse.

The Dolphins continues to impose their will with a locomotive-like rushing attack led by the trio of Giovanni Girley (9-105-1td), Ronnie Brown (10-66-1td / 5-48 rec), and Ricky Williams (4-26). It's even more impressive if you look at the season stats. The duo of the ultra talented rookie (Girley) and the stud veteran (Brown) have now combined for a knockout 1043 yards, 14 tds on the season!

Defensively for the Dolphins rookie middle linebacker Mack Brown (5 tackles, FF) continues to impress while punishing any opposing player entering his territory.

Notably for the Pack in a losing cause were Brett Swain (5-110) on offense, and rookie CB Juran Riley (4 tackles, 64 yard int return td) on the defensive side of the ball, both making their presence felt.

The Packers have now lost 3 straight and are searching for answers, with their nemesis and division foe Vikings now breathing down their neck.


SD (5-3) 24 @ IND (5-3) 14 Credit: gbted1

Chargers notch 1st rushing td of season in victory!

Darren Sproles hit paydirt from 1 yard out with 1:10 remaining to seal the victory for the AFC West leading Chargers.

The real catalyst of this battle though was the high voltage Charger D which as a unit wreaked havoc accounting for 4 sacks, and 3 interceptions of Colts star QB Peyton Manning. The defensive charge was led by fellow LB's Shaun Phillips; 2 sacks (now has 6 on the year), and Stephen Cooper; 5 tackles, 1 sack and an interception.

Offensively for the Chargers Philip Rivers (14-20-211yd, 2td, 0 int) had another fine outing. He is relishing throwing to his thoroughbred duo of Vincent Jackson (3-56-1td), and former Panther Steve Smith (2-62)...add Antonio Gates into the mix, well let's just say frightening!

It was a miserable day for the Colts who couldn't muster up any kind of a rushing attack which really put the pressure on Manning (19-30-280-2td, 3int). Dallas Clark (7-107-2td) continues to be Manning's security blanket. Manning now sports a very uncharacteristic 7-17 td/int ratio for the year. The Colts now find themselves in the midst of a 2 game losing skid, while trying to hang on in the very tough AFC South.



DEN (3-5) 24 @ NYJ (3-5) 23 Credit: gbted1

Broncos strike dagger into Jets with 2 seconds left on clock in a thriller!

The Denver Broncos ended a two game mini slump with a miraculous and heartstopping come from behind victory. The New York Jets led the entire game until Kyle Orton (18-36-297-1td-2int) connected with "The Beast" Brandon Marshall on a beautiful 18 yard strike with 2 ticks left on the game clock to ice the victory.

A key turning point in the game materialized midway through the 4th quarter with the Broncos trailing 10-20. Denver's Pro-Bowl CB Champ Bailey intercepted an errant Mark Sanchez end zone pass, and proceeded to take it to the house on a 101 yard int return td. This crucial score narrowed the Jet lead to 3 points with 5:13 remaining in the ballgame. The Jets then responded with a drive ending in a Jay Feely 48yd FG upping the lead to six with 1:57 remaining. The Jets victory was snatched away 115 seconds later by the dagger!

Other notable individual performances in the game included:

Denver:

Eddie Royal (w/cheese) (6-106)
Knowshon Moreno posted his 10th rushing td of season

Jets:

Thomas Jones (14-129 (9.2) 2td)

Vernon Gholston (4 tackles, 2 sacks)


NYG (4-5) 24 @ PHI (4-4) 27 Credit: gbted1

Akers boots game winner with 22 seconds remaining in NFC East thriller!

In a turnover marred contest the Eagles came out on top thanks to a 4th quarter come-from-behind victory, capped by David Akers clutch 24 yard field goal in the waning moments.

Phili trailed 17-24 heading into the final quarter, but met the challenge with two unanswered scores to end the game, snatching victory from the Giants (losers of 4 of the last 5 games).

Eagles rookie QB Tim Tribow (15-29-213-2-2) had a commendable game against a bitter rival. LeSean McCoy struggled on the ground but chipped in nicely through the air snaring 5 balls for 76 yards and 2 tds.

DeSean Jackson bolstered his club with an electric kick return touchdown of 101 yards in the 1st stanza.

The Eagles D was relentless in registering 3 sacks, 1 int, and 2 forced fumbles.

The Giants offense was only able to muster 10 points in the contest. Eli Manning (19-26-230-1-1), Brandon Jacobs (14-82 rush), Mario Manningham (6-101), and former 49er Josh Morgan (6-88-1td) were the offensive contributors for the G-men. New York's other scores were both the result of defensive touchdowns; (SS) Michael Johnson (47 int td), and (DE) Osi Umenyiora (19 yard FR td).