A wild week in the NFL was highlighted by the Denver Broncos loss on the road to the Indianapolis Colts, the Carolina Panthers holding on against the struggling Packers, and the Patriots winning in most convincing fashion against the Washington Redskins. Combined with the Cincinnati Bengals’ win on Thursday night, that leaves (just) three unbeaten teams left–still the most in NFL history this late in the season.
Down goes Denver
The Colts jumped out to a three score lead, surprising what had been a stout and opportunistic Broncos defense, while holding a Broncos offense that had seemingly righted the ship in recent weeks in check. Quarterback Andrew Luck had his most complete game of the season, throwing for 250 yards, 2 TDs, and perhaps most importantly, no interceptions. The Broncos came storming back however, on the strength of a punt return for a touchdown that ended the second half (only the second such instance in NFL history) and two touchdown passes by Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. But the Colts managed to hang on thanks to an interception late in the fourth quarter, earning their first win outside their division and handing the Broncos their first loss.
Panthers hold off Packers rally
The Panthers jumped out to a huge lead against the Packers thanks to Carolina quarterback Cam Newton and a down-field passing game that had been absent for most of this season, staking the Panthers to a 27-7 lead at halftime, and a 37-14 lead in the third quarter, leading to arguments and even physical confrontation on the Packer’s sideline among defensive players. Despite the unrest and the difficulties in facing an elite defense for the second week in a row, quarterback Aaron Rogers overcame a rough first half and led the Packers back to a within eight late, only to throw an interception on the goal line with a wide open receiver in the corner, enabling the Panthers to hang on with a 37-29 victory. The Panthers, despite almost blowing a lead for the second week in a row, move to 8-0 on the season and remain the #1 seed in the NFC.
Patriots Cruise
New England dispatched the rather hapless Redskins in a game filled with shoddy play and turnovers. The Patriots jumped out to an early lead and coasted from there, with Washington adding a late touchdown to make the score closer than it actually was. New England may have been dealt a serious blow however, as running back Dion Lewis left the game with an apparent knee injury. The exact severity is unknown as of yet and the Patriots have a stable full of backs that can fill in, but Lewis has flashed potential with his elusiveness and proven an excellent compliment to LeGarrete Blount’s more bruising style of running. New England will miss him should he be out an extended period of time.
Other Notes:
QB Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers will miss a few weeks with a foot sprain after missing time previously this year with a knee injury. Despite his absence, the Steelers were able to eke out a win over the Oakland Raiders behind 3rd string quarterback Landry Jones thanks to a last second field goal.
QB Teddy Bridgewater of the Minnesota Vikings left Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams after taking a late hit on a slide that the Vikings were extremely unhappy about. The Vikings were able to rally and steal a win verses the St. Louis Rams in overtime, moving them into a tie for the NFC North division. Bridgewater’s availability will depend on how he proceeds through the league’s concussion protocol.
QB Blaine Gabbert, starting for the first time in two years in place of the benched Colin Kaepernick, led the San Francisco 49ers to a one-point victory over the floundering Atlanta Falcons, who have lost three of their last four games.
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