Week 11 of the NFL gave us the big showdown we’ve been waiting for. Denver and Kansas City finally met and the New York Jets made some dubious history. The Jets are the first team to alternate wins and losses for 10 games to open the season as a loss today makes them 5-5. Who would have thought that the Giants would now be one of the hottest teams in the NFL?
Denver 27 Kansas City 17 – This was the heavyweight showdown of the week. Going into this game, the two teams combine for a 17-1 record, which is extremely impressive. Now the 1972 Miami Dolphins can pop their champagne and celebrate. The Broncos were able to largely neutralize the Chief defensive line and allowed Peyton Manning to do what he does best. Manning finished 24-40 for 323 yards and a touchdown and was not sacked at all. The bulk of the points were scored by Montee Ball, who scored 2 touchdowns on 8 carries while amassing for 25 yards. One again, Demaryius Thomas ran wild with another 100 yard receiving day. Alex Smith went 21-45 for 230 yards and 2 touchdowns. Smith avoided turning the ball over, but he did take 3 sacks. These two will meet at Arrowhead in only two short weeks.
New Orleans 23 San Francisco 20 – It was another rough offensive day for San Francisco as New Orleans won the game on a last second Garrett Hartley field goal. This game was surprisingly close as New Orleans outgained San Fran 387-196. New Orleans was down 20-14 in the 4th quarter before Hartley hit 3 field goals in a row to seal the win. The Saints were paced by Drew Brees, who went 30-43 for 305 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Niners were led by Colin Kaepernick, who had a rough day, going 17-31 for 127 yards with 2 touchdowns and an interception. San Fran’s defense was anchored by Navarro Bowman, who was everwhere, amassing 12 solo tackles and another 2 assists while Aldon Smith had the team’s only sack and interception.
Cincinnati 41 Cleveland 20 – It took just about everything to go wrong for Cleveland in one quarter for Cincinnati to win and strengthen their hold on the AFC North. The Bengals set a team record with 31 points in the 2nd quarter as the Browns did about everything wrong. Cleveland had a punt blocked and a fumble returned for a touchdown along with 2 Andy Dalton passes and a field goal. The Browns outgained the Bengals 330-224. Andy Dalton led Cincinnati by going 13-27 for 93 yards with 3 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. His favorite target, AJ Green, was shut down again and only had 2 catches for 7 yards. Jason Campbell also struggled by going 27-56 for 248 yards with a score and 3 interceptions.
Chicago 23 Baltimore 20 (OT) – Don’t let the weather get in the way of a good football game. With rough weather conditions, Ray Rice flourished while Joe Flacco was seriously outplayed by Josh McCown. McCown finished 19-31 for 216 yards and a touchdown for the Bears while Flacco went 17-31 for 162 yards with a touchdown and 2 interceptions for the Ravens. Ray Rice finally came alive by running 25 times for 131 yards and a score. He also had 3 catches for 17 yards. Matt Forte contributed quite a bit for Chicago, running 18 times for 83 yards while catching 5 passes for 42 yards and a touchdown. With Pittsburgh winning and Cleveland also losing, there is a 3 way jam for 2nd in the AFC North. Meanwhile, Chicago is back in a tie with Detroit for the NFC North lead.
New York Giants 27 Green Bay 13 – Much like how the wheels came off in New York earlier in the season, the wheels have come off in Green Bay as the Giants made short work of the Packers. Scott Tolzien got the start for Green Bay, going 24-34 for 339 yards and 3 interceptions. The Giants fully committed to stopping the run and forcing Tolzien to pass as Eddie Lacy went 14 for 27 yards and a touchdown. Eli Manning led New York by going 25-35 for 279 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Giants have now won 4 straight while Green Bay wishes Aaron Rodgers would come back.
Tampa Bay 41 Atlanta 28 – Did someone spike the punch in the Tampa Bay locker room? Over the last few weeks, the Buccanneers have played like a team that wants to win. They first took Seattle to the wire at the toughest stadium to play in. They then beat a bewildered Dolphins team and now they laid waste to a Falcons team that just could not stop Bobby Rainey. Who is Bobby Rainey? Bobby Rainey is the 4th RB on the Buccaneers. With the spotlight on him, he ran 30 times for 163 yards with 2 touchdowns and also caught 2 passes for 4 yards and a score. Mike Glennon went a ridiculous 20-23 for 231 yards and 2 touchdowns. Matt Ryan didn’t fare so well by going 19-36 for 254 yards with 2 touchdowns and 2 interceptions.
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Host of The College Cram, NFL and NCAA writer on the National Gridiron Network
