Week Eleven Recap

As we inch closer to the playoffs, skies darken for some teams, while others pray for a break in the clouds.

Severe thunderstorms delayed the game in Chicago almost 2 hours (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

Baltimore 20, Chicago 23 (OT)

Black skies turned sunny in Chicago when the Bears were able to outlast the Ravens in overtime. The game was delayed almost 2 hours by a passing storm system that saw over 50 tornadoes touch down across the Midwest, so technically speaking, the skies were actually still dark when the winning FG was kicked-- by then, it was night. 

Josh McCown again led the Bears to victory in the absence of Jay Cutler, and is making a very strong case to supplant Cutler as the starter. Consider these stats: McCown is completing 60% of his passes, has thrown 5 touchdowns, zero interceptions, and has won both of the games in which he has started. 

After escaping with a win last week in OT, the Ravens were unable to rally for the win in Chicago. They were able to drive the field and kick the game-tying FG as time expired, and their past playoff experience has given them the wherewithal to mount last-minute scoring drives when the game is on the line.  However, their concern should be the other 59 minutes of football; at 4-6, the defending Super Bowl champs are about to miss the playoffs entirely. 

New York Jets 14, Buffalo 37

The Geno Coaster continued to roll this weekend, and this week the drop was rather severe. The rookie fumbled twice and threw three interceptions, including one that was returned for a touchdown, before being replaced by backup Matt Simms in the fourth quarter.

More surprising was the fact that the Jets were coming off their bye week, and it looked like they would have preferred another week away from work. Instead, they were routed by the Bills in Buffalo and are tied for the last remaining wildcard spot, but performances like these (note: plural)  make you wonder how they are in such a position at all.

Cleveland 20, Cincinnati 41

After dropping two straight games, Cincinnati got a much needed victory over a division foe on Sunday, though in the beginning it looked like things were headed in the other direction. In their first five possessions, the Bengals went three-and-out 3 times and Andy Dalton threw 2 interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The hideous first quarter placed the Bengals in a 13 point hole and had their home fans booing raucously, but apparently that was what the team needed. They went on to score a franchise record 31 points in the second quarter alone and raced past the Browns on their way to their victory. 

Cleveland wasted an outstanding performance by CB Joe Haden, who held WR AJ Green to 7 yards on 2 catches, and returned an interception for a score in the first quarter. Jason Campbell had a rough day, throwing 3 interceptions of his own, completing less than half of his passes, and tallying twenty-nine incompletions-- especially troubling considering the team attempted only 19 running plays. But at 4-6, Cleveland still finds itself on the outskirts of the AFC wildcard picture. 

Washington 16, Philadelphia 24

The Eagles saw a 24 point lead evaporate almost entirely in the fourth quarter, as Washington scored two touchdowns and hit both two-point conversions to come within one score of a tie. They worked the ball down to the 18-yard line before RG3 threw a terrible interception in the end zone with just 24 seconds remaining, and the Eagles were able to hold on for their first home victory in their last 11 games. 

Detroit 27, Pittsburgh 37

Matt Stafford threw for 327 yards and Calvin Johnson came down with both touchdowns and 179 yards receiving of his own. Then the first half ended.

A Tale of Two Halves (Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Yes, both players were on pace for a record-shattering day in Pittsburgh, but when the third quarter started, it seemed a completely different team took the field. The Lions were shut out in the second half and allowed Ben Roethlisberger to throw 2 fourth quarter touchdowns and complete the comeback for the Steelers. Matt Stafford threw for only 35 yards in the second half, and Calvin Johnson was held without a catch for the rest of the game. 

A tremendous opportunity was blown by Detroit; they now sit in a tie with the Chicago Bears for first in the NFC North, while Pittsburgh, at 4-6, moves into the AFC wildcard hunt.

Atlanta 28, Tampa Bay 41

We knew they were bad, but not certainly not that bad. Or are they? 

I'm talking about the Atlanta Falcons, who found themselves down by 28 points in the fourth quarter to a team that, nine days ago, still had not won a single game. Now the two teams are tied for last in the NFC South, just one win above the absolute bottom of the league. 

It has certainly been a disappointing season for the Buccaneers, who traded away their mercurial QB, Josh Freeman, early in the season and lost both first- and second-string running backs to season-ending injuries. But Atlanta was a team that many expected to contend for a Super Bowl this year-- they were in the NFC Championship just a year ago! Instead, their collapse will go down as the most complete I have ever witnessed-- and I'm a Raiders fan! 

Arizona 27, Jacksonville 14

Don't look now, but Arizona has won 5 of its last 7 and is sitting at 6-4, tied for the last NFC wildcard spot. They have flown under the radar all season long, and while a victory over the Jags is certainly nothing to brag about, the NFL pays no mind to strength of schedule. A win is a win, and the Cardinals now have enough to be tied for ninth-most in the league (out of 32). 

The Good News: Arizona's strong run-defense is ranked #2 in the league. On Sunday they held Maurice Jones drew to 23 yards on 14 carries-- an average of 1.9 yards per carry. Discount the one run of 9 yards, and that stat shrinks to 14 yards on 13 carries. 

The Bad News: their last two games of the season come at home against San Francisco and on the road in Seattle. 

Oakland 28, Houston 23

Undrafted rookie QB Matt McGloin threw for three touchdowns and no interceptions in his first NFL start and led the Raiders to their first road victory of the year. A fantastic defensive effort solidified the victory for Oakland, as the final Houston drive was stopped short on the 2-yard line. 

Houston has now lost 8 straight games and was so incapable that Coach Gary Kubiak pulled Case Keenum for former starter Matt Schaub. The puzzling maneuver did not provide the spark he had hoped, and only ignited the Houston teammates against one another. 

Rashad Jennings added 150 yards and a TD (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

San Diego 16,  Miami 20

A last-minute drive was too little, too late to bail out Phillip Rivers and the Chargers, who ran out of time on Miami's 25-yard line. A sloppy game featured interceptions by both QBs in the first quarter (and came on consecutive drives) and, when combined, the teams went a dismal 6-21 on third down conversions (29%). 

San Diego drops to 4-6 but remains alive one game back of the wildcard spot, while 5-5 Miami moves into a tie for that very spot with the New York Jets. 

San Francisco 20, New Orleans 23

The NFC showdown in New Orleans suddenly turned into a defensive showcase. The 49ers vaunted defense had a tall task in stopping Drew Brees, but New Orleans' defense played extremely well also, limiting Kaepernick to 127 yards through the air and holding Frank Gore to just 45 yards rushing. Brees managed only 1 touchdown on the day and threw an uncharacteristically poor interception. New Orleans was held without a touchdown in the second half, but 3 fourth quarter field goals, including one as time expired, were enough to lift the Saints to victory.

"Illegal Contact to the Head of the QB" (AP Photo/Dave Martin)

A controversial "roughing the passer" call overturned what would have been a game-winning fumble recovery by the 49ers, but San Francisco had other opportunities, and miscues had a large impact on the outcome as well. Most notably, the 49ers were penalized for tackling the defenseless punt-returner, after he had signaled fair catch, on what ended up being the game-winning drive.

Still, the game was well-played by both teams and may have been a potential playoff preview. However, if these two teams meet head-to-head in the postseason, it will likely be in New Orleans again, as the loss gives the Saints the tiebreaker over the 6-4 49ers. 

Green Bay 13, New York Giants 27

The suddenly-slumping Packers certainly miss Aaron Rodgers. Instead, QB Scott Tolzein got his first NFL start and threw for 339 yards on the day-- it was the three interceptions that doomed him. The Packers were able to move the ball at will, and even out-gained the Giants in total yards. However, they left the Meadowlands with a third consecutive loss, and at 5-5, now find themselves behind both Detroit and Chicago in their own division. 

Meanwhile, the Giants have rallied for 4 straight victories, and at 4-6, are very much alive in their own division race. After a horrendous start that many said they would never overcome, they seem desperate to prove their doubters wrong. If there is one thing we know about the Tom Coughlin/Eli Manning combination, its that 9-7 is sometimes good enough to win the Super Bowl. Don't give up on Big Blue just yet.

Minnesotta 20, Seattle 41

The train keeps on rolling in Seattle, and it may not stop until February. The NFL's most complete team let the Vikings hang around for three quarters before scoring 17 unanswered points in the 4th to put the game away. QB Russell Wilson continues to make incredibly athletic plays, and Marshawn Lynch, who is second in rushing yards and tied for first in touchdowns, is simply and truly in Beast Mode. 

The Seahawks enter their bye at 10-1, best in the NFL, and will need the week to prepare-- they host the Saints next and then will travel to San Francisco for a highly-anticipated divisional rematch.  

Kansas City 17, Denver 27

*Sunday Night*

Perfection came to an end in the Mile High city on Sunday Night Football as the Chiefs were dropped by Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

They say "slow and steady wins the race", but it does not win the NFL football game, and nowhere was a lack of urgency more apparent than on the KC offensive side of the ball. QB Alex Smith, eternal game-manager, is so programmed to not make costly mistakes that he refuses to take risks when plays need to be made. He took very few shots downfield when his team was down 17 in the fourth quarter, and instead stuck to a conservative style of mistake-free football.

His biggest mistake: losing the game!

Denver got the win but it was not pretty. In fact, they were held to their lowest point total of the season, and one wonders how Peyton Manning's ankle injury will affect his ability to make plays. His deep ball is already compromised by his infamous neck surgeries, and without a back foot to plant off, he threw wobblers all game long. In the end though, those wobblers fell into the hands of his lethal receiving core, and the NFL's best offense was able to get the best of the NFL's best defense.

New England 20, Carolina 24

*Monday Night*

Whoever decided to schedule a late-season monday night matchup between the Panthers and Patriots needs to immediately purchase a lottery ticket. I do not know at what point in the offseason this was decided, and I certainly do not know how the NFL was convinced to approve the match. All I know is that I am happy as hell they did!

The season's biggest surprise team won its sixth consecutive victory, and second consecutive over a legitimate contender, by upsetting the Patriots in Carolina. Much attention was given to a controversial "no-call" in the end zone on the last play of the game, but that attention rightfully belongs to Cam Newton, who played what may be his best game as a pro in a nationally televised game.

Finding himself down 4 points after Brady executed a vintage late scoring drive to put his team ahead, Cam Newton answered the call and led his team on an 83-yard touchdown drive to regain the lead with under a minute to go. The third-year pro made plays with his arm and his legs and one-upped Brady by earning 7 instead of settling on the field goal, and found WR Ted Ginn for what would be the game-clinching score.

Greatest Press Conference Ever (Mad Producer Productions)

Indianapolis 30, Tennessee 27

*Thursday Night*

The Colts squeaked out another iffy victory over a weak team. It took a halftime speech by Andrew Luck, as well as 24 second half points, but Indianapolis was able to survive the scare against the Titans. Trent Richardson was held to 22 yards, lowering his yards-per-carry as a member of the Colts to 2.83. The Colts improved to 7-3 and look to be running away with their division-- the NFC South-- thanks in part to the epic collapse of the Texans and the eternally hapless Jaguars.

Raiders Recap-- Week 11: Texans

Surprise!!

(Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)

Well, I sure didn't see that coming.

Yesterday's win over the Texans featured some surprising events, but it also featured many of the tendencies typical of this year's Raiders team.

Let me explain.

Yesterday in Houston the Raiders went up big to start the game. They scored a touchdown on their opening drive for the fifth time this season, tying them with Denver for most in the NFL (Elias). Then they went on to give up 17 unanswered points and fell behind heading into the half.

Once again, the Raiders relied on their defense to produce scoring opportunities. The offense inherited two red-zone opportunities in the first quarter: a fumble and a Nick Roach interception gave the Raiders the ball on Houston's 16-yard line twice, and all of the Raiders' 14 first-half points came off turnovers generated by their defense.

On the day, the offense mustered just one respectable scoring-drive-- a 73-yard sequence that took only 2:21 of time off the clock-- and went a dismal 5-18 on third-down conversions, including 7 three-and-outs. They punted the ball eleven times, and had 8 drives that failed to travel over 5 yards. One punt was returned for a touchdown.

And yet, after a narrow victory over a team that has now lost 8 straight games, I'm here to tell you that the Raiders played one of their best games of the season and have much to build on going forward.

I know, it shocked me too.

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

One of the biggest surprises on the day was the performance of undrafted rookie QB Matt McGloin. The Penn State product threw for three touchdowns and led the team to its first road victory of the season. He took advantage of the short field provided by the defense and threw strikes of 16, 5, and 26 yards for scores, and did not turn the ball over once.

He threw accurately, he utilized a quick release, and most impressively, he demonstrated excellent pocket presence, a concept so foreign of late that I hardly remember how to spell it.

McGloin started in place of injured QB Terrelle Pryor, who remained in Oakland to nurse a sprained knee and an unspecified "illness". That sickly feeling likely moved from his head to his stomach as Pryor watched his replacement flourish where he has faltered, giving rise to an interesting QB controversy in the East Bay.

Coach Dennis Allen refused to immediately comment on the starter moving forward. “Listen, here’s what I’m going to do – I’m going to enjoy this win," he said in the post-game conference. "We’re going to go back and we’ll evaluate, but (McGloin) definitely did a very good job today."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, Houston was starting an undrafted QB of its own, Case Keenum. The hometown rookie had played well in his previous three starts and entered the game against Oakland having thrown 7 TDs and 0 interceptions. The Texans lost each of those games, but after losing RB Arian Foster, LB Brian Cushing, and Head Coach Gary Kubiak, you can hardly blame the quarterback for the team's inability to win games. Houston had already lost 4 straight before Keenum took over in Week Seven.

However, the biggest surprise of the day came when Coach Gary Kubiak decided to pull the rookie in favor of former starter Matt Schaub.

(AP Photo/Patric Schneider)

The embattled QB has struggled this season, setting an NFL record by throwing interceptions that were returned for touchdowns in 4 straight games before injuring his ankle at home against the Rams. The Houston fans cheered when he was knocked out of the game, only to see his replacement, TJ Yates, continue the notorious streak by throwing an interception on the 2-yard line that was returned 98 yards for a score.

The move puzzled many, as Keenum has brought the most life to the offense of all three Houston quarterbacks. He had thrown for 170 yards and a touchdown before being benched in the third quarter after three consecutive three-and-outs. Schaub entered the game and led the Texans to the red zone three times, each time stalling inside the 15 and resulting in zero touchdowns for Houston.

Matt Schaub finished the game with 155 yards, 0 TDs, and a whole lot of quackers. He completed less than half of his passes on the day, and when he had the Texans two yards from victory, failed again to score and nearly threw an interception in the end zone. The incompletion resulted in a turnover on downs anyway, but that was no consolation to WR Andre Johnson, who expressed his discontent to the veteran QB after the drive was over, and walked off the field with about a minute to go in the game.

On the season, Schaub has thrown more interceptions (9) than touchdowns (8), while his rookie replacement has 8 TDs and just 1 interception, which was not even returned for a score. After an unbelievably disappointing season, I would believe that some big changes are in store for Houston.

(Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images)

The Raiders defense played exceptionally well against the Texans and did everything they could to contribute to Houston's frustrations. Aside from the 2 turnovers in the first quarter, Oakland's defense forced 9 punts, 7 of which followed three-and-outs. Twelve Houston drives lasted 5 plays or less, and in the second half the Texans managed just six points on two field goals.

The Raiders also stopped Matt Schaub and the Texans when it counted most. Desperate for a comeback, Houston mounted three fourth-quarter drives that reached the red zone, only to be stopped at the  8-, the 12-, and the 2-yard line by a resilient Raiders defense.

Charles Woodson aka "Old Man Raider" was a fundamental contributor to the resounding defensive effort. The 37-year-old stripped TE Garrett Graham in the first quarter and stonewalled RB Ben Tate on the 2-yard-line on what would have been the game-wining drive. The blow was so forceful it jarred the ball loose and left Woodson dazed on the ground, but on the whole was less surprising than it was nostalgic; the 16-year veteran has led by example all season long and provided the figurative spark for his team on many occasions.

Woodson's hit prevented the go-ahead TD (George Bridges)

With the win, the Raiders have moved within one game of the final AFC wild-card spot. None of their next three opponents have winning records, and the Raiders will host the Titans next week with a lot of momentum on their side.

At 4-6, Oakland cannot afford many more losses if they hope to make the playoffs. Two of their last three games come against Kansas City and Denver, but both are to be played in Oakland.

So, after an impressive outing in Houston, the Oakland Raiders still have many questions unanswered.

Can the Raiders sustain their success and reach the playoffs for the first time since their 2002 Super Bowl campaign? After another strong performance, should Jennings supplant McFadden when (or rather, IF) he gets healthy again? Will a healthy offensive line transform an inconsistent offense?

And, oh yeah, about that starting quarterback...

Don't worry, Raiders fans, the answers are in store for us shortly. So too, I would guess, are a few more surprises.

Week Eleven Pick-Em

(Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)

Picks in CAPS. Revisited comments in Italics.

Baltimore at CHICAGO
Jay Cutler will miss the game with an ankle injury suffered last week, and that is exactly why I am picking the Bears. Chicago has looked better with backup QB Josh McCown at the helm, and I expect them to continue playing well together against a mediocre Baltimore team.

McCown statline: 216, 1 TD, 0 INT. Bears win. 1-0! 

NEW YORK JETS at Buffalo
Geno and the Jets will break their roller-coaster pattern and win their second game in a row in Buffalo. EJ Manuel will play in his second game back from injury, but will be missing his number one and two receivers, Steve Johnson and Robert Woods. The Bills will limp into their bye next week with a loss.

Damn you, Geno Coaster! Jets lose big 37-14. 1-1. 

Cleveland at CINCINNATI
This has the potential to be the quietest great game of the season, as the Browns seem to be clicking with Jason Campbell at QB. Their defense is making a case to be regarded as one of the best in the league, and AJ Green will have his hands full all day with CB Joe Haden. However, the division-leading Bengals will bounce back from back-to-back OT losses with a win at home against the Browns.

AJ Green held to SEVEN yards, but Cinci still won. 2-1! 

Washington at PHILADELPHIA
Chip Kelley's offense finally looks to be clicking. Nick Foles has thrown for 10 TDs and 0 INTs in his last two games alone, and the Eagles have moved into a tie for first place with Dallas in the NFC East. Although Philadelphia has lost 10 straight home games, I have them shocking their fans with a win on Sunday over Washington and its 26th ranked passing defense.

Foles throws for 298, but no TDs, and still not INTs. 3-1! 

DETROIT at Pittsburgh
All aboard the bandwagon! I'm taking Matty Stafford and Megatron to take down the underachieving Steelers. Detroit is playing like a hungry team, and after missing the playoffs last year with an 8-game losing streak, they have their eyes set on a return to the playoffs. They'll improve their chances of winning the division with win on Sunday.

Never bet on Jim Schwartz. 3-2. 

Atlanta at TAMPA BAY
The Bucs are no longer winless, and if they beat the Falcons on Sunday, they will have the same exact record. That is how poor the Falcons have played this season. QB Mike Glennon has looked decent, but has been aided by a sneaky good running-game (which is now down to third-string RB Bobby Rainey) and a surprisingly solid Bucs defense. I expect Atlanta to be thwarted yet again when the travel to Tampa to face the Bucs.

Wowzers the Falcons are terrible. 41-28, and the score doesn't do it justice. 4-2! 

ARIZONA at Jacksonville
The Cardinals' quest for a wild-card berth will be aided with a win against the Jags. Fans of Arizona are no doubt hoping for a 49ers loss in New Orleans, as they would move into a tie for second with San Francisco and increase their odds of returning to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. The Jags got a win last week; I hope they had enough time to savor it.

Jacksonville is terrible, but still it was hard to pick the Cardinals. Paid off this time. 5-2! 

Oakland at HOUSTON
Terrelle Pryor will miss the game with a sprained knee, Darren McFadden will miss the game with whatever his injury is this time, and the Raiders will miss both of them as their offense struggles against the Texans. Houston will see its head coach, Gary Kubiak, return after collapsing during the game against the Colts. QB Case Keenum has played well in all of his two starts, losing by three points in each game, but will get his first victory as a starter today at home.

I only picked them to lose so they would win... 5-3. 

Afternoon Games

San Diego at MIAMI
After an embarrassing nationally-televised loss to the winless teams, I expect the Dolphins to rebound at home against the Chargers. San Diego has a history of losing on the east coast and losing crucial games toward the end of the season that cost them the playoffs, and I have gotten so used to the trend that I expect nothing less. Keep your eye on Phillip Rivers, because I think he is in for a long day, and there are bound to be some entertaining temper tantrums on the sidelines.

Hahahahahahaha Chargers. I love it. 6-3! 

San Francisco at NEW ORLEANS
Drew Brees will be slowed by a strong San Francisco defense, but not impeded enough to suffer the loss at home. Kaepernick and the 49ers look to get back on track against a mediocre Saints defense, and will have much success in the running game, but will be unable to keep pace with Drew Brees, and the Saints will escape with a narrow victory.

Narrow victory indeed. Hartley kicked the winning FG as time expired. 7-3! 

GREEN BAY at New York Giants
Run the ball! That's all the Packers have to do to leave the Meadowlands with the win on Sunday. That formula eluded them last week, but by now, hopefully someone has relayed the message to third-string QB Scott Tolzein, who will start the first game of his career on Sunday. The Giants have played well for the past three games, but obviously didn't play well for their first 6, as they are currently 3-6. I expect them to lay another egg on Sunday and miss a chance to beat an injury-plagued Packers team.

GB tallied 55 rushing yards and a loss. 7-4. 

Minnesotta at SEATTLE
The Vikings are fresh off a win and I hope they enjoyed it while it lasted. They travel to one of the loudest stadiums to face one of the best teams, and stand little chance of winning. WR Percy Harvin will play his first game for the Seahawks, and it will come against his former team. Look for his number to be called all afternoon, as Seattle will look to take advantage of yet another explosive weapon on offense.

Easy pick. 8-4!

Kansas City at DENVER
*Sunday Night*
The Broncos will finally bring the Chiefs down to earth. The KC offense will struggle for most of the game, while Peyton Manning will move the team up and down at will, and the Chiefs will drop their first game of the season. The teams face each other again in two weeks, in Kansas City, and the division winner will likely be decided by the outcome of those two crucial games.

Closer than I thought it would be, and I'm definitely taking KC in the next meeting. 9-4! 


NEW ENGLAND at Carolina
*Monday Night*
Carolina's great run will come to an end against the Pats. The Patriots are finally getting healthy and will need to start clicking before the playoffs arrive. A quality win against a quality team will help them get their act together just in time.

New England at CAROLINA!
When I wrote this earlier I thought NE was at home. The Pats are off the bye, but I can't NOT root for the Panthers, especially because I need them to stop Gronk or I will lose my fantasy match-up.

Caaaaaam! Won the game, won my fantasy game, and ended 10-4 this week!