It was an odd but exciting weekend in the NFL; we saw both New York squads score 14 and lose as well as thrilling division upsets in the NFC South and NFC East. Let’s get to the best of week 14 in the latest edition of the Final Drive.
New Orleans Saints 29, Atlanta Falcons 25
The Saints aren’t exiting the NFC South playoff hunt without a fight. Matt Ryan of the Falcons may have been the better quarterback on the field, but Drew Brees had a better running game backing him up. New Orleans racked up 184 yards rushing thanks to 102 yards from Pierre Thomas and 80 from the now healthier Reggie Bush. Atlanta still has a shot at a wild card spot since Dallas lost, but they didn’t do themselves any favors.
Philadelphia Eagles 20, New York Giants 14
The Giants’ schedule in the second half of the season was too rough to go undefeated, but I’m sure they’d prefer not to lose to a surging division rival. Eli Manning was under fifty percent in completion percentage while the Giants converted only 3 of 11 third downs. The Eagles physically asserted themselves by rushing 41 times for 144 yards, going 12 for 18 on third down, and winning the time of possession battle with 35 minutes. Philly needs to win out and get some help, but their post-season hopes aren’t dashed yet.
San Francisco 49ers 24, New York Jets 14
When Shaun Hill out-duels Brett Favre, something is wrong in the world. Something is obviously wrong with the Jets also, who have lost two in a row since beating the Titans and becoming the belle of the AFC ball. The Jets only rushed 12 times total on Sunday, not allowing Thomas Jones to continue his Pro-Bowl caliber production. San Francisco has one three of their last four under Mike Singletary, who may have earned himself a job for 2009. The 49ers fumbled five times during the game but only lost one, proving that a few lucky bounces can go a long way in this league.
Pittsburgh Steelers 20, Dallas Cowboys 13
The Cowboys held a double-digit lead for three quarters over the imposing Steelers, despite four first half turnovers. A final fifth turnover late in the form of a third Tony Romo interception was returned by cornerback Deshea Townsend 25 yards for a touchdown to seal the Pittsburgh comeback. Ben Roethlisberger was sacked five times and was responsible for one of Pittsburgh’s two fumbles, but he still had a better day than Romo. The normally reliable Steeler ground game was stifled by the Cowboys’ defense, only picking up 70 yards and averaging 2.7 yards a carry, but when your defense can pick up five turnovers, you don’t need outstanding offensive output. (Unless you turn it over five times as well, but you get my drift.)
Baltimore Ravens 24, Washington Redskins 10
I’d stop throwing the football anywhere near Ravens safety Ed Reed. With his two interceptions of Jason Campbell Sunday night he may have single-handedly kicked the ‘Skins out of the playoffs while propelling his own team into January. Clinton Portis was on the sidelines for most of the second half, and has since lashed out at head coach Jim Zorn’s decision. The Ravens defense put the All-Pro back on lockdown and forced three turnovers from the normally protective Washington offense. Zorn’s Redskins may end up on the bottom of the NFC East after all. Baltimore is set up perfectly for a post-season berth and will be a dangerous opponent for whoever is unfortunate enough to face them.
Carolina Panthers 38, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23
With a daunting task in the form of the Broncos, Giants, and Saints next on their schedule, beating a main division competitor gives Carolina much-need breathing room. Overcoming two idiotic Jake Delhomme interceptions, the Panthers prevailed behind an outrageous 301 rushing yards from DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. They dominated the Tampa Bay defense in a way that has not been seen in some time. Week 16 could be an interesting match-up with the Giants, as the Panthers could be fighting for the number one seed in the NFC. The Buccaneers are still in line for a wild card slot, but they’ll need to ensure this loss doesn’t derail their momentum going into the playoffs.
