Joey A's Final Drive: Week 15

Week 15 featured some tremendous divisional games with major playoff implications, while the AFC East contenders all won to reach 9-5, ensuring superb action down the stretch. Last weekends outcomes set up two tremendous contests in week 16 that will be for the top seeds in each conference. The Final Drive of week 15 fills you in.

Atlanta Falcons 13, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10

If the Falcons are going to make it into the playoffs, this will be the win that propelled them. Matt Ryan played one of his worst games of the season, throwing two interceptions against a hard-nosed Tampa defense. Coming to his aid was running back Michael Turner, who posted 152 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Atlanta abused Tampa QB Brian Griese by sacking him four times, three of which came from defensive end John Abraham. Griese filled in for the injured Jeff Garcia, who sat out with a calf injury. If Garcia is out for any significant period of time, it could spell doom for the Bucs’ playoff chances after being in the driver’s seat only a few weeks ago.

Houston Texans 13, Tennessee Titans 12

A fourth-quarter decision by Titans head coach Jeff Fisher to go for it on fourth down instead of letting All-Pro Rob Bironas kick a 49 yard field goal may cost his team the number one seed in the AFC. Into the wind or not, Bironas had made four field goals already on Sunday and should have been called on to give his team the lead. Next week the Titans get a rolling Steelers squad who play the same smash-mouth type of football. Houston has surged late this season, winning their last four contests. Matt Schaub, Andre Johnson, and Steve Slaton are cornerstones of an explosive Texan offense that is no longer the laughing stock of the AFC South. With winnable games against the Raiders and Bears left on their schedule, a 9-7 record is not out of reach for Texas’ second team.

Minnesota Vikings 35, Arizona Cardinals 14

Arizona certainly doesn’t appear to be a legitimate playoff threat anymore. Losing three of their last four has negated any momentum they may have gained by clinching the division. They’ll get a home playoff game, but who wouldn’t want to travel to Arizona in January? This was a game of stark opposites. Minnesota only attempted 17 passes while handing off 44 times. Arizona dropped back to throw a whopping 50 times, but only managed 7 rushes. Minnesota controlled the time of possession behind Adrian Peterson’s 165 yards. Tarvaris Jackson tossed four TD’s out of his eleven completions, as he was able to relax thanks to the Vikings’ dominating ground game. It was a necessary victory to stay ahead of the Chicago Bears who won on Thursday.

Pittsburgh Steelers 13, Baltimore Ravens 9

In such an important match-up where a division title is on the line, it’s such a shame it was decided by instant replay. Santonio Holmes’ catch at the goal line was initially ruled down at the 3 inch line or so, but was subject to a booth review where it was apparently clear enough to be called a touchdown. The replays are inconclusive at best, and are not even close to providing the “indisputable evidence” that NFL rules state are needed to overturn a field ruling. Pittsburgh would have faced a fourth down had the original call stood, forcing a key decision by Mike Tomlin to either go for the win or the tie. Joe Flacco completed only 11 of his 28 pass attempts and threw two interceptions, proving why the Steeler defense is ranked number one in the NFL. Baltimore still has a good shot at the post-season, but they’re behind Indianapolis and tied with the three 9-5 teams in the AFC East. They’ll need to win out and get some help.

Dallas Cowboys 20, New York Giants 8

This upset win will provide some much needed levity in a drama-filled Dallas locker room. After the rift the developed because of T.O.’s impression of Tony Romo and Jason Witten’s friendship, all three superstars joined up for a post-game interview on Sunday night football. Dallas has won three of their last four, solidifying the probability that we will see the Cowboys in the post-season. Even without a healthy Marion Barber, Dallas gained 100 yards on only 21 rush attempts, out-gaining the normally ground-oriented Giants. Eli Manning was picked off twice and out-gunned by Romo, who went 20 of 30 with two touchdowns. The Giants have inexplicably lost two straight and against NFC East rivals to boot. They’ll get a chance to redeem themselves against Carolina this weekend as they can grab hold of the number one seed in the NFC.