Joe's 2010 Final Drive: Week 13

There was almost TOO much drama and surprises to cover from week 13 of the NFL season. One primetime match-up lived up to the billing while the other was over in the first quarter. A Hall of Fame QB continues a horrendous streak while another gets knocked out of the game after one throw. It's time for the Final Drive!

(9-3) New Orleans Saints 34
(2-10) Cincinnati Bengals 30

While the Bengals fought valiantly to take the lead late, their complete inability to run the ball or to stop Drew Brees at any point is the reason they dropped their tenth of the year. Right after seeing the Bengals wipe away his lead, Brees calmly stepped out on the field and marched it right down to the red zone, where Bengal DT Pat Sims decided to give him a gift by jumping off-sides on a fourth and two play that would have never been run. Dumb plays like that are why the Bengals aren’t going to the playoffs and why Marvin Lewis should get fired.

Getty Images

(7-5) Jacksonville Jaguars 17
(5-7) Tennessee Titans 6

So… I think it’s time to take the Jacksonville Jaguars seriously. Well, at least semi-seriously. They absolutely thumped the Titans by running it straight at them with Maurice Jones-Drew, who is quietly having a phenomenal season. Embarrassing a Jeff Fisher run defense is never east, but the Jags found a way and are rewarded with sole possession of the AFC South lead.

(8-4) Kansas City Chiefs 10
(3-9) Denver Broncos 6

When you lose a fugly game like this and are under .500, it’s only a matter of time until you’re on the chopping block. Josh McDaniels didn’t have to wait very long as he was released earlier today. Not to dwell on the negative (no matter how hilarious it is), the Chiefs are making their case for the AFC West title. It’s theirs to lose.

Getty Images/ How condescending...

(5-7) Cleveland Browns 13
(6-6) Miami Dolphins 10

So… what’s going on with Chad Henne? Not being able to watch the game, all I saw online was he “out-Delhomme’d Jake Delhomme.” After catching the highlights and getting the skinny, I’ve decided Henne has reached his ceiling. He hasn’t shown signs of improvement or that his wild inconsistency is being tempered. With as little explosion as the ‘Phins have on offense, they can’t afford a turnover-prone QB. On the Cleveland side of life, Eric Mangini may be saving his job for another with tough gritty wins over solid competition.

(5-7) Minnesota Vikings 38
(2-10) Buffalo Bills 14

After Favre gets knocked out of the game on a play where he’s also picked off, Tarvaris Jackson comes in and gets a win… but tosses three interceptions himself …against the Bills secondary. Zoinks scoob. Leslie Frazier is going to have to lean heavily on that running game to earn that job.

(8-4) New York Giants 31
(5-7) Washington Redskins 7

I hate to say it, but the Redskins needed Albert Haynesworth on Sunday. (The one that actually tries, not the overtly lazy and overpaid version.) The Giants just tore them apart on the ground up the middle and on the perimeter. When they get Brandon Jacobs going, the Giants are nearly impossible to beat.

(6-6) Oakland Raiders 28
(6-6) San Diego Chargers 13

Well the Chargers finally lost a December game. ‘Bout time. I’d like to thank the Raiders for putting it on Norv Turner’s squad by rushing it for 251 yards. Down 21-3 at halftime, the Chargers completely abandoned the run, gaining only 21 yards on eight carries. Good on ya Oakland.

(4-8) Dallas Cowboys 38
(6-6) Indianapolis Colts 35

Okay, this is not the Peyton Manning we’ve come to know and love/hate. He’s forcing the issue more than I’ve ever seen before. These interceptions are ALL on him as far as I’m concerned. He needs to immediately get on the same page with these young receivers if the Colts are going to make any sort of run. For Jason Garrett, he’s slowly winning his case for keeping the Cowboy head coaching gig.

Getty Images/ Where was this offense eight weeks ago?

(10-2) Atlanta Falcons 28
(7-5) Tampa Bay Buccaneers 24

So close. So very close. You have to feel bad for these Bucs, who have come within minutes of sweeping Atlanta this season. It’s not their year, but the Bucs are vastly improved and are still learning how to win. Unfortunately for them the Falcons are done learning and are on their wait to home field in the playoffs. Look out NFC.

(9-3) Pittsburgh Steelers 13
(8-4) Baltimore Ravens 10

Slug. Fest. These contests are always hard-hitting and low scoring. I don’t know why I thought anyone would get to 20 points. All it took was one missed block of Troy Polamalu and the Ravens likely blow their chance at a first round bye or a home game in the playoffs. One missed block. (And an odd sequence as they were driving to tie it up. Why go for it on fourth and call THAT play? So confusing.)

(10-2) New England Patriots 45
(9-3) New York Jets 3

The Jets made way too many mistakes to even keep this close. A red zone pick from Sanchez, bad challenges/lack thereof from Rex Ryan and a defense that couldn’t even slow down Tom Brady all helped the Jets lose this one. To say that was a poor effort would be a massive understatement. For one week, there should be no debate as to who the best team in the AFC is. And that Tom Brady guy? Scary good right now.

No more for tonight! Night everyone!