Written by Brendon Donohoe
Sunday wasn’t a good day for more than a few NFL players. Le’Veon Bell tore his MCL, Steve Smith tore his Achilles, Ricardo Lockette suffered a terrifying concussion, and that’s just a small handful of the amount of injuries that occurred Sunday. Some of these guys are out for a week, others for the season, but for the teams pushing for the playoffs, they have to keep soldiering on. Raaaaah.
Detroit Lions – 10, Kansas City Chiefs – 45
Yet another quality NFL game in London……..I need a sarcasm font.
Charcandrick West did his best to channel Jamaal Charles again, Alex Smith continues to be the definition of a game manager, Matthew Stafford put in another subpar performance, and we continue to feel bad for Calvin Johnson. Wouldn’t say this was the best game of the week.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 23, Atlanta Falcons – 20
The Falcons have no one to blame but themselves. For the second time in three weeks, the Falcons cost themselves the game due to turnovers. I originally thought this team was a lock for the playoffs, but if this trend continues then there will be a real chance this team doesn’t see the postseason yet again.
As for Tampa, it was good see Jameis put in another solid performance. Nothing special, but he did enough in the win. However, the real story for the Bucs came on the defensive side by Kwon Alexander. The rookie out of LSU had the game of his life after finding out that his brother had been killed less than 48 hours prior. Absolutely incredible.
Arizona Cardinals – 34, Cleveland Browns – 20
Another valiant effort by the Browns and Gary “Barnkowski”, but the Cardinals are just too good. Outside of the turnovers, the Cardinals played an all-around great game. Don’t be surprised if this team is playing in February.
San Francisco 49ers – 6, St. Louis Rams – 27
Todd Gurley is an absolute beast. In just his first season, Gurley already looks like one of the best running backs in the NFL.
Though, as great as Gurley is, I want to talk about the 49ers. In what may have been the most dumbfounding injury of the day, Reggie Bush looks like he will be sitting out the rest of the year after slipping and falling in front of a wall covered with a photo of Brian Quick. There is a real short list of players I could think of that happening to, and Reggie is right near the top. Oh, and the 49ers miscues don’t end there. Colin Kaepernick wins the award for dumbest decision of the week.
That would be reason #14 why Colin Kaepernick is no longer welcome in San Fran.
New York Giants – 49, New Orleans – 52
Game of the week, and it isn’t even close. Eli and Brees had a duel for the ages, but Brees record breaking 7 TD game narrowly got the Saints the win. The Eli-Odell connection was incredible as well, but Brees was not going to lose Sunday. However, it wasn’t all smiles and high-fives Sunday for the Saints. Running back Khiry Robinson suffered a gruesome leg injury, and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about it.
Minnesota Vikings – 23, Chicago Bears – 20
The matchup featured a battle of two star wideouts. In the Bears corner there was Alshon Jeffrey, who for the second straight week showed us that he is back with a vengeance. In the Vikings corner there was Stefon Diggs, who has had a meteoric rise to star receiver. It was a hard fought battle, but there is a reason the Vikings are now 5-2, and the Bears are now 2-5.
On a side note, Matt Forte suffered a leg injury in the game, but it does not appear to be season ending one.
San Diego Chargers – 26, Baltimore Ravens – 29
In what should have been joyous day for the Ravens, instead is a very depressing one. Steve Smith Sr. tore his Achilles Sunday, ending his season, and possibly his career. Smith had already mentioned this was going to be his last season, but this is a terrible way to end things. I hope to see Smith back for another year, but if not, he has had one hell of a career.
Chargers also suffered their fair share of injuries Sunday. Actually, they suffered an egregious amount of injuries Sunday. King Dunlap, Corey Liuget, Stevie Johnson, Keenan Allen, and Ladarious Green all left the game due to injury. Thankfully, none of the injuries appear serious.
Boy, this is getting depressing. This article needs an injection of happiness. Here’s Justin Tucker after hitting the game winning field goal.
Cincinnati Bengals – 16, Pittsburgh Steelers – 10
This should be about how the Bengals keep on winning, and are in the midst of arguably the best season in team history. Instead this is about how arguably the League’s best running back is now done for the season. With Big Ben back, the Steelers were supposed to get back on track towards their championship hopes, but instead they have been derailed once again. Le’Veon Bell tore his MCL early in the game and is expected to miss the remainder of the season. Hopefully we will see Le’Veon back at full strength next season.
Tennessee Titans – 6, Houston Texans – 20
J.J. Watt is a beast, but what else is new?
New York Jets – 20, Oakland Raiders – 34
Guess what happens when Ryan Fitzpatrick gets hurt, and Geno Smith plays? If you went with “the Jets will suck and lose,” you were right! Somehow the Jets got worse in every phase of football while Geno was in the game. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but it happened.
Seattle Seahwaks – 13, Dallas Cowboys – 12
Ricardo Lockette suffered the most terrifying injury of arguably the year. It appears that Lockette suffered a concussion, but it could have been so much worse than that. Lockette was on the field for nearly 10 minutes, but thankfully had full motion in his extremities after leaving the game. Hopefully he will be back in a couple of weeks.
As for the game, it was nothing spectacular. Dez Bryant returned from injury, but Matt Cassel was the QB, so…..ya……The Seahawks continue to just not look that great. Yes, they got the win, but winning by one point against this Cowboys team does not inspire a lot of confidence. It is hard to envision this team as a Super Bowl favorite.
Green Bay Packers – 10, Denver Broncos – 29
Hey guys! Peyton’s back!
For the past week, the word around town was that Peyton was done. I guess Peyton got the memo and proceeded to get a dominant win against one of the best teams in the NFL. I’m not saying the Peyton of old walked through those doors, but it was nice to see some vintage Peyton.
As for Rodgers, his MVP campaign definitely stumbled against what very well may be, the best defense in the NFL.
BONUS ROUND
MNF Record: 4-2
Indianpolis Colts – 24, Carolina Panthers – 30
I thought the Colts to be a Super Bowl contender going into the season, but it is hard to trust Luck and Pagano right now. The Panthers on the other hand look like a team prepared to make noise in the postseason. I have the Panthers winning game that will appear closer than it actually was.
Come back next week for the Week 9 recap.
