Written by Brendon Donohoe
And then there were three.
The Colts handed the Broncos their first loss, dwindling down the list of undefeated teams to three.
The Patriots, Bengals, and Panthers are all in complete control of their destinies. For the rest of the league, anarchy reigns supreme. Here is your NFL Sunday Week 9 recap.
Green Bay Packers – 29, Carolina Panthers – 37
This was a statement game for both teams. For Carolina, the win cemented their place at the top of the NFC. For Green Bay, the loss shows that this team might not be a championship caliber team. The Packers have lost to two of the three championship caliber teams they have faced so far, and that one win was against a Seahawks team this is not that great this year. The last best chance to prove the doubters wrong will come when the Packers face the Cardinals in week 16.
And stop being so salty Julius Peppers.
Washington Redskins – 10, New England Patriots – 27
There were only two surprising things about this game. Tom Brady threw an interception, and that the Patriots didn’t win by more.
Tennessee Titans – 34, New Orleans Saints – 28
That right there is how you come back from an injury. After missing two games, Marcus Mariota had the best game of his short career. The Titans have no chance of making the playoffs, but the way the young guys are playing is a great sign for the future. The Saints on the other hand had a chance of making the playoffs, but that loss may have distinguished all hope. Losing to the Titans, at home, is an absolute killer. It hurts even more when things like this happen.
On a side note. What’s up with interim coaches turning teams around? Mike Mularkey channeled his inner Dan Campbell, and helped get his team the win. Hopefully he doesn’t go full Dan Campbell and follow up his wins with brutal losses.
Miami Dolphins – 17, Buffalo Bills – 33
Welcome back Tyrod Taylor! The Bills looked like a totally different team with Tyrod at the helm. With weapons like Sammy Watkins, LeSean McCoy, and the returning Karlos Williams, the Bills could make a serious run at a playoff spot.
While Buffalo appears to be bouncing back, Miami might be regressing….again. After two solid wins under interim coach Dan Campbell, the team has had two bad losses to division rivals. The Dolphins playoff chances are officially on life-support.
St. Louis Rams – 18, Minnesota Vikings – 21
This was a matchup of running back titans. On one side, we had the young gun Todd Gurley, who some say is the next Adrian Peterson. On the otherside, we had, well, Adrian Peterson. The battle between old and new went to the veteran, who had a great game against one of the NFL’s best front sevens.
Overall, this was one of the better games on Sunday. However, the big moment was the illegal hit on Teddy Bridgewater. I foresee a fine and a possible suspension in Lamarcus Joyner’s future.
Jacksonville Jaguars – 23, New York Jets – 28
I know now who these Jets are. They are the best of the worst. The best of the worst is the team that always beats bad teams, and usually loses against good teams. Every team the Jets have beaten is below .500, while each of their losses are to team currently .500 or over. Coincidence? I think not.
Oh, and the Jags are still the Jags.
Oakland Raiders – 35, Pittsburgh Steelers – 38
The Oakland Raiders are in the midst of one of their best seasons in a very long time, and their offense has become one of the best in the NFL. However, all the big news in this game came from the Steelers side. First, there is DeAngelo Williams, who showed he is more than capable to fill in for Le’Veon Bell. Second, there is Antonio Brown, who had one of the best games by a wide receiver….ever. I’m just shocked he didn’t score a touchdown. Last, there is Big Ben, who is once again injured. Thankfully, the injury wasn’t anything serious, and is only expected to miss 2-3 weeks.
New York Giants – 32, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – 18
Looking solely at the box score, the only thing that really bounces off the page is the wide receiver dual between Odell Beckham Jr. and Mike Evans. Watching the game however, tells a completely different story. For one, Mike Evans didn’t have nearly as good of a game as his stat sheet says he did. Not only did he lose a fumble, but he also had six drops. Six! That’s the most drops in a game in 10 years. On the Giants side, there was the return of JPP, who looked halfway decent. Expect JPP so notch his first sack of the season sooner than later.
Atlanta Falcons – 16, San Francisco – 17
Oh how the mighty have fallen. After a 5-0 start to the season, the Falcons have gone 1-3 since. However of the three losses, this one is hands down the worst. The Falcons were beaten by Blaine “I’m still in the NFL” Gabbert. I’m not really sure what’s lower than that.
Denver Broncos – 24, Indianapolis Colts – 27
Peyton visited his old stomping grounds one last time, but things did not go the Broncos way. The now 4-5 Colts handed the Broncos their first loss in the season, in a game everyone expected the Broncos to win. With that win, I’m making a semi-bold prediction, and saying the Colts won’t lose again in the regular season.
And hands to yourself Aqib Talib.
Philadelphia Eagles – 33, Dallas Cowboys – 27
No matter how bad or how good the NFC East is, the divisional games are always great. The Eagles won it in overtime, and are now 3-1 in their last 4 games. More importantly though, Matt Cassel did not suck in this game. Good job Matt!
Matt Cassel AND Blaine Gabbert started and played well Sunday. Anarchy I say!
BONUS ROUND
MNF Record: 5-2
Chicago Bears – 34, San Diego Chargers – 37
Jay Cutler and Phillip Rivers are about to have themselves a good ole fashion shootout. Both these teams like to lose close games, but I believe the Chargers to be the better team. Chargers by 3.
Come back next week for the Week 10 recap.
