Recap – Week 10

 

Carolina Panthers v Pittsburgh Steelers

21-52

Big Ben‘s 75 yard touchdown pass to Juju Smith-Schuster on the Steelers’ first play from scrimmage set the blistering tone. Just to stoke the flames some more Vince Williams returned an interception for 17 yards to extend the home side’s score. Pittsburgh scored on all but one of their first half possessions en route to scoring 31 points before the break.

The Steelers kept Roethlisberger sidelined for most of the fourth quarter after he completed 22 of 25 passes for 328 yards and five touchdowns. His 88% completion on the night set a new franchise record.

The Panthers’ defense had a torrid night. Big Ben, Antonio Brown and Smith-Schuster exposed their weaknesses. Pittsburgh’s offensive line kept their QB fresh by becoming a brick wall around him, allowing him to pick apart Carolina from the pocket. Whilst the O-line imposed it’s physical powers on the Panthers, their wide receivers ran circles around them. Brown tallied six catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, he now has 1+ receiving TD in seven straight games. Smith-Schuster scored on one of three receptions for a total of 90 yards and tight end Vance McDonald had four catches for 44 yards and a TD. The game saw the most points ever scored by the Steelers at Heinz Field.

To add to their defensive woes, the Panthers saw safety Eric Reid ejected late in the third quarter for a hit on Big Ben. The shot saw his shoulder drill the QB’s helmet on a slide. There was a short altercation between the teams after the Steeler’s offensive line went to confront Reid after the hit. After the game the safety told media “My job is to tackle the person with the ball and that was all I was trying to do…. They ruled that I was targeting, which I disagree with….I told him, obviously, I wasn’t trying to hurt him…..And he said there’s no hard feelings.” Reid apologized to Roethlisberger and shook his hand before he left the field.

Christian McCaffrey was the lone bright star for the Panthers. The second-year running back put in an incredible individual performance, even if it was overshadowed by the thrashing handed to them. The 22-year-old finished with 138 yards from scrimmage, tallying 77 yards on 14 carriers and a TD in addition to 61 yards and two touchdowns on five catches. His ability to be a dynamic playmaker on Carolina’s offense played a big part in fueling the team’s four-game winning streak prior to Thursday’s disaster.

As for the rest of the offense, Pittsburgh’s physical dominance extended to them too. They sacked Cam Newton five times and pressured him almost constantly. The QB’s pick-six in the first quarter came after he threw a last-gasp pass out of the end zone in order to avoid giving up a safety, I’m sure with hindsight he’d have happily taken the -2pt score. He later avoided potential disaster when a hit by T.J. Watt resulted in a fumble which was pounced upon by his ever-reliable running back, McCaffrey. The Black and Yellow defense limited the playmaker to 23/29 for 193 yards and two touchdowns, just a week after he had his way with the Buccaneers, he just simply didn’t get the protection he needed to mount a comeback.

Ben Roethlisberger now has a 16-3 record in Primetime games since 2014.
Up Next:

Panthers v Lions – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

Steelers v Jags – Sunday November 18th (8:20pm)

 

Miami Dolphins v Green Bay Packers

12-31

The Packers finally leaned on Aaron Jones, the explosive running back rewarded Mike McCarthy with a career high 145 rushing yards on 15 carries, for 9.7 yards per carry and two scores. Jones chipped in 27 yards on three receptions. In the first half he accounted for 128 of Green Bay’s 207 total yards. His quick step allowed him to race through the Dolphins defense. His 67 yard run set up the Packers’ second touchdown of the game – a drive in which the 23-year-old accounted for all 71 yards and the score. With the running back on a roll Aaron Rodgers didn’t have to shoulder the load, throwing for just 199 yards and two touchdown passes to Devante Adams (4/57/2).

The Dolphins moved the ball early against the Packers but had to settle for four field goals before Green Bay cracked the game wide open. Miami’s offense was horrendous, a botched snap fumble on the opening drive killed a promising start, they then settled for field goals any time they got within scoring position. The drive that epitomized their day was a 14-play possession that took 7:34 off the clock as they drove inside the 30 yard line, but a sack led to a punt and their chance was wasted.

In Brock Osweiler‘s defense he had little chance to stretch the filed with an offensive line that was missing three of its starters. He took six sacks in the game. The quarterback then tossed a backbreaking interception on a deep route, he doesn’t have the arm to make that kind of difficult throw. Frank Gore was the bright star for the injury-ravaged Dolphins offense, generating 90 yards on 13 carries. Gore also broke an NFL record with 14 straight seasons with 500+ rushing yards.

Green Bay saw victory in a must-win game, the result keeps them in the postseason hunt at 4-4-1 with upcoming matchups against Seattle and Minnesota, which will go a long way in determining how the NFC playoff positions turn out. The Packers need to continue their run to keep pace with the Bears who are currently top of NFC North.

The bye week couldn’t have come at a better time for the Dolphins who desperately need to get healthy after watching a number of players exit with injury – including receivers Jakeem Grant (leg) and DeVante Parker (shoulder). The Fins sit at 5-5 and are still in the thick of a muddled AFC playoff race. They can take their week off and use it to improve both sides of the ball and comeback a stronger team.

Up Next:

Dolphins – Bye week

Packers v Seahawks – Thursday November 15th (8:20pm)

 

New England Patriots v Tennessee Titans

10-34

Tennessee came out of their corner swinging and landing several punches to the Patriots. The defense harassed Tom Brady early and often, pressuring him almost relentlessly, to the point he was unrecognizable, and getting a few breaks with some miscues early on, like Josh Gordon‘s dropped passes for example.

The home side took a 17-3 lead into the second quarter and slowly built from there. It was a team win for the Titans, who outplayed New England on both sides of the ball, threw Tom Brady out of rhythm and attacked with unseen aggression on the offensive side.

Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota was so much better than he was for much of October, he threw with confidence and precision, scrambling for yards when he needed to. He found Corey Davis for a stunning early touchdown, took shots down the sidelines and made every decision with conviction. He and Davis linked up seven times for 125 yards and the touchdown. Mariota also found Jonnu Smith for a touchdown pass.

Injuries wounded the Patriots. At one point they were without both of their starting tackles, forcing LaAdrian Waddle to play on each side at separate points of the game. Gordon‘s finger injury contributed to his handful of early drops and took away his effectiveness for most of the game. To add to their woes Julian Edelman left for the locker room when they were trailing late. Putting that aside though, they were simply outplayed by a team that came into the game hungrier. If these two teams were to meet again though, I doubt the result would be similar.

The Patriots can go into their bye week focusing on getting their main players healthy again and working on both sides of the ball to be the team we saw beat the Packers 31-17.

Post-game Titans player Dion Lewis called his former team “cheap” for not re-signing him in the offseason. Brady‘s response to his old teammate’s claim was a big shrug before stating, “it’s an emotional thing. I think people have different emotional feelings.” Following up with, “Dion had a great career here. It’s hard to see great players go and I know it’s not the first time it’s happened, it has happened to a lot of guys. I am sure when they go to different places they want to beat us, absolutely. I can understand that emotion. We’ve had guys come from other teams and they have wanted to beat that team. It’s just part of the sport”. The veteran QB then gave the Titans credit for beating them.

Up Next:

Patriots – Bye Week 

Titans v Colts – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

 

Detroit Lions v Chicago Bears 

22-34

Matt Nagy’s offseason plan came together in an explosive, entertaining touchdown fiesta in their victory over their division rivals. Mitchell Trubisky had the best game of his career, constantly finding receivers wide open for big plays. He was well protected against a limp Lions pass rush, which allowed him to do a phenomenal job of getting through his progression and tossing laser darts. He completed 14 of 16 passes for 208 yards, two touchdown passes and scored a rushing touchdown, all in the first half.

The home offense was on such a roll that they only got to third down on three occasions the whole of the first half. The second year QB finished with a career high 355 passing yards, three touchdown throws, a rushing TD and 148.6 QB rating. The return of Allen Robinson definitely helped his game, the receiver was no match for the Lions secondary. He burned corners off the line and frequently ran through open space, generating receptions of 36 yards (TD), 35 yards, 27 yards and a 26 yard score. The healthy Robinson, thriving rookie Anthony Miller (5/122/1) and Tarik Cohen added to Trubisky’s constant improvement, the Bears offense is surging into the second half of the season.

Chicago’s defense stuck to the Lions receivers, stopping them from generating even an inch of separation. Vic Fangio’s defense, who lead the league in turnovers, forced three more (2 INTs, 1 fumble) and sacked Matthew Stafford six times. The defensive strength was bolstered by the return of Khalil Mack, who took the QB down twice. Rookie linebacker Roquan Smith continues his impressive run, racking up 10 tackles, one for a loss, a sack and an interception.

Stafford was continually forced to hold the ball and throw into tight windows by the Bears’ D. Sunday’s lackluster performance continued their weekly occurrence of the inability to generate early scores that leads to the Lions falling into a deep hole that they can’t climb out of. Aside from some impressive downfield catches by Kenny Golladay and some chain-moving from Golden Tate, the Lions had no offensive identity.

The win was huge for a Bears team, who are entering a vital three-game stretch, to put a stamp on their claim for the NFC North crown, including a rematch with Detroit on Thanksgiving.

Up Next:

Panthers v Lions – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

Vikings v Bears – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

 

New Orleans Saints v Cincinnati Bengals 

51-14

Drew Brees made more history in Cincinnati. He has moved into second place on the all-time touchdown passes list headed of Hall of Famer Brett Favre. The veteran quarterback wasn’t the only Saints player to make their mark on the NFL record book, Michael Thomas set the record for most career catches through his first 40 games, a mark previously held by Odell Beckham (266).

On a day honoring the nations veterans, it was only fitting the Saints channeled some of their strength, executing plays with military precision en route to their eight successive win, the longest streak in the league. Everything the visitors did seemed to work against an overmatched Bengals defense. New Orleans produced points on their first nine possessions, totaling 509 yards and 33 first downs in the game. They averaged 6.9 yards per play whilst holding a huge 39:46 of possession, compared to the Bengals’ 20:14.

Brees led the charge by completing 22 of 25 passes for 265 yards, three touchdowns and added a 1 yard touchdown run. Thomas paced the receiving game with eight catches for 70 yards and two TDs. Running back Mark Ingram totaled 162 yards (104 rushing) and a touchdown. Alvin Kamara also played his part, totaling 102 yards (56 rushing) and two touchdowns. As a team they totaled 244 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 47 carries. Their improved 8-1 on the season opens a two-game lead over the Panthers in the NFC South.

Saints head coach Sean Payton is finding ways to utilize every player. He uses backup QB Taysom Hill on special teams and as an offensive player, a true weapon. Sunday’s game saw him serviced as a blocker. One of Hill‘s best plays came in the first half, he split wide of the line of scrimmage, and at the snap, Brees connected with Kamra on a screen pass, Hill locked up the Bengals defender and helped seal the edge for Kamara to gain some yardage. No team uses their backup signal-caller like the Saints do.

It was always going to be a tough came for Cincy, entering the game against one of the leagues best offenses, being ranked near the bottom of the league in numerous defensive categories. They just didn’t have an answer to stop the Saints, allowing their opponent to top 500 total yards for a second consecutive game.

The offense didn’t help them out much. Quarterback Andy Dalton completed 12 of 20 passes for just 153 yards and a touchdown. The Saints D picked him off twice and sacked him four times.

 

Up Next:

Eagles v Saints – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

Bengals v Ravens – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

 

Atlanta Falcons v Cleveland Browns

16-28

Baker Mayfield had his best game yet for the Browns. He showed off his arm with some of the craftiest throws we’ve seen from the first-overall pick. He had a perfect first half, completing all 12 of his passes to nine different targets for 165 yards and two touchdowns. The QB was helped by a fantastic performance of fellow rookie Nick Chubb, who slashed the Falcons for 176 yards and repeatedly dragged defenders for gained yardage. Chubb lit the house on fire in the second half when he scored a franchise-record 92 yard touchdown.

Interim coordinator Freddie Kitchens kept the Falcons on their toes with interesting three-back formations with Mayfield under center, tight end lined up behind him and a fluid mixture of clock-eating runs and rapid strike passes. Kitchens appears to have reworked the playbook to give Mayfield quick looks to offset the team’s left tackle situation. This was by far the most complete game so far from this young Browns side, on both sides of the ball.

Atlanta took advantage of Cleveland’s one mistake in the first half, a bad option pass from Dontrell Hilliard that missed Mayfield and fell into the arms of safety Damontae Kazee, who raced 33 yards to set up a quick scoring toss from Matt Ryan to Julio Jones, to build a 10-7 lead. Austin Hooper caught four passes before the QB (38/52, 300 yards, 2TDs) connected with a wideout, the result of a Browns defense that gave the veteran minimal space and time with the ball. Jones piled up 107 yards, but big plays were minimal due to such a strong Browns D.

The Falcons made a game changing mistake at the start of the third quarter when Mohamed Sanu lost the ball whilst stretching for extra yardage after a catch, that set up Mayfield‘s third TD of the day off an 11 yard strike to Duke Johnson for the 21-10 lead.

Atlanta can barely afford another misstep after falling to 4-5 on the season with a rough, road-heavy slate ahead of them, which features tilts against the Cowboys, Saints, Packers and Panthers.

The Browns did enough going in to their bye week to show everyone how much talent they actually have, making it slightly easier for general manager John Dorsey to find a new head coach.

Up Next:

Cowboys v Falcons – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

Browns – Bye week 

 

Jacksonville Jaguars v Indianapolis Colts

26-29

It was definitely a game of two halves for the Colts’ offense and the Jag’s defense. All 29 of Indianapolis’ points came in the first half, their most since 2014. Andrew Luck now joins Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as the only QBs to throw at least three touchdown passes in six consecutive games. The quarterback was helped by a reasonable pass protection who pitched a sack shutout for the fourth straight game.

Eric Ebron has been Luck’s red-zone ‘security blanket’ of late. Against Jacksonville he scored three first half touchdowns, including a 53 yard catch-and-run with an athletic pylon drive to finish the move. Through nine games he has amassed 10 touchdowns and 463 yards from 39 receptions, which is impressive on it’s own, but when you think of the confidence loss he suffered as a result of being let go by the Lions, it’s even more so. He’s now on pace to threaten Rob Gronkowski‘s tight-end record of 18 total touchdowns, set in 2011.

Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles had a much more effective second half, but the Colts hung on to the win, thanks to a forced fumble by Kenny More just as the Jags had reached easy range for a game-tying field goal. The Quarterback can’t be blamed for the latest setback, he played a clean game, which included a nice touch pass to Donte Moncrief for an 80 yard score. Leonard Fournette also contributed to the passing game on his return from injury, with 56 yards on five receptions. He finished with 109 yards and two touchdowns on 29 touches,

The Jags defense, on the other hand, had a torrid game, they were as soft as butter for most of the afternoon, falling prey to blown coverages, pre-snap confusion and avoidable penalties. This defense is a whole world away from the one that finished number one in Football Outsiders’ advanced metrics 12 months ago.

Up Next:

Steelers v Jags – Sunday November 18th (8:20pm)

Titans v Colts – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

 

Arizona Cardinals v Kansas City Chiefs

14-26

The Cardinals started off well, producing one drive 12-play, 75 yard march that ended in a touchdown pass from Josh Rosen to David Johnson. But just when it looked like it could be a great afternoon for Arizona, the usual issues crept back into focus. Rosen was harassed on nearly every play, he was sacked five times, with four coming as result of just a four-man rush. Kansas City logged pressure on 54.5% of dropped passes. If Arizona are to have any good games this season the O-line needs to protect their promising quarterback much better.

Lost in all the negativity was Johnson, who rushed 21 times for 98 yards and a touchdown. He also led the Cardinals’ receiving game with seven grabs for 85 yards and another touchdown. He wasn’t a game breaker but he was the clear focal point of the offense for the first time in a long time.

The Cardinals deserve so much credit for being the first opposing unit to play as if they’d actually studied the Chiefs’ game. They blew up a few staples of K.C.’s offense throughout the gave, like a shovel pass to Travis Kelce who ran into a brick wall of defenders, even a hurdle attempt to Kareem Hunt was stopped dead in its tracks.

In what was probably Kansas City’s least impressive performance of the season, Patrick Mahomes completed 21 of 28 for 249 yards and two touchdowns. A win is still a win though and it keeps them top of the NFC West on 9-1.

Up Next:

Raiders v Cardinals – Sunday November 18th (4:05pm)

Chiefs v Rams – Monday November 19th (8:15pm)

 

Buffalo Bills v NY Jets

41-10

The 3-7 Bills unleashed the offensive beast on the Jets. With Matt Barkley making his first NFL start since 2016 to fill in for the injured Josh Allen at quarterback, the Bills looked like they’d been taken from another footballing dimension. The starting QB was signed on just 13 days ago.

If you can believe it, the Bills actually leapt to a 31-3 halftime lead. LeSean McCoy looked like his 2011 self. It was the kind of attack that left the Jets’ secondary throwing their arms around in frustration, frequently, whilst also showing Buffalo fans that Week 3’s performance against the Vikings might not have been a fluke after all.

The new QB made an immediate impact, connecting on a 47 yard throw to Robert Foster on the first play from scrimmage before McCoy ran in for his first touchdown of the season. After that Barkley completed 15 of 25 passes for 232 yards and two touchdowns, to cap off an impressive performance. It was a very inspiring showing from the player who didn’t even manage a snap during his time with the Cardinals, or the one who lost the Bengals’ backup QB job to Jeff Driskel over the summer. All things considered the fans no longer have to worry so much about the timeline of Allen‘s injury.

The Jets’ passing defense entered the game ranked 13th in the league and looked completely lost in the first half against a Bills side that ranks last in passing. Zay Jones and Foster caused chaos throughout the game with Jones finishing with eight catches for 93 yards and a touchdown. Foster added 105 yards on three catches. They surrendered 41 points to a Bills team who only scored 96 through the first nine weeks.

The Jets gave up a total of 212 yards on the ground with their D-line giving up big runs to McCoy throughout the game. Offensively they were just as bad. Josh McCown, who filled in for injured starting QB Sam Darnold, couldn’t string drives together for a team that went 1 for 12 on third downs. His numbers proved why he was a back-up completing just 17 of 34 passes for 135 yards and two interceptions.

Up Next:

Both on bye week 

 

Washington Redskins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

16-3

Despite 501 total yards offensively, Tampa were held to just a single field goal, that’s the most yardage ever accumulated by a team limited to just three points. Their offense downfalls were two lost fumbles, a pair of missed field goals in conjunction with five pointless drives into the red zone and two interceptions, one of which was caught beautifully by the diving Josh Norman on the edge of the end zone.

Alex Smith put in another measured performance for the Redskins. He finished the game with 19 of 27 passes for 178 yards and a touchdown. He threw some laser darts, including a lovely 6 yarder to Josh Doctson in the fourth quarter to put the game to bed.

It was a strong effort from the quarterback who was working with some new offensive faces due to injuries. Adrian Peterson had a more subdued game than most this season, finishing with 68 yards from 19 carries. Dustin Hopkins provided the bulk of the scoring, kicking a pair of 43 yard field goals and adding a 26 yarder.

 

Up Next:

Texans v Redskins – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

Buccaneers v Giants – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

 

LA Chargers v Oakland Raiders

20-6

Whilst all eyes are on the other LA team, the Chargers are taking care of business, proving themselves and working toward the goal of competing in the post season. The Bolts won their sixth consecutive game, despite being held to their first scoreless quarter of the season by Oakland.

Running back Melvin Gordon proved himself worthy to battle Todd Gurley for the best RB in LA title. He totaled 165 yards on 23 touches and beat numerous Raiders on his game sealing 66 yard touchdown catch-and-run. If that wasn’t impressive enough Gordon broke at least three tackles on fourth-and-1 in the second quarter to gain two yards, to extended what would be LA’s first scoring drive.

Coming off their bye week the Oakland defense looked it’s most complete all season, though that doesn’t really say a lot. They held LA to their lowest point total this year and allowed a season-low 335 total yards, due to an improved pass rush and interior line play with less disastrous coverage. They may have only sacked Philip Rivers once but, Maurice Hurst, Shilique Calhoun and Clinton McDonald applied a good level of pressure throughout the game. The defense might not be the complete package yet but they’re trying to make it work.

Now the defense has improved, Derek Carr and his sluggish offense need to start doing their part. The Raiders made five trips inside the Chargers’ 30 yard line on Sunday but only came away with six points. The last quest toward the end zone ended when the quarterback threw an attempted screen pass into the turf on fourth-and-five with just five minutes left in the final period of play, whilst two scores down. To make matters worse for an already failing offense they lost Martavis Bryant to a likely season-ending knee injury, limiting Carr’s options going forward.

Up Next:

Broncos v Chargers – Sunday November 18th (4:05pm)

Raiders v Cardinals – Sunday November 18th (4:05pm)

 

Seattle Seahawks v LA Rams

31-36

After being limited to 79 total yards by the Saints, Todd Gurley was back. The elite running back pounded out 120 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, whilst manufacturing chunk plays, averaging 7.5 yards per carry. He also produced 40 yards receiving on three catches. To top his afternoon off he placed himself among some of the NFL’s best by scoring a touchdown in his 10th straight game of the season.

Jared Goff completed 28 of 39 passes for 318 yards and two TDs. He topped the 300 yard passing mark for the sixth time this season. Brandin Cooks owned the receiving game with 10 catches for 100 yards, whilst Robert Woods chipped in with four catches for 89 yards. The Rams offense lost Cooper Kupp with a knee injury, but not before he totaled five catches for 39 yards.

The Rams’ defense gave up ridiculous penalties, like Dante Fowler‘s 15 yard facemark penalty and a 15 yard unsportsmanlike infraction, which he made up for with a big strip-sack on Russell Wilson, ultimately recovering the loose ball at Seattle’s 9 yard line. They took advantage of the turnover right away when Cooks sprinted in to the end zone on a sweep to give LA a 36-24 cushion.

Despite the loss the Seahawks put together 273 yards on the rushing game, marking the sixth successive week the offense has had 150+ yards on the ground. Rookie Rashaad Penny totaled a career-high 108 yards rushing and added a touchdown on 12 carries. Quarterback Wilson completed 17 of 26 passes for 176 yards and three touchdowns, whilst rushing nine times for 92 yards.

The game set the precedent for next week’s heavyweight matchup in Mexico between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Rams. The head-to-head between the 9-1 teams will make for a very entertaining Monday Night Football.

 

Up Next:

Packers v Seahawks – Thursday November 15th (8:20pm)

Chiefs v Rams – Monday November 19th (8:15pm)

 

Dallas Cowboys v Philadelphia Eagles

27-20

Dallas survived a fourth quarter scoring onslaught and last moment red-zone push to pull level with the defending Super Bowl champs in the standings, mainly due to Ezekiel Elliot and great defensive plays from their youngest players.

Quarterback Dak Prescott had one of his most efficient games of the season but Dallas moved the chains best when Elliot was the carrier. The running back charged for a near-season-high 151 rushing yards and scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns to complete their season-saving win. The 23-year-old huddled over defensive backs and hit holes with ease, playing with the spirit of his rookie season.

On the other side of the ball Leighton Vander Esch and Jaylon Smith made everyone forget about Sean Lee, filling in dutifully for the injured captain. Vander Esch‘s game-high 13 tackles and his first career interception were products of sideline-to-sideline hustles and impeccable speed. The rookie’s best play of the night came on third-and-2 with Philly driving to tie the game late on. He beat two Eagles blockers to reach Corey Clement for a five yard loss. Philadelphia turned the ball over on downs on the following play and saw their last-gasp six-play drive come up nine yards too short.

Philly’s Carson Wentz finished with 360 passing yards and two touchdowns. His connection with Zac Ertz was strong, the tight end racked up a season-high 14 receptions for 145 yards and two scores. Their offensive downfall came on the running game, they couldn’t find one, calling just 16 rushing plays for 46 passing.

 

Up Next:

Cowboys v Falcons – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

Eagles v Saints – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

 

NY Giants v San Fransisco 49ers

27-23

Eli Manning finally stepped up to makes the big plays the Giants so desperately needed. The quarterback completed six of nine passes on New York’s final drive, which resulted in a three-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to Sterling Shepard. He also connected with Odell Beckham for two touchdowns for the first time since week 3 of 2017, though his connection with OBJ and his other receivers was still a little fraught with underthrows, drops and slips.

The defense pressured the Niners  Nick Mullens in just his second prime-time start. The QB threw two interceptions, both of which tipped into the hand of linebacker B.J. Goodson. Even with those interceptions he wasn’t gun-shy over the middle (250 yards), throwing pinpoint passes to Kendrick Bourne and Marquise Goodwin, though he did often put his receivers in compromising positions.

Goodwin took two shots to the head in the space of one minute game time but somehow finished the game better than he’d started, playing a pivotal role in the final march. With 53 seconds left, Mullens almost engineered a game-winning 75-yard drive, but threw one too many passes in the middle of the field with just 18 seconds left. Goodwin was the recipient of that extra pass, but instead of falling to the ground to save time for two more plays, he ran in the direction of the sideline before bailing. Mullens spiked the ball with just a second left but it flew out of the end zone. it was a very close game for the rookie who can add it to experience gained.

Neither team are anywhere near playoff contention, though technically the Giants do still have a sliver of hope. The victory lifts NY out of a tie for worst record in the league with the Raiders (1-8).

Up Next:

Buccaneers v Giants – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

49ers – Bye week 

 

Bye week for Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, Houston Texans &
Minnesota Vikings
Up Next:

Bengals v Ravens – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

Broncos v Chargers – Sunday November 18th (4:05pm)

Texans v Redskins – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

Vikings v Bears – Sunday November 18th (1pm)

 

ALL TIME U.S. EASTERN