Green Bay, Wis. - It was defense that featured in the battle of quarterbacks at Lambeau Field as a late Patriots drive was stifled and a field goal missed as the Green Bay Packers hold off the New England Patriots 26-21 Sunday.
The Patriots and Packers came into the contest ranked first and second respectively in scoring offense, though it didn't show early.
Or late.
Aaron Rodgers would finish 24-of-38 for 368 yards passing and two touchdowns and is yet to throw an interception at home this season.
He slung a 32 yard score to Richard Rodgers with 8 seconds left in the first quarter, shutting out the visitors 13-0 in the slow-moving opening session.
Green Bay has outscored opponents 79-0 at home in first quarters on the year and today finished the first fifteen minutes outgaining the Patriots 209-32 on total yardage.
New England was held to only 7 points in the second half of play.
And with 43 seconds left in the first half, he darted a pass to Jordy Nelson, who outraced Darrelle Revis and the entire Patriots secondary, across the field, diving for the pylon with Jason McCourty clinged to his back and the 23-14 Packer lead.
Nelson finished with 2 catches for 53 yards for the Packers, who are 6-0 at home.
"Everybody contributed to this win," Rodgers said of his offense, which gained considerably more steam in the middle of the game.
Davante Adams led the Packers receiving with 121 yards on 6 catches, including a 45 yard reception on their first touchdown drive, and Randall Cobb added 85 yards on 7 receptions.
"I said all week they had good skill players," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of the Packers.
"They have good everything."
But Adams would drop a wide open 3rd-and-5 pass late, a sure touchdown, from the Patriots 10 as the Packers went 0-for-4 in the red zone, having previously been ranked 9th in red zone offense.
"We just stalled in the red zone," Rodgers said of the Packers' woes there. "When you're playing a good team like this, you're fortunate to win when you're 0-for-4 in the red zone."
New England, however, finished 3-for-3 inside the 20 today, though it would not be enough as their splendid 7-game winning streak ends in defeat.
After the Packers (9-3) drove 65 yards for a field goal following Adams' drop, Tom Brady had one more chance to secure victory for New England.
He would lead the Patriots 43 yards the other way with extreme difficulty.
And have nothing to show for it.
Brady faced an early 4th-and-5 at midfield, though found Julian Edelman on a quick throw to the right, and again on 3rd-and-7 to Rob Gronkowski under a heavy blitz. LaGarrette Blount (58 yards rushing) charged up the middle through tackles for another first-down.
But Brady was sacked on 3rd-and-9 when Mike Neal and Mike Daniels raced around left end and through the middle, bringing down the quarterback for a 9 yard loss.
"The last defensive play of the game is when we got to him," Daniels said of the sack.
But every story has two sides.
"I hate to take a sack in that situation," Brady said of the play. "I really would have liked to score there."
But score they would not as Steven Gostkowski missed the resulting 47 yard field goal wide right, only his 2nd missed kick on the season after making 13 straight before then.
"I just wish we would have won this one," Brady said afterwards. "We put a lot into this one, and this was a great test for us. I think the guys knew how important this was for our season."
Tom Brady passed for 245 yards in defeat, completing 22-of-35 passes and two touchdowns for the Patriots (9-3). Rob Gronkowski caught 7 balls for 98 yards.
Brandon LaFell caught both scores for New England, from 2 yards late in the first half, and a 15 yarder in the third to bring the visitors within 2 points.
Mason Crosby made 4-of-5 field goals, scoring his career-1,000th point. He missed a 49 yarder in the fourth quarter.
Green Bay outrushed New England 130-84 as Eddie Lacy rushed 21 times for 98 yards for the Packers, who head into the final stretch of the season.
"We have some big goals, and we're getting into December football now with a chance with everything right in front of us," Rodgers said in victory.
Sunday, November 30, 2014
No score in 3rd; Pack lead Pats 23-14
Green Bay, Wis. - There was no score in the third quarter at Lambeau Field as the quarterback-battle between Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady remains stymied at 23-14 in favor of the Packers after three quarters.
Aaron Rodgers converted a 3rd-and-3 with a 9 yard rush to the Patriots 38 on the Packers' first drive in the half, and on 2nd-and-10 found Randall Cobb to the right for a first-down conversion on the Pats 26.
Eddie Lacy was knocked back a yard and Rodgers for 5 more when Chris Jones found the quarterback on a failed scramble in the pocket. Cobb caught the 3rd-and-17 for 12 yards and Mason Crosby missed the resulting 40 yard field goal, his third missed kick on the season.
Though Crosby did score his career-1,000th point in the game.
Eddie Lacy carried on the Packers' next drive, over right end for 14 yards and on 3rd-and-7 found Davante Adams for a 12 yard gainer into Patriots territory.
Brandon Browner batted down a pass for Jordy Nelson after leaping for the ball on 1st-and-15, and on the next play Aaron Rodgers was sacked by Chris Jones, Jones' second hit in Rodgers Sunday, after the quarterback ventured a failed scramble-cum-rush in three different directions before being brought down in the confusion.
The 6 yard loss gave Green Bay a 3rd-and-21, on which Cobb received only 2 yards and the Packers punted for the first time on the afternoon.
Tom Brady resumed play for the Patriots (9-2), though his 2nd-and-6 toss to Brandon LaFell was overthrown. His 3rd-and-6 for Edelman hit the receiver's chest and hit the ground, though Tramon Williams was called for illegal contact against him, giving the Pats a first-down.
Brady connected with Rob Gronkowski on a 19 yarder to midfield with a minute left and Jonas Gray rushed for the first time since scoring four times at the Colts.
Jordy Nelson gave the Packers a 23-14 halftime lead after taking a Rodgers 45 yards, outracing the Patriots' entire secondary for a touchdown with 23 seconds left.
Green Bay (8-3) scored on all five possessions of the first half as Richard Rodgers hauled in a 32 yard touchdown reception with 8 seconds left in the first quarter.
Mason Crosby kicked three times as the Packers went 0-for-3 in the red zone, though came into the contest as the 9th-best red zone offense in football.
Aaron Rodgers converted a 3rd-and-3 with a 9 yard rush to the Patriots 38 on the Packers' first drive in the half, and on 2nd-and-10 found Randall Cobb to the right for a first-down conversion on the Pats 26.
Eddie Lacy was knocked back a yard and Rodgers for 5 more when Chris Jones found the quarterback on a failed scramble in the pocket. Cobb caught the 3rd-and-17 for 12 yards and Mason Crosby missed the resulting 40 yard field goal, his third missed kick on the season.
Though Crosby did score his career-1,000th point in the game.
Eddie Lacy carried on the Packers' next drive, over right end for 14 yards and on 3rd-and-7 found Davante Adams for a 12 yard gainer into Patriots territory.
Brandon Browner batted down a pass for Jordy Nelson after leaping for the ball on 1st-and-15, and on the next play Aaron Rodgers was sacked by Chris Jones, Jones' second hit in Rodgers Sunday, after the quarterback ventured a failed scramble-cum-rush in three different directions before being brought down in the confusion.
The 6 yard loss gave Green Bay a 3rd-and-21, on which Cobb received only 2 yards and the Packers punted for the first time on the afternoon.
Tom Brady resumed play for the Patriots (9-2), though his 2nd-and-6 toss to Brandon LaFell was overthrown. His 3rd-and-6 for Edelman hit the receiver's chest and hit the ground, though Tramon Williams was called for illegal contact against him, giving the Pats a first-down.
Brady connected with Rob Gronkowski on a 19 yarder to midfield with a minute left and Jonas Gray rushed for the first time since scoring four times at the Colts.
Jordy Nelson gave the Packers a 23-14 halftime lead after taking a Rodgers 45 yards, outracing the Patriots' entire secondary for a touchdown with 23 seconds left.
Green Bay (8-3) scored on all five possessions of the first half as Richard Rodgers hauled in a 32 yard touchdown reception with 8 seconds left in the first quarter.
Mason Crosby kicked three times as the Packers went 0-for-3 in the red zone, though came into the contest as the 9th-best red zone offense in football.
Nelson strikes at :23; Pack lead Pats 23-14 at half
Green Bay, Wis. - Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady have traded touchdowns as the Packers lead the Patriots 23-14 at the halftime break in a possible Super Bowl preview Sunday.
Jordy Nelson took a 45 yard catch-and-run pass from Rodgers with 23 seconds left in the first half, outrunning the entire Patriots' secondary, coming across the field and lunging for the pylon with Jason McCourty hanging off his back.
An official review preserved the on-field ruling, Nelson's second catch of the day against 5 targets for 53 yards as the receiver was largely shut down by corner Darrelle Revis until then.
New England responded with a two-touchdown quarter after being shutout 13-0 in the first.
Rob Gronkowski caught a 29 yard pass from Tom Brady on the Patriots' first drive in the second quarter. Brady found Michael Hoomanawanui for 23 more to the Packers 18 and Bolden carried to the Packers 6 on a 12 yard rush.
Bolden finished the job on the 1st-and-Goal play, rushing through the left side and taking a sharp cut in traffic before galloping into the end zone to put New England (9-2) on the board.
The score was his first rushing on the season.
Tom Brady is 12-of-16 on 148 yards passing and a touchdown.
Randall Cobb opened the Packers' second drive, coming from the backfield and racing down the far sideline to snag a 33 yard reception to the Patriots 34. He nearly converted a 2nd-and-4 after breaking a tackle and did convert the resuting 3rd-and-2 on a fake handoff toss right.
With that, the Packers (8-3) entered the red zone. Jordy Nelson and Darrelle Revis did battle for a would-be touchdown catch on a 2nd-and-12 that fell incomplete and Cobb featured again on a quick toss that look a yard shy of the line to gain, but after a measurement was found to be a 1st-and-Goal to the Patriots 8.
Lacy carried over the middle to the 6, and Rodgers' pass to Nelson over the right side fell off the receiver's hands.
Rodgers was sacked by Dont'a Hightower on the 3rd-and-Goal for a 9 yard loss, and Mason Crosby kicked for the third time on the day, from 33 yards and the 16-7 Packer advantage.
And for the third time on the afternoon, the league's 9th-best red zone offense was held.
Rodgers finished the half on 14-of-23 on 282 yards and two touchdowns. Davante Adams has 3 receptions for 90 yards and Randall Cobb snagged 4 catches for 55 yards in the half for Green Bay.
Tom Brady would led the Patriots on their second touchdown drive over 4:45, scoring with 1:09 left in the half, finding Brandon LaFell on a 3rd-and-Goal play from the Packers 2 along the sideline.
The scoring throw was Brady's 23rd touchdown in the red zone this season, the best mark of any passer in football.
Brady's first throw of the drive was touched by Clay Matthews after the linebacker raced around left end and nearly got to the quarterback. But Brady responded on a 12 yard first-down connection to Tim Wright on the next play.
Brady suffered another compromised throw when Morgan Burnett barrelled through the right side, but on the next snap Julian Edelman scampered for 16 yards on a quick-release screen play right to the Pats 49.
Shane Vereen took a Brady pass 26 yards down the far side into the red zone, where the visitors are 14-of-16 recently.
Rob Gronkowski snagged a 3rd-and-3 pass, whizzing past Burnett and shaking off three potential tackles, spinning out of a fourth, on a hard-earned carry as he powered to the Packers 2.
The 1st-and-Goal was pushed back to the 7 after a false start, and Brady was pressured a third time on the drive as his pass went wide. Vereen carried to the 5 on 2nd-down, though the Patriots got back to the 2 after a neutral zone call against the Pack, from which Brady found LaFell for the score.
Facing 1:05, Rodgers rolled out for a 28 yard toss to James Starks and again for Jordy Nelson's first catch on the day, a 9 yarder to the Patriots 43. His 2nd-and-2 pass found him pressured from the pocket and his pass for Nelson batted down by Darrelle Revis.
But Nelson's 45 yarder to end the half regained the 9-point lead for the hosts.
Aaron Rodgers connected with Richard Rodgers on a 32 yard touchdown reception, the quarterback's 31st score this season, with 15 seconds left in the first quarter. He found Davante Adams for 45 yards on the previous snap.
Jordy Nelson took a 45 yard catch-and-run pass from Rodgers with 23 seconds left in the first half, outrunning the entire Patriots' secondary, coming across the field and lunging for the pylon with Jason McCourty hanging off his back.
An official review preserved the on-field ruling, Nelson's second catch of the day against 5 targets for 53 yards as the receiver was largely shut down by corner Darrelle Revis until then.
New England responded with a two-touchdown quarter after being shutout 13-0 in the first.
Rob Gronkowski caught a 29 yard pass from Tom Brady on the Patriots' first drive in the second quarter. Brady found Michael Hoomanawanui for 23 more to the Packers 18 and Bolden carried to the Packers 6 on a 12 yard rush.
Bolden finished the job on the 1st-and-Goal play, rushing through the left side and taking a sharp cut in traffic before galloping into the end zone to put New England (9-2) on the board.
The score was his first rushing on the season.
Tom Brady is 12-of-16 on 148 yards passing and a touchdown.
Randall Cobb opened the Packers' second drive, coming from the backfield and racing down the far sideline to snag a 33 yard reception to the Patriots 34. He nearly converted a 2nd-and-4 after breaking a tackle and did convert the resuting 3rd-and-2 on a fake handoff toss right.
With that, the Packers (8-3) entered the red zone. Jordy Nelson and Darrelle Revis did battle for a would-be touchdown catch on a 2nd-and-12 that fell incomplete and Cobb featured again on a quick toss that look a yard shy of the line to gain, but after a measurement was found to be a 1st-and-Goal to the Patriots 8.
Lacy carried over the middle to the 6, and Rodgers' pass to Nelson over the right side fell off the receiver's hands.
Rodgers was sacked by Dont'a Hightower on the 3rd-and-Goal for a 9 yard loss, and Mason Crosby kicked for the third time on the day, from 33 yards and the 16-7 Packer advantage.
And for the third time on the afternoon, the league's 9th-best red zone offense was held.
Rodgers finished the half on 14-of-23 on 282 yards and two touchdowns. Davante Adams has 3 receptions for 90 yards and Randall Cobb snagged 4 catches for 55 yards in the half for Green Bay.
Tom Brady would led the Patriots on their second touchdown drive over 4:45, scoring with 1:09 left in the half, finding Brandon LaFell on a 3rd-and-Goal play from the Packers 2 along the sideline.
The scoring throw was Brady's 23rd touchdown in the red zone this season, the best mark of any passer in football.
Brady's first throw of the drive was touched by Clay Matthews after the linebacker raced around left end and nearly got to the quarterback. But Brady responded on a 12 yard first-down connection to Tim Wright on the next play.
Brady suffered another compromised throw when Morgan Burnett barrelled through the right side, but on the next snap Julian Edelman scampered for 16 yards on a quick-release screen play right to the Pats 49.
Shane Vereen took a Brady pass 26 yards down the far side into the red zone, where the visitors are 14-of-16 recently.
Rob Gronkowski snagged a 3rd-and-3 pass, whizzing past Burnett and shaking off three potential tackles, spinning out of a fourth, on a hard-earned carry as he powered to the Packers 2.
The 1st-and-Goal was pushed back to the 7 after a false start, and Brady was pressured a third time on the drive as his pass went wide. Vereen carried to the 5 on 2nd-down, though the Patriots got back to the 2 after a neutral zone call against the Pack, from which Brady found LaFell for the score.
Facing 1:05, Rodgers rolled out for a 28 yard toss to James Starks and again for Jordy Nelson's first catch on the day, a 9 yarder to the Patriots 43. His 2nd-and-2 pass found him pressured from the pocket and his pass for Nelson batted down by Darrelle Revis.
But Nelson's 45 yarder to end the half regained the 9-point lead for the hosts.
Aaron Rodgers connected with Richard Rodgers on a 32 yard touchdown reception, the quarterback's 31st score this season, with 15 seconds left in the first quarter. He found Davante Adams for 45 yards on the previous snap.
Packers lead Patriots 13-0 after first quarter
Green Bay, Wis. - Richard Rodgers hauled in a 32 yard touchdown reception with 15 seconds remaining in the first quarter as the Packers lead the New England Patriots 13-0 Sunday.
Aaron Rodgers connected with Davante Adams along the sideline for a 45 yard reception on 3rd-and-2 that brought the home side to the Patriots 32, and on the next play, Rodgers gave a hard pump-fake to the right before launching the scoring toss down center field to the tight end.
Green Bay outgained New England 209-32 in the quarter.
Rodgers led the Packers (8-3) over 58 yards on their first drive, completing to Eddie Lacy for 12 yards before the back rushed himself right for 13 yards and left for a 24 yard gain.
Rodgers darted a 2nd-and-8 pass for Davante Adams in the end zone, but was deflected twice and fell incomplete. A defensive hold brought Green Bay to the Patriots 16, but Lacy was stuffed on two rushes. Rodgers tried on another 3rd-and-8 that was long, and Mason Crosby kicked from 32 yards.
Hakeem Ayers' sack on Aaron Rodgers was nullified on the Packers' succeeding drive, but Brandon Browner was called on the play for illegal use against Jordy Nelson.
Rodgers escaped pressure on the next play and floated a 33 yard toss to Adams on the Patriots 43. Adams received on the next play for 12 more yards, but left the field after taking a hard hit from Dont'a Hightower.
The quarterback rushed on a penalty-influenced 2nd-and-18 up the middle for 17 yards when center field came open. The resulting 3rd-and-1 was converted after New England was flagged for having 12 men on the field, but officials deliberated and reinstated the third-down.
Lacy rushed over the right side, and on second effort converted the down for 4 yards into the red zone. After a 1 yard rush from Lacy, Rodgers floated a 2nd-and-9 toss to Adams in the end zone, but the rookie caught out of bounds.
The 3rd-and-9 pass was thrown away against stellar Patriots pass-coverage, and Mason Crosby kicked again, from 35 yards.
Aaron Rodgers is 6-of-11 for 140 yards and a touchdown. Davante Adams has 3 receptions for 90 yards for Green Bay.
Tom Brady led the Patriots (9-2) on two drives, both ending in punts.
Brady is 3-for-4 on 21 yards passing. Brandon LaFell leads New England receiving with 12 yards on 1 catch.
The game features the two best touchdown-to-interception ratios by quarterbacks in pro football history, Aaron Rodgers (3.96) and Tom Brady (2.75).
Aaron Rodgers connected with Davante Adams along the sideline for a 45 yard reception on 3rd-and-2 that brought the home side to the Patriots 32, and on the next play, Rodgers gave a hard pump-fake to the right before launching the scoring toss down center field to the tight end.
Green Bay outgained New England 209-32 in the quarter.
Rodgers led the Packers (8-3) over 58 yards on their first drive, completing to Eddie Lacy for 12 yards before the back rushed himself right for 13 yards and left for a 24 yard gain.
Rodgers darted a 2nd-and-8 pass for Davante Adams in the end zone, but was deflected twice and fell incomplete. A defensive hold brought Green Bay to the Patriots 16, but Lacy was stuffed on two rushes. Rodgers tried on another 3rd-and-8 that was long, and Mason Crosby kicked from 32 yards.
Hakeem Ayers' sack on Aaron Rodgers was nullified on the Packers' succeeding drive, but Brandon Browner was called on the play for illegal use against Jordy Nelson.
Rodgers escaped pressure on the next play and floated a 33 yard toss to Adams on the Patriots 43. Adams received on the next play for 12 more yards, but left the field after taking a hard hit from Dont'a Hightower.
The quarterback rushed on a penalty-influenced 2nd-and-18 up the middle for 17 yards when center field came open. The resulting 3rd-and-1 was converted after New England was flagged for having 12 men on the field, but officials deliberated and reinstated the third-down.
Lacy rushed over the right side, and on second effort converted the down for 4 yards into the red zone. After a 1 yard rush from Lacy, Rodgers floated a 2nd-and-9 toss to Adams in the end zone, but the rookie caught out of bounds.
The 3rd-and-9 pass was thrown away against stellar Patriots pass-coverage, and Mason Crosby kicked again, from 35 yards.
Aaron Rodgers is 6-of-11 for 140 yards and a touchdown. Davante Adams has 3 receptions for 90 yards for Green Bay.
Tom Brady led the Patriots (9-2) on two drives, both ending in punts.
Brady is 3-for-4 on 21 yards passing. Brandon LaFell leads New England receiving with 12 yards on 1 catch.
The game features the two best touchdown-to-interception ratios by quarterbacks in pro football history, Aaron Rodgers (3.96) and Tom Brady (2.75).
Nebraska fires Bo Pelini
Lincoln, Neb. - Nebraska has fired head football coach Bo Pelini after seven seasons with the program.
Pelini went 67-27 during his tenure with the Cornhuskers, and won at least 9 games in each season at the school, the latter mark being the second longest streak in the nation behind Oregon.
Athletic director Shawn Eichorst released a statement Sunday, explaining the decision:
"Earlier this morning, I informed coach Bo Pelini of our decision to move forward in a new direction. Coach Pelini served our university admirably for seven years and led our football program's transition to the Big Ten Conference. We wish Coach Pelini and his wonderful family all the best and thank him for his dedicated service to the university."
The Youngstown, Ohio, native led Nebraska to three Big Ten Championship games, though lost all three, and when the Huskers were members of the Big 12, led the team to two more conference-title games, losing to Texas and Oklahoma in succession.
Nebraska finished the season with a 37-34 overtime victory against Iowa, though after an 8-1 start suffered defeats to Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong, Jr. did not agree with the decision, and took to social media to express himself.
"Biggest mistake you ever made. . ." Armstrong said via Twitter. "Bo was the best coach I've ever had and I'll always appreciate the things you taught me."
Pelini served as an assistant at LSU (2005-07), Oklahoma (2004), and Nebraska (2003), also serving as the latter's interim head coach for their bowl victory over Michigan State that season.
Nebraska under Coach Pelini, 46, went 8-17 against AP-ranked teams, recorded no BCS Bowl appearances, lost at least 3 games in each season, and went 3-4 in their last seven November contests.
Pelini went 67-27 during his tenure with the Cornhuskers, and won at least 9 games in each season at the school, the latter mark being the second longest streak in the nation behind Oregon.
Athletic director Shawn Eichorst released a statement Sunday, explaining the decision:
"Earlier this morning, I informed coach Bo Pelini of our decision to move forward in a new direction. Coach Pelini served our university admirably for seven years and led our football program's transition to the Big Ten Conference. We wish Coach Pelini and his wonderful family all the best and thank him for his dedicated service to the university."
The Youngstown, Ohio, native led Nebraska to three Big Ten Championship games, though lost all three, and when the Huskers were members of the Big 12, led the team to two more conference-title games, losing to Texas and Oklahoma in succession.
Nebraska finished the season with a 37-34 overtime victory against Iowa, though after an 8-1 start suffered defeats to Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Nebraska quarterback Tommy Armstrong, Jr. did not agree with the decision, and took to social media to express himself.
"Biggest mistake you ever made. . ." Armstrong said via Twitter. "Bo was the best coach I've ever had and I'll always appreciate the things you taught me."
Pelini served as an assistant at LSU (2005-07), Oklahoma (2004), and Nebraska (2003), also serving as the latter's interim head coach for their bowl victory over Michigan State that season.
Nebraska under Coach Pelini, 46, went 8-17 against AP-ranked teams, recorded no BCS Bowl appearances, lost at least 3 games in each season, and went 3-4 in their last seven November contests.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Gallagher signs 6-year extension with Canadiens
Montreal, Qc. - Brendan Gallagher signed a six-year extension Saturday with the Montreal Canadiens.
The 22-year-old forward will see an increase in salary from $650,000 per year to an average of $3.75 million annually over that time.
He will receive a signing bonus of $1.5 million in the fourth year and another of $1.75 million in the fifth. The sixth and final year is a potential lockout season.
Selected fifth in the 2010 Draft, the Edmonton native has five goals and 12 points this season (24 games).
The 22-year-old forward will see an increase in salary from $650,000 per year to an average of $3.75 million annually over that time.
He will receive a signing bonus of $1.5 million in the fourth year and another of $1.75 million in the fifth. The sixth and final year is a potential lockout season.
Selected fifth in the 2010 Draft, the Edmonton native has five goals and 12 points this season (24 games).
USC routs Notre Dame 49-14 at the Coliseum
Los Angeles, Ca. - Cody Kessler threw 6 touchdowns as the USC Trojans defeat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 49-14 Saturday in the programs' 85th meeting.
He threw for 372 yards in victory, completing 32-of-40 pass attempts and no interceptions and finishes the 2014 campaign with 36 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions and a 70 percent completion rate.
He completed passes Saturday to nine different receivers.
"He's really good when he plays within our system," head coach Steve Sarkisian said of Kessler. "When the shots were there, he took them."
His 6 shots Saturday became the most ever thrown by a quarterback against Notre Dame.
USC (8-4) jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead in the first quarter on his first three strikes.
George Farmer opened scoring with a 48 yard touchdown reception, secured after outracing Cole Luke easily down the sideline and coming open for the catch in stride.
USC needed only 1:38 and five snaps to cover 80 yards in the possession.
And only thirty seconds longer in their next, a 51 yard charge.
Adoree' Jackson, the Trojans' jack-of-all-trades, snuck out of the backfield, past the distracted Irish linebackers, and through an empty secondary before snagging a 16 yard floater in the end zone and the two-score lead.
But Farmer would return with 43 seconds left in the first session. His 31 yard touchdown reception came on the fifth play of the scoring drive after the receiver ran the easiest route of his collegiate career, travelling in a straight line past Cole Luke into paydirt.
That drive lasted all of 1:25.
Farmer finished with 85 yards on 4 receptions for the Trojans.
Kessler added two more touchdowns in the second quarter, taking a 35-0 lead over the injury-laded Irish defense.
After Justin Smith rushed for 9 and 11 yards on straight carries, Kessler found Nelson Agholor for 14 yards to the Irish 17, before connecting with Randall Tefler for a 6 yard score.
Agholor featured on their next drive, snagging a 14 yard touchdown reception after Javorius Allen took a 17 yard pass to the Irish 26. Kessler rushed himself for 8 yards on a 2nd-and-6 before floating the score to the speedy Agholor, who raced through traffic into the end zone.
He finished the game with 12 catches for 120 yards and the regular season with 11 touchdowns receiving.
His catches of 13 and 12 yards on the next drive would bring the home side to the Irish 33. JuJu Smith converted a 4th-and-8 with a 22 yard catch-and-run to the Irish 9.
From which Randall Tefler caught a darting pass from Kessler through traffic for the 42-7 lead.
Justin Smith rushed from 14 yards out to complete the Trojans' scoreline, capping off a 70 yard drive that featured two third-down converting passes from Kessler.
Javorius Allen and Smith rushed both 19 times, Allen for 93 yards and Smith for 81 and his score as USC outrushed Notre Dame 205-104.
The quarterback situation for Notre Dame (7-5) in defeat was exactly the opposite of their arch-rivals.
Though the Irish entered the game with a 2-game winning streak over USC, Everett Golson arrived at the Coliseum after suffering 13 interceptions and 11 lost fumbles, and featured a turnover in Notre Dame's last 8 showings.
His two turnovers Saturday led directly to two Trojans touchdowns.
His pass for Corey Robinson was high and deflected off the tight end's hands, into those of Gerald Bowman, who returned 24 yards to the USC 49.
And after throwing a 23 yarder to William Fuller on a 3rd-and-13 conversion, Golson was hit from behind by Lamar Dawson, knocking the ball airborne and into the path of Hayes Pullard for the recovery.
After that, Brian Kelly had enough.
Malik Zaire entered the contest in relief, making his mark immediately.
The native of Kettering, Ohio completed his first collegiate pass attempt, a 49 yarder to Chris Brown before rushing himself for the 11 yard touchdown, putting the Irish on the scoresheet near the end of the second quarter.
Zaire finished 9-for-20 on 170 yards passing for the Irish, who he led on a second scoring drive when Greg Bryant scampered for a 27 yard rush to the USC 1, finishing the job on the next play.
Bryant led the Irish on 79 yards rushing. William Fuller snagged 5 catches for 75 yards in defeat.
Notre Dame ends their 2014 campaign with four straight losses.
He threw for 372 yards in victory, completing 32-of-40 pass attempts and no interceptions and finishes the 2014 campaign with 36 touchdowns against only 4 interceptions and a 70 percent completion rate.
He completed passes Saturday to nine different receivers.
"He's really good when he plays within our system," head coach Steve Sarkisian said of Kessler. "When the shots were there, he took them."
His 6 shots Saturday became the most ever thrown by a quarterback against Notre Dame.
USC (8-4) jumped out to a quick 21-0 lead in the first quarter on his first three strikes.
George Farmer opened scoring with a 48 yard touchdown reception, secured after outracing Cole Luke easily down the sideline and coming open for the catch in stride.
USC needed only 1:38 and five snaps to cover 80 yards in the possession.
And only thirty seconds longer in their next, a 51 yard charge.
Adoree' Jackson, the Trojans' jack-of-all-trades, snuck out of the backfield, past the distracted Irish linebackers, and through an empty secondary before snagging a 16 yard floater in the end zone and the two-score lead.
But Farmer would return with 43 seconds left in the first session. His 31 yard touchdown reception came on the fifth play of the scoring drive after the receiver ran the easiest route of his collegiate career, travelling in a straight line past Cole Luke into paydirt.
That drive lasted all of 1:25.
Farmer finished with 85 yards on 4 receptions for the Trojans.
Kessler added two more touchdowns in the second quarter, taking a 35-0 lead over the injury-laded Irish defense.
After Justin Smith rushed for 9 and 11 yards on straight carries, Kessler found Nelson Agholor for 14 yards to the Irish 17, before connecting with Randall Tefler for a 6 yard score.
Agholor featured on their next drive, snagging a 14 yard touchdown reception after Javorius Allen took a 17 yard pass to the Irish 26. Kessler rushed himself for 8 yards on a 2nd-and-6 before floating the score to the speedy Agholor, who raced through traffic into the end zone.
He finished the game with 12 catches for 120 yards and the regular season with 11 touchdowns receiving.
His catches of 13 and 12 yards on the next drive would bring the home side to the Irish 33. JuJu Smith converted a 4th-and-8 with a 22 yard catch-and-run to the Irish 9.
From which Randall Tefler caught a darting pass from Kessler through traffic for the 42-7 lead.
Justin Smith rushed from 14 yards out to complete the Trojans' scoreline, capping off a 70 yard drive that featured two third-down converting passes from Kessler.
Javorius Allen and Smith rushed both 19 times, Allen for 93 yards and Smith for 81 and his score as USC outrushed Notre Dame 205-104.
The quarterback situation for Notre Dame (7-5) in defeat was exactly the opposite of their arch-rivals.
Though the Irish entered the game with a 2-game winning streak over USC, Everett Golson arrived at the Coliseum after suffering 13 interceptions and 11 lost fumbles, and featured a turnover in Notre Dame's last 8 showings.
His two turnovers Saturday led directly to two Trojans touchdowns.
His pass for Corey Robinson was high and deflected off the tight end's hands, into those of Gerald Bowman, who returned 24 yards to the USC 49.
And after throwing a 23 yarder to William Fuller on a 3rd-and-13 conversion, Golson was hit from behind by Lamar Dawson, knocking the ball airborne and into the path of Hayes Pullard for the recovery.
After that, Brian Kelly had enough.
Malik Zaire entered the contest in relief, making his mark immediately.
The native of Kettering, Ohio completed his first collegiate pass attempt, a 49 yarder to Chris Brown before rushing himself for the 11 yard touchdown, putting the Irish on the scoresheet near the end of the second quarter.
Zaire finished 9-for-20 on 170 yards passing for the Irish, who he led on a second scoring drive when Greg Bryant scampered for a 27 yard rush to the USC 1, finishing the job on the next play.
Bryant led the Irish on 79 yards rushing. William Fuller snagged 5 catches for 75 yards in defeat.
Notre Dame ends their 2014 campaign with four straight losses.
USC rolling Notre Dame 49-14 after three quarters
Los Angeles, Ca. - Cody Kessler threw his 6th touchdown pass on the day as the USC Trojans lead Notre Dame 49-14 after three quarters Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
USC took the opening possession of the second half and drove 75 yards in 11 plays, begun by Buck Allen's 10 yard rush. Kessler found Nelson Agholor on passes of 13 and 12 yards.
Facing a 4th-and-8 on the Irish 31, Kessler flicked a 22 yarder to JuJu Smith to the Irish 9.
Smith's would-be scoring grab on 1st-and-Goal was batted down by Notre Dame's Devin Butler, but the next play found Kessler dart a 9 yard touchdown to Randall Tefler in traffic.
That score made Kessler the only quarterback to throw 6 touchdowns against Notre Dame.
He threw 7 touchdowns in victory over Colorado on Oct. 18th this season, the greatest scoring achievement by a passer in USC's 126 years of football.
Kessler went 32-for-40 on 372 yards passing and six scores, five of which came in the first half of play in L.A.
Justin Davis added a score for the home side on the ground, ending a 70 yard drive. Darreus Rogers converted a 3rd-and-6 with a 14 yard grab and Steven Mitchell caught to the Irish 19 on an 11 yarder on 3rd-and-5.
Davis took the 2nd-and-6 handoff right, cut left through the line, and right again before charging ahead for the 14 yard touchdown.
Notre Dame added their second score on the day after Greg Bryant rushed from 1 yard out following a 27 yard scamper to the USC 1.
Malik Zaire entered the game at quarterback for Notre Dame after starter Everett Golson suffered an interception and lost fumble, leading to two USC touchdowns.
He led the Irish (7-4) on a 64 yard charge in 3 plays, finding Chris Brown for 49 yards on his first collegiate pass attempt before rushing himself around right end for the 11 yard score, the only for the visitors from South Bend.
USC took the opening possession of the second half and drove 75 yards in 11 plays, begun by Buck Allen's 10 yard rush. Kessler found Nelson Agholor on passes of 13 and 12 yards.
Facing a 4th-and-8 on the Irish 31, Kessler flicked a 22 yarder to JuJu Smith to the Irish 9.
Smith's would-be scoring grab on 1st-and-Goal was batted down by Notre Dame's Devin Butler, but the next play found Kessler dart a 9 yard touchdown to Randall Tefler in traffic.
That score made Kessler the only quarterback to throw 6 touchdowns against Notre Dame.
He threw 7 touchdowns in victory over Colorado on Oct. 18th this season, the greatest scoring achievement by a passer in USC's 126 years of football.
Kessler went 32-for-40 on 372 yards passing and six scores, five of which came in the first half of play in L.A.
Justin Davis added a score for the home side on the ground, ending a 70 yard drive. Darreus Rogers converted a 3rd-and-6 with a 14 yard grab and Steven Mitchell caught to the Irish 19 on an 11 yarder on 3rd-and-5.
Davis took the 2nd-and-6 handoff right, cut left through the line, and right again before charging ahead for the 14 yard touchdown.
Notre Dame added their second score on the day after Greg Bryant rushed from 1 yard out following a 27 yard scamper to the USC 1.
Malik Zaire entered the game at quarterback for Notre Dame after starter Everett Golson suffered an interception and lost fumble, leading to two USC touchdowns.
He led the Irish (7-4) on a 64 yard charge in 3 plays, finding Chris Brown for 49 yards on his first collegiate pass attempt before rushing himself around right end for the 11 yard score, the only for the visitors from South Bend.
Ohio State's J.T. Barrett is out (fractured ankle)
Columbus, Ohio - Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett has been listed as out for the season after suffering a fractured ankle in the Buckeyes' 42-28 victory over arch-rival Michigan Saturday.
"We lost a Heisman candidate today," head coach Urban Meyer said of Barrett, who is scheduled for surgery Sunday.
Barrett was turned over on a rush attempt, the first play of the fourth quarter of that game. After remaining on the field for several minutes, doctors fitted an inflatable cast around his right leg.
He was lifted onto a cart and taken to the team's locker room, giving a thumbs-up to the record crowd of 108,610 at Ohio Stadium before disappearing into the tunnel.
Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner came onto the field when Barrett was down to console him.
Barrett was listed nationally as a contender for the Heisman Trophy this season. He became the school's quarterback suddenly this summer when starter Braxton Miller, himself a Heisman candidate, sustained an injury to his throwing shoulder in camp.
Cardale Jones (Cleveland-Glenville) entered the game and is the starter going forward.
Ohio State (11-1, 8-0) became the first team in Big Ten history to win every regular-season contest in three straight years and will represent the Eastern division of that league in their Championship Game in Indianapolis.
"We lost a Heisman candidate today," head coach Urban Meyer said of Barrett, who is scheduled for surgery Sunday.
Barrett was turned over on a rush attempt, the first play of the fourth quarter of that game. After remaining on the field for several minutes, doctors fitted an inflatable cast around his right leg.
He was lifted onto a cart and taken to the team's locker room, giving a thumbs-up to the record crowd of 108,610 at Ohio Stadium before disappearing into the tunnel.
Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner came onto the field when Barrett was down to console him.
Barrett was listed nationally as a contender for the Heisman Trophy this season. He became the school's quarterback suddenly this summer when starter Braxton Miller, himself a Heisman candidate, sustained an injury to his throwing shoulder in camp.
Cardale Jones (Cleveland-Glenville) entered the game and is the starter going forward.
Ohio State (11-1, 8-0) became the first team in Big Ten history to win every regular-season contest in three straight years and will represent the Eastern division of that league in their Championship Game in Indianapolis.
USC leading Notre Dame 35-7 at halftime in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, Ca. - Cody Kessler has thrown five touchdown passes as the USC Trojans take and hold a 35-7 lead over Notre Dame at the halftime break Saturday.
Kessler wasn't the only quarterback connecting with the Trojans (7-4), as Irish passer Everett Golson suffered his 14th and 15th interceptions in the first thirty minutes before being replaced by Malik Zaire.
Those picks would add two more scores for quick-striking USC as they rattled off the game's first 35 points.
Golson was intercepted by Gerald Bowman after his 3rd-and-10 pass attempt went high and bounced off the hands of Corey Robinson, the intended target.
Bowman retured the ball 24 yards to the USC 49, where Kessler (19-of-23 passing) took over.
Justin Davis carried 9 and 11 yards on two rushes before Kessler connected with Nelson Agholor for 14 yards to the Irish 17.
The Trojans chipped their way to the Irish 6, where Kessler slung the 1st-and-Goal pass for Darreus Rogers and the four-touchdown lead.
Golson took over on the next drive, though it would be his last at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
After finding Will Fuller for 23 yards on a 3rd-and-13 conversion, he was pressured from behind by Lamar Dawson on a throw, a wobbler that found the waiting arms of Hayes Pullard to the USC 48.
Kessler found Randall Tefler for 13 yards on the next play and Javorius Allen barrelled up the middle for 17 yards to the Irish 26. The quarterback rushed himself for 8 on a 2nd-and-6.
He found Nelson Agholor seconds later, who danced through traffic for the 14 yard touchdown.
Malik Zaire went under center for the Irish (7-4) on their succeeding possession.
The Kettering, Ohio, native flung his first collegiate pass attempt 49 yards to Chris Brown to the USC 11, from which Zaire would rush himself over the right side for the score, putting the Irish on the board.
Zaire returned for Notre Dame after a USC punt, completing to Corey Robinson for 19 yards and another to William Fuller for 26 more to the USC 28. The drive stalled after Zaire's pass for Fuller near the goal-line fell incomplete and would serve as holder for Kyle Brindza, whose 44 yard field goal attempt bounced off the left post to end the half.
Zaire finished the half 3-for-6 on 94 yards passing on two drives in relief of Golson, who threw for 75 yards on 7 completions against 18 attempts.
Cody Kessler threw three touchdowns in the first quarter of action, finding George Farmer twice, from 48 and 31 yards, and Adoree' Jackson from 16. USC outgained the Irish 209-34 in that quarter.
USC outgained the Irish 329-200 and outrushed them 88-31.
Notre Dame comes into the contest after losing three straight games and four of their last five, though have defeated the Trojans in their last two meetings.
Kessler wasn't the only quarterback connecting with the Trojans (7-4), as Irish passer Everett Golson suffered his 14th and 15th interceptions in the first thirty minutes before being replaced by Malik Zaire.
Those picks would add two more scores for quick-striking USC as they rattled off the game's first 35 points.
Golson was intercepted by Gerald Bowman after his 3rd-and-10 pass attempt went high and bounced off the hands of Corey Robinson, the intended target.
Bowman retured the ball 24 yards to the USC 49, where Kessler (19-of-23 passing) took over.
Justin Davis carried 9 and 11 yards on two rushes before Kessler connected with Nelson Agholor for 14 yards to the Irish 17.
The Trojans chipped their way to the Irish 6, where Kessler slung the 1st-and-Goal pass for Darreus Rogers and the four-touchdown lead.
Golson took over on the next drive, though it would be his last at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
After finding Will Fuller for 23 yards on a 3rd-and-13 conversion, he was pressured from behind by Lamar Dawson on a throw, a wobbler that found the waiting arms of Hayes Pullard to the USC 48.
Kessler found Randall Tefler for 13 yards on the next play and Javorius Allen barrelled up the middle for 17 yards to the Irish 26. The quarterback rushed himself for 8 on a 2nd-and-6.
He found Nelson Agholor seconds later, who danced through traffic for the 14 yard touchdown.
Malik Zaire went under center for the Irish (7-4) on their succeeding possession.
The Kettering, Ohio, native flung his first collegiate pass attempt 49 yards to Chris Brown to the USC 11, from which Zaire would rush himself over the right side for the score, putting the Irish on the board.
Zaire returned for Notre Dame after a USC punt, completing to Corey Robinson for 19 yards and another to William Fuller for 26 more to the USC 28. The drive stalled after Zaire's pass for Fuller near the goal-line fell incomplete and would serve as holder for Kyle Brindza, whose 44 yard field goal attempt bounced off the left post to end the half.
Zaire finished the half 3-for-6 on 94 yards passing on two drives in relief of Golson, who threw for 75 yards on 7 completions against 18 attempts.
Cody Kessler threw three touchdowns in the first quarter of action, finding George Farmer twice, from 48 and 31 yards, and Adoree' Jackson from 16. USC outgained the Irish 209-34 in that quarter.
USC outgained the Irish 329-200 and outrushed them 88-31.
Notre Dame comes into the contest after losing three straight games and four of their last five, though have defeated the Trojans in their last two meetings.
USC leading Notre Dame 21-0 after first quarter
Los Angeles, Ca. - Cody Kessler threw three touchdowns at the Coliseum as the USC Trojans lead the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 21-0 after the first quarter Saturday.
USC outgained the Irish 209-34 in the first fifteen minutes as Kessler tossed for his 33rd touchdown this season.
Cody Kessler went 9-of-13 for 147 yards passing in fifteen minutes of error-free football for the home side.
USC (7-4) found the end zone on their second possession, an 80 yard voyage in 5 plays. Javorius Allen rushed over the middle for 15 yards on its first play and Nelson Agholor snagged a first-down pass.
George Farmer would sneak past Irish corner Cole Luke and race down the far sideline, hauling in the 48 yard touchdown reception from Kessler, trotting into the end zone for the 7-point lead.
Adoree' Jackson followed on the Trojans' next drive, a 2:01 scamper over 51 yards aided by a pass-interference call against Cole Luke when he pulled JuJu Smith on a route.
Jackson raced out of the SC backfield, past the Irish linebackers unnoticed, and into the end zone where he came open for Kessler's 16 yard touchdown toss.
Farmer caught his second score in the game on what may have been the easiest route he ever ran.
With 43 seconds left in the opening session, he raced downfield untouched to grab a 31 yard touchdown for the 21-0 advantage.
His two receptions gained 79 yards in the quarter for the Trojans.
USC outgained the Irish 209-34 in the first fifteen minutes as Kessler tossed for his 33rd touchdown this season.
Cody Kessler went 9-of-13 for 147 yards passing in fifteen minutes of error-free football for the home side.
USC (7-4) found the end zone on their second possession, an 80 yard voyage in 5 plays. Javorius Allen rushed over the middle for 15 yards on its first play and Nelson Agholor snagged a first-down pass.
George Farmer would sneak past Irish corner Cole Luke and race down the far sideline, hauling in the 48 yard touchdown reception from Kessler, trotting into the end zone for the 7-point lead.
Adoree' Jackson followed on the Trojans' next drive, a 2:01 scamper over 51 yards aided by a pass-interference call against Cole Luke when he pulled JuJu Smith on a route.
Jackson raced out of the SC backfield, past the Irish linebackers unnoticed, and into the end zone where he came open for Kessler's 16 yard touchdown toss.
Farmer caught his second score in the game on what may have been the easiest route he ever ran.
With 43 seconds left in the opening session, he raced downfield untouched to grab a 31 yard touchdown for the 21-0 advantage.
His two receptions gained 79 yards in the quarter for the Trojans.
OSU's J.T. Barrett carted off field vs Michigan (lower leg)
Columbus, Ohio - Ohio State quarterback J.T. Barrett was carted off the field Saturday as the No. 6 Buckeyes host arch-rival Michigan after sustaining a lower leg injury.
Barrett, a Heisman Trophy contender in recent weeks, was injured on the first play of the fourth quarter after being bent backward by a Michigan defensive tackle on a rush attempt up the middle.
An inflatable cast was put on Barrett's leg before being taken to the team's locker room. He gave the record crowd of 108,610 a thumbs-up as he left the field.
Cardale Jones (Cleveland-Glenville) entered the contest for the Buckeyes (10-1), who lead Michigan 28-21 halfway through the final quarter.
Barrett, a Heisman Trophy contender in recent weeks, was injured on the first play of the fourth quarter after being bent backward by a Michigan defensive tackle on a rush attempt up the middle.
An inflatable cast was put on Barrett's leg before being taken to the team's locker room. He gave the record crowd of 108,610 a thumbs-up as he left the field.
Cardale Jones (Cleveland-Glenville) entered the contest for the Buckeyes (10-1), who lead Michigan 28-21 halfway through the final quarter.
Friday, November 28, 2014
Week 13 NFL Injury Report
A brief overview of the injuries to feature in Sunday's NFL matchups:
Bears LB Lance Briggs (Injured Reserve)
Lake Forest, Ill. - Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has been placed on season-ending injured reserve by the team with a groin injury that may conclude his time with the franchise.
Briggs, 34, was placed on the list a day after the Bears' 34-17 defeat to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. He was inactive for that contest after hurting his groin in the team's victory over Tampa Bay the previous Sunday.
The seven-time Pro Bowl selection will become a free agent when the season ends, and it is believed he will field offers from other teams. He has spent his entire 12-year football career in Chicago, of whom he led in tackles for five seasons.
/
Broncos TE Julius Thomas (Questionable)
Englewood, Colo. - Broncos tight end Julius Thomas has been listed as questionable by the team for their NFC West rivalry meeting at the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night, over whom they currently hold a one-game lead.
Thomas is suffering a sprained left ankle that also kept him from Denver's last game, a 39-36 victory over Miami.
He leads the NFL with 12 touchdown receptions this season, though has been limited in practice for the second straight day Friday.
/
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (Questionable, game-time decision)
Tempe, Az. - Larry Fitzgerald is listed as a game-time decision for the second-straight week for the Cardinals' meeting at the Atlanta Falcons.
Though he did tell the Cardinals website it is "highly likely" he will see the field Sunday.
The eight-time Pro Bowl selection is officially listed as questionable with a Grade 2 sprain in his left knee that kept him from the team's 19-3 defeat at Seattle, though he participated in Friday's practice after missing the previous two days.
Last Sunday was the first game Fitzgerald missed since 2007.
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Browns TE Jordan Cameron (Questionable)
Berea, Ohio - Browns tight end Jordan Cameron is listed as questionable for Cleveland's meeting at the Buffalo Bills Sunday with a concussion.
Cameron has missed four straight contests after sustaining a blow to the head from behind during the Browns' 23-13 victory over Oakland on Oct. 26th. The former USC Trojan has progressed in due course from that injury, but is yet to be tested by the league's concussion protocol, which he must take and pass by rule before being listed as active.
/
Texans RB Arian Foster (Probable)
Houston, Tex. - Texans tailback Arian Foster is likely to return to action against when Houston hosts Tennessee Sunday after missing two games with a groin injury.
Foster left the team's 31-21 defeat to Philadelphia Nov. 2nd with the injury and did not return to action, and Friday participated in his third-straight day of limited practice.
/
Texans LB Jadeveon Clowney (Out)
Houston, Tex. - Rookie linebacker and 1st-overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft Jadeveon Clowney has been listed as out against Tennessee after the team said he suffered a setback in recovery of his surgically-repaired right knee.
Clowney has played in only four games this season, missing six early on following a tear in his right meniscus in the first game of the year and undergoing surgery the next day.
He featured against the Titans on Oct. 26th, though missed the next two games because of his knee and the flu, but returned against Cleveland and Cincinnati.
His knee began swelling, however, in the latter game and was removed from action after taking 49 defensive snaps in the 22-13 loss.
Clowney also suffered a concussion in preseason action and a hernia near the start of the regular season.
Bears LB Lance Briggs (Injured Reserve)
Lake Forest, Ill. - Chicago Bears linebacker Lance Briggs has been placed on season-ending injured reserve by the team with a groin injury that may conclude his time with the franchise.
Briggs, 34, was placed on the list a day after the Bears' 34-17 defeat to the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving. He was inactive for that contest after hurting his groin in the team's victory over Tampa Bay the previous Sunday.
The seven-time Pro Bowl selection will become a free agent when the season ends, and it is believed he will field offers from other teams. He has spent his entire 12-year football career in Chicago, of whom he led in tackles for five seasons.
/
Broncos TE Julius Thomas (Questionable)
Englewood, Colo. - Broncos tight end Julius Thomas has been listed as questionable by the team for their NFC West rivalry meeting at the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night, over whom they currently hold a one-game lead.
Thomas is suffering a sprained left ankle that also kept him from Denver's last game, a 39-36 victory over Miami.
He leads the NFL with 12 touchdown receptions this season, though has been limited in practice for the second straight day Friday.
/
Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald (Questionable, game-time decision)
Tempe, Az. - Larry Fitzgerald is listed as a game-time decision for the second-straight week for the Cardinals' meeting at the Atlanta Falcons.
Though he did tell the Cardinals website it is "highly likely" he will see the field Sunday.
The eight-time Pro Bowl selection is officially listed as questionable with a Grade 2 sprain in his left knee that kept him from the team's 19-3 defeat at Seattle, though he participated in Friday's practice after missing the previous two days.
Last Sunday was the first game Fitzgerald missed since 2007.
/
Browns TE Jordan Cameron (Questionable)
Berea, Ohio - Browns tight end Jordan Cameron is listed as questionable for Cleveland's meeting at the Buffalo Bills Sunday with a concussion.
Cameron has missed four straight contests after sustaining a blow to the head from behind during the Browns' 23-13 victory over Oakland on Oct. 26th. The former USC Trojan has progressed in due course from that injury, but is yet to be tested by the league's concussion protocol, which he must take and pass by rule before being listed as active.
/
Texans RB Arian Foster (Probable)
Houston, Tex. - Texans tailback Arian Foster is likely to return to action against when Houston hosts Tennessee Sunday after missing two games with a groin injury.
Foster left the team's 31-21 defeat to Philadelphia Nov. 2nd with the injury and did not return to action, and Friday participated in his third-straight day of limited practice.
/
Texans LB Jadeveon Clowney (Out)
Houston, Tex. - Rookie linebacker and 1st-overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft Jadeveon Clowney has been listed as out against Tennessee after the team said he suffered a setback in recovery of his surgically-repaired right knee.
Clowney has played in only four games this season, missing six early on following a tear in his right meniscus in the first game of the year and undergoing surgery the next day.
He featured against the Titans on Oct. 26th, though missed the next two games because of his knee and the flu, but returned against Cleveland and Cincinnati.
His knee began swelling, however, in the latter game and was removed from action after taking 49 defensive snaps in the 22-13 loss.
Clowney also suffered a concussion in preseason action and a hernia near the start of the regular season.
Redskins-Colts preview
Indianapolis, Ind. - Sunday's matchup between the Redskins and Colts was to be a head-to-head battle between the first- and second-overall picks at the 2012 NFL Draft.
Until Wednesday morning, it was scheduled as such.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Tuesday that Robert Griffin (the second pick) would start for the team to face Andrew Luck (the first) and the Colts.
Though not without some stern criticisms of his recent performance since returning from a dislocated ankle, including an 106 yard passing effort in a 17-13 defeat to the 49ers.
"It's unheard of in this day and age with the receivers we have, and we have to figure out something," Gruden said after that game.
Griffin went 0-3 since coming back and was sacked 16 times. His last victory for the team came in Week 9 of the 2013 season and he has gone 4-14 in the previous two year.
Enter Colt McCoy, responsible for two of the team's three victories.
"My job is to do everything we can to win," Gruden said of the decision to start McCoy. "At this time, I just feel Colt gives us a better opportunity."
McCoy is the only passer on the Redskins roster to start, complete, and win an entire contest for the team (3-8), a 20-17 Monday night overtime victory at the Cowboys. He entered the second half of a 19-17 win over the Titans a week before in relief of Kirk Cousins and threw a 70 yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon on his first snap.
It may be safe to say 2012's first pick has found his way in the game to a better degree than that year's second pick.
Andrew Luck currently holds the best marks in football for passing yards (3,641) and passing per game (323.1 ypg). His 29 touchdowns are the 3rd-best in the game though has thrown the fifth-most interceptions (10).
Numbers that have Redskins defensive-coordinator Jim Haslett impressed.
"He's one of the best I've seen in the league," Haslett said of Luck this week. "He gets the ball out of his hands. Things don't bother him. He knows where to go with the ball."
Haslett shared how, even after defenses seem to contain the Colts' offense by getting to the quarterback and stalling drives, Luck would burn them shortly after with long pass plays.
"He'll take a hit, and it doesn't really affect him," Haslett added, whose pass defense is 8th league-wide (230.3 ypg).
That toughness, however, has recently gone against the Colts in the red zone, who average 19th in the game inside the 20 (.532 pct).
An average that may tumble further Sunday as the Colts (7-4) are expected to miss tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle) and tailback Ahmad Bradshaw (fractured leg). Trent Richardson and Daniel Herron will feature in the Indy backfield against Washington's 9th-ranked run-stop (100.7 ypg).
Allen and Bradshaw combined for 12 of the Colts' 25 red zone touchdowns this season, and without them last week hosting Jacksonville, they converted only 1-of-5 trips in the Jags' 20.
And all of Bradshaw's 8 touchdowns this season came in the red zone, 6 through the air, and the same number overall inside the opponents' 10.
"You want to score touchdowns in the red zone," Luck said of the team's effiency there. "We need to. We haven't done a good job the past few weeks."
Alfred Morris features in the Redskins' backfield and heads the league's 16th-best rushing offense (112 ypg). And Washington averages 24.2 rushing attempts per game, which may spell trouble for the Colts should that number hold up.
Indianapolis is 0-4 this season when allowing 25 carries from opposing backs, who in those contests averaged 148 yards in victory. In their first two games this year, both defeats to Denver and Philadelphia, the Colts allowed 32 and 38 rushes respectively, the latter for 169 yards.
"I've been playing this game since I was 5, I know how to be a runner," Morris said this week, who is averaging better than 5 yards per carry in the last two weeks after averaging 3.86 in his eight outings before then.
"Each week has been getting better and better."
Though perhaps not better enough to down the host Colts
Colts 38, Redskins 24
Until Wednesday morning, it was scheduled as such.
Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said Tuesday that Robert Griffin (the second pick) would start for the team to face Andrew Luck (the first) and the Colts.
Though not without some stern criticisms of his recent performance since returning from a dislocated ankle, including an 106 yard passing effort in a 17-13 defeat to the 49ers.
"It's unheard of in this day and age with the receivers we have, and we have to figure out something," Gruden said after that game.
Griffin went 0-3 since coming back and was sacked 16 times. His last victory for the team came in Week 9 of the 2013 season and he has gone 4-14 in the previous two year.
Enter Colt McCoy, responsible for two of the team's three victories.
"My job is to do everything we can to win," Gruden said of the decision to start McCoy. "At this time, I just feel Colt gives us a better opportunity."
McCoy is the only passer on the Redskins roster to start, complete, and win an entire contest for the team (3-8), a 20-17 Monday night overtime victory at the Cowboys. He entered the second half of a 19-17 win over the Titans a week before in relief of Kirk Cousins and threw a 70 yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garcon on his first snap.
It may be safe to say 2012's first pick has found his way in the game to a better degree than that year's second pick.
Andrew Luck currently holds the best marks in football for passing yards (3,641) and passing per game (323.1 ypg). His 29 touchdowns are the 3rd-best in the game though has thrown the fifth-most interceptions (10).
Numbers that have Redskins defensive-coordinator Jim Haslett impressed.
"He's one of the best I've seen in the league," Haslett said of Luck this week. "He gets the ball out of his hands. Things don't bother him. He knows where to go with the ball."
Haslett shared how, even after defenses seem to contain the Colts' offense by getting to the quarterback and stalling drives, Luck would burn them shortly after with long pass plays.
"He'll take a hit, and it doesn't really affect him," Haslett added, whose pass defense is 8th league-wide (230.3 ypg).
That toughness, however, has recently gone against the Colts in the red zone, who average 19th in the game inside the 20 (.532 pct).
An average that may tumble further Sunday as the Colts (7-4) are expected to miss tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle) and tailback Ahmad Bradshaw (fractured leg). Trent Richardson and Daniel Herron will feature in the Indy backfield against Washington's 9th-ranked run-stop (100.7 ypg).
Allen and Bradshaw combined for 12 of the Colts' 25 red zone touchdowns this season, and without them last week hosting Jacksonville, they converted only 1-of-5 trips in the Jags' 20.
And all of Bradshaw's 8 touchdowns this season came in the red zone, 6 through the air, and the same number overall inside the opponents' 10.
"You want to score touchdowns in the red zone," Luck said of the team's effiency there. "We need to. We haven't done a good job the past few weeks."
Alfred Morris features in the Redskins' backfield and heads the league's 16th-best rushing offense (112 ypg). And Washington averages 24.2 rushing attempts per game, which may spell trouble for the Colts should that number hold up.
Indianapolis is 0-4 this season when allowing 25 carries from opposing backs, who in those contests averaged 148 yards in victory. In their first two games this year, both defeats to Denver and Philadelphia, the Colts allowed 32 and 38 rushes respectively, the latter for 169 yards.
"I've been playing this game since I was 5, I know how to be a runner," Morris said this week, who is averaging better than 5 yards per carry in the last two weeks after averaging 3.86 in his eight outings before then.
"Each week has been getting better and better."
Though perhaps not better enough to down the host Colts
Colts 38, Redskins 24
Ray Rice wins appeal, reinstated to NFL
New York, N.Y. - Ray Rice has won the appeal against his indefinite suspension from the National Football League and has been reinstated to sign with any team.
Barbara Jones, a former United States District Judge, now acting as an arbitrator, ruled Friday that the "indefinite suspension" given Rice by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in September, changed after initially suspending Rice for two games, was in her words "arbitrary."
Jones had been engaged to determine if the NFL acted beyond its authority in altering the original suspension given Rice by the commissioner.
Rice was suspended from the league for two games by Goodell on Sept. 8th after striking his then-fiancee in an elevator in Atlantic City in February, and then again, indefinitely, after a surveillance video of the incident was released this summer to great public outrage.
Rice was formally released by the Baltimore Ravens after the video was released, after previously offering tempered support of their tailback, citing respect for the due process of law.
The National Football League Players Asssociation, the players' union, had argued the league violated labor laws by changing Rice's punishment after the video's release.
Rice, his wife Janay, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, and NFL Security Chief Jeffrey Miller testified at the hearing before Jones.
Mrs. Jones offered the following in her formal decision:
"Because Rice did not mislead the commissioner and because there were no new facts on which the commissioner could base his increased suspension, I find that the imposition of the indefinite suspension was arbitrary. I therefore vacate the second penalty imposed on Rice. The provisions of the first discipline, those regarding making continued use of counseling and other professional services, having no further involvement with law enforcement, and not committing any additional violations of league policies, still stand."
The league has offered no comment on the decision.
Barbara Jones, a former United States District Judge, now acting as an arbitrator, ruled Friday that the "indefinite suspension" given Rice by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in September, changed after initially suspending Rice for two games, was in her words "arbitrary."
Jones had been engaged to determine if the NFL acted beyond its authority in altering the original suspension given Rice by the commissioner.
Rice was suspended from the league for two games by Goodell on Sept. 8th after striking his then-fiancee in an elevator in Atlantic City in February, and then again, indefinitely, after a surveillance video of the incident was released this summer to great public outrage.
Rice was formally released by the Baltimore Ravens after the video was released, after previously offering tempered support of their tailback, citing respect for the due process of law.
The National Football League Players Asssociation, the players' union, had argued the league violated labor laws by changing Rice's punishment after the video's release.
Rice, his wife Janay, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome, and NFL Security Chief Jeffrey Miller testified at the hearing before Jones.
Mrs. Jones offered the following in her formal decision:
"Because Rice did not mislead the commissioner and because there were no new facts on which the commissioner could base his increased suspension, I find that the imposition of the indefinite suspension was arbitrary. I therefore vacate the second penalty imposed on Rice. The provisions of the first discipline, those regarding making continued use of counseling and other professional services, having no further involvement with law enforcement, and not committing any additional violations of league policies, still stand."
The league has offered no comment on the decision.
Rangers slap Flyers 3-0 on St. Louis' 1,000th point
Philadelphia, Pa. - Martin St. Louis secured his career-1,000th point on a goal and an assist as the New York Rangers defeat the Philadelphia Flyers 3-0 Friday afternoon, the second shutout in two contests against their arch-rivals this season.
"I owe it all to the teammates I play with," St. Louis said after the game, "all the coaches that believed in me, the whole organization."
St. Louis would aid Dan Boyle when he opened scoring at 6:10 in the first period. After New York (10-8-4, 24 pts) took the man-advantage, Boyle fired a slapshot past Steve Mason off the assist from St. Louis, the right-winger's 999th point.
But St. Louis would make his history himself at 4:14 in the second.
Derek Stepan ventured a shot to Mason's right from the circle, but his chance bounced off the goalie's pad and into the path of the 39-year-old right-winger, who charged through the crease and flung his 9th goal this season to Mason's left.
With that, St. Louis became the fifth active man in hockey with 1,000 career points.
"It's always better to get it on a goal," St. Louis said of the achievement.
Rick Nash would notch his 16th goal this season to give the Rangers the final 3-0 advantage in the third period of play.
That goal would be perhaps the low moment for the Flyers hockey club this season.
New York was down a man after Chris Kreider was booked with a four-minute minor for high-sticking Sean Couturier at 4:33. But Philadelphia could do little in that time, turning the puck over deep in their own zone after a battle in the corner boards.
Ryan McDonagh brought the puck up the ice as the Rangers charged towards Steve Mason with a sudden 3-on-1 with Derek Stepan and Nash.
McDonagh darted a pass to Stepan, who came open in the right circle, but the center found Nash, the third man on the rush, on a cross-ice pass, open in stride to the goal's right side, and fired clean past Mason for his 2nd short-handed score this season.
The play, halfway through the Flyers' 4-minute power-play, found the puck touched by every Ranger on the ice before the score.
Cam Talbot stopped 26-of-26 he faced today for the Rangers, and has now stopped every shot Philadelphia tried against him in two contests, in total numbering 57 after stopping 31-of-31 in a 2-0 shutout against the Flyers at the Garden Nov. 19th.
Steve Mason stopped 18-of-21 in defeat as the Flyers lose their third straight contest.
"We're definitely in a rut here," Mason admitted after the game. "There is still a lot of time to make up room, but you can't let this keep sliding like this. It's unacceptable, it's embarrassing and we have to get going on a roll here."
Philadelphia is now 6-4-2 at home this season and New York improves to 3-4-1 away from Madison Square Garden.
"I owe it all to the teammates I play with," St. Louis said after the game, "all the coaches that believed in me, the whole organization."
St. Louis would aid Dan Boyle when he opened scoring at 6:10 in the first period. After New York (10-8-4, 24 pts) took the man-advantage, Boyle fired a slapshot past Steve Mason off the assist from St. Louis, the right-winger's 999th point.
But St. Louis would make his history himself at 4:14 in the second.
Derek Stepan ventured a shot to Mason's right from the circle, but his chance bounced off the goalie's pad and into the path of the 39-year-old right-winger, who charged through the crease and flung his 9th goal this season to Mason's left.
With that, St. Louis became the fifth active man in hockey with 1,000 career points.
"It's always better to get it on a goal," St. Louis said of the achievement.
Rick Nash would notch his 16th goal this season to give the Rangers the final 3-0 advantage in the third period of play.
That goal would be perhaps the low moment for the Flyers hockey club this season.
New York was down a man after Chris Kreider was booked with a four-minute minor for high-sticking Sean Couturier at 4:33. But Philadelphia could do little in that time, turning the puck over deep in their own zone after a battle in the corner boards.
Ryan McDonagh brought the puck up the ice as the Rangers charged towards Steve Mason with a sudden 3-on-1 with Derek Stepan and Nash.
McDonagh darted a pass to Stepan, who came open in the right circle, but the center found Nash, the third man on the rush, on a cross-ice pass, open in stride to the goal's right side, and fired clean past Mason for his 2nd short-handed score this season.
The play, halfway through the Flyers' 4-minute power-play, found the puck touched by every Ranger on the ice before the score.
Cam Talbot stopped 26-of-26 he faced today for the Rangers, and has now stopped every shot Philadelphia tried against him in two contests, in total numbering 57 after stopping 31-of-31 in a 2-0 shutout against the Flyers at the Garden Nov. 19th.
Steve Mason stopped 18-of-21 in defeat as the Flyers lose their third straight contest.
"We're definitely in a rut here," Mason admitted after the game. "There is still a lot of time to make up room, but you can't let this keep sliding like this. It's unacceptable, it's embarrassing and we have to get going on a roll here."
Philadelphia is now 6-4-2 at home this season and New York improves to 3-4-1 away from Madison Square Garden.
St. Louis gets 1,000th point as Rangers lead Flyers 2-0 after two
Philadelphia, Pa. - Martin St. Louis earned his career-1,000th point as he scores for the Rangers, who hold a 2-0 lead over the Philadelphia Flyers after two periods Friday.
St. Louis notched his 9th goal this season at 4:14. After Derek Stepan fired from the right circle, the puck bounced off Steve Mason's pad and into the path of St. Louis, who shot through the crease and the two-goal advantage.
The 39-year-old right-winger also recorded an assist when Dan Boyle struck for the Rangers in the first period for his 2nd goal this season, a power-play score past Mason and the early 1-0 New York lead.
New York's Cam Talbot stopped all 15 shots tried his way and is yet to allow a goal through five periods against the Flyers, having secured a 2-0 defeat to them Nov. 19th at Madison Square Garden.
Carl Hagelin sat for two minutes for tripping Nick Shultz at 9:34, though the Flyers would have to stop a short-handed chance taken by Jesper Fast a minute later when the right-winger took a pass from Dominic Moore on an odd-man rush. His shot was deflected by Mason.
That shot came off a turnover, one of three Philadelphia (8-10-3) suffered in a two-minute span. Moore tried again in traffic, but was deflected. Kevin Hayes took a loose puck, snatched from some uninspired passing from the home side in the neutral zone and tried Mason, but went wide.
Derek Stepan and Matt Hunwick tried Mason when New York took a 3-on-2 rush with four minutes remaining. Stepan brought the puck to the circle and darted the pass across to Hunwick, who came open left of the goal, but his shot was batted away by Mason.
New York is 1-for-4 with the man-advantage against Philadelphia's 30th-ranked penalty kill.
The Rangers are 2-4-1 on the road this season and the Flyers 6-3-2 at home.
Philadelphia has 3 straight regular season victories over the Rangers.
St. Louis notched his 9th goal this season at 4:14. After Derek Stepan fired from the right circle, the puck bounced off Steve Mason's pad and into the path of St. Louis, who shot through the crease and the two-goal advantage.
The 39-year-old right-winger also recorded an assist when Dan Boyle struck for the Rangers in the first period for his 2nd goal this season, a power-play score past Mason and the early 1-0 New York lead.
New York's Cam Talbot stopped all 15 shots tried his way and is yet to allow a goal through five periods against the Flyers, having secured a 2-0 defeat to them Nov. 19th at Madison Square Garden.
Carl Hagelin sat for two minutes for tripping Nick Shultz at 9:34, though the Flyers would have to stop a short-handed chance taken by Jesper Fast a minute later when the right-winger took a pass from Dominic Moore on an odd-man rush. His shot was deflected by Mason.
That shot came off a turnover, one of three Philadelphia (8-10-3) suffered in a two-minute span. Moore tried again in traffic, but was deflected. Kevin Hayes took a loose puck, snatched from some uninspired passing from the home side in the neutral zone and tried Mason, but went wide.
Derek Stepan and Matt Hunwick tried Mason when New York took a 3-on-2 rush with four minutes remaining. Stepan brought the puck to the circle and darted the pass across to Hunwick, who came open left of the goal, but his shot was batted away by Mason.
New York is 1-for-4 with the man-advantage against Philadelphia's 30th-ranked penalty kill.
The Rangers are 2-4-1 on the road this season and the Flyers 6-3-2 at home.
Philadelphia has 3 straight regular season victories over the Rangers.
Rangers leading Flyers 1-0 after first period
Philadelphia, Pa. - Dan Boyle lit the lamp for the visiting Rangers on the power-play as New York leads the Philadelphia Flyers 1-0 after the first period Friday.
Boyle raced a slap shot past Steve Mason after taking a cross-ice pass from Derek Stepan when the Rangers took the advantage over the Flyers' 30th-ranked penalty-kill.
Martin St. Louis also featured on the assist, notching his 999th-career point.
Zac Rinaldo sat for two minutes at 5:22, 48 seconds earlier, after roughing New York's Dominic Moore, throwing a punch to the center's face in the Flyers' offensive zone.
New York went 1-for-2 on the power-play, the second coming after the Flyers were called for too many men at 10:38. Jakub Voracek sat for the two minutes. Boyle tried Mason again from afar, but the goalie pushed the shot away from his chest. Rick Nash tried that deflection seconds later from close range, but Mason was there with his glove.
Mason stopped 9-of-10 in twenty minutes and Cam Talbot all 7 he faced for the Rangers in relief of Henrik Lundqvist.
Moore would sit for two minutes after interfering with Flyers captain Claude Giroux at 7:20.
Which put Philadelphia's 6th-best power-play unit on the ice. Claude Giroux tried Talbot early on, but went wide. New York's Carl Hagelin ventured a short-handed goal on Mason after a turnover in the Flyers zone, being pushed aside by the goalie's pad.
Vincent Lecavalier fired on Talbot with 30 seconds left in the advantage when Andrew Macdonald found him alone in the right circle, but the center's shot went wide.
After being outshot 10-3 early, Philadelphia brought greater offensive pressure with four minutes left in the first session. Andrew Macdonald fired a one-timer for Cam Talbot that deflected wide to the right circle, where Michael Del Zotto, former Ranger, was waiting. He fired for Talbot's left, a shot that went high. Del Zotto tried again two minutes later, but hit the glass.
The defenseman featured a third time, with a minute-ten remaining, sneaking a pass near the crease to Wayne Simmonds, who fired wide on Talbot.
For the Flyers, Brayden Schenn flicked a pass to Nick Schultz, alone and wide open in the left circle, whose chance on Cam Talbot went high and wide at 16:20.
Philadelphia (8-10-3, 19 pts) will visit the Garden tomorrow to finish a home-and-home with the Rangers (9-8-4, 22 pts), though fell to their arch-rival 2-0 in their last trip there Nov. 19th.
Boyle raced a slap shot past Steve Mason after taking a cross-ice pass from Derek Stepan when the Rangers took the advantage over the Flyers' 30th-ranked penalty-kill.
Martin St. Louis also featured on the assist, notching his 999th-career point.
Zac Rinaldo sat for two minutes at 5:22, 48 seconds earlier, after roughing New York's Dominic Moore, throwing a punch to the center's face in the Flyers' offensive zone.
New York went 1-for-2 on the power-play, the second coming after the Flyers were called for too many men at 10:38. Jakub Voracek sat for the two minutes. Boyle tried Mason again from afar, but the goalie pushed the shot away from his chest. Rick Nash tried that deflection seconds later from close range, but Mason was there with his glove.
Mason stopped 9-of-10 in twenty minutes and Cam Talbot all 7 he faced for the Rangers in relief of Henrik Lundqvist.
Moore would sit for two minutes after interfering with Flyers captain Claude Giroux at 7:20.
Which put Philadelphia's 6th-best power-play unit on the ice. Claude Giroux tried Talbot early on, but went wide. New York's Carl Hagelin ventured a short-handed goal on Mason after a turnover in the Flyers zone, being pushed aside by the goalie's pad.
Vincent Lecavalier fired on Talbot with 30 seconds left in the advantage when Andrew Macdonald found him alone in the right circle, but the center's shot went wide.
After being outshot 10-3 early, Philadelphia brought greater offensive pressure with four minutes left in the first session. Andrew Macdonald fired a one-timer for Cam Talbot that deflected wide to the right circle, where Michael Del Zotto, former Ranger, was waiting. He fired for Talbot's left, a shot that went high. Del Zotto tried again two minutes later, but hit the glass.
The defenseman featured a third time, with a minute-ten remaining, sneaking a pass near the crease to Wayne Simmonds, who fired wide on Talbot.
For the Flyers, Brayden Schenn flicked a pass to Nick Schultz, alone and wide open in the left circle, whose chance on Cam Talbot went high and wide at 16:20.
Philadelphia (8-10-3, 19 pts) will visit the Garden tomorrow to finish a home-and-home with the Rangers (9-8-4, 22 pts), though fell to their arch-rival 2-0 in their last trip there Nov. 19th.
NFL Capsules: reviewing Thanksgiving triple-header
A recap of NFL action this Thanksgiving:
Detroit Lions 34, Chicago Bears 17
Detroit, Mich. - Despite taking a 14-3 lead in the first quarter, the Chicago Bears fell to the Detroit Lions 37-14, thanks largely to receiver Calvin Johnson.
Johnson caught 11 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns for Detroit (8-4), both scores in the first half.
Johnson hauled in a 25 yard touchdown reception from Matthew Stafford to end a 78 yard drive, bringing the hosts within 14-10 two minutes into the second quarter.
His 6 yard score with 24 seconds left in the second gave them the 10-point advantage.
His effort helped him become the fastest receiver in history to 10,000 yards (115 games).
Matthew Stafford went 34-of-45 for 390 yards passing and two touchdowns, 275 of those yards coming in the first half of play.
Joique Bell capped off an 86 yard drive when he struck paydirt from 1 yard that gave the Lions their first lead. He added another, also from a yard out, three seconds into the fourth quarter.
His second score concluded a 95 yard drive over six minutes.
Jay Cutler tossed two touchdowns in defeat for Chicago (5-7), both in the first session, finding Alshon Jeffery from 10 yards and from 6 after Jared Allen stripped Stafford of the football on the Lions 5.
The win gave Detroit their second-straight Thanksgiving triumph after dropping their last nine.
/
Philadelphia Eagles 33, Dallas Cowboys 10
Arlington, Tex. - LeSean McCoy and Mark Sanchez rushed for touchdowns and Sanchez threw a third as the Philadelphia Eagles easily discard the Dallas Cowboys 33-10 on Thanksgiving as the NFC East sides renew their rivalry.
It wasn't even that close.
Philadelphia (9-3) jumped out to a 14-0 lead after playing only five minutes of football in the first quarter.
Mark Sanchez rushed for his 1st score on the ground this season on a drive that featured a 36 yard rush from LeSean McCoy.
His scoring toss to Jordan Matthews from 27 yards came on the Eagles' second possession, two minutes of game time later, begun by McCoy's 19 yard gallop. Matthews snagged a 15 yard catch and Riley Cooper picked up two receptions on the drive.
LeSean McCoy rushed 25 times for 159 yards and a 38 yard touchdown in the third quarter.
The effort marked his 4th game this season of 100 or more yards as his 4th-career 1,000 yard season.
DeMarco Murray, the league's leading rusher, notched the only touchdown on the day for Dallas (8-4), a 1 yarder to open the second quarter on the Cowboys' only productive drive, a 67 yard charge to bring the home side within 14-7.
Murray rushed for only 73 yards after averaging 134 per game coming in as Philadelphia outgained Dallas on the ground 256-93.
"I thought our defense overall did a really nice job," Eagles coach Chip Kelly said afterwards.
/
Seattle Seahawks 19, San Francisco 49ers 3
Santa Clara, Calif. - Richard Sherman secured two interceptions on Colin Kaepernick as he and the defending champion Seahawks down NFC West rival San Francisco 19-3 in primetime.
Kaepernick ended the night with 121 passing yards, though had only 83 late into the third quarter before a pass-happy final stretch.
Seattle (8-4) now holds the second-place position in that division, behind the Arizona Cardinals, who they defeated Sunday by the same scoreline.
Sherman's first interception set up the game's only touchdown, in the first quarter, and his second when the 49ers were driving before a half-empty stadium.
The corner waved sarcastically to what was left of the crowd after his second pick.
"Their fans were saying some pretty vulgar things to us earlier," the cornerback said, "you never want to hear that."
Sherman now has an interception against the 49ers in 3-of-4 games against them, and the Seahawks are 2-0 against the Niners when he has a pick. And 0-4 when he doesn't.
Russell Wilson went 15-for-22 on 236 yards passing and a touchdown. He gained 35 more yards on the ground. Marshawn Lynch added 104 yards on 20 rushes for the Seahawks.
Phil Dawson provided the only points for the Niners (7-5), a 40 yard field goal at 1:06 in the third quarter.
Seattle outgained San Francisco 379-164, though the 49ers entered the halftime break with 23 yards rushing and no points.
Detroit Lions 34, Chicago Bears 17
Detroit, Mich. - Despite taking a 14-3 lead in the first quarter, the Chicago Bears fell to the Detroit Lions 37-14, thanks largely to receiver Calvin Johnson.
Johnson caught 11 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns for Detroit (8-4), both scores in the first half.
Johnson hauled in a 25 yard touchdown reception from Matthew Stafford to end a 78 yard drive, bringing the hosts within 14-10 two minutes into the second quarter.
His 6 yard score with 24 seconds left in the second gave them the 10-point advantage.
His effort helped him become the fastest receiver in history to 10,000 yards (115 games).
Matthew Stafford went 34-of-45 for 390 yards passing and two touchdowns, 275 of those yards coming in the first half of play.
Joique Bell capped off an 86 yard drive when he struck paydirt from 1 yard that gave the Lions their first lead. He added another, also from a yard out, three seconds into the fourth quarter.
His second score concluded a 95 yard drive over six minutes.
Jay Cutler tossed two touchdowns in defeat for Chicago (5-7), both in the first session, finding Alshon Jeffery from 10 yards and from 6 after Jared Allen stripped Stafford of the football on the Lions 5.
The win gave Detroit their second-straight Thanksgiving triumph after dropping their last nine.
/
Philadelphia Eagles 33, Dallas Cowboys 10
Arlington, Tex. - LeSean McCoy and Mark Sanchez rushed for touchdowns and Sanchez threw a third as the Philadelphia Eagles easily discard the Dallas Cowboys 33-10 on Thanksgiving as the NFC East sides renew their rivalry.
It wasn't even that close.
Philadelphia (9-3) jumped out to a 14-0 lead after playing only five minutes of football in the first quarter.
Mark Sanchez rushed for his 1st score on the ground this season on a drive that featured a 36 yard rush from LeSean McCoy.
His scoring toss to Jordan Matthews from 27 yards came on the Eagles' second possession, two minutes of game time later, begun by McCoy's 19 yard gallop. Matthews snagged a 15 yard catch and Riley Cooper picked up two receptions on the drive.
LeSean McCoy rushed 25 times for 159 yards and a 38 yard touchdown in the third quarter.
The effort marked his 4th game this season of 100 or more yards as his 4th-career 1,000 yard season.
DeMarco Murray, the league's leading rusher, notched the only touchdown on the day for Dallas (8-4), a 1 yarder to open the second quarter on the Cowboys' only productive drive, a 67 yard charge to bring the home side within 14-7.
Murray rushed for only 73 yards after averaging 134 per game coming in as Philadelphia outgained Dallas on the ground 256-93.
"I thought our defense overall did a really nice job," Eagles coach Chip Kelly said afterwards.
/
Seattle Seahawks 19, San Francisco 49ers 3
Santa Clara, Calif. - Richard Sherman secured two interceptions on Colin Kaepernick as he and the defending champion Seahawks down NFC West rival San Francisco 19-3 in primetime.
Kaepernick ended the night with 121 passing yards, though had only 83 late into the third quarter before a pass-happy final stretch.
Seattle (8-4) now holds the second-place position in that division, behind the Arizona Cardinals, who they defeated Sunday by the same scoreline.
Sherman's first interception set up the game's only touchdown, in the first quarter, and his second when the 49ers were driving before a half-empty stadium.
The corner waved sarcastically to what was left of the crowd after his second pick.
"Their fans were saying some pretty vulgar things to us earlier," the cornerback said, "you never want to hear that."
Sherman now has an interception against the 49ers in 3-of-4 games against them, and the Seahawks are 2-0 against the Niners when he has a pick. And 0-4 when he doesn't.
Russell Wilson went 15-for-22 on 236 yards passing and a touchdown. He gained 35 more yards on the ground. Marshawn Lynch added 104 yards on 20 rushes for the Seahawks.
Phil Dawson provided the only points for the Niners (7-5), a 40 yard field goal at 1:06 in the third quarter.
Seattle outgained San Francisco 379-164, though the 49ers entered the halftime break with 23 yards rushing and no points.
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