BUFFALO - Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone opted out of his contract Wednesday to pursue another coaching position, team owner Doug Pagula said.
"Doug Marrone informed me late today that he has decided to exercise the option clause in his contract and relinquish his responsibilities as our head coach," Pegula said in a statement.
Marrone led the Bills to a 15-17 record in two seasons with the club, improving from a 6-10 campaign in 2013 to a 9-7 mark this season and a second-place spot in the AFC East.
"We are disappointed that Coach Marrone will no longer be an important part of our organization," Pagula added. "We thank him for all of his hard work and leadership during his tenure and wish him and his family the best with the next chapter in their lives."
Wednesday marked the third of a three-day window for him to opt out of his contract, a clause added when the Bills were sold to Pagula following the death of team founder Ralph Wilson this year.
"We will now begin the important process of conducting a thorough search for a new head coach as we continue to strive to reach our goal of returning to the playoffs and bringing a championship to Buffalo for our fans," Pagula said, who also owns the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.
Marrone is a free agent to seek any coaching position and will receive a guaranteed $4 million without that amount counting as an offset against any future salary he may earn elsewhere.
Buffalo fielded the fourth-best defense in football and the 26th-best offensive eleven and quarterback Kyle Orton announced his retirement at season's end.
Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Steelers: Bell questionable, Tate signed
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Steelers tailback Le'Veon Bell is questionable for Sunday's AFC Wild Card game against Baltimore and the team signed Ben Tate to replace him.
"My leg feels great," Bell said. "It feels good to be able to move around and not think about it much."
Bell hyperextended his right knee in Pittsburgh's regular season finale Sunday night against Cincinnati when Bengals safety Reggie Nelson tackled him in the open field on a rush attempt.
Nelson led with his helmet into the collision and Bell did not return to the game, a 27-17 victory for Pittsburgh. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Nelson exchanged words after the game.
The second-year back from Michigan State did not practice Wednesday though did ride a stationary bike and tried some light jogging, and he remains confident he will see the field for the Steelers' playoff opener.
"I didn't expect to be feeling this well this early," he said via Scott Brown of ESPN. "I'm going to try to do more tomorrow."
Bell has 1,361 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns for the Steelers.
Ben Tate featured for the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings this season, and is expected to play alongside Dri Archer and Josh Harris should Bell miss the game. Harris was signed from the team's practice squad last month.
"My leg feels great," Bell said. "It feels good to be able to move around and not think about it much."
Bell hyperextended his right knee in Pittsburgh's regular season finale Sunday night against Cincinnati when Bengals safety Reggie Nelson tackled him in the open field on a rush attempt.
Nelson led with his helmet into the collision and Bell did not return to the game, a 27-17 victory for Pittsburgh. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and Nelson exchanged words after the game.
The second-year back from Michigan State did not practice Wednesday though did ride a stationary bike and tried some light jogging, and he remains confident he will see the field for the Steelers' playoff opener.
"I didn't expect to be feeling this well this early," he said via Scott Brown of ESPN. "I'm going to try to do more tomorrow."
Bell has 1,361 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns for the Steelers.
Ben Tate featured for the Cleveland Browns and Minnesota Vikings this season, and is expected to play alongside Dri Archer and Josh Harris should Bell miss the game. Harris was signed from the team's practice squad last month.
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Redskins: Gruden says QB spot open
ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins head coach Jay Gruden said the team's quarterback position will be opened up to competition for the 2015 season.
Washington's three quarterbacks were responsible for 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions and four victories against 12 defeats this season.
All of which leaves first-year man Jay Gruden in somewhat of a bind, giving him the inspiration to start over again.
"I'd like to pick one as soon as I could so we could try to work and grind on him and develop him," Gruden said. "But until that position is earned, you have to have a competition. I anticipate us having a competition at a lot of spots, and quarterback is no different next year."
Robert Griffin and Colt McCoy both lost time to injury and Kirk Cousins was turnover-prone, responsible for half the team's interceptions, including 4 on one Monday night against the Giants.
"All three quarterbacks have shown the ability that they can play quarterback in the NFL," Gruden said. "But all three have shown they need some work. That's the case with most teams who are out of the playoffs right now. We're going to go through that process slowly but surely. But we will get there."
But Griffin, still the favorite of team owner Daniel Snyder, is clearly the greatest disappointment for the Redskins.
He featured in seven games this season after dislocating his ankle in Week 2. Backup Cousins would later be benched in favor of McCoy, who led the 'Skins to two of their four wins before Griffin returned from his injury in Week 9 at Minnesota.
Griffin completed 68.7 percent of his 214 pass attempts in that time for 1,694 yards, slinging four touchdowns and six interceptions as Washington acquired two wins in contests he started, against Jacksonville and Philadelphia.
Though Griffin would suffer the same fate as Cousins, being benched for McCoy before the Redskins' third-stringer fell to a neck injury twice, and Gruden was forced to start Griffin again.
"Obviously as a young quarterback he's going to go through some growing pains," Gruden said of him. "We all have a long way to go as far as learning each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we've just got to grow from there. He's got the arm talent to be a good quarterback. Obviously some issues in the pocket have to be worked with - anticipation, accuracy. There's a lot that can be improved on."
Washington's three quarterbacks were responsible for 18 touchdowns and 18 interceptions and four victories against 12 defeats this season.
All of which leaves first-year man Jay Gruden in somewhat of a bind, giving him the inspiration to start over again.
"I'd like to pick one as soon as I could so we could try to work and grind on him and develop him," Gruden said. "But until that position is earned, you have to have a competition. I anticipate us having a competition at a lot of spots, and quarterback is no different next year."
Robert Griffin and Colt McCoy both lost time to injury and Kirk Cousins was turnover-prone, responsible for half the team's interceptions, including 4 on one Monday night against the Giants.
"All three quarterbacks have shown the ability that they can play quarterback in the NFL," Gruden said. "But all three have shown they need some work. That's the case with most teams who are out of the playoffs right now. We're going to go through that process slowly but surely. But we will get there."
But Griffin, still the favorite of team owner Daniel Snyder, is clearly the greatest disappointment for the Redskins.
He featured in seven games this season after dislocating his ankle in Week 2. Backup Cousins would later be benched in favor of McCoy, who led the 'Skins to two of their four wins before Griffin returned from his injury in Week 9 at Minnesota.
Griffin completed 68.7 percent of his 214 pass attempts in that time for 1,694 yards, slinging four touchdowns and six interceptions as Washington acquired two wins in contests he started, against Jacksonville and Philadelphia.
Though Griffin would suffer the same fate as Cousins, being benched for McCoy before the Redskins' third-stringer fell to a neck injury twice, and Gruden was forced to start Griffin again.
"Obviously as a young quarterback he's going to go through some growing pains," Gruden said of him. "We all have a long way to go as far as learning each other's strengths and weaknesses, and we've just got to grow from there. He's got the arm talent to be a good quarterback. Obviously some issues in the pocket have to be worked with - anticipation, accuracy. There's a lot that can be improved on."
Irish edge LSU with field goal as time expires
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Malik Zaire held and Kyle Brindza kicked the winning field goal as time expired to secure the Music City Bowl for Notre Dame over LSU 31-28 on Tuesday.
Zaire passed and rushed both for 96 yards in his first collegiate start as the Irish defeat an SEC team after being outscored 83-28 in their last two chances, against LSU, and Alabama in the 2012 national championship game.
Notre Dame and LSU last met in the 2007 Sugar Bowl, a 41-14 Tiger victory.
Former Irish starter Everett Golson completed 6-of-11 passes for 90 yards as Brian Kelly announced before the game that his team would field two quarterbacks.
It was a back-and-forth contest defined by long-gaining plays and touchdown strikes as Notre Dame secured the upset and put the axe to a four-game losing skid.
Tigers running back Leonard Fournette rushed for two touchdowns and added a 100 yard kickoff return score in the second quarter, finishing with 143 yards on eleven rushes.
LSU (8-5) would strike for 14 straight points in the third frame. Anthony Jennings connected with John Diarse for a 75 yard bomb and Fournette would pound through for an 85 yard touchdown to give the Tigers a seven-point advantage.
But golden-domer C.J. Prosise would strike pay dirt from 50 yards with four minutes left in the third, and after a quiet fourth quarter that found LSU possess the ball once on a 20 yard drive, Notre Dame would chip 71 yards in almost six minutes to produce the game-winning kick.
Zaire passed and rushed both for 96 yards in his first collegiate start as the Irish defeat an SEC team after being outscored 83-28 in their last two chances, against LSU, and Alabama in the 2012 national championship game.
Notre Dame and LSU last met in the 2007 Sugar Bowl, a 41-14 Tiger victory.
Former Irish starter Everett Golson completed 6-of-11 passes for 90 yards as Brian Kelly announced before the game that his team would field two quarterbacks.
It was a back-and-forth contest defined by long-gaining plays and touchdown strikes as Notre Dame secured the upset and put the axe to a four-game losing skid.
Tigers running back Leonard Fournette rushed for two touchdowns and added a 100 yard kickoff return score in the second quarter, finishing with 143 yards on eleven rushes.
LSU (8-5) would strike for 14 straight points in the third frame. Anthony Jennings connected with John Diarse for a 75 yard bomb and Fournette would pound through for an 85 yard touchdown to give the Tigers a seven-point advantage.
But golden-domer C.J. Prosise would strike pay dirt from 50 yards with four minutes left in the third, and after a quiet fourth quarter that found LSU possess the ball once on a 20 yard drive, Notre Dame would chip 71 yards in almost six minutes to produce the game-winning kick.
Lions: Suh wins appeal, will play at Dallas
NEW YORK - Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh won his appeal against the 1 game suspension he received this week and will appear in the team's Wild Card game at Dallas on Sunday.
He will be fined $70,000 for the incident, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Suh was suspended for one game after he twice stepped on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he lay on the turf in last Sunday's game between Detroit and Green Bay that decided the NFC North champion.
He was not flagged on the play, despite protests from Rodgers afterwards to many of the surrounding officials.
Following that game, the NFL ruled Rodgers to be "in a defenseless posture" as Suh was coming off his block. He appeared to have a chance to stop his momentum, though took two steps backwards onto Rodgers' leg.
The league noted that Suh was "applying pressure and unnecessarily pushing off Rodgers' unprotected leg with his left foot, violating playing rules prohibiting unnecessary roughness."
"If you step on something in your everyday life or if you step on somebody on the field, the first reactions seems to be looking back and maybe apologizing with your hands or maybe pulling your foot back right away, and I'm just not sure that's what happened on Sunday," Aaron Rodgers said during his radio show to ESPN Milwaukee.
Rodgers had injured his leg earlier in the game while throwing one of his two touchdowns to Randall Cobb and left the field momentarily before returning in the second half. Green Bay defeated Detroit 30-20 on Sunday.
He will be fined $70,000 for the incident, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun.
Suh was suspended for one game after he twice stepped on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he lay on the turf in last Sunday's game between Detroit and Green Bay that decided the NFC North champion.
He was not flagged on the play, despite protests from Rodgers afterwards to many of the surrounding officials.
Following that game, the NFL ruled Rodgers to be "in a defenseless posture" as Suh was coming off his block. He appeared to have a chance to stop his momentum, though took two steps backwards onto Rodgers' leg.
The league noted that Suh was "applying pressure and unnecessarily pushing off Rodgers' unprotected leg with his left foot, violating playing rules prohibiting unnecessary roughness."
"If you step on something in your everyday life or if you step on somebody on the field, the first reactions seems to be looking back and maybe apologizing with your hands or maybe pulling your foot back right away, and I'm just not sure that's what happened on Sunday," Aaron Rodgers said during his radio show to ESPN Milwaukee.
Rodgers had injured his leg earlier in the game while throwing one of his two touchdowns to Randall Cobb and left the field momentarily before returning in the second half. Green Bay defeated Detroit 30-20 on Sunday.
Fournette returns kick 100 yards for TD
NASHVILLE - Leonard Fournette raced for a 100 yard kickoff return touchdown in the second quarter as LSU ties Notre Dame 14-14 in a back-and-forth Music City Bowl on Tuesday.
Fournette secured the reception on his goal-line, easily outraced the first wave and took off to the right for open field after the Irish committed to the left side.
LSU took possession after Notre Dame regained a 14-7 lead on quarterback Malik Zaire's rushing score.
Fournette produced a 7-7 tie on an 8 yard touchdown rush to cap off a 76 yard drive begun when Notre Dame failed on a 4th-and-1 attempt.
Zaire connected with William Fuller on Notre Dame's first possession, a 12 yard touchdown that earned the Irish (7-5) the early advantage.
Fournette secured the reception on his goal-line, easily outraced the first wave and took off to the right for open field after the Irish committed to the left side.
LSU took possession after Notre Dame regained a 14-7 lead on quarterback Malik Zaire's rushing score.
Fournette produced a 7-7 tie on an 8 yard touchdown rush to cap off a 76 yard drive begun when Notre Dame failed on a 4th-and-1 attempt.
Zaire connected with William Fuller on Notre Dame's first possession, a 12 yard touchdown that earned the Irish (7-5) the early advantage.
Notre Dame, LSU tied after first quarter
NASHVILLE - Tigers back Leonard Fournette took a pitch left and rushed for an 8 yard touchdown to level the Music City Bowl 7-7 between LSU and Notre Dame on Tuesday at LP Field.
Travin Dural took a concealed handoff crouched behind the line around left end for a 24 yard rush to the Irish 31. Fournette followed with an 18 yard carry the old fashioned way, off tackle to the Irish 13 before adding his score.
Malik Zaire drove Notre Dame (7-5) down for the early touchdown lead on a 12 yard toss to William Fuller. Zaire converted a 4th-and-9 with his feet on the 66 yard charge.
Zaire and C.J. Prosise rushed for 26 and 27 yards to the LSU 29 before Zaire was tackled behind the line on a 4th-and-1 on the Tigers 20.
Notre Dame is seeking their first victory in four outings and No. 23 LSU to take the lead in the two programs' all-time rivalry.
Travin Dural took a concealed handoff crouched behind the line around left end for a 24 yard rush to the Irish 31. Fournette followed with an 18 yard carry the old fashioned way, off tackle to the Irish 13 before adding his score.
Malik Zaire drove Notre Dame (7-5) down for the early touchdown lead on a 12 yard toss to William Fuller. Zaire converted a 4th-and-9 with his feet on the 66 yard charge.
Zaire and C.J. Prosise rushed for 26 and 27 yards to the LSU 29 before Zaire was tackled behind the line on a 4th-and-1 on the Tigers 20.
Notre Dame is seeking their first victory in four outings and No. 23 LSU to take the lead in the two programs' all-time rivalry.
Irish leading LSU early in Music City Bowl
NASHVILLE - Malik Zaire converted a 4th-and-9 on the ground into the red zone and capped off a 66 drive over eight minutes with a 12 yard touchdown toss to William Fuller as Notre Dame leads the LSU Tigers 7-0 early in the Music City Bowl.
Notre Dame chipped away in 15 plays against the SEC's best defense to take the advantage in search of their first victory in four contests.
Tuesday's contest is Zaire's first collegiate start after relieving starter Everett Golson in Notre Dame's season finale at USC.
Zaire is 5-of-6 for 34 yards passing with 16 yards rushing for the Irish (7-5), who are appearing in their fifth bowl game in coach Brian Kelly' fifth season, the first coach in program history to achieve that feat.
Notre Dame chipped away in 15 plays against the SEC's best defense to take the advantage in search of their first victory in four contests.
Tuesday's contest is Zaire's first collegiate start after relieving starter Everett Golson in Notre Dame's season finale at USC.
Zaire is 5-of-6 for 34 yards passing with 16 yards rushing for the Irish (7-5), who are appearing in their fifth bowl game in coach Brian Kelly' fifth season, the first coach in program history to achieve that feat.
Eagles: Chip Kelly has faith in Billy Davis
PHILADELPHIA - Eagles head coach Chip Kelly is confident in his defensive coordinator Billy Davis despite his secondary unit allowing the most big plays in football.
"I thought Billy did a really good job," Kelly said through the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I thought our defense improved in a lot of categories. There's still things we need to clean up."
First on the list: the Eagles' secondary, ranked 31st in pass defense at season's end, behind only Atlanta, allowed the most plays of over 20 yards (72) and of over 40 yards (18).
"It's broke and we've got to fix it," Davis said, whose defending eleven allowed 30 touchdowns over 16 contests, fourth-most in the league.
"We have to get better," he added. "There's no question about that. We improved in every category except the deep passes, and the deep passes, that's what gets the touchdowns and the points and the long yards, and we have to get that fixed, and we will in this offseason."
The Eagles did see improvements in yards allowed, opposing quarterback's completion percentage, an increase in sacks, and lower third-down conversions and rushing yards permitted.
Philadelphia's run defense ranked 18th in the league this season behind its fifth-best sack artist in Connor Barwin (14.5), though did still allow more than 100 yards rushing per game and the fifth-most yards (375.6).
Their postseason fate would be sealed in what Chip Kelly calls "X-plays," those of 20 or more yards.
Last season, Davis' first at the defensive helm, found the Eagles allow 62 X-plays, the fourth most in football and their passing defense ranked last in yards.
"We were really good in 2013 in X-plays," Kelly said. "We weren't good at all in 2014 in X-plays. I thought our run defense got better. I thought our transition from coming in here and [last season] playing a wide-9, 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense over the last two years [helped]."
Dez Bryant caught a career-best three touchdowns in the Eagles-Cowboys rematch that determined first-place in the NFC East, all against cornerback Bradley Fletcher. Fletcher allowed two passes of more than 50 yards from DeSean Jackson in the team's season finale against the Redskins. Jackson also had an 81 yard touchdown reception in their first meeting in September.
"The goal is to have the best secondary in the NFL," Davis said. "That's the goal. Because it is a passing league. Our goal is to have the best secondary in the NFL and we have to work to get that."
"I thought Billy did a really good job," Kelly said through the Philadelphia Inquirer. "I thought our defense improved in a lot of categories. There's still things we need to clean up."
First on the list: the Eagles' secondary, ranked 31st in pass defense at season's end, behind only Atlanta, allowed the most plays of over 20 yards (72) and of over 40 yards (18).
"It's broke and we've got to fix it," Davis said, whose defending eleven allowed 30 touchdowns over 16 contests, fourth-most in the league.
"We have to get better," he added. "There's no question about that. We improved in every category except the deep passes, and the deep passes, that's what gets the touchdowns and the points and the long yards, and we have to get that fixed, and we will in this offseason."
The Eagles did see improvements in yards allowed, opposing quarterback's completion percentage, an increase in sacks, and lower third-down conversions and rushing yards permitted.
Philadelphia's run defense ranked 18th in the league this season behind its fifth-best sack artist in Connor Barwin (14.5), though did still allow more than 100 yards rushing per game and the fifth-most yards (375.6).
Their postseason fate would be sealed in what Chip Kelly calls "X-plays," those of 20 or more yards.
Last season, Davis' first at the defensive helm, found the Eagles allow 62 X-plays, the fourth most in football and their passing defense ranked last in yards.
"We were really good in 2013 in X-plays," Kelly said. "We weren't good at all in 2014 in X-plays. I thought our run defense got better. I thought our transition from coming in here and [last season] playing a wide-9, 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense over the last two years [helped]."
Dez Bryant caught a career-best three touchdowns in the Eagles-Cowboys rematch that determined first-place in the NFC East, all against cornerback Bradley Fletcher. Fletcher allowed two passes of more than 50 yards from DeSean Jackson in the team's season finale against the Redskins. Jackson also had an 81 yard touchdown reception in their first meeting in September.
"The goal is to have the best secondary in the NFL," Davis said. "That's the goal. Because it is a passing league. Our goal is to have the best secondary in the NFL and we have to work to get that."
Redskins: Cousins denies he demanded a trade
ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins backup quarterback Kirk Cousins on Tuesday sought to clarify comments he made on Monday about wanting to be traded from the team should Robert Griffin be named the starter next season.
"Isn't it obvious I couldn't stay here?" he told Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington on Monday following the end of the regular season.
But the next day, Cousins said he is not demanding a trade from the team in a conference call set up by the Redskins public relations staff.
"I don't demand anything," he said. "I'm under contract. I'm going to honor that contract if that's what it comes to. I'm focused on getting better. We all know that I have a long ways to go. I have a lot of work to do. I had two awful quarters this year and threw nine interceptions, which is way too many. I have plenty to work on to get better. That's the message that I want out. I'm excited to get back to work. Because I do think that with another offseason in the system, with more time to develop and talk about the system and improve and get practice reps, that I can really take another step forward."
The third-year quarterback from Michigan State has 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions this season in five starts for the Redskins before being replaced by Colt McCoy in Week 8.
"Isn't it obvious I couldn't stay here?" he told Dianna Marie Russini of NBC Washington on Monday following the end of the regular season.
But the next day, Cousins said he is not demanding a trade from the team in a conference call set up by the Redskins public relations staff.
"I don't demand anything," he said. "I'm under contract. I'm going to honor that contract if that's what it comes to. I'm focused on getting better. We all know that I have a long ways to go. I have a lot of work to do. I had two awful quarters this year and threw nine interceptions, which is way too many. I have plenty to work on to get better. That's the message that I want out. I'm excited to get back to work. Because I do think that with another offseason in the system, with more time to develop and talk about the system and improve and get practice reps, that I can really take another step forward."
The third-year quarterback from Michigan State has 18 touchdowns and 19 interceptions this season in five starts for the Redskins before being replaced by Colt McCoy in Week 8.
Monday, December 29, 2014
Bruins rebound at Red Wings' expense, 5-2
BOSTON - The slumping Boston Bruins took advantage of a three-goal first period before adding two more in the third to down the Detroit Red Wings 5-2 on Monday night.
Five different skaters propelled the Bruins to the winning side of the ledger, entering the first intermission with a 3-1 advantage from which they would hardly look back.
And in the process end Atlantic Division rival Detroit's two-game winning habit.
"They're in our division," Carl Soderberg said, picking up three points off a goal and two assists. "We have to win these games."
Boston's Rielly Smith lit the lamp at 2:44 in the first with a blast from the blue line that landed over Jimmy Howard's left shoulder. Dougie Hamilton took the assist, lingering along the near boards before handing Smith the pass that would float through traffic to open scoring.
"That was a great example of how we need to play for pretty much the rest of the season," Boston captain Zdeno Chara said. "It's pretty simple. We had the right attitude and right approach right from the first drop of the puck."
Justin Abdelkader produced the 1-1 stalemate at 11:21, shooting a clean backhander as he fell to the ice through a twelve-inch space between Tuukka Rask's left leg and the post. Rask stuffed 28-of-30 for Boston on the night otherwise.
But the Bruins are 12-6-2 at home this season, seeking to prove the fact as they notched two goals in a 1:13 span to close the first frame.
Gregory Campbell recorded his 4th goal this season as the recipient of a lucky pass and deflection from Torey Krug, who flung a one-timer that squirted out of a heavy scrum in the crease.
His chance clinked off the right post into the path of Campbell from six inches out, who tapped the leading goal past Howard's left foot at 16:12.
Carl Soderberg took an assist on that shot, and soon after would record a goal of his own, firing from close range to the left side of the Wings net off a pass from Loui Erikkson behind the net.
"That's what I wanted to see from our team," Bruins head coach Claude Julien said afterwards. "It's the kind of game that we need."
Boston's skates cooled in the middle section, allowing the Red Wings back within a goal courtesy of Tomas Tatar, who cashed in on Detroit's third-best power-play.
Chris Kelly tripped Detroit's leading scorer Gustav Nyquist forty seconds earlier, setting up Tatar's 15th strike this season, off an assist from Danny DeKeyser.
But Kelly would add the empty-netter with three minutes left to clinch the win for the home side, who are 3-3-0 in their last six outings.
"I think everyone was focused on going over the boards and doing their job for the 40 or 50 seconds they were on the ice," Kelly said of the Bruins' effort. "It was wave after wave. Every line contributed and played really well."
Boston (19-15-3) was without points-leader Patrice Bergeron and Milan Lucic for undisclosed reasons.
The Bruins enjoyed four power-play chances, and in the third period Seth Griffith would skate past Detroit's second-best penalty killing unit to regain the two-goal advantage.
David Krejci took possession in the left circle deep in the Wings zone, skating backwards along the boards before slipping what became an assist through two Detroit defenders to Griffith, who flung a wrister from the circle past Howard's right arm.
"They threw in a lot of pucks and created chances off that," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. "We tried to do that, too, but we've got to have the puck. We didn't win a lot of faceoffs in the first period and it's tough to start without the puck."
Jimmy Howard stopped 40-of-45 shots in net for Detroit (19-9-9) as the Bruins record their season-high in shots.
"We've been walking that fine line here for a little bit," Howard said of the Wings' recent losing ways. "We have to find a way to start on time. There have been too many times this year where we wait until the second period to get going."
Detroit hosts New Jersey before embarking on a six-game road trip, and Boston will treat Toronto to a New Year's Eve meeting at the Garden.
Five different skaters propelled the Bruins to the winning side of the ledger, entering the first intermission with a 3-1 advantage from which they would hardly look back.
And in the process end Atlantic Division rival Detroit's two-game winning habit.
"They're in our division," Carl Soderberg said, picking up three points off a goal and two assists. "We have to win these games."
Boston's Rielly Smith lit the lamp at 2:44 in the first with a blast from the blue line that landed over Jimmy Howard's left shoulder. Dougie Hamilton took the assist, lingering along the near boards before handing Smith the pass that would float through traffic to open scoring.
"That was a great example of how we need to play for pretty much the rest of the season," Boston captain Zdeno Chara said. "It's pretty simple. We had the right attitude and right approach right from the first drop of the puck."
Justin Abdelkader produced the 1-1 stalemate at 11:21, shooting a clean backhander as he fell to the ice through a twelve-inch space between Tuukka Rask's left leg and the post. Rask stuffed 28-of-30 for Boston on the night otherwise.
But the Bruins are 12-6-2 at home this season, seeking to prove the fact as they notched two goals in a 1:13 span to close the first frame.
Gregory Campbell recorded his 4th goal this season as the recipient of a lucky pass and deflection from Torey Krug, who flung a one-timer that squirted out of a heavy scrum in the crease.
His chance clinked off the right post into the path of Campbell from six inches out, who tapped the leading goal past Howard's left foot at 16:12.
Carl Soderberg took an assist on that shot, and soon after would record a goal of his own, firing from close range to the left side of the Wings net off a pass from Loui Erikkson behind the net.
"That's what I wanted to see from our team," Bruins head coach Claude Julien said afterwards. "It's the kind of game that we need."
Boston's skates cooled in the middle section, allowing the Red Wings back within a goal courtesy of Tomas Tatar, who cashed in on Detroit's third-best power-play.
Chris Kelly tripped Detroit's leading scorer Gustav Nyquist forty seconds earlier, setting up Tatar's 15th strike this season, off an assist from Danny DeKeyser.
But Kelly would add the empty-netter with three minutes left to clinch the win for the home side, who are 3-3-0 in their last six outings.
"I think everyone was focused on going over the boards and doing their job for the 40 or 50 seconds they were on the ice," Kelly said of the Bruins' effort. "It was wave after wave. Every line contributed and played really well."
Boston (19-15-3) was without points-leader Patrice Bergeron and Milan Lucic for undisclosed reasons.
The Bruins enjoyed four power-play chances, and in the third period Seth Griffith would skate past Detroit's second-best penalty killing unit to regain the two-goal advantage.
David Krejci took possession in the left circle deep in the Wings zone, skating backwards along the boards before slipping what became an assist through two Detroit defenders to Griffith, who flung a wrister from the circle past Howard's right arm.
"They threw in a lot of pucks and created chances off that," Red Wings captain Henrik Zetterberg said. "We tried to do that, too, but we've got to have the puck. We didn't win a lot of faceoffs in the first period and it's tough to start without the puck."
Jimmy Howard stopped 40-of-45 shots in net for Detroit (19-9-9) as the Bruins record their season-high in shots.
"We've been walking that fine line here for a little bit," Howard said of the Wings' recent losing ways. "We have to find a way to start on time. There have been too many times this year where we wait until the second period to get going."
Detroit hosts New Jersey before embarking on a six-game road trip, and Boston will treat Toronto to a New Year's Eve meeting at the Garden.
Bears: Virginia McCaskey is "pissed off"
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Yes, Virginia, the Bears stink.
To that effect, Monday afternoon found the press conference assembled at Halas Hall to discuss the resulting dismissal of head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery after a woeful five-win campaign and 13 victories against 19 defeats in two seasons.
Concerning those firings and the performance of the franchise overall, George McCaskey, chairman of the Chicago Bears, was asked about the feelings of his mother, team owner Virginia Halas McCaskey.
Mrs. McCaskey is the daughter of George "Papa Bear" Halas, the Bears' beloved founder and former coach.
"She's been very supportive. She agrees with the decisions that we've made," chairman McCaskey said, pausing for a few seconds.
"She's pissed off," he said of Mrs. McCaskey's sentiments. "I can't think of a 91-year-old woman that that description would apply to, but in this case, I can't think of a more accurate description."
Chicago (5-11) missed the postseason for the fourth straight season and the seventh out of eight chances.
"She's been on this earth for eight of the Bears' nine championships, and she wants more. She feels that it's been too long since the last one, and that dissatisfaction is shared by her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
"She's fed up with mediocrity," McCaskey said. "She feels that she and Bears fans everywhere deserve better."
To that effect, Monday afternoon found the press conference assembled at Halas Hall to discuss the resulting dismissal of head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery after a woeful five-win campaign and 13 victories against 19 defeats in two seasons.
Concerning those firings and the performance of the franchise overall, George McCaskey, chairman of the Chicago Bears, was asked about the feelings of his mother, team owner Virginia Halas McCaskey.
Mrs. McCaskey is the daughter of George "Papa Bear" Halas, the Bears' beloved founder and former coach.
"She's been very supportive. She agrees with the decisions that we've made," chairman McCaskey said, pausing for a few seconds.
"She's pissed off," he said of Mrs. McCaskey's sentiments. "I can't think of a 91-year-old woman that that description would apply to, but in this case, I can't think of a more accurate description."
Chicago (5-11) missed the postseason for the fourth straight season and the seventh out of eight chances.
"She's been on this earth for eight of the Bears' nine championships, and she wants more. She feels that it's been too long since the last one, and that dissatisfaction is shared by her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.
"She's fed up with mediocrity," McCaskey said. "She feels that she and Bears fans everywhere deserve better."
Cowboys: Melton may miss playoffs
IRVING, Tex. - Enjoying a resurgent campaign that includes their first division championship since 2009, the Dallas Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions on Jan. 4 in an NFC Wild Card contest.
Though the high spirits may have been dealt a heavy blow on the injury side.
Defensive tackle Henry Melton has a bruised bone in his right knee, acquired in the Cowboys' 44-17 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, and is likely to miss "a few weeks," according to his agent, Jordan Woy.
A fourth-round pick to the Bears in 2009, Melton leads the Cowboys with five sacks and has played in every game this season. He signed a one-year deal with Dallas that includes a three-year option.
Though the high spirits may have been dealt a heavy blow on the injury side.
Defensive tackle Henry Melton has a bruised bone in his right knee, acquired in the Cowboys' 44-17 victory over the Washington Redskins on Sunday, and is likely to miss "a few weeks," according to his agent, Jordan Woy.
A fourth-round pick to the Bears in 2009, Melton leads the Cowboys with five sacks and has played in every game this season. He signed a one-year deal with Dallas that includes a three-year option.
Clemson handling Oklahoma in first
ORLANDO - Clemson barrelled out to a 20-0 first quarter lead on the Oklahoma Sooners in the 2014 Athletic Bowl on Monday night.
Cole Stoudt is 6-for-6 on 108 yards passing and a 65 yard touchdown pass to Artavis Scott on Clemson's first drive of the night, a 1-play, 12 second burst off a flanker screen play that had the Sooner secondary on the wrong side of the turf.
Oklahoma's Trevor Knight would supply the Tigers' second trip to the end zone when his pass for Sterling Shepard was high and off the receiver's hands.
Clemson's Ben Boulware was the beneficiary of that throw, securing the interception and scampering through traffic the other way for a 46 yard score.
Ammon Lakip booted through 2-of-3 field goals for the Tigers.
Clemson outgained Oklahoma 123-31 in the opening frame.
Cole Stoudt is 6-for-6 on 108 yards passing and a 65 yard touchdown pass to Artavis Scott on Clemson's first drive of the night, a 1-play, 12 second burst off a flanker screen play that had the Sooner secondary on the wrong side of the turf.
Oklahoma's Trevor Knight would supply the Tigers' second trip to the end zone when his pass for Sterling Shepard was high and off the receiver's hands.
Clemson's Ben Boulware was the beneficiary of that throw, securing the interception and scampering through traffic the other way for a 46 yard score.
Ammon Lakip booted through 2-of-3 field goals for the Tigers.
Clemson outgained Oklahoma 123-31 in the opening frame.
Lions' Suh out 1 game for stomping on Rodgers
NEW YORK - Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been suspended 1 game without pay by the NFL for stepping on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' leg in their game on Sunday.
"You necessarily stepped on your opponent's unprotected leg as he lay on the ground unable to protect himself," said Merton Hanks, league vice president of football operations, in his letter to Suh.
Suh stepped on Rodgers' leg twice when the quarterback was down after making a pass attempt in the third quarter. Suh had released his block and was stepping backwards, apparently viewing the play downfield, though did appear to have the chance to stop himself.
Hanks ruled Aaron Rodgers to be "in a defenseless posture."
"You did not respond in the manner of someone who had lost his balance and accidentally contacted another player who was lying on the ground," Hanks added. "This is illegal contact, specifically the second step and push off with your left foot, clearly could have been avoided."
Rodgers had missed two series in Sunday's game with an aggravation of a calf injury in the same leg Suh stepped on. Green Bay defeated Detroit 30-20 to clinch the NFC North championship.
This is the second time Suh has been suspended for purposefully stepping on an opponent, missing two games in 2011 after stomping on the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith.
Detroit will miss Suh in their defensive front as they travel to the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 4.
"You necessarily stepped on your opponent's unprotected leg as he lay on the ground unable to protect himself," said Merton Hanks, league vice president of football operations, in his letter to Suh.
Suh stepped on Rodgers' leg twice when the quarterback was down after making a pass attempt in the third quarter. Suh had released his block and was stepping backwards, apparently viewing the play downfield, though did appear to have the chance to stop himself.
Hanks ruled Aaron Rodgers to be "in a defenseless posture."
"You did not respond in the manner of someone who had lost his balance and accidentally contacted another player who was lying on the ground," Hanks added. "This is illegal contact, specifically the second step and push off with your left foot, clearly could have been avoided."
Rodgers had missed two series in Sunday's game with an aggravation of a calf injury in the same leg Suh stepped on. Green Bay defeated Detroit 30-20 to clinch the NFC North championship.
This is the second time Suh has been suspended for purposefully stepping on an opponent, missing two games in 2011 after stomping on the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith.
Detroit will miss Suh in their defensive front as they travel to the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC Wild Card game on Jan. 4.
Redskins: Cousins wants out if Griffin is in
ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins says he would like to be traded from the team should Robert Griffin be named the starter for the 2015 season.
"Isn't it obvious I couldn't stay here?" Cousins told Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 (Washington).
Cousins went 1-4 in relief of Griffin over five starts, tossing 10 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, including a 4 pick outing in a Monday nighter against the Giants in September, a 45-14 defeat.
He went 10-of-16 for 139 yards in Week 8 against the Titans before his turnover-prone ways found him on the bench in favor of Colt McCoy, who led two scoring drives in a two-point victory.
Cousins would not see the field again for the Redskins as Griffin was named the team's starter after McCoy was put on injured reserve following a neck injury.
Over three seasons in the professional ranks, the former Michigan State Spartan has 3,030 yards passing, adding 18 touchdowns against 19 interceptions.
Washington (4-12) finished their season on a 1-7 skid with Griffin under center, though they did upset the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that effectively eliminated them from postseason contention.
"Isn't it obvious I couldn't stay here?" Cousins told Dianna Marie Russini of NBC4 (Washington).
Cousins went 1-4 in relief of Griffin over five starts, tossing 10 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, including a 4 pick outing in a Monday nighter against the Giants in September, a 45-14 defeat.
He went 10-of-16 for 139 yards in Week 8 against the Titans before his turnover-prone ways found him on the bench in favor of Colt McCoy, who led two scoring drives in a two-point victory.
Cousins would not see the field again for the Redskins as Griffin was named the team's starter after McCoy was put on injured reserve following a neck injury.
Over three seasons in the professional ranks, the former Michigan State Spartan has 3,030 yards passing, adding 18 touchdowns against 19 interceptions.
Washington (4-12) finished their season on a 1-7 skid with Griffin under center, though they did upset the Philadelphia Eagles in a game that effectively eliminated them from postseason contention.
Red Wings-Bruins preview
BOSTON - Leading the Red Wings with 15 goals this season, Gustav Nyquist notched the game-winner in overtime on Saturday.
He will seek to help Detroit to their third straight victory when they visit the faltering Boston Bruins on Monday night.
Detroit picked up their last two after a 0-2-4 skid over their last six outings while Boston looks to rebound after being handed a 6-2 decision at Columbus on Saturday.
Nyquist has a goal and three assists for the Red Wings in his last two games, and his shot with 47 seconds left in the extra frame over the weekend gave Detroit the 3-2 victory at Ottawa.
He lingered in the Ottawa zone for nearly a half-minute and skated three times ominously around Sens net-minder Craig Anderson before firing from the slot for the win.
"The guys did a good job of creating some space for me," said Nyquist, who has a goal in each of his four career games against Boston. "It was nice to see it go in at the end."
Henrik Zetterberg, whose 27 points lead the team, has three goals in his last five games and four points in his last six. He has four goals and five assists in his last five meetings on Bruins ice.
Detroit (19-8-9) fields the third-best power-play in hockey (24.3 pct) and the second-best penalty killers (88.4 pct). They are 8-1-1 in their last ten contests against Boston.
They have taken the last four in Boston, where, despite their shortcomings, the Bruins this season are 11-6-2.
Boston (18-15-3) won their last two at home, against Buffalo and Nashville. Tuukka Rask allowed three goals in both those games.
He replaced Niklas Svedberg at Columbus after the young Swede allowed three goals against 15 shots, though would himself replicate that feat as Boston left the buckeye state with six goals against them on 30 shots.
"It's hard to find words after a game like this," Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara said afterwards. "We started putting some [victories] together and climbing the standings, and now here we go again."
Rask is 2-5-1 against Detroit all-time with a 3.1 goals-against average, though turned away both shootout chances fired on him against the Wings in Boston's Oct. 15 victory.
That win was only the second against Detroit in ten chances and they are suffering a 4-6-2 stretch over their last 12 contests, allowing 3.1 goals per game.
"We have proven goals scorers on this team," center Chris Kelly said. "We have proven All-Stars on this team. It's not talent that's keeping us from succeeding. It's just a lot of the little things; winning your battles, playing attention to details on a consistent basis."
Both sides have split their season series thus far, both at Joe Louis Arena in October.
He will seek to help Detroit to their third straight victory when they visit the faltering Boston Bruins on Monday night.
Detroit picked up their last two after a 0-2-4 skid over their last six outings while Boston looks to rebound after being handed a 6-2 decision at Columbus on Saturday.
Nyquist has a goal and three assists for the Red Wings in his last two games, and his shot with 47 seconds left in the extra frame over the weekend gave Detroit the 3-2 victory at Ottawa.
He lingered in the Ottawa zone for nearly a half-minute and skated three times ominously around Sens net-minder Craig Anderson before firing from the slot for the win.
"The guys did a good job of creating some space for me," said Nyquist, who has a goal in each of his four career games against Boston. "It was nice to see it go in at the end."
Henrik Zetterberg, whose 27 points lead the team, has three goals in his last five games and four points in his last six. He has four goals and five assists in his last five meetings on Bruins ice.
Detroit (19-8-9) fields the third-best power-play in hockey (24.3 pct) and the second-best penalty killers (88.4 pct). They are 8-1-1 in their last ten contests against Boston.
They have taken the last four in Boston, where, despite their shortcomings, the Bruins this season are 11-6-2.
Boston (18-15-3) won their last two at home, against Buffalo and Nashville. Tuukka Rask allowed three goals in both those games.
He replaced Niklas Svedberg at Columbus after the young Swede allowed three goals against 15 shots, though would himself replicate that feat as Boston left the buckeye state with six goals against them on 30 shots.
"It's hard to find words after a game like this," Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara said afterwards. "We started putting some [victories] together and climbing the standings, and now here we go again."
Rask is 2-5-1 against Detroit all-time with a 3.1 goals-against average, though turned away both shootout chances fired on him against the Wings in Boston's Oct. 15 victory.
That win was only the second against Detroit in ten chances and they are suffering a 4-6-2 stretch over their last 12 contests, allowing 3.1 goals per game.
"We have proven goals scorers on this team," center Chris Kelly said. "We have proven All-Stars on this team. It's not talent that's keeping us from succeeding. It's just a lot of the little things; winning your battles, playing attention to details on a consistent basis."
Both sides have split their season series thus far, both at Joe Louis Arena in October.
Black Monday: the Bears
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Not with a bang, but a whimper do the Chicago Bears end their 2014 campaign, and after a five-win outing capped off with five straight defeats, the team released head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery on Monday.
The soft-spoken Trestman leaves the Midway with a 13-19 record in two seasons. He was hired from the Canadian Football League as an offensive guru, winning two Grey Cups with Montreal.
Though the current season found the Bears ranked 15th in passing and 27th in rushing, headed by quarterback Jay Cutler, receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, and tailback Matt Forte.
Chicago would also finish 23rd in football in points scored (19.9), 15th in touchdowns per game (2.5), and 20th in yards per game (327.5).
Cutler, who in the offseason signed a seven-year, $126.7 million dollar extension, was responsible for 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers overall, both the worst in the league.
He was replaced by backup Jimmy Clausen for the team's Week 16 matchup with Detroit after Cutler's poor performance.
General manager Phil Emery made his mark immediately upon his arrival to Halas Hall, firing head coach Lovie Smith in 2012 after a 10-6 mark, hiring Trestman as replacement, and overseeing Cutler's contract extension.
Emery was also tasked with sustaining and rebuilding the Bears defense following the departure of Brian Urlacher, who retired after the 2012 season after he felt he was offered too little money to stay on.
Chicago's defense ranked 30th in their last two seasons, allowing the second-most points every Sunday (27.6), the third-most yards per game (378.2), and the third-most touchdowns per game (3.1).
Offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, who had to apologize after admitting himself to be the anonymous source of published criticisms concerning quarterback Jay Cutler, was also fired.
The Bears finished this season with a 13-9 defeat at Minnesota, a game in which Trestman's offense failed to enter the end zone.
The firings seem to solidify Jay Cutler's reputation as a personnel killer, having gone through four offensive coordinators, two general managers, and two head coaches since arriving with the Bears in 2009.
The soft-spoken Trestman leaves the Midway with a 13-19 record in two seasons. He was hired from the Canadian Football League as an offensive guru, winning two Grey Cups with Montreal.
Though the current season found the Bears ranked 15th in passing and 27th in rushing, headed by quarterback Jay Cutler, receivers Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, and tailback Matt Forte.
Chicago would also finish 23rd in football in points scored (19.9), 15th in touchdowns per game (2.5), and 20th in yards per game (327.5).
Cutler, who in the offseason signed a seven-year, $126.7 million dollar extension, was responsible for 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers overall, both the worst in the league.
He was replaced by backup Jimmy Clausen for the team's Week 16 matchup with Detroit after Cutler's poor performance.
General manager Phil Emery made his mark immediately upon his arrival to Halas Hall, firing head coach Lovie Smith in 2012 after a 10-6 mark, hiring Trestman as replacement, and overseeing Cutler's contract extension.
Emery was also tasked with sustaining and rebuilding the Bears defense following the departure of Brian Urlacher, who retired after the 2012 season after he felt he was offered too little money to stay on.
Chicago's defense ranked 30th in their last two seasons, allowing the second-most points every Sunday (27.6), the third-most yards per game (378.2), and the third-most touchdowns per game (3.1).
Offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, who had to apologize after admitting himself to be the anonymous source of published criticisms concerning quarterback Jay Cutler, was also fired.
The Bears finished this season with a 13-9 defeat at Minnesota, a game in which Trestman's offense failed to enter the end zone.
The firings seem to solidify Jay Cutler's reputation as a personnel killer, having gone through four offensive coordinators, two general managers, and two head coaches since arriving with the Bears in 2009.
Black Monday: the Jets
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The inevitable became actual on Monday as the New York Jets fire head coach Rex Ryan and general manager John Idzik after a four-win season.
Ryan finished 46-50 with the Jets, being hired in 2009 and taking the franchise to two AFC Championship Games in his first two seasons, in which he went 9-7 and 11-5 respectively.
But New York is yet to finish a winning season since then, ending 2011 and 2013 with 8-8 records and have missed the postseason for four straight years.
Idzik served on the Jets' board of directors for two years, replacing Mike Tannenbaum in January 2013, after six seasons as vice president of football operations for the Seattle Seahawks.
"After extensive thought and reflection about the current state of our football team, this morning I informed Rex Ryan and John Idzik that they will not be returning for the 2015 season," Jets chairman and chief executive Woody Johnson said in a statement. "Both Rex and John made significant contributions to the team, and they have my appreciation and gratitude for their efforts and commitment. Over the years, Rex brought the Jets a bold confidence and a couple of great postseason runs, which all of us will remember."
New York began the 2014 season with a victory over Oakland, but lost their next eight contests before a Nov. 9 win over Pittsburgh. They won two of their last three games.
Second year quarterback Geno Smith took much of the blame for the team's recent performance, finishing with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Rex Ryan replaced Smith in Week 9 for Michael Vick, though he returned three weeks later.
Ryan, always given to bursts of confidence, avowed on his hiring that he would not "kiss Bill Belichick's rings" in reference to the Jets' division rivalry with New England. Ryan's Jets finished 4-9 against the Patriots during his tenure, including a victory in a playoff contest in 2012.
Ryan finished 46-50 with the Jets, being hired in 2009 and taking the franchise to two AFC Championship Games in his first two seasons, in which he went 9-7 and 11-5 respectively.
But New York is yet to finish a winning season since then, ending 2011 and 2013 with 8-8 records and have missed the postseason for four straight years.
Idzik served on the Jets' board of directors for two years, replacing Mike Tannenbaum in January 2013, after six seasons as vice president of football operations for the Seattle Seahawks.
"After extensive thought and reflection about the current state of our football team, this morning I informed Rex Ryan and John Idzik that they will not be returning for the 2015 season," Jets chairman and chief executive Woody Johnson said in a statement. "Both Rex and John made significant contributions to the team, and they have my appreciation and gratitude for their efforts and commitment. Over the years, Rex brought the Jets a bold confidence and a couple of great postseason runs, which all of us will remember."
New York began the 2014 season with a victory over Oakland, but lost their next eight contests before a Nov. 9 win over Pittsburgh. They won two of their last three games.
Second year quarterback Geno Smith took much of the blame for the team's recent performance, finishing with 13 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Rex Ryan replaced Smith in Week 9 for Michael Vick, though he returned three weeks later.
Ryan, always given to bursts of confidence, avowed on his hiring that he would not "kiss Bill Belichick's rings" in reference to the Jets' division rivalry with New England. Ryan's Jets finished 4-9 against the Patriots during his tenure, including a victory in a playoff contest in 2012.
Sunday, December 28, 2014
Packers down Lions, claim NFC North
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Aaron Rodgers flung two touchdowns to Randall Cobb despite aggravating a calf injury as the Green Bay Packers defeat the Detroit Lions 30-20 on Sunday and take the first-place spot in the NFC North.
Rodgers fell to the turf near the end of the second quarter as he was throwing his first touchdown, staying on the ground and holding his left leg before being helped off the field by two trainers.
He left the field on a cart a few minutes later, though would return in the second half to find Cobb again, on a 13 yard score capping off a 60 yard drive that broke the 14-14 tie.
"I just felt like if I got in here, it might give us a little jolt," Rodgers said afterwards.
Rodgers rushed himself for a 1 yard score in the final frame. He completed 17 of his 22 pass attempts for 226 yards and two scores.
Eddie Lacy rushed 26 times on 100 yards for Green Bay (12-4), who have yet to lose to Detroit at Lambeau Field since 1991.
Calvin Johnson brought in two touchdowns from Matthew Stafford for Detroit (11-5), the first with 24 seconds left in the second quarter and again halfway through the third.
Detroit's first touchdown drive was extended after Stafford was roughed on a third-down play.
After handing the Packers two points for an intentional grounding penalty in his end zone, Stafford connected with Theo Riddick on a 6 yard scoring toss to end a 47 second drive with 1:45 left in the contest.
Micah Hyde opened scoring for the Packers with a 55 yard touchdown returned off a Lions punt in the first quarter after Green Bay was held from the end zone on a Detroit goal-line stand.
Rodgers fell to the turf near the end of the second quarter as he was throwing his first touchdown, staying on the ground and holding his left leg before being helped off the field by two trainers.
He left the field on a cart a few minutes later, though would return in the second half to find Cobb again, on a 13 yard score capping off a 60 yard drive that broke the 14-14 tie.
"I just felt like if I got in here, it might give us a little jolt," Rodgers said afterwards.
Rodgers rushed himself for a 1 yard score in the final frame. He completed 17 of his 22 pass attempts for 226 yards and two scores.
Eddie Lacy rushed 26 times on 100 yards for Green Bay (12-4), who have yet to lose to Detroit at Lambeau Field since 1991.
Calvin Johnson brought in two touchdowns from Matthew Stafford for Detroit (11-5), the first with 24 seconds left in the second quarter and again halfway through the third.
Detroit's first touchdown drive was extended after Stafford was roughed on a third-down play.
After handing the Packers two points for an intentional grounding penalty in his end zone, Stafford connected with Theo Riddick on a 6 yard scoring toss to end a 47 second drive with 1:45 left in the contest.
Micah Hyde opened scoring for the Packers with a 55 yard touchdown returned off a Lions punt in the first quarter after Green Bay was held from the end zone on a Detroit goal-line stand.
Rodgers returns, throws TD
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Aaron Rodgers returned to the field after tending to a calf injury and threw a touchdown to Randall Cobb as the Green Bay Packers lead the Detroit Lions 21-14 in the third quarter on Sunday.
Rodgers left the game in the first half after throwing his first score, also to Cobb, re-aggravating the calf he hurt in the team's win last Sunday at Tampa.
Matt Flynn started a drive for Green Bay, going 1-for-1 on 6 yards in relief of Rodgers.
Calvin Johnson caught two touchdown passes from Matthew Stafford for Detroit (11-4), the first after the drive was extended when Stafford was roughed on a third-down play.
Johnson hauled in a 13 yard score in the corner of the end zone to tie the match at 14 halfway through the third frame to end a 51 yard drive.
Micah Hyde opened scoring in the first quarter when he returned a punt 55 yards for a Packers touchdown.
Both sides are playing for top spot in the NFC North, and the loser will sit at the number-six spot in the conference for postseason play.
Rodgers left the game in the first half after throwing his first score, also to Cobb, re-aggravating the calf he hurt in the team's win last Sunday at Tampa.
Matt Flynn started a drive for Green Bay, going 1-for-1 on 6 yards in relief of Rodgers.
Calvin Johnson caught two touchdown passes from Matthew Stafford for Detroit (11-4), the first after the drive was extended when Stafford was roughed on a third-down play.
Johnson hauled in a 13 yard score in the corner of the end zone to tie the match at 14 halfway through the third frame to end a 51 yard drive.
Micah Hyde opened scoring in the first quarter when he returned a punt 55 yards for a Packers touchdown.
Both sides are playing for top spot in the NFC North, and the loser will sit at the number-six spot in the conference for postseason play.
Rodgers throws TD, leaves with injury
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Aaron Rodgers threw the game's first touchdown to Randall Cobb as the Packers advance to a 14-0 lead over Detroit on Sunday.
Seconds later, he was down.
Rodgers rolled right from the pocket on the throw, a 4 yard touchdown, and after the release tumbled to the turf, holding his left leg.
He was helped off the field after the play by two trainers and minutes later taken from the field to the team's locker room on a cart.
Green Bay's signal caller injured his left calf in the team's victory at Tampa last Sunday, and this week the Packers activated all three of their quarterbacks.
Rodgers was a full participant in practice over the past week, though did not go at "full speed," according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Micah Hyde returned a punt 55 yards for a Packers touchdown as both sides fight for the top spot in the NFC North. Detroit is yet to win at Lambeau Field since 1991.
Seconds later, he was down.
Rodgers rolled right from the pocket on the throw, a 4 yard touchdown, and after the release tumbled to the turf, holding his left leg.
He was helped off the field after the play by two trainers and minutes later taken from the field to the team's locker room on a cart.
Green Bay's signal caller injured his left calf in the team's victory at Tampa last Sunday, and this week the Packers activated all three of their quarterbacks.
Rodgers was a full participant in practice over the past week, though did not go at "full speed," according to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Micah Hyde returned a punt 55 yards for a Packers touchdown as both sides fight for the top spot in the NFC North. Detroit is yet to win at Lambeau Field since 1991.
Packers strike first over Lions
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Micah Hyde returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown as the Green Bay Packers snatch a 7-0 lead over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
Hyde had a 75 yard punt return touchdown against the Eagles in a 23-point victory Nov. 16.
The Lions had 12 yards, all rushes, on 8 plays over two drives until then as both quarterbacks have been held to no yards passing.
After going 62 yards over ten plays on their first drive, the Packers were held to nothing on their first possession.
The Packers took to the ground as Eddie Lacy carried five times for 38 yards including a burst into Lions territory on a 22 yard gainer. James Starks responded with a 17 yard rush to the Lions 3.
But Lacy was stuffed on the 4th-and-Goal play from the Lions 1 when his rush over left tackle was sniffed out by Detroit's Ezekiel Ansah after two incomplete passes from Aaron Rodgers.
Detroit (11-4) has not won a contest at Lambeau Field since 1991, though the winner of the game Sunday will determine the champion of the NFC North.
Hyde had a 75 yard punt return touchdown against the Eagles in a 23-point victory Nov. 16.
The Lions had 12 yards, all rushes, on 8 plays over two drives until then as both quarterbacks have been held to no yards passing.
After going 62 yards over ten plays on their first drive, the Packers were held to nothing on their first possession.
The Packers took to the ground as Eddie Lacy carried five times for 38 yards including a burst into Lions territory on a 22 yard gainer. James Starks responded with a 17 yard rush to the Lions 3.
But Lacy was stuffed on the 4th-and-Goal play from the Lions 1 when his rush over left tackle was sniffed out by Detroit's Ezekiel Ansah after two incomplete passes from Aaron Rodgers.
Detroit (11-4) has not won a contest at Lambeau Field since 1991, though the winner of the game Sunday will determine the champion of the NFC North.
QBs trade picks in DC
LANDOVER, Md. - Robert Griffin and Tony Romo have exchanged interceptions in the second half of play between Washington and Dallas on Sunday.
Bruce Carter has two picks off Griffin, both on would-be red zone scoring possessions as the Cowboys hold a 27-10 lead over the Redskins.
Tony Romo ventured a toss off his back foot for Joseph Randle that was pulled down by the Redskins' Jackson Jeffcoat at the Cowboys 25 and returned to the 16.
Though Griffin would return the favor 22 seconds later on a three play drive that went nowhere, his 3rd-and-10 pass attempt tipped by the Cowboys' Orlando Scandrick, off the fingers of Andre Roberts, and into the arms of linebacker Bruce Carter.
Carter picked Griffin late in the end zone near the end of the third quarter to kill an 83 yard drive kicked off by Griffin's 47 yard pass to Pierre Garcon.
Griffin is 16-of-28 for 246 yards for Washington (4-11). DeSean Jackson has 86 yards on 2 receptions, including a 69 yard touchdown that gave the Redskins a brief lead early.
DeMarco Murray broke Emmitt Smith's former Cowboys franchise season-rushing record in the first half. His 32 yard rush in the first quarter broke the mark as the league's best back has 1,822 yards this season on 13 touchdowns, both the best of any runner in football.
Bruce Carter has two picks off Griffin, both on would-be red zone scoring possessions as the Cowboys hold a 27-10 lead over the Redskins.
Tony Romo ventured a toss off his back foot for Joseph Randle that was pulled down by the Redskins' Jackson Jeffcoat at the Cowboys 25 and returned to the 16.
Though Griffin would return the favor 22 seconds later on a three play drive that went nowhere, his 3rd-and-10 pass attempt tipped by the Cowboys' Orlando Scandrick, off the fingers of Andre Roberts, and into the arms of linebacker Bruce Carter.
Carter picked Griffin late in the end zone near the end of the third quarter to kill an 83 yard drive kicked off by Griffin's 47 yard pass to Pierre Garcon.
Griffin is 16-of-28 for 246 yards for Washington (4-11). DeSean Jackson has 86 yards on 2 receptions, including a 69 yard touchdown that gave the Redskins a brief lead early.
DeMarco Murray broke Emmitt Smith's former Cowboys franchise season-rushing record in the first half. His 32 yard rush in the first quarter broke the mark as the league's best back has 1,822 yards this season on 13 touchdowns, both the best of any runner in football.
Browns take 10-3 lead on Ravens
BALTIMORE - The third quarterback is the charm.
Connor Shaw is 10-of-15 for 151 yards as the Cleveland Browns lead the Baltimore Ravens 10-3 in the third quarter on Sunday.
Shaw's 49 yard toss to Taylor Gabriel brought Cleveland to the Ravens 2 to set up Terrance West's rushing score for the lead.
Shaw, the team's third signal caller this season after Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel were lost to injuries, led the Browns over 80 yards in seven plays for the three-point advantage.
Connor Shaw is 10-of-15 for 151 yards as the Cleveland Browns lead the Baltimore Ravens 10-3 in the third quarter on Sunday.
Shaw's 49 yard toss to Taylor Gabriel brought Cleveland to the Ravens 2 to set up Terrance West's rushing score for the lead.
Shaw, the team's third signal caller this season after Brian Hoyer and Johnny Manziel were lost to injuries, led the Browns over 80 yards in seven plays for the three-point advantage.
Records broken as Cowboys lead Redskins
LANDOVER, Md. - DeMarco Murray added a touchdown to his record-breaking outing on Sunday as the Dallas Cowboys lead the Washington Redskins 27-10 at the halftime break.
Murray came into the contest needing 29 yards to surpass Emmitt Smith's franchise season rushing mark, a then-best 1,773 yards in the Cowboys' 1995 campaign. Murray broke the record on a 32 yard rush over left end in the first quarter that led to a touchdown.
"I couldn't be happier for him," Emmitt Smith said in a statement after the achievement. "He is very deserving of this recognition. This is something that I know DeMarco will share with the whole team, because he knows that they all had a hand in his success."
Murray carried 12 times for 77 yards, and his 9 yard rushing touchdown secured a twenty-point lead for the Cowboys in the second quarter. He leads the league in rushing yards (1,822), rushing touchdowns (13), and yards per game (116).
Dez Bryant caught his 15th and 16th touchdown receptions Sunday, securing a franchise-best mark in season scoring catches in the process.
Bryant caught a 65 yard catch-and-run that answered a 69 yard score from the Redskins' DeSean Jackson, and a 23 yarder with two minutes left in the first frame.
Lance Dunbar had an 80 yard touchdown rush taken off the board for the Cowboys after Jason Witten was called for holding his block.
The Redskins (4-11) added a 25 yard field goal to close the half. Jordan Reed converted a 3rd-and-8 toss from Griffin to the Cowboys 11 on a drive that found Alfred Morris rush for 22 yards. Roy Helu faked a reverse toss, hiding the ball behind his back on what became an 11 yard gain off a pitch right.
Dallas (11-4) secured their first division title since 2009 and is seeking their fourth straight victory. They are 8-0 on the road this season. Four of the last five teams to go undefeated on the road played for the Super Bowl.
Murray came into the contest needing 29 yards to surpass Emmitt Smith's franchise season rushing mark, a then-best 1,773 yards in the Cowboys' 1995 campaign. Murray broke the record on a 32 yard rush over left end in the first quarter that led to a touchdown.
"I couldn't be happier for him," Emmitt Smith said in a statement after the achievement. "He is very deserving of this recognition. This is something that I know DeMarco will share with the whole team, because he knows that they all had a hand in his success."
Murray carried 12 times for 77 yards, and his 9 yard rushing touchdown secured a twenty-point lead for the Cowboys in the second quarter. He leads the league in rushing yards (1,822), rushing touchdowns (13), and yards per game (116).
Dez Bryant caught his 15th and 16th touchdown receptions Sunday, securing a franchise-best mark in season scoring catches in the process.
Bryant caught a 65 yard catch-and-run that answered a 69 yard score from the Redskins' DeSean Jackson, and a 23 yarder with two minutes left in the first frame.
Lance Dunbar had an 80 yard touchdown rush taken off the board for the Cowboys after Jason Witten was called for holding his block.
The Redskins (4-11) added a 25 yard field goal to close the half. Jordan Reed converted a 3rd-and-8 toss from Griffin to the Cowboys 11 on a drive that found Alfred Morris rush for 22 yards. Roy Helu faked a reverse toss, hiding the ball behind his back on what became an 11 yard gain off a pitch right.
Dallas (11-4) secured their first division title since 2009 and is seeking their fourth straight victory. They are 8-0 on the road this season. Four of the last five teams to go undefeated on the road played for the Super Bowl.
DeMarco Murray breaks the record
LANDOVER, Md. - DeMarco Murray became the all-time best rusher in Cowboys history on Sunday.
His 32 yard rush over left end gave Murray his 1,798th yards on the season. Emmitt Smith held the team's previous best record, rushing for 1,773 yards in the 1995 season.
Dez Bryant caught the 23 yard touchdown reception to conclude that drive as the Dallas Cowboys lead the Washington Redskins 17-7 in the first quarter.
The catch was previously ruled incomplete, but a Jason Garrett challenge overturned that decision for the ten-point advantage.
His 65 yard touchdown regained the Dallas lead after Robert Griffin connected with DeSean Jackson on a 69 yard score two minutes earlier.
Dallas (11-4) is seeking their fourth straight victory after clinching their first NFC East title since 2009.
His 32 yard rush over left end gave Murray his 1,798th yards on the season. Emmitt Smith held the team's previous best record, rushing for 1,773 yards in the 1995 season.
Dez Bryant caught the 23 yard touchdown reception to conclude that drive as the Dallas Cowboys lead the Washington Redskins 17-7 in the first quarter.
The catch was previously ruled incomplete, but a Jason Garrett challenge overturned that decision for the ten-point advantage.
His 65 yard touchdown regained the Dallas lead after Robert Griffin connected with DeSean Jackson on a 69 yard score two minutes earlier.
Dallas (11-4) is seeking their fourth straight victory after clinching their first NFC East title since 2009.
Boys, Skins trade TDs
LANDOVER, Md. - DeSean Jackson and Dez Bryant traded long touchdown receptions in the first quarter Sunday as the Dallas Cowboys lead the Washington Redskins 10-7.
Jackson hauled in a 69 yard touchdown reception and Bryant responded on the Cowboys' next drive with a 65 yard catch-and-run for pay dirt.
The 3-play drive for Washington capped off the first time in 13 games the Redskins scored on their opening possession.
Bryant responded with his 15th touchdown catch this season after outracing coverage down the far sideline for the lead.
Dallas (11-4), on a three-game win streak, is seeking an 8-0 record on the road this season. Four of the last five teams who finished undefeated on the road played for the Super Bowl.
Tony Romo led the Cowboys' first drive over 55 yards before nearly being intercepted by Keenan Robinson in the red zone. Dan Bailey kicked from 36 yards to take the early lead.
DeMarco Murray has 12 yards rushing and needs 17 to surpass Emmitt Smith's Cowboys record.
Washington defeated Dallas in their last meeting, a 20-17 overtime victory for the Redskins on Oct. 27 with Colt McCoy at quarterback.
Jackson hauled in a 69 yard touchdown reception and Bryant responded on the Cowboys' next drive with a 65 yard catch-and-run for pay dirt.
The 3-play drive for Washington capped off the first time in 13 games the Redskins scored on their opening possession.
Bryant responded with his 15th touchdown catch this season after outracing coverage down the far sideline for the lead.
Dallas (11-4), on a three-game win streak, is seeking an 8-0 record on the road this season. Four of the last five teams who finished undefeated on the road played for the Super Bowl.
Tony Romo led the Cowboys' first drive over 55 yards before nearly being intercepted by Keenan Robinson in the red zone. Dan Bailey kicked from 36 yards to take the early lead.
DeMarco Murray has 12 yards rushing and needs 17 to surpass Emmitt Smith's Cowboys record.
Washington defeated Dallas in their last meeting, a 20-17 overtime victory for the Redskins on Oct. 27 with Colt McCoy at quarterback.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Browns: Connor Shaw will start
BEREA, Ohio - Rookie quarterback Connor Shaw will start for the Cleveland Browns when they meet the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
Shaw, an undrafted free agent from South Carolina, was signed to a multi-year deal this week from the Browns' practice squad, for which he played over 16 weeks.
"It was a good week of practice and I had a lot of support from coaches and teammates and I'm confident going into this game with the game plan. We'll see what happens Sunday," Shaw told the Akron Beacon-Journal.
Starter Brian Hoyer did not practice this week after leaving with a shoulder and bicep injury sustained during a sack last Sunday at Carolina. Johnny Manziel was lost for the season in that contest after leaving with a hamstring injury head coach Mike Pettine described as "pretty serious".
"This is a dream come true if I'm able to start and able to play," Shaw told the Beacon-Journal. "I'm excited about it."
Cleveland (7-8) enjoyed a resurgence this season under Brian Hoyer, eventually playing to a 6-3 record and playoff contention from the competitive AFC North before suffering a four-game losing streak.
Shaw last saw the field professionally in the team's Aug 18th preseason matchup at the Washington Redskins, the game in which Manziel saw his first action as a pro.
He will be the 22nd starting quarterback for the Browns since their re-formation in 1999.
Shaw, an undrafted free agent from South Carolina, was signed to a multi-year deal this week from the Browns' practice squad, for which he played over 16 weeks.
"It was a good week of practice and I had a lot of support from coaches and teammates and I'm confident going into this game with the game plan. We'll see what happens Sunday," Shaw told the Akron Beacon-Journal.
Starter Brian Hoyer did not practice this week after leaving with a shoulder and bicep injury sustained during a sack last Sunday at Carolina. Johnny Manziel was lost for the season in that contest after leaving with a hamstring injury head coach Mike Pettine described as "pretty serious".
"This is a dream come true if I'm able to start and able to play," Shaw told the Beacon-Journal. "I'm excited about it."
Cleveland (7-8) enjoyed a resurgence this season under Brian Hoyer, eventually playing to a 6-3 record and playoff contention from the competitive AFC North before suffering a four-game losing streak.
Shaw last saw the field professionally in the team's Aug 18th preseason matchup at the Washington Redskins, the game in which Manziel saw his first action as a pro.
He will be the 22nd starting quarterback for the Browns since their re-formation in 1999.
Friday, December 26, 2014
Chiefs' Smith out (spleen)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith has a lacerated spleen and will miss the team's regular season finale against the Chargers, team trainer Rick Burkholder said Friday.
Burkholder said Smith was injured on a hit to his abdomen in the third quarter of the Chiefs' loss Sunday at the Steelers, though will not require surgery.
Smith noted some discomfort after that contest, though did not believe it then a serious injury, practicing fully on Tuesday and Wednesday of the past week.
Chase Daniel will relieve Smith for the Chiefs (8-7), who can clinch a playoff berth with a victory Sunday and defeats by Baltimore and Houston.
Burkholder said Smith was injured on a hit to his abdomen in the third quarter of the Chiefs' loss Sunday at the Steelers, though will not require surgery.
Smith noted some discomfort after that contest, though did not believe it then a serious injury, practicing fully on Tuesday and Wednesday of the past week.
Chase Daniel will relieve Smith for the Chiefs (8-7), who can clinch a playoff berth with a victory Sunday and defeats by Baltimore and Houston.
Cutler: "Everyone could get axed"
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - Jay Cutler is a realist.
The grim-faced Chicago Bears signal caller had a chance to reflect on the team's recent history after being named starter for their season finale against the Vikings.
"I think you've just got to prepare yourself that anything could happen," Cutler said to the Chicago Sun-Times.
After tumbling to a 5-10 record and four straight defeats since Thanksgiving, Cutler is responsible for 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers overall, both the worst mark by any man in football.
"That's kind of what I'm prepared for. I mean, everyone could stay. Everyone could get axed. You just never know what direction it's going to go. You just have to stay open-minded and know that things happen for a reason."
Missing the postseason for the fourth straight season and the seventh out of eight chances, not only is the quarterback position up in the air, but also that of head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery.
"Coaches could leave. Players could leave. I could leave," said Cutler, who was benched last week for Jimmy Clausen, but will return after his backup suffered a concussion in his start against Detroit.
"That's part of it. It's a weird season. A lot of things have happened. A lot of things haven't gone our way for numerous reasons."
Also numerous are the dollars Cutler receives in the process: after signing a seven-year deal for $126.7 million, his salary of $15.5 million this season is guaranteed, as is $10 million for the 2016 season if he is on the Bears roster March 12, the third day of the 2015 league year.
Cutler has 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions against Minnesota in 10 starts with the Bears, passing for 2,434 yards.
"Hopefully, we can make it through the next couple of days without something else happening," he said. "You never know though."
The grim-faced Chicago Bears signal caller had a chance to reflect on the team's recent history after being named starter for their season finale against the Vikings.
"I think you've just got to prepare yourself that anything could happen," Cutler said to the Chicago Sun-Times.
After tumbling to a 5-10 record and four straight defeats since Thanksgiving, Cutler is responsible for 18 interceptions and 24 turnovers overall, both the worst mark by any man in football.
"That's kind of what I'm prepared for. I mean, everyone could stay. Everyone could get axed. You just never know what direction it's going to go. You just have to stay open-minded and know that things happen for a reason."
Missing the postseason for the fourth straight season and the seventh out of eight chances, not only is the quarterback position up in the air, but also that of head coach Marc Trestman and general manager Phil Emery.
"Coaches could leave. Players could leave. I could leave," said Cutler, who was benched last week for Jimmy Clausen, but will return after his backup suffered a concussion in his start against Detroit.
"That's part of it. It's a weird season. A lot of things have happened. A lot of things haven't gone our way for numerous reasons."
Also numerous are the dollars Cutler receives in the process: after signing a seven-year deal for $126.7 million, his salary of $15.5 million this season is guaranteed, as is $10 million for the 2016 season if he is on the Bears roster March 12, the third day of the 2015 league year.
Cutler has 23 touchdowns and 13 interceptions against Minnesota in 10 starts with the Bears, passing for 2,434 yards.
"Hopefully, we can make it through the next couple of days without something else happening," he said. "You never know though."
Geno Smith: I want to be a solution
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Jets quarterback Geno Smith, who may be safely identified as one of the team's many problems over their three-win campaign, says he wants to be part of the solution.
"I see myself as being the quarterback here for a long time," Smith said through the New York Post. "I see myself helping this team turn things around. Obviously, I'm a part of the reason why we are in this position, so I'd love to be a part of the solution."
Smith has recorded 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in thirteen starts for the Jets this year, and against division rival Miami, who they visit to close their season, he has no touchdowns and two interceptions.
That said, the second year man from West Virginia believes the Jets can soon be a contender.
"I know that it takes hard work and not everyone is going to see the same things, but within this locker room, within this group of guys, we all see the potential we have as a team," Smith said.
He would be replaced after suffering a rout at the hands of Buffalo in Week 8, a contest in which he threw interceptions on three straight possessions and in which the team suffered 6 turnovers to end what became their seventh straight defeat against one victory.
And after which he was seen cursing at booing fans in the stadium, casting him in a still dimmer light, and attracting a fine from the league office downtown.
Still, he insists the view many have of him is not what he sees.
"The perception of me is definitely not accurate," Smith said to the Post. "I don't know what the reason is, but a lot of things get misunderstood and then once it's out there, it's out there and you can't get it back. I'm not going to fight those battles."
Misunderstanding, as Smith sees it, came this week after he was reported as saying "change could be good for all of us," with the implication being a change at the head coaching position. Though the quarterback said that comment was taken out of context.
"I love the guy, I love playing for the guy. He's my coach," Smith said of Rex Ryan, adding his comment was related to a coaching change he experienced at college.
Michael Vick replaced Smith in the first Buffalo game, and promptly threw an interception. Though he would, two weeks later, help the Jets to an upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers before being replaced himself by Smith in the tail-end of a 38-3 defeat in a rematch with the Bills.
"I see myself as being the quarterback here for a long time," Smith said through the New York Post. "I see myself helping this team turn things around. Obviously, I'm a part of the reason why we are in this position, so I'd love to be a part of the solution."
Smith has recorded 10 touchdowns against 13 interceptions in thirteen starts for the Jets this year, and against division rival Miami, who they visit to close their season, he has no touchdowns and two interceptions.
That said, the second year man from West Virginia believes the Jets can soon be a contender.
"I know that it takes hard work and not everyone is going to see the same things, but within this locker room, within this group of guys, we all see the potential we have as a team," Smith said.
He would be replaced after suffering a rout at the hands of Buffalo in Week 8, a contest in which he threw interceptions on three straight possessions and in which the team suffered 6 turnovers to end what became their seventh straight defeat against one victory.
And after which he was seen cursing at booing fans in the stadium, casting him in a still dimmer light, and attracting a fine from the league office downtown.
Still, he insists the view many have of him is not what he sees.
"The perception of me is definitely not accurate," Smith said to the Post. "I don't know what the reason is, but a lot of things get misunderstood and then once it's out there, it's out there and you can't get it back. I'm not going to fight those battles."
Misunderstanding, as Smith sees it, came this week after he was reported as saying "change could be good for all of us," with the implication being a change at the head coaching position. Though the quarterback said that comment was taken out of context.
"I love the guy, I love playing for the guy. He's my coach," Smith said of Rex Ryan, adding his comment was related to a coaching change he experienced at college.
Michael Vick replaced Smith in the first Buffalo game, and promptly threw an interception. Though he would, two weeks later, help the Jets to an upset victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers before being replaced himself by Smith in the tail-end of a 38-3 defeat in a rematch with the Bills.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Eagles: What is & what should have never been
PHILADELPHIA - The Eagles are gettin' nuttin' for Christmas cause they ain't been nuttin' but bad.
Truth be told, they were only bad near the end, when it counted, dropping three straight contests culminated in lackluster 27-24 defeat at the three-win Washington Redskins last Saturday.
That loss, plus the Cowboys' 42-7 romp over the Colts the next day flung the Eagles from postseason contention after enjoying the lead in the NFC East for most of the season.
"Any time you don't make the playoffs in the National Football League, it's disappointing," head coach Chip Kelly said on Monday. "Not happy with the situation we're in right now. We just can't sit here and feel sorry for yourselves. That's not what this group I'm around will do, and I know that."
Kelly had not lost three games in a row during his stint at Oregon and will miss a postseason for the first time since his New Hampshire side was left out of the FCS playoff in 2003.
"Whether we lose in the playoff game or whether we lost in this fashion, they're both gut-wrenching situations," he said. "We're extremely disappointed. We're frustrated. We understand that."
The worst part of the malaise enveloping the Delaware Valley is how so recently things looked as hopeful then as they look pitiful now.
A Dallas Cowboys team most thought would win four games at best and have a candidate for the worst defense in generations rebounded from a wobbly opening day loss to the 49ers and rattled off six straight behind a stalwart front five and the game's best rusher.
The Cowboys were a solid 8-3 before Philadelphia re-asserted themselves 33-10 in a much-anticipated Turkey Day meeting that would determine tops in the division until a rematch 18 days later.
Apart from that, and with the lowly Redskins and Giants awaiting to serve as appetizers for the postseason, Kelly's would-be second in two years with the team, all that stood in the way was the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. And the Eagles, then 9-3 and undefeated at home, had a fighting chance.
Fielding the second-best sacking group in football and a stable backup quarterback in Mark Sanchez, still in for injured Nick Foles, even should the Seahawks have prevailed, said the theories, surely the Eagles would still have the antidote to the Cowboys' resurgence and slip into the playoffs.
But Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson would strike pay dirt that day en route to a ten-point victory that found the Eagles outgained 440-139.
"If you don't get as many opportunities, you have to make the ones you get count and we didn't do that," said Mark Sanchez, whose interception late all but sealed the result.
"We expected to do a lot of things better." Philly held the football for 18 minutes that night to the Seahawks' 42.
Their rematch with Dallas went south from the opening kick, literally, after a muff to start the game that put the Cowboys in the red zone and two minutes later into the end zone.
Dez Bryant caught a career-best three touchdowns that night, all against embattled cornerback Bradley Fletcher. The Eagles would mount a 24-0 blitz in the second half, eventually taking a three-point lead, though DeMarco Murray would put Dallas ahead again soon after and for good.
"I just had a terrible game," Fletcher said that night. Philly was out-possessed by the same margin they had been the previous week.
Robert Griffin would not have a terrible game the next week, tagged as the starter when the upset-seeking Redskins hosted Philadelphia. He threw for 220 yards, completing 16-of-23 passes, including a 23 yard toss to Pierre Garcon that set up the game-winning field goal.
"We wanted to spoil their Christmas and send them home," Griffin said of his rivals, "and we did our part."
Even Cody Parkey couldn't cut it that night, slicing two field goals, including on a drive following a Redskins turnover to open the second half. Parkey missed only two kicks all season before then.
"We invented ways to lose this game," Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said after. "We did so many things to give it away. Two turnovers, I dropped an interception, they run the same play on [the] goal line for two scores, we miss two field goals, we gave up a couple deep balls, we had a couple penalties on third down."
All of which led to their third loss in three December outings. The first two were worrisome and raised questions, but the third seemed to answer them all, and found the c-word slipping from the mouths of many, young and old.
And as with any proper collapse, or choke should you prefer, those witness to the carnage have their own theories.
Tackle Todd Herremanns thought the root of the team's late troubles came from a lack of discipline.
"I think there's a lot of things that we could list that could've went the other way to help us be in a better spot right now," he told CSN Philadelphia.
"I hate to say it because we pride ourselves on being a very disciplined team, and when it comes down to it, the last few weeks, we've been very undisciplined with penalties after the snap, during the snap, turnovers. It's just signs -- when you're turning the ball over and you're having unsportsmanlike penalties and stuff, it's just the sign of an undisciplined team."
Philadelphia committed 197 yards of accepted penalties in their last two contests, including an entire field plus two yards at the Redskins.
Two penalties in the end zone that night set up Darrel Young's two 1-yard touchdown rushes in a third quarter that found the Eagles blanked 14-0.
Unthinkably, they were flagged twice on defense during the eventual game-winning drive.
Their 35 turnovers are the worst in football. Mark Sanchez book-ended his outing in Washington with giveaways, stripped on the Eagles' first drive and his 50th and final pass attempt was intercepted, setting up the Redskins' go-ahead 50 yard charge.
He was picked twice in the second Cowboys' game on a night that saw Brent Celek lose a fumble, as did LeSean McCoy a week earlier.
"The biggest thing for us as a team is we were really counting our days anyway," Malcolm Jenkins said this week. "We were negative-nine in the turnover ratio [through 12 games], so to even get nine wins with that was surprising.
"Once you hit the month of December where everything rights itself a little bit and teams are fighting for survival, you can't win with that ratio."
The Eagles are sixth-worst in football with a minus-8 turnover margin.
"We were really playing on borrowed time," he added, "and that's starting to show up in these games where we're playing really good teams."
Philadelphia will have a shot at a 10-win campaign on Sunday when travel to the New York Giants.
Truth be told, they were only bad near the end, when it counted, dropping three straight contests culminated in lackluster 27-24 defeat at the three-win Washington Redskins last Saturday.
That loss, plus the Cowboys' 42-7 romp over the Colts the next day flung the Eagles from postseason contention after enjoying the lead in the NFC East for most of the season.
"Any time you don't make the playoffs in the National Football League, it's disappointing," head coach Chip Kelly said on Monday. "Not happy with the situation we're in right now. We just can't sit here and feel sorry for yourselves. That's not what this group I'm around will do, and I know that."
Kelly had not lost three games in a row during his stint at Oregon and will miss a postseason for the first time since his New Hampshire side was left out of the FCS playoff in 2003.
"Whether we lose in the playoff game or whether we lost in this fashion, they're both gut-wrenching situations," he said. "We're extremely disappointed. We're frustrated. We understand that."
The worst part of the malaise enveloping the Delaware Valley is how so recently things looked as hopeful then as they look pitiful now.
A Dallas Cowboys team most thought would win four games at best and have a candidate for the worst defense in generations rebounded from a wobbly opening day loss to the 49ers and rattled off six straight behind a stalwart front five and the game's best rusher.
The Cowboys were a solid 8-3 before Philadelphia re-asserted themselves 33-10 in a much-anticipated Turkey Day meeting that would determine tops in the division until a rematch 18 days later.
Apart from that, and with the lowly Redskins and Giants awaiting to serve as appetizers for the postseason, Kelly's would-be second in two years with the team, all that stood in the way was the defending champion Seattle Seahawks. And the Eagles, then 9-3 and undefeated at home, had a fighting chance.
Fielding the second-best sacking group in football and a stable backup quarterback in Mark Sanchez, still in for injured Nick Foles, even should the Seahawks have prevailed, said the theories, surely the Eagles would still have the antidote to the Cowboys' resurgence and slip into the playoffs.
But Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson would strike pay dirt that day en route to a ten-point victory that found the Eagles outgained 440-139.
"If you don't get as many opportunities, you have to make the ones you get count and we didn't do that," said Mark Sanchez, whose interception late all but sealed the result.
"We expected to do a lot of things better." Philly held the football for 18 minutes that night to the Seahawks' 42.
Their rematch with Dallas went south from the opening kick, literally, after a muff to start the game that put the Cowboys in the red zone and two minutes later into the end zone.
Dez Bryant caught a career-best three touchdowns that night, all against embattled cornerback Bradley Fletcher. The Eagles would mount a 24-0 blitz in the second half, eventually taking a three-point lead, though DeMarco Murray would put Dallas ahead again soon after and for good.
"I just had a terrible game," Fletcher said that night. Philly was out-possessed by the same margin they had been the previous week.
Robert Griffin would not have a terrible game the next week, tagged as the starter when the upset-seeking Redskins hosted Philadelphia. He threw for 220 yards, completing 16-of-23 passes, including a 23 yard toss to Pierre Garcon that set up the game-winning field goal.
"We wanted to spoil their Christmas and send them home," Griffin said of his rivals, "and we did our part."
Even Cody Parkey couldn't cut it that night, slicing two field goals, including on a drive following a Redskins turnover to open the second half. Parkey missed only two kicks all season before then.
"We invented ways to lose this game," Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins said after. "We did so many things to give it away. Two turnovers, I dropped an interception, they run the same play on [the] goal line for two scores, we miss two field goals, we gave up a couple deep balls, we had a couple penalties on third down."
All of which led to their third loss in three December outings. The first two were worrisome and raised questions, but the third seemed to answer them all, and found the c-word slipping from the mouths of many, young and old.
And as with any proper collapse, or choke should you prefer, those witness to the carnage have their own theories.
Tackle Todd Herremanns thought the root of the team's late troubles came from a lack of discipline.
"I think there's a lot of things that we could list that could've went the other way to help us be in a better spot right now," he told CSN Philadelphia.
"I hate to say it because we pride ourselves on being a very disciplined team, and when it comes down to it, the last few weeks, we've been very undisciplined with penalties after the snap, during the snap, turnovers. It's just signs -- when you're turning the ball over and you're having unsportsmanlike penalties and stuff, it's just the sign of an undisciplined team."
Philadelphia committed 197 yards of accepted penalties in their last two contests, including an entire field plus two yards at the Redskins.
Two penalties in the end zone that night set up Darrel Young's two 1-yard touchdown rushes in a third quarter that found the Eagles blanked 14-0.
Unthinkably, they were flagged twice on defense during the eventual game-winning drive.
Their 35 turnovers are the worst in football. Mark Sanchez book-ended his outing in Washington with giveaways, stripped on the Eagles' first drive and his 50th and final pass attempt was intercepted, setting up the Redskins' go-ahead 50 yard charge.
He was picked twice in the second Cowboys' game on a night that saw Brent Celek lose a fumble, as did LeSean McCoy a week earlier.
"The biggest thing for us as a team is we were really counting our days anyway," Malcolm Jenkins said this week. "We were negative-nine in the turnover ratio [through 12 games], so to even get nine wins with that was surprising.
"Once you hit the month of December where everything rights itself a little bit and teams are fighting for survival, you can't win with that ratio."
The Eagles are sixth-worst in football with a minus-8 turnover margin.
"We were really playing on borrowed time," he added, "and that's starting to show up in these games where we're playing really good teams."
Philadelphia will have a shot at a 10-win campaign on Sunday when travel to the New York Giants.
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
NFL Briefs
A Christmas Eve-Eve update on trending news in the National Football League:
Browns sign Thigpen
BEREA, Ohio - The Browns signed quarterback Tyler Thigpen on Tuesday as Cleveland's quarterback condition grows worse by the day.
Thigpen practiced with the Browns this summer before being released. He was drafted by the Vikings in 2007, started nine games for the Chiefs a season later, and has not seen the field since 2012.
Undrafted rookie Connor Shaw is also being considered for the start when Cleveland (7-8) hosts Baltimore for their season finale.
Rookie Johnny Manziel is lost for the season and former starter Brian Hoyer is day-to-day with a hurt throwing shoulder, both injuries sustained in the Browns' 17-13 loss to Carolina on Sunday.
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Eagles may sit Fletcher at Giants
PHILADELPHIA - After surrendering three touchdowns to Dez Bryant and two 50-plus yard passes to DeSean Jackson, Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher may be saved the task of repeating the formula against Odell Beckham next week.
"We haven't made that decision," Eagles defensive coach Bill Davis told CSN Philly. "What we're going to do is look at it all week and at the end of the week we'll make a decision on what groupings we'll use in the game. We're looking at all of it. We're looking at them and we're looking at us and at the end of the week, we'll make that decision."
A decision that has not been made over the past two weeks, to the consternation of the people of Philadelphia, whose Eagles (9-6) have been eliminated from postseason contention after three straight defeats.
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Rodgers practices despite injury
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a full participant in the team's practice on Tuesday despite suffering a calf injury earned in the first quarter of Sunday's victory at Tampa.
He did not go at full speed, however, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Green Bay (11-4) will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday to determine the best of the NFC North.
Detroit (11-4) has not claimed a victory at Lambeau Field since 1991.
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Jones: Bryant not going anyplace
IRVING, Tex. - Jerry Jones has spoken.
Jones told 105.3 FM (Dallas) that should a long-term deal not be agreed to and signed to keep receiver Dez Bryant with the Cowboys, he will employ the franchise tag to keep him in town.
"No, we have the franchise, for sure. Not at all," Jones told the station when asked if Bryant could leave. "You're talking about Dez? No, we have the franchise alternative, which I thought everybody was aware of.
"Every dollar that one player gets is not there for the next player or for another player. And so this thing has to be balanced out," he said when asked about the negotiations.
Bryant leads football with 14 touchdowns on 1,221 yards for Dallas, who clinched the NFC East with their 42-7 win over the Colts on Sunday.
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Trent Murphy out for finale
ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins rookie linebacker Trent Murphy will be out for the team's finale against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Murphy was listed to the injured reserve on Tuesday after breaking the third metacarpal in his right hand in the team's win over Philadelphia on Saturday.
He notched 32 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks this season in eight starts for Washington (4-11).
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Bills release Mike Williams
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Wide receiver Mike Williams was released by the Buffalo Bills on Monday.
Williams was placed on the injured reserve with a calf injury suffered in the Bills' victory over the Packers and was let go after passing his physical.
Signed from Tampa Bay this April, Williams had requested a trade in October after reduced playing time. He has 142 yards on 8 receptions in five outings for Buffalo, last appearing three weeks ago, and not catching a pass since Week 5.
Browns sign Thigpen
BEREA, Ohio - The Browns signed quarterback Tyler Thigpen on Tuesday as Cleveland's quarterback condition grows worse by the day.
Thigpen practiced with the Browns this summer before being released. He was drafted by the Vikings in 2007, started nine games for the Chiefs a season later, and has not seen the field since 2012.
Undrafted rookie Connor Shaw is also being considered for the start when Cleveland (7-8) hosts Baltimore for their season finale.
Rookie Johnny Manziel is lost for the season and former starter Brian Hoyer is day-to-day with a hurt throwing shoulder, both injuries sustained in the Browns' 17-13 loss to Carolina on Sunday.
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Eagles may sit Fletcher at Giants
PHILADELPHIA - After surrendering three touchdowns to Dez Bryant and two 50-plus yard passes to DeSean Jackson, Eagles cornerback Bradley Fletcher may be saved the task of repeating the formula against Odell Beckham next week.
"We haven't made that decision," Eagles defensive coach Bill Davis told CSN Philly. "What we're going to do is look at it all week and at the end of the week we'll make a decision on what groupings we'll use in the game. We're looking at all of it. We're looking at them and we're looking at us and at the end of the week, we'll make that decision."
A decision that has not been made over the past two weeks, to the consternation of the people of Philadelphia, whose Eagles (9-6) have been eliminated from postseason contention after three straight defeats.
/
Rodgers practices despite injury
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was a full participant in the team's practice on Tuesday despite suffering a calf injury earned in the first quarter of Sunday's victory at Tampa.
He did not go at full speed, however, according to Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Green Bay (11-4) will host the Detroit Lions on Sunday to determine the best of the NFC North.
Detroit (11-4) has not claimed a victory at Lambeau Field since 1991.
/
Jones: Bryant not going anyplace
IRVING, Tex. - Jerry Jones has spoken.
Jones told 105.3 FM (Dallas) that should a long-term deal not be agreed to and signed to keep receiver Dez Bryant with the Cowboys, he will employ the franchise tag to keep him in town.
"No, we have the franchise, for sure. Not at all," Jones told the station when asked if Bryant could leave. "You're talking about Dez? No, we have the franchise alternative, which I thought everybody was aware of.
"Every dollar that one player gets is not there for the next player or for another player. And so this thing has to be balanced out," he said when asked about the negotiations.
Bryant leads football with 14 touchdowns on 1,221 yards for Dallas, who clinched the NFC East with their 42-7 win over the Colts on Sunday.
/
Trent Murphy out for finale
ASHBURN, Va. - Washington Redskins rookie linebacker Trent Murphy will be out for the team's finale against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
Murphy was listed to the injured reserve on Tuesday after breaking the third metacarpal in his right hand in the team's win over Philadelphia on Saturday.
He notched 32 tackles and 2 1/2 sacks this season in eight starts for Washington (4-11).
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Bills release Mike Williams
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. - Wide receiver Mike Williams was released by the Buffalo Bills on Monday.
Williams was placed on the injured reserve with a calf injury suffered in the Bills' victory over the Packers and was let go after passing his physical.
Signed from Tampa Bay this April, Williams had requested a trade in October after reduced playing time. He has 142 yards on 8 receptions in five outings for Buffalo, last appearing three weeks ago, and not catching a pass since Week 5.
Manning's 4 picks lift Cincy to Monday night win
CINCINNATI - It was a break with a tradition of sorts, Andy Dalton winning a football game in primetime.
After going 2-6 under the lights, including a winless streak in the postseason against three attempts, Dalton and his Cincinnati Bengals handed Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos a 37-28 decision in the rain Monday night.
And catapulting the Bengals (10-4-1) into the playoffs ahead of a meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers to close their regular season.
Though Cincy in large measure had Manning to thank for it as the wet-handed ace tossed four interceptions, including two to Dre Kirkpatrick, a 30 yard pick-six and the clincher in the red zone on Denver's last chance of the night.
The Bengals enjoyed a 20-7 advantage into the half, but Manning would respond in the third quarter, passing for two scores to Emmanuel Sanders. C.J. Anderson rushed for a third as the Broncos (11-4) took a one-point lead.
Which was about when Manning met up with Kirkpatrick to the delight of 65,000 soaked buckeye staters.
"We'll step back from it," Broncos boss John Fox said after. "We'll learn from it, we'll analyze it, decipher what went wrong with it, get ready for the Raiders next week."
The result looked in doubt for the home side early as Dalton was the victim of a pick-six and a quick 7-0 deficit. His toss for A.J. Green was high and into the clutches of Aqib Talib, who 30 yards later was in Cincy's pay dirt.
Jeremy Hill responded 23 seconds later on an 85 scoring gash to produce the tie. The rookie back carried 22 times for 147 yards as the Bengals outrushed Denver 207-85.
After going 2-6 under the lights, including a winless streak in the postseason against three attempts, Dalton and his Cincinnati Bengals handed Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos a 37-28 decision in the rain Monday night.
And catapulting the Bengals (10-4-1) into the playoffs ahead of a meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers to close their regular season.
Though Cincy in large measure had Manning to thank for it as the wet-handed ace tossed four interceptions, including two to Dre Kirkpatrick, a 30 yard pick-six and the clincher in the red zone on Denver's last chance of the night.
The Bengals enjoyed a 20-7 advantage into the half, but Manning would respond in the third quarter, passing for two scores to Emmanuel Sanders. C.J. Anderson rushed for a third as the Broncos (11-4) took a one-point lead.
Which was about when Manning met up with Kirkpatrick to the delight of 65,000 soaked buckeye staters.
"We'll step back from it," Broncos boss John Fox said after. "We'll learn from it, we'll analyze it, decipher what went wrong with it, get ready for the Raiders next week."
The result looked in doubt for the home side early as Dalton was the victim of a pick-six and a quick 7-0 deficit. His toss for A.J. Green was high and into the clutches of Aqib Talib, who 30 yards later was in Cincy's pay dirt.
Jeremy Hill responded 23 seconds later on an 85 scoring gash to produce the tie. The rookie back carried 22 times for 147 yards as the Bengals outrushed Denver 207-85.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Manning's pick-six puts Cincy in front
CINCINNATI - Peyton Manning must not like the rain.
Five minutes after the Bengals regained a 2-point lead in a driving rainstorm at Paul Brown Stadium, Manning was intercepted on his succeeding possession when Dre Kirkpatrick stepped in front of Julius Thomas and raced the other way untouched 30 yards for the touchdown.
The pick is the third on the night for Manning, Adam Jones and Reggie Nelson securing the other two as Cincy takes a 37-28 lead on the Broncos in the final frame Monday night.
Denver (11-3) rallied for a 28-27 lead in the third quarter after a meandering first half that found 17 unanswered from the home side and only 125 yards from what recently was heralded as the best offensive eleven in generations.
Emmanuel Sanders caught two scores and C.J. Anderson rushed for a third in that time after Giovani Bernard snagged a 22 yarder from Dalton to give the Bengals a 27-14 lead.
Aqib Talib put the Broncos out front early on a pick-six off Andy Dalton, though Cincy's Jeremy Hill powered 85 yards for the tying score 23 seconds later.
Five minutes after the Bengals regained a 2-point lead in a driving rainstorm at Paul Brown Stadium, Manning was intercepted on his succeeding possession when Dre Kirkpatrick stepped in front of Julius Thomas and raced the other way untouched 30 yards for the touchdown.
The pick is the third on the night for Manning, Adam Jones and Reggie Nelson securing the other two as Cincy takes a 37-28 lead on the Broncos in the final frame Monday night.
Denver (11-3) rallied for a 28-27 lead in the third quarter after a meandering first half that found 17 unanswered from the home side and only 125 yards from what recently was heralded as the best offensive eleven in generations.
Emmanuel Sanders caught two scores and C.J. Anderson rushed for a third in that time after Giovani Bernard snagged a 22 yarder from Dalton to give the Bengals a 27-14 lead.
Aqib Talib put the Broncos out front early on a pick-six off Andy Dalton, though Cincy's Jeremy Hill powered 85 yards for the tying score 23 seconds later.
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