SEATTLE, Wash. - The Seahawks got on the board courtesy of some trickeration from the home side in the third quarter.
Seattle's special-teams faked out Green Bay in the third quarter as holder Jon Ryan tossed to rookie tackle Garry Gilliam for a 19 yard touchdown play as the Packers lead the Seahawks 16-7.
Gilliam raced around from left end across the field and open into the end zone for the pass as Ryan rolled left and threw against his body over Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk for the Seahawks' first points.
After being sacked for a 15 yard loss by Clay Matthews, Russell Wilson found Doug Baldwin for a 29 yard gain on 3rd-and-19 to the Packers 19. A floater for Marshawn Lynch along the far sideline was knocked out by Sam Barrington on what would have been a goal-to-go play to set up the fake from inside the red zone.
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Battle of picks as Packers lead Seattle at half
SEATTLE, Wash. - The theme of Sunday's NFC Championship Game is turnovers.
In what is becoming the Interception Bowl in Seattle, the Seahawks have more turnovers than first downs as they trail the Green Bay Packers 16-0 at the halftime break.
Russell Wilson has completed one pass to the Seahawks and three to the Packers as Seattle was outpassed 115-8 through thirty minutes. Wilson is 1-for-8, the one a 14 yard toss to Ricardo Lockette to convert a 3rd-and-7 that looked to be a promising charge for the home side.
His next pass was, as luck would have, intercepted. Sam Shields, against Jermaine Kearse in the front left corner of the end zone, turned and found the ball as both came down together.
That was Seattle's fourth turnover and Wilson's third interception on the afternoon, and ended a drive begun with an Aaron Rodgers interception, one of his two, to Byron Maxwell.
Both sides exchanged interceptions on their first possessions of the game as Richard Sherman picked Aaron Rodgers in the end zone to end the Packers' first drive. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix would take a deflected pass from Russell Wilson intended, again, for Jermaine Kearse.
Dix intercepted Wilson for a second time for the Seahawks' third turnover on the day at 9:18 in the second quarter. The former Alabama DB secured the catch with one hand after deflecting the pass off his right arm. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews was called for roughing Wilson on a block from his blind side, pushing Green Bay to their own 44-yard line.
Jordy Nelson would catch to the Seahawks 35 on a slant toss from Rodgers for a 23 yard gainer before the Seahawks' Byron Maxwell returned the favor on the next play.
Green Bay was held from the end zone on their first three chances, adding three field goals from Mason Crosby, before Randall Cobb hauled in an 18 yard scoring toss from Rodgers to produce a 13-point lead.
Doug Baldwin would fumble a kickoff return in the first quarter after a collision with Green Bay's Brad Jones.
In what is becoming the Interception Bowl in Seattle, the Seahawks have more turnovers than first downs as they trail the Green Bay Packers 16-0 at the halftime break.
Russell Wilson has completed one pass to the Seahawks and three to the Packers as Seattle was outpassed 115-8 through thirty minutes. Wilson is 1-for-8, the one a 14 yard toss to Ricardo Lockette to convert a 3rd-and-7 that looked to be a promising charge for the home side.
His next pass was, as luck would have, intercepted. Sam Shields, against Jermaine Kearse in the front left corner of the end zone, turned and found the ball as both came down together.
That was Seattle's fourth turnover and Wilson's third interception on the afternoon, and ended a drive begun with an Aaron Rodgers interception, one of his two, to Byron Maxwell.
Both sides exchanged interceptions on their first possessions of the game as Richard Sherman picked Aaron Rodgers in the end zone to end the Packers' first drive. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix would take a deflected pass from Russell Wilson intended, again, for Jermaine Kearse.
Dix intercepted Wilson for a second time for the Seahawks' third turnover on the day at 9:18 in the second quarter. The former Alabama DB secured the catch with one hand after deflecting the pass off his right arm. Packers linebacker Clay Matthews was called for roughing Wilson on a block from his blind side, pushing Green Bay to their own 44-yard line.
Jordy Nelson would catch to the Seahawks 35 on a slant toss from Rodgers for a 23 yard gainer before the Seahawks' Byron Maxwell returned the favor on the next play.
Green Bay was held from the end zone on their first three chances, adding three field goals from Mason Crosby, before Randall Cobb hauled in an 18 yard scoring toss from Rodgers to produce a 13-point lead.
Doug Baldwin would fumble a kickoff return in the first quarter after a collision with Green Bay's Brad Jones.
Packers lead Seahawks 13-0 after first
SEATTLE, Wash. - Randall Cobb caught an 18 yard touchdown from Aaron Rodgers on the final play of the first quarter as the Green Bay Packers lead the Seattle Seahawks 13-0 in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.
Jordy Nelson caught for 15 yards, Eddie Lacy carried for 9, and John Kuhn converted the 3rd-and-1 through the middle. Rookie Richard Rodgers snagged a first down over the middle to the Seahawks 18 to set up the score.
Seattle's Doug Baldwin fumbled a kick return after a collision with Brad Jones, giving Green Bay possession on the Seahawks 23. Eddie Lacy carried for 8 yards and again over the left inside the 10-yard line.
But for the third time out of three chances, the Packers were held from the end zone and Mason Crosby kicked again from 19 yards for the 6-0 lead.
Green Bay's defense took over against the Seahawks on their following possession as quarterback Russell Wilson was sacked by Julius Peppers, celebrating his 35th birthday, and a 3rd-and-10 pass that went high and wide.
Both sides traded interceptions in the first quarter as Richard Sherman picked Rodgers in the end zone to end the Packers first drive, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix returned the favor on the end of a deflected pass from Russell Wilson.
Green Bay outgained Seattle 137-3 in the first frame.
Jordy Nelson caught for 15 yards, Eddie Lacy carried for 9, and John Kuhn converted the 3rd-and-1 through the middle. Rookie Richard Rodgers snagged a first down over the middle to the Seahawks 18 to set up the score.
Seattle's Doug Baldwin fumbled a kick return after a collision with Brad Jones, giving Green Bay possession on the Seahawks 23. Eddie Lacy carried for 8 yards and again over the left inside the 10-yard line.
But for the third time out of three chances, the Packers were held from the end zone and Mason Crosby kicked again from 19 yards for the 6-0 lead.
Green Bay's defense took over against the Seahawks on their following possession as quarterback Russell Wilson was sacked by Julius Peppers, celebrating his 35th birthday, and a 3rd-and-10 pass that went high and wide.
Both sides traded interceptions in the first quarter as Richard Sherman picked Rodgers in the end zone to end the Packers first drive, and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix returned the favor on the end of a deflected pass from Russell Wilson.
Green Bay outgained Seattle 137-3 in the first frame.
Packers score after turnover exchange
SEATTLE, Wash. - Earl Thomas stuffed Eddie Lacy from a half yard out of the end zone on a 3rd-and-Goal play and Mason Crosby kicked from 18 yards as Green Bay takes a 3-0 lead over the Seahawks in the first quarter of the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.
Fullback John Kuhn was originally awarded a touchdown from one yard that was taken away after a review.
Green Bay took possession after an exchange of interceptions from both quarterbacks.
Richard Sherman intercepted Aaron Rodgers in the end zone to end the Packers' first possession, a 51 yard drive, skirting past receiver Davante Adams and securing the pass along the back line in the first quarter.
But Green Bay's Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix was on the receiving end of a pass the bounced off the hands of Seattle's Jermaine Kearse, returning to inside the 5, though the visitors were pushed back to the 19-yard line when Packers lineman Mike Daniels was called for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Green Bay and Seattle last met to open the season, a 36-16 victory for the Seahawks behind two touchdowns from both Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch.
Fullback John Kuhn was originally awarded a touchdown from one yard that was taken away after a review.
Green Bay took possession after an exchange of interceptions from both quarterbacks.
Richard Sherman intercepted Aaron Rodgers in the end zone to end the Packers' first possession, a 51 yard drive, skirting past receiver Davante Adams and securing the pass along the back line in the first quarter.
But Green Bay's Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix was on the receiving end of a pass the bounced off the hands of Seattle's Jermaine Kearse, returning to inside the 5, though the visitors were pushed back to the 19-yard line when Packers lineman Mike Daniels was called for unsportsmanlike conduct.
Green Bay and Seattle last met to open the season, a 36-16 victory for the Seahawks behind two touchdowns from both Russell Wilson and Marshawn Lynch.
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Colts: LB McNary put on exempt list
INDIANAPOLIS - Colts linebacker Josh McNary has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list by the team a day after being charged with rape.
Deadspin.com on Wednesday published court documents that found prosecutors of Marion County (Indiana) officially charged McNary with rape and criminal confinement, both of which are felonies. He was also charged with battery resulting in a bodily injury, a misdemeanor.
McNary recorded 54 tackles in 20 games for the Colts, who he joined in April 2013 as a free agent.
The commissioner's exempt list also featured the name of Vikings running back Adrian Peterson this season as he dealt with legal issues following his charge of child abuse in Texas.
Indianapolis visits the New England Patriots on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game.
Deadspin.com on Wednesday published court documents that found prosecutors of Marion County (Indiana) officially charged McNary with rape and criminal confinement, both of which are felonies. He was also charged with battery resulting in a bodily injury, a misdemeanor.
McNary recorded 54 tackles in 20 games for the Colts, who he joined in April 2013 as a free agent.
The commissioner's exempt list also featured the name of Vikings running back Adrian Peterson this season as he dealt with legal issues following his charge of child abuse in Texas.
Indianapolis visits the New England Patriots on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game.
Tuesday, January 13, 2015
Jets: Todd Bowles hired as head coach
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - The New York Jets hired Todd Bowles as their head coach on Tuesday, according to ESPN's Josina Anderson, to whom Bowles confirmed the hiring via text message.
Bowles, for the last two seasons the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, was selected as the Jets' eighteenth coach in franchise history two days after former boss Rex Ryan was hired by the team's AFC East rival Buffalo Bills to the same position.
The announcement came four hours after the team hired Mike Maccagnan as their general manager. He and Bowles spent Tuesday together at a lunch with owner Woody Johnson and other team officials to discuss the offer.
The hire came as a surprise as in recent days reports and other speculation hinted the Jets were interested in Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, though league rules kept them from speaking with him until his postseason duties ended. Seattle hosts Green Bay in the NFC Championship this weekend.
New York fielded a a four-win team that found only one victory in their division.
Bowles, for the last two seasons the defensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, was selected as the Jets' eighteenth coach in franchise history two days after former boss Rex Ryan was hired by the team's AFC East rival Buffalo Bills to the same position.
The announcement came four hours after the team hired Mike Maccagnan as their general manager. He and Bowles spent Tuesday together at a lunch with owner Woody Johnson and other team officials to discuss the offer.
The hire came as a surprise as in recent days reports and other speculation hinted the Jets were interested in Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, though league rules kept them from speaking with him until his postseason duties ended. Seattle hosts Green Bay in the NFC Championship this weekend.
New York fielded a a four-win team that found only one victory in their division.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
Cowboys lead Packers 21-20 after 3rd
GREEN BAY, Wis. - DeMarco Murray and Davante Adams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter as the Dallas Cowboys lead the Green Bay Packers 21-20 in an NFC Divisional game at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Murray capped off an efficient 80 yard drive begun with Dez Bryant's 20 yard reception. Joseph Randle carried for 13 across midfield and Jason Witten's 15 yard catch brought Dallas to the Packers 27.
Murray's 26 yard rush over right end brought Dallas to the Packers 1 to set up his rushing score.
Green Bay would respond on their ensuing drive, a 90 yard charge that ended in Davante Adams' 46 yard touchdown strike, a catch-and-run play that evaded the Cowboys secondary traffic and into a Lambeau leap that brought the Pack an inch closer.
Murray was stripped of the football by Julius Peppers on the Cowboys 44 near the open of the third quarter. Peppers stripped quarterback Tony Romo on the Cowboys' first possession, though Dallas would recover. The fumble was Murray's 6th this season, the most among pro backs.
Eddie Lacy powered over left end for a 29 yard gash to the Cowboys 16 and John Kuhn carried for 4 more over the middle. Davante Adams caught to the Dallas 4, after which a fight ensued that drew a dead-ball flag against Packers lineman T.J. Lang that pushed Green Bay back to a 3rd-and-16 at the Cowboys 22.
Lacy caught for 10 yards to set up Mason Crosby's 30 yard field goal to bring the Packers within 1.
Murray capped off an efficient 80 yard drive begun with Dez Bryant's 20 yard reception. Joseph Randle carried for 13 across midfield and Jason Witten's 15 yard catch brought Dallas to the Packers 27.
Murray's 26 yard rush over right end brought Dallas to the Packers 1 to set up his rushing score.
Green Bay would respond on their ensuing drive, a 90 yard charge that ended in Davante Adams' 46 yard touchdown strike, a catch-and-run play that evaded the Cowboys secondary traffic and into a Lambeau leap that brought the Pack an inch closer.
Murray was stripped of the football by Julius Peppers on the Cowboys 44 near the open of the third quarter. Peppers stripped quarterback Tony Romo on the Cowboys' first possession, though Dallas would recover. The fumble was Murray's 6th this season, the most among pro backs.
Eddie Lacy powered over left end for a 29 yard gash to the Cowboys 16 and John Kuhn carried for 4 more over the middle. Davante Adams caught to the Dallas 4, after which a fight ensued that drew a dead-ball flag against Packers lineman T.J. Lang that pushed Green Bay back to a 3rd-and-16 at the Cowboys 22.
Lacy caught for 10 yards to set up Mason Crosby's 30 yard field goal to bring the Packers within 1.
Cowboys lead Packers 14-10 at halftime
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Tony Romo threw two touchdowns and Mason Crosby kicked clean from 40 yards as time expired in the first half as the Dallas Cowboys lead the Green Bay Packers 14-10 in an NFC Divisional round playoff game at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
Randall Cobb caught for 12 yards and brought in a 31 yard reception along the near sideline to the Cowboys 27 with 9 seconds left in the second quarter to set up Crosby's boot.
Tony Romo is 9-of-12 for 114 yards. Jason Witten has 38 yards on 4 receptions and his 22nd third-down conversion, leading all tight ends this season. His 4th-and-6 catch that went for 21 yards came on the Cowboys' game-winning drive last Sunday in their Wild Card meeting with Detroit.
Romo flung a 38 yard touchdown to Terrance Williams after Aaron Rodgers lost a fumble to take the seven-point lead in the second quarter, handing the Packers their first trailing scoreline at Lambeau since their season opener.
Jason Witten took a late 2nd-and-5 play to the Packers 36 and Murray powered through a would-be tackle from Clay Matthews. Romo's 3rd-and-5 pass was botched by a high snap and near fumble and Dan Bailey would miss a penalty-influenced 50 yard field goal try with 29 seconds left in the opening half.
Aaron Rodgers drove the Packers over 60 yards in 10 plays on their first possession, capped off by his 4 yard touchdown to Andrew Quarless. He was sacked and stripped of the football by Jeremy Mincey when Packers center Corey Linsley surprised his quarterback with an early snap near midfield.
Rodgers is 9-of-15 for 90 yards and a score. Randall Cobb leads the Packers with 58 yards on 4 catches.
Randall Cobb caught for 12 yards and brought in a 31 yard reception along the near sideline to the Cowboys 27 with 9 seconds left in the second quarter to set up Crosby's boot.
Tony Romo is 9-of-12 for 114 yards. Jason Witten has 38 yards on 4 receptions and his 22nd third-down conversion, leading all tight ends this season. His 4th-and-6 catch that went for 21 yards came on the Cowboys' game-winning drive last Sunday in their Wild Card meeting with Detroit.
Romo flung a 38 yard touchdown to Terrance Williams after Aaron Rodgers lost a fumble to take the seven-point lead in the second quarter, handing the Packers their first trailing scoreline at Lambeau since their season opener.
Jason Witten took a late 2nd-and-5 play to the Packers 36 and Murray powered through a would-be tackle from Clay Matthews. Romo's 3rd-and-5 pass was botched by a high snap and near fumble and Dan Bailey would miss a penalty-influenced 50 yard field goal try with 29 seconds left in the opening half.
Aaron Rodgers drove the Packers over 60 yards in 10 plays on their first possession, capped off by his 4 yard touchdown to Andrew Quarless. He was sacked and stripped of the football by Jeremy Mincey when Packers center Corey Linsley surprised his quarterback with an early snap near midfield.
Rodgers is 9-of-15 for 90 yards and a score. Randall Cobb leads the Packers with 58 yards on 4 catches.
Cowboys take 14-7 lead over Packers
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Terrance Williams hauled in a 38 yard touchdown pass from Tony Romo as the Dallas Cowboys take a second quarter 14-7 lead over the Green Bay Packers in an NFC Divisional playoff game.
Williams caught near the sideline and outskirted Packers corner Tramon Williams, taking off down center field untouched into the end zone for his third touchdown this postseason.
Dallas took possession after Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fumbled the ball on an early snap from center Corey Linsley. Rodgers caught the high snap but was easily overpowered from his blind side on a strip-sack-fumble from Jeremy Mincey.
The score marks the first time since their season opener the Packers have trailed at home.
Romo found fullback Tyler Clutts for a 1 yard touchdown with 1:05 left in the first quarter to conclude a 61 yard drive. Aaron Rodgers opened the game with a 4 yard scoring toss to Andrew Quarless.
Williams caught near the sideline and outskirted Packers corner Tramon Williams, taking off down center field untouched into the end zone for his third touchdown this postseason.
Dallas took possession after Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers fumbled the ball on an early snap from center Corey Linsley. Rodgers caught the high snap but was easily overpowered from his blind side on a strip-sack-fumble from Jeremy Mincey.
The score marks the first time since their season opener the Packers have trailed at home.
Romo found fullback Tyler Clutts for a 1 yard touchdown with 1:05 left in the first quarter to conclude a 61 yard drive. Aaron Rodgers opened the game with a 4 yard scoring toss to Andrew Quarless.
Packers take early lead on Cowboys
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Aaron Rodgers threw a 4 yard touchdown pass to Andrew Quarless as the Green Bay Packers take a 7-0 lead over the Dallas Cowboys in an NFC Divisional playoff game at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
The 3rd-and-Goal play found Rodgers attempt a rush through the middle before releasing to Quarless along the back of the end zone.
Rodgers found Jordy Nelson to start the drive for a quick first-down conversion and Eddie Lacy gashed over right end for a 19 yard gainer and then again into the red zone.
Lacy carried left for 8 yards to the Cowboys 8 and again for the 1st-and-Goal to the Dallas 4. He took a pitch that was stuffed at the line before Rodgers flung the scoring toss.
Dallas stumbled on their first possession, as quarterback Tony Romo was stripped of the football from behind by Julius Peppers on a 3rd-and-5 play. The Cowboys would recover and punt following a 5 yard drive.
Dallas is yet to lose on the road this season and Green Bay is undefeated at home as quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not thrown an interception at Lambeau Field for more than two calendar years.
The 3rd-and-Goal play found Rodgers attempt a rush through the middle before releasing to Quarless along the back of the end zone.
Rodgers found Jordy Nelson to start the drive for a quick first-down conversion and Eddie Lacy gashed over right end for a 19 yard gainer and then again into the red zone.
Lacy carried left for 8 yards to the Cowboys 8 and again for the 1st-and-Goal to the Dallas 4. He took a pitch that was stuffed at the line before Rodgers flung the scoring toss.
Dallas stumbled on their first possession, as quarterback Tony Romo was stripped of the football from behind by Julius Peppers on a 3rd-and-5 play. The Cowboys would recover and punt following a 5 yard drive.
Dallas is yet to lose on the road this season and Green Bay is undefeated at home as quarterback Aaron Rodgers has not thrown an interception at Lambeau Field for more than two calendar years.
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Steelers: DC Dick LeBeau resigns
PITTSBURGH - Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau is resigning from his position after 11 years with the team, according to the Urbana (Ohio) Daily Citizen.
LeBeau, the 77-year-old architect of the zone blitz, announced on Saturday that he and the Steelers are mutually parting ways.
The announcement came after he was asked to resign by head coach Mike Tomlin following several days of meetings between the two.
"I'm resigning, I'm not retiring," LeBeau said to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It was a lot of great days, a lot of great years. It's time to go in a different direction."
LeBeau's defense was ranked No. 1 in football five times and in the top five in ten seasons as the Steelers won two Super Bowl championships and featured in six playoff appearances.
The Post-Gazette reported linebackers coach Keith Butler to be the likely replacement, blocking opportunities for Butler to interview for other positions and increasing his pay on a three-year contract.
LeBeau was first hired by Pittsburgh as their secondary coach in 1992 and was elevated to the defensive coordinating job for the 1995-96 season. He was the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 2000-02.
"It happens," he said. "It's like I'm starting brand new. In this business, you can end up in that position."
LeBeau, the 77-year-old architect of the zone blitz, announced on Saturday that he and the Steelers are mutually parting ways.
The announcement came after he was asked to resign by head coach Mike Tomlin following several days of meetings between the two.
"I'm resigning, I'm not retiring," LeBeau said to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. "It was a lot of great days, a lot of great years. It's time to go in a different direction."
LeBeau's defense was ranked No. 1 in football five times and in the top five in ten seasons as the Steelers won two Super Bowl championships and featured in six playoff appearances.
The Post-Gazette reported linebackers coach Keith Butler to be the likely replacement, blocking opportunities for Butler to interview for other positions and increasing his pay on a three-year contract.
LeBeau was first hired by Pittsburgh as their secondary coach in 1992 and was elevated to the defensive coordinating job for the 1995-96 season. He was the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 2000-02.
"It happens," he said. "It's like I'm starting brand new. In this business, you can end up in that position."
Thursday, January 8, 2015
Bears: Ryan Pace hired as GM
LAKE FOREST, Ill. - The Chicago Bears hired Ryan Pace on Thursday to be their general manager, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Pace was formerly the director of player personnel with the Saints for two seasons after six years with that franchise as their head of pro scouting.
He will succeed Phil Emery, who was fired on Dec. 29 following a 25-29 mark through his three seasons with Chicago in that position.
His first task will be to find a head coach for the five-win Bears, who relieved Marc Trestman of his duty following the regular season, which found the team miss the playoffs for their fourth-straight and seventh out of eight seasons.
He will assist team chairman George McCaskey, president Ted Phillips, and Ernie Accorsi, who was brought on recently as a special adviser to help with the search.
Pace was formerly the director of player personnel with the Saints for two seasons after six years with that franchise as their head of pro scouting.
He will succeed Phil Emery, who was fired on Dec. 29 following a 25-29 mark through his three seasons with Chicago in that position.
His first task will be to find a head coach for the five-win Bears, who relieved Marc Trestman of his duty following the regular season, which found the team miss the playoffs for their fourth-straight and seventh out of eight seasons.
He will assist team chairman George McCaskey, president Ted Phillips, and Ernie Accorsi, who was brought on recently as a special adviser to help with the search.
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
Giants: DC Fewell fired
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. - New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin says the team needs to revive their defense, and to that end Wednesday fired defensive coordinator Perry Fewell.
Defensive backs coach Peter Giunta was also relieved of his duty.
New York fielded an improved offensive eleven under new offensive boss Ben McAdoo, though the Giants' stoppers ranked 29th in football, allowing 25 points per game this season, the league's ninth-most, and the fourth-most yards every Sunday (375.8). They also permitted a league-worst 4.9 yards per rush from opposing backs.
"No one person is responsible for what happened in this year," head coach Tom Coughlin said in a team statement. "That has to be loud and clear. If there is any one person responsible, it is me. It is not Perry Fewell. It is not Peter Giunta. Both of them are outstanding football coaches in their own way."
Coughlin was given the authority to restructure the team's coaching staff by general manager Jerry Reese and owner John Mara, who okayed Coughlin's job status soon after season's end.
"These are two outstanding men and outstanding football coaches," the coach added of Fewell and Giunta. "It is very hard in this business to find people that are not only good football coaches but outstanding human beings who are trustworthy, loyal, and honest. Perry and Peter are all that."
According to ESPN, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith and former Oakland Raiders boss Dennis Allen are considered possible replacements for Fewell, who spent five years with the Giants, including their Super Bowl run of 2011-12. He previously served four years in the same position with the Buffalo Bills, and was their interim head coach for one season.
"The simple fact of the matter is in the circumstance that we find ourselves, change is necessary," Coughlin said. "That may not be the most eloquent way of saying it, but that is what I am confronted with. The hope always is invigoration. You are going to stimulate. It is with great deliberation over a lengthy period of time throughout a thorough investigation and evaluation of what went on that I came to the conclusion that change was necessary. There are no hard feelings on my part about anything that anybody has done.
"The hard feelings are the six wins. That is the reality. It is unfortunate, but it is true."
Defensive backs coach Peter Giunta was also relieved of his duty.
New York fielded an improved offensive eleven under new offensive boss Ben McAdoo, though the Giants' stoppers ranked 29th in football, allowing 25 points per game this season, the league's ninth-most, and the fourth-most yards every Sunday (375.8). They also permitted a league-worst 4.9 yards per rush from opposing backs.
"No one person is responsible for what happened in this year," head coach Tom Coughlin said in a team statement. "That has to be loud and clear. If there is any one person responsible, it is me. It is not Perry Fewell. It is not Peter Giunta. Both of them are outstanding football coaches in their own way."
Coughlin was given the authority to restructure the team's coaching staff by general manager Jerry Reese and owner John Mara, who okayed Coughlin's job status soon after season's end.
"These are two outstanding men and outstanding football coaches," the coach added of Fewell and Giunta. "It is very hard in this business to find people that are not only good football coaches but outstanding human beings who are trustworthy, loyal, and honest. Perry and Peter are all that."
According to ESPN, former Atlanta Falcons head coach Mike Smith and former Oakland Raiders boss Dennis Allen are considered possible replacements for Fewell, who spent five years with the Giants, including their Super Bowl run of 2011-12. He previously served four years in the same position with the Buffalo Bills, and was their interim head coach for one season.
"The simple fact of the matter is in the circumstance that we find ourselves, change is necessary," Coughlin said. "That may not be the most eloquent way of saying it, but that is what I am confronted with. The hope always is invigoration. You are going to stimulate. It is with great deliberation over a lengthy period of time throughout a thorough investigation and evaluation of what went on that I came to the conclusion that change was necessary. There are no hard feelings on my part about anything that anybody has done.
"The hard feelings are the six wins. That is the reality. It is unfortunate, but it is true."
Obama: I'd be aggravated if I were a Lions fan
WASHINGTON - Add the leader of the free world to those bewildered by the call-then-no-call in the Lions-Cowboys NFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
President Obama was in Michigan this week on an official visit to a manufacturing plant of the Ford Motor Company when he remarked to the Detroit Free Press that he would be "pretty aggravated" if he were a Lions fan after the circumstances surrounding their defeat to Dallas.
A flag was initially thrown and then picked up without explanation on Sunday when Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens appeared to interfere with Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew on a 3rd-and-1 play in the third quarter when Detroit held a three-point lead.
The President said he could not "remember a circumstance in which a good call by one of the refs is argued by an opposing player of the other team with his helmet off on the field, which in and of itself is supposed to be a penalty. The call is announced and then reversed without explanation. I haven't seen that before. So I will leave it up to the experts to make the judgment as to why that happened, but I can tell you if I was a Lions fan I'd be pretty aggravated."
Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant charged onto the field without his helmet to protest the call to the nearby back judge, an act which constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct.
Obama, a former senator from Illinois and long-time Chicago Bears fan, wouldn't let himself feel too badly for his team's NFC North rivals. Chicago finished a five-win campaign and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
"Given the performance of my Bears, I can't have too much sympathy for the Lions," the President quipped. "You guys were in a lot better position than we were. I'd love to have your defense right now."
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was wearing a microphone for NFL Films during the game, went to two officials following the call, seeking an explanation.
"You have no contact before the ball arrived," one official said, according to Pro Football Talk.
"There was no contact," another said.
That, despite Pettigrew falling to the turf with Hitchens on top of him during the play.
Detroit would attempt a subsequent 4th-and-1 play to draw Dallas offsides that failed, then shank a 10 yard punt that led to the Cowboys' game-winning drive.
Dallas will travel to Green Bay to face the Packers in an NFC Divisional game on Sunday.
President Obama was in Michigan this week on an official visit to a manufacturing plant of the Ford Motor Company when he remarked to the Detroit Free Press that he would be "pretty aggravated" if he were a Lions fan after the circumstances surrounding their defeat to Dallas.
A flag was initially thrown and then picked up without explanation on Sunday when Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens appeared to interfere with Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew on a 3rd-and-1 play in the third quarter when Detroit held a three-point lead.
The President said he could not "remember a circumstance in which a good call by one of the refs is argued by an opposing player of the other team with his helmet off on the field, which in and of itself is supposed to be a penalty. The call is announced and then reversed without explanation. I haven't seen that before. So I will leave it up to the experts to make the judgment as to why that happened, but I can tell you if I was a Lions fan I'd be pretty aggravated."
Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant charged onto the field without his helmet to protest the call to the nearby back judge, an act which constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct.
Obama, a former senator from Illinois and long-time Chicago Bears fan, wouldn't let himself feel too badly for his team's NFC North rivals. Chicago finished a five-win campaign and missed the playoffs for the fourth straight season.
"Given the performance of my Bears, I can't have too much sympathy for the Lions," the President quipped. "You guys were in a lot better position than we were. I'd love to have your defense right now."
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, who was wearing a microphone for NFL Films during the game, went to two officials following the call, seeking an explanation.
"You have no contact before the ball arrived," one official said, according to Pro Football Talk.
"There was no contact," another said.
That, despite Pettigrew falling to the turf with Hitchens on top of him during the play.
Detroit would attempt a subsequent 4th-and-1 play to draw Dallas offsides that failed, then shank a 10 yard punt that led to the Cowboys' game-winning drive.
Dallas will travel to Green Bay to face the Packers in an NFC Divisional game on Sunday.
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Cowboys-Packers NFC Divisional preview
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Thanks to one particularly bad call (or was it three?) and Tony Romo's late heroics, the Dallas Cowboys earned a meeting with the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in an NFC Divisional Round playoff game on Sunday.
The contest will be the first time the Cowboys and Packers will meet in Curly Lambeau's Cathedral of Football in postseason play since the famed and frozen "Ice Bowl" of 1967 between Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry that decided the NFL Championship.
Romo would lead Dallas over their final 59 yards on Sunday, culminated in an 8 yard go-ahead touchdown strike to Terrance Williams in the Cowboys' eventual 24-20 Wild Card victory over the Detroit Lions.
With that possession, Romo secured his 28th-career game-winning drive, tied for the most since 2006, his first year in the league, and a trip to his native Wisconsin.
Romo went 19-of-31 passing on 293 yards, rallying from a 20-7 deficit, flinging a 76 yard catch-and-run score to Williams to close out the first half. DeMarco Murray added a rushing score, bringing Dallas within 20-14, finishing the night with 76 yards.
"You just have to stay in the moment and understand the game," Romo said afterwards. "It doesn't end after the first quarter, second quarter. You just have to keep calm. I've played in enough games to understand that. Maybe I didn't do that as well when I was younger."
Dallas was handed a fistful of 8-8 seasons and only one postseason victory when Romo was younger, though on Sunday a matured passer went 8-of-12 for 195 yards and both his touchdowns on third-down plays, and despite being sacked by Ndamukong Suh on consecutive snaps on their game-winning drive, converted a 4th-and-6 to Jason Witten for 21 yards before finding Williams on the back line.
Those days of postseason choking for which he became known seem long gone.
"If you are mentally tough enough, and you've been through it, and I think experience helps you, you just get rid of those thoughts and understand that this game is going to go all the way to the end," Romo said, who is 0-2 in divisional contests. "Just don't give them anything to let this game get out of reach and it will find a way to get back at the end."
Dallas (13-4) opened their season with a defeat to the 49ers before winning their next six outings. They suffered a 2-3 mid-season slump, including a 33-10 defeat to the Eagles on Thanksgiving that briefly decided the NFC East before a four-game winning streak ended their regular season.
Their revenge-match with the Eagles on a Sunday night, a 38-27 Cowboys decision, and Philadelphia's subsequent three-game losing skid, gave the division definitively to Dallas.
Green Bay enjoyed a first-round bye over Wild Card weekend thanks to their fourth-straight NFC North title, secured two Sundays ago with a 30-20 victory over Detroit. Though one could hardly call the time off restful.
Life in the Frozen Tundra has been touchy over the last week as Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been left out of practice, nursing a calf injury from their game against Detroit. He had to be helped from the field that day after falling to the turf in pain as he threw a touchdown to Randall Cobb.
Rodgers was taken to the locker room on a cart, and after missing two series would return to action, finishing with 226 yards and two touchdowns, including his second to Cobb that gave the Packers their first lead, and even a 1 yard rushing score that came in the fourth quarter to produce a two-touchdown advantage.
He underwent treatment on his injured left calf this week and will be examined by team doctor Patrick McKenzie on Wednesday. Head coach Mike McCarthy was optimistic his quarterback would return on Thursday, saying he had "hip in his hop."
"I'm not concerned," McCarthy said on Monday. "Look at the way he played in the second half of the Detroit game. He's learned to play through different situations. He has continuity with his teammates. So I think you've got to be in-tune with that. But, hey, the way he progresses, he's a quick healer. He jumped out there last week and was playing normal football there until the injury. So I think he'll be in pretty good shape come Sunday."
Though his absence is still a concern in the coach's eyes.
"It's a big challenge for Aaron," he said. "I think Aaron was brought up in the right way. He likes to practice. He enjoys the competition of practice. Brett [Favre] was the same way. As a coach, your quarterback has a responsibility to practice because to me the head coach and the quarterback control the tempo and the energy of practice."
Rodgers is yet to be intercepted in more than two calendar years at Lambeau Field, and has thrown the third-most touchdowns in football this season (38) and the sixth-most yards (4,381). Jordy Nelson is second in receiving scores (13) and Cobb's 12 are the third-most.
Green Bay fields the 23rd-best rush defense (119.9 ypg), though are allowing 3.6 yards per rush in the second half of this season, compared to 4.78 in their first eight outings. Their yardage per game in that time has drastically improved, as well. After permitting 153.5 yards on average in their first eight, their second half found them giving up only 86.4 every Sunday.
That improvement will face a hearty test against the Cowboys' 2nd-best backfield and the game's best rusher in DeMarco Murray, whose 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns are tops the professional ranks.
"The Dallas Cowboys' run game is excellent," Mike McCarthy said this week simply. "Murray is a big-time back. He's definitely a difference-maker."
Murray carried 18 times for 134 yards and a touchdown, with a 7.4 yard average per rush, against the Packers in Dallas late last season, a one-point win for Green Bay.
"Any time you see a player for the first time live, they leave an impression on you, and I was very, very impressed with him," McCarthy said of that meeting.
Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers will be tasked with stopping him.
"This will be the best test that we've had," Capers said. "I think this [Cowboys] offensive line is as good as there is in the league. Obviously by this running back's statistics, he can run and does a nice job receiving the ball out of the backfield. So this will be a challenge."
Murray, who rushed for over 100 yards in 12 games this season, added 416 yards on 57 receptions and has 1,200 yards through the air in his career.
"We just have to make sure we do our best," Packers defensive lineman Mike Daniels said. "Make sure we prepare the right way this week, make sure we come out and, it sounds really rhetorical, but just get after it. It's just plain and simple. That'll solve a lot of problems if we just buckle down and play our best fundamentally sound game and play it as hard as we possible can. That'll take care of a lot of things."
The contest will be the first time the Cowboys and Packers will meet in Curly Lambeau's Cathedral of Football in postseason play since the famed and frozen "Ice Bowl" of 1967 between Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry that decided the NFL Championship.
Romo would lead Dallas over their final 59 yards on Sunday, culminated in an 8 yard go-ahead touchdown strike to Terrance Williams in the Cowboys' eventual 24-20 Wild Card victory over the Detroit Lions.
With that possession, Romo secured his 28th-career game-winning drive, tied for the most since 2006, his first year in the league, and a trip to his native Wisconsin.
Romo went 19-of-31 passing on 293 yards, rallying from a 20-7 deficit, flinging a 76 yard catch-and-run score to Williams to close out the first half. DeMarco Murray added a rushing score, bringing Dallas within 20-14, finishing the night with 76 yards.
"You just have to stay in the moment and understand the game," Romo said afterwards. "It doesn't end after the first quarter, second quarter. You just have to keep calm. I've played in enough games to understand that. Maybe I didn't do that as well when I was younger."
Dallas was handed a fistful of 8-8 seasons and only one postseason victory when Romo was younger, though on Sunday a matured passer went 8-of-12 for 195 yards and both his touchdowns on third-down plays, and despite being sacked by Ndamukong Suh on consecutive snaps on their game-winning drive, converted a 4th-and-6 to Jason Witten for 21 yards before finding Williams on the back line.
Those days of postseason choking for which he became known seem long gone.
"If you are mentally tough enough, and you've been through it, and I think experience helps you, you just get rid of those thoughts and understand that this game is going to go all the way to the end," Romo said, who is 0-2 in divisional contests. "Just don't give them anything to let this game get out of reach and it will find a way to get back at the end."
Dallas (13-4) opened their season with a defeat to the 49ers before winning their next six outings. They suffered a 2-3 mid-season slump, including a 33-10 defeat to the Eagles on Thanksgiving that briefly decided the NFC East before a four-game winning streak ended their regular season.
Their revenge-match with the Eagles on a Sunday night, a 38-27 Cowboys decision, and Philadelphia's subsequent three-game losing skid, gave the division definitively to Dallas.
Green Bay enjoyed a first-round bye over Wild Card weekend thanks to their fourth-straight NFC North title, secured two Sundays ago with a 30-20 victory over Detroit. Though one could hardly call the time off restful.
Life in the Frozen Tundra has been touchy over the last week as Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been left out of practice, nursing a calf injury from their game against Detroit. He had to be helped from the field that day after falling to the turf in pain as he threw a touchdown to Randall Cobb.
Rodgers was taken to the locker room on a cart, and after missing two series would return to action, finishing with 226 yards and two touchdowns, including his second to Cobb that gave the Packers their first lead, and even a 1 yard rushing score that came in the fourth quarter to produce a two-touchdown advantage.
He underwent treatment on his injured left calf this week and will be examined by team doctor Patrick McKenzie on Wednesday. Head coach Mike McCarthy was optimistic his quarterback would return on Thursday, saying he had "hip in his hop."
"I'm not concerned," McCarthy said on Monday. "Look at the way he played in the second half of the Detroit game. He's learned to play through different situations. He has continuity with his teammates. So I think you've got to be in-tune with that. But, hey, the way he progresses, he's a quick healer. He jumped out there last week and was playing normal football there until the injury. So I think he'll be in pretty good shape come Sunday."
Though his absence is still a concern in the coach's eyes.
"It's a big challenge for Aaron," he said. "I think Aaron was brought up in the right way. He likes to practice. He enjoys the competition of practice. Brett [Favre] was the same way. As a coach, your quarterback has a responsibility to practice because to me the head coach and the quarterback control the tempo and the energy of practice."
Rodgers is yet to be intercepted in more than two calendar years at Lambeau Field, and has thrown the third-most touchdowns in football this season (38) and the sixth-most yards (4,381). Jordy Nelson is second in receiving scores (13) and Cobb's 12 are the third-most.
Green Bay fields the 23rd-best rush defense (119.9 ypg), though are allowing 3.6 yards per rush in the second half of this season, compared to 4.78 in their first eight outings. Their yardage per game in that time has drastically improved, as well. After permitting 153.5 yards on average in their first eight, their second half found them giving up only 86.4 every Sunday.
That improvement will face a hearty test against the Cowboys' 2nd-best backfield and the game's best rusher in DeMarco Murray, whose 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns are tops the professional ranks.
"The Dallas Cowboys' run game is excellent," Mike McCarthy said this week simply. "Murray is a big-time back. He's definitely a difference-maker."
Murray carried 18 times for 134 yards and a touchdown, with a 7.4 yard average per rush, against the Packers in Dallas late last season, a one-point win for Green Bay.
"Any time you see a player for the first time live, they leave an impression on you, and I was very, very impressed with him," McCarthy said of that meeting.
Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers will be tasked with stopping him.
"This will be the best test that we've had," Capers said. "I think this [Cowboys] offensive line is as good as there is in the league. Obviously by this running back's statistics, he can run and does a nice job receiving the ball out of the backfield. So this will be a challenge."
Murray, who rushed for over 100 yards in 12 games this season, added 416 yards on 57 receptions and has 1,200 yards through the air in his career.
"We just have to make sure we do our best," Packers defensive lineman Mike Daniels said. "Make sure we prepare the right way this week, make sure we come out and, it sounds really rhetorical, but just get after it. It's just plain and simple. That'll solve a lot of problems if we just buckle down and play our best fundamentally sound game and play it as hard as we possible can. That'll take care of a lot of things."
NFL admits officials missed call
NEW YORK - The NFC Wild Card game between the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys became known not merely as the Cowboys' first playoff victory since 2009, but a game that will forever be slightly tarnished with the stain of some peculiar calls from officials.
Or criminal, in the eyes of those in Michigan.
But Tuesday found the National Football League apologetic to the Detroit Lions for what they called a missed penalty in their Sunday meeting in Arlington. Though not the one the team thought deserved an apology.
The league admitted to the Lions that officials mistakenly did not call an illegal holding penalty committed against Ndamukong Suh, their defensive tackle, on a crucial fourth-down conversion with six minutes left in the game.
Were the flag thrown and the penalty accepted, Dallas would have faced a 4th-and-16 on the negative side of the field, with a late three-point deficit and likely would have punted.
Romo instead found tight end Jason Witten for a 21 yard gain on a 4th-and-6 that would shortly after result in the game-winning touchdown pass to Terrance Williams.
An initially thrown flag in the third quarter against Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens for his apparent interference of Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was infamously picked up with no explanation during the game.
Detroit was leading 20-17 at that point and their resulting 4th-and-1 play found a failed attempt to draw Dallas offsides. The Lions would shank a 10 yard punt that led to the Cowboys' game-winning 59 yard charge.
"They didn't give me a good enough explanation," Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said of his meeting with officials concerning that penalty afterwards.
Or criminal, in the eyes of those in Michigan.
But Tuesday found the National Football League apologetic to the Detroit Lions for what they called a missed penalty in their Sunday meeting in Arlington. Though not the one the team thought deserved an apology.
The league admitted to the Lions that officials mistakenly did not call an illegal holding penalty committed against Ndamukong Suh, their defensive tackle, on a crucial fourth-down conversion with six minutes left in the game.
Were the flag thrown and the penalty accepted, Dallas would have faced a 4th-and-16 on the negative side of the field, with a late three-point deficit and likely would have punted.
Romo instead found tight end Jason Witten for a 21 yard gain on a 4th-and-6 that would shortly after result in the game-winning touchdown pass to Terrance Williams.
An initially thrown flag in the third quarter against Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens for his apparent interference of Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was infamously picked up with no explanation during the game.
Detroit was leading 20-17 at that point and their resulting 4th-and-1 play found a failed attempt to draw Dallas offsides. The Lions would shank a 10 yard punt that led to the Cowboys' game-winning 59 yard charge.
"They didn't give me a good enough explanation," Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said of his meeting with officials concerning that penalty afterwards.
Lions: Reggie Bush wants to return
ALLEN PARK, Mich. - Detroit Lions running back Reggie Bush says he wants to stay with the team next season, according to MLive.com.
"I don't know, I haven't thought about that," Bush said when asked about his place on the team next year. "I still have two years on my contract, so until somebody tells me otherwise, I'm planning on being back here."
Bush was bothered by ankle injuries over this season, appearing in 11 games for Detroit, rushing 76 times for 297 yards, adding 253 yards through receptions.
"It's hard to say what my role really was when I was injured most of the season," he said. "I don't plan to get injured. It's part of the game and I plan to come back stronger, like I do every year."
Detroit ranked 28th in rushing this season (88.9 ypg) behind Bush and starter Joique Bell, who notched seven touchdowns on 860 yards.
Bush, who is not a free agent, is scheduled to make $3.5 million next season and $4 million the season after, and as his cap number for 2015 in $5.28 million, the Lions would save nearly $2 million in salary cap should they cut him.
"I think I have a lot left to give this game," he told the Detroit Free Press. "My body still feels pretty good, obviously with the exception of the injuries that I went through. But my body feels good, I don't feel worn down, I don't feel beat up as a running back."
Bush rushed 8 times for 37 yards in the Lions' 24-20 defeat to the Cowboys in an NFC Wild Card game last Sunday. His 8 yard touchdown rush, his second this season, capped off a 99 yard drive in the first quarter.
"I don't know, I haven't thought about that," Bush said when asked about his place on the team next year. "I still have two years on my contract, so until somebody tells me otherwise, I'm planning on being back here."
Bush was bothered by ankle injuries over this season, appearing in 11 games for Detroit, rushing 76 times for 297 yards, adding 253 yards through receptions.
"It's hard to say what my role really was when I was injured most of the season," he said. "I don't plan to get injured. It's part of the game and I plan to come back stronger, like I do every year."
Detroit ranked 28th in rushing this season (88.9 ypg) behind Bush and starter Joique Bell, who notched seven touchdowns on 860 yards.
Bush, who is not a free agent, is scheduled to make $3.5 million next season and $4 million the season after, and as his cap number for 2015 in $5.28 million, the Lions would save nearly $2 million in salary cap should they cut him.
"I think I have a lot left to give this game," he told the Detroit Free Press. "My body still feels pretty good, obviously with the exception of the injuries that I went through. But my body feels good, I don't feel worn down, I don't feel beat up as a running back."
Bush rushed 8 times for 37 yards in the Lions' 24-20 defeat to the Cowboys in an NFC Wild Card game last Sunday. His 8 yard touchdown rush, his second this season, capped off a 99 yard drive in the first quarter.
Steelers: Ben hopes new deal comes soon
PITTSBURGH - Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is confident that he and his team can reach a new deal, which expires at the end of next season.
The 11-year veteran enters the final year of an eight-year, $102 million contract signed in 2008, and was tied for the most passing yards this season (4,952) as he helped lead Pittsburgh to an AFC North title.
"I felt great all year, and we'll continue to do that," Roethlisberger told 93.7 FM (Pittsburgh) about his contract situation. "Hopefully, it's sooner rather than later.
"When the time comes, I'm sure [my agents will] come in town here before too long, whenever they start getting ready to talk to the Rooney family and we'll sit down and we'll discuss all the different options and possibilities and so when that time comes, I don't think we'll leave any stone unturned."
He established franchise records for passing yards and completions (408), and his 32 touchdowns tied his own team record.
"Ultimately, it's up to the representation and the Rooney family to do something hopefully this offseason and hopefully sooner than later because I love being here with this family."
Steelers president Art Rooney II has said he wants Roethlisberger to retire with the team.
Pittsburgh ended their season last Sunday in a 30-17 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC Wild Card game. Roethlisberger threw a touchdown and two interceptions as the Steelers were outscored 20-8 in the second half.
The 11-year veteran enters the final year of an eight-year, $102 million contract signed in 2008, and was tied for the most passing yards this season (4,952) as he helped lead Pittsburgh to an AFC North title.
"I felt great all year, and we'll continue to do that," Roethlisberger told 93.7 FM (Pittsburgh) about his contract situation. "Hopefully, it's sooner rather than later.
"When the time comes, I'm sure [my agents will] come in town here before too long, whenever they start getting ready to talk to the Rooney family and we'll sit down and we'll discuss all the different options and possibilities and so when that time comes, I don't think we'll leave any stone unturned."
He established franchise records for passing yards and completions (408), and his 32 touchdowns tied his own team record.
"Ultimately, it's up to the representation and the Rooney family to do something hopefully this offseason and hopefully sooner than later because I love being here with this family."
Steelers president Art Rooney II has said he wants Roethlisberger to retire with the team.
Pittsburgh ended their season last Sunday in a 30-17 defeat to the Baltimore Ravens in an AFC Wild Card game. Roethlisberger threw a touchdown and two interceptions as the Steelers were outscored 20-8 in the second half.
Monday, January 5, 2015
Reports: Mike Shanahan meets with Raiders, Bills
Former Denver Broncos and Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan has interviewed for the vacant head coaching position with the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills, according to reports.
Dianna Marie Russini of NBC-4 (Washington) reported Shanahan met with the Raiders this week. He coached 20 games for the team in Los Angeles in 1988 and '89, and left the franchise after developing a sour relationship with owner Al Davis.
Sour would be a kind assessment: former pro quarterback Elvis Grbac said Shanahan once told him to throw a football at Davis during a pre-game warmup when both were with the 49ers in the 1994 season.
Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported that Shanahan met with Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula and other team officials on Sunday. Former head coach Doug Marrone opted out of his contract this week following two seasons in Buffalo and a 15-17 record.
Shanahan met with Chris Berman for ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" this season and intimated that he still has an interest in coaching.
"Well, one thing that I want to do is win," Shanahan said when asked about it. "So it's not just coaching but going to the right organization that will make a strong commitment. There's only one team that's happy at the end of the year and that's the team that wins the Super Bowl."
Shanahan, a two-time Super Bowl champion with Denver, did not coach last season after being released by the Redskins following the 2013 season, leading Washington to one playoff appearance in his tenure.
Dianna Marie Russini of NBC-4 (Washington) reported Shanahan met with the Raiders this week. He coached 20 games for the team in Los Angeles in 1988 and '89, and left the franchise after developing a sour relationship with owner Al Davis.
Sour would be a kind assessment: former pro quarterback Elvis Grbac said Shanahan once told him to throw a football at Davis during a pre-game warmup when both were with the 49ers in the 1994 season.
Adam Schefter of ESPN also reported that Shanahan met with Bills owners Terry and Kim Pegula and other team officials on Sunday. Former head coach Doug Marrone opted out of his contract this week following two seasons in Buffalo and a 15-17 record.
Shanahan met with Chris Berman for ESPN's "Sunday NFL Countdown" this season and intimated that he still has an interest in coaching.
"Well, one thing that I want to do is win," Shanahan said when asked about it. "So it's not just coaching but going to the right organization that will make a strong commitment. There's only one team that's happy at the end of the year and that's the team that wins the Super Bowl."
Shanahan, a two-time Super Bowl champion with Denver, did not coach last season after being released by the Redskins following the 2013 season, leading Washington to one playoff appearance in his tenure.
Rams: owner looking into L.A. stadium
INGLEWOOD, Ca. - St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke plans to build a stadium in Los Angeles County in connection with a possible franchise move there as early as 2016, according to reports.
Keoenke formed a syndicate with Stockbridge Capital Group, owners of the former 238-acre Hollywood Park racetrack, the Los Angeles Times reported on Monday.
The site will feature an 80,000 seat football stadium, a 6,000 seat entertainment venue, and retail, office, residential, and hotel space on the former Hollywood Park site.
The Rams, which have declined any comment on a move, can choose to terminate their lease with the city of St. Louis as they are yet to reach a deal to renovate the Edward Jones Dome. Though the city is expected to present an offer this month.
There have been unofficial and unsought-out plans to establish an NFL team in the city for more than twenty years, but this marks the first time any existing team's ownership has controlled enough area to act on it.
Any franchise that plans a move must file an application for approval between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15 and will require a majority vote of three-fourths the present owners.
"No team has applied for relocation and there will be no team relocations for the 2015 season," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said to Pro Football Talk. "We are committed to working towards having franchises that are strong and successful in their existing markets. Any decision on relocation in 2016 or later is subject to approval by the 32 clubs. An affirmative vote by 24 of 32 clubs is required."
The Rams were originally a Los Angeles based franchise from their founding in 1946 until their move after the 1994 season to St. Louis. The city has not fielded a professional football franchise since 1984 when the Oakland Raiders temporarily moved there and played at the Memorial Coliseum before returning to Oakland ten years later.
Kroene, the second-wealthiest owner in the league, also has an interest in the Denver Nuggets NBA club and Colorado Avalanche NHL team, and is a large stakeholder in the English football club Arsenal FC.
Keoenke formed a syndicate with Stockbridge Capital Group, owners of the former 238-acre Hollywood Park racetrack, the Los Angeles Times reported on Monday.
The site will feature an 80,000 seat football stadium, a 6,000 seat entertainment venue, and retail, office, residential, and hotel space on the former Hollywood Park site.
The Rams, which have declined any comment on a move, can choose to terminate their lease with the city of St. Louis as they are yet to reach a deal to renovate the Edward Jones Dome. Though the city is expected to present an offer this month.
There have been unofficial and unsought-out plans to establish an NFL team in the city for more than twenty years, but this marks the first time any existing team's ownership has controlled enough area to act on it.
Any franchise that plans a move must file an application for approval between Jan. 1 and Feb. 15 and will require a majority vote of three-fourths the present owners.
"No team has applied for relocation and there will be no team relocations for the 2015 season," NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said to Pro Football Talk. "We are committed to working towards having franchises that are strong and successful in their existing markets. Any decision on relocation in 2016 or later is subject to approval by the 32 clubs. An affirmative vote by 24 of 32 clubs is required."
The Rams were originally a Los Angeles based franchise from their founding in 1946 until their move after the 1994 season to St. Louis. The city has not fielded a professional football franchise since 1984 when the Oakland Raiders temporarily moved there and played at the Memorial Coliseum before returning to Oakland ten years later.
Kroene, the second-wealthiest owner in the league, also has an interest in the Denver Nuggets NBA club and Colorado Avalanche NHL team, and is a large stakeholder in the English football club Arsenal FC.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
Cowboys: Bryant may have caused flag pick-up
ARLINGTON, Tex. - At the 8:18 mark of the fourth quarter of Sunday's NFC Wild Card game and leading 20-17, the Detroit Lions were poised to convert a 3rd-and-1 play and come away with a chance to extend their lead.
And when Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was the recipient of a pass interference call after being draped over by Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens, it looked like the yardage would be gained the easy way.
That's when it all seemed to go terribly wrong for the Lions, a state of affairs of which they are intimate.
After what in penalty-judgement-time was an eternity, but in real time about ten long seconds, the flag vanished from the turf, never to be seen again.
Nor spoken of.
Despite protests from Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, and anyone else in Detroit blue who happened to be around anybody wearing stripes, the penalty was erased with no explanation.
Dallas would take that opportunity to eventually drive 59 yards, taking their first and final lead on Tony Romo's go-ahead touchdown pass to Terrance Williams.
With the lack of explanation given us, pro football commentators and fans, given by nature to explanations of their own, had many.
One resides in Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, who, before the flag even hit the ground, charged five yards onto the field, despite not actually playing defense and not wearing a helmet, and into the face of the back judge responsible.
For this he was not penalized.
The flag was picked up seconds later and play continued, as Detroit ventured a 4th-and-1 dare to bring the Cowboys offsides that failed, culminating in a delay of game penalty.
A correlation is not a cause, as philosophers are want to say, but the known tendencies towards screaming fits that Bryant is known for just may be enough for any man to cave into.
"The back judge threw his flag for defensive pass interference," referee Pete Morelli told ESPN reporter Todd Archer after the game. "We got other information from another official from a different angle that thought the contact was minimal and didn't warrant pass interference. He thought it was face guarding."
Former NFL vice president of officiating Mike Pereira, who discusses penalty issues for FOX during broadcasts, supported the initial call and opposed the eventual no-call.
"I watch a lot of football, see a lot of plays, to me you can't pick that flag up," Pereira said. "Hitchens was not playing the ball, shoved with his left arm first; Pettigrew came back and tried to get to the ball, couldn't, that's pass interference.
"Actually, it was defensive holding, also," he added, "because Pettigrew got his jersey grabbed and stretched as he tried to get off the line of scrimmage."
As Pereira also mentioned, and as fellow FOX commentator Troy Aikman said before the game, the crew presiding over Sunday's game was not a crew that had been working together over 15 weeks of the football season. They were random officials that had not worked together at any time for any contest.
The no-call will haunt discussion over the remainder of the postseason, at least until the Cowboys face the Green Bay Packers next Sunday at Lambeau Field in a divisional game.
"For everybody in Detroit, I'm baffled with you," FOX television analyst Michael Strahan said afterwards during a postgame telecast.
"They didn't give me a good enough explanation," Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said afterwards of his conversation with the officials.
At least he got one.
And when Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew was the recipient of a pass interference call after being draped over by Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens, it looked like the yardage would be gained the easy way.
That's when it all seemed to go terribly wrong for the Lions, a state of affairs of which they are intimate.
After what in penalty-judgement-time was an eternity, but in real time about ten long seconds, the flag vanished from the turf, never to be seen again.
Nor spoken of.
Despite protests from Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford, and anyone else in Detroit blue who happened to be around anybody wearing stripes, the penalty was erased with no explanation.
Dallas would take that opportunity to eventually drive 59 yards, taking their first and final lead on Tony Romo's go-ahead touchdown pass to Terrance Williams.
With the lack of explanation given us, pro football commentators and fans, given by nature to explanations of their own, had many.
One resides in Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant, who, before the flag even hit the ground, charged five yards onto the field, despite not actually playing defense and not wearing a helmet, and into the face of the back judge responsible.
For this he was not penalized.
The flag was picked up seconds later and play continued, as Detroit ventured a 4th-and-1 dare to bring the Cowboys offsides that failed, culminating in a delay of game penalty.
A correlation is not a cause, as philosophers are want to say, but the known tendencies towards screaming fits that Bryant is known for just may be enough for any man to cave into.
"The back judge threw his flag for defensive pass interference," referee Pete Morelli told ESPN reporter Todd Archer after the game. "We got other information from another official from a different angle that thought the contact was minimal and didn't warrant pass interference. He thought it was face guarding."
Former NFL vice president of officiating Mike Pereira, who discusses penalty issues for FOX during broadcasts, supported the initial call and opposed the eventual no-call.
"I watch a lot of football, see a lot of plays, to me you can't pick that flag up," Pereira said. "Hitchens was not playing the ball, shoved with his left arm first; Pettigrew came back and tried to get to the ball, couldn't, that's pass interference.
"Actually, it was defensive holding, also," he added, "because Pettigrew got his jersey grabbed and stretched as he tried to get off the line of scrimmage."
As Pereira also mentioned, and as fellow FOX commentator Troy Aikman said before the game, the crew presiding over Sunday's game was not a crew that had been working together over 15 weeks of the football season. They were random officials that had not worked together at any time for any contest.
The no-call will haunt discussion over the remainder of the postseason, at least until the Cowboys face the Green Bay Packers next Sunday at Lambeau Field in a divisional game.
"For everybody in Detroit, I'm baffled with you," FOX television analyst Michael Strahan said afterwards during a postgame telecast.
"They didn't give me a good enough explanation," Lions head coach Jim Caldwell said afterwards of his conversation with the officials.
At least he got one.
Bengals: Marvin Lewis plans to return
CINCINNATI - After falling 26-10 to the Indianapolis Colts in a woeful AFC Wild Card appearance on Sunday, Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis, yet to win a playoff game during his 12 year tenure, was asked if he would return to the helm next season.
"It's my plan," he said. "It's not about me. I'm talking about our football team, wherever our football team is. Obviously every year you create a new football team and that's part of it unfortunately. Tomorrow is not promised for anyone and so that's part of the life in the NFL and what these guys have in the finality of losing when you lose in the playoffs."
Cincinnati fell in their fourth straight postseason opener Sunday in Indianapolis, and Lewis became the second head coach in NFL history to lose his first six playoff appearances, the other being Jim Mora, who did not coach a seventh.
"I don't see why not," Bengals safety George Iloka said when asked if his coach should return. "He's been here since I've been here. He's done a good job. That loss ain't on him. That's on us. . . We were in the game in the fourth quarter. He ain't out there playing. Xs and Os are only going to take you so far, it's about the Joes out there."
It was a 13-10 contest to Indy's favor in the third quarter when Andrew Luck flung a 36 yard touchdown to Donte Moncrief as he was being tripped from behind on a blitz and a split second before falling face-first into the turf.
"It was the score there in the third quarter that you obviously don't want to give up," Lewis said sadly.
But give it up they did as the Bengals were held off the board over the latter thirty minutes, sending their long-time head coach into an unsure offseason.
"It's disappointing," he said when asked about his postseason record, "but I don't know any other way. Whenever the opportunity comes to build back up and get working and fight our way back through it."
"It's my plan," he said. "It's not about me. I'm talking about our football team, wherever our football team is. Obviously every year you create a new football team and that's part of it unfortunately. Tomorrow is not promised for anyone and so that's part of the life in the NFL and what these guys have in the finality of losing when you lose in the playoffs."
Cincinnati fell in their fourth straight postseason opener Sunday in Indianapolis, and Lewis became the second head coach in NFL history to lose his first six playoff appearances, the other being Jim Mora, who did not coach a seventh.
"I don't see why not," Bengals safety George Iloka said when asked if his coach should return. "He's been here since I've been here. He's done a good job. That loss ain't on him. That's on us. . . We were in the game in the fourth quarter. He ain't out there playing. Xs and Os are only going to take you so far, it's about the Joes out there."
It was a 13-10 contest to Indy's favor in the third quarter when Andrew Luck flung a 36 yard touchdown to Donte Moncrief as he was being tripped from behind on a blitz and a split second before falling face-first into the turf.
"It was the score there in the third quarter that you obviously don't want to give up," Lewis said sadly.
But give it up they did as the Bengals were held off the board over the latter thirty minutes, sending their long-time head coach into an unsure offseason.
"It's disappointing," he said when asked about his postseason record, "but I don't know any other way. Whenever the opportunity comes to build back up and get working and fight our way back through it."
Cowboys comeback 24-20 vs Lions
ARLINGTON, Tex. - DeMarcus Lawrence sacked and Matthew Stafford fumbled the Dallas Cowboys to a 24-20 victory over the Detroit Lions in an NFC Wild Card game on Sunday night.
Dallas secures their first playoff victory since after the 2009 season, outscoring the Lions 17-3 in the second half after trailing the visitors 17-7 at the halftime intermission.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw two touchdowns to Terrance Williams, including an 8 yarder with 2:32 left in the game for their first and final lead.
His 76 yard bomb to Williams gave the Cowboys their first points in the second quarter. They had 80 yards of offense before that play and a two-touchdown deficit. Williams finished with 92 yards on 3 receptions.
DeMarco Murray added a 1 yard touchdown rush on a 4th-and-Goal call in the third frame that brought the Cowboys within 6. The league's best rusher ended the night with 75 yards on 19 attempts.
The Cowboys opened the second half with an interception of a tipped Matthew Stafford pass, though would come away with nothing after Dan Bailey's kick slid wide right.
Though, sadly, it would be a peculiar call against the Lions that would shape the contest.
The fourth quarter found a pass interference call go against Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens on Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew, though the flag would be picked up suddenly without explanation. Detroit would then suffer a shanked 10 yard punt that led to the Cowboys' go-ahead touchdown.
Tony Romo finished 19-of-31 on 293 yards passing in his second career postseason victory. Ndamukong Suh sacked Romo on successive plays on the game-winning drive before the quarterback found Jason Witten on a 4th-and-5 conversion for 21 yards.
"It doesn't end after the first quarter or second quarter," Romo said afterwards. "You just have to keep calm. I've played enough games to understand that. Maybe I didn't do that as well when I was younger. I think it's just poise, our team did a great job."
Detroit, still without a postseason victory since after the 1991 season, jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead on Matthew Stafford's 51 yard touchdown to Golden Tate and Reggie Bush's 8 yard rush on a 99 yard scoring drive.
Matt Prater would provide the Lions with their final points on two field goals over the second half as their early game dominance evaded them.
The Cowboys will travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Divisional game next Sunday, their first postseason trip there since the Ice Bowl of 1967.
Dallas secures their first playoff victory since after the 2009 season, outscoring the Lions 17-3 in the second half after trailing the visitors 17-7 at the halftime intermission.
Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw two touchdowns to Terrance Williams, including an 8 yarder with 2:32 left in the game for their first and final lead.
His 76 yard bomb to Williams gave the Cowboys their first points in the second quarter. They had 80 yards of offense before that play and a two-touchdown deficit. Williams finished with 92 yards on 3 receptions.
DeMarco Murray added a 1 yard touchdown rush on a 4th-and-Goal call in the third frame that brought the Cowboys within 6. The league's best rusher ended the night with 75 yards on 19 attempts.
The Cowboys opened the second half with an interception of a tipped Matthew Stafford pass, though would come away with nothing after Dan Bailey's kick slid wide right.
Though, sadly, it would be a peculiar call against the Lions that would shape the contest.
The fourth quarter found a pass interference call go against Cowboys linebacker Anthony Hitchens on Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew, though the flag would be picked up suddenly without explanation. Detroit would then suffer a shanked 10 yard punt that led to the Cowboys' go-ahead touchdown.
Tony Romo finished 19-of-31 on 293 yards passing in his second career postseason victory. Ndamukong Suh sacked Romo on successive plays on the game-winning drive before the quarterback found Jason Witten on a 4th-and-5 conversion for 21 yards.
"It doesn't end after the first quarter or second quarter," Romo said afterwards. "You just have to keep calm. I've played enough games to understand that. Maybe I didn't do that as well when I was younger. I think it's just poise, our team did a great job."
Detroit, still without a postseason victory since after the 1991 season, jumped out to a quick 14-0 lead on Matthew Stafford's 51 yard touchdown to Golden Tate and Reggie Bush's 8 yard rush on a 99 yard scoring drive.
Matt Prater would provide the Lions with their final points on two field goals over the second half as their early game dominance evaded them.
The Cowboys will travel to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers for the NFC Divisional game next Sunday, their first postseason trip there since the Ice Bowl of 1967.
Cowboys take first lead over Lions
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Terrance Williams caught an 8 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter as the Dallas Cowboys take a 24-20 lead over the Detroit Lions in an NFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Tony Romo found Williams in the back of the end zone to cap off a 59 yard drive over five minutes as the Cowboys enjoy their first advantage in the contest.
Dallas (12-4) was aided by two holding penalties on the charge and a 4th-and-5 converting toss to Jason Witten for a 21 yard gain.
Detroit had led the entire game though have been outscored 17-3 in the second half as DeMarco Murray also added a 1 yard touchdown rush on a 4th-and-Goal call.
Tony Romo found Williams in the back of the end zone to cap off a 59 yard drive over five minutes as the Cowboys enjoy their first advantage in the contest.
Dallas (12-4) was aided by two holding penalties on the charge and a 4th-and-5 converting toss to Jason Witten for a 21 yard gain.
Detroit had led the entire game though have been outscored 17-3 in the second half as DeMarco Murray also added a 1 yard touchdown rush on a 4th-and-Goal call.
DeMarco Murray scores, Cowboys within 20-14
ARLINGTON, Tex. - DeMarco Murray rushed for a 1 yard touchdown on 4th-and-Goal as the Dallas Cowboys come within 20-14 to the Detroit Lions in an NFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Murray's 14th touchdown this season ended an 80 yard drive kicked off with Dez Bryant's 43 yard reception to the Lions 7 on a 3rd-and-10. Murray's would-be touchdown rush on the next play was called back when Jason Witten held.
Cole Beasley caught to the Lions 2 on a long 1st-and-Goal play and Murray rushed inside the 1 on the next snap. But Detroit's stout defensive front held Murray from the goal line on the 3rd-and-Goal before his fourth-down strike.
Murray's 14th touchdown this season ended an 80 yard drive kicked off with Dez Bryant's 43 yard reception to the Lions 7 on a 3rd-and-10. Murray's would-be touchdown rush on the next play was called back when Jason Witten held.
Cole Beasley caught to the Lions 2 on a long 1st-and-Goal play and Murray rushed inside the 1 on the next snap. But Detroit's stout defensive front held Murray from the goal line on the 3rd-and-Goal before his fourth-down strike.
Cowboys blow red zone chance, trail 20-7
ARLINGTON, Tex. - The Cowboys blew it again.
They had a golden opportunity to strike early in the second half when Kyle Wilber intercepted Matthew Stafford on a tipped pass to the Lions 19 to open the third frame. DeMarco Murray nearly broke throught middle on the following rush before being brought down for a 5 yarder. But quarterback Romo was sacked on 3rd-and-2 and otherwise reliable Dan Bailey would slice his field goal chance.
Detroit answered with a 37 yard field goal after driving 50 yards to increase their lead, 20-7.
Romo answered an early 14-0 deficit with a 76 yard touchdown strike to Terrance Williams in the second quarter. Dallas had 80 yards of offense before then.
They had a golden opportunity to strike early in the second half when Kyle Wilber intercepted Matthew Stafford on a tipped pass to the Lions 19 to open the third frame. DeMarco Murray nearly broke throught middle on the following rush before being brought down for a 5 yarder. But quarterback Romo was sacked on 3rd-and-2 and otherwise reliable Dan Bailey would slice his field goal chance.
Detroit answered with a 37 yard field goal after driving 50 yards to increase their lead, 20-7.
Romo answered an early 14-0 deficit with a 76 yard touchdown strike to Terrance Williams in the second quarter. Dallas had 80 yards of offense before then.
Cowboys come within 17-7 after being stuffed early
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Tony Romo responded to a 14-0 deficit near the end of the second quarter with a 76 yard touchdown strike to Terrance Williams as the Cowboys trail the Detroit Lions 17-7 at the halftime break.
Williams was called for offensive pass interference on the previous play, taking away a 3rd-and-2 conversion to Jason Witten. He would answer back on the resulting 3rd-and-12, a reception on a crossing route through linebacking traffic and outracing the secondary down the far sideline.
Dallas, seeking their first playoff victory since after the 2009 season, had gained 80 yards on their previous 25 plays before the score.
Detroit (11-5) would respond with a 59 yard drive and Matt Prater kicked clean from 39 yards to advance the Lions' lead with three seconds left.
Calvin Johnson converted a 2nd-and-10 to the near side and Golden Tate moved the chains on a 3rd-and-5. Officials initially ruled Tate short, but after a review awarded him the extra half-yard. Reggie Bush took a pass into the red zone with 13 seconds left.
Cowboys backer Bruce Carter nearly had an interception off Stafford when the passer was eyeing Johnson in the end zone with 6 on the clock before head coach Jim Caldwell sent Prater on.
Romo has been sacked 3 times for 23 lost yards and DeMarco Murray held to 30 yards on the ground as the once-vaunted Cowboys front five has been smothered by Detroit's stoppers. The Lions are ranked second in total defense behind Seattle and their run-stop the best in football this season.
The Cowboys' signal-caller is 8-for-16 on 149 yards passing for Dallas (12-4).
Detroit jumped out to a 14-0 lead on Matthew Stafford's 51 yard touchdown toss to Golden Tate on their first possession and Reggie Bush's 18 yard scoring rush to end a 99 yard drive near the end of the first quarter.
Williams was called for offensive pass interference on the previous play, taking away a 3rd-and-2 conversion to Jason Witten. He would answer back on the resulting 3rd-and-12, a reception on a crossing route through linebacking traffic and outracing the secondary down the far sideline.
Dallas, seeking their first playoff victory since after the 2009 season, had gained 80 yards on their previous 25 plays before the score.
Detroit (11-5) would respond with a 59 yard drive and Matt Prater kicked clean from 39 yards to advance the Lions' lead with three seconds left.
Calvin Johnson converted a 2nd-and-10 to the near side and Golden Tate moved the chains on a 3rd-and-5. Officials initially ruled Tate short, but after a review awarded him the extra half-yard. Reggie Bush took a pass into the red zone with 13 seconds left.
Cowboys backer Bruce Carter nearly had an interception off Stafford when the passer was eyeing Johnson in the end zone with 6 on the clock before head coach Jim Caldwell sent Prater on.
Romo has been sacked 3 times for 23 lost yards and DeMarco Murray held to 30 yards on the ground as the once-vaunted Cowboys front five has been smothered by Detroit's stoppers. The Lions are ranked second in total defense behind Seattle and their run-stop the best in football this season.
The Cowboys' signal-caller is 8-for-16 on 149 yards passing for Dallas (12-4).
Detroit jumped out to a 14-0 lead on Matthew Stafford's 51 yard touchdown toss to Golden Tate on their first possession and Reggie Bush's 18 yard scoring rush to end a 99 yard drive near the end of the first quarter.
Lions charge 99 yards, lead Cowboys 14-0
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Reggie Bush scampered for an 18 yard touchdown to give the Detroit Lions into a 14-0 lead over the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
The score capped off a 99 yard drive that was resurrected on a crucial Cowboys penalty in the end zone.
Receiver Golden Tate threw a block on J.J. Wilcox as Bush rushed middle, then cut left down the sideline and over the pylon for the two score advantage for Detroit, who seeks their first playoff victory since 1991.
The scoring drive was the first of that length in the postseason in 12 years.
After being pinned inside the 1 by Cowboys punter Chris Jones, Detroit failed to convert, though would be bailed out when their punter, Sam Martin, was run into in the end zone, converting the 4th-and-5.
Stafford rushed himself for 9 yards and a first down after shuffling past a would-be tackle and Reggie Bush followed with a 9 yard gash of his own. Joique Bell found a hole through the middle to convert the 2nd-and-1, and again on a fake end-around toss for 18 yards through traffic to the Cowboys 31.
Matthew Stafford put Detroit on the board after their first possession, a 51 yard touchdown strike to Golden Tate on a 4 play charge over 62 yards, all passes. Stafford is XXXX
Tony Romo fumbled on a sack on the Cowboys' third possession, but Dallas would recover and Jason Witten would convert a 3rd-and-12 toss.
Detroit outgained Dallas 155-34 in total yardage and 65-8 rushing.
The score capped off a 99 yard drive that was resurrected on a crucial Cowboys penalty in the end zone.
Receiver Golden Tate threw a block on J.J. Wilcox as Bush rushed middle, then cut left down the sideline and over the pylon for the two score advantage for Detroit, who seeks their first playoff victory since 1991.
The scoring drive was the first of that length in the postseason in 12 years.
After being pinned inside the 1 by Cowboys punter Chris Jones, Detroit failed to convert, though would be bailed out when their punter, Sam Martin, was run into in the end zone, converting the 4th-and-5.
Stafford rushed himself for 9 yards and a first down after shuffling past a would-be tackle and Reggie Bush followed with a 9 yard gash of his own. Joique Bell found a hole through the middle to convert the 2nd-and-1, and again on a fake end-around toss for 18 yards through traffic to the Cowboys 31.
Matthew Stafford put Detroit on the board after their first possession, a 51 yard touchdown strike to Golden Tate on a 4 play charge over 62 yards, all passes. Stafford is XXXX
Tony Romo fumbled on a sack on the Cowboys' third possession, but Dallas would recover and Jason Witten would convert a 3rd-and-12 toss.
Detroit outgained Dallas 155-34 in total yardage and 65-8 rushing.
Stafford connects with Tate, Lions lead 7-0
ARLINGTON, Tex. - Matthew Stafford flung a 51 yard touchdown to Golden Tate as the Detroit Lions lead the Dallas Cowboys 7-0 early in the first quarter of an NFC Wild Card game.
The Dallas native engineered the 62 yard drive over 4 plays after Dallas (12-5) went 3 yards in as many snaps to open the contest.
Tate was decked by C.J. Spillman as he caught the punt that would kick off Detroit's succeeding possession. Stafford connected with Joique Bell on an 11 yard gainer to start the drive.
Dallas is seeking their first playoff victory, and Tony Romo his second, since after the 2009 season.
The Dallas native engineered the 62 yard drive over 4 plays after Dallas (12-5) went 3 yards in as many snaps to open the contest.
Tate was decked by C.J. Spillman as he caught the punt that would kick off Detroit's succeeding possession. Stafford connected with Joique Bell on an 11 yard gainer to start the drive.
Dallas is seeking their first playoff victory, and Tony Romo his second, since after the 2009 season.
Luck tosses TD as Colts lead Cincy 20-10
INDIANAPOLIS - Andrew Luck flung 10 straight completions before airing a 36 yard touchdown to Donte Moncrief as the Colts lead the Bengals 20-10 in the third quarter of an AFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Under a blitz, Luck danced from a would-be sack and stepped into the back shoulder toss as he was tripped from behind, finding the rookie receiver as he broke from two defensive backs to the right side of the end zone.
The 61 yard drive came halfway through the third frame following two Bengals three-and-outs as Luck has outdueled Andy Dalton 298-91, completing 23 of his 35 pass attempts. Daniel Herron has 81 yards through the air and 35 on the ground. T.Y. Hilton follows with 80 yards receiving for Indy.
The Colts have outgained the Bengals 351-170. Cincinnati has suffered offensively as wide receiver A.J. Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham are both out with a concussion and back injury respectively.
Herron and Jeremy Hill rushed for touchdowns in the first quarter before the Colts added two field goals and the Bengals a third as Cincinnati seeks their first playoff victory in five attempts since 1991.
Under a blitz, Luck danced from a would-be sack and stepped into the back shoulder toss as he was tripped from behind, finding the rookie receiver as he broke from two defensive backs to the right side of the end zone.
The 61 yard drive came halfway through the third frame following two Bengals three-and-outs as Luck has outdueled Andy Dalton 298-91, completing 23 of his 35 pass attempts. Daniel Herron has 81 yards through the air and 35 on the ground. T.Y. Hilton follows with 80 yards receiving for Indy.
The Colts have outgained the Bengals 351-170. Cincinnati has suffered offensively as wide receiver A.J. Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham are both out with a concussion and back injury respectively.
Herron and Jeremy Hill rushed for touchdowns in the first quarter before the Colts added two field goals and the Bengals a third as Cincinnati seeks their first playoff victory in five attempts since 1991.
Colts leading Bengals 13-10 at half
INDIANAPOLIS - Mike Nugent kicked a 57 yard field goal to close the first half as the Bengals come within 13-10 of the Colts in an AFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Nugent struck clean and bounced inside off the left upright for his career-best kick and the Bengals' postseason best.
Cincinnati gained possession suddenly off a turnover as the Colts were driving.
Colts back Daniel Herron rushed for a first down on a promising drive before Darqueze Dennard stripped him at the Bengals 35 and returning to the 41. Herron powered the Colts with 61 yards on 6 receptions and 34 yards on 5 rushes and a touchdown in the first quarter, gaining 58 of the Colts' 71 yards on that first possession.
Ryan Hewitt converted the following 3rd-and-11 toss from Andy Dalton to the Colts 44, though Giovani Bernard caught short of the 3rd-and-6 play shortly after, setting up Nugent's boot on the 4th-and-5 with 10 seconds left.
Indianapolis had two sure chances in the red zone to come away with touchdowns in the first half, but the Bengals defense would stiffen both times and hold the home side to field goals.
T.Y. Hilton hauled in a 17 yarder along the sideline to convert a 3rd-and-11 pass from Andrew Luck and again for 30 yards on a crossing route to the Bengals 20.
But Luck's 3rd-and-10 toss for Reggie Wayne in the end zone was tipped incomplete by Bengals corner Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Vinatieri kicked from 38 yards.
Vinatieri booted a 23 yard field goal to end a drive propelled by Hakeem Nicks' 45 yard pass play to the Bengals 17, his longest play as a Colt and the longest play of the game thus far. Hilton had a sure 3rd-and-4 conversion in his grasp before dropping it as he stepped out of bounds, a gain that would have produced a 1st-and-Goal.
Jeremy Hill and Daniel Herron rushed for touchdowns to produce a 7-7 tie between Cincinnati and Indianapolis in the first quarter.
Andrew Luck is 16-for-27 on 219 yards passing, 4 of those for 80 yards to Hilton.
Cincinnati, seeking their first playoff victory in five tries since 1991, are without wide receiver A.J. Green (concussion) and tight end Jermaine Gresham (back).
Nugent struck clean and bounced inside off the left upright for his career-best kick and the Bengals' postseason best.
Cincinnati gained possession suddenly off a turnover as the Colts were driving.
Colts back Daniel Herron rushed for a first down on a promising drive before Darqueze Dennard stripped him at the Bengals 35 and returning to the 41. Herron powered the Colts with 61 yards on 6 receptions and 34 yards on 5 rushes and a touchdown in the first quarter, gaining 58 of the Colts' 71 yards on that first possession.
Ryan Hewitt converted the following 3rd-and-11 toss from Andy Dalton to the Colts 44, though Giovani Bernard caught short of the 3rd-and-6 play shortly after, setting up Nugent's boot on the 4th-and-5 with 10 seconds left.
Indianapolis had two sure chances in the red zone to come away with touchdowns in the first half, but the Bengals defense would stiffen both times and hold the home side to field goals.
T.Y. Hilton hauled in a 17 yarder along the sideline to convert a 3rd-and-11 pass from Andrew Luck and again for 30 yards on a crossing route to the Bengals 20.
But Luck's 3rd-and-10 toss for Reggie Wayne in the end zone was tipped incomplete by Bengals corner Dre Kirkpatrick and Adam Vinatieri kicked from 38 yards.
Vinatieri booted a 23 yard field goal to end a drive propelled by Hakeem Nicks' 45 yard pass play to the Bengals 17, his longest play as a Colt and the longest play of the game thus far. Hilton had a sure 3rd-and-4 conversion in his grasp before dropping it as he stepped out of bounds, a gain that would have produced a 1st-and-Goal.
Jeremy Hill and Daniel Herron rushed for touchdowns to produce a 7-7 tie between Cincinnati and Indianapolis in the first quarter.
Andrew Luck is 16-for-27 on 219 yards passing, 4 of those for 80 yards to Hilton.
Cincinnati, seeking their first playoff victory in five tries since 1991, are without wide receiver A.J. Green (concussion) and tight end Jermaine Gresham (back).
Bengals, Colts tied 7-7 in first
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Jeremy Hill rushed for a 1 yard touchdown to cap off a 74 yard drive to produce a 7-7 tie between the Bengals and Colts in an AFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
It was the first time the Bengals scored a touchdown against the Colts in 16 previous possessions.
Hill converted a 3rd-and-1 into Colts territory bouncing off right end on an 18 yard boost and Rex Burkhead caught to the Colts 5 on a 26 yarder from Andy Dalton.
Daniel Herron accounted for 58 of the 71 yards gained on the Colts' first drive, culminated in Herron's 2 yard scoring rush for the quick lead.
Cincinnati is seeking to end a six-game playoff losing streak, the third-worst in football behind Detroit (7) and Kansas City (8).
It was the first time the Bengals scored a touchdown against the Colts in 16 previous possessions.
Hill converted a 3rd-and-1 into Colts territory bouncing off right end on an 18 yard boost and Rex Burkhead caught to the Colts 5 on a 26 yarder from Andy Dalton.
Daniel Herron accounted for 58 of the 71 yards gained on the Colts' first drive, culminated in Herron's 2 yard scoring rush for the quick lead.
Cincinnati is seeking to end a six-game playoff losing streak, the third-worst in football behind Detroit (7) and Kansas City (8).
Herron charges Colts to 7-0 lead early
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - Daniel "Boom" Herron rushed for a 2 yard touchdown as the Indianapolis Colts take an early 7-0 lead on the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter of their AFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
He featured on the Colts' first drive, a 71 yard charge, hauling in passes of 18 and 8 yards before the former Ohio State Buckeye took a toss in the flat for a 27 yard burst through traffic to the Bengals 13.
Dwayne Allen caught for a first down to the Bengals 2 to set up Herron's score.
Luck nearly had T.Y. Hilton for a touchdown on their first drive, but Terrance Newman swatted the ball from his grasp as both fell on the goal line.
Luck is 3-of-6 for 34 yards as the Colts seek to hand the Bengals their fourth playoff defeat in as many seasons.
He featured on the Colts' first drive, a 71 yard charge, hauling in passes of 18 and 8 yards before the former Ohio State Buckeye took a toss in the flat for a 27 yard burst through traffic to the Bengals 13.
Dwayne Allen caught for a first down to the Bengals 2 to set up Herron's score.
Luck nearly had T.Y. Hilton for a touchdown on their first drive, but Terrance Newman swatted the ball from his grasp as both fell on the goal line.
Luck is 3-of-6 for 34 yards as the Colts seek to hand the Bengals their fourth playoff defeat in as many seasons.
Saturday, January 3, 2015
Ravens leading Steelers 10-9 at half
PITTSBURGH - Bernard Pierce rushed five yards for a touchdown as the Baltimore Ravens lead the field goal happy Pittsburgh Steelers 10-9 after thirty minutes in their AFC Wild Card game on Saturday.
That despite the Steelers holding the ball for nearly 21 minutes to Baltimore's 9.
Pierce capped off an 80 yard drive for Baltimore at 12:28 in the second quarter. Owen Daniels caught for 18 yards into Steelers territory and Justin Forsett to the Pittsburgh 5.
Ben Roethlisberger is 18-of-24 for 183 yards passing for Pittsburgh (11-5), who are in the postseason for the first time in three seasons. He extended a play early after escaping a sure sack from DeAngelo Young, throwing his trademark pump-fake and rolling right for a 30 yard strike to Heath Miller.
But the Steelers are 4-for-9 on third-down plays and 0-for-1 inside the 20 as Shaun Suisham kicked from 45 and 22 yards. His 47 yard boot with 37 seconds left in the first half brought the home side within 1 of their rivals.
Josh Harris has carried 5 times for 6 yards in relief of starting back Le'Veon Bell, who was ruled out yesterday with a knee injury suffered in the team's regular season finale.
Ben Tate, signed this week from Minnesota, has 17 yards on 4 rushes for the Steelers, who are 9-0 against teams they play three times in a season.
That despite the Steelers holding the ball for nearly 21 minutes to Baltimore's 9.
Pierce capped off an 80 yard drive for Baltimore at 12:28 in the second quarter. Owen Daniels caught for 18 yards into Steelers territory and Justin Forsett to the Pittsburgh 5.
Ben Roethlisberger is 18-of-24 for 183 yards passing for Pittsburgh (11-5), who are in the postseason for the first time in three seasons. He extended a play early after escaping a sure sack from DeAngelo Young, throwing his trademark pump-fake and rolling right for a 30 yard strike to Heath Miller.
But the Steelers are 4-for-9 on third-down plays and 0-for-1 inside the 20 as Shaun Suisham kicked from 45 and 22 yards. His 47 yard boot with 37 seconds left in the first half brought the home side within 1 of their rivals.
Josh Harris has carried 5 times for 6 yards in relief of starting back Le'Veon Bell, who was ruled out yesterday with a knee injury suffered in the team's regular season finale.
Ben Tate, signed this week from Minnesota, has 17 yards on 4 rushes for the Steelers, who are 9-0 against teams they play three times in a season.
Alabama: Daron Payne commits
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Daron Payne, the Rivals.com No. 3 defensive tackle and No. 21 overall football player, has given a verbal commitment to attend the University of Alabama over Auburn.
Payne, of Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Alabama, also received offers from Florida State and Ole Miss.
He grew up a fan of the Auburn Tigers, though the relationship he made with Tide offensive line coach Mario Cristobal over the past year would influence his decision.
"It's a school where I feel they can better me as a player," Payne said. "I like Alabama because of their development history, the facilities and the coaching staff."
The 6-foot-2, 335 pound tackle is the fifth five-star player to sign with the Crimson Tide, alongside quarterback Blake Barnett, receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive backs Deionte Thompson and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
"They were showing me some film," said Payne, who will visit the school in January. "They were telling me how they don't really run a 3-4 defense anymore. They use different front and rotate guys in and out. They said they want to use me inside-out."
Alabama recorded the nation's best recruiting class for 2015, according to Rivals.com.
Payne, of Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Alabama, also received offers from Florida State and Ole Miss.
He grew up a fan of the Auburn Tigers, though the relationship he made with Tide offensive line coach Mario Cristobal over the past year would influence his decision.
"It's a school where I feel they can better me as a player," Payne said. "I like Alabama because of their development history, the facilities and the coaching staff."
The 6-foot-2, 335 pound tackle is the fifth five-star player to sign with the Crimson Tide, alongside quarterback Blake Barnett, receiver Calvin Ridley and defensive backs Deionte Thompson and Minkah Fitzpatrick.
"They were showing me some film," said Payne, who will visit the school in January. "They were telling me how they don't really run a 3-4 defense anymore. They use different front and rotate guys in and out. They said they want to use me inside-out."
Alabama recorded the nation's best recruiting class for 2015, according to Rivals.com.
Lions-Cowboys NFC Wild Card preview
ARLINGTON, Tex. - After what seemed an eternity of 8-8 seasons and perpetual exclusion from the playoffs, the Dallas Cowboys once again find themselves in contention when it counts.
Capturing their first division crown since 2009, the Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions for an NFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Quarterback Tony Romo finished his regular season campaign with 34 touchdowns (fourth-most) and 9 interceptions (10th-fewest) on 3,405 yards passing, and seeks a second win in his postseason career against three defeats. Sunday will find Romo in his first playoff contest in five seasons.
"I'm playing at a level I'm proud of and hope to get better," Romo said. "I'm just excited about the progression of improvement and want to keep this going in our next game."
"He's the guy who orchestrates and leads everything we do on offense," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said of his quarterback.
Dallas (12-5) rebounded from a 23-point defeat to the Eagles on Thanksgiving with four straight victories to end their regular season, scoring 41 points per game and ending the year as one of four undefeated teams in December.
And made history in the process as running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Dez Bryant secured Cowboys franchise records in their fields at the Washington Redskins in Week 17, a 44-17 Dallas rout.
Bryant hauled in two touchdowns in that contest, good for his 15th and 16th this season, the most of any Cowboys receiver in 54 years of football.
"Dez is really a remarkable player," Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said, "a dynamic player, and it's great to see his growth.
"As a teammate, as a leader, as a veteran guy, you can take a lot of pride in seeing the growth of Dez and DeMarco [Murray] mature as players."
Murray's 32 yard rush last Sunday would brake the franchise's single-season rushing record held by Emmitt Smith since 1995. He finished that game with 100 yards on 20 rush attempts and a touchdown.
He gained 100 yards in 12 contests this season, the second-highest total in the league's history.
The Cowboys rush the football a league-high 68 percent of the time, aiding DeMarco Murray to the rushing title with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, both marks the best in the game. He rushed for at least one touchdown in his last three appearances for Dallas.
Murray will rush behind a front five that had three of its own elected to the Pro Bowl en route to the second-most rushing yards every Sunday (147.1 ypg) behind only the Seahawks.
Though the Cowboys' backfield will face a stiff test in the Lions' defensive line, a unit that allows a league-low 69.3 yards per game and 3.3 yards per first down rush attempt.
Detroit (11-5) will feature Ndamukong Suh on that line after he won his appeal of a one-game suspension he intially received for stomping on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in their game last Sunday.
"I'm just pleased with the decision and glad I have the opportunity," said Suh this week, whose suspension was replaced with a $70,000 fine. "I can go against Dallas and help my teammates win the game. I think that's most important."
His 8 1/2 sacks were the most for the Lions' stout group, which held opponents to under 100 yards rushing in 14 of 16 outings this season. In five games, opposing backs could not surpass 50 yards against them.
"We have a great defense, they've held us in games a lot of times," Lions receiver Calvin Johnson said of their stopping eleven. "Like they say, 'defense wins championships', so if we just step our game up on offense we'll be alright."
The Lions failed to secure the NFC North in their game at Lambeau Field, falling 30-20 to the Packers, though will appear in the postseason under head coach Jim Caldwell after a two-year drought.
They play extra football for the second time in 15 years, though have lost 10 of 11 playoff games in the Super Bowl era.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford in 0-16 in career road games against teams with a winning record, the third-most defeats by a passer in that category since the 1970 merger.
"I think, obviously, you watch every game and find ways that you can get better, win, lose, or draw," said Stafford, in search of his first playoff win. "We're a battle-tested team and have won 11 football games this year. We found ways to win a lot of them and we'll continue to do that. We just have to move forward."
Stafford found 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and is 2-0 in his career against the Cowboys. He surpassed the 4,000 yard mark for his fourth straight season, tossing for 4,257 yards this year.
Detroit scored 15.5 points per game away from Ford Field, underscored only by the Raiders and Jaguars.
Dallas leads Detroit 13-12 in their all-time series and both sides have split two playoff meetings.
Capturing their first division crown since 2009, the Cowboys will host the Detroit Lions for an NFC Wild Card game on Sunday.
Quarterback Tony Romo finished his regular season campaign with 34 touchdowns (fourth-most) and 9 interceptions (10th-fewest) on 3,405 yards passing, and seeks a second win in his postseason career against three defeats. Sunday will find Romo in his first playoff contest in five seasons.
"I'm playing at a level I'm proud of and hope to get better," Romo said. "I'm just excited about the progression of improvement and want to keep this going in our next game."
"He's the guy who orchestrates and leads everything we do on offense," Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett said of his quarterback.
Dallas (12-5) rebounded from a 23-point defeat to the Eagles on Thanksgiving with four straight victories to end their regular season, scoring 41 points per game and ending the year as one of four undefeated teams in December.
And made history in the process as running back DeMarco Murray and wide receiver Dez Bryant secured Cowboys franchise records in their fields at the Washington Redskins in Week 17, a 44-17 Dallas rout.
Bryant hauled in two touchdowns in that contest, good for his 15th and 16th this season, the most of any Cowboys receiver in 54 years of football.
"Dez is really a remarkable player," Cowboys tight end Jason Witten said, "a dynamic player, and it's great to see his growth.
"As a teammate, as a leader, as a veteran guy, you can take a lot of pride in seeing the growth of Dez and DeMarco [Murray] mature as players."
Murray's 32 yard rush last Sunday would brake the franchise's single-season rushing record held by Emmitt Smith since 1995. He finished that game with 100 yards on 20 rush attempts and a touchdown.
He gained 100 yards in 12 contests this season, the second-highest total in the league's history.
The Cowboys rush the football a league-high 68 percent of the time, aiding DeMarco Murray to the rushing title with 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, both marks the best in the game. He rushed for at least one touchdown in his last three appearances for Dallas.
Murray will rush behind a front five that had three of its own elected to the Pro Bowl en route to the second-most rushing yards every Sunday (147.1 ypg) behind only the Seahawks.
Though the Cowboys' backfield will face a stiff test in the Lions' defensive line, a unit that allows a league-low 69.3 yards per game and 3.3 yards per first down rush attempt.
Detroit (11-5) will feature Ndamukong Suh on that line after he won his appeal of a one-game suspension he intially received for stomping on the leg of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers in their game last Sunday.
"I'm just pleased with the decision and glad I have the opportunity," said Suh this week, whose suspension was replaced with a $70,000 fine. "I can go against Dallas and help my teammates win the game. I think that's most important."
His 8 1/2 sacks were the most for the Lions' stout group, which held opponents to under 100 yards rushing in 14 of 16 outings this season. In five games, opposing backs could not surpass 50 yards against them.
"We have a great defense, they've held us in games a lot of times," Lions receiver Calvin Johnson said of their stopping eleven. "Like they say, 'defense wins championships', so if we just step our game up on offense we'll be alright."
The Lions failed to secure the NFC North in their game at Lambeau Field, falling 30-20 to the Packers, though will appear in the postseason under head coach Jim Caldwell after a two-year drought.
They play extra football for the second time in 15 years, though have lost 10 of 11 playoff games in the Super Bowl era.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford in 0-16 in career road games against teams with a winning record, the third-most defeats by a passer in that category since the 1970 merger.
"I think, obviously, you watch every game and find ways that you can get better, win, lose, or draw," said Stafford, in search of his first playoff win. "We're a battle-tested team and have won 11 football games this year. We found ways to win a lot of them and we'll continue to do that. We just have to move forward."
Stafford found 22 touchdowns and 12 interceptions and is 2-0 in his career against the Cowboys. He surpassed the 4,000 yard mark for his fourth straight season, tossing for 4,257 yards this year.
Detroit scored 15.5 points per game away from Ford Field, underscored only by the Raiders and Jaguars.
Dallas leads Detroit 13-12 in their all-time series and both sides have split two playoff meetings.
Friday, January 2, 2015
Eagles: New titles for Roseman, Kelly
PHILADELPHIA - After a losing December that found the Eagles end their season on a three-game skid and bounced from the postseason, a change was coming in the team's management.
That change came Friday.
Eagles owner, chairman, and chief executive Jeffrey Lurie announced new job titles for general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly.
The team's general manager since 2010, Roseman was elevated to the role of executive vice president, in charge of salary cap management, contract negotiations, and other NFL matters.
He will now have less control over the team's draft and scouting decisions, powers that will be handed to Kelly.
Kelly, who in two seasons has led the Eagles to two 10-win campaigns, will now also oversee the team's player personnel department and will aid the club in seeking a new personnel executive.
"We are a good football team and we believe these steps will help make us a great team," Lurie said in a statement explaining the decision on Friday. "That step, from good to great, is the most difficult one for any organization to make. To do that, sometimes you have to step back and really look hard at where you are today and not what you want to become."
The Eagles and Tom Cable, former vice president of player personnel, mutually parted ways on Wednesday.
Roseman also received a contract extension, the terms of which are not known.
That change came Friday.
Eagles owner, chairman, and chief executive Jeffrey Lurie announced new job titles for general manager Howie Roseman and head coach Chip Kelly.
The team's general manager since 2010, Roseman was elevated to the role of executive vice president, in charge of salary cap management, contract negotiations, and other NFL matters.
He will now have less control over the team's draft and scouting decisions, powers that will be handed to Kelly.
Kelly, who in two seasons has led the Eagles to two 10-win campaigns, will now also oversee the team's player personnel department and will aid the club in seeking a new personnel executive.
"We are a good football team and we believe these steps will help make us a great team," Lurie said in a statement explaining the decision on Friday. "That step, from good to great, is the most difficult one for any organization to make. To do that, sometimes you have to step back and really look hard at where you are today and not what you want to become."
The Eagles and Tom Cable, former vice president of player personnel, mutually parted ways on Wednesday.
Roseman also received a contract extension, the terms of which are not known.
Packers: Rodgers not at practice Friday
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was held from practice on Friday as he recovers from a calf injury.
Rodgers left action briefly last Sunday when he rolled up on his calf while throwing a touchdown pass to Randall Cobb. He returned and led the Packers to a 30-20 defeat of Detroit that clinched the NFC North.
"The calf is slowly progressing," Rodgers said Friday. "I wasn't out there today, but yeah, we're right where we need to be in getting ready to hopefully get on the field next week."
He said on Tuesday that he was undergoing treatment and was unsure if he would be 100 percent for the Packers' playoff matchup on Jan. 11.
"It's going all right," Rodgers said Friday. "The calf is slowly progressing. I wasn't out there today, but we're right where we need to be in getting ready to hopefully get on the field next week."
"He's been in treatment during the practice period, will do the same tomorrow, and I really don't see him getting on the practice field till Thursday, probably at the earliest," head coach Mike McCarthy said on Friday.
The Packers have a first-round bye to open the postseason and will host the winner of the Wild Card game between the Cowboys and Lions.
Steelers: Bell out vs Ravens (knee)
PITTSBURGH - Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell will be out for the team's AFC Wild Card game against Baltimore on Sunday because of a hyperextended right knee he suffered one week ago.
Bell, the second-best rusher by yardage in football, left last Sunday's game when his knee met with the helmet of Bengals safety Reggie Nelson on an open-field rush attempt.
He did not return to that game, a 27-17 victory for the Steelers that clinched the AFC North title.
Tests revealed he does not have any structural or ligament damage to his right knee.
Voted the Steelers MVP by teammates, Bell finished the season with 1,361 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, adding 854 yards as a receiver.
Bell did not practice this week, though was confident he could play Sunday.
Pittsburgh signed tailback Ben Tate earlier this week and Josh Harris from their practice squad early last month. Tate, a four year veteran, rushed for Cleveland and Minnesota this season. He has 371 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Steelers are seeking their first playoff victory since 2010.
Bell, the second-best rusher by yardage in football, left last Sunday's game when his knee met with the helmet of Bengals safety Reggie Nelson on an open-field rush attempt.
He did not return to that game, a 27-17 victory for the Steelers that clinched the AFC North title.
Tests revealed he does not have any structural or ligament damage to his right knee.
Voted the Steelers MVP by teammates, Bell finished the season with 1,361 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns for Pittsburgh, adding 854 yards as a receiver.
Bell did not practice this week, though was confident he could play Sunday.
Pittsburgh signed tailback Ben Tate earlier this week and Josh Harris from their practice squad early last month. Tate, a four year veteran, rushed for Cleveland and Minnesota this season. He has 371 yards and 4 touchdowns.
The Steelers are seeking their first playoff victory since 2010.
Thursday, January 1, 2015
Steelers: Bell (knee) still has not practiced
PITTSBURGH - Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell is yet to practice this week before hosting the Baltimore Ravens this Sunday in an AFC Wild Card game.
"I just did little things in the training room, tried to test it a little bit, see how it was," Bell told the Steelers website. "I feel really good. I didn't expect to be feeling this well this early. But I am, so I'm just going to take it day by day and see where it goes."
Bell hyperextended his right knee in Pittsburgh's regular season finale when Bengals safety Reggie Nelson collided with it on a rush attempt. He did not return to the second half of that game as the victorious Steelers were outrushed 116-29. Twenty of those yards were Bell's.
The second year back, who will likely be listed as questionable before Sunday's game, has no structural or ligament damage and is walking without a limp.
Rookie Josh Harris was signed from the Steelers' practice squad last month and will likely play should Bell be limited or out.
He has 16 yards rushing in nine attempts through five games this season. In relief of Bell on Sunday night he had a 59 yard gainer, most of which was taken off by penalty.
"It's tough because I just sit at home and say I wish that we could play now," Harris said. "I'm just going to take full advantage of the time [to prepare]. I want to be that guy who, when had his shot, he did all he could to help out his team."
Bell is confident in his would-be replacement.
"Josh is a very good player," he said via the Beaver County Times. "I've been watching him all year. I know what he's capable of. You got a little glimpse of it in the Bengals game. I was happy to see he broke a long run. You saw the speed a little bit. He's definitely ready."
"I just did little things in the training room, tried to test it a little bit, see how it was," Bell told the Steelers website. "I feel really good. I didn't expect to be feeling this well this early. But I am, so I'm just going to take it day by day and see where it goes."
Bell hyperextended his right knee in Pittsburgh's regular season finale when Bengals safety Reggie Nelson collided with it on a rush attempt. He did not return to the second half of that game as the victorious Steelers were outrushed 116-29. Twenty of those yards were Bell's.
The second year back, who will likely be listed as questionable before Sunday's game, has no structural or ligament damage and is walking without a limp.
Rookie Josh Harris was signed from the Steelers' practice squad last month and will likely play should Bell be limited or out.
He has 16 yards rushing in nine attempts through five games this season. In relief of Bell on Sunday night he had a 59 yard gainer, most of which was taken off by penalty.
"It's tough because I just sit at home and say I wish that we could play now," Harris said. "I'm just going to take full advantage of the time [to prepare]. I want to be that guy who, when had his shot, he did all he could to help out his team."
Bell is confident in his would-be replacement.
"Josh is a very good player," he said via the Beaver County Times. "I've been watching him all year. I know what he's capable of. You got a little glimpse of it in the Bengals game. I was happy to see he broke a long run. You saw the speed a little bit. He's definitely ready."
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