CINCINNATI - It was a break with a tradition of sorts, Andy Dalton winning a football game in primetime.
After going 2-6 under the lights, including a winless streak in the postseason against three attempts, Dalton and his Cincinnati Bengals handed Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos a 37-28 decision in the rain Monday night.
And catapulting the Bengals (10-4-1) into the playoffs ahead of a meeting with the Pittsburgh Steelers to close their regular season.
Though Cincy in large measure had Manning to thank for it as the wet-handed ace tossed four interceptions, including two to Dre Kirkpatrick, a 30 yard pick-six and the clincher in the red zone on Denver's last chance of the night.
The Bengals enjoyed a 20-7 advantage into the half, but Manning would respond in the third quarter, passing for two scores to Emmanuel Sanders. C.J. Anderson rushed for a third as the Broncos (11-4) took a one-point lead.
Which was about when Manning met up with Kirkpatrick to the delight of 65,000 soaked buckeye staters.
"We'll step back from it," Broncos boss John Fox said after. "We'll learn from it, we'll analyze it, decipher what went wrong with it, get ready for the Raiders next week."
The result looked in doubt for the home side early as Dalton was the victim of a pick-six and a quick 7-0 deficit. His toss for A.J. Green was high and into the clutches of Aqib Talib, who 30 yards later was in Cincy's pay dirt.
Jeremy Hill responded 23 seconds later on an 85 scoring gash to produce the tie. The rookie back carried 22 times for 147 yards as the Bengals outrushed Denver 207-85.
Showing posts with label MNF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MNF. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 23, 2014
Monday, December 22, 2014
Manning's pick-six puts Cincy in front
CINCINNATI - Peyton Manning must not like the rain.
Five minutes after the Bengals regained a 2-point lead in a driving rainstorm at Paul Brown Stadium, Manning was intercepted on his succeeding possession when Dre Kirkpatrick stepped in front of Julius Thomas and raced the other way untouched 30 yards for the touchdown.
The pick is the third on the night for Manning, Adam Jones and Reggie Nelson securing the other two as Cincy takes a 37-28 lead on the Broncos in the final frame Monday night.
Denver (11-3) rallied for a 28-27 lead in the third quarter after a meandering first half that found 17 unanswered from the home side and only 125 yards from what recently was heralded as the best offensive eleven in generations.
Emmanuel Sanders caught two scores and C.J. Anderson rushed for a third in that time after Giovani Bernard snagged a 22 yarder from Dalton to give the Bengals a 27-14 lead.
Aqib Talib put the Broncos out front early on a pick-six off Andy Dalton, though Cincy's Jeremy Hill powered 85 yards for the tying score 23 seconds later.
Five minutes after the Bengals regained a 2-point lead in a driving rainstorm at Paul Brown Stadium, Manning was intercepted on his succeeding possession when Dre Kirkpatrick stepped in front of Julius Thomas and raced the other way untouched 30 yards for the touchdown.
The pick is the third on the night for Manning, Adam Jones and Reggie Nelson securing the other two as Cincy takes a 37-28 lead on the Broncos in the final frame Monday night.
Denver (11-3) rallied for a 28-27 lead in the third quarter after a meandering first half that found 17 unanswered from the home side and only 125 yards from what recently was heralded as the best offensive eleven in generations.
Emmanuel Sanders caught two scores and C.J. Anderson rushed for a third in that time after Giovani Bernard snagged a 22 yarder from Dalton to give the Bengals a 27-14 lead.
Aqib Talib put the Broncos out front early on a pick-six off Andy Dalton, though Cincy's Jeremy Hill powered 85 yards for the tying score 23 seconds later.
Back and forth in Cincy Monday night
CINCINNATI - Mike Nugent booted through a 23 yard field goal as the Bengals retake a 30-28 lead over the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter Monday night.
The Bengals powered to a 20-7 halftime advantage on Jeremy Hill's 85 yard touchdown gash and Andy Dalton's floating toss to Jermaine Gresham from 2 yards.
But Peyton Manning being Peyton Manning, pay dirt was bound to be struck sooner or later, and the driving rainstorm that enveloped southwestern Ohio would little stop him.
Manning flung two touchdowns in the third quarter as the home Bengals were suddenly on the wrong end of a 28-27 scoreline. He connected with Emmanuel Sanders on the two strikes, and Sanders' 33 yard gainer to set up his first came on a 3rd-and-3 to the Bengals 15.
Manning was intercepted twice, by Adam Jones on the Broncos 34 and Reggie Nelson on the Denver 25.
C.J. Anderson rushed from a yard for Denver and Cincy's Giovani Bernard caught a 22 yard catch-and-run score in the third. Anderson's run was set up by Omar Bolden's 77 yard kick return and Bernard's by the ensuing scamper by Adam Jones to the Broncos 27.
Taylor Mays recorded the first sack of his career in the final period when he nailed Manning on a 3rd-and-18 against his goal line.
Andy Dalton was intercepted in the first quarter when his throw for A.J. Green went high and into the clutches of Aqib Talib, who leaped to his feet darted the other way 33 yards for the score. Green was injured on the play when T.J. Ward rammed his helmet into the receiver's right arm when he went up for the catch.
The Bengals powered to a 20-7 halftime advantage on Jeremy Hill's 85 yard touchdown gash and Andy Dalton's floating toss to Jermaine Gresham from 2 yards.
But Peyton Manning being Peyton Manning, pay dirt was bound to be struck sooner or later, and the driving rainstorm that enveloped southwestern Ohio would little stop him.
Manning flung two touchdowns in the third quarter as the home Bengals were suddenly on the wrong end of a 28-27 scoreline. He connected with Emmanuel Sanders on the two strikes, and Sanders' 33 yard gainer to set up his first came on a 3rd-and-3 to the Bengals 15.
Manning was intercepted twice, by Adam Jones on the Broncos 34 and Reggie Nelson on the Denver 25.
C.J. Anderson rushed from a yard for Denver and Cincy's Giovani Bernard caught a 22 yard catch-and-run score in the third. Anderson's run was set up by Omar Bolden's 77 yard kick return and Bernard's by the ensuing scamper by Adam Jones to the Broncos 27.
Taylor Mays recorded the first sack of his career in the final period when he nailed Manning on a 3rd-and-18 against his goal line.
Andy Dalton was intercepted in the first quarter when his throw for A.J. Green went high and into the clutches of Aqib Talib, who leaped to his feet darted the other way 33 yards for the score. Green was injured on the play when T.J. Ward rammed his helmet into the receiver's right arm when he went up for the catch.
Monday, December 15, 2014
Saints, Bears scoreless after first quarter
CHICAGO, Ill. - It was a story of consecutive turnovers in soggy Chicago on Monday night by teams that resemble in every way their 5-8 records.
Fourteen plays into the Bears' offensive attack, they had a turnover, two sacks, and 27 yards, 2 of which were Jay Cutler's very own.
All of which led inevitably to a scoreless tie after the first quarter at Soldier Field.
Chicago's first drive would end abruptly when Cutler's 3rd-and-8 pass for Martellus Bennett was tipped into the grasp of cornerback Patrick Robinson.
But Cutler's 22nd turnover would not cost the Bears, as Drew Brees' first pass attempt was caught and fumbled by Nick Toon on the Bears 3, recovered for the home side by Jared Allen.
Cutler was nearly intercepted again on the 3rd-and-1 play that ended their second drive.
The Bears' signal caller finished competing 2-of-5 passes. Matt Forte rushed 6 times for 21 yards, half the 42 he gained in his last two games.
A fumble would come to end the Saints' second possession. After Pierre Thomas took a screen pass 39 yards through traffic, when Brees fumbled an exchange on the next play, recovering for a 5 yard loss.
Backup quarterback Luke McCown, serving as special-teams holder, dropped the sloppy long snap, and in a panic rolled left on a pass attempt that was itself nearly intercepted.
Shayne Graham ventured a penalty-influenced 51 yard field goal that slid right, nearly slipping to the turf on his follow-through.
New Orleans is seeking a berth in the playoff, sharing the lead in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons, who they will host Dec. 21.
Jay Cutler was sacked on consecutive possessions, by David Hawthorne through the middle and on a delayed pass play from his blind side by Junior Gallette that ingloriously ended the Bears' third drive.
Kenny Stills easily snaked into Chicago's secondary to snag a 21 yard pass from Brees to near midfield, though Terron Armstead was called for holding Jared Allen, producing the 1st-and-20.
Which in the hands of Pierre Thomas was easily converted on his second successful screen catch, clear over midfield to the Bears 32 for a 31 yard gain.
Drew Brees is 5-for-6 on 111 yards, 70 of which went to Thomas.
New Orleans outgained the Bears 131-27 in fifteen minutes.
Chicago was eliminated from postseason contention for the fourth straight season, and are playing without leading receiver Brandon Marshall, who was excused for the season after suffering two broken ribs and a collapsed lung in the Bears' Thursday night matchup with the Cowboys.
Fourteen plays into the Bears' offensive attack, they had a turnover, two sacks, and 27 yards, 2 of which were Jay Cutler's very own.
All of which led inevitably to a scoreless tie after the first quarter at Soldier Field.
Chicago's first drive would end abruptly when Cutler's 3rd-and-8 pass for Martellus Bennett was tipped into the grasp of cornerback Patrick Robinson.
But Cutler's 22nd turnover would not cost the Bears, as Drew Brees' first pass attempt was caught and fumbled by Nick Toon on the Bears 3, recovered for the home side by Jared Allen.
Cutler was nearly intercepted again on the 3rd-and-1 play that ended their second drive.
The Bears' signal caller finished competing 2-of-5 passes. Matt Forte rushed 6 times for 21 yards, half the 42 he gained in his last two games.
A fumble would come to end the Saints' second possession. After Pierre Thomas took a screen pass 39 yards through traffic, when Brees fumbled an exchange on the next play, recovering for a 5 yard loss.
Backup quarterback Luke McCown, serving as special-teams holder, dropped the sloppy long snap, and in a panic rolled left on a pass attempt that was itself nearly intercepted.
Shayne Graham ventured a penalty-influenced 51 yard field goal that slid right, nearly slipping to the turf on his follow-through.
New Orleans is seeking a berth in the playoff, sharing the lead in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons, who they will host Dec. 21.
Jay Cutler was sacked on consecutive possessions, by David Hawthorne through the middle and on a delayed pass play from his blind side by Junior Gallette that ingloriously ended the Bears' third drive.
Kenny Stills easily snaked into Chicago's secondary to snag a 21 yard pass from Brees to near midfield, though Terron Armstead was called for holding Jared Allen, producing the 1st-and-20.
Which in the hands of Pierre Thomas was easily converted on his second successful screen catch, clear over midfield to the Bears 32 for a 31 yard gain.
Drew Brees is 5-for-6 on 111 yards, 70 of which went to Thomas.
New Orleans outgained the Bears 131-27 in fifteen minutes.
Chicago was eliminated from postseason contention for the fourth straight season, and are playing without leading receiver Brandon Marshall, who was excused for the season after suffering two broken ribs and a collapsed lung in the Bears' Thursday night matchup with the Cowboys.
Saints-Bears preview
CHICAGO, Ill. - In most divisions, a 5-8 record is a one-way ticket out of the postseason. In the NFC South, you're down right in contention.
New Orleans enjoys a tie with Atlanta on top of that division, though the Falcons are undefeated in the South. And the Saints, holding a 2-2 divisional record, control their destiny as they are due to host Atlanta Dec. 21.
But not before they face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Monday night.
"The only reason we're sitting here still with that small sliver of hope is just because the way the division has unfolded this year," Saints coach Sean Payton said this week.
The Saints still hold that privilege even after falling 41-10 at home to the Carolina Panthers eight days ago, a four-win team that itself still has hopes of playing January football.
The defeat was the Saints' fourth-straight this season at home, against three victories, as the days of Superdome dominance are fast becoming history. Play on the road is little better, with wins at Pittsburgh and Carolina the only positive marks.
But Drew Brees still heads the league's third-best pass game (297.3 ypg) and Monday night will face the Bears' second-worst unit against the throw (265.5). His 3,983 passing yards are the fifth-most in the league and 28 touchdowns are the sixth-most.
He threw five touchdowns in his last two meeting with the Bears, both victories, completing 76 percent of his passes for 558 yards and no interceptions.
Chicago allows 29 points per game this season, as do the Saints, the most of any Sunday club, and give up the fifth-most yards (377.8), both reasons they will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Monday night they will also face the third-best yardage team (421 ypg).
They allowed 35 points from the Cowboys before adding three scores of their own, though Jay Cutler's interception would clinch the defeat. That pick was Cutler's 15th, the second most by any passer in football, and he holds a tie for the most lost fumbles (6).
Dallas outrushed the Bears 194-35 behind DeMarco Murray's 179 yards, though Matt Forte would add a score late after only rushing 5 times for 6 yards against Detroit seven days earlier.
Not that the Saints can stop anyone much better.
They allow 378 yards on average every week, the fourth-most in football, posting the 30th-ranked pass defense (265.2 ypg) and the third-worst run stop (133.5 ypg).
New Orleans does rush for the eighth-most yards every week (123.7 ypg), though Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas last Sunday were held to 81 yards and 15 attempts combined.
Marques Colston was held to 72 yards on 5 receptions against the Panthers and Benjamin Watson to 8 yards on 2 catches, though one was the only touchdown for the Saints on the day.
"I'd use the word frustrated, I'd use the word embarrassed, to go out there as a professional football team and play that way at home," Watson said Sunday. "They outplayed us, outhustled us, out-executed us. Even if we lost, it shouldn't be this lopsided with the talent we have."
But the Bears (5-8) are still the worse for wear, having allowed 75 points in their last two outings, a Thanksgiving debacle at Detroit in which they led 14-0 early, and a 41-28 Thursday nighter to the Cowboys. Though they did post a three touchdown fourth quarter in a furious comeback bid.
"We have a great group here, great group of men, coaches and players, we've just got to find a way to come together and execute and try to win some ball games and finish strong," Bears linebacker Jon Bostic said this week.
Chicago will be without receiver Brandon Marshall after he was hospitalized following the Dallas game with two fractured ribs and a collapsed lung after being kneed in the back on a reception.
New Orleans enjoys a tie with Atlanta on top of that division, though the Falcons are undefeated in the South. And the Saints, holding a 2-2 divisional record, control their destiny as they are due to host Atlanta Dec. 21.
But not before they face the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on Monday night.
"The only reason we're sitting here still with that small sliver of hope is just because the way the division has unfolded this year," Saints coach Sean Payton said this week.
The Saints still hold that privilege even after falling 41-10 at home to the Carolina Panthers eight days ago, a four-win team that itself still has hopes of playing January football.
The defeat was the Saints' fourth-straight this season at home, against three victories, as the days of Superdome dominance are fast becoming history. Play on the road is little better, with wins at Pittsburgh and Carolina the only positive marks.
But Drew Brees still heads the league's third-best pass game (297.3 ypg) and Monday night will face the Bears' second-worst unit against the throw (265.5). His 3,983 passing yards are the fifth-most in the league and 28 touchdowns are the sixth-most.
He threw five touchdowns in his last two meeting with the Bears, both victories, completing 76 percent of his passes for 558 yards and no interceptions.
Chicago allows 29 points per game this season, as do the Saints, the most of any Sunday club, and give up the fifth-most yards (377.8), both reasons they will miss the playoffs for the fourth straight season. Monday night they will also face the third-best yardage team (421 ypg).
They allowed 35 points from the Cowboys before adding three scores of their own, though Jay Cutler's interception would clinch the defeat. That pick was Cutler's 15th, the second most by any passer in football, and he holds a tie for the most lost fumbles (6).
Dallas outrushed the Bears 194-35 behind DeMarco Murray's 179 yards, though Matt Forte would add a score late after only rushing 5 times for 6 yards against Detroit seven days earlier.
Not that the Saints can stop anyone much better.
They allow 378 yards on average every week, the fourth-most in football, posting the 30th-ranked pass defense (265.2 ypg) and the third-worst run stop (133.5 ypg).
New Orleans does rush for the eighth-most yards every week (123.7 ypg), though Mark Ingram and Pierre Thomas last Sunday were held to 81 yards and 15 attempts combined.
Marques Colston was held to 72 yards on 5 receptions against the Panthers and Benjamin Watson to 8 yards on 2 catches, though one was the only touchdown for the Saints on the day.
"I'd use the word frustrated, I'd use the word embarrassed, to go out there as a professional football team and play that way at home," Watson said Sunday. "They outplayed us, outhustled us, out-executed us. Even if we lost, it shouldn't be this lopsided with the talent we have."
But the Bears (5-8) are still the worse for wear, having allowed 75 points in their last two outings, a Thanksgiving debacle at Detroit in which they led 14-0 early, and a 41-28 Thursday nighter to the Cowboys. Though they did post a three touchdown fourth quarter in a furious comeback bid.
"We have a great group here, great group of men, coaches and players, we've just got to find a way to come together and execute and try to win some ball games and finish strong," Bears linebacker Jon Bostic said this week.
Chicago will be without receiver Brandon Marshall after he was hospitalized following the Dallas game with two fractured ribs and a collapsed lung after being kneed in the back on a reception.
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Packers hold off Falcons rally, 43-37
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Aaron Rodgers and the Packers staved off a game comeback bid to down the Atlanta Falcons 43-37 Monday night at Lambeau Field.
Atlanta outscored the Packers 30-12 in the second half and came within six points on a 4th-and-Goal touchdown from Matt Ryan to Harry Douglas with 2:11 left.
But Jordy Nelson would recover the resulting onside kick and the Packers drove to the Falcons 6 before letting the clock run out.
"Defensively, a tale of two halves," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "You have to give Atlanta's offense a lot of credit. We have plenty to clean up."
Aaron Rodgers completed 24-of-36 passes for 327 yards, as the Packers advance to a 7-0 home record in the quarterback's 100th career-start.
His three touchdown passes bring him one shy of the most in football this year, behind Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning (36), and is yet to throw an interception at Lambeau Field this season.
"It's preparation, it's the trust Mike [McCarthy] and I have," Rodgers said afterwards. "We had a good balance with James [Starks] and Eddie [Lacy]. It's really clicking right now."
The Packers took a hearty 31-7 lead into the halftime break as Eddie Lacy caught and rushed for a touchdown.
The star back ran for a 14-7 lead as the second quarter began off a John Kuhn block on the inside. The drive began halfway through the first quarter and included a 3rd-and-17 pass-play from their own 13, converted as Rodgers found Andrew Quarless for a 30 yard gain.
Lacy's 1-yard reception gave the Pack a 24-7 lead after Matt Ryan was intercepted by Morgan Burnett. The safety returned 32 yards into traffic, then cut across the field with waiting blockers to the Falcons 15.
Eddie Lacy rushed 13 times for 73 yards for the Packers, who now share the game's best record with Arizona (10-3).
But it would be James Starks who led Green Bay on the ground, gaining 75 yards on 10 attempts as the Packers outrushed the Falcons 179-91.
He opened scoring on the Packers' first possession, an 81 yard charge that found Lacy rush for 22 and 12 yards. Jordy Nelson connected on a 22 yard pass-play to the Falcons 3 before Starks bounced off right end for the goal.
Matt Ryan and the Falcons would ensure a 7-7 tie after the opening session on Steven Jackson's 1st-and-Goal rush from 4 yards out.
Green Bay's Nelson featured on a 10 yard touchdown from Rodgers with 24 seconds left in the opening half.
He snagged a 60 yard touchdown in the final quarter after breaking away from two safeties and taking the pigskin in stride for home.
"I just made some good separation," Nelson said afterwards of the play.
Nelson caught 8 passes for 146 yards, and his two scores bring him into a shared lead for receiving scores with Julius Thomas (12).
Mason Crosby kicked 3-of-3 field goals, including from 53 yards when the home side failed to convert on a possession after a failed Falcons onside kick late.
But Atlanta (5-8) would outshoot the Packers 10-3 in the third quarter as Matt Ryan opened the third on a 79 yarder to Julio Jones to the Packers 3. Eric Weems would catch the 4th-and-Goal touchdown after sneaking underneath the formation.
Jones hauled in a 23 yard score in the fourth to bring the visitors within ten to end a 73 yard drive.
He also converted a 4th-and-4 late with a 19 yard reception that led to Roddy White's 1-yard touchdown after the receiver sped from broken coverage along the goal line. That concluded a resilient 71 yard drive from the visitors.
Jones finished the night with 259 yards receiving on 11 catches, though left the field after his 4th-down play with an apparent injury to his side.
Matt Ryan passed for 375 yards, completing 24-of-39 passes, four touchdowns and an interception.
Atlanta shares an equal win-loss record with New Orleans, but hold a 4-0 record in the NFC South as they push for postseason contention from that awkward division.
Green Bay travels to Buffalo next Sunday, and the Falcons will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Atlanta outscored the Packers 30-12 in the second half and came within six points on a 4th-and-Goal touchdown from Matt Ryan to Harry Douglas with 2:11 left.
But Jordy Nelson would recover the resulting onside kick and the Packers drove to the Falcons 6 before letting the clock run out.
"Defensively, a tale of two halves," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "You have to give Atlanta's offense a lot of credit. We have plenty to clean up."
Aaron Rodgers completed 24-of-36 passes for 327 yards, as the Packers advance to a 7-0 home record in the quarterback's 100th career-start.
His three touchdown passes bring him one shy of the most in football this year, behind Andrew Luck and Peyton Manning (36), and is yet to throw an interception at Lambeau Field this season.
"It's preparation, it's the trust Mike [McCarthy] and I have," Rodgers said afterwards. "We had a good balance with James [Starks] and Eddie [Lacy]. It's really clicking right now."
The Packers took a hearty 31-7 lead into the halftime break as Eddie Lacy caught and rushed for a touchdown.
The star back ran for a 14-7 lead as the second quarter began off a John Kuhn block on the inside. The drive began halfway through the first quarter and included a 3rd-and-17 pass-play from their own 13, converted as Rodgers found Andrew Quarless for a 30 yard gain.
Lacy's 1-yard reception gave the Pack a 24-7 lead after Matt Ryan was intercepted by Morgan Burnett. The safety returned 32 yards into traffic, then cut across the field with waiting blockers to the Falcons 15.
Eddie Lacy rushed 13 times for 73 yards for the Packers, who now share the game's best record with Arizona (10-3).
But it would be James Starks who led Green Bay on the ground, gaining 75 yards on 10 attempts as the Packers outrushed the Falcons 179-91.
He opened scoring on the Packers' first possession, an 81 yard charge that found Lacy rush for 22 and 12 yards. Jordy Nelson connected on a 22 yard pass-play to the Falcons 3 before Starks bounced off right end for the goal.
Matt Ryan and the Falcons would ensure a 7-7 tie after the opening session on Steven Jackson's 1st-and-Goal rush from 4 yards out.
Green Bay's Nelson featured on a 10 yard touchdown from Rodgers with 24 seconds left in the opening half.
He snagged a 60 yard touchdown in the final quarter after breaking away from two safeties and taking the pigskin in stride for home.
"I just made some good separation," Nelson said afterwards of the play.
Nelson caught 8 passes for 146 yards, and his two scores bring him into a shared lead for receiving scores with Julius Thomas (12).
Mason Crosby kicked 3-of-3 field goals, including from 53 yards when the home side failed to convert on a possession after a failed Falcons onside kick late.
But Atlanta (5-8) would outshoot the Packers 10-3 in the third quarter as Matt Ryan opened the third on a 79 yarder to Julio Jones to the Packers 3. Eric Weems would catch the 4th-and-Goal touchdown after sneaking underneath the formation.
Jones hauled in a 23 yard score in the fourth to bring the visitors within ten to end a 73 yard drive.
He also converted a 4th-and-4 late with a 19 yard reception that led to Roddy White's 1-yard touchdown after the receiver sped from broken coverage along the goal line. That concluded a resilient 71 yard drive from the visitors.
Jones finished the night with 259 yards receiving on 11 catches, though left the field after his 4th-down play with an apparent injury to his side.
Matt Ryan passed for 375 yards, completing 24-of-39 passes, four touchdowns and an interception.
Atlanta shares an equal win-loss record with New Orleans, but hold a 4-0 record in the NFC South as they push for postseason contention from that awkward division.
Green Bay travels to Buffalo next Sunday, and the Falcons will visit the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Fresh off the wire: Gridiron and Hockey Briefs
December 2, 2014
Tuesday's football and hockey news off the wire:
East Rutherford, N.J. - Monday night found the Miami Dolphins win only their first contest out of 49 previous attempts when leading in the fourth quarter.
Miami (7-5) defeated the Jets 16-13 despite being outgained 277-74 on the ground by a New York side that dominated the line of scrimmage through three quarters.
Trailing 13-6 in the fourth quarter, however, Ryan Tannehill led a drive 39 yards after a Jets punt was pushed back on penalties.
Lamar Miller rushed for a 4 yard touchdown, the only time the Dolphins struck paydirt.
Caleb Sturgis booted the go-ahead field goal from 26 yards with 1:57 left, knocking the Jets to a 2-10 record and a very fragile future for Rex Ryan.
"I feel sick," Ryan said afterwards, adding after a long pause, "What a joke."
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Cleveland, Ohio - Browns head coach Mike Pettine is expected to make a decision by Wednesday as to who will start under center when Cleveland hosts the Colts Sunday.
"The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position," Pettine told ESPN. "We'll evaluate both quarterbacks and have a decision soon."
Starter Brian Hoyer, a Cleveland native, was benched in the fourth quarter of the Browns' 26-10 defeat at Buffalo last Sunday. In relief, Johnny Manziel led the team on a scoring drive including his 10 yard rushing touchdown, the rookie's first-career score in the professional ranks.
Hoyer threw 5 interceptions in his last two outings against no touchdown passes for Cleveland (7-5), including two picks against the Bills.
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Denver, Colo. - Max Pacioretty notched the game-winning goal for the Canadiens as they down the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 Monday night.
The game was tied 3-3 into the third period, but Pacioretty would not be stopped on a breakaway down the left side, firing from the circle past rookie Calvin Pickard.
Pacioretty leads the Canadiens with 20 points (12 goals, 8 assists).
Andrei Markov lit the lamp on a power-play for Montreal (17-7-2) in the middle frame on a cross-ice pass that left Pickard open to his right side. He also assisted P.K. Subban for the defenseman's 6th goal this season.
Tuesday's football and hockey news off the wire:
East Rutherford, N.J. - Monday night found the Miami Dolphins win only their first contest out of 49 previous attempts when leading in the fourth quarter.
Miami (7-5) defeated the Jets 16-13 despite being outgained 277-74 on the ground by a New York side that dominated the line of scrimmage through three quarters.
Trailing 13-6 in the fourth quarter, however, Ryan Tannehill led a drive 39 yards after a Jets punt was pushed back on penalties.
Lamar Miller rushed for a 4 yard touchdown, the only time the Dolphins struck paydirt.
Caleb Sturgis booted the go-ahead field goal from 26 yards with 1:57 left, knocking the Jets to a 2-10 record and a very fragile future for Rex Ryan.
"I feel sick," Ryan said afterwards, adding after a long pause, "What a joke."
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Cleveland, Ohio - Browns head coach Mike Pettine is expected to make a decision by Wednesday as to who will start under center when Cleveland hosts the Colts Sunday.
"The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position," Pettine told ESPN. "We'll evaluate both quarterbacks and have a decision soon."
Starter Brian Hoyer, a Cleveland native, was benched in the fourth quarter of the Browns' 26-10 defeat at Buffalo last Sunday. In relief, Johnny Manziel led the team on a scoring drive including his 10 yard rushing touchdown, the rookie's first-career score in the professional ranks.
Hoyer threw 5 interceptions in his last two outings against no touchdown passes for Cleveland (7-5), including two picks against the Bills.
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Denver, Colo. - Max Pacioretty notched the game-winning goal for the Canadiens as they down the Colorado Avalanche 4-3 Monday night.
The game was tied 3-3 into the third period, but Pacioretty would not be stopped on a breakaway down the left side, firing from the circle past rookie Calvin Pickard.
Pacioretty leads the Canadiens with 20 points (12 goals, 8 assists).
Andrei Markov lit the lamp on a power-play for Montreal (17-7-2) in the middle frame on a cross-ice pass that left Pickard open to his right side. He also assisted P.K. Subban for the defenseman's 6th goal this season.
Dolphins come back to down Jets 16-13
East Rutherford, N.J. - Ryan Tannehill led Miami on what became the game-winning drive as the Dolphins came back to defeat the New York Jets 16-13 Monday night.
A win in December that kept Miami in the AFC Wild Card chase.
A win that came despite losing three contests this season after holding fourth quarter leads in all of them.
A win that came despite being outrushed 277-74 and being handled at the line of scrimmage.
For three quarters, that is.
"I think we made some plays down the stretch," Tannehill said afterwards. "We struggled a lot all night, but in the fourth quarter, we were able to move the ball and make some plays."
He finished 25-for-35 on 235 yards passing and an interception, and became the first quarterback to complete 70 percent of his passes in 5 straight NFL contests.
Trailing 13-6 to begin the fourth quarter, however, Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins had yet to cross the goal line in New Jersey.
But he would lead Miami (7-5) on their sole touchdown drive of the game, which, against the lowly Jets, would be enough.
Miami secured possession at the Jets 39 after a New York drive stalled and their punt was pushed back 10 yards following a holding call against them.
Tannehill struck immediately when Jarvis Landry came open to the right side, snagging a 25 yard catch-and-run to the Jets 14. The quarterback rushed himself on a zone-read play when the middle came open to the Jets 9.
Lamar Miller carried on 3rd-and-2 for 5 more and Tannehill's would-be scoring toss to Brandon Gibson was high.
But Miller would feature the one rushing highlight of the evening for the Dolphins, powering for the 4 yard touchdown over the right side. The hole came open for the back when Mike Wallace went in motion to the left and the Jets followed him.
After New York's ensuing possession stalled on Koa Misi's sack of Geno Smith, Miami drove again, over 57 yards before Caleb Sturgis would finally take and hold the lead at the 1:57 mark, kicking from 26 yards.
Until then, the Jets' defense had been stellar.
New York (2-10) held the Dolphins to 6 first half points and exactly 25 yards rushing.
"We had a couple of opportunities," a dejected Jets coach Rex Ryan said afterwards, "thought the game plan was good. Did what we thought we wanted to do to win the game, run the ball."
Run the ball, they did. After one quarter, the Jets outrushed Miami 134-10, and would enter the halftime intermission leading them 210-15.
They ran so good, one wondered if the playbook had anything prepared for their quarterback.
Smith would attempt 6 passes in the first half, completing 3. Two 3rd-and-5 tosses of his were both high to Percy Harvin, the first of which would have given the Jets a goal-to-go series.
His last pass was intercepted with 34 seconds left in the contest after his throw for Jeff Cumberland in center field was bobbled and intercepted by Reshad Jones to end it.
That was Smith's 13th pass attempt, 7 of which were completed for 65 yards.
Early on, however, it looked as though the Jets were game for the upset.
Greg Salas raced around left end for a 20 yard touchdown rush on a give from Geno Smith on a misdirection play that had the formation going right. Salas went left and broke through an empty secondary before trotting into the end zone for the quick 7-0 lead.
Smith converted a 3rd-and-7 on the drive to Bilal Powell and New York was set up by Chris Johnson, who broke on a 46 yard rush, charging over the right, cutting left in traffic, and juking left again before streaking down the sideline into the red zone.
Chris Johnson finished with 105 yards rushing on 17 attempts and Chris Ivory gained 62 on one less carry.
But that dominance was lost when it was needed most.
"We had opportunities, a couple picks we dropped," Ryan added. "Not scoring after the Walls interception, missed a couple of field goals."
Darrin Walls picked Ryan Tannehill near the end of the third quarter after a tipped Jets punt gave the Dolphins possession on the New York 41. His pass for Lamar Miller was low and tipped upwards by the back, into the hands of Walls, who ran the other way for 30 yards to the Dolphins 30.
But Geno Smith was sacked on the 3rd-and-9 play of the succeeding possession when Cameron Wake finally overpowered the Jets' previously invincible front line for an 8 yard loss.
Nick Folk kicked only 2-of-4 field goals on the night and a third that barely crossed the threshold, bouncing off the center post and just inside.
Ryan Tannehill took over late after a failed Jets drive with the game tied 13-13 and slung to passes to Dion Sims for 18 yards and a 3rd-and-7 play that likely decided the outcome, a 17 yard completion to Sims to the Jets 14. Gibson caught to the 8 at the two-minute warning.
Caleb Sturgis kicked what would be the game-winner three seconds later, giving a boost to the Dolphins' Wild Card postseason chase and sending Rex Ryan and the Jets into oblivion.
"I feel sick," Rex Ryan said after a long pause, his famous bluster gone. "We can't buy a win. I can't believe we're 2-10."
He paused again and looked down under the brim of his hat.
"What a joke."
A win in December that kept Miami in the AFC Wild Card chase.
A win that came despite losing three contests this season after holding fourth quarter leads in all of them.
A win that came despite being outrushed 277-74 and being handled at the line of scrimmage.
For three quarters, that is.
"I think we made some plays down the stretch," Tannehill said afterwards. "We struggled a lot all night, but in the fourth quarter, we were able to move the ball and make some plays."
He finished 25-for-35 on 235 yards passing and an interception, and became the first quarterback to complete 70 percent of his passes in 5 straight NFL contests.
Trailing 13-6 to begin the fourth quarter, however, Ryan Tannehill and the Dolphins had yet to cross the goal line in New Jersey.
But he would lead Miami (7-5) on their sole touchdown drive of the game, which, against the lowly Jets, would be enough.
Miami secured possession at the Jets 39 after a New York drive stalled and their punt was pushed back 10 yards following a holding call against them.
Tannehill struck immediately when Jarvis Landry came open to the right side, snagging a 25 yard catch-and-run to the Jets 14. The quarterback rushed himself on a zone-read play when the middle came open to the Jets 9.
Lamar Miller carried on 3rd-and-2 for 5 more and Tannehill's would-be scoring toss to Brandon Gibson was high.
But Miller would feature the one rushing highlight of the evening for the Dolphins, powering for the 4 yard touchdown over the right side. The hole came open for the back when Mike Wallace went in motion to the left and the Jets followed him.
After New York's ensuing possession stalled on Koa Misi's sack of Geno Smith, Miami drove again, over 57 yards before Caleb Sturgis would finally take and hold the lead at the 1:57 mark, kicking from 26 yards.
Until then, the Jets' defense had been stellar.
New York (2-10) held the Dolphins to 6 first half points and exactly 25 yards rushing.
"We had a couple of opportunities," a dejected Jets coach Rex Ryan said afterwards, "thought the game plan was good. Did what we thought we wanted to do to win the game, run the ball."
Run the ball, they did. After one quarter, the Jets outrushed Miami 134-10, and would enter the halftime intermission leading them 210-15.
They ran so good, one wondered if the playbook had anything prepared for their quarterback.
Smith would attempt 6 passes in the first half, completing 3. Two 3rd-and-5 tosses of his were both high to Percy Harvin, the first of which would have given the Jets a goal-to-go series.
His last pass was intercepted with 34 seconds left in the contest after his throw for Jeff Cumberland in center field was bobbled and intercepted by Reshad Jones to end it.
That was Smith's 13th pass attempt, 7 of which were completed for 65 yards.
Early on, however, it looked as though the Jets were game for the upset.
Greg Salas raced around left end for a 20 yard touchdown rush on a give from Geno Smith on a misdirection play that had the formation going right. Salas went left and broke through an empty secondary before trotting into the end zone for the quick 7-0 lead.
Smith converted a 3rd-and-7 on the drive to Bilal Powell and New York was set up by Chris Johnson, who broke on a 46 yard rush, charging over the right, cutting left in traffic, and juking left again before streaking down the sideline into the red zone.
Chris Johnson finished with 105 yards rushing on 17 attempts and Chris Ivory gained 62 on one less carry.
But that dominance was lost when it was needed most.
"We had opportunities, a couple picks we dropped," Ryan added. "Not scoring after the Walls interception, missed a couple of field goals."
Darrin Walls picked Ryan Tannehill near the end of the third quarter after a tipped Jets punt gave the Dolphins possession on the New York 41. His pass for Lamar Miller was low and tipped upwards by the back, into the hands of Walls, who ran the other way for 30 yards to the Dolphins 30.
But Geno Smith was sacked on the 3rd-and-9 play of the succeeding possession when Cameron Wake finally overpowered the Jets' previously invincible front line for an 8 yard loss.
Nick Folk kicked only 2-of-4 field goals on the night and a third that barely crossed the threshold, bouncing off the center post and just inside.
Ryan Tannehill took over late after a failed Jets drive with the game tied 13-13 and slung to passes to Dion Sims for 18 yards and a 3rd-and-7 play that likely decided the outcome, a 17 yard completion to Sims to the Jets 14. Gibson caught to the 8 at the two-minute warning.
Caleb Sturgis kicked what would be the game-winner three seconds later, giving a boost to the Dolphins' Wild Card postseason chase and sending Rex Ryan and the Jets into oblivion.
"I feel sick," Rex Ryan said after a long pause, his famous bluster gone. "We can't buy a win. I can't believe we're 2-10."
He paused again and looked down under the brim of his hat.
"What a joke."
Monday, December 1, 2014
Jets leading Dolphins 13-6 after three quarters
East Rutherford, N.J. - Both sides tacked on a field goal as the New York Jets hold a 13-6 lead over the Miami Dolphins after three quarters Monday night.
New York outrushed Miami 233-52 as the hosts continue to dominate the line of scrimmage, though with little success into the end zone.
Smith opened the third quarter for the Jets (2-9), connecting on a 3rd-and-5 for a 20 yard catch-and-run to Zach Sudfeld to the Miami 35. Chris Ivory took a read-option play for 7 yards up the middle that Miami's Joe Philbin challenged was a lost fumble. The official ruling, however preserved the original call that Ivory was down by contact.
With that, Nick Folk just made his 45 yard field goal attempt, striking the center post and bouncing through.
Lamar Miller opened the third quarter for Miami (6-5), powering on a rush around the right for 9 yards and converted the penalty-influenced 2nd-and-6. Brandon Gibson caught the play-action toss as Tannehill rolled right for 14 yards into Jets territory.
Mike Wallace drew a very late flag as he was interfered on a 2nd-and-13 by Darrin Walls, and dropped a 3rd-and-6 pass to the end zone when he tried to one-hand the football. Caleb Sturgis kicked from 44 yards to claw Miami within 10-6.
Ryan Tannehill completed 20-of-27 passes for 167 yards and an interception.
Dion Jordan, the No. 3 draft pick of 2013, secured his 2nd blocked punt on the season when he extended through the middle and laid his hand on Ryan Quigley's punt at 4:22 in the third.
The punt went in the books for 6 yards, but New York would be redeemed on the next play.
Tannehill's succeeding pass was tipped by Lamar Miller in the flat and into the hands of Darrin Walls, securing the interception and returning the other way 30 yards before being brought down by Miller to the Miami 30.
Geno Smith would be sacked, however, when Cameron Wake powered through the Jets' line, which finally gave way, for an 8 yard loss on 3rd-and-10.
Ryan Tannehill took over from their own 9 after the Jets punt, slinging a 19 yard pass to Mike Wallace. Lamar Miller carried right for another first-down to their 40.
Smith attempted only 8 passes in the game, and could not complete two 3rd-and-5 plays, both floaters to Percy Harvin that fell out of reach, the first near to the end zone.
Wayne Chrebet and late Jets owner Leon Hess were inducted into the club's Ring of Honor at the halftime break Monday. Chrebet, undrafted from Hofstra, played wide receiver for the Jets for 10 years, finishing with 41 touchdowns on 580 receptions for 7,365 yards in his career.
New York outrushed Miami 233-52 as the hosts continue to dominate the line of scrimmage, though with little success into the end zone.
Smith opened the third quarter for the Jets (2-9), connecting on a 3rd-and-5 for a 20 yard catch-and-run to Zach Sudfeld to the Miami 35. Chris Ivory took a read-option play for 7 yards up the middle that Miami's Joe Philbin challenged was a lost fumble. The official ruling, however preserved the original call that Ivory was down by contact.
With that, Nick Folk just made his 45 yard field goal attempt, striking the center post and bouncing through.
Lamar Miller opened the third quarter for Miami (6-5), powering on a rush around the right for 9 yards and converted the penalty-influenced 2nd-and-6. Brandon Gibson caught the play-action toss as Tannehill rolled right for 14 yards into Jets territory.
Mike Wallace drew a very late flag as he was interfered on a 2nd-and-13 by Darrin Walls, and dropped a 3rd-and-6 pass to the end zone when he tried to one-hand the football. Caleb Sturgis kicked from 44 yards to claw Miami within 10-6.
Ryan Tannehill completed 20-of-27 passes for 167 yards and an interception.
Dion Jordan, the No. 3 draft pick of 2013, secured his 2nd blocked punt on the season when he extended through the middle and laid his hand on Ryan Quigley's punt at 4:22 in the third.
The punt went in the books for 6 yards, but New York would be redeemed on the next play.
Tannehill's succeeding pass was tipped by Lamar Miller in the flat and into the hands of Darrin Walls, securing the interception and returning the other way 30 yards before being brought down by Miller to the Miami 30.
Geno Smith would be sacked, however, when Cameron Wake powered through the Jets' line, which finally gave way, for an 8 yard loss on 3rd-and-10.
Ryan Tannehill took over from their own 9 after the Jets punt, slinging a 19 yard pass to Mike Wallace. Lamar Miller carried right for another first-down to their 40.
Smith attempted only 8 passes in the game, and could not complete two 3rd-and-5 plays, both floaters to Percy Harvin that fell out of reach, the first near to the end zone.
Wayne Chrebet and late Jets owner Leon Hess were inducted into the club's Ring of Honor at the halftime break Monday. Chrebet, undrafted from Hofstra, played wide receiver for the Jets for 10 years, finishing with 41 touchdowns on 580 receptions for 7,365 yards in his career.
Jets leading Dolphins 10-3 at halftime
East Rutherford, N.J. - New York leads Miami 10-3 at the halftime break Monday night, and they did it the old-fashioned way.
By outright possession of the line of scrimmage through thirty minutes.
Bringing the league's third-best rushing offense into the night, New York outrushed Miami 210-15, after outgaining them 134-10 in the first quarter.
Chris Johnson rushed 11 times for 85 yards in the half, including a long of 47 gained on three cuts in traffic in the first quarter that led to the Jets' touchdown.
Chris Ivory gained 45 yards on 10 attempts. Jeremy Kerley added 38 and Percy Harvin 18 more on the ground.
New York (2-9) began from their own 6 yard line on their second drive in the second quarter. Chris Ivory carried for 8 over the middle for the team's 13th-straight rush and Percy Harvin snagged a pass through traffic to convert a 3rd-and-2.
Ivory rushed right after spinning from a would-be tackle at the line and galloped to the 29 and on 3rd-and-1 Harvin took an option-pitch from Geno Smith over the left for the conversion.
Jeremy Kerley took an end-around over the right for another first-down to the Miami 47 and at the five-minute mark, Ivory rushed for 11 more. Smith's toss to Percy Harvin on 3rd-and-5 was high down the sideline and Nick Folk missed the 48 yard field goal to the left.
Folk connected from 40 yards earlier, on a 44 yard drive, extending the Jets' lead 10-0 to open the second quarter as he is 19-of-22 on field goal attempts this season.
Miami's Ryan Tannehill connected on 3rd-and-4 to Dion Sims for a 20 yard gain to the Jets 25 with a minute left in the half. But David Harris sacked Tannehill on the next play after racing through the middle untouched for a 10 yard loss.
Mike Wallace got 8 yards back as he caught along the sideline and out of bounds but on 3rd-and-13 Landry's reception came well short.
Caleb Sturgis kicked from 43 yards as time expired on the half, having missed a 43 yarder in the first quarter.
Ryan Tannehill is 15-of-19 for 128 yards passing for Miami (6-5).
New York opened scoring on a 20 yard touchdown rush from Greg Salas, whose end-around give from Smith sailed through the Dolphins' secondary and into the end zone untouched for the 7-0 lead.
By outright possession of the line of scrimmage through thirty minutes.
Bringing the league's third-best rushing offense into the night, New York outrushed Miami 210-15, after outgaining them 134-10 in the first quarter.
Chris Johnson rushed 11 times for 85 yards in the half, including a long of 47 gained on three cuts in traffic in the first quarter that led to the Jets' touchdown.
Chris Ivory gained 45 yards on 10 attempts. Jeremy Kerley added 38 and Percy Harvin 18 more on the ground.
New York (2-9) began from their own 6 yard line on their second drive in the second quarter. Chris Ivory carried for 8 over the middle for the team's 13th-straight rush and Percy Harvin snagged a pass through traffic to convert a 3rd-and-2.
Ivory rushed right after spinning from a would-be tackle at the line and galloped to the 29 and on 3rd-and-1 Harvin took an option-pitch from Geno Smith over the left for the conversion.
Jeremy Kerley took an end-around over the right for another first-down to the Miami 47 and at the five-minute mark, Ivory rushed for 11 more. Smith's toss to Percy Harvin on 3rd-and-5 was high down the sideline and Nick Folk missed the 48 yard field goal to the left.
Folk connected from 40 yards earlier, on a 44 yard drive, extending the Jets' lead 10-0 to open the second quarter as he is 19-of-22 on field goal attempts this season.
Miami's Ryan Tannehill connected on 3rd-and-4 to Dion Sims for a 20 yard gain to the Jets 25 with a minute left in the half. But David Harris sacked Tannehill on the next play after racing through the middle untouched for a 10 yard loss.
Mike Wallace got 8 yards back as he caught along the sideline and out of bounds but on 3rd-and-13 Landry's reception came well short.
Caleb Sturgis kicked from 43 yards as time expired on the half, having missed a 43 yarder in the first quarter.
Ryan Tannehill is 15-of-19 for 128 yards passing for Miami (6-5).
New York opened scoring on a 20 yard touchdown rush from Greg Salas, whose end-around give from Smith sailed through the Dolphins' secondary and into the end zone untouched for the 7-0 lead.
Dolphins-Jets preview
East Rutherford, N.J. - Geno Smith will start for the New York Jets when they host the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
Head coach Rex Ryan announced the decision to give Smith a second shot at the job Wednesday morning.
"Everybody's on board with the decision," Ryan said. "I have said it all along that I feel we have two good quarterbacks, I definitely feel that."
Smith started the first eight games of the season for the Jets (2-9) before being benched in favor of Michael Vick for three games, though would himself replace Vick during the team's 38-3 defeat to the Buffalo Bills last Monday.
He has thrown only 7 touchdowns against 10 interceptions this season and has not started since facing a 43-23 defeat to Buffalo in Week 8, a game that found him throw interceptions on three-straight possessions.
Smith goes under center for the worst passing game in football (173.7 ypg) and will face the Dolphins' 4th-best pass defense (211.7 ypg) Monday night.
"Now is the opportunity for him to step back in and let's see how it goes," Ryan said of Smith. "I, for one, am excited to watch him. He has my support on this, and that's what I'll say about that."
The quarterback position across the field is slightly more stable.
Ryan Tannehill ranks 3rd in football with a 71 percent completion rate and threw 3 touchdowns last Sunday in Denver. Though his late interception would seal the 39-36 defeat in the fourth quarter.
They held an 11-point lead over the Broncos in that final session.
"As a competitor, you don't like to see it," Tannehill said of the loss. "We didn't score enough points in the second half."
His 20 touchdown passes are the 12th-best in the game, and his 8 interceptions are the 23rd least.
Mike Wallace leads the Dolphins' 14th-best receiving corps with 7 touchdowns on 592 yards. Jarvis Landry follows with 450 yards and 5 scores.
Miami (6-5) has struggled to an 0-3 record in contests decided by four or fewer points this season.
In addition to their loss at Denver, the Dolphins fell by 3 points to the Packers at home in Week 6 and at Detroit four weeks later by 4, both contests where late leads were lost.
They lost to Detroit on a touchdown pass with 29 seconds left in the game.
"We have to find a way to win some of those games," Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said this week. "We're going to be in some more of those games. That's just the way the NFL is."
Though the Dolphins do boast the 10th-best rush defense, holding opponents to 104 yards per game. That strength will be tested against the Jets' 3rd-best rushing attack (136.5 ypg).
New York's Chris Ivory has rushed for 579 yards and 4 touchdowns and Chris Johnson for another score on 400 yards this season.
"They have an outstanding defensive line," Rex Ryan said of Miami's front. "If we can't block them it doesn't matter who you have at quarterback."
The two teams will meet again to conclude their regular seasons in Miami.
Head coach Rex Ryan announced the decision to give Smith a second shot at the job Wednesday morning.
"Everybody's on board with the decision," Ryan said. "I have said it all along that I feel we have two good quarterbacks, I definitely feel that."
Smith started the first eight games of the season for the Jets (2-9) before being benched in favor of Michael Vick for three games, though would himself replace Vick during the team's 38-3 defeat to the Buffalo Bills last Monday.
He has thrown only 7 touchdowns against 10 interceptions this season and has not started since facing a 43-23 defeat to Buffalo in Week 8, a game that found him throw interceptions on three-straight possessions.
Smith goes under center for the worst passing game in football (173.7 ypg) and will face the Dolphins' 4th-best pass defense (211.7 ypg) Monday night.
"Now is the opportunity for him to step back in and let's see how it goes," Ryan said of Smith. "I, for one, am excited to watch him. He has my support on this, and that's what I'll say about that."
The quarterback position across the field is slightly more stable.
Ryan Tannehill ranks 3rd in football with a 71 percent completion rate and threw 3 touchdowns last Sunday in Denver. Though his late interception would seal the 39-36 defeat in the fourth quarter.
They held an 11-point lead over the Broncos in that final session.
"As a competitor, you don't like to see it," Tannehill said of the loss. "We didn't score enough points in the second half."
His 20 touchdown passes are the 12th-best in the game, and his 8 interceptions are the 23rd least.
Mike Wallace leads the Dolphins' 14th-best receiving corps with 7 touchdowns on 592 yards. Jarvis Landry follows with 450 yards and 5 scores.
Miami (6-5) has struggled to an 0-3 record in contests decided by four or fewer points this season.
In addition to their loss at Denver, the Dolphins fell by 3 points to the Packers at home in Week 6 and at Detroit four weeks later by 4, both contests where late leads were lost.
They lost to Detroit on a touchdown pass with 29 seconds left in the game.
"We have to find a way to win some of those games," Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said this week. "We're going to be in some more of those games. That's just the way the NFL is."
Though the Dolphins do boast the 10th-best rush defense, holding opponents to 104 yards per game. That strength will be tested against the Jets' 3rd-best rushing attack (136.5 ypg).
New York's Chris Ivory has rushed for 579 yards and 4 touchdowns and Chris Johnson for another score on 400 yards this season.
"They have an outstanding defensive line," Rex Ryan said of Miami's front. "If we can't block them it doesn't matter who you have at quarterback."
The two teams will meet again to conclude their regular seasons in Miami.
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