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 Monday Night Football. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Monday Night Football. 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.
Talib and Hill produce 7-7 tie early
CINCINNATI - Both sides have scored touchdowns on one play drives Monday night.
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib intercepted Andy Dalton and returned 33 yards for a touchdown and Bengals back Jeremy Hill raced 85 yards for a score as Denver and Cincinnati are tied 7-7 early.
Dalton had A.J. Green open on a crossing route, but put the ball far above his head and into the arms of Talib, who scrambled through traffic for the score.
Green was injured on the play when T.J. Ward drove his helmet into the receiver's right arm, which he left the field holding.
But Hill would respond 23 seconds later on the home side's succeeding possession, powering over the right side and outracing the misdirected coverage to bring the Bengals on the board.
Peyton Manning is 1-of-2 for 21 yards for Denver, who has clinched a postseason berth.
Cincinnati will host Pittsburgh for each team's season finale to determine a playoff position from the AFC North.
Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib intercepted Andy Dalton and returned 33 yards for a touchdown and Bengals back Jeremy Hill raced 85 yards for a score as Denver and Cincinnati are tied 7-7 early.
Dalton had A.J. Green open on a crossing route, but put the ball far above his head and into the arms of Talib, who scrambled through traffic for the score.
Green was injured on the play when T.J. Ward drove his helmet into the receiver's right arm, which he left the field holding.
But Hill would respond 23 seconds later on the home side's succeeding possession, powering over the right side and outracing the misdirected coverage to bring the Bengals on the board.
Peyton Manning is 1-of-2 for 21 yards for Denver, who has clinched a postseason berth.
Cincinnati will host Pittsburgh for each team's season finale to determine a playoff position from the AFC North.
Peyton Manning questionable on Monday night
CINCINNATI - Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning has been listed as questionable for the team's Monday night meeting with the Cincinnati Bengals after sustaining a thigh injury eight days ago.
He is expected to start the game, though was limited in practice over the past week after taking a shot to his thigh by Chargers linebacker Donald Butler.
Manning played the second half of that game, a 22-10 victory for the Broncos.
The five-time league MVP did not miss a start over 16 of his 17 seasons, missing the 2011 campaign with the Colts after having spinal surgery.
He is expected to start the game, though was limited in practice over the past week after taking a shot to his thigh by Chargers linebacker Donald Butler.
Manning played the second half of that game, a 22-10 victory for the Broncos.
The five-time league MVP did not miss a start over 16 of his 17 seasons, missing the 2011 campaign with the Colts after having spinal surgery.
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
Bears lay one of many eggs Monday night
CHICAGO - Though the Saints and Bears entered their Monday night meeting both with 5-8 records, only one side had a possible postseason berth to play for.
With the 31-15 win, the Saints took first place in the lowly NFC South before their battle with Atlanta Dec. 21 to decide the division.
Eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth straight season and the seventh of their last eight, the Chicago Bears had only their pride to defend.
Apparently, the Midway's alleged monsters have no pride.
In two straight games, the Bears were outscored 59-7 before getting off the canvas with five late touchdowns of their own, but would go 0-for-2 in their comeback bids.
They even held a 14-0 lead in Detroit on Thanksgiving before coughing up a 34-17 defeat after Matthew Stafford flung three touchdowns in the second quarter.
Monday night found Jay Cutler complete 3 passes to the Saints against 5 to the Bears through three quarters as the home side fell behind 24-0. Cutler found Marquess Wilson for a late score and Alshon Jeffery with 30 seconds left.
Drew Brees' second touchdown drive went 95 yards, three more yards than the Bears gained in the entire game to that time.
Cutler trailed Brees 2-111 passing after the first quarter and 41-217 at the half, and would bookend the second quarter with interceptions. Brees did the same -- but with touchdowns, to Josh Hill as the second began and Marques Colston with 32 seconds left in it.
"They knew what they were doing," was the succinct analysis of the Bears signal-caller later that night. "They had a good plan. They had a good plan."
Both sides exchanged turnovers to open the night in the Soldier Field slop. Cutler was picked on his third pass and Nick Toon fumbled Drew Brees' first pass attempt on the Bears 3.
But the Saints would recover from their early mistakes, and for their second straight week, the Bears would wait until the fourth quarter to surmount an insurmountable deficit.
Sacked seven times, Cutler would flee his postgame meeting with the press quicker than he did the Saints' pass rushers.
"We've got to play better and take a look at the film and try to see exactly what slowed us down," Cutler said afterwards. "They mixed it up pretty well against us. They showed us a few new things."
With that, thirty seconds later, he was told most of the media had yet to arrive, still talking to players in the locker room.
"We're going to wait for them?" Cutler asked Bears PR man Jim Christman in a deflated tone.
"OK, thank you," he said as he left the room.
Waiting is the theme in Chicago, who, after winning the Super Bowl with the '85 Bears, a phrase that when spoken is a synonym for excellence, have been through 28 quarterbacks since that banner year.
Jay Cutler, a Bears fan since his youth in Indiana, was signed from Denver in 2009 as their next savior. Since then, the Bears are 44-35, and in the offseason inked Cutler to a 7-year extension worth north of $120 million.
Those dollars, plus the league's most turnovers, inspired offensive coach Aaron Kromer to an anonymous wisecrack that the Bears had "buyer's remorse" over the signing. He admitted to the remark later, and despite Cutler accepting his apology, there has been little improvement in the locker room's atmosphere.
And after falling 51-23 at the Patriots in Week 9, a game in which they trailed 38-7 at the half, they had a week off before being slapped in a 55-14 laugher the following Sunday night at the arch-rival Packers.
The Bears surrendered 11 passing touchdowns in those two contests. Jay Cutler found 5 touchdowns of his own, but also lost two fumbles and threw two interceptions.
"It's frustrating," he said Tuesday morning. "We're trying to say the same thing different ways after games. You get to a point where you don't have the answer. I think that's where we're at."
With the 31-15 win, the Saints took first place in the lowly NFC South before their battle with Atlanta Dec. 21 to decide the division.
Eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth straight season and the seventh of their last eight, the Chicago Bears had only their pride to defend.
Apparently, the Midway's alleged monsters have no pride.
In two straight games, the Bears were outscored 59-7 before getting off the canvas with five late touchdowns of their own, but would go 0-for-2 in their comeback bids.
They even held a 14-0 lead in Detroit on Thanksgiving before coughing up a 34-17 defeat after Matthew Stafford flung three touchdowns in the second quarter.
Monday night found Jay Cutler complete 3 passes to the Saints against 5 to the Bears through three quarters as the home side fell behind 24-0. Cutler found Marquess Wilson for a late score and Alshon Jeffery with 30 seconds left.
Drew Brees' second touchdown drive went 95 yards, three more yards than the Bears gained in the entire game to that time.
Cutler trailed Brees 2-111 passing after the first quarter and 41-217 at the half, and would bookend the second quarter with interceptions. Brees did the same -- but with touchdowns, to Josh Hill as the second began and Marques Colston with 32 seconds left in it.
"They knew what they were doing," was the succinct analysis of the Bears signal-caller later that night. "They had a good plan. They had a good plan."
Both sides exchanged turnovers to open the night in the Soldier Field slop. Cutler was picked on his third pass and Nick Toon fumbled Drew Brees' first pass attempt on the Bears 3.
But the Saints would recover from their early mistakes, and for their second straight week, the Bears would wait until the fourth quarter to surmount an insurmountable deficit.
Sacked seven times, Cutler would flee his postgame meeting with the press quicker than he did the Saints' pass rushers.
"We've got to play better and take a look at the film and try to see exactly what slowed us down," Cutler said afterwards. "They mixed it up pretty well against us. They showed us a few new things."
With that, thirty seconds later, he was told most of the media had yet to arrive, still talking to players in the locker room.
"We're going to wait for them?" Cutler asked Bears PR man Jim Christman in a deflated tone.
"OK, thank you," he said as he left the room.
Waiting is the theme in Chicago, who, after winning the Super Bowl with the '85 Bears, a phrase that when spoken is a synonym for excellence, have been through 28 quarterbacks since that banner year.
Jay Cutler, a Bears fan since his youth in Indiana, was signed from Denver in 2009 as their next savior. Since then, the Bears are 44-35, and in the offseason inked Cutler to a 7-year extension worth north of $120 million.
Those dollars, plus the league's most turnovers, inspired offensive coach Aaron Kromer to an anonymous wisecrack that the Bears had "buyer's remorse" over the signing. He admitted to the remark later, and despite Cutler accepting his apology, there has been little improvement in the locker room's atmosphere.
And after falling 51-23 at the Patriots in Week 9, a game in which they trailed 38-7 at the half, they had a week off before being slapped in a 55-14 laugher the following Sunday night at the arch-rival Packers.
The Bears surrendered 11 passing touchdowns in those two contests. Jay Cutler found 5 touchdowns of his own, but also lost two fumbles and threw two interceptions.
"It's frustrating," he said Tuesday morning. "We're trying to say the same thing different ways after games. You get to a point where you don't have the answer. I think that's where we're at."
Monday, December 15, 2014
Saints harass Bears 31-15 behind Brees' 3 TDs
CHICAGO, Ill. - Drew Brees threw three touchdowns and Jay Cutler three interceptions as the New Orleans Saints handle the Chicago Bears 31-15 on Monday night.
The Bears added two late touchdowns and two-point conversion to avoid their first shutout at Soldier Field since 1982, Mike Ditka's first game as a head coach, also against the Saints.
New Orleans (6-8) rebounds from the wrong end of a 41-10 rout at the hands of Carolina to bring themselves into the lead in the NFC South before they battle Atlanta Dec. 21.
"You want to be playing for a lot at the end of the season, and we are right now," Brees said. "No bigger game than the one coming up."
Drew Brees connected on 29-of-36 pass attempts for 375 yards, clinching his 9th straight season with 4,000 passing yards, the best all-time mark in pro football history. He improves to a 12-4 career record in Monday night contests with the victory.
"We were pretty balanced and able to make some plays in the passing game," Brees said, outpassing Jay Cutler 111-2 in the first quarter and 217-41 at the half.
"They had a good plan," Cutler said of the Saints in a two-minute meeting with reporters. Chicago was shutout in the first half for the fourth time this season.
Jimmy Graham gained 87 yards on 5 receptions for the Saints. Pierre Thomas and Kenny Stills matched the catches for 83 and 67 yards respectively. Thomas snagged two screen plays for 39 and 31 yards on two drives.
Josh Hill caught two touchdowns and Marques Colston another as the Saints bookended the second quarter in pay dirt, the first one second in and the other with 32 seconds left, and took a 24-0 lead into the fourth quarter.
Their second scoring drive went 95 yards, three yards better than the Bears could muster in the entire game to that time.
New Orleans would outgain the Bears 443-278, enjoying a 131-27 yards advantage after the first quarter and a 245-92 lead at the half.
"You should have heard this locker room before the game started," Jimmy Graham said. "We need to come out every week just like that."
Chicago (5-9) began and ended the second quarter with interceptions, as they drop their third straight game and will miss the playoffs for the fourth-straight and seventh out of eight campaigns.
But they would respond in the fourth quarter, as they did in their losing result against Dallas Dec. 14, a game in which they were outgunned 35-7 before a three-touchdown fourth quarter.
Marquess Wilson and Alshon Jeffery hauled in two scores late to finally put the Bears on the board Monday night. Martellus Bennett added a two-point conversion.
Jay Cutler threw three interceptions through three quarters against five completions to his own team in that time, ending the night with his 15th interception and 24th turnover, both worst marks in the league.
He was sacked seven times, including three from David Hawthorne and twice on consecutive plays. His 31 pass attempts found 17 completions for 194 yards.
The game began with consecutive turnovers in what became a slop after a driving rainstorm. Jay Cutler was intercepted on his third pass attempt and Nick Toon fumbled Drew Brees' first pass on the Bears 3.
The Bears added two late touchdowns and two-point conversion to avoid their first shutout at Soldier Field since 1982, Mike Ditka's first game as a head coach, also against the Saints.
New Orleans (6-8) rebounds from the wrong end of a 41-10 rout at the hands of Carolina to bring themselves into the lead in the NFC South before they battle Atlanta Dec. 21.
"You want to be playing for a lot at the end of the season, and we are right now," Brees said. "No bigger game than the one coming up."
Drew Brees connected on 29-of-36 pass attempts for 375 yards, clinching his 9th straight season with 4,000 passing yards, the best all-time mark in pro football history. He improves to a 12-4 career record in Monday night contests with the victory.
"We were pretty balanced and able to make some plays in the passing game," Brees said, outpassing Jay Cutler 111-2 in the first quarter and 217-41 at the half.
"They had a good plan," Cutler said of the Saints in a two-minute meeting with reporters. Chicago was shutout in the first half for the fourth time this season.
Jimmy Graham gained 87 yards on 5 receptions for the Saints. Pierre Thomas and Kenny Stills matched the catches for 83 and 67 yards respectively. Thomas snagged two screen plays for 39 and 31 yards on two drives.
Josh Hill caught two touchdowns and Marques Colston another as the Saints bookended the second quarter in pay dirt, the first one second in and the other with 32 seconds left, and took a 24-0 lead into the fourth quarter.
Their second scoring drive went 95 yards, three yards better than the Bears could muster in the entire game to that time.
New Orleans would outgain the Bears 443-278, enjoying a 131-27 yards advantage after the first quarter and a 245-92 lead at the half.
"You should have heard this locker room before the game started," Jimmy Graham said. "We need to come out every week just like that."
Chicago (5-9) began and ended the second quarter with interceptions, as they drop their third straight game and will miss the playoffs for the fourth-straight and seventh out of eight campaigns.
But they would respond in the fourth quarter, as they did in their losing result against Dallas Dec. 14, a game in which they were outgunned 35-7 before a three-touchdown fourth quarter.
Marquess Wilson and Alshon Jeffery hauled in two scores late to finally put the Bears on the board Monday night. Martellus Bennett added a two-point conversion.
Jay Cutler threw three interceptions through three quarters against five completions to his own team in that time, ending the night with his 15th interception and 24th turnover, both worst marks in the league.
He was sacked seven times, including three from David Hawthorne and twice on consecutive plays. His 31 pass attempts found 17 completions for 194 yards.
The game began with consecutive turnovers in what became a slop after a driving rainstorm. Jay Cutler was intercepted on his third pass attempt and Nick Toon fumbled Drew Brees' first pass on the Bears 3.
Saints dominating Bears 24-0 after 3rd quarter
CHICAGO, Ill. - Drew Brees added another touchdown in the third quarter, after which the New Orleans Saints lead the Chicago Bears 24-0 Monday night at Soldier Field.
Drew Brees drove the Saints 80 yards to open the third, capped off by Josh Hill's second score on the night, a 7 yarder that found the quarterback and receiver roll right together.
Jimmy Graham set up the charge on a 29 yard catch-and-run. Kenny Stills and Nick Toon took passes to the Bears 12 before Brees and Hill connected on the misdirection play that had the formation heading left.
Cutler threw his third interception of the night on the Bears second chance, and his second pick to Pierre Warren, to that time throwing 3 passes to the Saints against 5 to his own team.
Brees connected with Jimmy Graham for a quick 26 yard pickup and to Nick Toon to the Bears 3. Shayne Graham kicked from 25 yards after the Saints flubbed the goal-to-go series.
Brees passed for 346 yards, completing 27-of-33 passes. Pierre Thomas has 83 yards on 5 receptions and Kenny Stills added 67 yards through the air.
The Saints' signal-caller clinched his 9th straight season of 4,000 passing yards Monday night, the best mark in pro football all-time.
Chicago managed 3 yards in 3 plays to open the third as Jay Cutler was sacked by David Hawthorne for his third against the Bears passer on the night, as the home side is well on their way to a third straight defeat.
Both sides enter the primetime contest with 5-8 records, though the Saints can still clinch a postseason appearance with a win over division-leading Atlanta Dec. 21. Chicago was excluded from the playoffs for the fourth straight year and the seventh out of eight seasons.
New Orleans bookended the second quarter with touchdowns and Chicago with interceptions.
Brees tossed an 8 yarder to Josh Hill and a 9 yard score to Marques Colston to take a 14-0 lead over the Bears into the halftime intermission.
The latter drive of 95 yards outgained the entire Bears first-half offense by 3 yards.
Drew Brees drove the Saints 80 yards to open the third, capped off by Josh Hill's second score on the night, a 7 yarder that found the quarterback and receiver roll right together.
Jimmy Graham set up the charge on a 29 yard catch-and-run. Kenny Stills and Nick Toon took passes to the Bears 12 before Brees and Hill connected on the misdirection play that had the formation heading left.
Cutler threw his third interception of the night on the Bears second chance, and his second pick to Pierre Warren, to that time throwing 3 passes to the Saints against 5 to his own team.
Brees connected with Jimmy Graham for a quick 26 yard pickup and to Nick Toon to the Bears 3. Shayne Graham kicked from 25 yards after the Saints flubbed the goal-to-go series.
Brees passed for 346 yards, completing 27-of-33 passes. Pierre Thomas has 83 yards on 5 receptions and Kenny Stills added 67 yards through the air.
The Saints' signal-caller clinched his 9th straight season of 4,000 passing yards Monday night, the best mark in pro football all-time.
Chicago managed 3 yards in 3 plays to open the third as Jay Cutler was sacked by David Hawthorne for his third against the Bears passer on the night, as the home side is well on their way to a third straight defeat.
Both sides enter the primetime contest with 5-8 records, though the Saints can still clinch a postseason appearance with a win over division-leading Atlanta Dec. 21. Chicago was excluded from the playoffs for the fourth straight year and the seventh out of eight seasons.
New Orleans bookended the second quarter with touchdowns and Chicago with interceptions.
Brees tossed an 8 yarder to Josh Hill and a 9 yard score to Marques Colston to take a 14-0 lead over the Bears into the halftime intermission.
The latter drive of 95 yards outgained the entire Bears first-half offense by 3 yards.
Saints leading Bears 14-0 at halftime
CHICAGO, Ill. - After a scoreless, soggy, and turnover-laced first period, the Saints bookended the second quarter with touchdowns to take a 14-0 lead on the Chicago Bears into the halftime break on Monday night.
Josh Hill and Marques Colston both caught scoring passes from Drew Brees, the first coming one second into the second quarter, the latter coming with 38 seconds left in it.
Hill snagged an 8 yard touchdown from Brees to cap an 84 yard drive as the second quarter began.
Pierre Thomas scampered into Bears territory on a 31 yard screen play, and Chicago's corner Kyle Fuller would extend the drive when he interfered with Jimmy Graham, pushing the visitors 17 yards to the Bears 8.
Drew Brees completed 18-of-20 for 226 yards passing and two touchdowns, clinching his 9th straight season with 4,000 passing yards, the best mark of any man in pro football's history.
He completed 14 straight passes in the second session, and his would-be 15th fell from Jimmy Graham's arm inside the Bears 12. Colston caught the next to the 9 with 43 seconds left before converting the 1st-and-Goal six seconds later.
New Orleans (5-8) is seeking a postseason berth from the NFC South, for which they will play when they host division-undefeated Atlanta on Dec. 21.
The Bears, on a two-game losing skid, have been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth straight year and the seventh out of eight campaigns.
Both sides exchanged turnovers on consecutive plays to open the contest at wet Soldier Field. Jay Cutler's third pass of the night was intercepted by Patrick Robinson, and Drew Brees' first pass, to Nick Toon, hobbled to the Bears 3 before being fumbled and lost.
Jay Cutler was nearly intercepted on consecutive pass attempts when the Bears took the field to open the second. Saints coach Sean Payton challenged and lost the first of those, a bouncing toss that wound up in the hands of the defense, though was found after a review to hit the ground.
His 3rd-and-10 attempt for Alshon Jeffery was tipped away on a leaping defensive play from cornerback Keenan Lewis.
Cutler had 10 net yards passing to that point, also suffering two sacks in as many snaps. He went down a third time, finishing the half 6-of-14 for 56 yards.
His 17th interception, the most in football, came with no time left in the half as Pierre Warren hauled in what in effect was a fair catch.
Chicago (5-8) ventured a fake punt with ten minutes left as upback Kyle Fuller took the snap, though was stuffed a yard shy on the 4th-and-3 try. But the Bears would be pushed back for an illegal formation when they only fielded ten men.
They would find only 92 yards on 29 plays through thirty minutes as the Saints gained 245 yards in one more snap.
Josh Hill and Marques Colston both caught scoring passes from Drew Brees, the first coming one second into the second quarter, the latter coming with 38 seconds left in it.
Hill snagged an 8 yard touchdown from Brees to cap an 84 yard drive as the second quarter began.
Pierre Thomas scampered into Bears territory on a 31 yard screen play, and Chicago's corner Kyle Fuller would extend the drive when he interfered with Jimmy Graham, pushing the visitors 17 yards to the Bears 8.
Drew Brees completed 18-of-20 for 226 yards passing and two touchdowns, clinching his 9th straight season with 4,000 passing yards, the best mark of any man in pro football's history.
He completed 14 straight passes in the second session, and his would-be 15th fell from Jimmy Graham's arm inside the Bears 12. Colston caught the next to the 9 with 43 seconds left before converting the 1st-and-Goal six seconds later.
New Orleans (5-8) is seeking a postseason berth from the NFC South, for which they will play when they host division-undefeated Atlanta on Dec. 21.
The Bears, on a two-game losing skid, have been eliminated from the playoffs for the fourth straight year and the seventh out of eight campaigns.
Both sides exchanged turnovers on consecutive plays to open the contest at wet Soldier Field. Jay Cutler's third pass of the night was intercepted by Patrick Robinson, and Drew Brees' first pass, to Nick Toon, hobbled to the Bears 3 before being fumbled and lost.
Jay Cutler was nearly intercepted on consecutive pass attempts when the Bears took the field to open the second. Saints coach Sean Payton challenged and lost the first of those, a bouncing toss that wound up in the hands of the defense, though was found after a review to hit the ground.
His 3rd-and-10 attempt for Alshon Jeffery was tipped away on a leaping defensive play from cornerback Keenan Lewis.
Cutler had 10 net yards passing to that point, also suffering two sacks in as many snaps. He went down a third time, finishing the half 6-of-14 for 56 yards.
His 17th interception, the most in football, came with no time left in the half as Pierre Warren hauled in what in effect was a fair catch.
Chicago (5-8) ventured a fake punt with ten minutes left as upback Kyle Fuller took the snap, though was stuffed a yard shy on the 4th-and-3 try. But the Bears would be pushed back for an illegal formation when they only fielded ten men.
They would find only 92 yards on 29 plays through thirty minutes as the Saints gained 245 yards in one more snap.
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.
Monday, December 8, 2014
Falcons respond, trail Pack 34-17 after 3rd
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Matt Ryan led the Falcons outscored the Packers 10-0 to start the third quarter before Green Bay added a field goal to bring matters to a 34-17 Packer advantage.
Atlanta (5-7) went all-out to open the third period to strike a second time on the Packers, needing four downs to do it.
Ryan launched a 79 yard catch-and-run breakaway to Julio Jones on the sideline before the receiver cut to center field untouched to the Packers 3.
Devin Hester and Steven Jackson combined for -2 on two rushes and on 3rd-and-Goal the Packers' Micah Hyde went airborn to bat Ryan's would-be scoring pass for Jones to the turf.
Atlanta ventured the 4th-and-Goal from the 5-yard line, and Matt Ryan found Eric Weems, who snuck underneath the formation to the goal line unseen for the touchdown.
They nearly struck again after a Packer three-and-out when Ryan's pass for Julio Jones in the end zone was caught, but out of bounds. Atlanta had found themselves on the Packers 31 when Micah Hyde grabbed the face-mask of Harry Douglas, who caught a 9 yard pass from Ryan.
But the Packer defense would respond thereafter, as linebacker Clay Matthews stuffed Devonta Freeman for no gain, and then on 3rd-and-10 wrapping his arm around Matt Ryan's neck and dragging him to the earth by force.
Matt Bryant would kick from 50 yards to salvage the Falcons' opportunity.
Green Bay (9-3), lusting after a 7-0 home record, drove for their own field goal over the next four-and-a-half minutes.
Aaron Rodgers converted a 3rd-and-3 to Randall Cobb over the middle as the receiver pounded through two would-be tackles to the Falcons 23. Safety Kemal Ishmael was on the wrong end of Cobb's collision and remained on the ground for two minutes before walking off the field himself.
Rodgers would then roll left off a bootleg that had everyone fooled and dart an easy 28 yard pass-play to Jordy Nelson on the Falcons 19.
Lacy rushed to the 15 and nearly hauled in the following touchdown toss from Rodgers, but lost possession as he was coming down. Mason Crosby kicked from 33 yards to advance the Packers lead 34-17.
Aaron Rodgers finished 22-for-32 on 254 yards passing for the Packers.
Ryan would resume play for the visitors, and quickly found fullback Patrick DiMarco for a 9 yard pick-up. Jacquizz Rodgers carried for the first-down, then caught for another.
Steven Jackson took a short pass for 9 yards up center field, but was kept from the conversion off a hard defensive push from the right side led by Clay Matthews as the period ended.
Atlanta (5-7) went all-out to open the third period to strike a second time on the Packers, needing four downs to do it.
Ryan launched a 79 yard catch-and-run breakaway to Julio Jones on the sideline before the receiver cut to center field untouched to the Packers 3.
Devin Hester and Steven Jackson combined for -2 on two rushes and on 3rd-and-Goal the Packers' Micah Hyde went airborn to bat Ryan's would-be scoring pass for Jones to the turf.
Atlanta ventured the 4th-and-Goal from the 5-yard line, and Matt Ryan found Eric Weems, who snuck underneath the formation to the goal line unseen for the touchdown.
They nearly struck again after a Packer three-and-out when Ryan's pass for Julio Jones in the end zone was caught, but out of bounds. Atlanta had found themselves on the Packers 31 when Micah Hyde grabbed the face-mask of Harry Douglas, who caught a 9 yard pass from Ryan.
But the Packer defense would respond thereafter, as linebacker Clay Matthews stuffed Devonta Freeman for no gain, and then on 3rd-and-10 wrapping his arm around Matt Ryan's neck and dragging him to the earth by force.
Matt Bryant would kick from 50 yards to salvage the Falcons' opportunity.
Green Bay (9-3), lusting after a 7-0 home record, drove for their own field goal over the next four-and-a-half minutes.
Aaron Rodgers converted a 3rd-and-3 to Randall Cobb over the middle as the receiver pounded through two would-be tackles to the Falcons 23. Safety Kemal Ishmael was on the wrong end of Cobb's collision and remained on the ground for two minutes before walking off the field himself.
Rodgers would then roll left off a bootleg that had everyone fooled and dart an easy 28 yard pass-play to Jordy Nelson on the Falcons 19.
Lacy rushed to the 15 and nearly hauled in the following touchdown toss from Rodgers, but lost possession as he was coming down. Mason Crosby kicked from 33 yards to advance the Packers lead 34-17.
Aaron Rodgers finished 22-for-32 on 254 yards passing for the Packers.
Ryan would resume play for the visitors, and quickly found fullback Patrick DiMarco for a 9 yard pick-up. Jacquizz Rodgers carried for the first-down, then caught for another.
Steven Jackson took a short pass for 9 yards up center field, but was kept from the conversion off a hard defensive push from the right side led by Clay Matthews as the period ended.
Packers leading Falcons 31-7 at halftime
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Green Bay swept through the second quarter, scoring 24 unanswered points as they hold a 31-7 lead over the Atlanta Falcons at the halftime break Monday night.
Aaron Rodgers went 18-of-25 for 190 yards passing and a touchdown in the first thirty minutes. Jordy Nelson snagged a late score and has 58 yards on 6 receptions. Andrew Quarless caught 3 times for 52 yards.
The Packers would begin and end the second quarter with touchdowns.
Eddie Lacy finished the job as the quarter began, rushing over the left side for the 2 yard touchdown to complete an 80 yard drive begun in the first period.
Lacy took the handoff left, started for the middle, but cut left with John Kuhn blocking, plowing into paydirt for the 14-7 Packer advantage.
Eddie Lacy would find the end zone again, on a reception, after a Falcons turnover midway through the second session.
Matt Ryan was intercepted by Morgan Burnett at the Falcons 45, and the cornerback scampered the other way through heavy traffic first straight ahead, then cut quick to his right where he secured blocking to the Falcons 15 after a hard-earned 25 yard return.
That play gave Green Bay a +16 turnover margin, the best mark in football.
Randall Cobb swept left on a handoff from Rodgers for a 1 yard loss, though Davante Adams would catch and spin from a tackle to the 10-yard line.
Rodgers carried himself over the right side on 3rd-and-5 when the left side was under siege, barreling to the Falcons 2, and Eddie Lacy gave the Packers a 24-7 lead.
Packers lineman Letroy Guion would deflect a Matt Ryan pass as the visitors were approacing midfield on their succeeding possession, leaping forward to secure what was thought an interception, though after a review was found to be an incomplete pass.
James Starks scampered for a 21 yard rush on that drive, starting left and cutting right where the field came open to the Packers 37. He carried again left though was stuffed after a 4 yard gain.
He caught over the middle across Falcons territory after dancing out of the backfield unnoticed. Rodgers had time on the next play and ran up the middle for a 6 yard advance, then pitched to Starks to give the Pack a 3rd-and-1.
Eddie Lacy came in for Starks, but it was fullback Kuhn who took the quick handoff through the line to the Falcons 34 and the successful conversion.
Rodgers again had time in the pocket on the next play, but would miss a gimme to Davante Adams when the pass attempt went wide in front of the rookie.
Lacy took a short pass from Rodgers, outraced two tacklers, spinning from a third and overpowering a bunch of three together before being brought down by the fifth man alone at the Atlanta 21.
He failed to enter the red zone on his next carry over the right and he dropped a screen toss that was nearly intercepted by a falling tackle. The 3rd-and-10 throw found Rodgers roll left and throw away into the audience when his pass-catchers were covered.
Mason Crosby kicked from 38 yards as the Packers took points from their first three possessions.
The Pack struck again as the second quarter came to an end.
James Starks featured again near the two-minute warning, taking a pass over the middle to the Falcons 39. Randall Cobb caught and ran near the intermission for 18 more yards.
Rodgers found Jordy Nelson to the 10-yard line and the 1st-and-Goal. His next pass found him flushed from the pocket right and throw away, and on 2nd-down his throw to Richard Rodgers was deflected to the turf.
With 31 seconds left in the period, facing a 3rd-and-Goal, Rodgers took the shotgun snap, scamperd left, then right out of danger and found Jordy Nelson come open in the back of the end zone for the 10 yard touchdown reception.
It was Nelson's 11th touchdown this season as the Packers took and held the 24-point advantage into the locker room.
Green Bay is seeking a 7-0 record at Lambeau Field this season and Aaron Rodgers is yet to throw an interception at that hallowed place this year.
Matt Bryant's 53 yard field goal try as time expired was blocked at the line.
Green Bay outrushed Atlanta 110-49 and secured 22 first-downs to the Falcons' 9.
Aaron Rodgers went 18-of-25 for 190 yards passing and a touchdown in the first thirty minutes. Jordy Nelson snagged a late score and has 58 yards on 6 receptions. Andrew Quarless caught 3 times for 52 yards.
The Packers would begin and end the second quarter with touchdowns.
Eddie Lacy finished the job as the quarter began, rushing over the left side for the 2 yard touchdown to complete an 80 yard drive begun in the first period.
Lacy took the handoff left, started for the middle, but cut left with John Kuhn blocking, plowing into paydirt for the 14-7 Packer advantage.
Eddie Lacy would find the end zone again, on a reception, after a Falcons turnover midway through the second session.
Matt Ryan was intercepted by Morgan Burnett at the Falcons 45, and the cornerback scampered the other way through heavy traffic first straight ahead, then cut quick to his right where he secured blocking to the Falcons 15 after a hard-earned 25 yard return.
That play gave Green Bay a +16 turnover margin, the best mark in football.
Randall Cobb swept left on a handoff from Rodgers for a 1 yard loss, though Davante Adams would catch and spin from a tackle to the 10-yard line.
Rodgers carried himself over the right side on 3rd-and-5 when the left side was under siege, barreling to the Falcons 2, and Eddie Lacy gave the Packers a 24-7 lead.
Packers lineman Letroy Guion would deflect a Matt Ryan pass as the visitors were approacing midfield on their succeeding possession, leaping forward to secure what was thought an interception, though after a review was found to be an incomplete pass.
Green Bay (9-3) would add a field goal between their two touchdowns after the Falcons failed to convert their possession following Lacy's score.
James Starks scampered for a 21 yard rush on that drive, starting left and cutting right where the field came open to the Packers 37. He carried again left though was stuffed after a 4 yard gain.
He caught over the middle across Falcons territory after dancing out of the backfield unnoticed. Rodgers had time on the next play and ran up the middle for a 6 yard advance, then pitched to Starks to give the Pack a 3rd-and-1.
Eddie Lacy came in for Starks, but it was fullback Kuhn who took the quick handoff through the line to the Falcons 34 and the successful conversion.
Rodgers again had time in the pocket on the next play, but would miss a gimme to Davante Adams when the pass attempt went wide in front of the rookie.
Lacy took a short pass from Rodgers, outraced two tacklers, spinning from a third and overpowering a bunch of three together before being brought down by the fifth man alone at the Atlanta 21.
He failed to enter the red zone on his next carry over the right and he dropped a screen toss that was nearly intercepted by a falling tackle. The 3rd-and-10 throw found Rodgers roll left and throw away into the audience when his pass-catchers were covered.
Mason Crosby kicked from 38 yards as the Packers took points from their first three possessions.
The Pack struck again as the second quarter came to an end.
James Starks featured again near the two-minute warning, taking a pass over the middle to the Falcons 39. Randall Cobb caught and ran near the intermission for 18 more yards.
Rodgers found Jordy Nelson to the 10-yard line and the 1st-and-Goal. His next pass found him flushed from the pocket right and throw away, and on 2nd-down his throw to Richard Rodgers was deflected to the turf.
With 31 seconds left in the period, facing a 3rd-and-Goal, Rodgers took the shotgun snap, scamperd left, then right out of danger and found Jordy Nelson come open in the back of the end zone for the 10 yard touchdown reception.
It was Nelson's 11th touchdown this season as the Packers took and held the 24-point advantage into the locker room.
Green Bay is seeking a 7-0 record at Lambeau Field this season and Aaron Rodgers is yet to throw an interception at that hallowed place this year.
Matt Bryant's 53 yard field goal try as time expired was blocked at the line.
Green Bay outrushed Atlanta 110-49 and secured 22 first-downs to the Falcons' 9.
Packers and Falcons tied 7-7 after one
GREEN BAY, Wis. - Both sides have notched a touchdown and the Packers are driving for a second as the first quarter concludes at Lambeau Field.
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers (9-3) over 81 yards in 7 plays to open the contest, capped off by James Starks' 3 yard touchdown run and the quick 7-0 lead, notching the 11th straight occasion this season Green Bay scored a touchdown in the first quarter of play.
Rodgers is 10-for-11 on 110 yards passing.
John Kuhn took the Packers' first reception, a short pass for 6 yards and Eddie Lacy rushed the next snap through a quick hole to the left for a 22 yard burst.
Lacy carried again left for a 12 yard gainer into Falcons territory with Kuhn blocking, and from the Falcons 41, Lacy took a screen pass 6 yards.
Jordy Nelson snagged a reception to the 25 for 22 more yards, and on the next play Rodgers rolled right off a fake handoff to James Starks, slinging a pass to Nelson for 10 more at the Falcons 3, from where Starks finished the job, bouncing off would-be tackles over right end.
Steven Jackson would complete the succeeding possession for Atlanta (5-7) with his 4 yard touchdown, bringing the host Packers to a 7-7 stalemate with 7 minutes remaining. Julio Jones would feature through the air as the Falcons drove 72 yards over 9 snaps.
Jackson rushed through the middle for a first-down on Atlanta's first play from scrimmage, and again for 4 more on the second. He took a pitch right, but was stuffed quickly for no gain.
That's when the came fell to the hands of Jones and quarterback Matt Ryan.
Roddy White converted an early 3rd-and-4 toss over Morgan Burnett to the Packers 49, and Julio Jones caught to the 25 on a play-action fake from Ryan that found 24 yards. Ryan then attempted a sideways throw as he was being brought down by Julius Peppers that was ruled an incomplete pass.
Ryan was called for delaying the game, and on 2nd-and-15 regained the lost yards plus two on a dart to Jones. Jones caught and ran to the Packers 4 on the 3rd-and-7 to set up the Falcons' goal-to-go series, when Jackson finished the job on their first try.
Aaron Rodgers resumed play for the Packers, but was sacked by Kroy Biermann on the first play of their second drive as the tackle burst through from the left and spun the quarterback down. Eddie Lacy pounded left for a 2 yarder and Ryan Bulaga was caught on a false start, pushing the Packers to their own 13.
The resulting 3rd-and-17, though, found Rodgers dance in a surrounded pocket and sling a converting 30 yard pass to Andrew Quarless after the tight end came open over the middle.
Nelson caught again to the Falcons 46 and Lacy rushed patiently first through, then around the formation to the 32. Quarless featured again for a 12 yard reception off a play-action that left center field open, then again for 9 yards inside the red area to the 10.
Nelson flubbed the 2nd-and-1 for a loss and on 3rd-and-2 found Randall Cobb for the 1st-and-Goal. The following pass for the end zone was batted down by Kemal Ishmael, and with 27 seconds left in the quarter, Rodgers took the shotgun snap, danced around and darted left on his own, rushing to the 2-yard line.
He would fumble and a scrum resulted on the sideline as both sides competed for the loose football, though Atlanta's Tyson Jackson was flagged for a personal foul after shoving his arm into Aaron Rodgers' back.
The goal-to-go series will resume as the second quarter begins.
Matt Ryan went 4-of-5 for 57 yards for Atlanta. Julio Jones has 45 yards on 5 catches.
Aaron Rodgers led the Packers (9-3) over 81 yards in 7 plays to open the contest, capped off by James Starks' 3 yard touchdown run and the quick 7-0 lead, notching the 11th straight occasion this season Green Bay scored a touchdown in the first quarter of play.
Rodgers is 10-for-11 on 110 yards passing.
John Kuhn took the Packers' first reception, a short pass for 6 yards and Eddie Lacy rushed the next snap through a quick hole to the left for a 22 yard burst.
Lacy carried again left for a 12 yard gainer into Falcons territory with Kuhn blocking, and from the Falcons 41, Lacy took a screen pass 6 yards.
Jordy Nelson snagged a reception to the 25 for 22 more yards, and on the next play Rodgers rolled right off a fake handoff to James Starks, slinging a pass to Nelson for 10 more at the Falcons 3, from where Starks finished the job, bouncing off would-be tackles over right end.
Steven Jackson would complete the succeeding possession for Atlanta (5-7) with his 4 yard touchdown, bringing the host Packers to a 7-7 stalemate with 7 minutes remaining. Julio Jones would feature through the air as the Falcons drove 72 yards over 9 snaps.
Jackson rushed through the middle for a first-down on Atlanta's first play from scrimmage, and again for 4 more on the second. He took a pitch right, but was stuffed quickly for no gain.
That's when the came fell to the hands of Jones and quarterback Matt Ryan.
Roddy White converted an early 3rd-and-4 toss over Morgan Burnett to the Packers 49, and Julio Jones caught to the 25 on a play-action fake from Ryan that found 24 yards. Ryan then attempted a sideways throw as he was being brought down by Julius Peppers that was ruled an incomplete pass.
Ryan was called for delaying the game, and on 2nd-and-15 regained the lost yards plus two on a dart to Jones. Jones caught and ran to the Packers 4 on the 3rd-and-7 to set up the Falcons' goal-to-go series, when Jackson finished the job on their first try.
Aaron Rodgers resumed play for the Packers, but was sacked by Kroy Biermann on the first play of their second drive as the tackle burst through from the left and spun the quarterback down. Eddie Lacy pounded left for a 2 yarder and Ryan Bulaga was caught on a false start, pushing the Packers to their own 13.
The resulting 3rd-and-17, though, found Rodgers dance in a surrounded pocket and sling a converting 30 yard pass to Andrew Quarless after the tight end came open over the middle.
Nelson caught again to the Falcons 46 and Lacy rushed patiently first through, then around the formation to the 32. Quarless featured again for a 12 yard reception off a play-action that left center field open, then again for 9 yards inside the red area to the 10.
Nelson flubbed the 2nd-and-1 for a loss and on 3rd-and-2 found Randall Cobb for the 1st-and-Goal. The following pass for the end zone was batted down by Kemal Ishmael, and with 27 seconds left in the quarter, Rodgers took the shotgun snap, danced around and darted left on his own, rushing to the 2-yard line.
He would fumble and a scrum resulted on the sideline as both sides competed for the loose football, though Atlanta's Tyson Jackson was flagged for a personal foul after shoving his arm into Aaron Rodgers' back.
The goal-to-go series will resume as the second quarter begins.
Matt Ryan went 4-of-5 for 57 yards for Atlanta. Julio Jones has 45 yards on 5 catches.
Falcons-Packers preview
GREEN BAY, Wis. - The latest edition of Monday Night Football finds the Atlanta Falcons visiting Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers.
Green Bay (9-3) is looking to secure a 7-0 home record this season after defeating New England there eight days ago.
"We've been great at home," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said this week. "The fans have been excellent with the noise and we've got a good advantage with it. We've just got to keep rolling."
Rodgers threw two touchdowns on 368 yards Sunday in a quarterback duel with Tom Brady, and is yet to throw an interception at Lambeau in two calendar years, finding 31 touchdowns in that stretch, including 20 there this season.
Rodgers heads the 8th-best passing game in football (269 ypg) and will face the game's worst pass defense (284.9 ppg). He will start his 100th professional football game Monday night.
This season he has recorded 32 touchdowns, third-best in the league, against only 3 interceptions. His 32 yard score to Richard Rodgers Sunday came with 8 seconds left in first quarter, and Jordy Nelson snagged a 45 yard catch-and-run touchdown with 14 seconds remaining in the second.
"It's a big challenge for us this week with Aaron Rodgers," Falcons coach Mike Smith said this week. "No doubt, he's playing the best of any quarterback in the NFL right now. He's got a number of weapons he can get it to."
Jordy Nelson has 1,169 yards receiving for the Packers and ranks second in the game with 10 touchdowns. Randall Cobb also has 10 scores, on 922 yards through the air.
Eddie Lacy carried for 98 yards on 21 attempts in victory against the Patriots and has rushed for 100 yards in last four appearances for Green Bay. He has 6 touchdowns to his name on 770 yards this season.
He averages only 64 yards per game rushing, though Atlanta allows 118 every week.
All of which gives Green Bay the best scoring offense in football (31.7 ppg) that on Monday will host an Atlanta group currently allowing the most overall yards per game (403.2).
Atlanta (5-7) defeated NFC-leading Arizona last week at home, jumping out to a 17-0 lead on Matt Ryan's two touchdown passes, finishing on Matt Bryant's five field goals.
"When we play consistent football, we can put that type of performance out there," Mike Smith of their win. "These are the types of games you've got to win in November and December in order to play in January."
And despite their woeful record, the Falcons are still in control of their postseason destiny as they sit atop the equally woeful NFC South, against whom they hold a 4-0 record.
They dropped five straight contests from Weeks 4 to 9, outscored 149-89, before heading into their Week 10 bye, though won their next two, both on the road. They fell to Cleveland on a last-second field goal before their win over the Cardinals.
Ryan went 30-of-41 Sunday, 10 of those to Julio Jones, who led receivers with 189 yards and a 32 yard touchdown early. Harry Douglas followed with 116 yards on 9 receptions.
Steven Jackson added 101 yards on 18 rushes, including a 55 yard scamper on their opening drive that led to Ryan's 1 yard scoring pass to Levine Toilolo. Atlanta outrushed Arizona 142-35.
Falcons receiver Roddy White is likely to see the field for Atlanta after missing their last game with an ankle injury. The 10-year veteran has 5 touchdowns this season on 662 yards.
Atlanta will face New Orleans to likely decide the division's representative to the postseason, and both are seeking to avoid becoming the first playoff team with a below-.500 record since the 2010 Seattle Seahawks.
Green Bay (9-3) is looking to secure a 7-0 home record this season after defeating New England there eight days ago.
"We've been great at home," Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers said this week. "The fans have been excellent with the noise and we've got a good advantage with it. We've just got to keep rolling."
Rodgers threw two touchdowns on 368 yards Sunday in a quarterback duel with Tom Brady, and is yet to throw an interception at Lambeau in two calendar years, finding 31 touchdowns in that stretch, including 20 there this season.
Rodgers heads the 8th-best passing game in football (269 ypg) and will face the game's worst pass defense (284.9 ppg). He will start his 100th professional football game Monday night.
This season he has recorded 32 touchdowns, third-best in the league, against only 3 interceptions. His 32 yard score to Richard Rodgers Sunday came with 8 seconds left in first quarter, and Jordy Nelson snagged a 45 yard catch-and-run touchdown with 14 seconds remaining in the second.
"It's a big challenge for us this week with Aaron Rodgers," Falcons coach Mike Smith said this week. "No doubt, he's playing the best of any quarterback in the NFL right now. He's got a number of weapons he can get it to."
Jordy Nelson has 1,169 yards receiving for the Packers and ranks second in the game with 10 touchdowns. Randall Cobb also has 10 scores, on 922 yards through the air.
Eddie Lacy carried for 98 yards on 21 attempts in victory against the Patriots and has rushed for 100 yards in last four appearances for Green Bay. He has 6 touchdowns to his name on 770 yards this season.
He averages only 64 yards per game rushing, though Atlanta allows 118 every week.
All of which gives Green Bay the best scoring offense in football (31.7 ppg) that on Monday will host an Atlanta group currently allowing the most overall yards per game (403.2).
Atlanta (5-7) defeated NFC-leading Arizona last week at home, jumping out to a 17-0 lead on Matt Ryan's two touchdown passes, finishing on Matt Bryant's five field goals.
"When we play consistent football, we can put that type of performance out there," Mike Smith of their win. "These are the types of games you've got to win in November and December in order to play in January."
And despite their woeful record, the Falcons are still in control of their postseason destiny as they sit atop the equally woeful NFC South, against whom they hold a 4-0 record.
They dropped five straight contests from Weeks 4 to 9, outscored 149-89, before heading into their Week 10 bye, though won their next two, both on the road. They fell to Cleveland on a last-second field goal before their win over the Cardinals.
Ryan went 30-of-41 Sunday, 10 of those to Julio Jones, who led receivers with 189 yards and a 32 yard touchdown early. Harry Douglas followed with 116 yards on 9 receptions.
Steven Jackson added 101 yards on 18 rushes, including a 55 yard scamper on their opening drive that led to Ryan's 1 yard scoring pass to Levine Toilolo. Atlanta outrushed Arizona 142-35.
Falcons receiver Roddy White is likely to see the field for Atlanta after missing their last game with an ankle injury. The 10-year veteran has 5 touchdowns this season on 662 yards.
Atlanta will face New Orleans to likely decide the division's representative to the postseason, and both are seeking to avoid becoming the first playoff team with a below-.500 record since the 2010 Seattle Seahawks.
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."
/
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."
/
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.
/
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.
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