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.
/
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, December 2, 2014
Flyers-Sharks preview
San Jose, Ca. - Broad Street is yet to produce a single bully this season as the Flyers seek to improve their 2-8-1 away record in San Jose Tuesday night.
They will play the second of a five-game road trip on which they are already a quick 0-1, and are winless in their last seven road outings.
Philadelphia (8-12-3, 19 pts) suffered a 5-2 decision to their arch-rival New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden Saturday after being shutout 3-0 by them at home the day before.
Cam Talbot stopped 57-of-57 shots fired against him in two games against the Flyers this year. Henrik Lundqvist stopped another 21-of-23 two days ago.
Rendering the Flyers 2-of-80 against the Rangers' goal this season.
They are currently on a 4-game losing streak overall, ending November 1-7-1, being outscored 15-4 in that stretch, a 4-3 victory over lowly Columbus their only positive mark.
"It's mental," head coach Craig Berube said this week. "Every guy has to man up and do their job. My job is to get these guys going in the right direction."
Puck control has been an area of concern for the Flyers, who in their Nov. 28th defeat to New York allowed a game-winning goal from the visitors after a costly turnover deep in their own zone.
Every Ranger touched the puck on the play after a turnover in the corner boards, taking a 3-on-1 rush to Steve Mason, who suffered the go-ahead shot to his right side.
"We don't skate," Jakub Voracek said. "We are slower everywhere. That's the problem."
The right-winger is one of few bright spots for the Flyers. His 32 points (9 goals, 23 assists) rank second in the game behind Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, with whom he has enjoyed the points-lead for much of the season.
"There's only one way to figure it out, and that's together," forward Wayne Simmonds said this week. "If you start abandoning guys now and don't have everyone supportive, then it's going to keep going the wrong way."
A wrong way that includes the second-worst penalty kill in hockey (73.8 pct). During their sour November campaign, the Flyers have stopped only 65.7 percent of shots a man down, a number that falls to 62.2 percent on the road.
Which may spell trouble against the Sharks' 4th-best power play (23.8 pct).
San Jose (11-10-4, 26 pts) defeated Anaheim 6-4 three nights ago after suffering their own four-game losing streak. Logan Couture notched two goals after waking up that morning in the hospital with an illness.
"We needed it," Couture said afterwards. He notched a shorthanded goal on a breakaway and his 10 goals this year shares the team's best scoring mark. The center has also secured five straight contests with a point earned.
And has scored 3 goals in the Sharks' last two meetings with Philadelphia.
"We haven't been scoring as many goals, so it was good to find some way to score."
They jumped out to a 5-1 second period lead before allowing three consecutive goals.
Joe Thornton leads the team with 21 points in 25 games, (7 goals, 14 assists) and recorded an assist on Joe Pavelski's power-play goal in victory over the Ducks.
And he is enjoying a 12-game points streak against the Flyers with 17 points in that time.
But San Jose has gone only 2-5-2 in their last 7 outings, during which they scored 14 goals.
"We've got to put something together," Couture said after their win Saturday. "It's one game, we've played one game well before, then played five [bad] ones, so we've got to figure it out and put some good games together."
Flyers starting goalie Steve Mason is winless in his last four starts, and Ray Emery in relief has been downed in his last three appearances, with a 4.35 goals-against average.
San Jose is 9-2-2 this season when scoring first.
They will play the second of a five-game road trip on which they are already a quick 0-1, and are winless in their last seven road outings.
Philadelphia (8-12-3, 19 pts) suffered a 5-2 decision to their arch-rival New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden Saturday after being shutout 3-0 by them at home the day before.
Cam Talbot stopped 57-of-57 shots fired against him in two games against the Flyers this year. Henrik Lundqvist stopped another 21-of-23 two days ago.
Rendering the Flyers 2-of-80 against the Rangers' goal this season.
They are currently on a 4-game losing streak overall, ending November 1-7-1, being outscored 15-4 in that stretch, a 4-3 victory over lowly Columbus their only positive mark.
"It's mental," head coach Craig Berube said this week. "Every guy has to man up and do their job. My job is to get these guys going in the right direction."
Puck control has been an area of concern for the Flyers, who in their Nov. 28th defeat to New York allowed a game-winning goal from the visitors after a costly turnover deep in their own zone.
Every Ranger touched the puck on the play after a turnover in the corner boards, taking a 3-on-1 rush to Steve Mason, who suffered the go-ahead shot to his right side.
"We don't skate," Jakub Voracek said. "We are slower everywhere. That's the problem."
The right-winger is one of few bright spots for the Flyers. His 32 points (9 goals, 23 assists) rank second in the game behind Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby, with whom he has enjoyed the points-lead for much of the season.
"There's only one way to figure it out, and that's together," forward Wayne Simmonds said this week. "If you start abandoning guys now and don't have everyone supportive, then it's going to keep going the wrong way."
A wrong way that includes the second-worst penalty kill in hockey (73.8 pct). During their sour November campaign, the Flyers have stopped only 65.7 percent of shots a man down, a number that falls to 62.2 percent on the road.
Which may spell trouble against the Sharks' 4th-best power play (23.8 pct).
San Jose (11-10-4, 26 pts) defeated Anaheim 6-4 three nights ago after suffering their own four-game losing streak. Logan Couture notched two goals after waking up that morning in the hospital with an illness.
"We needed it," Couture said afterwards. He notched a shorthanded goal on a breakaway and his 10 goals this year shares the team's best scoring mark. The center has also secured five straight contests with a point earned.
And has scored 3 goals in the Sharks' last two meetings with Philadelphia.
"We haven't been scoring as many goals, so it was good to find some way to score."
They jumped out to a 5-1 second period lead before allowing three consecutive goals.
Joe Thornton leads the team with 21 points in 25 games, (7 goals, 14 assists) and recorded an assist on Joe Pavelski's power-play goal in victory over the Ducks.
And he is enjoying a 12-game points streak against the Flyers with 17 points in that time.
But San Jose has gone only 2-5-2 in their last 7 outings, during which they scored 14 goals.
"We've got to put something together," Couture said after their win Saturday. "It's one game, we've played one game well before, then played five [bad] ones, so we've got to figure it out and put some good games together."
Flyers starting goalie Steve Mason is winless in his last four starts, and Ray Emery in relief has been downed in his last three appearances, with a 4.35 goals-against average.
San Jose is 9-2-2 this season when scoring first.
Hugh Freeze signs extension with Ole Miss
Oxford, Miss. - Ole Miss head football coach Hugh Freeze has signed an extension to his contract to remain the school's coach.
The length of the new deal has not been announced, sources have said it will pay Freeze about $4 million annually, and had earned $3 million per year formerly, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported.
"The new number became $3 million last year," athletic director Ross Bjork told the Daily Journal last month. "We're at $3 million. So what's the new number? Is it closer to 4? I don't know that 5 in the new norm yet. We're committed to playing and competing at the highest level."
Freeze, an Oxford native, has gone 23-14 in three seasons with the Rebels, ranked 13th nationally this season, taking over a 2-10 team in 2011 from Houston Nutt and has steadily improved the school's record each year.
The school became a playoff contender this season under Freeze, ranked 4th at the highest, their best national mark since 1964.
They began the year 7-0, including a 23-17 victory over Alabama at home.
Ole Miss (9-3, 5-3 SEC) bounced back from a three-game conference losing skid to defeat arch-rival Mississippi State last Saturday, ranked fourth in the nation, in this year's Egg Bowl 37-17.
The length of the new deal has not been announced, sources have said it will pay Freeze about $4 million annually, and had earned $3 million per year formerly, the Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal reported.
"The new number became $3 million last year," athletic director Ross Bjork told the Daily Journal last month. "We're at $3 million. So what's the new number? Is it closer to 4? I don't know that 5 in the new norm yet. We're committed to playing and competing at the highest level."
Freeze, an Oxford native, has gone 23-14 in three seasons with the Rebels, ranked 13th nationally this season, taking over a 2-10 team in 2011 from Houston Nutt and has steadily improved the school's record each year.
The school became a playoff contender this season under Freeze, ranked 4th at the highest, their best national mark since 1964.
They began the year 7-0, including a 23-17 victory over Alabama at home.
Ole Miss (9-3, 5-3 SEC) bounced back from a three-game conference losing skid to defeat arch-rival Mississippi State last Saturday, ranked fourth in the nation, in this year's Egg Bowl 37-17.
Rams players will not be fined for Ferguson protest
St. Louis, Mo. - The NFL announced Monday that five St. Louis Rams will not suffer any fines or punishments for their display of protest of the situation in Ferguson, Missouri.
During pre-game introductions Sunday, Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens, and Jared Cook stood side-by-side and held their hands in the air for several seconds.
It is an action that has recently come to symbolize the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" protest many are expressing following a grand jury verdict in the St. Louis suburb that neglected to indict police officer Darren Wilson.
Wilson shot and killed teenager Michael Brown after a skirmish broke out between the two in August.
The verdict has driven many to public riots and some looting in the streets of Ferguson that has resulted in destruction of property and great unrest.
The union of St. Louis police officers expressed offense at the protest from the five players, citing a tasteless attitude towards law enforcement.
"The St. Louis Police Officers Association is profoundly disappointed with the members of the St. Louis Rams football team who chose to ignore the mountains of evidence released from the St. Louis County Grand Jury this week and engage in a display that police officers around the nation found tasteless, offensive, and inflammatory," the SLPOA said in a statement.
Brian McCarthy, the NFL's vice president of communications responded in an official statement, reading:
"We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation."
During pre-game introductions Sunday, Tavon Austin, Kenny Britt, Stedman Bailey, Chris Givens, and Jared Cook stood side-by-side and held their hands in the air for several seconds.
It is an action that has recently come to symbolize the "Hands Up, Don't Shoot" protest many are expressing following a grand jury verdict in the St. Louis suburb that neglected to indict police officer Darren Wilson.
Wilson shot and killed teenager Michael Brown after a skirmish broke out between the two in August.
The verdict has driven many to public riots and some looting in the streets of Ferguson that has resulted in destruction of property and great unrest.
The union of St. Louis police officers expressed offense at the protest from the five players, citing a tasteless attitude towards law enforcement.
"The St. Louis Police Officers Association is profoundly disappointed with the members of the St. Louis Rams football team who chose to ignore the mountains of evidence released from the St. Louis County Grand Jury this week and engage in a display that police officers around the nation found tasteless, offensive, and inflammatory," the SLPOA said in a statement.
Brian McCarthy, the NFL's vice president of communications responded in an official statement, reading:
"We respect and understand the concerns of all individuals who have expressed views on this tragic situation."
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.
Jets leading Dolphins 7-0 after one
East Rutherford, N.J. - New York struck first as the Jets lead the Dolphins 7-0 after the first quarter Monday night.
Greg Salas raced around left end for a 20 yard touchdown rush from the Miami 21 on a give from Smith on a misdirection play that had the formation going right. Salas broke through an empty secondary and trotted into the end zone for the 7-0 Jets lead.
Smith would convert 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 to the Miami 21.
The score was the fifth play in an 85 yard drive, the second on the night for the Jets (2-9).
New York outrushed Miami 134-10 as Chris Johnson rushed 4 times for 64 yards in the quarter.
Miami (6-5) tried to respond as Ryan Tannehill darted a play-action pass to Mike Wallace for a quick 25 yard gain. Lamar Miller rushed up the middle for a first-down, but the play was called back when Daryn Colledge held on the attempt.
The visitors would chip their way to a 3rd-and-8 on two passes before Tannehill threw a strike to Jarvis Landry on a slant play to the Jets 32. The quarterback then kept himself when center field came open for a 10 yard gain.
He was sacked when Kendrick Ellis powered past the center guard and wrapped Tannehill for an 8 yard loss, the defensive tackle's first-career sack. The resulting 3rd-and-13 pass went wide of Landry when Tannehill was pressured from both sides.
Caleb Sturgis missed the 43 yard field goal wide left, his 5th miss this season as Miami ended a 58 yard drive over six minutes with no points.
Tannehill is 7-of-9 for 73 yards passing for Miami.
Both sides exchanged punts on their first drives in the contest. Miami was held to a three-and-out after 8 yards gained and New York to 7 plays on 39 yards.
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the fake-clock play between the Jets and Dolphins, when quarterback Dan Marino rushed to the line signaled a spike, but instead threw wide to Mark Ingram in the end zone for a surprise 28-24 victory for Miami.
Greg Salas raced around left end for a 20 yard touchdown rush from the Miami 21 on a give from Smith on a misdirection play that had the formation going right. Salas broke through an empty secondary and trotted into the end zone for the 7-0 Jets lead.
Smith would convert 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 to the Miami 21.
The score was the fifth play in an 85 yard drive, the second on the night for the Jets (2-9).
New York outrushed Miami 134-10 as Chris Johnson rushed 4 times for 64 yards in the quarter.
Miami (6-5) tried to respond as Ryan Tannehill darted a play-action pass to Mike Wallace for a quick 25 yard gain. Lamar Miller rushed up the middle for a first-down, but the play was called back when Daryn Colledge held on the attempt.
The visitors would chip their way to a 3rd-and-8 on two passes before Tannehill threw a strike to Jarvis Landry on a slant play to the Jets 32. The quarterback then kept himself when center field came open for a 10 yard gain.
He was sacked when Kendrick Ellis powered past the center guard and wrapped Tannehill for an 8 yard loss, the defensive tackle's first-career sack. The resulting 3rd-and-13 pass went wide of Landry when Tannehill was pressured from both sides.
Caleb Sturgis missed the 43 yard field goal wide left, his 5th miss this season as Miami ended a 58 yard drive over six minutes with no points.
Tannehill is 7-of-9 for 73 yards passing for Miami.
Both sides exchanged punts on their first drives in the contest. Miami was held to a three-and-out after 8 yards gained and New York to 7 plays on 39 yards.
This week marks the 20th anniversary of the fake-clock play between the Jets and Dolphins, when quarterback Dan Marino rushed to the line signaled a spike, but instead threw wide to Mark Ingram in the end zone for a surprise 28-24 victory for Miami.
Joey Bosa named Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year
Columbus, Ohio - Ohio State defensive end Joey Bosa was named the Big Ten's Defensive Player of the Year Monday.
He finished the regular season with 46 tackles and 20 tackles-for-loss, recording a tackle-for-loss in 16-of-17 career games, including a program record of 14 straight games, which he shares with Ryan Shazier and Andy Katzenmoyer.
Bosa ranks 5th-nationally and 1st in the Big Ten in recorded sacks (13.5).
He secured at least two sacks in four contests this year for Ohio State (11-0, 8-0), including 2.5 in the team's Oct. 25th double-overtime victory against Penn State. The second, of quarterback Christian Hackenberg secured the victory for the Buckeyes in extra time.
The Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year Award is named for Michigan State's Bubba Smith and Penn State's Courtney Brown.
He finished the regular season with 46 tackles and 20 tackles-for-loss, recording a tackle-for-loss in 16-of-17 career games, including a program record of 14 straight games, which he shares with Ryan Shazier and Andy Katzenmoyer.
Bosa ranks 5th-nationally and 1st in the Big Ten in recorded sacks (13.5).
He secured at least two sacks in four contests this year for Ohio State (11-0, 8-0), including 2.5 in the team's Oct. 25th double-overtime victory against Penn State. The second, of quarterback Christian Hackenberg secured the victory for the Buckeyes in extra time.
The Smith-Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year Award is named for Michigan State's Bubba Smith and Penn State's Courtney Brown.
Steelers put Brett Keisel on IR
Pittsburgh, Pa. - Defensive end Brett Keisel has been put on the season-ending injured reserve list by the Pittsburgh Steelers Monday and will miss the remainder of the season.
Keisel left action Sunday with a torn tricep during the Steelers' 35-32 loss to the Saints.
He played all 12 games this season, his 13th year in the league, all with Pittsburgh. He signed with the team halfway through the preseason after waiting for an offer.
The 36-year-old recorded 17 tackles, a sack, and his 2nd-career interception this season with Pittsburgh (7-5).
The team signed defensive end Clifton Geathers, 26, to replace him. Geathers played this season for the Washington Redskins and for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He has also seen the field with the Colts, Dolphins, and Cowboys.
Keisel left action Sunday with a torn tricep during the Steelers' 35-32 loss to the Saints.
He played all 12 games this season, his 13th year in the league, all with Pittsburgh. He signed with the team halfway through the preseason after waiting for an offer.
The 36-year-old recorded 17 tackles, a sack, and his 2nd-career interception this season with Pittsburgh (7-5).
The team signed defensive end Clifton Geathers, 26, to replace him. Geathers played this season for the Washington Redskins and for the Philadelphia Eagles last season. He has also seen the field with the Colts, Dolphins, and Cowboys.
Dolphins-Jets preview
East Rutherford, N.J. - Geno Smith will start for the New York Jets when they host the Miami Dolphins on Monday night.
Head coach Rex Ryan announced the decision to give Smith a second shot at the job Wednesday morning.
"Everybody's on board with the decision," Ryan said. "I have said it all along that I feel we have two good quarterbacks, I definitely feel that."
Smith started the first eight games of the season for the Jets (2-9) before being benched in favor of Michael Vick for three games, though would himself replace Vick during the team's 38-3 defeat to the Buffalo Bills last Monday.
He has thrown only 7 touchdowns against 10 interceptions this season and has not started since facing a 43-23 defeat to Buffalo in Week 8, a game that found him throw interceptions on three-straight possessions.
Smith goes under center for the worst passing game in football (173.7 ypg) and will face the Dolphins' 4th-best pass defense (211.7 ypg) Monday night.
"Now is the opportunity for him to step back in and let's see how it goes," Ryan said of Smith. "I, for one, am excited to watch him. He has my support on this, and that's what I'll say about that."
The quarterback position across the field is slightly more stable.
Ryan Tannehill ranks 3rd in football with a 71 percent completion rate and threw 3 touchdowns last Sunday in Denver. Though his late interception would seal the 39-36 defeat in the fourth quarter.
They held an 11-point lead over the Broncos in that final session.
"As a competitor, you don't like to see it," Tannehill said of the loss. "We didn't score enough points in the second half."
His 20 touchdown passes are the 12th-best in the game, and his 8 interceptions are the 23rd least.
Mike Wallace leads the Dolphins' 14th-best receiving corps with 7 touchdowns on 592 yards. Jarvis Landry follows with 450 yards and 5 scores.
Miami (6-5) has struggled to an 0-3 record in contests decided by four or fewer points this season.
In addition to their loss at Denver, the Dolphins fell by 3 points to the Packers at home in Week 6 and at Detroit four weeks later by 4, both contests where late leads were lost.
They lost to Detroit on a touchdown pass with 29 seconds left in the game.
"We have to find a way to win some of those games," Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said this week. "We're going to be in some more of those games. That's just the way the NFL is."
Though the Dolphins do boast the 10th-best rush defense, holding opponents to 104 yards per game. That strength will be tested against the Jets' 3rd-best rushing attack (136.5 ypg).
New York's Chris Ivory has rushed for 579 yards and 4 touchdowns and Chris Johnson for another score on 400 yards this season.
"They have an outstanding defensive line," Rex Ryan said of Miami's front. "If we can't block them it doesn't matter who you have at quarterback."
The two teams will meet again to conclude their regular seasons in Miami.
Head coach Rex Ryan announced the decision to give Smith a second shot at the job Wednesday morning.
"Everybody's on board with the decision," Ryan said. "I have said it all along that I feel we have two good quarterbacks, I definitely feel that."
Smith started the first eight games of the season for the Jets (2-9) before being benched in favor of Michael Vick for three games, though would himself replace Vick during the team's 38-3 defeat to the Buffalo Bills last Monday.
He has thrown only 7 touchdowns against 10 interceptions this season and has not started since facing a 43-23 defeat to Buffalo in Week 8, a game that found him throw interceptions on three-straight possessions.
Smith goes under center for the worst passing game in football (173.7 ypg) and will face the Dolphins' 4th-best pass defense (211.7 ypg) Monday night.
"Now is the opportunity for him to step back in and let's see how it goes," Ryan said of Smith. "I, for one, am excited to watch him. He has my support on this, and that's what I'll say about that."
The quarterback position across the field is slightly more stable.
Ryan Tannehill ranks 3rd in football with a 71 percent completion rate and threw 3 touchdowns last Sunday in Denver. Though his late interception would seal the 39-36 defeat in the fourth quarter.
They held an 11-point lead over the Broncos in that final session.
"As a competitor, you don't like to see it," Tannehill said of the loss. "We didn't score enough points in the second half."
His 20 touchdown passes are the 12th-best in the game, and his 8 interceptions are the 23rd least.
Mike Wallace leads the Dolphins' 14th-best receiving corps with 7 touchdowns on 592 yards. Jarvis Landry follows with 450 yards and 5 scores.
Miami (6-5) has struggled to an 0-3 record in contests decided by four or fewer points this season.
In addition to their loss at Denver, the Dolphins fell by 3 points to the Packers at home in Week 6 and at Detroit four weeks later by 4, both contests where late leads were lost.
They lost to Detroit on a touchdown pass with 29 seconds left in the game.
"We have to find a way to win some of those games," Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin said this week. "We're going to be in some more of those games. That's just the way the NFL is."
Though the Dolphins do boast the 10th-best rush defense, holding opponents to 104 yards per game. That strength will be tested against the Jets' 3rd-best rushing attack (136.5 ypg).
New York's Chris Ivory has rushed for 579 yards and 4 touchdowns and Chris Johnson for another score on 400 yards this season.
"They have an outstanding defensive line," Rex Ryan said of Miami's front. "If we can't block them it doesn't matter who you have at quarterback."
The two teams will meet again to conclude their regular seasons in Miami.
Leafs, Rangers, Habs are most valuable NHL clubs
New York, N.Y. - While the average NHL hockey club is worth around $490 million, there are three seemingly in their own league, enjoying a valuation of over $1 billion.
Toronto's Maple Leafs were ranked first-overall by Forbes, their ninth-straight year at the top, worth $1.3 billion.
That, despite the Leafs suffering a 47-year championship drought, having last lifted Lord Stanley's Cup in 1967.
The New York Rangers came second, worth $1.1 billion, thanks to an increase in income during their Stanley Cup Playoff run last season, which Forbes estimated at north of $20 million last season.
Worth an estimated $1 billion, the Montreal Canadiens round out the top three, in large part to a Bell Centre sell-out streak lasting seven years straight, despite charging the second-highest prices in the league.
The average worth of NHL franchises increased 18.6 percent over the past year, to about $490 million.
That increase has been attributed to a landmark deal between the league and Rogers Communications, the large Canadian television broadcaster.
Forbes reports the contract to be worth $4.6 billion over 6 years, giving the conglomerate the right to broadcast every hockey game played in Canada, including every Stanley Cup Playoff matchup.
The Chicago Blackhawks came in fourth on the valuation list, at $825 million, and, according to the report, boast the highest average attendance (21,775) and the largest local television viewership, on CSN Chicago (153,000).
Toronto's Maple Leafs were ranked first-overall by Forbes, their ninth-straight year at the top, worth $1.3 billion.
That, despite the Leafs suffering a 47-year championship drought, having last lifted Lord Stanley's Cup in 1967.
The New York Rangers came second, worth $1.1 billion, thanks to an increase in income during their Stanley Cup Playoff run last season, which Forbes estimated at north of $20 million last season.
Worth an estimated $1 billion, the Montreal Canadiens round out the top three, in large part to a Bell Centre sell-out streak lasting seven years straight, despite charging the second-highest prices in the league.
The average worth of NHL franchises increased 18.6 percent over the past year, to about $490 million.
That increase has been attributed to a landmark deal between the league and Rogers Communications, the large Canadian television broadcaster.
Forbes reports the contract to be worth $4.6 billion over 6 years, giving the conglomerate the right to broadcast every hockey game played in Canada, including every Stanley Cup Playoff matchup.
The Chicago Blackhawks came in fourth on the valuation list, at $825 million, and, according to the report, boast the highest average attendance (21,775) and the largest local television viewership, on CSN Chicago (153,000).
Artem Anisimov out 2-3 months
Columbus, Ohio - Blue Jackets center Artem Anisimov has been placed on the team's injured reserve list Monday after suffering a torn triceps muscle in their 2-1 defeat at Nashville two days ago.
The team said his injury will likely sit him two to three months.
The 26-year-old Russian missed seven games this season with an upper body injury, though notched 2 goals and 4 assists (6 pts) for Columbus (6-15-2).
The team said his injury will likely sit him two to three months.
The 26-year-old Russian missed seven games this season with an upper body injury, though notched 2 goals and 4 assists (6 pts) for Columbus (6-15-2).
Cleveland's QB quagmire: Hoyer and Manziel
Berea, Ohio - The Cleveland Browns are enjoying a resurgence this year, above .500, competing in the tough AFC North and looking for a playoff berth, the first since after their 2002 campaign.
But that success has come alongside their second quarterback controversy this season.
Starter Brian Hoyer remained defiant in the team's press conference following the team's 26-10 loss at Buffalo Sunday that he felt the Browns were his team.
That, despite throwing two interceptions, his fifth pick in his last two outings, during which he also failed to throw a touchdown.
"Yeah, no doubt. This is my team, I've always felt that way. We'll see what happens," Hoyer said Sunday.
The North Olmstead, Ohio, native began the season under center for Cleveland (7-5) after a much-publicized quarterback try-out between he and 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel.
Manziel entered the Buffalo game after Hoyer was benched near the start of the final quarter Sunday, when the Browns were trailing 20-3.
He led the team on an 80 yard drive, capped off by his 10 yard rushing touchdown, his first score in the professional ranks.
His second drive, however, proved less inspirational.
Manziel fumbled the 3rd-and-6 snap, picked it up and nearly lost it again for a would-be Bills touchdown, though his pass attempt was ruled incomplete.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said the quarterback position is now open again, and a decision will likely be made Wednesday as to who will start when they host the Colts four days later.
"The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position," Pettine told ESPN. "It's not like we're just going to go back to Brian. This has been a cumulative thing where discussions about where a change at quarterback have been more and more lively. We'll evaluate both quarterbacks and have a decision soon."
Should Manziel start Sunday, it would be his first complete game start in the NFL.
"If that is the case, and my name is called, then I'll definitely be ready," Manziel said of the possible change. He went 5-of-8 for 63 yards passing Sunday.
But that success has come alongside their second quarterback controversy this season.
Starter Brian Hoyer remained defiant in the team's press conference following the team's 26-10 loss at Buffalo Sunday that he felt the Browns were his team.
That, despite throwing two interceptions, his fifth pick in his last two outings, during which he also failed to throw a touchdown.
"Yeah, no doubt. This is my team, I've always felt that way. We'll see what happens," Hoyer said Sunday.
The North Olmstead, Ohio, native began the season under center for Cleveland (7-5) after a much-publicized quarterback try-out between he and 2014 first-round pick Johnny Manziel.
Manziel entered the Buffalo game after Hoyer was benched near the start of the final quarter Sunday, when the Browns were trailing 20-3.
He led the team on an 80 yard drive, capped off by his 10 yard rushing touchdown, his first score in the professional ranks.
His second drive, however, proved less inspirational.
Manziel fumbled the 3rd-and-6 snap, picked it up and nearly lost it again for a would-be Bills touchdown, though his pass attempt was ruled incomplete.
Browns coach Mike Pettine said the quarterback position is now open again, and a decision will likely be made Wednesday as to who will start when they host the Colts four days later.
"The door is definitely open for a change at the quarterback position," Pettine told ESPN. "It's not like we're just going to go back to Brian. This has been a cumulative thing where discussions about where a change at quarterback have been more and more lively. We'll evaluate both quarterbacks and have a decision soon."
Should Manziel start Sunday, it would be his first complete game start in the NFL.
"If that is the case, and my name is called, then I'll definitely be ready," Manziel said of the possible change. He went 5-of-8 for 63 yards passing Sunday.
J.J. Watt makes history
Houston, Tex. - Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was more than a feature in the team's 45-21 victory over Tennessee.
He made history.
Watt became the first defensive lineman since 1944 to record five touchdowns in a season of pro football.
He has caught three touchdowns receiving and two more scores defensively this season, the first man to do so irrespective of position since 1948, when Joe Golding caught four touchdown receptions and two returned interception scores.
Sunday found Watt's second game in three outings with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a receiving touchdown. No other man has the achievement in the last five seasons.
In addition to two sacks, six quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss.
He also recorded two other touchdowns this season by returned interception and a recovered and returned fumble.
His performance Sunday inspired the Houston crowd to chant "M-V-P, M-V-P" as he left the field.
"It's what you dream about," Watt said after the game.
He made history.
Watt became the first defensive lineman since 1944 to record five touchdowns in a season of pro football.
He has caught three touchdowns receiving and two more scores defensively this season, the first man to do so irrespective of position since 1948, when Joe Golding caught four touchdown receptions and two returned interception scores.
Sunday found Watt's second game in three outings with a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a receiving touchdown. No other man has the achievement in the last five seasons.
In addition to two sacks, six quarterback hits, and a tackle for loss.
He also recorded two other touchdowns this season by returned interception and a recovered and returned fumble.
His performance Sunday inspired the Houston crowd to chant "M-V-P, M-V-P" as he left the field.
"It's what you dream about," Watt said after the game.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)