Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
WEEK 10 NFL GAME REVIEWS
Denver Broncos (5‐4) 34 Cleveland Browns (3‐6) 30
It’s that time of year again – Thursday night football is back and ready for us until the end
of the season. It also marks Brady Quinn’s reign in Cleveland getting underway – could he
outperform Derek Anderson, which was the real competition tonight! With over half their
running backs on IR or injured, it was Ryan Torain’s turn to step into high gear for the
Broncos. He started by taking the ball into the end zone from 1yd out for the early Bronco
lead. Brady Quinn answered back with his first touchdown as an NFL starter – he hit star
tight end Kellen Winslow from 5yds out to level things up. Phil Dawson got the second
quarter underway when he struck a 24yd field goal and gave the Browns the lead. After Jay
Cutler was intercepted on the next drive, Quinn went back to Kellen Winslow from 15yds
out and the TD. The half ended with a field goal exchange – Matt Prater got the Bronco’s
back in the game from 35yds out, followed by a fantastic 52yd attempt from Phil Dawson.
The Half ended 20‐10 in favour of the Browns. After a short third quarter which held only
two field goals – Dawson from 22yds out and Prater from 30yds out, the score was 13‐23 in
the fourth – Jay Cutler and the Bronco’s weren’t out of it yet. Cutler hit star rookie wide receiver Eddie Royal from 93yds out for
an electrifying TD. Brady Quinn fumbled the ball away on the next possession and Jay Cutler swung a pass to Daniel Graham
from 28yds out for another TD. Jamal Lewis proved he can still carry as well as he used to – running in from 1yd out to give the
Browns the lead again. The Browns defence was buckling under pressure and it finally broke when Cutler hit his “old faithful” –
Brandon Marshall from 11yds out and the game winning TD. Although the Browns lost – Brady Quinn had an impressive start at
QB – 2 TD’s and 0 picks was a good day!
Game Notes....
o Cutler Hot! – Broncos QB Jay Cutler got away with several risky throws, but his aggressiveness ultimately paid off as he passed for a
career‐high 447 yards and led his team on three fourth‐quarter touchdown drives.
o Royal Performance – Eddie Royal had a stunning day for a rookie WR. He caught 6 passes for 164yds receiving and 1 TD which was
from 93yds deep!
New Orleans Saints 20 (4‐5) Atlanta Falcons (6‐3) 34
The NFC South truly is an impressive division and by far the most surprising result, not just of this
division – but of the whole NFL, has been the Atlanta Falcons. Rookie QB, Rookie head coach,
Rookie defence – this team is the worst in the NFL on paper! Yet they have pulled off 5 wins so
far and get their 6th today, they are unbeaten at home and have one of the top running backs in
Michael Turner. The Saints should be winning this division (on paper) – yet they are last, and this
isn’t just down to the old myth that if you finish top of this division one year, you will be bottom
the next. Time to throw the paper out of the window and play some FOOTBALL! First pass of the
game was a Drew Brees interception by Eric Coleman. A couple of drives later and Matt Ryan hit
his favourite receiver, Roddy white, from 16yds out and the TD. Garrett Hartley got the Saints on
the board from 24yds out to get their game rolling. Remember that star running back I
mentioned, well Michael “the burner” Turner powered the ball in from 2yds out to cap off
another successful Falcon drive. Garrett Hartley added another 3 points before the half ended,
44yds out was his second of the day. Jason Elam got his first almost immediately after – 22yds
out gave the Falcons a 17‐6 lead going in to halftime. After halftime it was the Flacons who came
out scoring again – Jason Elam hit a 27yd field goal, the only score of a quarter, dominated by Michael Turner runs! Fourth
quarter now and you’d expect a Saints comeback of some sort? Well Matt Ryan tried his best to hold that off as long as possible
– he hit Jerious Norwood on the slant and he took it 67yds down the sideline quite stylishly actually! Brees then began the fight
back – he hit Deuce McAllister from 15yds out to close the gap to 27‐13 – However Brees was intercepted in the end zone on the
next drive – the fight back was halted. Brees got the ball back again and this time he decided to throw the ball right at Chevis
Jackson – he took the ball 95yds right down the Saints sideline – 95yds INT return. Brees did get a final, conciliatory TD – He hit
Lance Moore from 32yds out, but it was too little too late – Falcons win at home yet again (and remain unbeaten).
Game Notes....
o The Predator – John Abraham took the NFC sack lead with his 11th of the year
o Desperation – Despite finishing with 521 yards of offense, the Saints scored just 20 points, including a touchdown off a meaningless
desperation pass to Lance Moore as time expired.
Tenessee Titans (9‐0) 21 Chicago Bears (5‐4) 14
(Apart from the Lions) The Titans are still the NFL’s only perfect team. They aren’t exactly
the Patriots from last year – dominating their opponents and winning based purely on Tom
Brady’s arm. They are edging opponents and their defence is their strong point. After
losing Vince Young early, the Titans have been lead by career backup Kerry Collins, he has
been playing great football. Meanwhile in Chicago, the Bears lost Kyle Orton last week so it
was “Interceptaurus” Rex’s Turn at the Helm – with a quality RB in rookie Matt Forte, who
would win this mighty tussle at Soldier Field? Well it was the home crowd affecting play
early – Rex Grossman went to Matt Forte from 5yds out for the opening score. The rest of
the first quarter yielded nothing apart from a bit of classic “Rex” – throwing an
interception to the Titans – so it was the second quarter in which the Titans drew level.
Kerry Collins went to TE Bo Scaife from 10yds out for the tie. Third quarter now and Collins
went back to his receiving core – Justin Gage caught a 12yd gift from Collins for the lead.
Fourth quarter now and Lendale white has been sharing his carries with Chris Johnson this
season, but it was his turn to cross the goal line today, his 2yds TD gave the Titans a 14
point lead. After Robbie Gould had a field goal blocked, Interceptaurus Rex scrambled in
from 1yd out to close the gap to 1 score. It was over when Grossman couldn’t convert a 4th
down and the Titans run out the clock to remain the NFL’s only unbeaten team.
Game Notes....
o Mix It Up? – The Bears committed to stopping the Titans' explosive rushing attack, so Tennessee simply responded by putting the
ball into Collins' hands and telling him to win the game with his arm. Collins did just that, completing 75 percent of his passes and
befuddling a Chicago secondary with several key third‐down throws.
o Not Perfect Anymore ‐ Tennessee entered the game as the only team that had scored on all of its red‐zone possessions, but that
streak ended in the first quarter when FB Ahmard Hall fumbled at the goal line
Jacksonville Jaguars (4‐5) 38 Detroit Lions (0‐9) 14
(Apart from the Titans) The Lions are still the NFL’s only perfect team – well they haven’t
actually won a game yet! The Lions are really getting desperate now – they’ve run out of
options at QB with Kitna out and Orlovsky injured last week. They decided to sign Dante
Culpepper, a great quality QB, but can he turn this team around? Jacksonville has
disappointed this season, not finishing...sometimes not even getting started – could they start
today? Dante Culpepper got off to a typical Lions start – throwing a pick on his second throw
of the game – this set up Josh Scobee from 34yds out for an early 3 point lead. That
interception was enough to bench Culpepper – the result...Drew Stanton hits Josh Owens
from 1yd out for the TD. The Jags came out storming in the second quarter; Maurice Jones‐
Drew took the ball in from 6yds out for the TD and the lead. Jones‐Drew did it again only two
drives later – 1yd out he capped off a long drive for the Jags. You think he’s finished yet? Hell
no! Jones‐Drew took the ball in again from 8yds out – 3 TD’s for Jones‐Drew – 21 points for
the Jags in the second quarter. 24‐7 to the Jags at half time. After the break it was David
Garrard who was on fire – hitting Jerry Porter from 7yds out for a 24 point lead. Fourth
quarter now and the Lions couldn’t extinguish Garrard’s flame – he hit Troy Williamson from
10yds deep for a 31 point lead. The Lions were already beaten and could only manage a 1yd
Kevin Smith run for end the game. The Lions are still perfect... The Jags get a crucial win and
Maurice Jones‐Drew get’s 3 TD’s!
Game Notes....
o Air game – Jacksonville used a balanced attack to wear down the Lions. Of the Jaguars' 24 first downs, 11 came on the ground while
12 were made through the air.
o It keeps getting worse and worse– The Lions are 1‐16 in their last 17 games and have lost 10 straight.
Baltimore Ravens (6‐3) 41 Houston Texans (3‐6) 13
The Texan...good start...tailing off now. They have the leading NFL receiver in Andre
Johnson. However Sage Rosenfels is not a good QB and has been costing the team games.
Baltimore has quite the opposite case. Joe Flacco has been a rookie sensation and is a
definite candidate for rookie of the year. Willis McGahee has been playing well at HB and
has given them a solid option in the backfield. Flacco came out in his usual “sling to win”
style – he hit Yamon Figurs 43yds down the field for the opening TD (in spectacular style!)
2nd quarter now and Kris Brown got the Texans on the board from 23yds out but Houston
gives up a penalty in the end zone – offensive holding, gives the safety 2 points to
Baltimore. The half ended with a field goal exchange, Steven Hauschka hit one from
54yds out (not bad for a first attempt in the NFL!), followed by a 48yds Kris Brown
attempt – Baltimore lead 12‐6 going in to halftime. Willis McGahee has been back to
form – he capped off a second half opening drive which he dominated with his running
game – 1yd out and a 13 point lead. After Sage Rosenfels was picked on his first
possession, he got the ball back and went deep to Kevin Walters for the TD – 60yds out
and the longest play of Rosenfels career. 4th quarter now and Joe Flacco hits Todd Heap
from 1yd out for the TD and then hits Derrick Mason for the two point conversion. 27‐13 Ravens. After Sage Rosenfels was
intercepted, it was Troy Smith’s turn to step in at QB for the Ravens – he went to Todd Heap from 14yds out for his first TD of
the day. Willis McGahee finished off the day with a 4yd TD to seal the victory. The Texans never really looked like they were
going to win...the Ravens offense dominated the defence and Flacco the Rookie lead his team to a 6‐3 record.
Game Notes....
o Unbelievable...and a great help – Baltimore held Houston to 72 yards on the ground, continuing a streak of 28 straight games
without allowing a 100‐yard rusher.
o Will he ever learn? – Sage Rosenfels went 23 of 38 for 294 yards, one touchdown and four interceptions ... Two of Rosenfels'
interceptions went to Ravens LB Ray Lewis.
Seattle Seahawks (2‐7) 19 Miami Dolphins (5‐4) 21
The Dolphins are rolling...after beating Denver last week they were looking forward to a
game against a less explosive team. The Hawks are out of sync with the NFL and out of
sync with each other – no passing, no rushing, and no winning! Could they pull off a
massive upset when they travelled to Miami? Chad Pennington tried his best to pull off a
vital home win – he capped off a long opening drive with a 39yd TD pass to Tedd Ginn Jr.
Second quarter now and the Dolphins are back to their patent pending Wildcat
formation...Ronnie Brown takes the direct snap from centre, he hands it to Ricky Williams
– straight up the middle for a 51yd rushing TD and we still wonder if anyone can stop that
wildcat formation! Things didn’t go completely to plan for the Dolphins – Pennington was
intercepted by Jonathan Babineaux at their own 35yd line, Babineaux takes it 35yds to
the house for the Seahawks first score of the game. It was 1407 Dolphins heading in to
halftime. Orlando Mare (no Florida pun intended!) got his first field goal of the day –
37yds out. He quickly followed it by a 27yds attempt to bring the Hawks within 1 point.
4th quarter now and the Dolphins go back to the wildcat! Snap direct to Ronnie Brown, he
takes the ball 16yds around the corner for the TD. The game wasn’t an entire offensive
waste of time for the Seahawks – Seneca Wallace hit Koren Robinson from 3yds out, that
brought them within 2 points...Wallace couldn’t complete his pass to John Carlson and the attempt fails. Miami wins three in a
row and are still very big playoff contenders. (especially utilising that deadly wildcat formation, which has played a big part in
their victories this season)
Game Notes....
o .500 Promising – Miami (5‐4) is above .500 for the first time since 2005
o WIIIILDCAT – Ricky Williams scored on a 51‐yard run and Ronnie Brown had a 16‐yard touchdown run out of the "Wildcat"
formation, the seventh time the team has scored from that formation.
Greenbay Packers (4‐5) 27 Minnesota Vikings (5‐4) 28
This was a close game – it came down to one man, one ball and two posts – who won? IT
WAS Gus Frerotte who prevailed with a TD pass first of all; he hit Sidney Rice from 3yds out.
After Frerotte was intercepted on the next possession, Ryan Grant was able to turn it in to
6 points from 1yd out – tie game. Ryan Longwell kicked off the 2nd quarter (literally) he hit a
massive 54yd attempt – it was on‐line for 3 points. Strange call in the end zone when Kevin
Williams stripped Rodgers, he tried to throw it but was called for intentional grounding –
Safety 2 points for the Vikings. Next Packers possession – Rodgers is dropped by Jared Allen
in the end zone for a second safety within less than 5 minutes of each other. The half
finished with a Frerotte interception and 47yd Mason Crosby field goal. Minnesota up 14‐
10 at the half. Third quarter now – Frerotte opens up the tank again and hit Chester Taylor
for a 47yd TD and an 11 point lead. The Packers defence step up though – Frerotte’s pass
intended for Visanthe Shiancoe is picked by Nick Collins, he took it to the house from 29yds
out for the TD. Things got worse for the Vikings – it was Will Blackmon’s honour of
returning a Chris Kluwe punt 65yds and Greenbay get a punt return TD. Packers up 24‐21
going into the fourth quarter. After Adrian Peterson fumbled the ball away, Mason Crosby
struck a 40yds attempt through. You thought it was over, not after Adrian Peterson redeemed himself with a 29yd game saving
TD, Vikings up 28‐27. The Packers got the ball back with second left and set up Crosby from 52yds out...it was not on‐line...(it
was off‐line!)...Vikings win 28‐27.
Game Notes....
o Safe Safety– The Vikings forced two safeties in the second quarter. A team has not recorded two safeties in a game since 2003.
o Finally! – Vikings coach Brad Childress got his first victory against Green Bay in six tries.
Buffallo Bills (5‐4) 10 New England Patriots (6‐3) 20
This was a crucial watch in the AFC East – This game decides the way the top three players
in the division (Patriots, Bills and Jets) would end up. At such a crucial time of the
season...which team pulled it off? One thing you don’t see much from Matt Cassell is
running, but he scrambled up the middle for a 13yd opening score and a Patriot lead. After
Trent Edwards was intercepted on his first possession, Steve Gostkowski hit a 32yd field
goal – double digit Pats lead. Ryan Lindell got the Buffalo Ranch rumbling from 25yds out
for 3 points. The half ended when Gostkowski missed a 49yd field goal, the Pats still
maintained a 10‐3 lead at halftime. Action in the third quarter consisted of Steve
Gostkowski hitting a 37yd field goal to round off a long drive, followed by a Trent Edwards
interception. Fourth quarter now and the Patriots are running time of the clock by putting
together a 19 play drive which wasted 9:08 off the clock – worse still for the Bills, new RB
in New England, BenJarvus Green Ellis capped it off with a 1yd TD run to put the game out
of reach. Trent Edwards got a 14yd pass to James Hardy to close the gap to 10 – they try
and onside kick, but it doesn’t go 10yds. The Patriots beat the Bills at home and they win
the number 2 spot in the division.
Game Notes....
o Sack Machine Vs Defence – The Patriots allowed just one sack on Matt Cassel. After allowing Cassel to be sacked 28 times through
their first seven games, the Patriots have given up one sack over their last two games.
o Matchup – The Patriots have won 10 straight games against the Bills. Under Bill Bellichuck, New England has not lost to the Bills at
home.
St. Louis Rams (2‐7) 3 New York Jets (6‐3) 47
Well let me tell you that I caught up with this game at halftime and I thought that CBS was
having scoring problems...40‐0 at halftime was a great Jets performance – how did they do
it? Well Thomas Jones got the Jets starting strong right from the first possession – he took
the ball in from 13yds out for the early lead. (They had now already outscored the Rams!)
Jay Feeley added 3 points from 22yds out, quickly followed by a Marc Bulger sack...Picked
up by Calvin Pace, who lived up to his name – he took it back home for a 50yd fumble
recovery TD. Thomas Jones continued to run all over the Rams – he ran in from 2yds out –
the Jets were up 17‐0 at the end of the first quarter. Jay feely added 3 points for the Jets
from 49yds out and then added another 3 from 46yds out. After Kerry Rhodes picked
Bulger for the second time, Brett Favre went to Dustin Keller from 1yd out for an even
BIGGER lead. It was left up to Jay Feeley to tie the Jets team record for longest field goal –
he also ended this momentous first half onslaught – with a monster 55yd field goal. Jets up
40‐0 at halftime! It wasn’t a total waste of time for the Rams...Josh Brown got some kicking
practise – he struck a 37yds field goal to avoid the shut out. Thomas Jones decided to tie
the Jets record for most rushing TD’s per game – he ran in for his 3rd TD of the day from
6yds out – the Rams never even got going – the Jets win 47‐3 and the biggest win of this
season.
Game Notes....
o Big Big Win Win! – This was the largest margin of victory for the Jets in club history. The previous mark was 45‐3 over Houston in
1988
o How many points? – The Jets have now won five of their last six games, averaging 37 points in the five wins.
o Hold on to the football ‐ The Jets converted five St. Louis turnovers into 27 points.
Carolina Panthers (7‐2) 17 Oakland Raiders (2‐7) 6
The NFC South is a tough division...the Panthers Lead. The Raiders are in
meltdown...Deangelo hall was released this week...Al Davies is determined to remove
anyone who has a shot at coaching his team – not to mention that they have QB and RB
problems – ouch! After Johnnie Lee Higgins fumbled the ball away on the opening kick‐off,
the Panthers came away with the football; Jake Delhomme didn’t waste any time in getting
the ball to Mushin Muhammad from 2yds out for the early lead. Delhomme tried to go the
other way to star receiver Steve Smith, bad luck...he was covered by Nmadi Asomugha – the
shutdown corner picks Delhomme. Andrew Walter is the latest QB to start in Oakland; he
was intercepted by Richard Marshall to end the quarter. Second quarter now and it was an
unbelievable rushing effort by DeAngelo Williams – breaking tackles and running 69yds to
the end zone to give the Panthers a 14‐0 lead going in to halftime. After Jake Delhomme
came out and threw the ball straight to Oakland DB Rashad Baker, Sebastian Janikowski got
Oakland on the board – the strong legged kicker struck a 38yd field goal. After Delhomme
was intercepted yet again, this time by Sam Williams – Janikowski added another 45yd field
goal. Fourth quarter now and Andrew Walter was picked by Chris Gamble, but the best the Panthers could only produce a 32yd
John Kasay field goal. Sebastian Janikowski did miss a 58yd attempt at the end of the game but it matters not. The Panthers had
a tougher time against the Raiders than they thought but still came away with the win.
Game Notes....
o Bastian...Bastian! – Sebastian Janikowski broke the Raiders all time scoring record (Blanda) with 865 points.
o Try Harder ‐ The Raiders consistently found themselves in third‐and‐long situations, converting just 2 of 17 third‐down opportunities.
On three consecutive drives in the fourth quarter, the Raiders watched third downs result in an interception and two sacks, all while
trailing by eight points.
o Pick, pick, pick, pick – The Raiders banged up secondary still managed to pick off Jake Delhomme 4 times!
Indianapolis Colts (5‐4) 24 Pittsburgh Steelers (6‐3) 20
Clash of the big beanz...live from Heinz field! The Colts are rolling and have won their last 2
games – can they make it lucky 3 in a row? Mewelde Moore is relishing steeping in for
Willie Parker and his 1yd run certainly didn’t disappoint the Steelers coaches. Peyton
Manning also kept his coaches happy with a huge 65yd pass to a wide open Reggie Wayne
for the game tying TD. Second quarter now, and Mewelde Moore did it again – another 1 yd
run caps off another successful Steelers drive. Jeff Reed extended the lead with a 42yd
attempt – it was on‐line for 3 points. After Big Ben Roethlisberger was intercepted by
Keiwan Ratliff, Peyton Manning drove the ball down the field and finished with a 4yd pass
to Dallas Clark – Steelers up 17‐14 at halftime. Adam Vinatieri came out for the Colts after
halftime – his old faithful leg tied the game at 17. Fourth quarter now, Jeff Reed gets the
Steelers back ahead, courtesy of a 24yd field goal. The real turning point in this game was
the next interception Roethlisberger threw to Tim Jennings – It set up Manning on a simple
pass to HB Dominic Rhodes from 17yds out and the lead. Roethlisberger lead a long drive
but the game came down to a Hail Mary pass...intercepted in the end zone by the Colts –
they get 3 wins in a row!
Game Notes....
o 1968 – The Colts are 2‐12 all‐time in Pittsburgh and won for the first time in 12 tries. Their last win came in 1968
o Game Balls – The Colts converted the first two Roethlisberger misfires, both in Steelers territory, into 14 points.
Kansas City (1‐8) 19 San Diego Chargers (4‐5) 20
Very difficult to judge either of these teams this season...Kansas is out of the playoff race,
but the Chargers should be capable of it, as they enter a slightly easier part of their
season...it starts right here with Kansas in Qualcomm Stadium. Tyler Thigpen came out
firing – he fired downfield to Mike Bradley who was alone in the backfield – 30yds TD pass.
After Phillip Rivers hit Malcom Floyd for a big gain, Nate Kaeding made it pay off with 3
points thanks to a 34yd field goal. Kaeding added another 3 points from 26yds out. Tyler
Thigpen hit all time best Tight‐End Tony Gonzalez for a 34yd TD and the Herminator
decides to go for 2 points – it fails and turns out to be a call that would come back to
haunt them! Third quarter now and Rivers hit Malcom Floyd from 5yds out to tie the
game. Rivers gave the Chargers the lead after he hit Antonio Gates from 8yds out, but it
wasn’t over yet...Tyler Thigpen got the ball to Tony G. Again from 3yds out to tie the
game...OH NO...The Herminator decides to go for the win with a 2 point play – Thigpen
couldn’t complete it and the Chargers go on to win. Herm Edwards will be criticized all
week for that call!
Game Notes....
o Back To Form – Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers topped 300 yards passing for the third time in his last four games.
o Haunting – It was the botched 2 point attempt in the second quarter that forced the Chiefs to play catch up and to go for the win.
Herm Edwards made a key coaching error – Don’t go for two points unless you need it!!
New York Giants (8‐1) 36 Philadelphia Eagles (5‐4) 31
Sunday night football and if anyone watches the NFL on channel 5...Mike Carlson didn’t answer
my question concerning his favourite type of sausage! He did, however, commentate on an NFC
east divisional game between the current champs and their division rivals. After Superbowl MVP
Eli Manning threw an interception to Mike Patterson, rookie DeSean Jackson ran around the right
end from 9yds out and the opening score. It didn’t take Manning long to respond though, he hit
Plaxico Burress from 17yds out to tie the game. After Amad Bradshaw recovered the Eagles
fumbled kickoff, John Carney kicked the 27yd field goal that gave the Giants the lead. Second
quarter now and Eli Manning struck back to the Boss from 1yd out, quickly followed by a
Donovan McNabb pass to Jason Avant from 10yds out. McNabb was intercepted on his next
possession, Carney kicked a 26yd field goal and the Giants go into halftime with a 20‐17 lead, only
after Akers added 3 points from 29yds out. After halftime it took 6 plays for McNabb to put a 7yd
TD pass right in Hank’s Baskett. Brandon Jacobs is the definition of a power back...he “power
backed” in from 2yds out to close the gap back to 3 points. This game was decided in the fourth quarter, After John Carney
added another 3 points from 28yds out – Dominic Hixon had a punt return nullified by a penalty, they couldn’t recover from
that. Brandon Jacobs powered in again from 3yds out (Philadelphia challenged the play and it was upheld). It was 36‐24 Giants
and the game was realistically out of reach. Donovan McNabb hit Kevin Curtis from 2yds out to bring them within at least a
chance of a win – The eagles failed on a fourth down though and the game was finished. Giants remain the top of their division
and the Eagles are starting to lose pace with the rest of them.
Game Notes....
o NFC East! – Philadelphia fell to 0‐3 in the NFC East.
o Power Back...Power Mind – Even more impressive than Brandon Jacobs' gaudy statistics was his resolve. He lost a fumble for the
first time this season in the second quarter but did not let the mishap deflate him as he wore down the Eagles defence, rushing for
both of his touchdowns and 58 of his 126 yards in the second half.
San Fransisco 49’ers (2‐6) 24 Arizona Cardinals (5‐3) 29
You look at the teams and don’t like what you see. The 49’ers are one of the flops of the NFL –
Haven’t had a winning season in living memory...no true future stars on the offense and no
solid starter at QB. Don’t even get me started on the coaching fiasco that resulted in Mike
Singletary stepping in. The Cardinals are going to win their division this year – unless the
Seahawks, 49ers or Rams can pull off miracles. But the division leader and division wiener
matching up doesn’t always mean a bad game – this isn’t just a key divisional matchup – It’s
also MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL! Let’s check out the action. Monday night football can do
special things...the dream came true for Mike Singletary when Allen Rossum ran back the
opening kickoff back 104yds to the house. Neil Rackers got the Cards ball game rolling from
28yds out – Kurt Warner was looking impressive! Second quarter now and Sean Hill is in at QB
for Frisco...one of Singletary’s more controversial decisions – after Benching J.T. O’Sullivan.
Hill hit Josh Morgan from 31yds out and the lead. Kurt Warner proving why he’s a future hall
of famer...Hitting Anquan Boldin from 13yds out. Neil Rackers came back into the game from
33yds out and was on‐line – cutting the point gap to...one point. Sean Hill didn’t want the half to end – especially after he hit TE
Vernon Davies from 18yds out (even after he got a 15yd penalty afterwards for...TAKING HIS HELMENT OFF??) The Half ended
21‐13 to the 49’ers. After Mike Singletary pulled his trousers down in the locker room again, Kurt Warner went short right to
Larry Fitzgerald from 5yds out for the lead, quickly followed by a 49’ers, Josh Nedney field goal from 41yds out. 24‐20 to the
49’ers. The third quarter ended when Sean Hill had an interception nullified by a penalty...then he fumbled it away! Fourth
quarter now and that set up Neil Rackers from 23yds out. Kurt Warner was on the brink of winning the game after he hit Anquan
Boldin from 4yds out...They went for two points and failed. It was 24‐29 to the Cards but they couldn’t hold off the 49’ers – they
gave them the ball back with 1 minute left – that was enough to get the 49’ers to the 2.5yd line. They tried running the ball in
twice and failed. The Cardinals win and take a 4 game lead in the division.
Game Notes....
So Close! – The 49’ers were so close to winning...they were 2.5yds away in the end. For their final play they ran up the middle with
Robinson the FB – but he only gained about 1 yd. The Cardinals now open up a big 4 game lead over all division rivals (The other 3 teams
all have 2 wins)