Packers lead Vikings 31-7 in 4th quarter
October 25, 2010
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—Brett Favre(notes) spent what seemed to be an eternitysitting at his locker, head in hands, searching for something before approachingthe podium. He limped to the microphone, finally beaten by his former team forthe first time.
“It’ll be tough to get over this loss as it’s tough to get over any loss,but we have to find a way to do it and the reality is if I can play but not beeffective, then it’s not worth playing,” Favre said after the MinnesotaVikings’ 28-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. “I know theheart’s in the right place, though. I know I left it on the field, it was justdisappointing that it didn’t work our way.”
Brett Favre reacts after throwing a final incomplete pass against the Packers.(Jim Prisching/Getty Images)
In the waning moments trailing by four, it looked as though Favre wouldaccomplish what he’d done so many times before in a Packers uniform by leadingan improbable comeback as he limped down the field.
He threw an apparent touchdown pass to Percy Harvin(notes) with 48 seconds left,and the 41-year-old quarterback—in his 291st consecutive start—jumped intothe arms of backup tight end Jeff Dugan(notes) and got a huge hug from TarvarisJackson(notes).
“My heart kind of dropped,” said Aaron Rodgers(notes), who took over for Favre asthe signal caller in Green Bay.
But officials reviewed a would-be Vikings touchdown for the third time inthe game, and the call was again reversed by the officiating crew.
“Three times and you get a touchdown taken away by review. It’s tough,”said Adrian Peterson, who ran for 131 yards and a score.
On fourth-and-15 at the 20, Favre threw incomplete trying to find Randy Moss(notes)in the back of the end zone, giving the Packers (4-3) their first win over Favrein their third try. Green Bay is tied with Chicago for the NFC North lead.Minnesota (2-4) is 1 1/2 games back in third.
Favre, who finished 16 of 29 for 212 yards with a touchdown and threeinterceptions, hurt his surgically repaired left ankle early in the second halfwhen Brad Jones pulled him down during his first pick. But a more costly onecame when Desmond Bishop(notes) returned an ill-advised pass 32 yards for a touchdownto give the Packers a 28-17 lead midway through the third quarter while Harvinstood wide open on the other side of the field.
Instead, it was the ninth interception that was returned for a touchdown inthe league on Sunday.
“That’s a play that’s going to go down in my history,” Bishop said. “Itwas just kind of typical Favre, trying to squeeze something in, but it wasn’tthere, and I just took advantage of it.”
Vikings coach Brad Childress was upset at Favre’s turnovers, but evenangrier at the officiating crew’s overturned call that wiped out what would’vebeen a 17-yard TD catch by Visanthe Shiancoe(notes) near the end of the first half.Childress believed Shiancoe had made the catch, even though the ball appeared totouch the ground.
“It doesn’t make any difference if you control the ball in your hand orforearm. Period. That’s not the way it’s taught at our owner’s symposium andthat’s wrong … They said he didn’t control it. And he controlled it,”Childress said. “If the litmus is 50 drunks in a bar those 50 drunks say it’s acatch.”
While Minnesota had points taken off the board in the first half, Rodgersalso struggled with early mistakes. He was 21 of 34 for 295 yards and twotouchdowns, but threw two first-half interceptions in Vikings territory.
His streak of 173 attempts without an interception in the red zone to beginhis career ended when Jared Allen(notes) jumped in front of a screen. Rodgers reboundedto throw TD passes to rookie Andrew Quarless(notes) and Greg Jennings(notes) that gave thePackers a 21-17 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
It was Favre’s second trip back to Lambeau Field as a member of the Vikings,but the hype wasn’t quite the same.
Favre is in the middle of an NFL investigation into allegations he sent lewdphotographs and voicemails to a New York Jets employee in 2008. Favre met withan NFL security official during the week but has not publicly addressed theallegations, which were posted on the Deadspin website. He was not asked aboutthe situation after the game.
There were a few signs mocking the off-the-field story, but there were alsoplenty of Packers No. 4 jerseys in a crowd that booed Favre loudly about 45minutes before kickoff and again when he took the field.
“They needed this win as much as anybody,” Packers coach Mike McCarthysaid. “We were glad to give it to them.”
Packers lead Vikings 17-0 at halftime
October 25, 2010
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—Brett Favre(notes) spent what seemed to be an eternitysitting at his locker, head in hands, searching for something before approachingthe podium. He limped to the microphone, finally beaten by his former team forthe first time.
“It’ll be tough to get over this loss as it’s tough to get over any loss,but we have to find a way to do it and the reality is if I can play but not beeffective, then it’s not worth playing,” Favre said after the MinnesotaVikings’ 28-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. “I know theheart’s in the right place, though. I know I left it on the field, it was justdisappointing that it didn’t work our way.”
Brett Favre reacts after throwing a final incomplete pass against the Packers.(Jim Prisching/Getty Images)
In the waning moments trailing by four, it looked as though Favre wouldaccomplish what he’d done so many times before in a Packers uniform by leadingan improbable comeback as he limped down the field.
He threw an apparent touchdown pass to Percy Harvin(notes) with 48 seconds left,and the 41-year-old quarterback—in his 291st consecutive start—jumped intothe arms of backup tight end Jeff Dugan(notes) and got a huge hug from TarvarisJackson(notes).
“My heart kind of dropped,” said Aaron Rodgers(notes), who took over for Favre asthe signal caller in Green Bay.
But officials reviewed a would-be Vikings touchdown for the third time inthe game, and the call was again reversed by the officiating crew.
“Three times and you get a touchdown taken away by review. It’s tough,”said Adrian Peterson, who ran for 131 yards and a score.
On fourth-and-15 at the 20, Favre threw incomplete trying to find Randy Moss(notes)in the back of the end zone, giving the Packers (4-3) their first win over Favrein their third try. Green Bay is tied with Chicago for the NFC North lead.Minnesota (2-4) is 1 1/2 games back in third.
Favre, who finished 16 of 29 for 212 yards with a touchdown and threeinterceptions, hurt his surgically repaired left ankle early in the second halfwhen Brad Jones pulled him down during his first pick. But a more costly onecame when Desmond Bishop(notes) returned an ill-advised pass 32 yards for a touchdownto give the Packers a 28-17 lead midway through the third quarter while Harvinstood wide open on the other side of the field.
Instead, it was the ninth interception that was returned for a touchdown inthe league on Sunday.
“That’s a play that’s going to go down in my history,” Bishop said. “Itwas just kind of typical Favre, trying to squeeze something in, but it wasn’tthere, and I just took advantage of it.”
Vikings coach Brad Childress was upset at Favre’s turnovers, but evenangrier at the officiating crew’s overturned call that wiped out what would’vebeen a 17-yard TD catch by Visanthe Shiancoe(notes) near the end of the first half.Childress believed Shiancoe had made the catch, even though the ball appeared totouch the ground.
“It doesn’t make any difference if you control the ball in your hand orforearm. Period. That’s not the way it’s taught at our owner’s symposium andthat’s wrong … They said he didn’t control it. And he controlled it,”Childress said. “If the litmus is 50 drunks in a bar those 50 drunks say it’s acatch.”
While Minnesota had points taken off the board in the first half, Rodgersalso struggled with early mistakes. He was 21 of 34 for 295 yards and twotouchdowns, but threw two first-half interceptions in Vikings territory.
His streak of 173 attempts without an interception in the red zone to beginhis career ended when Jared Allen(notes) jumped in front of a screen. Rodgers reboundedto throw TD passes to rookie Andrew Quarless(notes) and Greg Jennings(notes) that gave thePackers a 21-17 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
It was Favre’s second trip back to Lambeau Field as a member of the Vikings,but the hype wasn’t quite the same.
Favre is in the middle of an NFL investigation into allegations he sent lewdphotographs and voicemails to a New York Jets employee in 2008. Favre met withan NFL security official during the week but has not publicly addressed theallegations, which were posted on the Deadspin website. He was not asked aboutthe situation after the game.
There were a few signs mocking the off-the-field story, but there were alsoplenty of Packers No. 4 jerseys in a crowd that booed Favre loudly about 45minutes before kickoff and again when he took the field.
“They needed this win as much as anybody,” Packers coach Mike McCarthysaid. “We were glad to give it to them.”
Packers take early 14-0 lead on Vikings
October 25, 2010
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP)—Brett Favre(notes) spent what seemed to be an eternitysitting at his locker, head in hands, searching for something before approachingthe podium. He limped to the microphone, finally beaten by his former team forthe first time.
“It’ll be tough to get over this loss as it’s tough to get over any loss,but we have to find a way to do it and the reality is if I can play but not beeffective, then it’s not worth playing,” Favre said after the MinnesotaVikings’ 28-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. “I know theheart’s in the right place, though. I know I left it on the field, it was justdisappointing that it didn’t work our way.”
Brett Favre reacts after throwing a final incomplete pass against the Packers.(Jim Prisching/Getty Images)
In the waning moments trailing by four, it looked as though Favre wouldaccomplish what he’d done so many times before in a Packers uniform by leadingan improbable comeback as he limped down the field.
He threw an apparent touchdown pass to Percy Harvin(notes) with 48 seconds left,and the 41-year-old quarterback—in his 291st consecutive start—jumped intothe arms of backup tight end Jeff Dugan(notes) and got a huge hug from TarvarisJackson(notes).
“My heart kind of dropped,” said Aaron Rodgers(notes), who took over for Favre asthe signal caller in Green Bay.
But officials reviewed a would-be Vikings touchdown for the third time inthe game, and the call was again reversed by the officiating crew.
“Three times and you get a touchdown taken away by review. It’s tough,”said Adrian Peterson, who ran for 131 yards and a score.
On fourth-and-15 at the 20, Favre threw incomplete trying to find Randy Moss(notes)in the back of the end zone, giving the Packers (4-3) their first win over Favrein their third try. Green Bay is tied with Chicago for the NFC North lead.Minnesota (2-4) is 1 1/2 games back in third.
Favre, who finished 16 of 29 for 212 yards with a touchdown and threeinterceptions, hurt his surgically repaired left ankle early in the second halfwhen Brad Jones pulled him down during his first pick. But a more costly onecame when Desmond Bishop(notes) returned an ill-advised pass 32 yards for a touchdownto give the Packers a 28-17 lead midway through the third quarter while Harvinstood wide open on the other side of the field.
Instead, it was the ninth interception that was returned for a touchdown inthe league on Sunday.
“That’s a play that’s going to go down in my history,” Bishop said. “Itwas just kind of typical Favre, trying to squeeze something in, but it wasn’tthere, and I just took advantage of it.”
Vikings coach Brad Childress was upset at Favre’s turnovers, but evenangrier at the officiating crew’s overturned call that wiped out what would’vebeen a 17-yard TD catch by Visanthe Shiancoe(notes) near the end of the first half.Childress believed Shiancoe had made the catch, even though the ball appeared totouch the ground.
“It doesn’t make any difference if you control the ball in your hand orforearm. Period. That’s not the way it’s taught at our owner’s symposium andthat’s wrong … They said he didn’t control it. And he controlled it,”Childress said. “If the litmus is 50 drunks in a bar those 50 drunks say it’s acatch.”
While Minnesota had points taken off the board in the first half, Rodgersalso struggled with early mistakes. He was 21 of 34 for 295 yards and twotouchdowns, but threw two first-half interceptions in Vikings territory.
His streak of 173 attempts without an interception in the red zone to beginhis career ended when Jared Allen(notes) jumped in front of a screen. Rodgers reboundedto throw TD passes to rookie Andrew Quarless(notes) and Greg Jennings(notes) that gave thePackers a 21-17 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
It was Favre’s second trip back to Lambeau Field as a member of the Vikings,but the hype wasn’t quite the same.
Favre is in the middle of an NFL investigation into allegations he sent lewdphotographs and voicemails to a New York Jets employee in 2008. Favre met withan NFL security official during the week but has not publicly addressed theallegations, which were posted on the Deadspin website. He was not asked aboutthe situation after the game.
There were a few signs mocking the off-the-field story, but there were alsoplenty of Packers No. 4 jerseys in a crowd that booed Favre loudly about 45minutes before kickoff and again when he took the field.
“They needed this win as much as anybody,” Packers coach Mike McCarthysaid. “We were glad to give it to them.”
Janikowski ties record with 63-yard FG
October 25, 2010
DENVER (AP)—After a record-setting display, the Oakland Raiders rejoicedand the Denver Broncos repented.
Led by Darren McFadden’s(notes) four touchdowns and a stunningly quick start, theRaiders rolled to a 59-14 beating of the Broncos, scoring the most points intheir 51-year history Sunday.
It was only the second time the Broncos surrendered that many points.
Coming against their archrival, the blowout was that much sweeter for theRaiders (3-4), who departed Denver with renewed confidence.
“We’re not going to let down,” Raiders coach Tom Cable said. “We’re goingto go after this.”
While the Raiders got the signature win they were looking for, the Broncos(2-5) were left soul-searching and apologizing.
“I apologize to (owner) Pat (Bowlen) and the organization, all the fans andeveryone else,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said after falling to 0-4 at homeagainst AFC West opponents. “It was awful.”
Especially early.
The Broncos found themselves down 21-0 after taking just two offensive snapsand turning the ball over on both.
After Jason Campbell(notes) hit a wide open Zach Miller for a 43-yard touchdown,cornerback Chris Johnson stepped in front of a Kyle Orton(notes) pass on Denver’s firstsnap, returning it 30 yards for a touchdown that made it 14-0.
Then, on Denver’s next snap, rookie receiver Demaryius Thomas(notes) fumbled TimTebow’s(notes) pitch and defensive end Lamarr Houston(notes) recovered. Three plays later,McFadden trotted in untouched from 4 yards out.
Just like that, the route was on.
“You blinked and looked up and it was out of hand,” defensive back NateJones said.
It only got worse.
Michael Bush’s(notes) 1-yard TD run with 27 seconds left in the third quarter madeit 59-14 and eclipsed the Raiders’ franchise scoring record of 52 points. Thefifth rushing TD tied a team record and their eight TDs overall establishedanother mark.
Oakland, as expected, was rather upbeat afterward.
“You’ve got a lot of smiles,” offensive lineman Langston Walker(notes) said.“Everybody feels good. You come in Monday morning and feel that much betterabout yourself.”
Or, in Denver’s case, that much worse.
“Everything disturbs me at this point,” McDaniels said. “It’s not onething over another and it starts with myself. I’m going to have to find a way tocoach better, get our team more prepared, ready to go early in the game andwe’re going to have to play better and coach better.”
The offensive output by Oakland was a bit surprising, especially sinceCampbell came in with a sore knee and McFadden was hampered by a hamstringinjury.
Neither showed any ill effects from the injuries.
Campbell was efficient all afternoon, throwing two TD passes and showing offhis ability to scramble out of trouble. McFadden scored on a pair of 4-yardruns, a 19-yard reception in the first half, and again on a 57-yard scamper inthe second.
“Most touchdowns I’ve had since college, so it felt great,” said McFadden,a former standout at Arkansas. “You love to go out there and have a big gameand coming against a rival it’s even better. It’s a big rivalry game and it’ssomething we looked at this week. We wanted to come out here and have a biggame.”
The Raiders had Broncos fans booing early and often, then leaving before thelopsided loss was complete.
“This was an embarrassing performance,” Jones said. “We’re going to tryour hardest to never, ever, put a display like that out on the field everagain.”
The Raiders won for the third straight time at Invesco Field, paced by a38-point onslaught to open the game that stunned the Broncos, who allowed 328yards rushing.
“I expected this to be a street fight,” Cable said. “It started like thatand we made sure it didn’t go any further.”
The Broncos were without five defensive players, including their emotionalleader Brian Dawkins(notes) (knee), cornerback Andre’ Goodman(notes) (thigh) and linebackerRobert Ayers(notes) (foot). The team could’ve used them with McFadden rushing for 165yards on 16 carries.
“We’ve got to just come together and try to find a way to dig deep,”linebacker Jason Hunter(notes) said.
Broncos lead Raiders 3-0 after 1st
October 25, 2010
DENVER (AP)—After a record-setting display, the Oakland Raiders rejoicedand the Denver Broncos repented.
Led by Darren McFadden’s(notes) four touchdowns and a stunningly quick start, theRaiders rolled to a 59-14 beating of the Broncos, scoring the most points intheir 51-year history Sunday.
It was only the second time the Broncos surrendered that many points.
Coming against their archrival, the blowout was that much sweeter for theRaiders (3-4), who departed Denver with renewed confidence.
“We’re not going to let down,” Raiders coach Tom Cable said. “We’re goingto go after this.”
While the Raiders got the signature win they were looking for, the Broncos(2-5) were left soul-searching and apologizing.
“I apologize to (owner) Pat (Bowlen) and the organization, all the fans andeveryone else,” Broncos coach Josh McDaniels said after falling to 0-4 at homeagainst AFC West opponents. “It was awful.”
Especially early.
The Broncos found themselves down 21-0 after taking just two offensive snapsand turning the ball over on both.
After Jason Campbell(notes) hit a wide open Zach Miller for a 43-yard touchdown,cornerback Chris Johnson stepped in front of a Kyle Orton(notes) pass on Denver’s firstsnap, returning it 30 yards for a touchdown that made it 14-0.
Then, on Denver’s next snap, rookie receiver Demaryius Thomas(notes) fumbled TimTebow’s(notes) pitch and defensive end Lamarr Houston(notes) recovered. Three plays later,McFadden trotted in untouched from 4 yards out.
Just like that, the route was on.
“You blinked and looked up and it was out of hand,” defensive back NateJones said.
It only got worse.
Michael Bush’s(notes) 1-yard TD run with 27 seconds left in the third quarter madeit 59-14 and eclipsed the Raiders’ franchise scoring record of 52 points. Thefifth rushing TD tied a team record and their eight TDs overall establishedanother mark.
Oakland, as expected, was rather upbeat afterward.
“You’ve got a lot of smiles,” offensive lineman Langston Walker(notes) said.“Everybody feels good. You come in Monday morning and feel that much betterabout yourself.”
Or, in Denver’s case, that much worse.
“Everything disturbs me at this point,” McDaniels said. “It’s not onething over another and it starts with myself. I’m going to have to find a way tocoach better, get our team more prepared, ready to go early in the game andwe’re going to have to play better and coach better.”
The offensive output by Oakland was a bit surprising, especially sinceCampbell came in with a sore knee and McFadden was hampered by a hamstringinjury.
Neither showed any ill effects from the injuries.
Campbell was efficient all afternoon, throwing two TD passes and showing offhis ability to scramble out of trouble. McFadden scored on a pair of 4-yardruns, a 19-yard reception in the first half, and again on a 57-yard scamper inthe second.
“Most touchdowns I’ve had since college, so it felt great,” said McFadden,a former standout at Arkansas. “You love to go out there and have a big gameand coming against a rival it’s even better. It’s a big rivalry game and it’ssomething we looked at this week. We wanted to come out here and have a biggame.”
The Raiders had Broncos fans booing early and often, then leaving before thelopsided loss was complete.
“This was an embarrassing performance,” Jones said. “We’re going to tryour hardest to never, ever, put a display like that out on the field everagain.”
The Raiders won for the third straight time at Invesco Field, paced by a38-point onslaught to open the game that stunned the Broncos, who allowed 328yards rushing.
“I expected this to be a street fight,” Cable said. “It started like thatand we made sure it didn’t go any further.”
The Broncos were without five defensive players, including their emotionalleader Brian Dawkins(notes) (knee), cornerback Andre’ Goodman(notes) (thigh) and linebackerRobert Ayers(notes) (foot). The team could’ve used them with McFadden rushing for 165yards on 16 carries.
“We’ve got to just come together and try to find a way to dig deep,”linebacker Jason Hunter(notes) said.
Brady intercepted, Pats lead Miami 28-17
October 5, 2010
MIAMI (AP)—When the New England Patriots scored the last in a series ofquick-strike touchdowns, stoic Bill Belichick allowed himself a slight smile andtraded high-fives along a jubilant sideline.
Tom Brady(notes) and Randy Moss(notes) joined in the celebration as spectators, too. Theoffense watched while the Patriots’ special teams and defense came up with onebig play after another to beat the Miami Dolphins 41-14 on Monday night.
New England scored on a kickoff return, blocked field goal and interception,all in the second half. A flurry of 17 points in barely two minutes helped theNFL’s highest-scoring team take control midway through the game.
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“It was a good day for fantasy football,” Belichick said. “We got playsfrom every phase of the game. It was awesome.”
Brady threw for only 153 yards, and Randy Moss was held without a catch forthe first time since 2006, but the Patriots still registered their biggest pointtotal yet. They’re averaging 33 points per game.
New England (3-1) moved into a tie with the New York Jets for first place inthe AFC East. The humiliated Dolphins (2-2) endured their second divisional lossat home in eight days as they head into a bye week.
“It’s a bad taste in your mouth,” coach Tony Sparano said. “We’re goingto have to taste it now for the next couple weeks.”
The Patriots trailed 7-6 before Brandon Tate(notes) returned the second-halfkickoff 103 yards for a score.
“You’re getting all hyped up and ready to go out there, throwing the ballaround,” Brady said. “And then you see Brandon running it back for atouchdown, and you take a seat on the bench. I’ll take that anytime.”
The deluge was on. When the score reached 34-14 early in the fourth quarter,the stadium quickly emptied.
“Where’s everyone going? ‘The party’ is just getting started at Sun LifeStadium,” the Patriots posted on their Twitter feed.
“We had a tidal wave hit us,” Sparano said. “It was a mess.”
Pat Chung blocked a punt to set up a touchdown, then blocked a field goalthat Kyle Arrington(notes) returned 35 yards for a score. Chung returned aninterception 51 yards for New England’s final score.
He and Arrington scored their first career TDs. Another unexpectedcontribution came from linebacker Rob Ninkovich(notes), who had the first twointerceptions of his five-year career.
Miami’s Chad Henne(notes) went 29 of 39 for 302 yards and two scores, but he wasyanked with 6 1/2 minutes left after tying a career high with his thirdinterception. He blamed his first turnover on a forced pass, the second oninaccuracy and the last on a miscommunication.
“Overall, it’s my fault,” he said. “I’ll take that one as a quarterback.I’ll put that on my shoulders.”
The pass picked off by Chung was especially ugly.
“It shocked me,” Chung said. “I was like, `He threw it? Thanks.”’
There was no improvement from Henne’s replacement, Tyler Thigpen(notes), who threwanother interception.
The Patriots didn’t need Moss, who was targeted only once. He stretched fora pass in the end zone, but the ball deflected off his hands and New Englandsettled for a field goal.
“If they’re taking one guy away, everyone else has to come out and playwell,” Patriots receiver Wes Welker(notes) said. “It’s a team effort, and that’sexactly what today was.”
Brady was sacked three times but finished 19 of 24 with one touchdown and nointerceptions to earn his 100th career win.
“I’ve played on a great team for my entire career with the sameorganization that’s committed to winning,” Brady said. “I’m privileged to bethe quarterback on this team, and I hope I’m here forever.”
Notes: Patriots S Brandon Meriweather(notes) left the game with a knee injury anddidn’t return. … Tate had a 97-yard kickoff return for a score in the seasonopener against Cincinnati. … Moss, covered by Vontae Davis(notes) most of the game,was shut out for the first time since Nov. 19, 2006, against Kansas City. …Patriots LB Jerod Mayo(notes) had 16 tackles. … The Dolphins lost despite converting10 of 15 third-down situations.
Brady sharp, Pats lead Dolphins 14-7
October 5, 2010
MIAMI (AP)—When the New England Patriots scored the last in a series ofquick-strike touchdowns, stoic Bill Belichick allowed himself a slight smile andtraded high-fives along a jubilant sideline.
Tom Brady(notes) and Randy Moss(notes) joined in the celebration as spectators, too. Theoffense watched while the Patriots’ special teams and defense came up with onebig play after another to beat the Miami Dolphins 41-14 on Monday night.
New England scored on a kickoff return, blocked field goal and interception,all in the second half. A flurry of 17 points in barely two minutes helped theNFL’s highest-scoring team take control midway through the game.
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“It was a good day for fantasy football,” Belichick said. “We got playsfrom every phase of the game. It was awesome.”
Brady threw for only 153 yards, and Randy Moss was held without a catch forthe first time since 2006, but the Patriots still registered their biggest pointtotal yet. They’re averaging 33 points per game.
New England (3-1) moved into a tie with the New York Jets for first place inthe AFC East. The humiliated Dolphins (2-2) endured their second divisional lossat home in eight days as they head into a bye week.
“It’s a bad taste in your mouth,” coach Tony Sparano said. “We’re goingto have to taste it now for the next couple weeks.”
The Patriots trailed 7-6 before Brandon Tate(notes) returned the second-halfkickoff 103 yards for a score.
“You’re getting all hyped up and ready to go out there, throwing the ballaround,” Brady said. “And then you see Brandon running it back for atouchdown, and you take a seat on the bench. I’ll take that anytime.”
The deluge was on. When the score reached 34-14 early in the fourth quarter,the stadium quickly emptied.
“Where’s everyone going? ‘The party’ is just getting started at Sun LifeStadium,” the Patriots posted on their Twitter feed.
“We had a tidal wave hit us,” Sparano said. “It was a mess.”
Pat Chung blocked a punt to set up a touchdown, then blocked a field goalthat Kyle Arrington(notes) returned 35 yards for a score. Chung returned aninterception 51 yards for New England’s final score.
He and Arrington scored their first career TDs. Another unexpectedcontribution came from linebacker Rob Ninkovich(notes), who had the first twointerceptions of his five-year career.
Miami’s Chad Henne(notes) went 29 of 39 for 302 yards and two scores, but he wasyanked with 6 1/2 minutes left after tying a career high with his thirdinterception. He blamed his first turnover on a forced pass, the second oninaccuracy and the last on a miscommunication.
“Overall, it’s my fault,” he said. “I’ll take that one as a quarterback.I’ll put that on my shoulders.”
The pass picked off by Chung was especially ugly.
“It shocked me,” Chung said. “I was like, `He threw it? Thanks.”’
There was no improvement from Henne’s replacement, Tyler Thigpen(notes), who threwanother interception.
The Patriots didn’t need Moss, who was targeted only once. He stretched fora pass in the end zone, but the ball deflected off his hands and New Englandsettled for a field goal.
“If they’re taking one guy away, everyone else has to come out and playwell,” Patriots receiver Wes Welker(notes) said. “It’s a team effort, and that’sexactly what today was.”
Brady was sacked three times but finished 19 of 24 with one touchdown and nointerceptions to earn his 100th career win.
“I’ve played on a great team for my entire career with the sameorganization that’s committed to winning,” Brady said. “I’m privileged to bethe quarterback on this team, and I hope I’m here forever.”
Notes: Patriots S Brandon Meriweather(notes) left the game with a knee injury anddidn’t return. … Tate had a 97-yard kickoff return for a score in the seasonopener against Cincinnati. … Moss, covered by Vontae Davis(notes) most of the game,was shut out for the first time since Nov. 19, 2006, against Kansas City. …Patriots LB Jerod Mayo(notes) had 16 tackles. … The Dolphins lost despite converting10 of 15 third-down situations.
Brady sharp, Pats and Dolphins tied 7-7
October 5, 2010
MIAMI (AP)—When the New England Patriots scored the last in a series ofquick-strike touchdowns, stoic Bill Belichick allowed himself a slight smile andtraded high-fives along a jubilant sideline.
Tom Brady(notes) and Randy Moss(notes) joined in the celebration as spectators, too. Theoffense watched while the Patriots’ special teams and defense came up with onebig play after another to beat the Miami Dolphins 41-14 on Monday night.
New England scored on a kickoff return, blocked field goal and interception,all in the second half. A flurry of 17 points in barely two minutes helped theNFL’s highest-scoring team take control midway through the game.
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“It was a good day for fantasy football,” Belichick said. “We got playsfrom every phase of the game. It was awesome.”
Brady threw for only 153 yards, and Randy Moss was held without a catch forthe first time since 2006, but the Patriots still registered their biggest pointtotal yet. They’re averaging 33 points per game.
New England (3-1) moved into a tie with the New York Jets for first place inthe AFC East. The humiliated Dolphins (2-2) endured their second divisional lossat home in eight days as they head into a bye week.
“It’s a bad taste in your mouth,” coach Tony Sparano said. “We’re goingto have to taste it now for the next couple weeks.”
The Patriots trailed 7-6 before Brandon Tate(notes) returned the second-halfkickoff 103 yards for a score.
“You’re getting all hyped up and ready to go out there, throwing the ballaround,” Brady said. “And then you see Brandon running it back for atouchdown, and you take a seat on the bench. I’ll take that anytime.”
The deluge was on. When the score reached 34-14 early in the fourth quarter,the stadium quickly emptied.
“Where’s everyone going? ‘The party’ is just getting started at Sun LifeStadium,” the Patriots posted on their Twitter feed.
“We had a tidal wave hit us,” Sparano said. “It was a mess.”
Pat Chung blocked a punt to set up a touchdown, then blocked a field goalthat Kyle Arrington(notes) returned 35 yards for a score. Chung returned aninterception 51 yards for New England’s final score.
He and Arrington scored their first career TDs. Another unexpectedcontribution came from linebacker Rob Ninkovich(notes), who had the first twointerceptions of his five-year career.
Miami’s Chad Henne(notes) went 29 of 39 for 302 yards and two scores, but he wasyanked with 6 1/2 minutes left after tying a career high with his thirdinterception. He blamed his first turnover on a forced pass, the second oninaccuracy and the last on a miscommunication.
“Overall, it’s my fault,” he said. “I’ll take that one as a quarterback.I’ll put that on my shoulders.”
The pass picked off by Chung was especially ugly.
“It shocked me,” Chung said. “I was like, `He threw it? Thanks.”’
There was no improvement from Henne’s replacement, Tyler Thigpen(notes), who threwanother interception.
The Patriots didn’t need Moss, who was targeted only once. He stretched fora pass in the end zone, but the ball deflected off his hands and New Englandsettled for a field goal.
“If they’re taking one guy away, everyone else has to come out and playwell,” Patriots receiver Wes Welker(notes) said. “It’s a team effort, and that’sexactly what today was.”
Brady was sacked three times but finished 19 of 24 with one touchdown and nointerceptions to earn his 100th career win.
“I’ve played on a great team for my entire career with the sameorganization that’s committed to winning,” Brady said. “I’m privileged to bethe quarterback on this team, and I hope I’m here forever.”
Notes: Patriots S Brandon Meriweather(notes) left the game with a knee injury anddidn’t return. … Tate had a 97-yard kickoff return for a score in the seasonopener against Cincinnati. … Moss, covered by Vontae Davis(notes) most of the game,was shut out for the first time since Nov. 19, 2006, against Kansas City. …Patriots LB Jerod Mayo(notes) had 16 tackles. … The Dolphins lost despite converting10 of 15 third-down situations.
Ravens lead Steelers 16-6 after 3
October 4, 2010
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Joe Flacco(notes) knew the Steelers were missing BenRoethlisberger(notes). His top two backups, too. Not that it mattered much to him.
Flacco, in his third NFL season, was missing something on his resume: A winin Pittsburgh.
His previous three starts there were a dissatisfying collection of nearmisses and not-quite-good enough efforts, and the Ravens quarterback wasdetermined to make sure it didn’t continue. Given a rare second chance in thesame game to direct a winning drive in the fourth quarter, Flacco didn’t fail.And neither did the Ravens.
Flacco threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes) with 32seconds remaining and Baltimore pulled out a 17-14 victory Sunday overpreviously unbeaten Pittsburgh in the Steelers’ final game without the suspendedRoethlisberger.
Baltimore (3-1) had dropped four in a row at Heinz Field, including the AFCchampionship game two seasons ago, and nine of 10 overall.
“We found a way to beat them at their place,” Ravens coach John Harbaughsaid. “So that’s what makes it special.”
It was a rare bright moment for Flacco in Pittsburgh. He began his collegecareer at Pitt but, stuck behind three-year starter Tyler Palko(notes), transferred toDelaware. After being drafted by Baltimore, he went 0-3 in his first threestarts in Pittsburgh. He had three touchdown passes and six interceptions in hislast four starts against the Steelers.
“There’s not too many better ways to win a game, especially inPittsburgh,” Flacco said.
Especially when it looked like he might not get it done. Again.
Flacco drove Baltimore from its 33 to the Pittsburgh 2 with less than 3minutes remaining, only to throw incompletions on the final two plays to end thedrive.
The Steelers (3-1) needed only a single first down to go 4-0 withoutRoethlisberger, and it was obvious many in the crowd of 64,729 felt it was over.It wasn’t. They were forced to punt, and a 10-yard holding penalty on KeyaronFox(notes) helped give Baltimore a first down with 1:08 left.
Flacco, playing with a calm confidence, went 4 for 4 on the drive, hittingHoushmandzadeh for 28 yards on the final two passes. The former Bengalsreceiver, cut by Seattle during the preseason, had as many catches in a 6-secondspan as he did in the Ravens’ first three games.
“You don’t want to give teams second opportunities,” said cornerbackBryant McFadden(notes), who bit on Flacco’s pump fake on the game-winner.
Safety Ryan Clark(notes) said defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau warned the Steelersall week that Flacco was dangerous in such situations.
“He said if you give him time, if you give him opportunities to hit guys,he’s going to hit them,” Clark said. “He’s not one of those quarterbacks who’sgoing to miss.”
It was the sixth time in two seasons the Steelers lost when leading in thefourth quarter. Now, instead of owning a two-game lead over Baltimore in the AFCNorth with Roethlisberger ready to go for the rest of the season, the Steelersare tied with the Ravens.
No wonder tight end Todd Heap(notes) called it “a huge win.”
The Steelers, down 10-7 in the third, twice failed to convert Ravensturnovers inside their own 35 into points when Jeff Reed(notes) missed field goalattempts of 49 and 45 yards. But they came back to take a 14-10 lead with 7:14left on Rashard Mendenhall’s(notes) second touchdown run.
Mendenhall put the Steelers ahead 7-0 in the first quarter on a 1-yard run,but Baltimore answered with Willis McGahee’s(notes) 9-yard touchdown. Neither team’srunning game did much else but score—the Steelers were limited to 84 yardsrushing and the Ravens had 70.
With fill-in quarterback Charlie Batch(notes) going 12 of 21 for 141 yards with aninterception, the Steelers were held to 210 yards by the NFL’s top defense.Batch wound up making two starts, and playing most of a third game, afterRoethlisberger was suspended and backups Byron Leftwich(notes) and Dennis Dixon(notes) werehurt.
No doubt the Steelers would happily have taken a 3-1 record whenRoethlisberger was suspended for off-field misbehavior. But with an unimaginable4-0 within their reach, the time off they’ll have until they play Cleveland onOct. 17 probably won’t be as enjoyable.
Even with Roethlisberger under center.
“We didn’t let adversity sink us,” wide receiver Hines Ward(notes) said. “Weeasily could have been 4-0. Yeah, we’re 3-1, but we could easily be 4-0, and ithurts a little bit.”
Ravens lead Steelers 9-6 at halftime
October 4, 2010
PITTSBURGH (AP)—Joe Flacco(notes) knew the Steelers were missing BenRoethlisberger(notes). His top two backups, too. Not that it mattered much to him.
Flacco, in his third NFL season, was missing something on his resume: A winin Pittsburgh.
His previous three starts there were a dissatisfying collection of nearmisses and not-quite-good enough efforts, and the Ravens quarterback wasdetermined to make sure it didn’t continue. Given a rare second chance in thesame game to direct a winning drive in the fourth quarter, Flacco didn’t fail.And neither did the Ravens.
Flacco threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes) with 32seconds remaining and Baltimore pulled out a 17-14 victory Sunday overpreviously unbeaten Pittsburgh in the Steelers’ final game without the suspendedRoethlisberger.
Baltimore (3-1) had dropped four in a row at Heinz Field, including the AFCchampionship game two seasons ago, and nine of 10 overall.
“We found a way to beat them at their place,” Ravens coach John Harbaughsaid. “So that’s what makes it special.”
It was a rare bright moment for Flacco in Pittsburgh. He began his collegecareer at Pitt but, stuck behind three-year starter Tyler Palko(notes), transferred toDelaware. After being drafted by Baltimore, he went 0-3 in his first threestarts in Pittsburgh. He had three touchdown passes and six interceptions in hislast four starts against the Steelers.
“There’s not too many better ways to win a game, especially inPittsburgh,” Flacco said.
Especially when it looked like he might not get it done. Again.
Flacco drove Baltimore from its 33 to the Pittsburgh 2 with less than 3minutes remaining, only to throw incompletions on the final two plays to end thedrive.
The Steelers (3-1) needed only a single first down to go 4-0 withoutRoethlisberger, and it was obvious many in the crowd of 64,729 felt it was over.It wasn’t. They were forced to punt, and a 10-yard holding penalty on KeyaronFox(notes) helped give Baltimore a first down with 1:08 left.
Flacco, playing with a calm confidence, went 4 for 4 on the drive, hittingHoushmandzadeh for 28 yards on the final two passes. The former Bengalsreceiver, cut by Seattle during the preseason, had as many catches in a 6-secondspan as he did in the Ravens’ first three games.
“You don’t want to give teams second opportunities,” said cornerbackBryant McFadden(notes), who bit on Flacco’s pump fake on the game-winner.
Safety Ryan Clark(notes) said defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau warned the Steelersall week that Flacco was dangerous in such situations.
“He said if you give him time, if you give him opportunities to hit guys,he’s going to hit them,” Clark said. “He’s not one of those quarterbacks who’sgoing to miss.”
It was the sixth time in two seasons the Steelers lost when leading in thefourth quarter. Now, instead of owning a two-game lead over Baltimore in the AFCNorth with Roethlisberger ready to go for the rest of the season, the Steelersare tied with the Ravens.
No wonder tight end Todd Heap(notes) called it “a huge win.”
The Steelers, down 10-7 in the third, twice failed to convert Ravensturnovers inside their own 35 into points when Jeff Reed(notes) missed field goalattempts of 49 and 45 yards. But they came back to take a 14-10 lead with 7:14left on Rashard Mendenhall’s(notes) second touchdown run.
Mendenhall put the Steelers ahead 7-0 in the first quarter on a 1-yard run,but Baltimore answered with Willis McGahee’s(notes) 9-yard touchdown. Neither team’srunning game did much else but score—the Steelers were limited to 84 yardsrushing and the Ravens had 70.
With fill-in quarterback Charlie Batch(notes) going 12 of 21 for 141 yards with aninterception, the Steelers were held to 210 yards by the NFL’s top defense.Batch wound up making two starts, and playing most of a third game, afterRoethlisberger was suspended and backups Byron Leftwich(notes) and Dennis Dixon(notes) werehurt.
No doubt the Steelers would happily have taken a 3-1 record whenRoethlisberger was suspended for off-field misbehavior. But with an unimaginable4-0 within their reach, the time off they’ll have until they play Cleveland onOct. 17 probably won’t be as enjoyable.
Even with Roethlisberger under center.
“We didn’t let adversity sink us,” wide receiver Hines Ward(notes) said. “Weeasily could have been 4-0. Yeah, we’re 3-1, but we could easily be 4-0, and ithurts a little bit.”
