Steelers top Chiefs 13-9, Polamalu hurt
November 28, 2011
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)—Ben Roethlisberger(notes) joked that the broken thumb onhis throwing hand was “still attached” Sunday night. Steelers coach MikeTomlin thought the injury was a non-issue, and perhaps it was given the way theformer Pro Bowl quarterback played.
One thing is certain: The Chiefs sure wish it had been a bigger problem.
Roethlisberger threw a short touchdown pass to Weslye Saunders(notes) in the firsthalf, and the Steelers took advantage of four turnovers by Chiefs quarterbackTyler Palko(notes) in a 13-9 victory that allowed them to keep pace with Baltimore atopthe loaded AFC North.
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback … AP – Nov 28, 12:00 am EST Kansas City Chiefs defensive b… AP – Nov 27, 11:52 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:52 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:52 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:52 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:52 pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs cornerback … AP – Nov 27, 11:47 pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiv… AP – Nov 27, 11:46 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:45 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:44 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:44 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:44 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:44 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:44 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:44 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:43 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:43 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 11:43 pm EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running ba… AP – Nov 27, 11:20 pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs ' Javie… AP – Nov 27, 11:18 pm EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running ba… AP – Nov 27, 11:05 pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs offensive t… AP – Nov 27, 11:02 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:41 pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs offensive t… AP – Nov 27, 10:37 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:26 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:26 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:26 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:25 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:25 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:25 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:25 pm EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end … AP – Nov 27, 10:15 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:12 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:09 pm EST
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end … AP – Nov 27, 10:07 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:01 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 10:00 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:52 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:52 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:48 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:47 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:45 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:45 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:44 pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs running bac… AP – Nov 27, 9:41 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:33 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:33 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:31 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:31 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:29 pm EST
KANSAS CITY, MO – NOVEMBER 27:… Getty Images – Nov 27, 9:28 pm EST
Pittsburgh Steelers running ba… AP – Nov 27, 9:15 pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiv… AP – Nov 27, 9:02 pm EST
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback… AP – Nov 27, 8:24 pm EST 1 of 54 Pit-KC Gallery
“They’re a good football team, good defense,” Roethlisberger said. “It’stough because it’s a mixed feeling type of thing: You’re happy to get the win,but you’re disappointed the way the offense played. I think that’s what team’sall about. The defense stepped up huge today.”
Roethlisberger finished 21 of 31 for 193 yards and an interception for theSteelers (8-3), whose defense lost All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu(notes) to a head injuryin the first quarter yet still managed to keep the bumbling Chiefs (4-7) fromscoring a touchdown.
Kansas City has reached the end zone only once since beating San Diego onOct. 31.
The Chiefs nearly did on their final possession, marching across midfield tothe 37. That’s when Palko dropped back and looked for Dwayne Bowe(notes), but his throwwas high and behind him, and Keenan Lewis(notes) hauled in the interception with 29seconds left to seal the win.
“I just read the quarterback. I knew I had help underneath, so I could stayback and protect deep,” Lewis said. “When the ball came out of thequarterback’s hand, I saw that Bowe had already made his move. That’s when Iknew I could make a play.”
Palko, making his second consecutive start in place of the injured MattCassel(notes), also fumbled a snap and threw interceptions to Ike Taylor(notes) and Ryan Mundy(notes)on consecutive passes in the first half.
Palko fared little better than he did last week against New England, when hetossed three picks in his first NFL start. He finished 18 of 28 for 167 yards inwhat was likely his last chance.
The Chiefs claimed former Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton(notes) off waiversWednesday with the intention of having him compete with Palko for the startingjob. Orton didn’t arrive in town until Friday, though, and he was inactiveSunday night after participating in only one practice.
“He’ll have a much better chance this week to compete,” Chiefs coach ToddHaley said, “and like I said, Tyler is the starter, but whatever position wesay, if someone gives us a better chance to win, that’s the guideline wegenerally follow.”
Kansas City led 3-0 in the second quarter when Palko’s first interception,which Taylor returned to the Chiefs 8, resulted in a 21-yard field goal by theSteelers’ Shaun Suisham(notes).
The second pick was returned by Mundy, who had taken over at safety forPolamalu, to the Kansas City 24. The defense appeared to hold Pittsburgh whenTamba Hali(notes) sacked Roethlisberger on third-and-7, but safety Jon McGraw(notes) wascalled for defensive holding to give the Steelers a first down.
Three plays later, Roethlisberger found Saunders in the back of the endzone.
“He was kind of one of the last options,” Roethlisberger said. “I saw Wescoming in the back of the end zone, he’s kind of a big target, so I just kind ofthrew it up to him.”
Ryan Succop(notes) added a 49-yard field goal later in the second quarter forKansas City, his second of the game, but Suisham answered with his own 49-yarderon the final play of the first half.
Succop added a 40-yard field goal with 6:11 left in the fourth quarter.
Polamalu left the game in the first quarter when he tackled 290-pound Chiefsoffensive tackle Steve Maneri(notes), who had caught a pass in the flat after lining upin the backfield.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year’s head hit Maneri’s knee and hecrumpled to the turf, where he lay while trainers came out to check on him.Polamalu was a bit wobbly when he stood up and Tomlin said after the game thathe was experiencing “concussion-like symptoms.”
Roethlisberger showed little evidence of the broken thumb that caused him tobe somewhat limited in practice, hitting 10 different receivers. He got somehelp from Rashard Mendenhall(notes), who ran for 57 yards, and a defense that keptgiving the Pittsburgh offense prime field position.
The Steelers squandered a promising opportunity in the first quarter,driving inside the Chiefs 10-yard line. But backup running back Mewelde Moore(notes)had the ball poked out by Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali and it was recovered byJavier Arenas(notes) in the end zone for a touchback.
Kansas City gave the ball right back when Palko fumbled the snap momentslater.
Pittsburgh also had a decent drive end midway through the scoreless thirdwhen Roethlisberger underthrew Antonio Brown(notes) down the sideline. Kansas Citysafety Travis Daniels(notes) swooped in to make the interception, but the Chiefs’bumbling offense couldn’t capitalize.
That wound up being the story of the game.
“We’re excited about winning—and winning on the road—and making thenecessary plays,” Tomlin said. “We produced turnovers tonight, and that wasbig for us.”
Notes: Kansas native Martina McBride sang the national anthem. ModernFamily’s Eric Stonestreet, who attended Kansas State, threw the ceremonial firstpass. … Steelers C Maurkice Pouncey(notes) left in the first half with an illness.… The Chiefs finished with 252 yards of total offense.
Redskins rally in 4th, end 6-game skid
November 28, 2011
SEATTLE (AP)—Rex Grossman(notes) finally came up with a game-winning pass to helpthe Washington Redskins end their six-game losing streak.
Grossman threw a 50-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Armstrong(notes) on third-and-19midway through the fourth quarter to cap Washington’s rally from 10 points downas the Redskins stunned the Seattle Seahawks 23-17 on Sunday.
Grossman was brilliant early, shaky in the middle and then great again inthe fourth quarter for Washington (4-7).
The loss all but ended what little hopes the Seahawks (4-7) had of gettingback into the NFC playoff picture.
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:41 pm EST SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:37 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Corner… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:31 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:31 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Head c… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:30 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:30 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Anthon… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:23 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:23 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Anthon… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:23 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Anthon… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:23 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Fred D… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:23 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Fred D… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:23 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:23 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:20 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:20 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:20 pm EST
Washington Redskins ' Mike… AP – Nov 27, 8:15 pm EST
Washington Redskins quarterbac… AP – Nov 27, 8:13 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Wide r… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Wide r… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:08 pm EST
Washington Redskins quarterbac… AP – Nov 27, 8:02 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Roy He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:00 pm EST
Washington Redskins ' DeAn… AP – Nov 27, 8:00 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks quarterback T… AP – Nov 27, 7:55 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Jabar … Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:54 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Head C… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:54 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Roy He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:54 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Marsha… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Marsha… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Roy He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Roy He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Anthon… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Roy He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Roy He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Head C… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Anthon… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Roy He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:52 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks quarterback T… AP – Nov 27, 7:48 pm EST
Washington Redskins hold a sig… AP – Nov 27, 7:43 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pe… AP – Nov 27, 7:42 pm EST
Washington Redskins ' Anth… AP – Nov 27, 7:36 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver… AP – Nov 27, 7:04 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks ' Anthony… AP – Nov 27, 7:03 pm EST
The Seattle Seahawks defense b… AP – Nov 27, 6:36 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Marsha… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Marsha… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Marsha… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Marsha… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Marsha… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Marsha… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:07 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:07 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:07 pm EST
Washington Redskins ' Roy … AP – Nov 27, 6:00 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Runnin… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:57 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Quarte… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:57 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Player… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:57 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Tight … Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:57 pm EST
SEATTLE – NOVEMBER 27: Tight … Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:57 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks running back … AP – Nov 27, 5:55 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks quarterback T… AP – Nov 27, 5:54 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks ' Richard… AP – Nov 27, 5:41 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks head coach Pe… AP – Nov 27, 5:41 pm EST
Washington Redskins ' Roy … AP – Nov 27, 5:41 pm EST
Referee Clete Blakeman, left, … AP – Nov 27, 4:55 pm EST
Seattle Seahawks quarterback T… AP – Nov 27, 4:44 pm EST
Washington Redskins ' Fred… AP – Nov 27, 4:41 pm EST
Washington Redskins ' Fred… AP – Nov 27, 4:39 pm EST 1 of 82 Was-Sea Gallery
Grossman threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Fred Davis(notes) as part of Washington’snearly perfect first quarter, threw a pair of interceptions in the second andthird quarters, then led two touchdown drives in the fourth after Seattle took a17-7 lead.
Grossman finished 26 of 35 for 314 yards. He was 7 of 9 in the fourthquarter with no throw bigger than his long pass for Armstrong, who outmaneuvered Seattle cornerback Brandon Browner(notes) in the corner of the end zone.
The touchdown came one play after Grossman was called for intentionalgrounding while getting driven to the turf. Grossman stepped up in the pocket toavoid the pass rush, then unloaded his toss for Armstrong.
Washington’s defense then held Seattle twice in the final 6 minutes, thelast time when Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson(notes) failed to get rid of the ball againsta blitz on fourth-and-5 at his 23 with 2:07 left.
The Redskins ended their longest skid since losing the first seven games ofthe 1998 season.
Rookie running back Roy Helu(notes) added a highlight-reel 28-yard touchdown runearly in the fourth quarter—his first NFL rushing touchdown—and finishedwith 108 yards on 23 carries.
Graham Gano(notes) added a 25-yard field goal with 1:06 left after having a23-yarder blocked earlier in the game.
Marshawn Lynch(notes) rushed for 111 yards and caught a 20-yard touchdown pass inthe second quarter, but Seattle saw its chance at the first three-game winstreak under coach Pete Carroll crumble under too many mistakes.
Jackson was 14 of 30 for 144 yards and was intercepted in the final minuteby DeAngelo Hall(notes). Seattle also committed nine penalties.
For a while, it looked as if the Redskins would match that losing mark from13 years ago. Seattle took a 17-7 lead early in the fourth quarter when Jacksonfound Golden Tate(notes) on a 15-yard touchdown. But that 10-point lead wasshort-lived.
Washington quickly went down the field finally showing some of the offensivepop missing since the first quarter. Grossman was 4 of 5 passing on the drive,before Helu’s first rushing touchdown.
On third-and-3 at the Seattle 28, Helu took a quick pitch out of theshotgun, sprinted into an opening, hurdled over Seattle defensive back Roy Lewis(notes)and through the tackle attempt of safety Kam Chancellor(notes) on his way to thetouchdown run.
Washington immediately forced a three-and-out with LaRon Landry(notes) and BrianOrakpo(notes) arriving to sandwich Jackson for a painful third-down sack and Washingtonwas at its own 44 with 7:55 left following the punt.
The Redskins got to the Seattle 38 but Grossman was flagged for intentionalgrounding on second-and-7, before making his toss to Armstrong. The extra pointwas blocked.
Washington had 172 yards in the first quarter and scored a touchdown on itsopening drive for the first time all season when Fred Davis caught a 2-yard passfrom Grossman for a 7-0 lead.
It was just the Redskins’ second first-quarter touchdown of the season and adrive kept alive by a third-down defensive holding penalty on Browner away fromthe play early in the possession.
Browner and Richard Sherman(notes) later intercepted Grossman, with Browner’s pickleading to Lynch’s touchdown catch on a swing pass. Steven Hauschka(notes) also made a36-yard field goal to give Seattle a 10-7 lead in the third quarter.
Follow Tim Booth on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ByTimBooth
Tebow lifts Broncos past Chargers in OT
November 28, 2011
SAN DIEGO (AP)—Matt Prater(notes) kicked a 37-yard field goal with 29 secondsleft in overtime to lift Tim Tebow(notes) and the Denver Broncos to a 16-13 victorySunday over the San Diego Chargers, who’ve lost six straight games for the firsttime in 10 years.
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:36 pm EST SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:35 pm EST
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim… AP – Nov 27, 8:24 pm EST
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim… AP – Nov 27, 8:22 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:18 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:16 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:16 pm EST
Denver Broncos kicker Matt Pra… AP – Nov 27, 8:15 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:09 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:07 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:01 pm EST
Denver Broncos cornerback Andr… AP – Nov 27, 6:58 pm EST
Denver Broncos wide receiver Q… AP – Nov 27, 6:38 pm EST
Former San Diego Chargers grea… AP – Nov 27, 6:29 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:25 pm EST
Denver Broncos tight end Danie… AP – Nov 27, 6:19 pm EST
Denver Broncos wide receiver E… AP – Nov 27, 6:17 pm EST
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim… AP – Nov 27, 6:14 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:08 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:07 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:07 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:06 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:06 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:06 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:05 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:03 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:01 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:01 pm EST
San Diego Chargers tight end A… AP – Nov 27, 5:30 pm EST
San Diego Chargers running bac… AP – Nov 27, 5:26 pm EST
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim… AP – Nov 27, 5:08 pm EST
San Diego Chargers running bac… AP – Nov 27, 4:40 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:12 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:12 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:12 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:12 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:12 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:12 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:12 pm EST
SAN DIEGO, CA – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:12 pm EST
Denver Broncos running back Je… AP – Nov 27, 4:07 pm EST
San Diego Chargers head coach … AP – Nov 27, 4:06 pm EST 1 of 53 Den-SD Gallery
The Broncos narrowly avoided the first NFL tie since Cincinnati andPhiladelphia ended deadlocked at 13 on Nov. 16, 2008.
Tebow, now 5-1 as the Broncos’ starter, led Denver from its 43 after SanDiego’s Nick Novak(notes) was wide right on a 53-yard field goal attempt with 2:31 leftin overtime. Novak made a 53-yarder in the first quarter, a career-best, and waswide right on a 48-yard try early in the fourth quarter.
Tebow had a 12-yard gain and Willis McGahee(notes) ran 24 yards up the middle toset up Prater’s winning kick, which was right down the middle.
The Broncos are 6-5. The Chargers (4-7) are on their longest streak sinceending 2001 with nine straight defeats.
Brady leads Patriots past sinking Eagles
November 28, 2011
PHILADELPHIA (AP)—Tom Brady(notes) had his way against the Philadelphia Eagles—again.
Brady threw for 361 yards and three touchdowns and the New England Patriotsbeat the Eagles 38-20 Sunday in a rematch of the 2005 Super Bowl.
Filling in for the injured Michael Vick(notes) for the second straight game, VinceYoung(notes) couldn’t keep Philadelphia’s fading playoff hopes alive despite throwingfor a career-best 400 yards passing. The Eagles (4-7) are all-but-mathematicallyeliminated from playoff contention in a season that began with Super Bowlexpectations.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:58 pm EST PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:57 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:56 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:56 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbac… AP – Nov 27, 7:53 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles head coach… AP – Nov 27, 7:52 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles defensive … AP – Nov 27, 7:50 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:49 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:49 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:49 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:48 pm EST
New England Patriots wide rece… AP – Nov 27, 7:47 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:47 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:47 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:47 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:46 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:46 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles defensive … AP – Nov 27, 7:34 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbac… AP – Nov 27, 7:32 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:31 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:30 pm EST
New England Patriots running b… AP – Nov 27, 7:29 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:29 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:29 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:28 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:28 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:28 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:28 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:27 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles quarterbac… AP – Nov 27, 7:18 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles running ba… AP – Nov 27, 7:13 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:00 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:59 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:58 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:58 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:58 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:58 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:57 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:49 pm EST
New England Patriots tight end… AP – Nov 27, 6:38 pm EST
New England Patriots tight end… AP – Nov 27, 6:27 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:27 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:26 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:25 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:24 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:24 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:24 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:14 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:14 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:14 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:14 pm EST
New England Patriots wide rece… AP – Nov 27, 6:13 pm EST
New England Patriots wide rece… AP – Nov 27, 6:10 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:10 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:10 pm EST
New England Patriots quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 6:09 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:03 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:01 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:01 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:01 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:00 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:00 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:45 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:43 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:42 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:42 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:39 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:39 pm EST
New England Patriots running b… AP – Nov 27, 5:33 pm EST
New England Patriots running b… AP – Nov 27, 5:20 pm EST
New England Patriots running b… AP – Nov 27, 5:19 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:15 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:12 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:12 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:12 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:11 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:11 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:07 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:06 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:06 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles running ba… AP – Nov 27, 4:47 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:42 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:41 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:38 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles wide recei… AP – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:35 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:35 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:03 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:03 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:00 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:00 pm EST
Philadelphia Eagles head coach… AP – Nov 27, 3:59 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:51 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:49 pm EST
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:49 pm EST 1 of 99 NE-Phi Gallery
Angry fans made their feelings known about coach Andy Reid, chanting “FireAndy!” in the second half.
The defending NFC East champions fell to 1-5 at home and have lost eight ofnine at the Linc, including a playoff loss to Green Bay last January.
Down 10-0 early, the AFC East-leading Patriots rallied behind Brady. NewEngland (8-3) scored on five of its next six possessions, excluding a kneel-downat the end of the first half.
Brady and coach Bill Belichick improved to 4-0 against Reid’s Eagles,including a 24-21 win for their third NFL title in four years after the 2004season.
Brady finished 24 of 34, Deion Branch(notes) had 125 yards receiving and Wes Welker(notes)caught eight passes for 115 yards and two TDs.
Brady, a two-time NFL MVP, has completed 67.3 percent of his passes for1,232 yards, nine TDs and no interceptions in four career games againstPhiladelphia.
Young led the Eagles to a 17-10 win against the New York Giants last week inhis first start in nearly a year. He put up decent numbers against theworst-ranked defense in the league, but couldn’t overcome another ineptperformance by the Eagles’ defense.
Young finished 26 of 48. It was just his third career game over 300 yards.
Vick broke two lower ribs in a loss to Arizona on Nov. 13. He got hurt onthe second play of that game and stayed in, but hasn’t practiced the last twoweeks. It’s uncertain whether Vick can play when Philadelphia visits Seattle onThursday night.
After a fast start, the Eagles fizzled.
Brady engineered a 70-yard drive capped by BenJarvus Green-Ellis’(notes) 4-yard TDrun to cut it to 10-7. The Pats converted two third downs on the drive,including two by penalty.
Helped by a missed call, New England’s defense then forced a three-and-out.Young was sacked by Rob Ninkovich(notes), who spun the quarterback down by pulling hisfacemask. But the referees didn’t see it, eliciting loud boos from the crowdwhen the replay was shown on the video screen.
One play after just-signed Tiquan Underwood(notes) dropped a wide-open pass, Bradyconnected with Branch for 63 yards to the Eagles 1 on a third-and-13.Green-Ellis scored on the next play to put the Patriots up 14-10.
Antwaun Molden(notes) intercepted Young’s deep pass intended for DeSean Jackson(notes) onPhiladelphia’s next play and returned it 27 yards to the Eagles 34. But thePatriots couldn’t convert the turnover into points. Stephen Gostkowski(notes) missed a39-yard field goal wide right.
No problem for Brady and Co.
The Eagles went three-and-out again, and the Patriots went to a no-huddlewhen they got the ball back.
Welker blew past the secondary and Brady hit his wide-open target in stridefor a 41-yard TD pass to give New England a 21-10 lead.
DeSean Jackson dropped what should’ve been a 4-yard TD pass and the Eaglessettled for a 22-yard field goal to get within 21-13.
It was the second time in the first half that Jackson appeared to shy awayfrom contact and dropped a pass across the middle. Fans let him hear it with achorus of boos. Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowl pick, is in the final year of hisrookie contract and has been unhappy that he didn’t get a new deal. He dropped adeep pass that should’ve been a TD in the third quarter.
The Patriots got the ball to start the second half and Brady led them intothe end zone again, tossing a 9-yard TD pass to Welker for a 31-13 lead.
Brady threw a 24-yard TD pass to Rob Gronkowski(notes) to extend it to 38-13 in thefourth quarter.
Young came out firing. He tossed a 22-yard pass to Brent Celek(notes) on the firstplay from scrimmage. Then he connected with Riley Cooper(notes) for 58 yards to thePatriots 4. LeSean McCoy(notes) ran in from the 2 to give the Eagles a 7-0 lead.
Young hit Jackson for a 44-yard gain to the Patriots 36 on the first play ofthe next series. The Eagles’ drive stalled at the 25 after three consecutivedropped passes, and Alex Henery(notes) kicked a 43-yard field goal to make it 10-0.
Besides Vick, the Eagles didn’t have leading receiver Jeremy Maclin(notes) ornickel cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie(notes). Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha(notes) didn’tstart after injuring his knee in practice on Thanksgiving Day, though he playedin some situations.
The Patriots played without three starters: cornerback Devin McCourty(notes),safety Patrick Chung(notes) and center Dan Connolly(notes).
Hanie throws 3 INTs, Raiders edge Bears
November 28, 2011
OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)—Playing against a fill-in quarterback making hisfirst career NFL start, the Oakland Raiders managed to win despite struggling topunch the ball into the end zone.
Sebastian Janikowski(notes) kicked a team-record six field goals and the Raiderstook advantage of three interceptions from Chicago’s Caleb Hanie(notes) to beat theBears 25-20 Sunday.
Carson Palmer(notes) threw for 301 yards and Michael Bush(notes) iced the game with atouchdown run in the fourth quarter to lead the Raiders (7-4) to their thirdstraight win against a Bears team missing starting quarterback Jay Cutler(notes).
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Oa… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:25 pm EST OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ch… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:24 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Aa… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:24 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: In… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:23 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: In… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:22 pm EST
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebasti… AP – Nov 27, 8:21 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Mi… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:18 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ma… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:18 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:16 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: To… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:13 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Lo… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:11 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: In… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:11 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:11 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Se… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:04 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ty… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:03 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ty… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:02 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ri… Getty Images – Nov 27, 8:01 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ty… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:58 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ty… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:58 pm EST
Chicago Bears quarterback Cale… AP – Nov 27, 7:57 pm EST
Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jack… AP – Nov 27, 7:57 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ma… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:45 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ma… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:45 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Mi… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:41 pm EST
Chicago Bears quarterback Cale… AP – Nov 27, 7:37 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Lo… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:26 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Mi… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:25 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Mi… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:25 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ma… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:25 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Se… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:24 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Lo… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:23 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Mi… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:22 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:22 pm EST
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ca… AP – Nov 27, 7:15 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ty… Getty Images – Nov 27, 7:08 pm EST
Chicago Bears cornerback Tim J… AP – Nov 27, 7:07 pm EST
Oakland Raiders running back M… AP – Nov 27, 7:03 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:54 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Tr… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:54 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: LI… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:54 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Se… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:54 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Se… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:54 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Re… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:54 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Tr… Getty Images – Nov 27, 6:54 pm EST
Oakland Raiders coach Hue Jack… AP – Nov 27, 6:41 pm EST
Oakland Raiders running back M… AP – Nov 27, 6:22 pm EST
Oakland Raiders ' Sebastia… AP – Nov 27, 6:19 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Jo… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:59 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:59 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ti… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:59 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:59 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ka… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:59 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:59 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Jo… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:59 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:59 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Jo… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:58 pm EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Jo… AP – Nov 27, 5:55 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: In… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:52 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Co… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:51 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:51 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:51 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:48 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ke… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:48 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Jo… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:47 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Se… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:47 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:46 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: Ca… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:46 pm EST
Chicago Bears wide receiver Jo… AP – Nov 27, 5:33 pm EST
Chicago Bears quarterback Jay … AP – Nov 27, 5:19 pm EST
Oakland Raiders free safety Mi… AP – Nov 27, 5:18 pm EST
Chicago Bears quarterback Cale… AP – Nov 27, 4:58 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:58 pm EST
OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 27: He… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:58 pm EST 1 of 73 Chi-Oak Gallery
The Raiders settled for field goals on their first six trips inside theChicago 30 before Bush’s 3-yard run made it 25-13 with 3:47 to play.
Hanie struggled in his first career start for the Bears (7-4) in place ofCutler, who broke his right thumb last week in Chicago’s sixth straight win toput a major obstacle into what had been a promising season. Hanie, who nearlyled a comeback in last season’s NFC title game, had thrown only 14 regularseason passes since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2008 and looked like acareer backup for much of this game.
Hanie completed 18 of 35 passes for 254 yards and three interceptions,including a crushing one late in the first half when the Bears were deep inOakland territory and on the verge of taking the lead.
But Hanie also threw two TD passes, including a 5-yarder to Kellen Davis(notes)with 2:11 to play that cut the deficit to 25-20. That was set up by an 81-yarderto Johnny Knox(notes).
The game ended when Hanie botched a spike play with 4 seconds left at his46. Instead of immediately spiking the ball to stop the clock, he took an extrastep back and hesitated, leading to a game-ending intentional grounding call.
Bush was held to 69 yards on the ground by Chicago’s strong defense andPalmer was sacked four times and threw an interception as the Raiders missedinjured big-play threats Darren McFadden(notes), Jacoby Ford(notes) and Denarius Moore(notes).
But they still managed to maintain their hold on first place in the AFC Westby winning their third straight game, getting field goals of 40, 47, 42, 19, 37and 44 yards to break the team record Janikowski shared with Jeff Jaeger.
They were also helped by another big-legged kicker. With Oakland at its own20 early in the fourth quarter and Devin Hester(notes) set for a return, Shane Lechler(notes)punted the ball over Hester’s head and it rolled into the end zone for ateam-record 80-yard punt.
Hanie managed to drive the Bears into field goal range on that drive andRobbie Gould’s(notes) 53-yard field goal cut Oakland’s lead to 18-13 with 7:17 to play.
The Raiders answered with Palmer throwing a 47-yard pass to Louis Murphy(notes) onthird-and-4 from midfield to set up Bush’s touchdown.
Despite Hanie’s interceptions, the Bears were still in the game trailing12-7 at the break because the defense kept the Raiders out of the end zone.
Hanie’s first interception came as he tried to throw the ball away but gaveit right to Stanford Routt(notes) at the Bears 33. That set up Janikowski’s secondfield goal to give Oakland a 6-0 lead.
Hanie erased that with two big plays on one drive in the second quarter. Hescrambled 24 yards on a third-and-18 and then hit Knox on a 29-yard slantagainst the blitz on another third down for the touchdown that gave the Bears a7-6 lead.
With Chicago down 9-7, Hanie had a second down at the Oakland 7. Heattempted a throwback screen to Davis that was tipped by Aaron Curry(notes) and wentright Kamerion Wimbley(notes), who returned 83 yards before being dragged down by ahorse-collar tackle by Lance Louis(notes). Oakland settled for a 19-yard field goal.
Texans QB Leinart may be out for season
November 28, 2011
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP)—Matt Leinart(notes) and Matt Schaub(notes) stood next to eachother for the final few snaps, Leinart in a sling and Schaub in a walking boot.
The scene spoke volumes about Houston’s quarterback situation and playoffchances.
If the Texans are going to make the postseason for the first time infranchise history, they probably will have to do it with a third-stringquarterback.
Leinart injured his throwing shoulder Sunday at Jacksonville, overshadowingHouston’s 20-13 victory against the offensively inept Jaguars. Leinart believeshe broke his collarbone, but coach Gary Kubiak said initial X-rays wereinconclusive.
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:37 pm EST JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:36 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:34 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:34 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:33 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:32 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:29 pm EST
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 5:29 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:27 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:27 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:27 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:26 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:26 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:25 pm EST
Jacksonville Jaguars tight end… AP – Nov 27, 5:23 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:23 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:23 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:23 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:23 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:23 pm EST
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 5:23 pm EST
Houston Texans defensive end J… AP – Nov 27, 5:22 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:22 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:22 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:22 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:21 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:21 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:20 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:19 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:19 pm EST
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 5:18 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:18 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:17 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:17 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:17 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:17 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:17 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:17 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:17 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 5:16 pm EST
Houston Texans quarterback T.J… AP – Nov 27, 4:57 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:48 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:47 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:44 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:43 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:42 pm EST
Jacksonville Jaguars running b… AP – Nov 27, 4:42 pm EST
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 4:41 pm EST
Houston Texans quarterback Mat… AP – Nov 27, 4:40 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:40 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:39 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:06 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:05 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:04 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:03 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:02 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:01 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:00 pm EST
Houston Texans cornerback John… AP – Nov 27, 2:54 pm EST
JACKSONVILLE, FL – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:51 pm EST
Houston Texans running back Ar… AP – Nov 27, 1:54 pm EST
Houston Texans running back Ar… AP – Nov 27, 1:53 pm EST
Houston Texans defensive back … AP – Nov 27, 1:33 pm EST
Houston Texans quarterback Mat… AP – Nov 27, 1:33 pm EST
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 1:31 pm EST 1 of 72 Hou-Jac Gallery
“There’s a pretty strong possibility I probably won’t be coming back thisseason,” Leinart said. “It’s pretty disappointing. It’s tough to swallow, butwe’ll just move forward. Everything that’s happened to me, this was a greatopportunity. … It’s unfortunate, but I’m not going to give up. It’s not mynature. I’ll just keep moving forward and figure this thing out one step at atime.”
Assuming Leinart is done for the season, it would be a serious setback for ateam that is closing in on its first AFC South title. Sure, the Texans have oneof the league’s best running games. But as Jacksonville showed, Arian Foster(notes) andBen Tate(notes) will have a tough time carrying the load against eight- and nine-manfronts.
Foster ran for 65 yards and a score. Tate added 26 yards on the ground.Along with Leinart’s perfect touchdown pass to Joel Dreessen(notes) and a defensiveeffort that included seven sacks—Connor Barwin(notes) had four of them—it wasenough for Houston to win its fifth consecutive game.
But with Schaub (foot) and Leinart out, the Texans are down to T.J. Yates(notes)and newly signed Kellen Clemens(notes).
Yates completed 8 of 15 passes for 70 yards in relief of Leinart, doing justenough to help the Texans beat the Jaguars (3-8). Houston led 20-10 at halftime,but managed just 47 yards and two first downs in the second half.
“I feel for Matt. He was playing good,” Yates said. “If there’s one thingthat this team knows how to do, it’s deal with adversity. We’ve taken an injuryalmost every game of the year and the team has rallied around each other andfound a way to win.”
Jacksonville’s quarterback situation was a mess, too.
Coach Jack Del Rio benched rookie Blaine Gabbert(notes) in the fourth quarter,after six sacks and an interception. Luke McCown(notes) led the team to a late fieldgoal, but his fourth-down pass with about a minute remaining fell incomplete.
Del Rio said Gabbert remains the team’s starter.
“Offensively, we just are struggling to generate enough productivity tohave any fun,” Del Rio said. “It’s tough to win in this league when you’re notscoring. … We are working hard at it, but we are just not making enoughplays.”
Leinart, making his first start in two years, was hit hard by defensive endJeremy Mincey(notes) late in the second quarter. He went to the sideline, headed to thelocker room for tests and did not return.
Leinart completed 10 of 13 passes for 57 yards and a touchdown, a 20-yardpass to Dreessen under heavy pressure. He got hurt on the next possession.
Yates replaced him and drove the Texans into position for a field goal thatput them ahead 20-10 at the break.
Jacksonville outgained Houston 255-215 in total yards. But Josh Scobee(notes)missed a 55-yard field goal and tight end Marcedes Lewis(notes) dropped a pass in theend zone with no one around him. It was the latest in a growing list of dropsfor the former Pro Bowl tight end. His latest one prompted Jacksonville tosettle for a short field goal.
“It was a leak here, a leak there and we never really got clicking,” guardUche Nwaneri(notes) said.
McCown, named the starter five days before the season opener and thenbenched after two games, was 7 of 11 passing for 62 yards in two series. Gabbertwas 13 of 29 for 136 yards.
Maurice Jones-Drew(notes) was the lone bright spot for Jacksonville’s offense. Heran 18 times for 99 yards and caught four passes for 67 more.
“A quarterback is only as good as the players around him,” Jones-Drewsaid. “When they pull your quarterback, they are saying something about you.It’s not the quarterback. We have to continue to work to get better with whoeveris going to be the starter next week.”
Jacksonville’s only touchdown came on Ashton Youboty’s(notes) 38-yard fumble returnon the opening series. Foster fumbled for the first time in 172 carries thisseason, coughing up the ball on Paul Posluszny’s(notes) tackle.
Foster bounced back with a 43-yard gain on the next possession and laterscored on a 1-yard plunge. It was his fifth consecutive game with a rushingtouchdown.
“I’m very proud of this team,” Kubiak said. “It’s hard to win in thisleague, and when you face some of the adversity we’ve faced and will be facingagain, and to continue to find a way to win, that’s a sign of a very solidfootball team.”
Notes: Texans WR Andre Johnson(notes), back in the starting lineup after missingsix games because of a hamstring injury, caught two passes for 22 yards. …Rackers’ 53-yard FG tied the franchise record. … Jaguars C Brad Meester(notes) playedin his 172nd career game, breaking the previous franchise record held by JimmySmith(notes). … Jones-Drew has 1,040 yards rushing, his third consecutive 1,000-yardseason.
Seahawks WR Rice leaves with head injury
November 27, 2011
SEATTLE (AP)—Seahawks wide receiver Sidney Rice(notes) left Sunday’s game in thethird quarter with a head injury and was ruled out, while linebacker DavidHawthorne(notes) briefly left the game with a left knee injury.
Rice was hurt early in the third quarter when he hit his head on the turftrying to make a diving catch across the middle. He stood up noticeably woozyand had to be helped off the field. Rice was held without a catch.
Related Video 
Injury news & advice
Injury news & advice
NFL: Locks to winFantasy QB adviceFantasy RBs advice More NFL Videos
Hawthorne came limping off pointing at his left leg after he was caught in apile in the third quarter. He was replaced by rookie outside linebacker K.J.Wright(notes), who shifted over to the middle to take Hawthorne’s spot.
After being looked at in the locker room, Hawthorne returned early in thefourth quarter.
Follow Yahoo! Sports NFL coverage on Twitter.
Sanchez has 4 TDs, Jets hold off Bills
November 27, 2011
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP)—One down for the New York Jets—barely. Fivemore to go in their desperate playoff push.
Mark Sanchez(notes) threw a career-high four touchdown passes, including thewinning 16-yard score to Santonio Holmes(notes) with just over a minute remaining, asthe New York Jets kept pace in the AFC playoff race with a 28-24 comebackvictory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.
With several Jets players saying they needed to win each of their last sixgames to reach the postseason, things appeared bleak with New York (6-5)trailing 24-21 after Dave Rayner’s(notes) 53-yard field goal and facing a third-and-11from the Bills 36.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:45 pm EST EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:42 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:42 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:41 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:41 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:41 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:40 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:38 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:38 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:37 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:34 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:34 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:33 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:33 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:31 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:31 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:31 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:28 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:28 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:28 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:28 pm EST
New York Jets quarterback Mark… AP – Nov 27, 3:55 pm EST
Buffalo Bills ' Justin Rog… AP – Nov 27, 3:39 pm EST
New York Jets wide receiver Pl… AP – Nov 27, 3:36 pm EST
New York Jets cornerback Darre… AP – Nov 27, 3:20 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:13 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:12 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:12 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:08 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:08 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:06 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:06 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:06 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:05 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 3:05 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:52 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:52 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:51 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:51 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:47 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:47 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:47 pm EST
Buffalo Bills wide receiver St… AP – Nov 27, 2:46 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:46 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:43 pm EST
Buffalo Bills wide receiver St… AP – Nov 27, 2:42 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:41 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:41 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:41 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:41 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:40 pm EST
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – NOVEMBER… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:40 pm EST
Buffalo Bills inside linebacke… AP – Nov 27, 2:31 pm EST
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Da… AP – Nov 27, 2:30 pm EST
Buffalo Bills running back C.J… AP – Nov 27, 2:28 pm EST
New York Jets quarterback Mark… AP – Nov 27, 2:24 pm EST
Buffalo Bills running back C.J… AP – Nov 27, 1:53 pm EST 1 of 63 Buf-NYJ Gallery
But Sanchez connected with Plaxico Burress(notes), who made an impressiveone-handed grab for 18 yards and the first down. Sanchez quickly ran aquarterback sneak and then, on the next play, rolled out to his right to buysome time and found Holmes alone in the right corner of the end zone to give theJets the lead with 1:01 left.
The Jets then had to overcome a valiant comeback attempt by the Bills (5-6),who have lost four straight. With Buffalo driving for a winning score, awide-open Stevie Johnson(notes) dropped a pass that would have gone for a long gain.Ryan Fitzpatrick(notes) also threw behind Johnson in the end zone with 8 seconds leftthat might have been a touchdown.
Sanchez wasn’t great in this one, going 17 of 35 for 180 yards and aninterception, but came through with the game on the line. He also threw twotouchdown passes to Dustin Keller(notes) and another to Burress as the Jets reboundedfrom a disappointing loss to Tim Tebow(notes) and the Denver Broncos 10 days ago.
Fitzpatrick was 26 of 39 for 264 yards and three touchdowns, but couldn’tpull out one more in the end. Buffalo played without several injured starters,including Fred Jackson(notes) and George Wilson(notes).
Johnson had one of the Bills’ touchdown catches late in the first half whenhe got up and mocked being shot in the thigh, clearly making fun of Burress whoserved 20 months in prison for shooting himself in the leg in a nightclub in2008 while he was with the Giants. Johnson then ran to the left side of the endzone mocking the “flight” celebration the Jets often use after scoring andfell to the ground, getting flagged 15 yards for excessive celebration on theplay that gave Buffalo a 14-7 lead.
That penalty was enforced on the kickoff and helped the Jets score the tyingtouchdown.
New York was already going to have good field position, but Rayner flubbed asquibbed onside-kick attempt that hit off the Jets’ Marquice Cole(notes), who recoveredthe ball at Buffalo’s 36.
The Jets moved to the 14 when Buffalo’s Marcell Dareus(notes) was hit for a 15-yardpenalty for using his helmet to make contact with Sanchez. Three plays later,Burress caught a 14-yard touchdown pass in the back of the end zone to tie it at14 with 1:03 left in the half. Burress simply bowed to the crowd and ran to thestands and handed the ball to his son Elijah, as he always does after scoringreceptions.
The Jets’ offense started the third quarter with a nice drive capped byKeller’s second touchdown catch of the game that gave New York a 21-14 lead with3:50 remaining in the period. Keller had a nice leaping 22-yard grab earlier inthe drive, and two plays later, the Jets tight end caught a pass from Sanchez atthe 6, broke the tackle of Da’Norris Searcy(notes) and trudged into the end zone forthe score.
After the Jets held the Bills to three-and-out late in the third quarter,Buffalo got the ball right back when cornerback Antonio Cromartie(notes)—who doesn’tnormally return punts—muffed the fair catch and Leodis McKelvin(notes) recovered atNew York’s 36. McKelvin injured his ribs on the play and left the game.
Fitzpatrick went for a big play right away, throwing a ball up deep down theright sideline to Brad Smith(notes), who got a hand on it—along with Cromartie—andtapped the ball up, grabbed it out of the air as the defender fell and took offinto the end zone for a 36-yard touchdown that tied it at 21 with 2:11 remainingin the third quarter.
Buffalo took a 7-0 lead with 1:38 left in the first quarter on an 8-yardtouchdown catch by David Nelson(notes), capping a 13-play drive that covered 90 yards.The Bills had three third-down conversions on the drive, which was also helpedby a 15-yard facemask penalty on Brodney Pool(notes) on the second play.
On first-and-20 from the Jets 46 following a holding penalty on the Bills’Chad Rinehart(notes), Fitzpatrick connected with Johnson for 15 yards. Two plays later,Spiller had a 13-yard grab on third-and-2 to put the ball at the 15. Facing athird-and-1 from the 6, the Bills went with an option play—shades of what theJets saw often against Tebow and the Broncos in their last game—and Spillergot a yard. Two plays later, Fitzpatrick found Nelson in the back of the endzone.
One play after nearly connecting with Holmes for a touchdown, Sanchez pulledoff a nice play-action fake and found a wide-open Keller in the left corner ofthe end zone to tie it at 7 less than 3 minutes into the second quarter.
Johnson runs for 190 as Titans top Bucs
November 27, 2011
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)—Chris Johnson may quiet the boos and critics for atleast a few days, and the Tennessee Titans keep hanging around in the playoffchase.
No matter how ugly it may look.
Johnson ran for a season-high 190 yards, and Matt Hasselbeck(notes) threw a 2-yardtouchdown pass to Damian Williams(notes) on fourth-and-2 with 3:01 left and the Titansbeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-17 Sunday.
The Titans (6-5) forced five turnovers and overcame four turnovers of theirown. The Bucs outscored them 14-3 off mistakes even though Tennessee got theball three times on Tampa Bay’s side of the field.
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:42 pm EST NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: T… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:42 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:42 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:38 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:38 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:38 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:30 pm EST
Tennessee Titans tight end Jar… AP – Nov 27, 4:21 pm EST
Tennessee Titans running back … AP – Nov 27, 4:17 pm EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide rece… AP – Nov 27, 3:35 pm EST
Tennessee Titans wide receiver… AP – Nov 27, 3:26 pm EST
Tennessee Titans quarterback M… AP – Nov 27, 3:09 pm EST
Tennessee Titans quarterback M… AP – Nov 27, 3:00 pm EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 2:56 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:52 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:52 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:52 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:48 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:48 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:48 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:47 pm EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 2:40 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:37 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:37 pm EST
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 27: … Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:36 pm EST
Tennessee Titans quarterback M… AP – Nov 27, 2:27 pm EST
Tennessee Titans defensive bac… AP – Nov 27, 2:00 pm EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterba… AP – Nov 27, 1:47 pm EST
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running b… AP – Nov 27, 1:32 pm EST 1 of 29 TB-Ten Gallery
But the Titans got the ninth and final turnover of the game when rookielinebacker Colin McCarthy(notes) intercepted Josh Freeman(notes) with 2:19 left.
The Bucs (4-7) lost their fifth straight even with LeGarrette Blount(notes) runningfor 103 yards.
Freeman threw for 199 yards and a touchdown, but he had an interception andlost a fumble. He also fumbled the snap on fourth-and-1 before being tackledwith 40 seconds left to seal the Titans’ victory.
Tommie Campbell(notes) took a reverse from Marc Mariani(notes) and ran 84 yards for akickoff return, Dave Ball(notes) had two sacks, and Rob Bironas(notes) kicked field goals of31, 52 and 38 yards as the Titans keep chasing the Houston Texans (8-3) in theAFC South.
Johnson ran for 44 yards, including a season-long 34-yarder, as Tennesseedrove 80 yards to go ahead. But the Titans had to go for it on fourth down, andHasselbeck rolled right before finding Williams at the back of the end zone fora 20-17 lead. He finished 19 of 34 for 160 yards and two interceptions.
Tampa Bay had been giving up 133.5 yards rushing per game. Johnson shreddedthe Bucs at times for the third-best rushing game of his career after beingbooed heavily most of this season after signing a $53.5 million extension.
On a rainy day with a cold front dropping the temperature more than 15degrees, both teams had a hard time holding onto the ball.
The Bucs tied it up at 10-all just before halftime off Tennessee’s secondturnover. Javon Ringer(notes) fumbled after a short pass from Hasselbeck with the ballpopping straight to Bucs safety Tanard Jackson(notes), and he took it 13 yards to theTennessee 13. Freeman needed only 46 seconds before tossing a 3-yard pass toMike Williams to tie it up.
It only got worse in the third quarter when the teams had four turnoverscombined.
Johnson opened the half running well only to be stripped on his third carryafter 13 yards by Aqib Talib(notes). The Bucs had the ball all of three plays beforeTitans safety Jordan Babineaux(notes) stripped it from receiver Mike Williams after acatch. Talib picked off Hasselbeck and ran it back 27 yards for the TD and a17-10 lead with 12:04 left in the third.
Blount had his second fumble after a short pass from Freeman when Titansrookie tackle Jurrell Casey(notes) stripped him of the ball and recovered at the Bucs29. The Titans got nothing from the turnover. Adrian Clayborn(notes) sacked Hasselbeck,and the Titans went three-and-out.
Colts 0-11 after 27-19 loss to Panthers
November 27, 2011
INDIANAPOLIS (AP)—Carolina finally found a venue where it could win on theroad—Indianapolis.
Cam Newton(notes) threw for 208 yards and ran for one touchdown Sunday, whileDeAngelo Williams(notes) scored twice to help the Panthers hold off the winless Colts27-19 for their first road victory in nearly two years. Carolina had lost 12consecutive road games since beating the Giants in New York on Dec. 27, 2009.
Jonathan Stewart(notes) ran 10 times for 70 yards, while Williams finished with 15carries for 69 yards. Newton ran nine times for 53 yards.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:32 pm EST INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:32 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:32 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:32 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:32 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 4:31 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim I… AP – Nov 27, 4:25 pm EST
Carolina Panthers free safety … AP – Nov 27, 4:24 pm EST
Carolina Panthers kicker Olind… AP – Nov 27, 4:20 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts punter Pat … AP – Nov 27, 4:18 pm EST
Carolina Panthers running back… AP – Nov 27, 3:45 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts wide receiv… AP – Nov 27, 3:45 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts quarterback… AP – Nov 27, 3:14 pm EST
Carolina Panthers running back… AP – Nov 27, 3:13 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts free safety… AP – Nov 27, 3:11 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:58 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:57 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts defensive e… AP – Nov 27, 2:39 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts running bac… AP – Nov 27, 2:36 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:34 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:34 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:34 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts running bac… AP – Nov 27, 2:33 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 2:33 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts head coach … AP – Nov 27, 2:07 pm EST
Carolina Panthers quarterback … AP – Nov 27, 1:53 pm EST
Carolina Panthers quarterback … AP – Nov 27, 1:51 pm EST
Carolina Panthers running back… AP – Nov 27, 1:29 pm EST
Carolina Panthers quarterback … AP – Nov 27, 1:28 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:58 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:56 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:56 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:54 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:54 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:54 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:53 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:53 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:53 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:53 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:52 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:51 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:51 pm EST
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – NOVEMBER 27… Getty Images – Nov 27, 12:51 pm EST
Indianapolis Colts quarterback… AP – Nov 27, 12:48 pm EST
Former Indianapolis Colts wide… AP – Nov 27, 12:46 pm EST 1 of 56 Car-Ind Gallery
The Panthers (3-8) never trailed, but they couldn’t put away Indianapolisuntil the final minute.
Carolina broke a 10-10 halftime tie with a nifty 25-yard TD run fromWilliams, who sidestepped one defender in the middle of the field, then cutright and outran the Colts defense for the score.
After Indy closed to 17-13 on a 31-yard field goal from Adam Vinatieri(notes),Williams scored on a 2-yard run early in the fourth quarter.
But the feisty Colts rallied behind oft-criticized quarterback CurtisPainter(notes). He found Reggie Wayne(notes) over the middle, and the receiver slipped atackle, turned left and sprinted into the end zone for a 56-yard TD, his longestpass play of the season. Austin Collie(notes) couldn’t haul in Painter’s 2-pointconversion pass, making the score 24-19.
Carolina followed that with an 81-yard kickoff return by Kealoha Pilares(notes)that led to a 41-yard field goal and appeared to have the game wrapped up whenChris Gamble(notes) picked off Painter’s underthrown ball in the end zone, right infront of Pierre Garcon(notes).
Instead, the Colts defense forced a punt, and Painter converted onfourth-and-5 to get Indianapolis back inside the Carolina 10 with a little morethan a minute left. But two plays later, Collie couldn’t hang onto Painter’spass, and Sherrod Martin(notes) snagged it out of the air and toe-tapped the end linefor an interception that finally sealed it.
Carolina built an early 10-0 lead only to see the Colts tie the score onVinatieri’s field goal with 1:46 left in the half. Painter was 2 of 6 in thefirst half but still set up Vinatieri for a 43-yard kick.
Wayne caught five passes for 122 yards, and Donald Brown(notes) ran 14 times for 80yards for the Colts, who have lost six home games in a season for the sixth timesince moving to Indy in 1984.
Newton was 20 of 27 through the air.
Painter was 15 of 29 for 226 yards with one TD and the two interceptions.
