Week Eleven Recap
By Nick Ferraro
Jetnation.com Columnist
Buccaneers 30 Falcons 27
The Bucs got a close win in a huge NFC South tilt. The Falcons have dropped two straight despite getting rare production in the passing game. The win pulls the Bucs into a tie for first in the division.
Stat of the game: Michael Vick threw for over 300 yards, and the Falcons ran for 150, but they still found a way to lose.
Bears 13 Panthers 3
The Bears smothered the Panthers. The Carolina bandwagon has hit a pothole. The Bears have a shot at home-field advantage in the NFC. That fact tells you all you need to know about the current state of the NFC.
Stat of the game: The Bears mauled the Panther’s offensive line for eight sacks.
Browns 22 Dolphins 0
After playing well against the Patriots, the Dolphins were awful in Cleveland. The Browns have more wins now than many thought they would have at year’s end.
Stat of the game: Braylon Edwards got the playing time he was begging for, and he led the Browns in receiving with 90 yards.
Cowboys 20 Lions 7
The Cowboys dominated this game with the running attack. They outran the Lions 149 to 57.
Stat of the game: The self-destructive Lions had 17 penalties for 126 yards.
Jaguars 31 Titans 28
The Jags escaped Tennessee with the win, but they are clearly a step behind the elite teams in the AFC.
Stat of the game: The Jaguars usually anemic passing game carried the team Sunday with 246 of their 249 yards of offense.
Cardinals 38 Rams 28
Kurt Warner led the Cardinals to a win in his return to St. Louis. The Rams are done.
Stat of the Game: The Cardinals held the Rams to just six yards rushing.
Patriots 24 Saints 17
The always-generous Aaron Brooks provided an INT late in the game to end this one. If the Pats were not in the AFC East, the probably wouldn’t make the playoffs.
Stat of the Game: Some dude named Heath Evans led the defending champions with 74 yards rushing.
Giants 27 Eagles 17
The Gnats managed to beat the Eagles who played without their two best players. A throng of people was sighted gassing up a bandwagon outside Gnat’s Stadium.
Stat of the Game: Jeremy Shockey had one catch on the day, but he was able to move up three spots on the most-overrated player list.
Raiders 16 Redskins 13
The Raiders defense stepped up to notch a rare road win. The Skins gave the game away with three fumbles.
Stat of the Game: The Raiders shut the Skins out in the second half.
Ravens 16 Steelers 13
The Steelers were unable to push their luck for another game without Big Ben. He should be back for the showdown with the Colts next week.
Stat of the Game: The offensively challenged Ravens were able to top the 100-yard mark on the ground. They had 104 yards rushing against a tough Steelers run defense.
Seahawks 27 49ers 25
The Seahawks stopped a two-point conversion with 28 seconds left to hang on against for their sixth straight win. The Seahawks now have the inside track for home field in the NFC.
Stat of the Game: Shaun Alexander had two more TDs Sunday. He now has 17 through 10 games.
Colts 45 Bengals 37
A 35-point first half carried the Colts to a road win in Cincinnati. The Bengals have now lost to both the Steelers and Colts at home. They have some ground to make up before being considered an elite AFC team.
Stat of the Game: Though the ground game has been the focus recently, the Colts can still light it up through the air. Manning had 365 yards on Sunday.
Chargers 48 Bills 10
The bye week appeared to have a positive impact on the Chargers. The Bills waved the white flag at halftime down 35 –10.
Stat of the Game: I hope you had Drew Brees in your fantasy geek league. He was 28 for 33 for 339 yards and 4 TDs.
Broncos 27 Jets 0
There was apparently a little bit more room to slide for the Jets to hit rock bottom. The green machine has been outscored 57-3 in the last two games. They get the Saints at home next week in the Let’s See if They’ve Quit Bowl.
Stat of the Game: Justin McCareins led the Jets in rushing. He bulldozed his way for eight yards on the day.
Chiefs 45 Texans 17
Larry Johnson ran over the Texans for 211 yards. If you’re interested, Dom Caper’s services will be available in 2006.
State of the Game: All the repetition is paying off for Houston’s kick return team, the averaged 34.8 yards per return last night.
Vikings 20 Packers 17
The Vikings nipped the Packers as time expired for the second time this year. Minnesota pulled to .500 and revived their hopes for the playoffs. If the Vikings can make a playoff run without Culpepper and with all the issues they’ve had, Mike Tice may save his job.
Stat of the Game: The maligned Vikings defense held the Packers to just 21 yards on the ground.
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