This is starting to seem like one of the most fun NFL seasons to watch ever. Every week so far, there has been at least 2 or 3 huge upsets to rock the sports world.
This was one of those Sundays.
Let's start with the biggest one: The St. Louis Rams ripping the Houston Texans to shreds in Houston. First, I need to state a very important point. This was not at all completely Matt Schaub's fault. If anything, Schaub had a very decent bouceback game after the debacle in San Francisco last Sunday night, with no interceptions. Sadly, we did not get a complete look at Matt, as he was injured, and replaced by the helplessly clumsy former North Carolina Tar Heel TJ Yates. I must say, the Texans fans should feel ashamed of themselves for clapping when Schaub went down with the injury. It was quite disgusting, in my opinion, and they have to realize that since he is their best option at quarterback, they need to continue to support him through thick or thin. The Texans seem to be quickly headed for the caboose of the Playoff Contender train. On the other hand, the Rams certainly have finally found their main running back, as the former Vanderbilt Commodore star Zac Stacy had a terrific game. Sam Bradford also had great successes, and linebacker Alec Ogletree's name was said often in highlights, including a return for a touchdown off of an interception by TJ Yates. If the Rams continue to keep things together on their defense, they might soon be able to return to playoff contention.
One of the most thrilling games of the afternoon was New Orleans vs. New England. In the blockbuster matchup, Drew Brees and Tom Brady mostly equaled each other in terms of stats. In the first half, it really looked like the Pats were going to roll off a big victory, but the Bayou Angels showed grit and determination. Then the big one: Drew Brees threw a 34 yard touchdown to The Freak- Kenny Stills and his finely spiked hair. Tom Brady proceeded to throw an interception on the next Pats drive, and the New England fans were filing out of the building. But then it happened. The Saints went 3 and out, and gave the ball to Brady again with 1 minute left. Tommy was obviously fired up to find redemption after that interception, and torched the field to pieces. He found Kenbrell Thompkins with 5 seconds left, and the Patriots had completed one of the most exhilarating and stupefying comebacks in a long time in the NFL.
Another really odd one was Cincinnati vs. Buffalo, and the Bills put up a fight that no one thought they could muster. With the loss of starting quarterback EJ Manuel last week due to an injury, Buffalo was scrambling to start a viable QB for the game today. Boy, did they ever find one. Thad Lewis did everything that was expected of him, and more. He threw for 216 yards, 2 TDs, and zero, yes, zip, interceptions. Quite impressive for the 25 year old. Sadly, even after a terrific 4th quarter comeback, the Bills lost in the sudden death overtime after a field goal by Cincy. Lewis announced after the game he was also injured in the game, spraining his foot. Soon after that, it was reported that Buffalo is going to work out free agent Matt Flynn to possibly fill the void again. Buffalo's coaching staff has really done a great job keeping the team in games during these injury filled days, and they should be commended for that.
So, Denver beat Jacksonville by 100, right? As the great Lee Corso would say, 'Not So Fast'. Jacksonville was really fired up, as they were tired of being embarrassed by the media, and put up a reasonably tough fight. Coming into the game, we knew the three players that had to have big games for J-Ville: Star linebacker Paul Poluszny (Poz), quarterback Chad Henne, and field goal kicker Josh Scobee. Poz caught an interception thrown by Peyton Manning, and returned it for a pick-six. Scobee is as accurate as ever. And finally, Chad Henne was, in the first half, outplaying Peyton Manning! Sadly, for the Jags, the upset bid started to fade by the end of the 3rd quarter, and Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno sealed the game with his 2nd rushing TD of the game in the 4th. The Jaguars certainly showed the NFL that there still are many chinks in Denver's armor, though.
What about the Seattle vs. Tennessee game? The result of Seattle winning is explained by one statement: If Jake Locker had not been injured for Tennessee two weeks ago, the Titans would have won this game. Ryan Fitzpatrick was his regular, worthless self, making all of the hard work Nashville's defense put in unimportant. Things do not get much easier for Tennessee next week, as they host the 49ers in Nashville.
A game that particularly intrigued me today was Carolina vs. Minnesota. The always inconsistent Cam Newton had a sensational day today, with 242 yards and 3 touchdowns. Adrian Peterson was really stumped today by the tough Charlotte defense, and Matt Cassel threw 2 critical interceptions. Carolina, even with their losing record, is starting to possibly look like the 2nd best team in the NFC South.
If today didn't thrill you as a football fan, you need to find yourself a brain. What a day.
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