NFL Week 12 Recap

Packers 34-Lions 12:

Not much of a contest here. Aaron Rodgers, Donald Driver, and company had their way with a weak Lions defense. In a valiant effort, Mathew Stafford played the entire game with a dislocated left shoulder (non-throwing shoulder), which was painful to watch. Judging by the way he played, he was indeed in a lot of pain. Calvin Johnson, who also played hurt, had the lone TD for Detroit.

Cowboys 24-Raiders 7:

Miles Austin bursted back onto the season after a quiet couple of weeks, hauling in 7 receptions for 145 yards and a touchdown. Romo was solid while Bruce Gradkowski was... well... wait... who's Bruce Gradkowski?

Broncos 26-Giants 6:

I've officially decided that the problem with the Giants offense is that the offensive line has aged very quickly this season, while the biggest problem with the defense has been the loss of defensive coordinating gem, Steve Spagnuolo. The secondary happens to be inept to make matters worse. Shockingly, the Giants still very much control their own destiny to make the playoffs. At 6-5, they have home games against Dallas and Philly respectively the next 2 weeks. Back-to-back wins, if possible, will put them in very good shape for the playoffs. Lets pray. As for Denver, after a sluggish month, they're defense was flying and Brandon Marshal was straight up sucio.

Falcons 20-Buccaneers 17:

Atlanta got a desperately needed win to keep their postseason hopes alive, however, with mixed performances. Tony Gonzales played well, Michael Turner did nothing, and Matt Ryan left with an early injury, as his status has yet to be determined for next week. Anyhow, The Bucs lost again. Some things never change.

Bills 31-Dolphins 14:

This was surprising. The lowly Bills beat the surging Dolphins. Rickey Williams was tremendous again, with 115 rush yards and a score, however, Fred Jackson was pretty good himself, with 73 rush yards and 2 scores. Lets also give Ryan Fitzpatrick a lot of credit, getting his second win in as many starts.

Bengals 16-Bills 7:

I guess one good offensive game (last week at Detroit, although they lost of course) was more than enough for Cleveland, who mustered hardly any yardage yesterday. It was a struggle all day for the Cincinnati offense as well... good thing they were playing the Browns.

Seahawks 27-Rams 17:

Justin Forsett anyone? In case your wondering, he's the Seattle running-back who ran for 130 yards and 2 TDs yesterday. That other guy who has a bit more of a household name, Steven Jackson, had another strong game, with 89 yards and a score.

Jets 17-Panthers 6:

The offense did just enough for the Jets, who had a very strong defensive effort, not to mention horrific QB play from Jake Delhomme, who threw 4 picks: 2 for both Darelle Revis and Kerry Rhodes.

Eagles 27-Redskins 24:

Why would the Redskins ever want to protect a late 4th quarter lead? They haven't done it all season, which pretty much summarizes why they're a disgrace. Despite sneaking away with a win, the Eagles were very subpar in all phases of the game: offense, defense, special teams.

Colts 35-Texans 27:

16-0? This could be the year for the team that just set an NFL record with 7 straight 11 win seasons. That's like having 7 straight 100 win seasons in baseball. It just doesn't happen. And oh by the way, with the win, they've clinched the division, which the Texans are quickly plummeting in. Despite very admirable play each week, we can attribute the losing to inability to close out games, as they've lost 3 straight heart-breakers, thanks to poor 4th quarter play.

Chargers 43-Chiefs 14:

Aside from the Vikings, Colts, Saints, and maybe the Titans, the Chargers are quietly the hottest team in the league, having won 6 straight. Rivers was great again, going 21-28 for 317 yards and 2 scores, both caught by Antonio Gates, who was also great, reeling in 7 grabs for 118 yards. If there's one bright spot for KC, it's been the recent addition of Chris Chambers, who I'm sure was jacked-up to play the team that cut him earlier this season. He had 7 catches for 70 yards and a TD. Other than that, the dark days continue getting darker in KC, who also have to put up with the Royals. Ouch.

49ers 20-Jaguars 3:

Anyone remember when San Fran got off to a 2-0 start, than came within a miracle last play heave by Brett Favre of starting 3-0? Well, at 5-6 now, yesterday, this team resembled their early season form, as they punished a very hot Jacksonville squad. The formula to beat the Jags: shut down Maurice-Jones Drew. Just ask the niners.

Titans 20-Cardinals 17:

I'm really starting to believe that the Titans could pull off the miracle and "run the table" to reach 10-6, and in effect, make the playoffs in all likeliness. I can't say that's a given. You can ask Bill Belichick why I say that. Also, Tennessee still has Indy on their schedule, and we all know what that usually means, and by usually I mean that Indy has won 20 straight regular season games. Anyway, I apologize for being a buzz-kill. Please, lets all give Vince Young a bow. Since regaining the starting spot, this guy has been unreal. Having Chris Johnson, who is easily on pace to break the single season rushing record, hasn't hurt either. Once again, Leinart bows to Young in the most heart-breaking of circumstances.

Vikings 36-Bears 10:

Brett Favre: 32-48, 392 yards, 3 touchdowns. I still heavily dislike the guy but he's had an incredible season. Try 24 TDs against just 3 interceptions. This is Brett Favre we're talking about, who's never been afraid to throw 3 picks in just a single game. Amazing. Percy Harvin, who's also been a great surprise for Minnesota, had his best game yet, catching 6 passes for 101 yards and a TD.

Ravens 20-Steelers 17:

Very fitting that in my opinion, the best rivalry in football, played a neck-and-neck over-time thriller. It's a pleasure to watch these 2 teams on the same field. Both great organizations that play smash-mouth football. The Ravens nipped this one out, thanks in large part to an O.T. INT from Paul Kruger, a rookie linebacker, who picked off Dennis Dixon, another very young player, who started for the injured Roethlisberger. Great game.

Saints 38-Patriots 17:

Speaking of thrillers, although this wasn't as close as the Ravens-Steelers game, this was a very fun game to watch. Wes Welker had another strong game for New England while Laurence Maroney also continued his late season charge with 2 TDs, however, Brady didn't play well, and the secondary got lit up by... yes... him. Drew Brees continued his dream season, lifting the Saints to an unprecedented 11-0 for the organization, while he continues to make his MVP case. How bout this for a final line: 18-23 for 371 yards, 5 TDs, 0 INTS. Oh by the way, he had a PERFECT passer rating of 158.3. I say it every week, but it's scary how this guy can literally throw to any receiver, or hand it off to any running-back with tremendous confidence. Any why not? They're all do their job, and their all playmakers. Saints roll again.