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Will Tampa Bay Buccaneers meet the spread against the Carolina Panthers in week 11
Published November 15, 2012 | 
Can the Carolina Panthers beat the favorites Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Welcome to our weekly series of articles we call “Offsides”. This is a collective effort between us here at Football Betting World and Frank Benjamin over at OddsOnBetting. This week we take a look at the game between the Buccaneers and Panthers in week 11.
The sportsbooks have picked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to win by one point over the Carolina Panthers. To see the odds, just visit your favorite sportsbook or you can use our handy matchup tool which is located in the odds section in the left nav bar.
With the line at only one point the bookies really think that it will be a close game and that may be true so let’s take a look at why.
For one thing, the Bucs will have to keep an eye on running back Jonathan Stewart, but even more than that, quarterback Cam Newton, when forced out of the pocket has been very effective in rushing for a first down. In fact he has over 350 rushing yards this year.
While he is in the pocket he is also a threat if receivers Steve Smith or Brandon LaFell can get open and, they have to also keep track of tight end Greg Olsen since they are the most likely candidates that Newton will look for. This is what may tend to make it a closer game to predict.
But what the Panthers may not be expecting is that Michael Bennett will be there and be ready to take care of business. And he will not be alone; he will have plenty of help such as Ronde Barber and Mason Foster. These guys aren’t the only ones that the Carolina offense will have to contend with either. I could list more but would likely have to list the entire defensive roster.
Even though the Buc’s quarterback, Josh Freeman, has only been hitting about 56 percent he may be able to improve that number a bit on Sunday against the Panther defense. Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams are ready to step up and make it happen.
I haven’t even mentioned yet that this is not the first time these two teams have met this season. They played in the season opener at the beginning of the season. In that game, even though Cam Newton threw for over 300 yards, he also threw 2 interceptions. Tampa won that game 16 to 10.
Let’s not overlook the playoff hunt either. Tampa Bay is not quite out of it just yet, depending a lot on what happens this week. The amount of drive a team has to win, as well as a number of other factors can affect how much confidence players have before the football game starts.
Now Tampa’s hopes of reaching the playoffs are somewhat slim but it could actually happen in a few different scenarios. For them to accomplish this they will have to contend with Atlanta and that will prove to be difficult. It may be a long shot, but for this game what is important is that the fact that the possibility exists, could be the incentive boost that Tampa needs for Sunday’s football game.
I look for Tampa to do much better this week and for Josh Freeman to have a decent game like he did in the opener. The defense may not be able to count on the Panthers throwing 2 interceptions like in the first game so the Tampa defense will have to get in there and make the big plays and force the turnovers.
So yes, I think that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will meet the point spread, and in fact I think they will beat the spread and more.
For the opposing view on this game, be sure to visit OddsOnBetting to read the article by Frank Benjamin. Will the Carolina Panthers cover the spread against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Will the Buffalo Bills meet the spread against the Miami Dolphins in week 11
Published November 14, 2012 | Can Buffalo Bills meet the spread against the Miami Dolphins in week 11?
This week Miami Dolphins meet the Buffalo Bills. The sportsbooks are picking the Bills to win by a point. This is not much of a spread and when the books pick a game this close you can be sure they think it will be a close game for their bettors to pick too.
Originally when I first looked at this game to decide whether I thought the Bills could make the spread I realized that I was leaning toward the Dolphins not only stopping them but also winning the game.
Sometimes I question why I pick some teams other than gut feelings, but let me see if I can justify my pick to you. Plus if you consider how important this game is to them, they really need a win on Thursday, they have the extra incentive to try and play with fewer mistakes than the early part of their season.
Yes it’s true that the Dolphin offense isn’t exactly rated real high, but the defense of the Bills isn’t exactly rated real high either, in fact it is near the bottom of the league. This does not mean that anyone can take the night off either.
Reggie Bush one of the Dolphins’ top running backs will need to have a decent game, and protect the ball well. In addition, Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller will likely see a fair amount of play. Even though they do not have a huge passing game, quarterback Ryan Tannehill has enough receivers to go to in the backfield that they would be able to fall back to the air game a bit to keep the Bill defense wondering.
I think the biggest threats to the game for the Dolphins will be containing running backs
CJ Spiller and Tashard Choice. In addition to the yards they can get on the ground, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick has has been known to hustle and get a first down, but I think that Miami will be able to control that.
Even though they will have a bit of a battle on the ground I do think that the defense will be able to win that battle. So instead of the Bills making the spread I am picking the Dolphins to beat the Bills by 2.
Whether you agree with my pick or not, I encourage you to check out the odds on this game or any other with the odds tool in the left navigation of the site here at Football Betting World. If you are ready to place a bet try the sportsbook at BetOnline or Sportsbetting. All new players are offered a bonus with their first deposit.
Overtime in week 10 Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs
Published November 12, 2012 | Overtime in the Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs week 10
The Chiefs win the toss and recieve the ball. On the first play Matt Cassel throws an interception and the Steelers get the ball back and is within field goal range and are a kick away from winning the football game in overtime.
And just as quick as the Chiefs turn the lead around at the end of regulation time, the Pittsburgh Steelers put the points up on the board and win the game in 55 seconds.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Kansas City Chiefs 2nd Half week 10
Published November 12, 2012 | The 2nd half of the football game with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 10
On 3rd down the Chiefs get a sack and Pittsburgh go 3 and out to start the 3rd quarter and they punt the ball and the Chiefs start the first possession of the half on the 39. As the Cheifs offense takes the field we see Roethlisberger go the locker room with a possible injury to his arm.
Cassel in play action can’t seem to find a man open and he runs iut out and gets a first down. Then Charles runs it for 9 yards and they are close to another 1st down, sure enough after another run to the right.
The Chiefs are once again knocking on the door and another first down and they have the football on the 20. They just reported that the sholder of Roethlisberger is being looked at and that his return in this game is now questionable. The Chiefs need to attempt a field goal and they miss so the Steelers will get the ball back without their starting quarterback.
On the first snap this year by backup quarterback Byron Leftwich he takes a hit and is slow getting up. The next play the ball an incomplete pass but the Cheifs defense thinks it is fumbled and they run it in for what they think is a touchdown but the officials rules it incomplete pass.
The Steelers make it to mid field but they can’t get any more and they go for it on 4th and 4 and they don’t get it so the Chiefs get the ball back at the 49 yard line.
Pittsburgh is making them work for anything and they are in a 3rd and long situation. They do not convert the play and they must punt. The Steelers don’t get much on 1st and 2nd but on 3rd and 9 yards they have a short pass and run it’s 1st and 10 with the football on the 46 with about 2 minutes in the 3rd period.
They try an unsuccessful 15 yard pass and pass interference is called and they get the first down. At the end off the 3rd quarter the score is 10 to 10 and the Steelers have the football. Pittsburgh really needs to protect this drive and make it convert into pints, preferably a touchdown but if not they can not let the field goal get away from them.
The ball is on the 14 with a 1st and 10. You gotta give the Kansas City defense a hand since they are breaking up a number of plays and stopping the run from getting through on the outside. An incomplete pass on 3rd down and the Steelers take the field goal from the 31 yard line. Pittsburgh takes the lead at 13 to the Chiefs 10 and there is just over 12 minutes left in the game.
Pittsburgh breaks up a few plays of Kansas City and they have to punt and the Steelers get the ball back on the 21 with a little more than 12 minutes left in the football game.
A screen pass to Isaac Redmon and they get a first down. On 2nd and 10 Redmon runs it out and gets about 4 and it will bring up 3rd and 6. A run it is a few short so the Steelers must punt. The Chiefs will have another opportunity to either tie the score back up or take the lead on their next drive.
Pittsburgh stops the run on the right side and Kansas City has to kick and the Steelers will get the ball back on the 18 with about 7 minutes left in the game. They go 3 and out and kick again.
The Chiefs get the ball back and there is just over 5 mintes left. The Chiefs go 3 and out and the Steelers get the ball baclk again and there is just over 4 minutes left.
On 3rd and 7 Byron Leftwich makes a nice pass to Jerricho Cotchery and they get the ball to the 33. Another nice play by Pittsburgh and they are reaching the red zone and we are close to the 2 minute warning. With 2 minutes and 10 seconds left pittsburgh does not get the first down and they bring the kicking unit on the field and we have the 2 minute warning.
Kansas City is down by 3, out of time outs and get the ball on the 20. They get a 1st down and have to run a hurry up and no huddle offense, the next play is incomplete so the clock stops and its 2nd and 10.another first down at mid field.
Another first down but a Steeler down on the field so with an injury time out the clock stops. Chiefs get another first down and withing field goal range but holding on the Chiefs moves them back to the 50. Then it’s 4th and 15 with 22 seconds left. They need a first down and gets it they have to act quick and down the ball and have 3 seconds left to attempt a field goal to tie the score.
The 46 yard kick is good and the game goes to overtime. The end or regular time score of the game Pittsburgh Steelers 13 to Kansas City Chiefs 13.
Kansas City Chiefs vs Pittsburgh Steelers 1st Half week 10
Published November 12, 2012 | Kansas City Chiefs meet the Favorites Pittsburgh Steelers in week 10
The Chiefs are the first to get the ball in tonight’s game. They get a first down and then another short pass for a 5 yarder and then they get stopped at the line of scrimmage on the 2nd and Pittsburgh gets a sack on third down. So the Steelers stop them in a 3 and out and they must kick. A great way for a great defense to start the game.
A short pass to Heath Miller and a 1st down. But then on 3rd and 7 they do not get it and they must punt. The Chiefs get their second possession with decent field position.
And on second down a short pass to tight end Tony Moeaki and they have a first down. And then another short one and they are clodse to a first down again. And then a run by Jamaal Charles and the Chiefs are in the end zone and they get their first 1st quarter touchdown for them this year.
I had actually had predicted in an article earlier today that on the the most likely candidates to make a big play. And one of them makes the play early in the game.
The Steeler start this possession at the 20. With KC taking the early lead they need to make something happen this drive. A pass to Miller and they are close to a 1st. On a 3rd and 4 Roethlisberger with lots of time finally has to throw it away and they go 3 and out a 2nd time.
Kansas City is now going to get their chance to actually take a more than 1 score lead on their next drive. It’s time for the Steeler defense to show the kind of play making that has made them the #1 rated defense.
It takes a few plays but they get a first down so the drive is starting to move down the field. Then on a second and 7 they give it to Charles again and he gets a first. Matt Cassel trys a play action and it falls apart and he takes 2 or so on his own and then a short run gets a few more. Then on a 3rd and 3 Cassel throws an incomplete and they have to punt.
Pittsburgh starts their 3rd drive from the 13 and on a short pass they get a few. After a first down they give it to Redman and he gets a first down but with a holding call on the run it brings up 1st and 19 with a minute and a half left in the 1st quarter. Then a second call for unsportsmanlike conduct for swearing at an official bringing the total yards needed to 29.
And then a fumble on the next run by Redman and the Kansas City Chiefs get the ball back with 1st and goal at their own 10 yard line. A short run and they are at the 4 yard line looking at the end zone. Are we looking at another one of the big upsets that I also talked about earlier and we have seen a number of times this season? It could be. It’s 3rd and goal with the football on the 3.
A nice play by Steeler outside linebacker LaMarr Woodley and he makes the stop and they take the field goal. This gives the Chiefs a 10 point lead with Pittsburgh now being down 10 to 0. The kick goes out of bounds so Roethlisberger starts from the 40.
Another fumble but the Steelers recover so they dodged a bullet there. A short run and that brings up 3rd and 2. Back to Miller again and a nice 1st down and a nice pick up and they are to mid field. On 2nd and 10 and a pass to Miller and he gets about 12 or 14 yards and another 1st.
A short pass to tight end David Paulson and he gets a few. A short run by Dwyer and another 1st. Suddenly it’s 3rd and 8 with footthe ball on the 18. Roethlisberger throws an incomplete and they need to take the field goal and the score is Kansas City 10 to Pittsburgh 3 with a little over 9 minutes in the first half.
Kansas City starts this drive from the 8 yard line with a 7 point lead. The Chiefs are doing a great job of getting those runs on the right side and Pittsburgh has unsuccessful stopping them so far. A flag for false start backs them up and then it is third and long. And the Steelers are able to break up the 3rd down conversion and KC has to punt from deep in their own territory.
This will give he Steelers will get the ball back at mid field on about the 50. They try a deep pass play in the end zone but it is incomplete. But a run by Dwyer and they have a 1st down. Another run by Dwyer and he gets 6 more. A play action play falls apart and Roethlisberger runs it for 14 yards and gets a nice first down.
And on 1st and 7 a pass to Mike Wallce in the end zone a one handed grab and he comes up with the ball The officials rule it a touchdown on the field so it will be reviewed. He does gain control of the ball before rolling out of bounds so the Steelers have tied the score with the extra point with just over 3 minutes left in the first half.
The Chiefs get a 1st down, and then no gain on the next down and it is the 2 minute warning. Kansas City is not managing the clock well and 3rd and 8 there is only 40 seconds left and the play is broken up and they will need to kick the football.
The Steelers get the ball back with 40 seconds left and 2 time outs and the football on the 13. They let the clock run out and go to the locker room at half time with a tied score at 10 each.
Will Steelers beat the spread against Chiefs week 10
Published November 12, 2012 | Can Pittsburgh Steelers meet the spread against the Kansas City Chiefs in week 10?
As of Monday afternoon on Veterans Day a few hours before the game starts in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are picked as favorites to win over the Kansas City Chiefs and the point spread is 12.5 points. A few of our visitors have asked us our thoughts on whether we thought that they would win and if so if they could make the spread.
Well we have seen a number of times the last few weeks in addition to earlier in the season when an underdog or favorite at the sportsbooks failed to win let alone make the points. But let’s take a brief look at tonight’s game and give our thoughts.
Looking at the win-loss record alone one would think there is no way that Kansas City could possibly beat the Steelers, but a word of caution to remind you to always look past the record alone when placing bets on a football game. Even the undefeated Atlanta Falcons were defeated in yesterday’s game with the New Orleans Saints.
To be honest though I will state early in this article that I do think the Steelers will win tonight’s game, but we should take a closer look at their chances of meeting the spread.
First let’s look at the threat that KC poses. They are currently rated at 3rd in the league in rushing stats and this mostly due to the talent from runningbacks Jamaal Charles and Shaun Draughn. Combined they have over 800 yards and Charles is averaging almost 5 yards per carry and Draughn is at nearly 4, and these two are not the only threats on the ground, but the two that are most likely to make an explosive play.
And just because the Chiefs have been concentrating a lot on their running game does not mean they are no threat in passing plays since they have very capable receivers such as Dwayne Bowe and Dexter McCluster as well as others that quarterback Matt Cassel can look for in the secondary.
Although I do fee that throughout the game though Pittsburgh has their work cut out for them, I do feel that their defense will be up to the challenge. They have the number 1 rated defense in the league this year and tonight’s football game will be their opportunity to showcase that talent.
Besides the defensive line such as Steve McLendon, Al Woods, Cameron Heyward and Brett Keisel you have the corners Ike Taylor and Keenan Lewis, most of which have been there to make the stop as well as being around to assist on the sack. And don’t forget about guys like Larry Foote, Ryan Clark, Lawrence Timmons and so many more that have been real world threats to offenses all season.
Every single one of these guys will be ready to take on just about any play that the Chiefs are willing to throw at them.
And on the side of the offense for Pittsburgh you have a veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in his 9th year. He has a great arm with capable receievers and has the experience not to panic under pressure.
Even though they have a bit of a running game, with running backs Rashard Mendenhall doubtful for tonight’s game and Chris Rainey and Jonathan Dwyer coming off injuries I don’t think they will go to the run often but Issac Redman and Baron Batch certainly could touch the ball throughout the game.
Defensively I don’t think that Kansas City has what it will take to shake up Roethlisberger a lot. Sure they will get in for a blitz here and there and they might even make an occasional play in the backfield that the line didn’t see coming, but I just don’t see them be a real threat in the end.
Well if you’ve gotten this far you are probably asking, “Will Pittsburgh make the spread?” Like I said earlier it currently stands at 12.5 points. And based upon what I have seen in the games I have managed to see and the research I have been able to put together, Yes, I do think that the Steelers will make the points, but I am cautiously optimistic.
The Steelers need to get their running backs healthy again so I look for them to go to the run game some but feel that their defense will do a good job of helping keep their offense handling the ball and for the Steelers’ receivers to see a fair amount of work tonight.
Once again, yes I think the Pittsburgh Steelers are a good bet for tonight’s football game. If you are looking for a sportsbook to take your wagers, I suggest checking out BetOnline or Sportsbetting as good solid books. The each offer a fairly attractive welcome bonus for new bettors.
Chicago Bears vs Houston Texans 2nd Half week 10
Published November 11, 2012 | Chicago Bears off to a slow start against the Houston Texans in week 10
Traditionally this season the Bears have gotten off to a slow start but their offense really needs to reduce the mistakes in the second half and hold on to the ball more.
As we start the second half we find out that Jay Cutler has suffered a concussion in the first half and he will be replaced by Jason Campbell. Unable to get far enough into Texan territory they punt the ball and are able to get it downed on the 3 so the Texans get the ball back deep in their own territory.
The Bears hold them off well keeping them deep and do not allow them a first down and they are forced to punt giving the Bears the ball back around their own 40. They fail to do much and go 3 and out and punt.
A 3 and out for Houston and they need to punt. They have had a number of consecutive drives that have been battles in mid field that have not gotten either team much success.
With the first score of the second half, the Bears take the field goal and the score is 6 to 10 with the Texans in the lead. As the 3rd quarter ends the Texans still have the lead and the ball. Chicago defense does their job well again and the Texans punt.
Chicgo does move the ball a bit but is forced to attempt a field goal. The ball hits the goal post and the kick is not good and Houston keeps the 4 point lead. Chicago stops Houston again so it’s time for the Bears to try it again.
Chicago turns in a 3 and out so they have to kick. Houston will get the ball back with just under 8 minutes left. A face mask call and 15 yard penalty against Houston puts them close to field goal territory. But then a holding call on the offense backs them up out of field goal range bringing up a 2nd and 21. They get some of those yards back and take the field goal and the score is now 13 to 6 with the Texans in the lead.
They can’t do anything with the drive and the Bears punt again. Houston gets the ball back with a little over 3 minutes left so now the clock will be a very important factor since they still have a 7 point lead.
Chicago stops the Texans again but has had to use 2 of their timeouts so they get the football back with a little more than 2 and a half minutes and only 1 timeout left.
At the 2 minute warning the Bears have just gotten a holding call so they have just set up a 2nd and 23 with 2 minutes left in the game.
The Bears can’t do it and Houston takes the win with a final score of 13 to 6.
Houston Texans vs Chicago Bears 1st Half week 10
Published November 11, 2012 | The 1 point favorites Chicago Bears meet the Houston Texans in week 10
An unbelievable start to the game on the kick off return the Bears force the ball loose and almost get the turnover and takeaway to start the game, but the ball was called down before the turnover.
A 3 and out for the Texans and Chicago gets the ball and with a decent return starts their first drive on the 45 yard line. And Jay Cutler quarterback for the Bears makes a pass on their first drive to Kellen Davis is stripped away and the Texans recover the ball so they get a second shot before the Bears have a complete drive.
On this drive Houston is first to make it into the red zone for the night. Then on a 3rd and goal from the 5 yard line the drive is stopped so Houston takes the field goal and is first to put points up and they lead 3 to 0.
Two close plays in a row that are just shy of the first down and Chicago is forced to go for it on 4th down. They go for it with a run, and after making the first down and then some, the ball is stripped away and Houston recovers the fumble and mistakes from the scoreless Bears offense put the Texans offense back on the field again.
Fighting their way to mid field it is starting to appear to be another nice drive by Houston but a short pass is picked off by Chicago cornerback Tim Jennings and the Bears have the ball back with decent field position.
Then a pass by Cutler and another turnover, this one is an interception by the Texans. This is certainly turning out to be a game with swings determined by the defenses. A decent run by Arian Foster and the Texans are getting within striking distance and have the goal posts in their sights as the 1st quarter come to an end.
And then on another pass play by Houston the ball is picked off by Tim Jennings and Chicago gets the ball back with an interception. Another great play by the defense.
The other day when I did the write-up for this game in our weekly series of Offsides articles, I said this game would be an in your face kind of game and so far it has been. It has had a lot of turnovers which was somewhat expected but I am a little surprised to see so many this early in the game.
Unable to get in for the touchdown the Bears take the field goal. This ties the score early in the 2nd quarter at 3 to 3. The Texans are somewhat successful with the next drive but they end up getting stalled at mid field and must punt again.
The Houston defense manages to break up the play well on 3rd down and Chicago punts the ball for the first time in the game. Both teams have managed to keep the football in the middle of the field a good bit of the game so far tonight.
Two great runs in a row and the Texans are deep in Bear territory. Then a pass play to Foster and the Texans get the first touchdown of the game. This takes the score to 10 to 3. The Bears will get the ball back with just over 4 minutes left in the first half.
At the two minute warning for the first half the Bears have the ball on the 39 yard line and a first down. And a pass intended for Brandon Marshall is picked off by Kareem Jackson of the Texans and they have just enough time to make a dash for the end zone before the end of the half.
But the Chicage defense holds the Texans and will actually get the ball back one more time although they are out of time outs. There is 51 seconds left but that is just enough time to run a small handful of plays.
As the end of the half arrives Houston is in the lead 10 to 3.
Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys 2nd Half week 10
Published November 11, 2012 | Philadelphia Eagles down by 3 at half time vs Dallas Cowboys in week 10
Having picked the Cowboys by 3 points instead of the paltry 1 the many sportsbooks did, the first half lead of 3 fit right in with my estimation. The pick I made was done so thinking that Michael Vick would play the entire game so it will be interesting to see what Foles will do for the Eagles in the second half.
The first drive by Dallas gets them no where. This was do mostly to the sack the Eagles managed on second down and they do a 3 and out giving Foles, Eagles rookie quarterback, his chance. By now he has taken a bit of time to reflect on the fact that he is in this game and the team will be looking to him to lead them into the end zone, and that this is what he was hired for so it’s time to get to work.
And Nick Foles can now say he earned his pay check this week and makes a deep pass to Jeremy Maclin to get a touchdown. That is Foles very first ever regular season touchdown and gives the eagles the lead with a score of 14 to 10 over the Cowboys.
The defense coming out of Philadelphia has been pretty impressive this game and they force a 3 and out and another punt giving the Eagles another chance to extend their lead.
Another impressive drive by the Eagles on the side of the offense also. One big play came from a pass interference penalty by the Cowboys giving them a first down in Dallas territory and they are within striking distance. Foles is proving he is ready to step up even though it’s his first game he has kept his composure and is not panicking. The Eagles take a 40 yard field goal and their lead is pushed to 7 with a score of 17 to 10.
Dallas must settle down on this next drive. The offensive line needs to provide Romo with more protection in the pocket. So far this game the Eagles have managed to apply enough pressure on him to shake things up just enough and this has to end.
Dallas makes the touchdown on a controversial end zone pass play and the game tied again at 17 each. The first drive of the Eagles in the 4th quarter the Cowboy defense is able to get more pressure on Foles and they are forced to punt.
Then on the kick a return by Dwayne Harris, he manages to break a tackle near mid field and he runs it all the way in for a touchdown and the Cowboys take a 7 point lead with the extra point giving them 2 scores in less than 2 minutes.
Along with throwing his first ever touchdown pass in a game, Foles also throws his first interception that is run in for a touchdown and the Cowboys gets another touchdown giving them a 14 point lead. The score is at 31 to 17.
Another trade of possessions with no score and as the time is winding down in the 4th quarter the Eagles will get the ball back with just over 5 minutes left in the game.
A decent drive overall and Foles gets the eagles to the 1 just at the 2 minute warning. the likelihood of them scoring, and then forcing a turnover to get the ball back, or onside kick, and score again is not very high but they certainly are doing what they can to stay in the game. In for the touchdown on the next play it would have been a 7 point game but a missed field goal and Dallas keeps the lead at 31 to 23.
Being very careful with the Ball Dallas keeps it on the ground but is unable to get a first down so they punt and Philadelphia gets the football back with just under a minute left in the game but are out of time outs.
But on the first play they put heavy pressure on Foles and force a fumble which Dallas recovers for a touchdown which will win the game for the Cowboys. Final score 38 to 23.
Despite losing you gotta really hand it to the Eagles, they played a really good game today. They held the Cowboys off very well in the first half and in fact had the lead just before half time. After losing Michael Vick they had to go with a rookie in his first ever game and he did ok considering what he was up against.
It is pretty clear he needs more work, and depending on whether Vick is able to return next week, I predict that Philadelphia will make sure he takes more snaps in games when possible to get him more experience.
Dallas Cowboys vs Philadelphia Eagles 1st Half week 10
Published November 11, 2012 | Philadelphia Eagles face the 1 point favorite Dallas Cowboys in week 10
On their first drive of the game the Eagles are the first to score and take the early lead of 7 to 0 against the Dallas Cowboys. Philadelphia really needed to score on their first drive since it is the first time this season they have been able to do that. Could this be the thing that gives them the momentum for the game? The next few possessions will be the determining factor.
Dallas gets to mid field fairly quickly on their first drive. They push and shove their way into the red zone and get a first down inside the 10. The Cowboys get the touchdown with just over 2 minutes left in the first quarter so we have a tied game with each side trading touchdowns on their first possessions.
The Eagles have played a good game offensively so far but a missed catch on 3rd down on the latest possession forces them to punt the ball giving the Cowboys a shot at taking the lead on their next drive. The Eagles defense stops them and forces a 3 and out keeping the game tied.
What was looking like another good drive by the Eagles was closed down near mid field and they punt the ball. The last few possessions have been played and controlled by the defenses on both sides and Dallas punts the football.
Time for the Eagles to take back over but this drive will be run by rookie Nick Foles due to a hit that Michael Vick took on the Cowboys last drive where his helmet came off and hit him in the eye. This is Foles very first regular season game in the league. He is unable to do much with the drive and the Cowboys will get the ball back again with the score still tied at 7 each.
A nice sideline pass to Dez Bryant and Dallas gets a first down. Also it has just been announced that Michael Vick does have a concussion so he will not be coming back in today’s game. Dallas is forced to take a field goal giving them their first lead in the game and the score is 10 to 7.
The Dallas defense had good penetration and managed to hurry Foles although he did manage to get one decent reception that was called back due to a holding call on the offense. They break up the 3rd down conversion and the Eagles have to punt.
A good run by Felix Jones and Dallas in just inside Eagle territory as we hit the 2 minute warning in the half. Under heavy pressure Tony Romo, quarterback for the Cowboys is unable to convert on 3rd down they punt the ball giving Philadelphia the ball with 45 secinds left in the half.
They do not do anything on the drive but do kick the ball back to Dallas with 9 seconds left, but out of time outs they do not make anything happen on the return and then take a knee to end the first half. Half time score is Dallas 10 to Philadelphia 7.
