The Indianapolis Colts face the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 10

The Jaguars go 3 and out on their first possession which is really not a surprise and the Colts get started on their first possession. And the Colts also go 3 and out on their first drive.

We have seen starts like this in recent weeks and ended up having a really good game and I am hoping that tonight’s game is no different. The excitement doesn’t seem to be coming from Jacksonville so far and they go 3 and out again and the Colts get their second shot at the ball with great field position.

It appears that Andrew Luck is reading the line better this drive and his receivers are managing to get free of the defenders and getting open for the reception. They have also had a few good short runs and they are quickly in scoring distance.

However on a 3rd and 5with the ball on about the 7 yard line the Jaguars manage to get the sack and force them to kick and they take the field goal and the first score of the night. The score stands at Colts 3 to Jaguars 0.

A much nicer drive by Jacksonville this possession. On the first down they had a pass play that might have been questionable to being considered a complete pass but it was called that way on the field. The Jags were quick to line up and get another play off before the play could be challenged which was very intelligent.

A few more short passes as well as runs and they are in Colt territory. Since they did not get the 3rd down conversion Jacksonville attempts a 44 yard field goal and misses so the Colts get the ball back with unanswered points.

As we reach the end of the first quarter with the score at 3 to 0 and the Colts have the football on the Jaguars 29 with a 1st and 10. The Colts manage to geet into the red zone and then a short pass play seems to fall apart from the 5 and Andrew Luck runs it in himself and gets the touchdown so Indianapolis has the lead at 10 to 0 early in the second quarter.

What was starting to appear to be the best drive of the game so far for Jacksonville and a short pass is stipped away and the Colts recover. They get the ball back on their own 39. A great pass to Donnie Avery and they get the first down on the 7 yard line.

A second touchdown by Andrew Luck on the ground and the Colts are up 17 to 0. The play was a bit controversial and the Jaguars coach kinda lost his head and got a penalty for unsportmanslike conduct which hurt the Jaguar field position on the kickoff.

The Jaguars can not convert the drive into points and must punt. On the next drive, after the Colts are having some success under heavy pressure in the secondary the Jaguars pick off the pass and get the interception.

Jacksonville has just under 2 minutes to get the ball down field and score. Jacksonville takes the field goal as the half nears the end. The half time score is Jacksonville 3 to Indianapolis 17.

Second half of New Orleans Saints vs Philadelphia Eagles

The Saints had a few short yard runs shut down at the line of scrimmage in the first drive of the half, but that’s ok since they were effective with a handful of short passes and they get into Eagle territory.

The Eagles just do not seem to have the coverage down in the secondary and the receivers are getting open and getting the receptions.

Ironically after I say something about a lack of defense and the Eagles force a turnover and get the ball back on a fumble. This is something Phiadelphia needs to help change the tempo back in their favor but they need to make sure not to squander this and convert on the possession.

And in one play the Eagles do just that and Michael Vick goes deep with a pass to DeSean Jackson and he breaks a tackle at mid field and gets into the end zone and the score is at Eagles 10 to Saints 21.

And on the kick off return the Eagles manage to force another fumble and Philadelphia recovers and the Eagles appear to be back in the game. The next play Vick doesn’t see anyone open so he runs it and gets the first down. They do not conver the 6 points but take a field goal so the score is now 13 to 21.

The amount of time that the Eagle defense is giving Saints quarterback Drew Brees to find a receiver open is way more then they should and with a quarterback as accurate as he is he will make the play almost every time. This drive was no different and they the score again. New Orleans lead 28 to Philadelphia 13.

On the kick off return the Eagles try a trick play. The ball is fielded by Brandon Boykin, but just as he catches it, off to the far right of him is Riley Cooper lying on the field in the end zone. He jumps up and Boykin does a lateral to Cooper and he runs down field. He does a good job of avoiding a tackle and actually runs the entire length of the field and gets what most think is a touchdown.

They do call the play back since the lateral was actually a forward pass, had it been a bit further back and not gone forward they would have gotten away with it, but it didn’t work.

As the third quarter ends a pass by Michael Vick get the Eagles at mid field and the score is still 28 to 13. Once again the ball is fumbled and the Saints recover and just over 2 minutes in the football game so it appears that the Eagles just could not pull off a win tonight.

Philadelphia stops the Saints again and they will get the ball back but it will not help them much the way they have played tonight. A decent drive and as the clock is winding down the Eagles have made it into the red zone again.

The Saints win the game with a score of Eagles 13 to Saints 28.

First half of New Orleans Saints vs Philadelphia Eagles

As the game is starting I am wondering how many rushing yards Michael Vick will have at the end of the game. And after a handful of plays I wonder how many plays that Vick can get hit like he has on the first drive. Unable to convert on a 3rd down after reaching mid field the Eagles punt.

What appeared at the beginning to be a big converting drive for the Saints ended just after mid field and the Eagles shut down the drive so the Saints also punt on the first possession.

A great run by the rookie Brown and they get inside the 10 and it’s first and goal. OMG what a play by the Saints. A tipped ball on a pass to the end zone and the ball is picked off and the Saints run it down the field for a 99 yard touchdown. The Saints get the early lead 7 to 0.

As the 1st quarter ends the Eagles still have the ball and they have already gotten over 100 yards on the ground. Philadelphia has actually been the dominant team during the quarter but it is the Saints who have the lead.

Another possession by the Eagles that has them deep in the red zone and yet they do not get the touchdown. They do end the drive with a field goal so the score is now 3 to 7 Saints lead.

The Saints have started to get their run game in order, or at least they have on this past drive. They get into the end zone again and extend their lead to 11 and the score is 14 to 3.

The Eagles get stopped again and punt the ball. The Saints get it back with approximately 5 minutes left in the half. A third touchdown for the Saints, this time from a pass and they have a big lead just before the end of the half and it 21 to 3.

And the Eagles have another failed drive and the Saints have enough time to run a few decent plays. The are unable to do it and the Eagles will get the ball with 11 seconds so just enough time for 1 play.

The half time score is Saints 21 to Eagles 3.

Second half of Dallas Cowboys vs the Undefeated Atlanta Falcons

Felix Jones, has a great run and a first down to start the quarter. A few plays later another great run and they are at mid field with a first down. Atlanta is successful in their blitz on a 3rd down and Dallas punts.

It’s interesting to note that neither team has been in the end zone yet in this game. Will the first team to get there take the game? An 18 yard pass to Julio Jones and the Falcons have a first down. Then on a 3rd down and 12 under heavy pressure Matt Ryan throws on the move and they have a first down. Next play another nice throw to Roddy White and they are at mid field with a first down.

Dallas defense makes a good play on 3rd down and they force Atlanta to attempt a field goal. Once again they miss the field goal and Dallas gets the ball back with the score still tied. Honestly i think we can call this an evening of missed opportunities for both teams. Two missed field goals for Atlanta and twice Dallas has been very deep in Falcon territory and did not get the points.

Once again Dallas seems to be moving the ball well but just as they are reaching mid field they get a holding call to hurt their progress. Another play with short yardage and it brings up a 3rd and 13 making another must convert and Romo throws an incomplete pass and it’s 4th down and the kicking team comes on the field.

The kick is great and for some reason the Atlanta return team decides to return the ball from the 2 but they are stopped on the spot. But Dallas draws a penalty from the kick by having a man go out of bounds, giving Atlanta the opportunity to force a re-kick with a 5 yard penalty, and on the next kick Atlanta get the ball out to the 14 or so instead of being pinned down deep in their own territory.

A huge run by Michael Turner, 43 yards, and Atlanta suddenly has great field position with a first down deep in Dallas territory with just over a half minute in the 3rd quarter. Shortly after that Atlanta finally gets in to the end zone getting the first touchdown of the game and Atlanta has the lead for the first time in the game. Score is 13 to 6.

A 3 and out on the Cowboys here is the last thing they wanted but that is what happens and they must punt so Atlanta gets the ball back with unanswered points from their previous drive.

Dallas needs a big defensive play here now more than ever and Atlanta needs a score now to give them a two score lead and a big run gets them into field goal range, even though after 2 misses so far they are likely concentrating on the end zone.

Dallas defense makes a big play and a sack and forces them into a 2nd and long but they get a 10 yard run and its 3rd and 10. Ryan goes to the air and it’s incomplete and they must kick. On a 36 yard attempt his 5th kick of the night and they get the field goal and extend their lead to 16 to Dallas 6.

A handful of short passes and Dallas is moving the ball well and staying in a no huddle offense and very quickly they are in the end with a pass to Kevin Ogletree. So in less than 2 and half minutes they have made it a 3 point game again and the score is Dallas 13 to Atlanta 16.

Dallas misses what is likely their most important play of the game and on 3rd down they open a big hole in the middle and Atlanta gets a first down with just over 3 minutes in the game and the Falcons are at mid field. Dallas is forced to use up their time outs to stop the clock between each play while on defense.

Then Dallas blows it again on the 3rd down with a holding call and Atlanta gets the first down with the call. On the next play Dallas must use their last time out and it’s 2nd and 5 with just over 3 minutes in the game.

Atlanta gets another first down and they are in Dallas territory but more importantly, as we hit the 2 minute warning Dallas must force a turnover or keep Atlanta from making a field goal in order to have a small chance to do something if they are able to get the ball back with any time left on the clock since they are completely out of time outs.

Atlanta goes for the field goal and there is 22 seconds left so Dallas will get the ball back with 17 seconds on the clock. Score is Atlanta 19 to Dallas 13.

They will have 17 seconds and may have just enough time to run 2 plays if they manage to get out of bounds on the play.

Two plays at 3 and 4 seconds each they get a first down and they need a hail mary. A 3rd play of the same thing and they still need about 60 yards for the score. The last play of the game is a decent one but the receiver runs out of time and he is tackled and the game is over.

Atlanta Falcons wins over the Dallas Cowboys 19 to 13.

Can the Dallas Cowboys upset the Atlanta Falcons and get an early lead in the first half?

Nothing much happening for the Falcons on their first possession and they go 3 and out and then punt the ball to Dallas. The Cowboys are in a must win position in the season.

Even though they manage to get a good run back and get deep into Falcon territory, a bit of pressure on Tony Romo quarterback for Dallas and he is unable to convert the third down and Dallas takes the field goal and the early lead in the game. Score 3 to 0.

A great catch by Julio Jones and the Falcons make a big play and gets to mid field. Then they turn a short pass into another first down and they are in Dallas territory in a few plays. The Cowboy defense makes a good play and stops them from converting the 3rd down. Well within striking distance of field goal and the kick is missed.

If Dallas can now have a good drive and get into the end zone on the next possession they can
extend their early lead and have quite a bit of momentum going into the 2nd quarter. Then after a face mask penalty they get set back. Then a huge pass play by Tony Romo to Dunbar and they are deep in Falcon territory again. Once again unable to convert they take the field goal and their lead is extended to 6 to 0.

It’s starting to look more and more like Atlanta will no longer be the undefeated team after tonights game. The Dallas defense is showing Atlanta why they are currently rated one of the best defenses in the league. They have managed to quite often hold Atlanta to short yardage. Once again they force them to take the field goal on this drive and the score now stands at Atlanta 3 to Dallas 6.

Dallas now has another chance to get into the end zoneand we are 1 minute into the second quarter. Dallas really must convert on this drive and they will have a more solid handle on the half.

And a holding call on Atlanta defense gets an interception called back so Dallas keeps the ball and Atlanta loses the chance on a big play that could have stopped this drive. The next play is also almost intercepted in the end zone. The third down play is broken up and the 54 yard field goal is missed so Atlanta gets the ball back with good field position.

A big sack on Matt Ryan and the ball is forced loose but luckily Atlanta recovered the ball. Again the Falcons can not convert on the drive and they punt the ball back to Dallas.

Even though Romo had to start with the ball on about the 2 yard line a few plays later and they get the first down. And with a combination of short passes and runs in the mixture they have a few first downs and are at mid field.

Another missed opportunity for Dallas and they have to punt the ball. Then under pressure of the clock with only a minute to go in the half and Atlanta gets the first down and Atlanta is getting close to mid field with another first down.

They actually get another first down on the 48 and get a pass to the 28 yard line and use their last time out and have 3 seconds left on the clock, just enough to make a field goal. Atlanta makes the field goal and we have tied score at the half.

A close 2nd half in the NY Giants vs Pittsburgh Steelers week 9 football game

A great kick return of more than 60 yards and the Steelers start the half with good field position. Good coverage from the Giants defense and they stop the Steelers from getting deep enough to get any points and NY has a great opportunity to extend the lead.

Unable to get a touchdown the Giants take a 50 yard field goal and take the score to 17 to 10 giving them a touchdown lead.

Making a bad decision under heavy pressure and to avoid getting sacked he throws another interception and Eli Manning will get the ball back with decent field position about mid way through the third quarter.

And NY gets another field goal just before the 3rd quarter ends and takes the lead to more than a touchdown with the score at 20 to 10.

Now more than ever Roethlisberger needs to protect the football better and not get picked even if he is forced to throw under pressure. I look for him to scramble for the first down possibly in an attempt to keep better control.

They are doing just that and when the third quarter ends they are carefully and patiently moving down field using the short pass and accessing their running game in small pieces. Then a short pass to Mike Wallace and he breaks a tackle and runs it in for the touchdown. This puts Pittsburgh back in to the game and the score is Steelers 17 to Giants 20.

The Steeler defense steps up when they most had to and shut down the drive and sack Eli Manning on the 3rd down forcing a punt. this was only the 2nd sack of the game and only the 7th time Manning has been sacked this year.

Then on the punt return Emmanuel Sanders gets a 63 yard return and Pittsburgh have the ball on the NY 13 and are well within scoring distance. The Giants break up the 3rd down play and force them to attempt the field goal.

And instead of the Steelers making the kick and getting the tie score, they attempt the fake and the Giants defense sense the play and break it up and stop them from getting a first down. This will end up being a big play and may have kept Pittsburgh from winning the football game.

The Steelers defense forces a 3 and out and the Giants punt the ball again. Keeping the Giants defense off balance a bit this drive and they mix it up with a few running plys up the center and some short passes and they get in for the score. The Steelers get the lead back and the score is 24 to 20 with roughly 4 minutes left in the game.

Rather than get the 3rd down conversion on the drive Pittsburgh manages to stop the NY and they punt the ball. If the Steelers can get at least one first down on the ground and hold on to the ball they will keep the lead and be in a position to run down the clock and win the game.

They hit them for a short loss in the second down and force them to throw the ball but Roethlisberger hits his man and gets the first down and the Giants use their last time out. On the next play Pittsburgh runs the ball and gets the first down and we are at the two minute warning.

Pittsburgh still has the ball, has a first down and NY is out of time outs. This game has actually turned around and was won within the 4th quarter. The final score in the game Pittsburgh 24 to NY 20.

I know I picked the Giants to win here, but this was a really fun football game to watch.

A close 1st half in NY Giants vs Pittsburgh Steelers football game

Off to a slow start which is somewaht normal for NY and they need to punt on their first possession. Taking a NY bounce off the kick and Pittsburgh will have their forst drive starting form their own 2 yard line.

Ben Roethlisberger quarterback for the Steelers has put together a decent drive and gets the Steelers to the 30 or so giving him more room to manuver but on the next play the Giants sack him for a loss. They then shortly thereafter have to punt so each team has had one drive with no score.

Another trade in possessions and NY stops Pittsburgh again and we still have a no score game with the Giants to get the ball back. But cornerback Ike Taylor makes a great play for the Steelers defense and gets his first inteception of the season and Pittsburgh will get the ball back.

Then a run right up the center gets them great field position. And the quarter ends scoreless with Pittsburgh possessing the ball.

Then after a total of 11 plays on the drive the Steelers are the first to get into the end zone and put the points up with a score standing at 7 to 0.

A bit of a better drive by the Giants this possession and they end up getting a first down inside the 10. A personal foul penalty on 3rd down gives them another chance and they get in on a short run on the next down and get the touchdown. The game is tied at 7 each with just over 6 minutes left in the first half.

Then suddenly on a pass play by Roethlisberger instead of an incomplete pass the Giants scoop up the ball and run it in for a touchdown. Even after the officials review the play the call on the field stands and NY gets the touchdown and have a 7 point lead over the Steelers with the score at 14 to 7.

The score is still 14 to 7 when we get the 2 minute warning and the Steelers have the ball with good field position after having just converting a 4th and short. They can not turn it into any points so the Giants get the ball back with just over 1 minute left and 2 time outs in the half.

They miss a field goal just before the end of the half and Pittsburgh gets the ball back with approximately 30 seconds left.

Using the hurry up offense they make a few quick plays and get within kicking distance and just make the kick and take the field goal points amking it a 10 to 14 point game at the end of the half with NY in the lead.

Second half Miami Dolphins vs Indianapolis Colts week 9

Neither team able to convert on their first possession of the half and the Dolphins get the ball back with another chance to extend their current lead against the Colts.

The Colts defense seems to be coming alive a little better this quarter and manage to stop the Miami defense deep in their own territory and force them to punt. The score still stands at 17 to 13.

This time around Indy does a good job and makes a throw that could have been intercepted but was not and the Colts get the touchdown. The score is now 20 to 17 and the Colts lead for the first time in the football game.

Early in the 4th quarter and Miami is stopped for getting a touchdown once again but they manage to get the field goal. This ties up the game with a score of 20 to 20.

The Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has been very effective in converting 3rd and long and he does so again on this drive. A couple of really good plays and they get into Dolphin end of the field but they are stopped and forced to take the field goal. This gives the lead back to Indianapolis at 23 to 20 with just under 6 minutes left in the game.

Possibly one of the most important drives of the game for Miami and they falter a bit before they are able to get into their opponents territory and they must punt the ball with a little over 3 minutes left on the clock.

The Colts must control the ball as well as the clock and protect the ball. They do not convert and must punt the football. Miami has just over 2 minutes to score and tie it up or go for the win.

At the 2 minute warning Miami has just made it to mid field. Both teams have 2 time outs left so this game has played out to be exciting and close right up until the end.

With 1 minute 30 plus seconds left on the clock a holding call on 4th and 15 against Miami gives the ball back to the Colts. Unless the Dolphins defense can make a big play the Colts have the game won.

You gotta give kudos to Andrew Luck the Colts quarterback. For a rookie this guy played a great game. In fact he now has the rookie record of 433 passing yards.

The Indianapolis Colts win the game with a 23 to 20 score.

First half Miami Dolphins vs Indianapolis Colts week 9

Not much scoring activity early in the game but the Dolphins are first with points on the board with a field goal midway through the first quarter and the score goes to 3 to 0.

A nice drive by the Colts this possession and they have gotten a first down in Dolphin territory. They go for a deep pass and although incomplete it draws the flag and get the first down and it’s first and goal at the 10.

The Colts make the play on 3rd down and get the completion in the end zone and put the points up and take the lead back from Miami. The score is 7 to 3 Colts lead.

The Dolphins very quickly get back into Colts terrirtory early in the second quarter and are threatening to score again. And they do just that with a 31 yard pass to Charles Clay and the Dolphins get back on top with a score of 10 to 7.

The Colts answer with a great play and a pass to Shawn Smith in double coverage and he makes the grab and gets the completion and they are in Miami territory. Miami is able to stop them this drive and the Colts take the field goal and it is now a tied game with just over 9 minutes left in the first half.

Well it’s a back and forth game on points and the Dolphins get back into the end zone again. They have managed to score on each possession so far today and take the lead back at 17 to 10.

The Colts have the ball and just over 4 minutes to go in the quarter to even the score back up before the end of the half. Indianapolis did make it to mid field but miami is able to stop them and they miss a 54 yard field goal.

Miami is set to get the ball back just before the two minute warning. Each team has 2 time outs left. Good defense from the Colts and they broke up a 3rd down play by the Dolphins and force them to punt for the first time in the game. Indianapolis still has time outs and roughly a minute plus to get into scoring distance.

They are unable to get a touchdown but do manage to get into field goal range and take the points from a 47 yard field goal. The half time score is 17 to 13 with Miami in the lead.