| 17 October 2009
Heading into Week 5, there were many intriguing match ups that could potentially distinguish the true power teams of the NFL. Several games did not disappoint, going down to the final seconds before a winner was determined.
The Monday Night Delight
The Dolphins and Jets are one of the few remaining old-school rivalries in the NFL. These two teams added another chapter to that rivalry, and in the process put on another Monday night showcase in a game that saw 35 points and five lead changes in the forth quarter alone.
In his second career start, Dolphins quarterback Chad Henne had quite the coming out party, showing the world the he's the real deal as he made big play after big play in Miami's 31-27 victory over the New York Jets.
Henne lead the Dolphins downfield for touchdowns on three occasions in the forth quarter, dismantling a Jets defense that came into the game statistically ranked among the top five in the NFL. Henne had great protection behind his offensive line, which held the Jets blitz package in check throughout the evening.
The O-line also dominated the line of scrimmage when Miami chose to run, both from traditional formations and the wildcat. Jets defenders were consistently pushed backward and were unable to stop Miami during significant short yardage situations. Miami converted 9 of 13 third down attempts, allowing them to extend drives and keep the Jets struggling defense on the field.
New York quarterback Mark Sanchez didn't fair too poorly in his Monday Night Football debut either. Just days after trading for wide receiver Braylon Edwards, Sanchez completed five passes to his new target, including one touchdown and a sidelines showstopper that was placed one yard outside the goal line after an official review.
New York's running game was not stellar, but they found ways to pound the ball when needed. Thomas Jones scored two touchdowns in the forth quarter. Both forth quarter touchdown drives by New York took 3:43 seconds combined. Additionally, the Jets special teams twice converted on forth down by running on fake punt attempts. Both fake punts extended Jets drives and resulted in points.
On the final drive of the game, Miami's mixture of the pro set and the wildcat allowed them to finish a 13 plays, 77 yard drive with a score. During the drive, Miami showed both confidence and bravado as they inserted rookie backup quarterback Pat White into the wildcat for the first time this season. White, whom many believe the wildcat is perfectly suited for, did not pass the ball, but still kept the Jets on their heels as his possessions continued to move the ball forward for Miami.
During ESPN's post game analysis, Steve Young called this game one of Monday Night Football's great games, and one of the best duels between two young quarterbacks in history. Luckily, fans will not have to wait long to see part two of Sanchez vs. Henne, as these two teams meet again in Week 8. Hopefully, part two will be the second of many battles between these
Teacher 0, Pupil 1
There have been many solid coaches to come out of the Parcells/Belichick tree of football wisdom, but no one has gone on his own and been off to a better start than Denver head coach Josh McDaniels. Currently, his Bronco's are undefeated and have a strong division lead.
McDaniels spent eight seasons working on the New England staff, the last three as offensive coordinator, where he guided the most statistically dominate regular season offense in NFL history. Yet the strength of this Denver team has been the defensive unit.
Prior to Sunday, the Bronco's had not given up more than 10 points to an opponent all season. In come the Patriots, who were able to score 17 points in the first half alone. However, the number one defense in the league was able to clamp down and keep Tom Brady on tilt the entire second half, holding Randy Moss to just one reception and keeping New England's running attack to under a combined 100 yards in the game.
McDaniel's new quarterback, Kyle Orton, put up Tom Brady like numbers, completing 35 of 48 passes for 330 yards and two touchdowns. Orton's one interception came on his last pass of the second half, a Hail Mary that was intercepted by Patriot receiver Randy Moss. Eddie Royal received the most passes and yards from Orton, but Brandon Marshall caught both touchdowns.
The second Marshall touchdown tied the game at 17 and forced overtime. Denver won the crucial coin toss and took the ball 58 yards on the initial drive, which lead to Matt Prater's 41-yard game winning field goal and the Denver win.
Another Cincinnati Win Comes Down to the Wire
For the third time in as many weeks, Carson Palmer led Cincinnati to a game winning drive in the final minutes of the game. This time, the drive not only ended with a win, but sole possession of first place in the AFC North.
The Bengal's began their final possession at their own twenty-yard line, down by four points with 2:15 remaining in the game. With 22 seconds remaining, Carson Palmer found Andre Caldwell for the games winning score. The drive was aided by three Baltimore penalties, including Ray Lewis's vicious hit on Chad Ochocinco, which sent Chad:s helmet flying a solid 10-15 yards.
This was the second game in a row where Baltimore's defensive penalties lead to opponent touchdowns. Additionally, for the first time in 40 games, the Ravens let an opposing running back rush for over 100 yards.
Cincinnati gave their game ball to Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer, who coached from the sidelines just three days after losing his wife. The Bengal's players vowed before the game that they'd win it for Zimmer, and his defense delivered by holding the number two offense in all of football to just seven points.
Returning Quarterbacks lead their Teams to Victory
In the first two weeks of the season, two NFC teams with Superbowl aspirations lost their starting quarterbacks to lower rib injuries. In Week 5, both those quarters returned and made statements while leading their teams to victory.
In Philadelphia, Donovan McNabb passed for 264 yards and three touchdowns, while also leading the team in rushing with 30 yards on two carries. His performance gave head coach Andy Reid regular season victory 100 for his career.
In Seattle, Matt Hasselbeck passed for 241 yards and four touchdowns, splitting the scores between Nate Burleson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. The Seahawks, who is still missing several starters including three offensive linemen, were also able to rush for 143 yards.
A Collapse in San Francisco
A game that was supposed to feature the best second tier teams of the NFC ended up being a one sided affair, as the Atlanta Falcons visited/dominated the San Francisco 49ers, 45-10.
Early in the first quarter, San Francisco coach Mike Singletary called a time out while Atlanta was moving the ball down field. Instead of addressing his defense, he addressed the entire team with a more-than-spirited pep talk. On the next play, Atlanta completed a 31-yard pass for a touchdown.
Miscues would continue for San Francisco as they turned the ball over three times, including once on Dre Bly's interception early in the third quarter. Running back Glen Coffee, starting for the injured Frank Gore, did not realize his team didn't score on after an impressive run by Delanie Walker. San Fransisco was forced to use a time out, which meant they couldn't challenge a key play later in the half.
The 49er defense, which came into the game ranked fifth in the NFL, looked terrible in every facet of the game. Running back Michael Turner ran through the middle with ease on his way to 97 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Matt Ryan passed for a career high 329 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Roddy White, who ran vertically with little difficulty for a total of 210 yards, received both Ryan touchdowns.
Thankfully for San Francisco, they have a Week 6 bye. When they return to play Houston in Week 7, they are guaranteed to still have a share of first place in the NFC West.
Only in Buffalo
In one of the more feeble football games of the season, The Buffalo Bills prevented themselves from winning once again. This time, it was Roscoe Parrish who attempted to pick up a bouncing ball for a punt return deep in Buffalo territory in the games waning minutes. His mistake led to a Cleveland recovery, and eventually a game winning field goal.
However, the Bills should not have been in a position to lose the game at that point. Cleveland quarterback Derek Anderson had one of the more pathetic stat lines in NFL history. Anderson completed just 2 passes for a total of 23 yards and one interception. Still, the Bills found a way to lose.
If one were looking for a way to emphasize a Buffalo positive, they would be hard stretched. Of all the terrible stats that came in this game, I find the most interesting to be of punter (and reigning team MVP) Brian Mormon, who's net average was 43 yards, yet none were downed inside the twenty.
Games to Watch Week 6
New York Giants at New Orleans
The marquee game of the week features the two best teams in the NFC. Both the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints are undefeated, with offensives that rank top five in the NFL and defenses that rank in the top six. This game may not just be for current bragging rights, but could prove to be a key tie-breaker late in the season when home field advantage for the playoffs is being decided.
Two things to remember when making your bets: New Orleans is at home, but the New York Giants have a stellar record on the road over the last two seasons. New Orleans is also coming off their bye week, however they have lost every game after the bye week since Sean Payton took over as coach.
Baltimore at Minnesota
Baltimore had not let an opposing rusher gain 100 yards in 39 straight games until Cedric Benson in Week 5. Now Adrian Peterson will attempt to become the second running back to run for 100 yards against Baltimore in as many weeks.
Mistakes have cost the Baltimore Ravens, who were undefeated and atop the NFL power rankings just three weeks ago. Their loss to New England erased the Ravens unblemished record, while their loss to Cincinnati cost Baltimore their share of the division lead. Now, a loss to Minnesota could put them at 500, costing them any resemblance of the dominance they showed the NFL just one month ago.
Houston at Cincinnati
After an emotional win over Baltimore, the Bengal's return home to host Houston in what many expect to be a mediocre game. Cincinnati opponents this season have ranged heavily in talent, yet each of the Bengal's games has come down to the final minutes.
The Bengal's tend to play either up or down to their opponents level and it wouldn't be a surprise to find that they are taking Houston for granted. The Texans have the ability to shock people. The final score of this game could definitely be close.
Arizona at Seattle
These two teams began the seasons as the main contenders to win the NFC West before both were upset early by San Francisco. The 49ers looked to be running away with the division before two straight losses, including an embarrassment at home last week. With San Francisco having a bye week, both teams have the opportunity to tie San Francisco in the win column, and important first step in an attempt to regain division supremacy.
Chicago at Atlanta (Sunday night)
Three NFC divisions have undefeated teams. In each of those divisions, the second place team sits at 3-1. The Falcons are coming off a major win at San Francisco, and have a chance to establish themselves at an elite NFC team by defeating another playoff hopeful as they build momentum toward their Week 8 visit to the Superdome.
This game also has revenge implications to it. In their classic meeting last year, Chicago scored what could have been a game winning touchdown with 11 seconds remaining. Atlanta returned a squib kick 10 yards, leaving them just six seconds. The next play, then rookie Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan completed a 26 yard pass before teammate Michael Jenkins stepped out of bounds, which set up Jason Elam's game winning 48 yard field goal as time expired.
Denver at San Diego (Monday Night)
For the past several years, the San Diego chargers started their season rather slowly before a strong finished has allowed them to catch up and surpass the Denver Broncos for the AFC West division title. If the Chargers hope to win the division this year, they'll have to do it again as they are currently 2-2 while San Diego is undefeated at 5-0.
There is no more Jay Cutler / Philip Rivers rivalry to watch, so it will be interesting to see if Rivers decides to chirp at Kyle Orton, who has been one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league this year. Also, this is San Diego's first game since being called out by their General Manager for being soft and undisciplined. The team's response could be a measure of their character going forward.
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