Green Bay 27, Seattle 17- Aaron Rodgers wasn't about to watch his team lose four games in a row. After falling behind 10-3 in the 2nd quarter, Green Bay rolled off the next 24 points to take a 27-10 lead in the 4th and they would hold on to beat the Seattle Seahawks (1-4) and move into a first place tie with Minnesota and Chicago atop the NFC North standings. Rodgers had a decent day, passing for 208 yards and 2 TDs and rushing for another one during Green Bay's 24-point swing. Aaron Kampman had four tackles and two sacks to anchor a depleted defense that has four starters out, some for the remainder of the season, from injuries. Seattle, meanwhile found itself riding a roller coaster throughout the game. At times it looked like 3rd-stringer QB Charlie Frye was really gonna be able to lead the Seahawks to a win over the Packers, but an inconsistent offense throughout the game and two Frye interceptions on the day would dull any sense that Seattle was going to win. Things will get a little tougher for Green Bay as a very raw secondary will be tested when Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts come calling next Sunday.
Next game: Indianapolis (3-2) at Green Bay (3-3)
Atlanta 22, Chicago 20- I wanted to save the best for last. The Chicago Bears had a golden opportunity slip right through their fingers. Kyle Orton was going to be the hero. He had orchestrated a 4th quarter drive for what was thought the be a game-winning, 17-yard touchdown pass to Rashied Davis with 11 seconds left. It's not often you hear such words about Bears quarterbacks. Atlanta had practically no chance. But somehow, rookie sensation Matt Ryan set the Falcons up with a chance to win. Following a controversial decision to squib kick the ball, Atlanta would have the ball at their own 44 yard-line with six seconds left. Ryan hit Michael Jenkins, who planted two feet in bounds, for a 26-yard gain to the Bears 30.
Then with one second left, Jason Elam broke the hearts of Bears fans everywhere and brought joy to Vikings, Packers, and of course Falcons fans when his 48-yard field goal sailed through the uprights. The celebration that ensued at midfield looked like Atlanta had just won the World Series. In reality, all's it did was knock the Bears back into a three-way tie in their division and move a surprisingly impressive Atlanta squad to 4-2 on the year making many question whether or not this Falcons team could actually make the playoffs as the NFC South champions. Matt Ryan also made a major bid for Rookie of the Year with his performance on Sunday. The Bears, meanwhile, will try and shake this one off and get focused for a home date with North division rival Minnesota on Sunday.
Next game: Minnesota (3-3) at Chicago (3-3)
Detroit (0-5)- lost to Minnesota 12-10, next: at Houston (1-4). The Lions just can't catch a break. What's worse is that even though they play a team with only a 1-4 record, Houston just got their first win this past week in dramatic fashion so they should be reenergized for their game against Detroit.
What does it mean for Minnesota- The Vikings somehow have a chance to be all alone atop the NFC North standings thanks to the Bears loss. A win over Chicago and a likely Green Bay loss to Indianapolis could make this scenario a reality. Not bad for a team that started 1-3. But the offense is going to have to start playing more consistently and they are gonna have to start scoring more points. For this game I could understand a 12-10 finish because both defenses are very good, despite a few knicks to the Bears' secondary. But Minnesota is gonna need to start finding the endzone more often than once or twice a game or the potential lead in the division won't last very long. The Vikings will meet the Bears again in the Metrodome later in the season, but this game in Soldier Field on Sunday is perhaps even more important than the opener against the Packers as it will give either team a much needed boost of confidence heading into the remainder of the season. And since first place in the division is on the line, one can be sure that both teams will come ready to play.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Nagel, the Vikings are going down tomorrow and here's 3 reasons why:
1. Adrian Peterson isn't producing like he was last year. The only reason they beat the Bears in Soldier Field was because Peterson ran for 240 yards. I don't think I'd call it a "sophomore" slump b/c the qb situation is unsettled. The Bears will bottle him up and he won't get on track.
2. The Vikings had to beat the Lions on a game winning field goal last week, a team the Bears beat by 30 in Detroit.
3. Orton and the passing game have been improving each week, and will continue to make strides tomorrow.
20-17 Bears baby!
Post a Comment