By Jake Haddad
Crier Cub Reporter
NFL Week 14 – A lot happened this week in Football. With teams hunting for playoff spots, we witnessed excellent performances and plays on both sides of the ball.
Thursday December 5th
Green Bay Packers (9-4) vs Detroit Lions (12-1)
The Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers battled out in the NFC North Thursday night. Lions Quarterback Jared Goff threw for 283 Yards, 3 Touchdowns and 1 Interception. As the Lions continue to look stellar on both defense and offense, they defeated the Packers 34-31 improving their record to 12-1. The Packers fell to 9-4.
Sunday December 8th
Cleveland Browns (3-10) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3)
Sunday afternoon began with the AFC North matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns. The Browns were looking to sweep the Steelers on the season but fell short. The Steelers defense continued locking things down, picking off Browns Quarterback Jameis Winston twice. The Steelers got the win, 27-14 was the final score.
New Orleans Saints (5-8) vs New York Giants (2-11)
These two teams both are not having promising seasons, but it couldn’t get any worse for the Giants. In a game that was unexciting for the most part, the Giants had a chance to get their first home win of the season. Down by three points as the 4th quarter expired, the Giants set up for a 35-yard field goal attempt that would tie up the game and force overtime. Well, the Saints blocked the kick and held on to win 14-11.
New York Jets (3-10) vs Miami Dolphins (6-7)
This AFC East duel went into overtime. Jets Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for over 300 yards for the first time this season. It still was not enough to take down the Dolphins. Tied up 26-26, the game went into overtime after a clutch Dolphins field goal. In overtime, the Dolphins won the coin toss, they got the ball first and quickly drove down the field to earn the game winning Touchdown. 32-26 was the final score.
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10) vs Tennessee Titans (3-10)
This game was incredibly boring. Jaguars’ backup Quarterback Mac Jones threw two picks. But with a very poor performance from the Titans offense, the Jaguars got the win 10-6 being the final score.
Atlanta Falcons (6-7) vs Minnesota Vikings (11-2)
The Vikings continue to prove they are a serious team that can do damage in the playoffs. The defense played well. Ultimately, it was Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold who shined brightly on Sunday. He threw for 347 yards and 5 touchdowns. Falcons Quarterback Kirk Cousins continued to struggle; he threw 2 interceptions. The Vikings prevailed 42-21 over the Falcons.
Carolina Panthers (3-10) vs Philadelphia Eagles (11-2)
Both teams looked good in this one. The Panthers lost another close game as their Quarterback Bryce Young played well. The Eagles would get the victory as their Running Back Saquon Barkley rushed for 124 yards. The final score was 22-16.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6)
The Buccaneers got the win on Sunday as their chances to make the playoffs increase. Quarterback Baker Mayfield got the job done for the Buccaneers, passing for 3 touchdowns and 295 yards. The final score was 28-13.
Seattle Seahawks (8-5) vs Arizona Cardinals (6-7)
In this NFC West matchup, the Seahawks made a statement. With their 30-18 win over the struggling Cardinals, they reached the top of the NFC West putting them in a great spot.
Chicago Bears (4-9) vs San Francisco 49ers (6-7)
After a disappointing start to their season due to injuries, the 49ers finally put together a great performance all around. 49ers Quarterback Brock Purdy threw for over 300 yards and 2 touchdowns. They get the 38-13 win over the Bears as they look to try and work their way back into playoff talk.
Buffalo Bills (10-3) vs Los Angeles Rams (7-6)
This game may easily be the top candidate for GAME OF THE YEAR this season. This thriller was the highest scoring match yet this season. Bills Quarterback Josh Allen might have locked up his bid for winning the NFL MVP award this year. He became the first Quarterback to throw 3 touchdowns and rush for 3 touchdowns in a game. He passed for 342 yards and rushed for 82 yards. Despite this insane performance, the Bills still fell short to the Rams. Wide Receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp both had a touchdown, and the Rams offense displayed how strong they can be when fully healthy. NFC teams better watch out as the Rams pose a big threat if they manage to make the playoffs. The final score was 44-42 with the Rams pulling off the upset.
Los Angeles Chargers (8-5) vs Kansas City Chiefs (12-1)
Whether they are lucky or not, the Chiefs continue to win week after week. They clinched the AFC West division with a game winning field goal that just snuck in. The ball doinked the left goal post, and what looked like a missed field goal turned into a division-clinching field goal. The Chiefs defeated the Chargers 19-17.
Monday December 9th
Cincinnati Bengals (5-8) vs Dallas Cowboys (5-8)
These two teams went fought hard on Monday night. Both teams are looking to try and revive their seasons after a rough start. Bengals Quarterback Joe Burrow kept his excellent play rolling in this one. He threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns. But on special teams, craziness would erupt in the fourth quarter. With the game entering its final minutes, the Bengals were forced to punt after not converting on 3rd and long. Tied up at a score of 20-20, the Cowboys blocked the punt, but as the ball skidded on the turf, a player from the Cowboys tried to recover the ball but fumbled it. The Bengals would end up pouncing on the ball giving them the first down and keeping the ball in their offense’s hands. They capitalized off this, scoring a touchdown and winning the game 27-20.
