Controversial Call Lifts Dolphins Over Packers in Green Bay
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — The Miami Dolphins escaped Lambeau Field with a 29-27 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, thanks to a dramatic, last-second defensive pass interference call that left the home crowd stunned.
Green Bay (9-3) appeared to have sealed the win when cornerback Christian Gonzalez intercepted a Hail Mary attempt by Miami quarterback Brock Purdy as time expired. However, the officials flagged Green Bay for defensive pass interference on the play, giving the Dolphins (8-4) one final chance from the Packers’ 1-yard line. Miami kicker Jason Sanders nailed a chip-shot field goal as time expired to complete the stunning finish.
“I’m proud of the way we fought to the end,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said. “Sometimes, you just need one break to go your way.”
The Packers had taken a 27-26 lead with under a minute left on a 6-yard touchdown pass from Tua Tagovailoa to Justin Jefferson, capping off a late-game comeback. Jefferson continued his stellar season, finishing with 73 yards and that touchdown on the day.
Packers coach Matt LaFleur expressed frustration with the late penalty. “It’s tough to swallow. Our guy made a play on the ball. That’s what you teach — to fight to the end. I don’t know what else we’re supposed to do there.”
The loss snapped a three-game winning streak for Green Bay, who still sits atop the NFC North. Miami, meanwhile, kept pace in a tight AFC playoff picture.
Chargers' Offensive Struggles Continue in Loss to Falcons
ATLANTA (AP) — The Los Angeles Chargers’ offense sputtered to one of its worst performances of the season, totaling just 128 yards in a 26-14 loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Los Angeles (6-6) managed only 13 first downs and consistently failed to sustain drives against a stingy Falcons defense. Will Levis struggled under center, completing just 21 passes for 132 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. The running game was equally ineffective, with Christian McCaffrey limited to 54 yards on 14 carries.
“Right now, we’re searching for answers,” said Chargers head coach Bobby Slowik. “We’re running out of time, but I still believe in this group.”
Atlanta controlled the game with a balanced attack, racking up 363 total yards. Bijan Robinson rushed for 84 yards, while Kirk Cousins added 292 yards through the air. The Falcons’ defense also made its mark, sacking Levis six times and forcing two turnovers.
Los Angeles now finds itself in a precarious position in the AFC playoff race, with time running out to salvage a season plagued by offensive inconsistencies.
Injury-Ravaged Texans Struggle in 26-6 Loss to Jaguars
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — The Houston Texans’ mounting injuries finally caught up with them Sunday in a 26-6 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field.
Houston (8-5) was without several key contributors on both sides of the ball, including linebacker Logan Wilson, whose season-ending injury was confirmed earlier in the week. The Texans’ defense, which has been the backbone of their success, struggled to contain Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, who threw for 200 yards and a touchdown.
The offense wasn’t much better. Forced to line up tight ends at wide receiver due to injuries to their receiving corps, the Texans failed to move the ball consistently. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye was held to 256 passing yards, no touchdowns and an interception, while the running game mustered a mere 41 yards.
“This is the NFL. Nobody feels sorry for you,” said Texans head coach David Shaw. “We have to figure out how to make it work with the guys we have.”
Jacksonville (8-4) capitalized on Houston’s struggles, leaning on Travis Etienne Jr., who rushed for 107 yards and a touchdown, to control the tempo. The Jaguars' defense also had a strong showing, forcing two turnovers and holding the Texans to 3-for-12 on third down conversions.
The Texans will need to regroup quickly as they head into their late bye. The question remains whether their depleted roster can withstand the final stretch of the season.
Josh Allen Dismantles 49ers in 37-24 Bills Victory
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — Josh Allen put on a clinic Sunday, torching the San Francisco 49ers for 376 yards and three touchdowns as the Buffalo Bills secured a decisive 37-24 victory at Levi’s Stadium.
Allen spread the ball effectively, carving up the 49ers' defense with precision. Wide receiver Keon Coleman led the charge with nine catches for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
"Josh was locked in from the start," said Bills head coach Sean McDermott. "He made great decisions and executed exactly how we needed him to.”
The 49ers (8-4) struggled to keep pace, as quarterback Jordan Love endured a rough outing. Love was sacked five times, often holding onto the ball too long, and finished with 209 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception. His lone bright spot was a 31-yard touchdown connection with CeeDee Lamb in the third quarter.
"We couldn’t protect Jordan, plain and simple," said 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. "When you're in 3rd-and-long all day, it’s hard to establish anything.”
The loss tightens the NFC West race as the 49ers look to bounce back next week. Meanwhile, the Bills solidified their playoff push with a signature win against one of the NFC’s top teams.
