2020 Season - Week #14

 Washington Football Team @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - In a game that turned on a dime, the San Francisco 49ers (9-3-1) battled from behind to score 22 unanswered points and beat the Washington Football Team 22-14.  Things looked bleak early as the WFT raced out to a 14-0 lead and were in the redone ready to score again.  That's when safety Marcus Williams made the play of the game and intercepted former Texans quarterback Cam Newton.

"Right place, right time.  We were giving up way too many yards early so I'm glad I could turn things around for us." Williams said.

Even though the turnover didn't result in points, it kept Washington off the board and allowed the offense to warm up.  Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater has looked a little shaky of late, but settled in during the second half.  Add a JC Jackson pick six into the mix and you had just enough for a Niners victory.

San Francisco will try to stay in the hunt for the number one seed as they head to Dallas next week to take on the Cowboys.

GREEN BAY PACKERS @ Detroit Lions

DETROIT - The Green Bay Packers bounced back from their disappointing overtime loss last week to defeat the Detroit Lions 24-20.  Detroit (4-9, 2-3 NFC North) was riding the momentum of a three-game winning streak, but came up just short in the end.

The Packer defense had a field day, racking up nine total sacks including four by Harold Landry.  Landry has been stellar all year for this Green Bay unit and now has 16 total on the year.  "I feel like everything is clicking.  I have seven in the last two games, so I want to build on that heading into the playoffs." Landry said after the game.

On offense, quarterback Aaron Rodgers was on fire most of the game throwing for 257 yards and ending up with three total TDs (two passing and one rushing).  Rodgers has narrowed or eliminated the gap in MVP voting with his late season purge.  The latest Vegas odds have him neck and neck with San Francisco quarterback Teddy Bridgewater.  "Winning back to back MVP awards would mean a lot, especially at my age." Rodgers said when asked about the race.

Green Bay (8-4-1, 3-2) looks to be headed for a wild card spot at this point as Minnesota may be too far away to catch.  The Packers will continue their campaign next week as they host the Carolina Panthers.

HOUSTON TEXANS @ Chicago Bears

CHICAGO - Don't look now, but the Houston Texans have a winning streak.  The Texans bested the Chicago Bears 21-14 in Chicago Sunday.  Houston (4-9) now finds themselves only two games back in the weak AFC South which is remarkable considering two weeks ago the conversation was about the number one overall pick.

The Houston defense was once again the story as the rag tag unit stymied the Bears (5-8) offense most of the afternoon.  Defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson continued his strong year and was very disruptive to the running attack on multiple occasions.  "I'm glad coach gave me a chance.  I feel great." Johnson said about his impact role.

The defensive backs unit stepped up as well Sunday.  Tied 7-7, Chicago had the ball and looked ready to score when Bobby McCain intercepted a Mitch Trubisky pass and returned it 94 yards to the house.  McCain has been arguably the best player on the entire Texans roster all year and it's plays like these that make Houston fans excited for the future.

The Texans will get a chance to inch closer in the division as they take on the AFC South leading 6-7 Colts next week.

2020 Season - Week #13

 Buffalo Bills @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - The Teddy Bridgewater for MVP train got back on the tracks Monday night as the San Francisco 49ers defeated the visiting Buffalo Bills 23-17.  Bridgewater used his legs to pick up multiple first downs in a game where the rushing attack couldn't get going.

"I felt locked in tonight.  The scramble was open.  They took other aspects of our attack out of things, so I did what I had to do to help our team win." Bridgewater said.

San Francisco (8-3-1) stayed in the race with Minnesota, New Orleans, and Green Bay for the NFC's all-important number one seed.  When asked about the race, coach Kyle Shanahan said, "We're only focused on who's in front of us.  We have a tough game against Washington next week.  I didn't pay attention to the other scores this week.  If we win games, things will take care of themselves."

The Niners host the NFC East leading Football Team next week.

Indianapolis Colts @ HOUSTON TEXANS

HOUSTON - The Houston Texans snapped their five game losing streak to upset division leader Indianapolis 16-13.  The Colts (6-6, 1-3 AFC South) looked to be in control all game and were up 13-0 later in the third quarter.  Then Houston (3-9, 2-2) woke up and looked like the team from earlier in the year.

Andy Dalton was efficient on the day throwing for 254 yards and moving the offense when the team really needed it.  "Man, it feels great to get a W." Dalton said.

The game ball however, has to go to Mike Daniels, who was.disruptive all afternoon.  Daniels ended up with eight tackles, four sacks, and a forced fumble.  His play will likely have him in the conversation for defensive player of the week.  "This team's got fight, man.  I know our record doesn't show it, but we're a gritty group that is going to bring it every game." He said after the game.

Houston will try to make it two in a row as they head to Chicago to take on the Bears.

Philadelphia Eagles @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

GREEN BAY - In what will go down as a very strange game, the Green Bay Packers lost in overtime 26-23 to the Philadelphia Eagles.  This was Green Bay's (7-4-1) fourth overtime game of the season.

The Packers out played the Eagles (4-8) most of the afternoon, but couldn't put them away.  Carson Wentz flipped a switch late and carved up the Green Bay defense throwing for 356 yards, 2 touchdowns and an interception.

Green Bay lost the coin toss in overtime but got the ball after they forced a punt.  A holding penalty and a sack on their offensive possession proved fatal as they had to give the ball back to Philadelphia and that was that.

The Packers will try to regroup from this crushing loss next week in Detroit against a Lions team that has won three in a row.

2020 Season - Week #12

 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams

LOS ANGELES - The San Francisco 49ers lost their second game in a row Sunday, falling to the Los Angeles Rams 23-16.  After rattling off seven wins in a row, the Niners (7-3-1, 2-2 NFC West) have gone winless their last three games (0-2-1). 

"Our offense just seems a little out of sync." Coach Kyle Shanahan said, "We have to do a better job of getting started. We took three quarters to get out of first gear."

Alvin Kamara, who was garnering MVP talk early in the season, only touched the ball 10 times (5 carries and 5 receptions).  He appeared visibly frustrated after the game.  "Man, I want to help.  I know I can help.  It's just frustrating sometimes." Kamara said.

The loss muddies the water a bit for the Niners playoff seeding hopes.  The number one seed and bye is still attainable but the team likely will need some help getting there.  The road doesn't get easier as San Francisco hosts the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football next week.

HOUSTON TEXANS @ Detroit Lions

DETROIT - The Houston Texans stayed in the hunt for the top pick in next years draft after falling 28-21 to the Detroit Lions.  In what was a matchup of two 2-8 teams, it was the Lions (3-8) that came out on top in the end.

Things were not going Houston's way early, including some questionable clock management before half time that left points on the board.  However, gritty 4th quarter play by Andy Dalton and company got the Texans (2-9) back into it.  Trailing by 14 with seven minutes to go, Houston marched down the field and scored on a Ryan Switzer touchdown reception to cut the lead in half.  Detroit ran a fair amount of time off the clock but had to punt it back to the Texans with 57 seconds left.  Dalton got his offense to the 50 yard line with 18 seconds left but, when his team needed him most, threw an interception to end the game.

"That's on me man.  I was trying to get us a little closer so we had a shot at the end zone but it was the wrong throw." Dalton said after the game.

Houston will continue on next week as they host the division-leading Indianapolis Colts.

Chicago Bears @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers won their third game in a row in blow-out fashion, dismantling the Chicago Bears 59-10.  Quarterback Aaron Rodgers was otherworldly, throwing for 503 yards, 6 touchdowns, rushing for another touchdown and finishing with a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3.  "I felt locked-in today.  The reads were easy and receivers were open.  I have to give Coach Bieniemy credit for bringing in Matt [LaFluer] earlier this season.  That tandem has been able to do wonders with our offense these past few weeks."

Rodgers is right as Green Bay (7-3-1, 2-2 NFC North) has been on a tear of late, scoring 133 points (44.3/game) during the last three wins.  Stefon Diggs has been unleashed in the new offensive scheme and went off for nine catches, 181 yards and three touchdowns.  Diggs now leads the entire league in receiving yards. "Blessed.  I have the greatest quarterback in the league throwing me the ball.  Did you guys see that last one?  I looked back and thought Aaron was down, next thing I know the ball is coming my way in the end zone." Diggs said, referring to a 51 yard touchdown pass where Rodgers avoided a sack by Roquan Smith to thrown the bomb.

The loss moved the Bears (5-6. 1-2) down the ladder in the NFC North while getting Green Bay within a game of the outright division lead.  The Packers will look to keep rolling next week as they host the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field.

2020 Season - Week #11

 New England Patriots @ HOUSTON TEXANS

HOUSTON - The skid continued for the Houston Texans as they lost their 4th game in a row, falling to the New England Patriots 38-14.  The Texans (2-8) had no answer for Deshaun Watson and the Patriots (6-4) all afternoon.  New England marched up and down the field in the first half and scored touchdowns on their first five possessions putting the game out of reach before half time. 

"Man, I just felt this extra motivation today, like Houston wronged me in some way I can't put into words.  Not sure what it is, but I'm just happy with my performance today." Watson said after the game.

For Houston, expect a shuffling with defensive play calling duties.  Early indications are pointing to head coach David Shaw getting more involved with his defense and he could commandeer the responsibility.  Something needs to change for Houston as they have only two turnovers to their name the entire season and are on pace to break the dubious record for fewest in a season.

Looking to the future, the Texans are sitting in the third spot for next year's NFL Draft.  If this holds they are likely out of the running for Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields, making their decision a little more interesting for their fan base.

Houston has a short week as they take on the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Thanksgiving day.

GREEN BAY PACKERS @ Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS - The Green Bay Packers beat the Indianapolis Colts 41-25 Sunday afternoon in a game that was closer than the final score indicates.  The Packers (6-3-1) clearly looked like the better team but an early pick six and a couple of timely sacks by the Colts (6-4) kept the score close until the 4th quarter.

The Packers have had two giant question marks in their season up to this point; red zone offense and getting defensive stops.  Today they answered both.  Aaron Rodgers was electric and clearly more aggressive than he's been most of the season, throwing for for 351 yards, 3 touchdowns and 1 interception.  He threw the passes his team needed and it resulted in points.

Defensively, the Packers looked like a completely different team, forcing five turnovers by Philip Rivers (4 interceptions and a fumble lost).  Josey Jewell, who had two of the interceptions said after the game, "Coach made some shifts and ultimately it paid off.  I got my butt chewed after last week and knew I needed to play better.  Glad I could help my team."

Green Bay is currently the 6 seed in the NFC and will look to improve their position Sunday night as they host the Chicago Bears.

2020 Season - Week #10

 HOUSTON TEXANS @ Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND - The skid continued for the Houston Texans as they were blown out on the road by the Cleveland Browns 43-10.  The Browns (4-5) kept their playoff hopes alive as they dominated every aspect of the game putting up 448 yards of total offense.

Houston (2-7) continued to look like a team in full rebuild mode.  Quarterback Andy Dalton's return to the lineup did not go as planned.  Dalton only amassed 192 yards with two interceptions on the day.  "I struggled today, no question." Dalton said, " I feel like I let the team down.  I'll look at the tape and learn."

The bright spot on the day for the Texans?  Le'Veon Bell looked like the 2017 version of himself, rushing 16 times for 108 yards and a touchdown along with five catches for 36 yards.  "I know we have a long ways to go but I trust this organization.  I'm here for the long haul.  GM TH brought me in to be a cornerstone.  I plan to see this through." Bell said after the game.

Fans have to be happy at this point Houston kept their top-five draft hopes alive.  Things don't get any easier either with the New England Patriots coming to town next week.

Jacksonville Jaguars @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers played in their third straight overtime game this week and now have one of each possible outcome to show for it with a 33-27 win over the visiting Jacksonville Jaguars.  After a loss two weeks ago to Minnesota and a tie last week to San Francisco, the Packers (5-3-1) finally got the result they were looking for this time around in OT.

Things look bleak early as Jacksonville (5-4) rushed out to a 14-0 lead through one quarter.  The Green Bay defense struggled to get off the field and it seemed as though it was going to be a long afternoon.  However, after strip sack of quarterback Gardner Minshew, the Pack were right back in it as they got on the board with a field goal.

Jacksonville stalled for a majority of the second quarter and Green Bay climbed back into the game, heading to half time down 17-10.  That's when the fireworks started and NFL fans were treated to the game of the day.  The Packers made it down the field midway through the third quarter and were presented with a 3rd and goal to go opportunity.  Red zone offense has been an Achilles heel for the home team and it looked like the O would stall again.  Aaron Rodgers had other plans as he called his own number on a read option.  The Jaguars looked ready, but Rodgers viciously stiff-armed rookie corner Daniel Thomas to the ground and walked into the end zone tying the game at 17.  "Wasn't going to be denied on that one." Rodgers said.

Garnder Minshew answered on the next drive, picking apart the Green Bay defense like he did all day.  Before the Packers could blink, the Jaguars had retaken the lead 24-17 on Lamar Miller touchdown run.  A pair of field goals by both teams in the 4th quarter had the score at 27-20 Jacksonville with less than two minutes to go.  The game looked like it might be swinging back in Green Bay's favor after two huge catches by Justin Jefferson put the Pack within striking distance.  However, a poor decision by Rodgers to hold onto the ball too long gave Jacksonville an easy sack setting up a 4th and 24 with almost no time left.

This is when things got bonkers and Aaron Rodgers connected with Stefon Diggs for not only the first down, but a 47 yard touchdown, tying the game at 27.  Lambeau Field lost it and things headed to overtime.  "That's a little play we call PA Crossers.  We haven't run it in a couple of years, but the defense gave me the look and I just needed enough time for Stefon to clear the safety.  Luckily the time was there and the rest is history." Rodgers said.

You may have thought that things couldn't have gotten any crazier.  However, you'd be wrong as every news outlet in the country will be talking about what came next.  Jacksonville won the coin toss in overtime and Coach Doug Marrone seemingly forgetting how overtime in the NFL works, deferred to Green Bay who happily elected to receive. 

Green Bay didn't reward Marrone's Lambeau leap of faith though, as they marched down the field and scored on a Damien Williams rush from the one yard line winning the game.  The Packers rushed the field and the Jaguars coach looked genuinely confused on the sideline.   "I liked our chances on defense.  I thought we could get them in 2nd overtime if they scored." Marrone said after the game.  When explained the rules of overtime by a reporter, Marrone walked out of the interview and could be heard yelling obscenities down the hallway.

"I was genuinely shocked at the coin toss. " Defensive tackle Geno Atkins said, "Like, I thought they were joking or the refs were going to ask them if they were sure."

The mockery came swiftly online and on television.  "Are you serious?  That has to be the stupidest decision I've ever seen.  Did he think this was college football?  Doug, you're not at Syracuse any more!  My goodness!" Stephen A. Smith said.

Green Bay was happy to be the beneficiary and will look to keep rolling next week as the take on the Colts in Indianapolis.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS - The San Francisco 49ers will head into their bye with a bad taste in their mouth after dropping a high profile match-up against the New Orleans Saints 21-3.  The 49ers (7-2-1) came out flat on their first offensive possession, turning the ball over on a Teddy Bridgewater interception.  Things didn't get much better from there as their next three trips to Saints territory resulted in a missed field goal, the clock running out on them before half, and a turnover on downs.

Bridgewater who has played like an MVP all season said after the game, "Just didn't have it today.  I know we'll be fine.  We still control our destiny.  No need to panic."

On the bright side, the San Francisco defense kept things close until the 4th quarter with constant pressure and tight coverage.  New Orleans (7-2) struggled to move the ball up the field most of the game.  However, the dam broke late and San Francisco was left with too little time to battle back.

The 49ers will reevaluate next week on bye.

2020 Season - Week #9

 GREEN BAY PACKERS @ SAN FRANCISCO 49ers

SANTA CLARA - In a game that seemed destined for ESPN Classic, Mother Nature had other plans as the Green Bay Packers (4-3-1) and San Francisco 49ers (7-1-1) played to a 24-24 tie.  The game started like a heavy-weight prize fight and ended like a middle school debate where everyone gets a trophy.

The winds were howling all night which made kicking field goals anything but given.  In fact, many felt like they were back in Candlestick Park when they felt the gusts.  The conditions forced both teams to reevaluate their special teams game plan as was evident when San Francisco tried a fake field goal deep in Green Bay territory late in the second quarter. The play failed and allowed the Packers to drive down and score a touchdown on a nifty catch and run by Clyde Edwards-Helaire as time ran out.  Green Bay headed into the half up 17-14.

After a defensive struggle in the 3rd quarter, Green Bay put a scoring drive together to start the 4th and go up 10.  San Francisco was undeterred and answered with a touchdown of their own on a Teddy Bridgewater pass to Julio Jones.  After a three and out by the Packers, the 49ers had just enough time to attempt a field goal for the tie.  Kicker Dan Bailey had to battle the wind, but was able to knock it down.

San Francisco won the coin toss but had to punt, giving Green Bay the opportunity to win.  Aaron Rodgers who was electric on the night throwing for 396 yards, was able to get his team to the 30 yard line setting up a winning field goal attempt.  However, Coach Eric Bieniemy, likely worried by the wind, opted for a fake field goal pass and back up quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's pass hit the turf giving the Niners one more chance.  Again they stalled and ultimately Green Bay wasn't left enough time to score.  The game was over and both team left the field unsure of how to feel about the outcome.

"I thought we had a better chance with the element of surprise than we did to make the kick in that wind." Bieniemy said after the game.

Kicker Jason Sanders didn't agree, "I could have made that kick."

Both teams will have a few extra days to regroup as San Francisco heads to New Orleans and Green Bay heads home to take on Jacksonville.

HOUSTON TEXANS @ Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE - The banged up Houston Texans couldn't muster enough offense in a 19-10 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Without starting quarterback Andy Dalton, the Texans (2-6, 1-2 AFC South) were forced to turn to former first round pick Josh Rosen.  The Jaguars (5-3, 3-1) defense did just enough to keep Rosen off balance and pull out the win.

Houston has shown grit all season and has remained competitive in games even with a roster lacking talent.  "Our guys fight every day," Coach David Shaw said, "Our defense has a bend, don't break mentality and the guys up front on offense give us a shot every game.  Our record doesn't reflect who we are."

The Texans will likely be looking at a top 10 draft pick in April and with multiple quarterbacks projected to be picked in that range, the attention of the fan base will be on who their next signal-caller might be.  GM TH has a big job ahead this offseason and all eyes in the 3GML will be on what he decides to do.

In the short-term, Houston heads to Cleveland to take on the Browns.

2020 Season - Week #8

 SAN FRANCISCO 49ers @ Seattle Seahawks

SEATTLE - The San Francisco 49ers continued their impressive winning streak agains division rival Seattle Sunday with a 41-20 win.  The Niners (7-1, 2-1 NFC West) won their 7th straight after dropping their season opener and showed no signs of slowing down.  Combine their dominance with the Seahawks (3-4, 0-1) inability to keep up and things were out of reach by half time.

"Defensively, this team has to get a lot better." Coach Pete Carroll said after the game.  "We didn't have an answer for [Teddy] Bridgewater all afternoon.  He did whatever he wanted."

Bridgewater showed poise after San Francisco fell down 7-0 early, cooly driving the offense down the field drive after drive.  "Winning here is extra special.  To take one from this team in their house? Man, that's awesome."  Bridgewater said.

The two headed monster of running backs Alvin Kamara and Phillip Lindsay made waves as well.  Lindsay put the team in short yardage situations most of the game and Lindsay showed his ability to catch passes out of the backfield when a 3rd down conversion was needed.

"I really like the dynamic of those two." Coach Kyle Shanahan said, "They both bring something unique to the game plan.  It's fun to build a strategy around them."

Up next for San Francisco is a Thursday night game against 3GML rival Green Bay.

Minnesota Vikings @ GREEN BAY PACKERS

GREEN BAY - The Packers (4-3, 1-2 NFC North) dropped a heartbreaker 30-24 in overtime to division rival Minnesota (6-1, 2-0).  The Green Bay offense was again in a funk and had 4 turnovers on the day (2 interceptions and 2 fumbles).  Things looked so bad that the kicker Jason Sanders had more touchdown passes (1 on a fake field goal) than the quarterback Aaron Rodgers (0). 

The game looked promising early when Royce Freeman broke things open with a long touchdown run, but after that the offense repeatedly stalled (or turned it over) and it was struggle from there.  To their credit, Green Bay did drive down and kick a field goal to tie it with a few seconds left on the clock to force overtime.  However, after winning the toss, the offense went 3 and out and punted back to Minnesota who drive down, scored and won the game.

Rumors are starting to swirl about play-calling duties in Green Bay now.  Don't expect any changes with the Packers set to take on San Francisco in a short week, but another poor performance and those rumors could get a lot louder.