NFL Week 9 Recap

The NFL still has one more game in store for everyone for this week when the Philadelphia Eagles (3-4) visit the New Orleans Saints (2-5) on Monday Night Football.  However, Sunday’s slate of games had no shortage of action.

The Florida teams had some mixed results in Week 9.  The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4) ran past the Oakland Raiders (3-5) 42-32 thanks to a rookie’s big day. Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin exploded for 251 yards on 25 carries and found the end zone four times on the ground. Buccaneers head coach Greg Schiano praises Martin’s intangibles as a runner.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (1-7) were routed 31-14 by the Detroit Lions (4-4) in Everbank Field.  Detroit running back Mikel Leshoure ran for 70 yards on 16 carries and scored three rushing touchdowns. Jacksonville quarterback Blaine Gabbert finished with 220 yards passing with two touchdowns and two interceptions.  Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford’s performance was a little more historic; he became the second fastest quarterback to record 10,000 career passing yards in 37 games.  Only Kurt Warner tops Stafford’s start as he reached the mark in 36 games.

The Miami Dolphins (4-4) lost to the Indianapolis Colts (5-3) 23-20 in Lucas Oil Stadium. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck outdueled fellow rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill in Indianapolis. Tannehill finished with 290 yards passing and a touchdown but Luck set a rookie record throwing for 433 yards.  Tannehill says Miami had their opportunities but couldn’t capitalize.

Luck made more history against Miami becoming the second rookie to have four 300 yard passing games in a season.  The first to pull it off was current Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning back in his rookie season with the Colts in 1998.

Other highlights from around the league…

The Atlanta Falcons (8-0) remain the lone unbeaten after defeating the Dallas Cowboys (3-5) 19-13.  Atlanta halfback Michael Turner helped carry the load with 102 yards on 20 carries and added a rushing touchdown.  Despite Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo throwing for 321 yards and a touchdown, Dallas has now dropped four of their last five.

The Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) came away with a 24-20 win in MetLife Stadium over the New York Giants (6-3). Pittsburgh running back Issac Redman put the offense on his shoulders and carried the ball 26 times for 147 yards and a touchdown.

The Chicago Bears (7-1) blew out the Tennessee Titans (3-6) 51-20 on Sunday.  The Bears forced five turnovers, including Chicago linebacker Brian Urlacher’s interception return for a touchdown. Chicago quarterback-wide receiver duo of Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall connected for three touchdowns on the day.

The Green Bay Packers (6-3) knocked off the Arizona Cardinals (4-5) 31-17 at Lambeau Field. Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw four touchdowns against the Cards including two to wide receiver Randall Cobb. During Green Bay’s four game win streak, Rodgers has thrown 15 passing touchdowns and has only thrown one interception.

The Texans (7-1), Ravens (6-2). Broncos (5-3), Seahawks (5-4), Chargers (4-4), and Panthers (2-6) all came away with wins this week as well.

The Rams, Patriots, Jets, and 49’ers were all on BYE.