#UpsetSunday

Week 15 brought craziness to the NFL. I lost 6 games out of my 15 picks and STILL managed to win the pool I was in! Former fullback Lorenzo Neal said it best via twitter "#UpsetSunday."

Titans 13 Colts 27

Running back Donald Brown sprints
80 yards to seal the deal for the Colts.

Well if there was one thing I got right in this game it was that Tennessee's QB's would combine to throw 300 yards, but what does that matter. Matthew Hasselbeck threw two interceptions (1 for a touchdown.) While Colts QB Dan Orvlosky made sure he wasn't going 0-16 for a second time. Orvlosky threw for only 82 yards, and a touchdown, but that would be all he would need for the Colts to pull out their first win of the season. Because, the Indianapolis D, and running game had his back. Cornerback Jacob Lacey took back one of the Hasselbeck int's for touchdown, running back Donald Brown sprinted 80 yards to assure that there would be no such thing of a Titans comeback, and to add on to that Adam Vinateri made two field goals. Yup thats 27.

But how did the Titans only manage to score 13? They won the time of possession battle, were better on third down efficiency (37% compared to 25%), and out gained the colts in yardage by 101. It all comes down to lack of execution. Chris Johnson was ineffective only 55 yards on the day. Matt Hasselbeck gave the Colts seven points with one interception, and threw the second to Linebacker Pat Angerer in the end zone. Rookie QB Jake Locker came in as relief, and still couldn't get a fire lit, only throwing for 100 yards with no touchdowns, and I forgot to mention this Colts defense is 28th in the league. The Titans just couldn't execute. Their drives lasted but not with any meaningful results, and because of that the Colts got their first victory of the season and the Titans are still in the hunt.


Chiefs 19 Packers 14

The Packers are undefeated no more! But who would of expected it to come against the Kansas City Chiefs? They just fired their head coach, and coming into this game had a total of five wins. Aaron Rodgers played well, and the rest of the Pack offense didn't turn the ball over. The Chiefs didn't get takeaways them selves.

The Chiefs got to Aaron Rodgers four times. In route
to beating the Packers 19-14 on Sunday afternoon.

This game was all about the Pack defense who came in 30th in the league, however number one in taking the ball away. But the Packers defense gave up 438 total yards compared to their 315, gave up 23 first downs, and let the Cheifs run the ball for 140 yards.

Kyle Orton had a touchdown pass, Jackie Battle ran the ball in for six, Ryan Succop tacked on a field goal, and Kansas City managed to tack on a safety.

To me what won the Cheifs the game was their pass rush (4 total sacks, 3 by linebacker Tamba Hali), and interim head coach Romeo Crennel. After the game the Chiefs bombarded Crennel with hugs, and a Gatorade bath. Maybe it was just because they beat an undefeated team or Maybe its a sign of things to come. Not trying to get caught up in the moment, but I think Romeo would make out well if he remains as head coach of the Chiefs next season. He doesn't have a winning record as a head coach (previously with Cleveland), but Crennel does bring experience, Super Bowl rings (which he won as defensive coordinator in New England), and managed to almost make the playoffs. He even got a pro bowl year out of Derek Anderson...who is now acting as 3rd string QB for the Carolina Panthers. Bottom line hire Crennel, and congrats to the Chiefs for beating the Packers. Maybe now ESPN will finally shut up about the Green Bay Packers....course now they have even more reason to talk about them. Sigh.


Redskins 23 Giants 10

One of the two touchdown drops
for Giants #1 Hakeem Nicks.

This game was probably the most surprising of them all (yes I give it the edge over the Packers.) The Giants were coming off a HUGE victory in Dallas last week, had the division lead, and momentum was definitely on their side. The Gmen come into this game to take on the 4-10 Redskins AT HOME, and they just flat out lay an egg.

Rex Grossman was..well still Rex Grossman. He threw 2 picks only 185 yards, and had a 65.5 QB rating. Washington ran for 123 yards, Scored a rushing, and passing touchdown on this Giants D. That's only 14 points the Skins scored via touchdown. Kicker Graham Gano tacked on three field goals to make it 23.

The Giants average 24 points a game, and Eli has been fantastic this year engineering four, fourth quarter comebacks. But Washington's defense wasn't allowing anything from Eli. Manning went 23/40, threw three interceptions, and had a QB rating of 45.5. This allowed the Redskins to do want they want offensively, and easily win this ballgame. Giants #1 receiver Hakeem Nicks dropped two touchdown passes that Eli practically handed to him. So it wasn't all on the Giants quarterback, but the way the Giants played tonight wasn't good enough to beat anyone. Not even the Rams.

Even with this Giant loss, the Gmen still control their own fait. They just need to win their next two games, at home versus the Jets, and at home versus the Cowboys. You can bet coach Tom Coughlin will have these men geared up and ready to go for these next two games. Coughlin is fighting for his job, but there's no doubt in my mind that the players will have his back. New York is better than their record shows (7-7), and if the Giants can back into the playoffs. Look out because, aside from the Saints, and 49ers these guys are the only legitimate threat to beat the Packers. I'm Calling it right now the Giants WILL make the playoffs, and make it to the NFC championship game. Weather it's against the Packers or 49ers remains in question. I guess we will just have to wait until January.


Chargers 34 Ravens 14

The Ravens came into this game controlling their own destiny. Win out and their the number one seed in the AFC. I wouldn't really call this game to much of an upset..but i am Upset. Perhaps the most explosive offense Baltimore will face all year is the Chargers, but against this third ranked defense. With Ray Lewis coming back. For the Chargers to put up 34 points is just embarrassing. Rookie corner Jimmy Smith got beat deep, numerously, time after time Rivers was throwing Bomb after Bomb down the field, and before the ball even fell into the receivers hand you knew it was going for a big play.

Phillip Rivers threw for almost 300 yards, and a touchdown. Chargers #2 receiver Malcom Floyd had 96 yards in the air, with a touchdown. While Chargers #1 Vincet Jackson caught 3 balls for 84 yards, but it wasn't just the receiving corps that torched the Ravens. The Chargers running game caught fire simultaneously. Sophomore running back Ryan Matthews ran for 90 yards, and two touchdowns. Mike Tolbert ran for 40 yards off of eight carries with a touchdown.

That was pretty much the day
for Rookie CB Jimmy Smith.

The Chargers are going to need allot of help to get in the post season. Basically both Denver, and Oakland has to lose their remaning games and San Diego has to win out. But if the Chargers somehow do make the playoffs, if they play like this! Look out ain't no one beating them, not even the Packers.

As for the Ravens, Ray Rice only had 10 carries for 57 yards. Joe Flacco practically walked up to the Chargers linebackers and handed them two interceptions. So here we go again. Yes the Ravens fell behind early only 17-7 going into the second half, but that's no excuse to abandon the run. Double R was averaging 5 yards a carry, yet Baltimore was still coming out of the shotgun of first and second down. Recievers weren't getting open, and Joe couldn't adjust and make the right reeds. I don't know whats sup with John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron, but if Baltimore wants ANY kind of shot at winning in the post season...Ray Rice needs the ball. I still believe Flacco can get it done, he can be a clutch quarterback when need be, but he's not Drew Brees or Tom Brady. Flacco isn't going to put up the 4 to 5,000 yard passing seasons or throw for 30-40 touchdowns. I just don't understand Cam and Johns thought process.

When the Ravens offense has balance; Ray Rice 20-30 carries, Joe Flacco 20-30 attempts. They win football games, and if Baltimore can do this through the playoffs they WILL be representing the AFC in the Superbowl.