This weeks NFL action was highlighted by several big performances from running backs. Chris Johnson of the Tennessee Titans, Ray Rice of the Baltimore Ravens and Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings all had big games leading their teams to wins in week 14. Rice ran for 166 yards as the Ravens destroyed the Matt Stafford-less Detroit Lions 48-3 to give themselves a fighting chance at a wild card berth. Rice did all his work on just 13 carries averaging an incredible 12.8 yards per carry. Rice has been a revelation for the Ravens and has given them an elite offensive force they haven’t had since Jamal Lewis was setting records earlier in the decade.
After last weeks poor performance Adrian Peterson bounced back with a 2 TD game and 137 total yards to lead the Vikings past the surprise package Cincinnati Bengals 30-10. It was a much more dominant performance from both ‘AP’ and his team compared to last week’s loss in Arizona. While the stats won’t reflect it, the Vikings defence was strong and limited the Bengals to just 210 total yards.
Chris Johnson continues to demand MVP consideration. With 117 rushing yards, 69 receiving yards and 3 total TD’s Johnson almost single handidly destroyed the St Louis Rams, who lost 47-7 in Tennessee. At 6-7 and with red hot San Diego still to come (currently with a NFL record 16-0 record over the past 5 Decembers) it may be too late for the Titans to make the playoffs but given their 0-6 start credit has to be given for their season turnaround. Johnson already has over 2000 yards from scrimmage with 3 games to go. A 2000 yard rushing season is also within reach.
As mentioned last week The New York Giants faced their 2nd must-win game in a row this Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. Losing a wild one 38-45, the Giants have the wild card as their only realistic chance for the playoffs as the Eagles have a 2 game division lead and hold the tiebreaker. With the Giants defence being in disarray even a wild card berth may be unlikely. DeSean Jackson torched the Giants for 178 yards and a TD and came up huge on special teams with a 72 yard punt return for his 2nd TD of the game. Much Like Ray Rice in Baltimore, Jackson has really broken out this year and has filled a void; Jackson is giving the Eagles an elite wideout for the first time since Terrell Owens’ ‘mixed’ spell in Philly…
As well as DeSean Jackson there were several other big performances from receivers around the league this week. Brandon Marshall of the Denver Broncos got 2 TD’s and 200 yards but the Bronco’s couldn’t stop the Indianapolis Colts galloping away to another win 28-16. The Colts’ quest for perfection remains. Elsewhere Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans also had 2 TD’s along with 193 yards but his team were able to win 34-7 after a strong showing against the Seattle Seahawks. Unfortunately for them, the Texans at 6-7 and 3rd in their division are almost certainly out of the playoff equation meaning another season of unfulfilled promise in Texas. Despite this win, the Texans coaching staff may be at risk in the off season as they keep failing to get the most out of this talented team.
Another big game was in Dallas where the Cowboys continued their quest to be the feeblest team in December losing to the San Diego Chargers 20-17. The ‘Boys haven’t had a winning December since 1996 and are already 0-2 this time round; it’ll take a 3-0 finish to change that dismal record but next up for the Cowboys are the powerhouse New Orleans Saints. Speaking of the Saints, they kept pace with the Colts (in the quest for perfection) as they won a close encounter 26-23 against the Atlanta Falcons. The early season dominance of the Saints has vanished and this is the 2nd tight one they’ve squeezed out in successive weeks. The Saints form seems to be slipping at the wrong time so the game against the Cowboys will be interesting for both teams. With Dallas being in desperation mode and the Saints being desperate to stay perfect it should make for an exciting clash.
Looking at next week, the spotlight remains on the two perfect teams as the Colts go to Jacksonville and try to contain Maurice Jones-Drew while the Saints host the aforementioned Cowboys in a Saturday match up. The pick of the games might be in San Diego where the Chargers host the Bengals. Both teams are looking to win their divisions and either team can tie it up next week. Watch out for an explosive game in California next Sunday.
My main sports interests are ice hockey and American football as well as 'soccer' (football?!).