RealGM Wiretap
Denver 17, N.Y. Jets 13 Trench Counter: Broncos -7, Jets +7 Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos (5-5) to yet another improbable comeback win, this time against the heavily-favored New York Jets (5-5) on Thursday night. Tebow ran for a 20-yard touchdown with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter to give his team a 17-13 victory. He went 9-for-20 with 104 passing yards and rushed eight times for 68 yards. Denver is now 4-1 with Tebow has their starting quarterback. The Jets had the edge in most statistical categories, including first downs (22 to 11), total yards (318 to 229) and time of possession (32:12 to 27:48), but it didn't matter in the end. New York had six offensive possessions that lasted fewer than two minutes and ran for less than five plays. Each team scored on defensive with Matt Slauson returning a fumble one yard for a New York touchdown and Andre Goodman picking off Mark Sanchez for a 26-yard score in the third quarter. Baltimore 31, Cincinnati 24 Trench Counter: Ravens +1, Bengals -1 Without Ray Lewis for the first time since 2007, the Baltimore Ravens (7-3) held off the Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) in a game with big AFC playoff implications. Andy Dalton, who threw three interceptions in the loss, led the Bengals into the red zone as time ran down but the Ravens attacked the rookie quarterback repeatedly to ice the victory. The Bengals had 10 more first downs than the Ravens and racked up 483 total yards, but Dalton's miscues cost them dearly. Baltimore punted eight times, but they scored back-to-back touchdowns in the second quarter and then over a stretch that bridged the third and fourth periods. Cedric Benson gave Cincinnati a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Ravens seized control of the game soon after. After almost a month of criticism, Ray Rice was featured on offensive. He ran twenty times for 104 yards and a pair of scores. Cleveland 14, Jacksonville 10 Trench Counter: Browns +6.3, Jaguars -6.3 The Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7) marched into the red zone on the final drive of the game, but the Cleveland Browns (4-6) held on to win as time expired. Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars started on their own 29-yard line, but moved to Cleveland's 1-yard line on a 15-play drive that lasted nearly three minutes. They had first-and-2 at the two-yard line, but gained just three more feet on three plays. There was no scoring in the first or third quarters, but the two teams did combine for well over 600 total yards. The Browns were much more efficient however, with edges in yards per pass (7.8 to 4.8) and yards per rush (5.3 to 3.7). A 7-7 tie was broken with 12:15 left in the fourth when Colt McCoy found Josh Cribbs for a 3-yard touchdown towards the right side of the end zone. Detroit 49, Carolina 35 Trench Counter: Lions +11.2, Panthers -11.2 Despite trailing 24-7 midway through the second quarter, the Detroit Lions (7-3) stormed back to thump the Carolina Panthers (2-8) at Ford Field. Matthew Stafford threw interceptions on Detroit's first two drives, but he rebounded to finish with 335 yards and an eye-popping five touchdowns (all to different receivers). The Lions also got a boost from the recently-signed Kevin Smith, who was originally draft by the club, who rushed 16 times for 140 yards and two scores. He also caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. Panthers rookie Cam Newton had the opposite fortune of Stafford. After accounting for two touchdowns in the first 20 minutes of the game, he threw three interceptions in Carolina's final five possessions. Meanwhile, the Lions scored three touchdowns in the final period to take control of the game. Detroit was 6-for-11 on third down and accumulated 495 yards of total offense. Green Bay 35, Tampa Bay 26 Trench Counter: Packers +0.3, Buccaneers -0.3 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) gave the Green Bay Packers (10-0) all they could handle but the defending-champions still came out on top to remain perfect. The Packers led 21-10 going into the third quarter, but the Buccaneers scored nine straight points (they failed on a two-point conversation) to pull within 21-19 in the early moments of the fourth period. Green Bay scored on their next possession, but Tampa Bay scored two possessions later to keep the game close. Up by just two on third-and-4 with more than three minutes remaining, Aaron Rodgers hooked up with Jordy Nelson for a 40-yard touchdown that ensured victory. Josh Freeman was intercepted on his next passing attempt and the Packers milked the clock before punting with roughly 90 seconds left. A late pass attempt that went backwards cost Rodgers a 300-yard game, he finished with 299, and he was intercepted for the first time since Oct. 16 in a 24-3 win over the Rams. Miami 35, Buffalo 8 Trench Counter: Dolphins +10.1, Bills -10.1 The Miami Dolphins (3-7) won their third straight game as they dismantled the Buffalo Bills (5-5) at Sun Life Stadium. The Bills led 3-0 after a 30-yard field goal by Dave Rayner, but the Dolphins started the rout early with four straight touchdowns before another Rayner field goal (56 yards) right before the end of the first half. Buffalo was a combined 0-for-14 on third and fourth down, which stalled many drives as they gained five more total yards than Miami. Neither team produced well on the ground, but Matt Moore took care of the football for the Dolphins, while Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two interceptions for the Bills. Since beginning the season 0-7, Miami has a combined scoring edge of 86-20 in their three wins. Buffalo, meanwhile, has lost three straight and five of their last seven games. They have a total of 26 points in their last three contests. Oakland 27, Minnesota 21 Trench Counter: Raiders +2.5, Vikings -2.5 The Oakland Raiders (6-4) outlasted the Minnesota Vikings (2-8) after the home team lost All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson to an ankle injury in the first quarter. The Vikings led 7-0 after a Peterson touchdown, but the Raiders reeled off 27 straight points to take a 27-7 edge into the final quarter. Carson Palmer went 17-for-23 with 164 yards and a touchdown (as well as a one-yard rushing touchdown) and Michael Bush carried the ball 30 times for 109 yards and a score. Minnesota rookie Christian Ponder led the team on two touchdown drives over the final 15 minutes, but he also threw two interceptions in the second half. After scoring a field goal and three touchdowns on four straight drives in the first half, Oakland punted five times, missed a field foal and lost a fumble. The Raiders were called for 12 penalties, including seven that resulted in first downs for the Vikings. Dallas 27, Washington 24 (OT) Trench Counter: Rex Grossman led the Washington Redskins (3-7) on a touchdown drive as time expired in regulation to force overtime, but the Dallas Cowboys (6-4) came out on a top thanks to a 39-yard field goal by Dan Bailey. Washington could have won on the first possession of overtime, but Graham Gano missed a 52-yard field goal, wide right. Tony Romo led Dallas on two touchdowns drives in the second half that tied the game and then gave the team a 24-17 lead with nine minutes remaining. The Redskins turned the ball over twice, while the Cowboys held onto the ball, which proved to be the difference in a game that was dominated by Dallas early. Fred Davis fumbled on Washington's first possession of the game, which came after a punt, and Grossman threw an interception on the team's first play following the Cowboys' final touchdown. The turnover allowed Dallas to bleed more than three minutes off the clock. San Francisco 23, Arizona 7 Trench Counter: 49ers +13.2, Cardinals -13.2 The San Francisco 49ers (9-1) cruised to an easy win over the Arizona Cardinals (3-7) at Candlestick Park. The Cardinals didn't score until there was just 8:38 left in regulation when Richard Bartel connected with Larry Fitzgerald on a 23-yard touchdown pass. Arizona had just 229 total yards and committed five turnovers, including three interceptions by John Skelton. Ken Whisenhunt replaced Skelton with Bartel to begin the fourth quarter. Alex Smith finished 20-for-38 with 267 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for the 49ers, who remained just a game back of the Green Bay Packers for the best record in the NFL. After taking an early lead, San Francisco ran the ball a total of 49 times. Frank Gore tallied 88 yards on 24 carries, Anthony Dixon rushed seven times for 32 yards and Kendall Hunter accumulated 27 yards on 11 touches. Seattle 24, St. Louis 7 Trench Counter: Seahawks +6.2, Rams -6.2 The St. Louis Rams (2-7) scored the first touchdown of the game, but the Seattle Seahawks (3-6) scored 24 unanswered points to win at the Edwards Jones Dome. The Seahawks were 7-for-17 on third down and held the Rams to just 185 total yards. St. Louis averaged 3.6 yards per pass and 2.5 yards per rush, while committing three turnovers. Seattle won despite committing 13 times for 100 yards. The Seahawks had possession of the ball for 35 minutes and Tarvaris Jackson finished 14-for-24 with 148 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Seattle receiver Sidney Rice caught three passes for 35 yards and a score, while also throwing a 55-yarder to Mike Williams in the first quarter. Atlanta 23, Tennessee 17 Trench Counter: Falcons +15.9, Titans -15.9 Jake Locker took over after Matt Hasselbeck was injured and nearly led the Tennessee Titans (5-5) to a comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons (6-4). Locker threw a pair of touchdown passes over the final 17 minutes of the game to pull within six points at the Georgia Dome. The rookie finished 9-for-19 with 140 yards, while Hasselbeck went 13-for-25 with 124 yards and an interception. Once again, Chris Johnson was held in check with just 13 yards on 12 carries. Nate Washington led Tennessee with nine catches for 115 yards and two scores. The Falcons had 25 first downs, 432 total yards and possession of the football for close to 37 minutes, but they failed to score after taking a 23-3 led with a few minutes left in the third quarter. Matt Ryan had 316 yards and a touchdown on 22-for-32 passing, with Roddy White collecting seven receptions for 147 yards. Ryan's lone touchdown came on a 17-yard pass to Tony Gonzalez came on the first drive of the game. Chicago 31, San Diego 20 Trench Counter: Bears +4.3, Chargers -4.3 The Chicago Bears (7-3) scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives that bridged the second and third quarters as they topped the San Diego Chargers (4-6). Jay Cutler went 18-for-31 with 286 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for the Bears, while Philip Rivers posted 280 yards, two scores and two interceptions on 21-for-31 passing for the Chargers. San Diego intercepted Cutler with 10 minutes left in regulation, giving Rivers and the offense a chance to quickly pull closer, but Rivers tossed an interception of his own just three plays later. After the turnover, Chicago used a 12-play drive to move 45 yards and take 7:35 off the clock. The Chargers took over following an unsuccessful fake punt on fourth down, but Rivers was once again intercepted. He has 15 interceptions through nine games, already a career-high for the veteran. Philadelphia 17, N.Y. Giants 10 Trench Counter: Eagles +5.7, Giants -5.7 In need of a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the Philadelphia Eagles (4-6) withstood a late momentum change in favor of the New York Giants (6-4) to win in New Jersey. After dominating the game over the first three quarters, the Philadelphia defense allowed Eli Manning to charge down the field en route to an eventual 24-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz that tied the game with 11:36 left in regulation. The Eagles then put their faith in Vince Young (starting for the injured Michael Vick), who had already thrown three interceptions. Young engineered an amazing 18-play drive that went 91 yards and took 8:51 off the clock. The Eagles converted on third down six times on the drive, which ended on an eight-yard scoring pass from Young to Riley Cooper. The Giants refused to quit, moving to the cusp of the red zone on a 47-yard reception by Cruz, but Jason Babin strip-sacked Manning one play later to ice the game.
RealGM's Week 11 Rundown
Denver 17, N.Y. Jets 13 Trench Counter: Broncos -7, Jets +7 Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos (5-5) to yet another improbable comeback win, this time against the heavily-favored New York Jets (5-5) on Thursday night. Tebow ran for a 20-yard touchdown with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter to give his team a 17-13 victory. He went 9-for-20 with 104 passing yards and rushed eight times for 68 yards. Denver is now 4-1 with Tebow has their starting quarterback. The Jets had the edge in most statistical categories, including first downs (22 to 11), total yards (318 to 229) and time of possession (32:12 to 27:48), but it didn't matter in the end. New York had six offensive possessions that lasted fewer than two minutes and ran for less than five plays. Each team scored on defensive with Matt Slauson returning a fumble one yard for a New York touchdown and Andre Goodman picking off Mark Sanchez for a 26-yard score in the third quarter. Baltimore 31, Cincinnati 24 Trench Counter: Ravens +1, Bengals -1 Without Ray Lewis for the first time since 2007, the Baltimore Ravens (7-3) held off the Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) in a game with big AFC playoff implications. Andy Dalton, who threw three interceptions in the loss, led the Bengals into the red zone as time ran down but the Ravens attacked the rookie quarterback repeatedly to ice the victory. The Bengals had 10 more first downs than the Ravens and racked up 483 total yards, but Dalton's miscues cost them dearly. Baltimore punted eight times, but they scored back-to-back touchdowns in the second quarter and then over a stretch that bridged the third and fourth periods. Cedric Benson gave Cincinnati a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, but the Ravens seized control of the game soon after. After almost a month of criticism, Ray Rice was featured on offensive. He ran twenty times for 104 yards and a pair of scores. Cleveland 14, Jacksonville 10 Trench Counter: Browns +6.3, Jaguars -6.3 The Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7) marched into the red zone on the final drive of the game, but the Cleveland Browns (4-6) held on to win as time expired. Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars started on their own 29-yard line, but moved to Cleveland's 1-yard line on a 15-play drive that lasted nearly three minutes. They had first-and-2 at the two-yard line, but gained just three more feet on three plays. There was no scoring in the first or third quarters, but the two teams did combine for well over 600 total yards. The Browns were much more efficient however, with edges in yards per pass (7.8 to 4.8) and yards per rush (5.3 to 3.7). A 7-7 tie was broken with 12:15 left in the fourth when Colt McCoy found Josh Cribbs for a 3-yard touchdown towards the right side of the end zone. Detroit 49, Carolina 35 Trench Counter: Lions +11.2, Panthers -11.2 Despite trailing 24-7 midway through the second quarter, the Detroit Lions (7-3) stormed back to thump the Carolina Panthers (2-8) at Ford Field. Matthew Stafford threw interceptions on Detroit's first two drives, but he rebounded to finish with 335 yards and an eye-popping five touchdowns (all to different receivers). The Lions also got a boost from the recently-signed Kevin Smith, who was originally draft by the club, who rushed 16 times for 140 yards and two scores. He also caught four passes for 61 yards and a touchdown. Panthers rookie Cam Newton had the opposite fortune of Stafford. After accounting for two touchdowns in the first 20 minutes of the game, he threw three interceptions in Carolina's final five possessions. Meanwhile, the Lions scored three touchdowns in the final period to take control of the game. Detroit was 6-for-11 on third down and accumulated 495 yards of total offense. Green Bay 35, Tampa Bay 26 Trench Counter: Packers +0.3, Buccaneers -0.3 The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) gave the Green Bay Packers (10-0) all they could handle but the defending-champions still came out on top to remain perfect. The Packers led 21-10 going into the third quarter, but the Buccaneers scored nine straight points (they failed on a two-point conversation) to pull within 21-19 in the early moments of the fourth period. Green Bay scored on their next possession, but Tampa Bay scored two possessions later to keep the game close. Up by just two on third-and-4 with more than three minutes remaining, Aaron Rodgers hooked up with Jordy Nelson for a 40-yard touchdown that ensured victory. Josh Freeman was intercepted on his next passing attempt and the Packers milked the clock before punting with roughly 90 seconds left. A late pass attempt that went backwards cost Rodgers a 300-yard game, he finished with 299, and he was intercepted for the first time since Oct. 16 in a 24-3 win over the Rams. Miami 35, Buffalo 8 Trench Counter: Dolphins +10.1, Bills -10.1 The Miami Dolphins (3-7) won their third straight game as they dismantled the Buffalo Bills (5-5) at Sun Life Stadium. The Bills led 3-0 after a 30-yard field goal by Dave Rayner, but the Dolphins started the rout early with four straight touchdowns before another Rayner field goal (56 yards) right before the end of the first half. Buffalo was a combined 0-for-14 on third and fourth down, which stalled many drives as they gained five more total yards than Miami. Neither team produced well on the ground, but Matt Moore took care of the football for the Dolphins, while Ryan Fitzpatrick threw two interceptions for the Bills. Since beginning the season 0-7, Miami has a combined scoring edge of 86-20 in their three wins. Buffalo, meanwhile, has lost three straight and five of their last seven games. They have a total of 26 points in their last three contests. Oakland 27, Minnesota 21 Trench Counter: Raiders +2.5, Vikings -2.5 The Oakland Raiders (6-4) outlasted the Minnesota Vikings (2-8) after the home team lost All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson to an ankle injury in the first quarter. The Vikings led 7-0 after a Peterson touchdown, but the Raiders reeled off 27 straight points to take a 27-7 edge into the final quarter. Carson Palmer went 17-for-23 with 164 yards and a touchdown (as well as a one-yard rushing touchdown) and Michael Bush carried the ball 30 times for 109 yards and a score. Minnesota rookie Christian Ponder led the team on two touchdown drives over the final 15 minutes, but he also threw two interceptions in the second half. After scoring a field goal and three touchdowns on four straight drives in the first half, Oakland punted five times, missed a field foal and lost a fumble. The Raiders were called for 12 penalties, including seven that resulted in first downs for the Vikings. Dallas 27, Washington 24 (OT) Trench Counter: Rex Grossman led the Washington Redskins (3-7) on a touchdown drive as time expired in regulation to force overtime, but the Dallas Cowboys (6-4) came out on a top thanks to a 39-yard field goal by Dan Bailey. Washington could have won on the first possession of overtime, but Graham Gano missed a 52-yard field goal, wide right. Tony Romo led Dallas on two touchdowns drives in the second half that tied the game and then gave the team a 24-17 lead with nine minutes remaining. The Redskins turned the ball over twice, while the Cowboys held onto the ball, which proved to be the difference in a game that was dominated by Dallas early. Fred Davis fumbled on Washington's first possession of the game, which came after a punt, and Grossman threw an interception on the team's first play following the Cowboys' final touchdown. The turnover allowed Dallas to bleed more than three minutes off the clock. San Francisco 23, Arizona 7 Trench Counter: 49ers +13.2, Cardinals -13.2 The San Francisco 49ers (9-1) cruised to an easy win over the Arizona Cardinals (3-7) at Candlestick Park. The Cardinals didn't score until there was just 8:38 left in regulation when Richard Bartel connected with Larry Fitzgerald on a 23-yard touchdown pass. Arizona had just 229 total yards and committed five turnovers, including three interceptions by John Skelton. Ken Whisenhunt replaced Skelton with Bartel to begin the fourth quarter. Alex Smith finished 20-for-38 with 267 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for the 49ers, who remained just a game back of the Green Bay Packers for the best record in the NFL. After taking an early lead, San Francisco ran the ball a total of 49 times. Frank Gore tallied 88 yards on 24 carries, Anthony Dixon rushed seven times for 32 yards and Kendall Hunter accumulated 27 yards on 11 touches. Seattle 24, St. Louis 7 Trench Counter: Seahawks +6.2, Rams -6.2 The St. Louis Rams (2-7) scored the first touchdown of the game, but the Seattle Seahawks (3-6) scored 24 unanswered points to win at the Edwards Jones Dome. The Seahawks were 7-for-17 on third down and held the Rams to just 185 total yards. St. Louis averaged 3.6 yards per pass and 2.5 yards per rush, while committing three turnovers. Seattle won despite committing 13 times for 100 yards. The Seahawks had possession of the ball for 35 minutes and Tarvaris Jackson finished 14-for-24 with 148 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. Seattle receiver Sidney Rice caught three passes for 35 yards and a score, while also throwing a 55-yarder to Mike Williams in the first quarter. Atlanta 23, Tennessee 17 Trench Counter: Falcons +15.9, Titans -15.9 Jake Locker took over after Matt Hasselbeck was injured and nearly led the Tennessee Titans (5-5) to a comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons (6-4). Locker threw a pair of touchdown passes over the final 17 minutes of the game to pull within six points at the Georgia Dome. The rookie finished 9-for-19 with 140 yards, while Hasselbeck went 13-for-25 with 124 yards and an interception. Once again, Chris Johnson was held in check with just 13 yards on 12 carries. Nate Washington led Tennessee with nine catches for 115 yards and two scores. The Falcons had 25 first downs, 432 total yards and possession of the football for close to 37 minutes, but they failed to score after taking a 23-3 led with a few minutes left in the third quarter. Matt Ryan had 316 yards and a touchdown on 22-for-32 passing, with Roddy White collecting seven receptions for 147 yards. Ryan's lone touchdown came on a 17-yard pass to Tony Gonzalez came on the first drive of the game. Chicago 31, San Diego 20 Trench Counter: Bears +4.3, Chargers -4.3 The Chicago Bears (7-3) scored touchdowns on four consecutive drives that bridged the second and third quarters as they topped the San Diego Chargers (4-6). Jay Cutler went 18-for-31 with 286 yards, two touchdowns and an interception for the Bears, while Philip Rivers posted 280 yards, two scores and two interceptions on 21-for-31 passing for the Chargers. San Diego intercepted Cutler with 10 minutes left in regulation, giving Rivers and the offense a chance to quickly pull closer, but Rivers tossed an interception of his own just three plays later. After the turnover, Chicago used a 12-play drive to move 45 yards and take 7:35 off the clock. The Chargers took over following an unsuccessful fake punt on fourth down, but Rivers was once again intercepted. He has 15 interceptions through nine games, already a career-high for the veteran. Philadelphia 17, N.Y. Giants 10 Trench Counter: Eagles +5.7, Giants -5.7 In need of a win to keep their slim playoff hopes alive, the Philadelphia Eagles (4-6) withstood a late momentum change in favor of the New York Giants (6-4) to win in New Jersey. After dominating the game over the first three quarters, the Philadelphia defense allowed Eli Manning to charge down the field en route to an eventual 24-yard touchdown pass to Victor Cruz that tied the game with 11:36 left in regulation. The Eagles then put their faith in Vince Young (starting for the injured Michael Vick), who had already thrown three interceptions. Young engineered an amazing 18-play drive that went 91 yards and took 8:51 off the clock. The Eagles converted on third down six times on the drive, which ended on an eight-yard scoring pass from Young to Riley Cooper. The Giants refused to quit, moving to the cusp of the red zone on a 47-yard reception by Cruz, but Jason Babin strip-sacked Manning one play later to ice the game.