~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Brees chases history as SAINTSwin 3rd straight with blowout overSTEELERS 55-32...Pittsburgh drops 3 in a Row.






RECAP








Pittsburgh, PA- Steelers Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger didn't say much after another rough loss that has the Steelers(5-7) on the verge of missing the Playoffs for the 3rd Consecutive year.

But Ben had no problems taking shots at his Teammates. Something he's been doing all Season long.

"Defense failed us tonight. They allowed 55 Points to them. That's unacceptable. It's their fault we lost." Big Ben said.

The Pittsburgh Steelers(5-7) have been a Locker Room full of Drama all year long led by Ben Roethlisberger taking shots at his Team after a loss.

The New Orleans Saints(7-5) got on the board quick with a nice Drive by QB Drew Brees.

On the Steelers first Opening Drive came the first sign of Trouble. Roethlisbergers first pass of the Game was a pick 6 by Saints Safety Kenny Vaccaro.

It was 14-0 Saints.

Arguing soon happened on the Steelers Side line that had to be broken up by Head Coach Mike Tomlin and his Staff.

"My first pass was supposed to go to Chad (Hall) but Kenny picked it off cause Chad didn't do his job." Ben stated.

This didn't sit well with the Steelers Players. A pattern too familiar for the 2014 Campaign.

"Dude you threw 2 picks. Instead of blaming us how about you take some accountability?" Steelers WR Chad Hall stated.

He's in his First Year with the Team after signing a 2 year Deal to come to the "Steel City".

"Everyone is real emotional right now. We're all having rough times and we need to cool our heads." Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell stated.

"Ben is our leader but he needs to learn how to better communicate after a loss." RB Legarrette Blount stated.

The Steelers had 4 Turnovers in the loss to the Saints.

3 of them by Roethlisberger. 2 Picks and a Fumble.

"Well if everyone else did their jobs." Roethlisberger stated.

"You had 3 Turnovers man and it's our fault? Take responsibility for yourself." WR Antonio Brown stated.

It's a mess in Pittsburgh this year. Head Coach Mike Tomlin is constantly having to put out fires started by his Franchise Quarterback.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees continues to chase history this year as he finished with 526 yards and 4 Touchdowns.

This gives Brees 4,497 yards and 39 Touchdowns on the year with 4 Games left.

He's on pace for 5600 Yards and 50 Touchdowns. A possible new Passing Yards Record for a year, a year after Peyton Manning set new Records for yards(5,477) and Touchdowns(55) in 2013.

"Drew is one of the Greatest to ever do it. To be able to see him every Week and Coach him is just a surreal experience." Saints Head Coach Sean Payton stated.

UP NEXT

Saints(7-5) VS Panthers(1-10) Next Sunday...

Steelers(5-7) @ Bengals(6-6) Next Sunday....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Cassel Returns. Leads VIKINGS 20-17 over PANTHERS in Overtime.. Carolina loses 11th straight...







RECAP







Minneapolis, MN- Come this January, both the Minnesota Vikings(3-9) and Carolina Panthers(1-11) will be on the Couch watching the Playoffs.

But that didn't stop Mike Zimmer from starting his new Franchise QB Matt Cassel after returning from a injury and spent majority of the year on the shelf.

"It was great being back out there with the guys." Cassel stated. "The fans here in Minnesota are just special to us. I cherish the days like today."

It was a bittersweet moment for the Vikings.

"We've had a roller coaster year but we're all excited to keep building here." Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated.

Cassel struggled a bit in his first start back. His first Pass of the Game was intercepted by Panthers CB Josh Norman.

But Carolina struggled to put up any points. It was 0-0 at the end of the First.

"Stuck to our plans and made some changes. It was a Chess matchup for sure." Zimmer stated.

What was a real surprise however was that the Vikings Defense finally looked like a Zimmers Lights Out Unit.

Minnesota dropped Panthers QB Derek Anderson 8 times. They also forced a Fumble.

Meanwhile Carolina's Defensive Unit picked off Cassel 3 times with 2 of them coming inside the Red Zone.

One by CB Antione Cason who returned it 91 yards for a pick 6.

"It is what it is. I misread that area and he made a good play. Tough pill to swallow for us personally but we moved on and got the win." Cassel stated.

Cassel finished the day with 373 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and 3 picks.

But in Overtime, Cassel led Minnesota down on an epic Game Winning Drive.

With the win today, the Carolina Panthers(1-11) have now dropped 11 straight.

Cam Newton led them to a 1-7 start. Anderson took over and dropped them to 0-4.

"Rough year for us obviously. We need to take a hard look at ourselves in the mirror and get ready to move on." Panthers Head Coach Ron Rivera stated.

Derek Anderson had 199 yards with no Touchdowns or picks.

Panthers RB Deangelo Williams had 15 carries for 51 yards and the Score.

The Vikings Defense had a great showing today after struggling all year.

Adrian Peterson had 128 yards and caught a TD Pass from Cassel. The second one went to TE Kyle Rudolph.

Zimmer's Defense held Carolina to just 220 yards Offensively. 259 Total.


UP NEXT

Vikings(3-9) VS Jets(7-3-1) Next Sunday...

Panthers(1-11) @ Saints(7-5) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CARDINALS eliminate FALCONS after 47-24 Blowout inside the Georgia Dome...







RECAP








Atlanta, GA- The Season is officially over for the Atlanta Falcons(3-9) after the Arizona Cardinals(10-2) came in and dominated.

"Tough loss for us and tough to know we're not going to be there in January. We have only ourselves to blame." Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith stated.

The Falcons found out how great the Cardinals are this year when the Red Birds Defense dominated Matt Ryan and Company.

"They got out attention real quick on that Opening Drive. We were focused after that." Cardinals Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles stated.

On the Opening Drive, Quarterback Matt Ryan connected with Julio Jones on a 30 yard Bomb that put the Falcons up 7-0.

Many thought the Falcons Offense was back to their old selves.

But it was a mirage.

The Falcons and Cardinals tied at 10 heading into halftime. It was like a Game of Chess. Atlanta wasn't backing down from the #1 Cards Defense.

"We played a great First half but then stalled in the Second." Falcons Head Coach Mike Smith stated.

The wheels came off in the Second Half.

Arizona began to make life miserable in front of the Falcons faithful. Matt Ryan struggled despite throwing 233 yards 2 Touchdowns and a pick.

Arizona Quarterback Carson Palmer had possibly his best Game this year throwing 291 yards and 3 Touchdowns.

Arizona(10-2) never turned the ball over.

RB Jonathan Dwyer ran all over the Falcons for 161 yards and a Touchdown.

"Made changes there and we executed very well in the Second half." Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians stated.

Backup RB Andre Ellington had 44 yards off just 7 carries.

Arizona held Steven Jackson to just 68 yards.

Both Defenses struggled to sack the QB. Arizona got to Ryan just 3 times. Atlanta to Palmer 2.

Arizona picked off Ryan once and forced a fumble on Kick Returner Devin Hester.

Both Turnovers led to Points.

"Need to protect the ball better. Turning the ball over led to points given up." Smith said.

In a Season of turmoil for the Atlanta Falcons(3-9), another disappointing Game and rumors of Mike Smith possibly being fired soon might of sealed his fate.

"It's out of my hands." Smith added. "My focus is one game at a time."


UP NEXT

Falcons(3-9) @ Packers(7-4) Next Monday Night....

Cardinals(10-2) VS Chiefs(9-2) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

McCarthy is at it again, Rodgers takes over. PACKERS beat PATRIOTS without Brady....







RECAP







Green Bay, WI- Head Coach Mike McCarthy is at it again today when the Green Bay Packers(8-4) welcomed Tom Brady and the New England Patriots(9-3).

Down big in the 4th, McCarthy wanted to keep punting the ball away.

"We we're down and facing 4th Downs. I trust that our Defense can get us back the ball." McCarthy stated.

A pattern McCarthy has done all Season much to the dismay of the fans and Players.

Until Aaron Rodgers has had enough. Rodgers held a "Players Only Meeting." over Thanksgiving Weekend while McCarthy was lying on the Beaches of Miami.

We now know what the Meeting was about. Follow 12 when the Game is on the line.

When McCarthy opted to Punt the ball, Rodgers told the Unit to stay on the sidelines. The Packers went for it on 4th Down.

The result? A First Down that would end with a Touchdown and the lead for good in the 4th.

Moments after, Camera's caught McCarthy and Rodgers arguing on the sidelines. Other players got involved and backed up their Quarterback.

"We had enough. The Game was on the line and we stuck behind our Quarterback Aaron." Packers WR Jordy Nelson stated.

Mike McCarthy has apparently lost the Locker Room.

Rodgers finished the day with 287 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and 2 Interceptions. But he took the Game over in the 4th and led the Packers on a 4th Quarter Comeback.

Tom Brady had just 24 yards. He was knocked out early in the first by Rookie Defensive Lineman Tim Ward injuring his shoulder.

This robbed us of a Aaron Rodgers/Tom Brady Matchup for the second time in a row. In 2010, New England beat Green Bay with Matt Flynn at Quarterback while Rodgers nursed a concussion.

New England will sit him for December and roll with Ryan Mallet and Rookie Jimmy Garoppolo.

Mallet had 289 yards with a Touchdown and 2 picks.

"We had some chances in the Second half but failed. We're on to San Diego now." Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick stated.

McCarthy had a lot to say even after the Win.

"I'm the damn Coach. These guys need to listen to me. If I want to punt the ball, that's my choice." McCarthy said.

"Are you kidding me?" Rodgers asked.

With all the Drama going on in Green Bay it's interesting to see what happens these last 4 games.


UP NEXT

Packers(8-4) VS Falcons(3-9) Next Monday Night...

Patriots(9-3) @ Chargers(8-4) Next Sunday Night....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CHIEFS eliminate BRONCOS from Playoffs off Manning's 6 Interceptions on Sunday Night Football...







RECAP







Kansas City, MO- The Denver Broncos(2-9-1) Season is officially over.

And it was a rough Season to begin with.

"Yeah it's been turmoil for us. Up and down. We stayed tight in the fight all year for the most part. It's been a tough one for us." Broncos Head Coach John Fox stated.

The Broncos(2-9-1) looked to rebound this year after a blowout loss in the Super Bowl last February.

A Week 1 Blowout victory over the Colts where Manning threw 7 Touchdowns in a game looked like the Broncos were gonna be the team to beat in the AFC.

After that Game however, the wheels fell off for Denver. A 3 Game losing streak where Peyton Manning began throwing picks as if they were candy.

Manning put Denver in a hole and things got worse when he missed some time with a shoulder injury in the Cardinals Game.

Denver then tied with the Jets.

But the losses wouldn't stop coming.

Manning came back and the Broncos picked up a victory over the winless Oakland Raiders.

Denver tried to dig out of the hole but Manning's Interceptions doomed the Broncos as the year went on.

After the victory over the Raiders, Denver lost 3 straight. A upset loss in St. Louis put Denver on life support. A loss to the Dolphins and tonight a blowout loss to the Chiefs(10-2) officially eliminated them from Playoff Contention.

The Chiefs have also swept the Broncos with their 34-7 Victory inside ArrowHead Stadium.

Manning had 173 yards 1 Touchdown and 6 interceptions. KC turned every single Turnover into points. A 27-7 Halftime lead.

Manning now has 31 Interceptions on the year and is on pace for almost 50 in the last month of the Season. He's been leading the league for most of the year.

Manning is a pick machine and if he keeps it up he will break George Blanda's Record of 42 picks in a single year.

A Record no QB wants to have on their Resume.

Chiefs Quarterback Alex Smith had only 109 yards and a Touchdown. He didn't do much when Jamaal Charles was the workhorse.

20 Carries, 267 yards, 3 Touchdowns.

"We ran the ball very well. We just kept to that plan." Chiefs Head Coach Andy Reid stated.

The Broncos(2-9-1) are eliminated from Playoffs and Peyton Manning's horrific 2014 Season continues.

"We're done now. We just gotta get through these last 4 games and hit the reset button and focus on moving forward." John Fox stated.

"This year has been rough for us all. We had expectations of making another Super Bowl Run. We now need to refocus and regroup." Broncos GM John Elway stated.

Denver has now lost 3 straight with Manning throwing 12 Interceptions during the skid.

Kansas City has won it's 3rd Straight...


UP NEXT


Broncos(2-9-1) VS Bills(5-7)

Chiefs(10-2) @ Cardinals(10-2)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

JETS beat DOLPHINS on Monday Night Football 34-15 to put pressure on New England...








RECAP








East Rutherford, NJ- With the New England Patriots loss to Green Bay yesterday, the New York Jets(8-3-1) pull within a Game away from the East lead.

And they did it with Rookie Quarterback John David Booty. 333 Yards and 2 Touchdowns.

New York blew past Miami(5-7) for their 3rd straight Win.

"We're playing really great right now. We have our sights set on the Super Bowl. We have the confidence we can get there." Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan stated.

The Jets had 516 yards of Total Yards. 473 of Offense alone over the lowly Dolphins Defense.

"New York is a good Team this year." Dolphins Head Coach Joe Philbin stated.

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill had 302 yards and 2 Touchdowns.

"Need to be tighter and not allow so many yards." Ryan added.

Jets RB Chris Johnson ran all over the Dolphins for 142 yards and a Touchdown.

With the loss, Miami is still not eliminated just yet. However heading into Week 14 Miami(5-7) may be on the outside looking in.

Both San Diego(8-4) and New York(8-3-1) are closing in on the Wildcards.


UP NEXT

Jets(8-3-1) @ Vikings(3-9) Next Sunday....

Dolphins(5-7) VS Ravens(5-7) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

WEEK 13 RECAP PART 1

Week 13 Transactions

Seahawks sign WR Plaxico Burress 1 yr/950k.

Week 13 Scores

Thursday's Games

Bears 31 Lions 28

Eagles 38 Cowboys 41

Seahawks 21 49ers 27(OT)

Sunday's Games

Redskins 20 Colts 17(OT)

Titans 50 Texans 16

Browns 31 Bills 11

Chargers 10 Ravens 16

Giants 45 Jaguars 28

Bengals 8 Buccaneers 30

Raiders 0 Rams 42

Saints 55 Steelers 32

Panthers 17 Vikings 20(OT)

Cardinals 47 Falcons 24

Patriots 17 Packers 21

Broncos 7 Chiefs 34(SNF)

Monday's Games

Dolphins 15 Jets 34

BYE WEEKS: NONE

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

NFC OFFENSE: Drew Brees(QB)(Saints)- 526 yards. 4 Touchdowns.

NFC DEFENSE: Stephen Tulloch(LB)(Lions)- 15 Tackles, 1 INT.

AFC OFFENSE: Jamaal Charles(RB)(Chiefs)- 28 Carries, 267 yards, 3 Touchdowns.

AFC DEFENSE: Hassan Abdullah(S)(Chiefs)- 3 Interceptions.


LEAGUE LEADERS

Passer Rating: Russell Wilson(SEA)(114.5)
Touchdowns: Drew Brees(NO)(39)
Yards: Drew Brees(NO)(4,497)
INTs: Peyton Manning(DEN)(31)
Rushing Yards: Jamaal Charles(KC)(2,040)
Rushing TD's: DeMarco Murray(DAL)(16)
Tackles: D'Qwell Jackson(IND)(126)
Sacks: Aldon Smith(SF)(24)
INT's: Lardarius Webb(8)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

WEEK 13 RECAP PART 2

NFL Standings - Updated: Dec 2, 2014
NFC EAST	W	L	T
Dallas Cowboys	9	3
New York Giants	7	5
Philadelphia Eagles	6	6
e-Washington Redskins	2	10
NFC NORTH	W	L	T
Chicago Bears	10	2
Green Bay Packers	8	4
Detroit Lions	4	8
e-Minnesota Vikings	3	9
NFC SOUTH	W	L	T
Tampa Bay Buccaneers	10	2
New Orleans Saints	7	5
e-Atlanta Falcons	3	9
e-Carolina Panthers	1	11
NFC WEST	W	L	T
Arizona Cardinals	10	2
San Francisco 49ers	9	3
Seattle Seahawks	8	4
St. Louis Rams	5	7
NFC WILD CARD RACE	W	L	T
49ers(9-3)
Seahawks(8-4)
Packers(8-4)
Giants(7-5)
AFC EAST	W	L	T
New England Patriots	9	3
New York Jets	8	3	1
Miami Dolphins	5	7
Buffalo Bills	5	7
AFC NORTH	W	L	T
Cleveland Browns	9	3
Cincinnati Bengals	6	6
Pittsburgh Steelers	5	7
Baltimore Ravens	5	7
AFC SOUTH	W	L	T
Y-Tennessee Titans	8	4
e-Jacksonville Jaguars	3	9
e-Indianapolis Colts	3	9
e-Houston Texans	3	9
AFC WEST	W	L	T
Kansas City Chiefs	10	2
San Diego Chargers	8	4
e-Denver Broncos	2	9	1
e-Oakland Raiders	0	12
AFC WILD CARD RACE	W	L	T
New York Jets(8-3-1)
San Diego Chargers(8-4)
Cincinnati Bengals(6-6)
Miami Dolphins(5-7)

WEEK 12 POWER RANKINGS


THE SCORE

-The Monsters of the Midway take over #1 Spot.

-Playoff Teams begin to emerge in the Top 10.

-Oakland remains at 32. Closing in on becoming the 2nd Team in NFL History to go 0-16.

Week 13 Power Rankings
RK (LW)	Team	Record	Next Game
1 (2)	Chicago Bears	10-2	VS Dallas(9-3) TNF
2 (3)	Kansas City Chiefs	10-2	@ Arizona(10-2)
3 (4)	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	10-2	@ Detroit(4-8)
4 (1)	New England Patriots	9-3	@ San Diego(8-4)
5 (7)	Arizona Cardinals	10-2	VS Kansas City(10-2)
6 (5)	San Francisco 49ers	9-3	@ Oakland(0-12)
7 (6)	Seattle Seahawks	8-4	@ Philadelphia(6-6)
8 (8)	Cleveland Browns	9-3	VS Indianapolis(3-9)
9 (10)	Dallas Cowboys	9-3	@ Chicago(10-2)
10 (9)	New Orleans Saints	7-5	VS Carolina(1-11)
11 (12)	New York Jets	8-3-1	@ Minnesota(3-9)
12 (11)	San Diego Chargers	8-4	VS New England(9-3)
13 (15)	Tennessee Titans	8-4	VS New York Giants(7-5)
14 (11)	Green Bay Packers	8-4	VS Atlanta(3-9)
15 (17)	New York Giants	7-5	@ Tennessee(8-4)
16 (14)	Philadelphia Eagles	6-6	VS Seattle(8-4)
17 (16)	Cincinnati Bengals	6-6	VS Pittsburgh(5-7)
18 (24)	St. Louis Rams	5-7	@ Washington(2-10)
19 (19)	Detroit Lions	4-8	VS Tampa Bay(10-2)
20 (21)	Baltimore Ravens	5-7	@ Miami(5-7)
21 (20)	Buffalo Bills	5-7	@ Denver(2-9-1)
22 (18)	Pittsburgh Steelers	5-7	@ Cincinnati(6-6)
23 (22)	Minnesota Vikings	3-9	VS New York Jets(8-3-1)
24 (23)	Washington Redskins	2-10	VS St. Louis(5-7)
25 (25)	Indianapolis Colts	3-9	@ Cleveland(9-3)
26 (26)	Jacksonville Jaguars	3-9	VS Houston(3-9)
27 (27)	Houston Texans	3-9	@ Jacksonville(3-9)
28 (28)	Miami Dolphins	5-7	VS Baltimore(5-7)
29 (29)	Atlanta Falcons	3-9	@ Green Bay(8-4)
30 (30)	Denver Broncos	2-9-1	VS Buffalo(5-7)
31 (31)	Carolina Panthers	1-11	@ New Orleans(7-5)
32 (32)	Oakland Raiders	0-12	VS San Francisco(9-3)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

FAST FIVE STORYLINES for Week 14...

-COWBOYS and BEARS will meet on Thursday Night Football with Playoff Seedings on the line. A win for either team could set them up for January...

-STEELERS will look to get back into the Win column as Drama inside the Locker Room takes over.

-GIANTS will look to keep pushing for Playoffs against South Champions TITANS.

-BROWNS look to continue "Cinderella Story" as they push for first North Title.

-RAIDERS try to win a Game to avoid 0-16 Year.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NFC PLAYOFF PICTURE- WEEK 13




NFC Division Leaders


NORTH: Chicago Bears(10-2)



EAST: Dallas Cowboys(9-3)



SOUTH: Tampa Bay Buccaneers(10-2)



WEST:Arizona Cardinals(10-2)


NFC WILDCARD



San Francisco 49ers(9-3)




Seattle Seahawks(8-4)



IN THE HUNT



Philadelphia Eagles(6-6)



Green Bay Packers(8-4)




New York Giants(7-5)



New Orleans Saints(7-5)


ELIMINATED



Carolina Panthers(1-11)



Washington Redskins(2-10)



Minnesota Vikings(3-9)



Atlanta Falcons(3-9)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE- WEEK 13




AFC Division Leaders


NORTH: Cleveland Browns(9-3)



EAST: New England Patriots(9-3)



SOUTH: Tennessee Titans(8-4)



WEST: Kansas City Chiefs(10-2)


AFC WILDCARD



San Diego Chargers(8-4)


New York Jets(8-3-1)



IN THE HUNT



Cincinnati Bengals(6-6)


Buffalo Bills(5-7)


Pittsburgh Steelers(5-7)


ELIMINATED



Oakland Raiders(0-12)




Indianapolis Colts(3-9)




Houston Texans(3-9)




Jacksonville Jaguars(3-9)



Denver Broncos(2-9-1)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

WEEK 14 GAMES TO WATCH...



Chicago Bears(10-2) VS Dallas Cowboys(9-3)

Huge Game on Thursday Night Football as the Division Leaders Dallas Cowboys head to Soldier Field for a Primetime Matchup with the North leading Chicago Bears. This game could determine Playoff seeding as we inch closer to the Post Season.




New York Giants(7-5) VS Tennessee Titans(8-4)

The New York Giants are still on the outside looking in for Playoffs. A trip down South to the Music City to face the AFC South Division Champions could put another nail in the coffin for the G-Men. A win here and the Giants will take a step closer for Football in January.




Kansas City Chiefs(10-2) VS Arizona Cardinals(10-2)

The Arizona Cardinals have the #1 Defense in the NFL and have been making noise all year long. Todd Bowles has the Ball Hawking Unit #1 and causing fits for opposing Quarterbacks. Arizona is also unbeaten at home where the D really shines. This week they will host the Red Hot Kansas City Chiefs who are rocking a good Defense of their own. They picked off Manning 6 times last week to eliminate Denver.




New England Patriots(9-3) San Diego Chargers(8-4)

A possible Playoff Preview as Ryan Mallet takes his Patriots into Southern California for a battle with Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

November NFC RECAP

-November is over and the 2014 Season enters it's Final month. Let's take a look at each team's 3rd quarter.


NFC NORTH





Chicago Bears(10-2)

The Chicago Bears are on a tear this year. They already swept their hated Rival Green Bay Packers for the first time since 2007. Marc Trestman has done an amazing job turning the Franchise around in just his second year at the helm and has Da Bears poised to make the Playoffs. Quarterback Jay Cutler is playing at an MVP Level and Chicago is in full control of the North.



Green Bay Packers(8-4)

Green Bay raced out to a 6-2 start but then problems in the locker room has dropped them to 8-4. Things look to get worse in November between Mike McCarthy and his locker room. The Head Coach was also spotted in South Beach over Thanksgiving chatting with Dolphins Owner Stephen Ross for a job in 2015. Tensions have risen high between Aaron Rodgers and McCarthy as Mike has cost the Packers games throughout the Season. In November the rest of the team including Jordy Nelson and other Coaches across the league have called out McCarthy for his conservativeness. Green Bay almost lost to New England until Aaron Rodgers took the game over. This caused more Drama in the locker room between Coach and Quarterback. Tensions have got worse and now McCarthy may be on his way out.




Detroit Lions(4-8)

Detroit was 4-4 at the midway point before dropping to 4-8. Jim Caldwell's System is starting to take effect in the Motor City. The Leo's got Matthew Stafford back and continue their rebuild year. Detroit probably won't make playoffs this year but the foundation is in place. 2015, the Lions should come together.




Minnesota Vikings(3-9)

Barely getting Matt Cassel back and Minnesota has won a couple Games in November. Just last week, the Vikings got a glimpse of how great a Zimmer's Defense can actually be. The Vikings smothered the Carolina Panthers Offense and gave the Vikings Faithful a taste of their future under Mike Zimmer. Expect lots of changes for the Vikes as December ends.




NFC EAST





Dallas Cowboys(9-3)

Dallas has been on a tear this year with a 9-3 record. Despite the Giants and Eagles playing catchup, Dallas is taking the East. Jason Garrett is a favorite for Coach of the Year and the Boyz are looking to clinch their first Division Title since 2009.




New York Giants(7-5)

The G-Men started with a 4-1 Record and fell to 7-5 heading into the final Month of the Season. The Giants are still in the hunt for a Wildcard spot but with how the Seahawks and 49ers are playing, the Giants just might be on the outside looking in by January. If they can keep finding ways to win they might be able to sneak past Dallas for the East Title. New York has already split the Series with Dallas and now must focus on getting past the Titans, Rams, and a Week 17 vs Philly.




Philadelphia Eagles(6-6)

The Eagles struggled in November with Foles on the shelf. However more injuries has dropped Philly to a 6-6 Record and the Eagles might be on the shelf come playoff time. Foles is back but it might be too little too late.




Washington Redskins(2-10)

Washington faces more questions than answers when it comes to Quarterback Robert Griffin III. RG3 is back on the I.R for the 4th time this year and the Front Office is still committed to their 2012 Draft pick. Gruden has announced that Colt McCoy is now the starter after Cousins struggled vs Indy. McCoy came in and led a Game Winning Drive in Overtime. As the year comes to a close, Washington must figure out what to do on the RG3 situation. He's spent more time on the IR than the field.


NFC SOUTH




Tampa Bay Buccaneers(10-2)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been a huge surprise this year. No one expected Lovie Smith and Josh McCown to gel so well in a new Team. The Bucs are poised to clinch their first South Division Title since 2007. Tampa is making noise with Josh McCown playing very well in Lovie's System again. The Bucs should clinch the South in a matter of weeks depending on the Saints.




New Orleans Saints(7-5)

After a 3-0 start, the Saints fell to 3-4 before Brees got out of his funk and bumped New Orleans up to 7-5 entering December. The Bucs have a 3 game cushion on them but a Week 17 Matchup against Tampa Bay could determine the South Title if Drew Brees and New Orleans keep winning. December is crucial for the Saints.




Atlanta Falcons(3-9)

Atlanta is out of the Playoff race and going nowhere fast as Mike Smiths System has grown stale. The Falcons absolutely struggled in November and now rumors are circulating that Arthur Blank will be firing his Head Coach by Season's end.




Carolina Panthers(1-11)

After a Week 1 blowout in Tampa, the Panthers have completely fell on their face losing 11 straight games. Cam Newton has been benched after a 1-7 Record due his struggles. Derek Anderson has been named the starter but the losses keep coming. Carolina has a long road ahead of them come the Offseason in trying to turn around and Cam Newton must figure out how to get out of a slump if he wants his job back.


NFC WEST




Arizona Cardinals(10-2)

Arizona is looking to make history in 2014, becoming the first Team in NFL History to host their own Super Bowl. The Cardinals have the #1 Defense and unbeaten at home where their Defense really shines. The Cardinals have already gotten past San Francisco but lost in Seattle. December will be a good test for the Red Birds as they host Seattle and head to San Francisco in the finale. A Team they already beat in the desert. If the Cardinals are going to clinch the West Title, they will have to do it by getting past the Division rivals. The Defense will be up to the task.




San Francisco 49ers(9-3)

Harbaughs 49ers are in firm control of a Wildcard Spot and one game behind Arizona for the West Division Title. Harbaugh's crew has gotten past the Seahawks on Thanksgiving Night but a rematch is Week 15 in Seattle where the defending Champions should get some revenge. San Francisco has really turned it on in November winning 7 in a row after a 2-3 start. No one is hotter right now than Jim Harbaugh's 49ers.




Seattle Seahawks(8-4)

The "Never say Die" Seahawks sit at 8-4 but have a reputation of making noise as the Season goes on. Despite a Thanksgiving night loss in San Francisco, the Seahawks are still in control of a Wildcard Spot and only sit 2 games behind Arizona for the West Title. December should be the Seahawks Month and Seahawks should contend for the Division Championship.




St. Louis Rams(5-7)

The Rams sit at 5-7 and on the verge of being eliminated from the Playoffs for what seems like the millionth time. Last time the Rams made playoffs was 2004. Despite maybe another lost Season, the Rams are still fully committed to Jeff Fisher. Ownership has already announced that Fisher is still the guy for the job. There is hope however as the Rams are still alive in the hunt.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

November AFC RECAP


AFC NORTH




Cleveland Browns(9-3)

The Browns are surprising many people this year as Head Coach Mike Pettine has "Believeland" poised to win their first AFC North Title. Pettine has done a masterful job in just his first year in Cleveland. The Brownies are looking to make the Playoffs for the first time since 2002. Pettine has Brian Hoyer under Center and Johnny Manziel has also seen some action this year. Hoyer is testing Free Agency this Offseason but that hasn't stopped him from leading the Browns on a Cinderella Story.




Cincinnati Bengals(6-6)

The Bengals have been up and down this year but still sit in pretty good shape as they are still in the hunt for a Wildcard spot. The annual "Battle of Ohio" was won by the Browns but the rematch is in Cleveland. Who Dey! sits at 6-6 and need to win some Games in the final month if they can't keep up with Cleveland.




Baltimore Ravens(5-7)

After losing Joe Flacco on Opening Sunday, Baltimore turned to Tyrod Taylor and Taylor kept the Ravens afloat at .500. Head Coach John Harbaugh was going to get a pass if Baltimore fell to 0-8. However with the return of Joe Flacco, the Ravens fell to 5-7. Baltimore ain't yet eliminated from the Playoffs but even at 9-7 might not be good enough for a Wildcard spot. John Harbaugh should use the final month of the year to really figure out if Flacco is his Quarterback. Baltimore was 4-4 with Tyrod Taylor.




Pittsburgh Steelers(5-7)

The Steelers are a complete mess in 2014. Drama in the "Steel City" has turned the locker room on it's head. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is constantly throwing his Team under the bus after tough losses. It's gotten so bad that his Teammates are firing back and Head Coach Mike Tomlin is trying to keep the Drama out. If the Steelers get bounced from Contention then expect Big Ben to keep airing Team dirty laundry. Tomlin is trying his best to keep the Team focused on the last Month of the year.



AFC EAST




New England Patriots(9-3)

The Dynasty is still in first and look to win their 6th straight AFC East Title. A loss in Green Bay had QB Tom Brady leave with a shoulder injury. Brady is out for the last 4 Games and Belichick will turn to Ryan Mallet and Jimmy Garoppolo at Quarterback. It's no secret that the Pats can still win games without TB12, Belichick just needs a few more wins to clinch the Division and then Brady will be back for the Playoffs. If any Team in the East is gonna sneak past New England for the Division, December is the time to do it.




New York Jets(8-3-1)

Rex Ryan has the Jets back in the Playoff hunt in 2014. After 3 years of not making the Playoffs, Ryan was on his way out the door. With Geno Smith last year, New York was 8-8. Smith got hurt in Preseason and Rex Ryan has found a hidden gem at Quarterback. John David Booty. Booty was invited to Jets Training Camp and has been named the starter. He missed some time with a shoulder injury but Gang Green is still in firm control of a Wildcard spot. The bright side of the year is that the Jets have already picked up a Victory over the Patriots. Expect the Jets to clinch a spot in the Playoffs this month.




Buffalo Bills(5-7)

The Bills rebuild continues as Buffalo continues their Quarterback Carousel. Doug Marrone has juggled QB's in an effort to find their Franchise guy. The Bills are also under new Ownership after legendary Owner Ralph Wilson passed away in March. The Team has a foundation in place and the Bills look to build on it. December should eliminate Buffalo from Playoffs and Marrone should be given another chance to continue the rebuild for next year.




Miami Dolphins(5-7)

Miami has been making a lot of headlines over Thanksgiving Weekend. Owner Stephen Ross has already offered Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy a Contract for next year to coach the Dolphins. This means also that Joe Philbin will be kicked to the curb regardless of how Miami finishes. It's obvious that Mike McCarthy will be in South Beach full time come next Season.



AFC SOUTH




Tennessee Titans(8-4)

Another Cinderella Story in 2014, the Tennessee Titans were off to a 1-4 start but then rallied behind Jake Locker and Head Coach Ken Whisenhunt to a 7 game Winning streak. At 8-4, the Titans have clinched their first AFC South Division Championship since 2008. Only thing Titans are playing for in December is Playoff Seeding.




Indianapolis Colts(3-9)

The Colts season was over after Quarterback Andrew Luck broke his Collarbone and missed 8 games. Indy dropped to a losing record of 3-8. Luck returned but a loss to the Jags eliminated them from the Playoffs. Chuck Pagano has been given a pass for the horrible year in Indy.




Houston Texans(3-9)

Eliminated from the Playoffs is no surprise to the Texans. A first year under new Head Coach Bill O'Brien has Houston implementing a new System. Fitzpatrick was hurt and Keenum ain't much of an answer for QB. Houston should win maybe a couple games in December but the foundation is laid out. The results should be next year.




Jacksonville Jaguars(3-9)

Jacksonville got their future in Quarterback Blake Bortles in the 2014 NFL Draft. But the Jags had to wait for him to take the field as he went down in a Preseason Game and didn't come back until Week 4. The Jags struggled with Bortles at Quarterback. Blake struggled for awhile before finding some rhythm. The Jags should finish strong in December despite missing Playoffs.



AFC WEST




Kansas City Chiefs(10-2)

Andy Reid has his Team poised to win their First Division Championship since 2010. KC is rocking a Top Ten Defense and Offense. Jamaal Charles is closing in on a new NFL Record of most yards in a Season. A feat that hasn't been broken since Dickerson's 1984 Season. Adrian Peterson is still in second with Charles at 5th.




San Diego Chargers(8-4)

San Diego still trails Kansas City by 2 games. If the Bolts can keep winning and keep pressure on their West Rivals, the West Title may come down to the rematch in Week 17. The Chargers are still in control of a Wild Card spot but must keep winning to claim the West with how good KC is.




Denver Broncos(2-9-1)

In 2013, the Broncos set numerous NFL Records and were blown out in Super Bowl 48. A Week 1 blowout victory with Manning tossing 7 Touchdowns made Denver look like they were back. But it was a mirage. What happened next was something no one expected. Not even the Front Office or John Fox. Denver entered a skid with Peyton Manning looking like the exact opposite of his MVP self. Manning struggled and threw interceptions during the slide and began to lead the league. A shoulder injury knocked Peyton out for a couple of Games but Denver kept losing. Manning returned in a huge game in Foxboro and Denver needed to dig out of a 1-5-1 hole. However the turnovers wouldn't stop as Manning kept throwing interceptions and costing his team games. Manning has been leading the league in picks and now has 31 and is on pace for over 45. Eliminated from the Playoffs thanks to horrible play from Peyton, Denver must look to just finish the year off and hope Peyton can end his funk.



Oakland Raiders(0-12)

Oakland is by far the worst team in the league and is looking to become the 2nd Team in history to finish 0-16. The Raiders were eliminated from Playoffs awhile ago and have the worst Offense and Defense in the league. Dennis Allen is more than likely to be fired by the end of the year as Mark Davis has promised changes.

[PeoplesChampGB]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Can't believe my Packers are behind the Bears. What a disgrace. Looking forward to seeing how the season plays itself out.