~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

A dose of "Fitzmagic" as TEXANS sneak past COLTS on Game Winning Drive 37-35 in Indy....







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Indianapolis, IN- Despite being in a new System under new Head Coach Bill O'Brien, the Houston Texans(5-9) are showing signs of how good they can be.

"It's been a year of building a foundation and now the guys are building on it." Texans Head Coach Bill O'Brien stated.

"Offense has really been coming together even in times of adversity." Texans Offensive Coordinator John Perry said.

He took over as O.C after Houston had a 3-5 start.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick lit up the Colts Defense inside Lucas Oil Stadium. He had 403 yards and 4 Touchdowns. All 4 to DeAndre Hopkins.

But it was a dogfight from the get-go.

What else to expect from a Division Game?

Houston scored on their opening Drive. Colts RB Trent Richardson's first rush was for 31 yards. Luck's first pass after that? A interception.

This would be the theme for the day with neither Defense able to stop the other majority of the time.

Luck had 271 yards, 1 Touchdown, and 2 picks. Houston failed to get any points off them.

"We couldn't get any points off those Turnovers." O'Brien stated.

Indianapolis(4-10) came to life in the second Quarter thanks to Veteran Kicker Adam Vinatieri's 3 Field Goals and a Richardson Touchdown.

The Colts took a 29-21 lead into halftime.

"It was a rough game for us even up at the half. Give Houston credit." Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano stated.

Indy was shut down completely in the Second half only managing just 2 more Field Goals in the 4th. Houston rolled past them with 16 points. In the 4th Quarter, Fitzpatrick found Hopkins for his 4th Touchdown pass of the game as Houston was on top 34-29.

But then Andrew Luck returned the favor putting Indy on top with a Field Goal by Adam V 35-34.

"It was back and fourth. I couldn't hold still. All the nerves was just shaking." Pagano said.

Fitzpatrick then led the Texans(5-9) down on a Game Winning Drive as Kicker Randy Bullock booted a 36 yarder that put Houston over their South Rivals 37-35.

Hopkins had 166 yards and 4 Touchdowns.

Colts RB Trent Richardson finished with 154 yards and a Touchdown. Indy's Defense struggled to shut down Texans RB Arian Foster who had 97 yards and a score.

"Resilient effort by us. Guys didn't quit." Texans Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick stated.

No Defense could stop the other as Houston had 492 yards of Offense and 621 Total.

Indy had 485 on Offense and 516 Total.

It appears the Legend of "FitzMagic" is alive and well. At least for now.


UP NEXT

Texans(5-9) VS Ravens(6-7) Next Sunday...

Colts(4-10) @ Cowboys(9-4) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

ACROSS SOCIAL MEDIA

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 14, 2014
	@
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-10, 1-5 Away)		Baltimore Ravens (6-7, 4-2 Home)
Injury Report NONE NONE Game Notes After losing Joe Flacco for half the year, the Ravens went 4-4 to keep their heads above water. Jacksonville is in rebuild mode with Rookie Quarterback Blake Bortles. The Ravens are still in the Playoff hunt so a win here is crucial.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

JAGUARS comeback falls short, lose 27-21 to RAVENS...







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Baltimore, MD- Rookie Quarterback Blake Bortles has started to find his place in the NFL. The 2014 #3 Draft pick has been finding his stride.

The Jacksonville Jaguars(3-11) have been in rebuild mode and laid the foundation this year.

"Laid the ground work this year and guys came in and built on it. Blake learned a lot this year and we're all excited for the future." Jaguars Head Coach Gus Bradley stated.

Bortles had 338 yards 2 Touchdowns, and a pick. The Jags tied it before the half and it was 21-21.

Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco had 251 yards and 2 Touchdowns.

"Tied in the first half and we made some adjustments and executed well in the Second half." Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh stated.

Ravens RB Ray Rice had 93 yards and a score. The Ravens shut down Jags RB Toby Gerhart who had just 47 yards and a score.

Thanks to two Justin Tucker Field Goals in the third and fourth Quarter, the Ravens(7-7) were able to hold off a final gasp by the Jags.

On 4th and Goal, Bortles took a hit that made the ball hit the ground and Baltimore held on for the win.

Jacksonville(3-11) will wrap up the Thursday Night Football schedule of the Season when they host Tennessee in the last Thursday Night Game of 2014.

UP NEXT

Ravens(7-7) @ Texans(5-9) Next Sunday...

Jaguars(3-11) VS Titans(9-4) On the last Thursday Night Football of the year.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 14, 2014
	@
Green Bay Packers (8-5, 4-2 Away)		Buffalo Bills (6-7, 3-4 Home)
Injury Report NONE CJ Spiller(RB) Broken Collarbone(IR) Marcell Dareus(DT) Shoulder Tear(3 Weeks) Game Notes The Green Bay Packers are ready for the 2014 Season to be over with. Head Coach Mike McCarthy has cost the Team Games and drama has been going on between Coach and Team. McCarthy has refused to adapt and the Packers are a mess. QB Aaron Rodgers has been trying to carry the Team and the Pack are on the verge of missing the Playoffs for the first time since 2008. Today the Packers are in Buffalo with A LOT on the line. If Green Bay loses, Chicago will win the NFC North regardless of the result on Monday Night. With a loss, Green Bay will be 2 games behind Seattle and San Francisco depending on their Game later. However with a win and the Packers will remain in the Playoff hunt and sweep the AFC East. But with how things have gone in 2014, the Packers main problem lies within their own Locker Room. McCarthy has been at war with the Team and is looking to skip town and head to South Beach for a new fresh start. This doesn't bother Aaron Rodgers or the Franchise one bit. The Bills have been in a rebuild year and looking for their Quarterback of the future. Today they give the nod to Josh Allen.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

PACKERS sweep AFC East with 21-6 Snowy Victory over BILLS...







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Orchard Park, NY- It was a Winter Wonderland in Orchard Park today when the Green Bay Packers(9-5) defeated the Buffalo Bills(6-8).

"We're used to Snow playing in Green Bay." Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers stated.

Rodgers had 168 yards and 3 Touchdowns with a Interception.

But the Franchise Quarterback wasn't happy with the victory. It's been a pattern all year long between Rodgers and his Head Coach Mike McCarthy's Offense.

"We went stale from the beginning." Rodgers continued.

After receiving the opening Kickoff, Rodgers led the Packers down on a Opening Drive that put them up 7-0. Even in the blizzard conditions Rodgers found trusty Jordy Nelson in the endzone for the score.

Buffalo(6-8) who chose to go with Josh Allen today went down on just the first snap of the drive. He hurt his back and was removed from the Game. Bills Doctors announced he's fine and sat out for precautions.

This made room for EJ Manuel to come in. The Bills were held to just a Field Goal.

Rodgers found Rookie Davante Adams for a 14-3 lead in the Second Quarter.

That's all the Packers(9-5) had in Buffalo with their Offense only getting a Touchdown every Quarter.

"We scored on Drives and we won the Game. Our Offense is just fine." Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy stated.

Even though the Packers had 317 yards of Offense, the only thing worse than McCarthy's Coaching was the Bills EJ Manuel's QB play.

Manuel had 110 yards with no Touchdowns and no Picks. He didn't break 100 yard passing until 8:39 left in the 4th Quarter.

By then it was 21-6 in favor of the Packers. The fans in Ralph Wilson Stadium booed the performance of Manuel. Head Coach Doug Marrone finally had enough and benched him for Dennis Dixon.

Dixon had 78 yards passing and a last desperate gasp was intercepted by Casey Heyward in the end zone.

Up 21-6, Green Bay sat Rodgers with under 5 minutes to play and trotted out Quarterback Matt Flynn for mop up duty. Flynn's first pass was incomplete, his second was picked off by Cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

Buffalo(6-8) failed to do anything with it. Bills RB Fred Jackson had 74 yards as the Packers Defense struggled to stop the run.

"We only gave up 6 Points! That's huge for us." Packers Defensive Coordinator Dom Capers stated.

It's the same old song and dance. Packers win ugly and McCarthy and Capers act like they won the Super Bowl.

Eddie Lacy had 130 yards and no Touchdowns. Rodgers threw a pick thanks to McCarthy's schemes.

His WR's are constantly covered. Rodgers pick was #13 this year and A-Rod has double digit picks for the first time since 2010.

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are ready for the Season to be over with. It's been speculated that by Season's end, Mike McCarthy is leaving for Miami to coach the Dolphins in 2015.

"Green Bay is a tough opponent. Aaron (Rodgers) is possibly the best to ever do it." Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone stated.

With the win, Green Bay has put a hold on Chicago winning the North. However if the Bears win on Monday Night they claim the Division for the first time since 2010.

With 2 Games left it's not sure if Green Bay is going to hold on to McCarthy or not. Tension and Drama have been filling up the Wisconsin Team all year long.

With the loss, Buffalo(6-8) is still alive in the AFC Wildcard hunt. But it all depends on if San Diego can bounce back vs Denver later today.

It's safe to say that Green Bay(9-5) could consider themselves lucky that Buffalo(6-8) was worse than McCarthy's Coaching.

"Yeah absolutely I believe that." Rodgers stated. "We were stale. Have been all year."


UP NEXT

Packers(9-5) @ Buccaneers(11-2) Next Sunday...

Bills(6-8) @ Raiders(0-14) Next Sunday....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

GREEN BAY PACKERS: Aaron Rodgers "We were stale."



12/14/14



Written by: Adam Schefter




More drama out of Green Bay even after the Packers 21-6 victory over the Buffalo Bills in a snowstorm.

In the process, Green Bay swept the AFC East this year.

Despite the Win however, Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers isn't happy.

"We were stale. Have been all year." Rodgers said.

And he's right. Other Packers are noticing it too. Green Bay scored 21 points with just one Touchdown in each 3 Quarters.

The Packers were scoreless inn the 4th holding onto a 21-6 lead. If EJ Manuel wasn't struggling, the Bills could of blown past them for the Win.

But no matter what, Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy is refusing to change and Aaron Rodgers is throwing the ball to receivers who are constantly covered.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 14, 2014
	@
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-2, 6-1 Away)		Carolina Panthers (2-11, 0-6 Home)
Injury Report Bobby Rainey(RB) Abdominal Tear(1 Week) NONE Game Notes In Week 1 the Carolina Panthers blew out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 58-31. But things have changed since then. Carolina entered a 10 game skid where Quarterback Cam Newton was eventually benched after a 1-7 start. The Bucs shook of that loss and have since became a surprise Team of 2014 and winning their first South Division Title since 2007. Today Tampa Bay will look to avenge their Week 1 loss.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BUCCANEERS get revenge on PANTHERS with 42-7 Blowout in Carolina...






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Charlotte, NC- On Opening Sunday the Carolina Panthers(2-12) blew out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers(12-2) 58-31.

But since then the tides have turned. Carolina went on a massive 11 game skid while Tampa climbed to the top of the NFC South.

"We wanted to return the favor after they blew us out." Buccaneers Head Coach Lovie Smith stated.

The Bucs made a statement from the opening kickoff.

Quarterback Josh McCown drove Tampa down on their opening drive for a Touchdown. The Panthers were held to a 3 and out and Tampa went up another score.

Tampa(12-2) had a 14-0 lead going into the Second Quarter. McCown proceeded to show the world why he's a baller in Smith's System as he threw his 3rd Touchdown pass of the game that put the Bucs up 21-0.

"He's the leader of this Team. We all rally behind him and love him." Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Jeff Tedford stated.

Carolina(2-12) attempted to drive down the Field before halftime but a Interception by Buccaneers Linebacker Lavonte David returned it 81 yards for a pick 6 that sent Tampa Bay up 28-0 into the half.

"Executed very well and played even better on Defense." Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier stated.

The Bucs went up 35-0 in the third Quarter thanks to a Mike James run from 1 yard out.

Tampa just poured it on as fans booed inside Bank of America Stadium.

A McCown 4th Touchdown Pass put Tampa up 42-0 in the 4th. Carolina scored a meaningless TD to avoid a shutout.

Josh McCown had 276 yards, 4 Touchdowns and a pick with a Rating of 118.2

Panthers Quarterback Derek Anderson finished with 203 yards and a Interception. RB DeAngelo Williams had 38 yards and a score to avoid a shutout.

Bucs RB Doug Martin had 97 yards and no scores. James finished with 85 and the Touchdown.

Tampa's 12th win came at a cost as Rookie DE John Barton broke his Collarbone and will be placed on I.R. He'll miss the Bucs Playoff run.


UP NEXT

Buccaneers(12-2) VS Packers(9-5) Next Sunday...

Panthers(2-12) VS Browns(9-4) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 14, 2014
	@
Cincinnati Bengals (7-6, 3-3 Away)		Cleveland Browns (9-4, 4-3 Home)
Injury Report NONE NONE Game Notes In Week 10 on a Thursday Night Showdown, the first clash of the "Battle of Ohio" began. The Browns won the Game 19-14 thanks to a epic 4th Quarter Comeback by Johnny Manziel when Hoyer struggled. Today the Rematch is in "BelieveLand" and there's A LOT on the line. If the Browns can beat the Bengals again they will sweep Cincinnati for the first time since 2002. Also with a victory today, Cleveland will win it's first ever AFC North Division Title and punch their ticket to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BROWNS win AFC North Title for first time in Franchise History with 28-19 Victory over BENGALS....







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BELIEVELAND- In 2002 the NFL arranged the Divisions we know today. They put the Cleveland Browns(10-4) and Cincinnati Bengals(7-7) in the AFC North with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers.

2002 was the last time the Browns made Playoffs and did it as a Wildcard Team.

It ended in heartbreak for the Browns. A 36-33 loss to the Rival Steelers.

For the next 12 years, the Browns became the laughing stock of the NFL. Many Quarterbacks and many more Coaches have failed to bring Cleveland back to relevancy.

In 2013 Rob Chudzinski led the Browns to a 4-12 Record and was shown the door by January.

Then came Mike Pettine hired on January 23, 2014. Pettine went to work in the Off-Season grooming Future Franchise Quarterback Johnny Manziel and helping Brian Hoyer.

After a 0-2 start, the Browns began winning. A Week 10 Thursday Night Showdown in "The Jungle" was a Browns come from behind Victory over the Bengals.

Today in front of their Fans, the Browns swept the Bengals 28-19 and won their first ever North Division Championship.

The Browns are heading back to the Playoffs.

"It's special. It really is. We talked all year from Training Camp to now on where we want to be and we're all excited for the trip ahead." Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine stated.

He was given a Gatorade Shower after the victory.

The Browns Faithful cheered as if they just won the Super Bowl.

"Everybody in here is happy about what we accomplished this year. It's special for the fans who's been behind us since Day 1." Browns Offensive Coordinator Kyle Shanahan stated.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer was inconsistent during the Game struggling to throw the ball against the stingy Bengals Defense. A bad pick led to a 3-0 lead.

Browns Defense kept the Bengals out of the End zone twice giving up just 2 Field Goals.

"Those stops for us were huge and really kept us in the Game." Browns Defensive Coordinator Jim O'Neil stated.

"Wish we could of got those Touchdowns but Cleveland is a really good Team. Mike has done a fantastic job this Season and you can't help but be happy for them." Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated.

Brian Hoyer had 227 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and a Interception completing half his passes for a Rating of 76.9

Andy Dalton had 324 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and a pick for a 121.8 Rating.

Browns RB Terrence West ran all over the weak Bengals run Defense racking up 141 yards and 2 Touchdowns.

Bengals RB Giovanni Bernard didn't have much luck. He was held to just 37 yards.

"Struggled to move the ball and we can't have that happen. We need to be better and not be so one dimensional." Marvin Lewis added.

Browns Tight End Jordan Cameron would tear his Groin in the 4th Quarter and will miss the next 5 Weeks. Cleveland announced he's being placed on I.R ending his year and the Browns Playoffs.

"Losing a high caliber player like Jordan is tough. He helped us get to where we are this year. Big part of our Team." Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine stated.

Dalton's last pass was Intercepted by Karlos Dansby and the Browns(10-4) are Playoff Bound. The Bengals(7-7) are still alive in the Playoff Hunt for now.


UP NEXT

Browns(10-4) @ Panthers(2-12) Next Sunday...

Bengals(7-7) VS Broncos(2-10-1) Next Monday Night...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

CLEVELAND BROWNS: Return to Playoffs 12 years in the making...



12/14/14


John Franklin




It's been a Franchise lost in mediocrity since 2002. The Cleveland Browns have struggled for Decades to find a Identity. A Team that's pushed around in the AFC North for years.

In 2002, the Browns went 9-7 and clinched a Wildcard Berth with Butch Davis at the helm. The Browns lost 36-33 on Wildcard Weekend. Cleveland then went into obscurity.

The Browns never again made the Playoffs and Butch Davis was fired in 2004 after a 3-8 start. This would start a pattern of Coaches coming and going from Cleveland as the years went on.

Romeo Crennel, Eric Mangini, Pat Schurmur and just last year, Rob Chudzinski who was fired after a 4-12 year.

To Crennel's credit however, he was responsible for Cleveland's last Winning Season in 2007 where the Browns went 10-6. Besides Romeo's 2007 year, no other Head Coach has won more than 5 Games in a year since 2002.

But the bizarre Story of the Browns are the amount of Quarterbacks that tried to lead Cleveland back to relevancy.

2002 Tim Couch (14) / Kelly Holcomb (2)
2003 Kelly Holcomb (8) / Tim Couch (8)
2004 Jeff Garcia (10) / Luke McCown (4) / Kelly Holcomb (2)
2005 Trent Dilfer (11) / Charlie Frye (5)
2006 Charlie Frye (13) / Derek Anderson (3)
2007 Derek Anderson (15) / Charlie Frye (1)
2008 Derek Anderson (9) / Brady Quinn (3) / Ken Dorsey (3) / Bruce Gradkowski (1)
2009 Brady Quinn (9) / Derek Anderson (7)
2010 Colt McCoy (8) / Jake Delhomme (4) / Seneca Wallace (4)
2011 Colt McCoy (13) / Seneca Wallace (3)
2012 Brandon Weeden (15) / Thad Lewis (1)
2013 Jason Campbell (8) / Brandon Weeden (5) / Brian Hoyer (3)

Brian Hoyer was with the Browns last year when they finished 4-12. On January 23, 2014 the Browns hired Bills Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine. Pettine knew what to do going in. Transforming the Browns into a Contender.

He was up to the task.

After a strong Training Camp and Preseason the Browns started 0-2. But then they came together and believed in the System and rattled off winning streaks.

Today with a 28-19 Victory over the Bengals, the Browns have won their first AFC North Division Championship and punched their ticket to January.

Coach Pettine was mauled in the locker room and had a Gatorade Shower. The Browns were happy what they had accomplished in 2014. The sky is the limit for this Browns Team and Mike Pettine is a hero in Cleveland.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 14, 2014
	@
Minnesota Vikings (3-10, 0-6 Away)		Detroit Lions (4-9, 2-5 Home)
Injury Report Everson Griffin(DE) Shoulder Tear(3 Weeks) Julian Stanford(LB) Shoulder Tear(2 Weeks) Teddy Bridgewater(QB)(R) Broken Collarbone(IR) Game Notes The Detroit Lions will attempt to stop the bleeding after losing 5 straight after a 4-4 start. The Leos host the Vikings who have yet to win on the Road in 2014.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

VIKINGS sweep LIONS with 19-14 Victory at Ford Field...






RECAP








Detroit, MI- The Minnesota Vikings(4-10) got off to a 0-5 start before a 20-9 victory inside TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis over the Lions.

Over the past few weeks, the Vikings(4-10) have started to find their stride in First year Head Coach Mike Zimmer.

The Defense is starting to come together and Quarterback Matt Cassel is beginning to emerge as a potential Franchise Quarterback.

Despite missing the Playoffs in their first year under Zimmer, the Vikings have some high notes for 2014. One of them?

Sweeping a Division Rival. The Detroit Lions(4-10) who are also in a rebuild year of their own. Detroit have now lost 6 straight after a 4-4 start.

"Rough Game for us getting swept by a Division Rival. Minnesota has been coming together lately. I think Mike (Zimmer) has really got that Team coming together." Lions Head Coach Jim Caldwell stated.

The Vikings struggled to get on the board at the start as Matt Cassel led Minnesota down on 2 Scoring Drives but Vikings settled for Field Goals for a 6-0 lead.

"We took the points but I'd prefer Touchdowns. Detroit was a tough Team today." Vikings Head Coach Mike Zimmer stated.

Cassel finished with 244 yards and a Touchdown as the Vikes never turned the ball over.

But Running Back Adrian Peterson was completely shut down. All Day had just 18 carries for 34 yards.

The Lions Defense stuffed the run. Minnesota gladly returned the favor.

Lions Running Back Theo Riddick was held to just 44 yards and Reggie Bush was held to just 20.

Matthew Stafford had 242 yards and 2 Touchdowns. He also threw 2 picks to Vikings Rookie Cornerback Jamie Price. He returned one for a Touchdown that put the Vikings up 19-7.

"I just made a good play in helping the Team. I saw the ball coming and I leaped as high as I could." Price stated.

Stafford found "Megatron" in the End Zone that brought Detroit(4-10) within 4. Minnesota(4-10) recovered the onside kick.

"Fought to the end and ran out of time." Caldwell stated.

The Lions had 309 yards of Offense as Detroit gets used to Jim Caldwell's System and Offensive Coordinator Joe Lombardi.

"We have some work to do to get to the places where we want to go. I think the guys are responding well to Jim and his philosophy here in Detroit. " Lions Quarterback Matthew Stafford stated.

The Lions(4-10) continue to sink on a 6 game losing streak and will look to end the Season on a high note over the last 2 Games.

The Vikings(4-10) are looking like a future threat under Zimmer.


UP NEXT

Vikings(4-10) @ Dolphins(5-9) Next Sunday....

Lions(4-10) @ Bears(11-2) Next Sunday...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 14, 2014
	@
New York Jets (9-3-1, 4-2 Away)		Tennessee Titans (9-4, 4-2 Home)
Injury Report Geno Smith(QB) Achilles Tear(IR) NONE Game Notes A possible Wildcard Matchup kicks off in The "Music City" as the New York Jets look for their 5th win a Row. New York is trailing New England for the AFC East Division Crown so a Win down here will help them keep pace. The Tennessee Titans have already clinched the AFC South Division. A win or loss here won't hurt them. However the Titans are on a 8 game Winning Streak and will look to keep adding to it. New York is sitting in a Wildcard spot so a loss won't hurt their Playoff chances.