~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

PATRIOTS clinch #1 Seed in the AFC Playoffs with 44-10 Victory over BILLS...






RECAP







Foxboro, MA- It's no surprise that the Road to the Super Bowl goes through Foxboro on the AFC side.

The New England Patriots(13-3) clinched Home Field Advantage and the #1 Seed in the AFC Playoffs.

"The Dynasty" continues as New England(13-3) becomes the only AFC Team to finish with 13 Wins. The Second Team behind Tampa Bay who still has a chance to finish 14-2.

"It's always a goal of ours every year. To have the Playoffs come through us." Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick stated.

New England(13-3) jumped out to a 27-0 halftime lead. Tom Brady made his first start after missing the past 3 Games after suffering a torn shoulder in a Week 13 loss to the Green Bay Packers.

Brady had just 145 yards and a Touchdown in the first half. Up 27-0, Belichick went with Rookie Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G had 128 yards and a Touchdown.

Running Back Shane Vereen had 120 yards with a Touchdown. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski made 3 Field Goals.

The Buffalo Bills(7-9) were completely overmatched.

"Really good Football Team over there. They been doing that for awhile. We have a ways to go to get to where we want to be." Bills Head Coach Doug Marrone stated.

His Quarterback today was Rookie Josh Allen. Allen had 204 yards, 1 Touchdown, and a pick.

The Interception was returned 23 yards for a Pick 6 by Patriots CB Brandon Browner.

"We never got our footing today. We just didn't get started." Marrone added.

The Patriots(13-3) have locked up the AFC #1 Seed and will enjoy the BYE Week.

If Matt Patricia's Defense shows up in the Playoffs like it has all year then the AFC Teams might not make it out of Boston.

Patricia's Unit has been wrecking havoc ranking 9th in Points Allowed.


UP NEXT

Patriots(13-3) Secure #1 Seed in the AFC Playoffs..

Bills(7-9) Head into their Off-Season Program..

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 28, 2014
	@
Philadelphia Eagles (7-8, 2-5 Away)		New York Giants (7-8, 5-2 Home)
Injury Report Earl Wolff(S) Abdominal Tear(2 Weeks) Victor Cruz(WR) Broken Collarbone(6 Weeks) Matthew Tucker(RB) Pectoral Tear(IR) Eli Manning(QB) Broken Ribs(2 Weeks) Shady McCoy(RB) Broken Collarbone(IR) Game Notes The G-Men raced out to a 4-1 start to the Season before collapsing down the stretch and missing the Playoffs for the 3rd Year in a row. The Giants lost Cruz and Manning in last weeks blowout loss to the Rams. New York enters the Season finale on a 3 Game skid. Philly had hopes to repeat as East Division Champions but injuries took a toll on the Team. Foles missed time and Shady McCoy had his year cut short. Now both Teams are playing for pride.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

GIANTS end Season on 4 Game Skid...Swept by EAGLES 49-27....





RECAP






East Rutherford, NJ- The New York Giants(7-9) were in firm control of the NFC East after a epic (4-1) start.

What happened next, was an epic collapse.

The G-Men would proceed to lose 8 of their last 11 Games and missing out on the Playoffs for the third year in a row.

"We just really took our foot off the gas after September. We just kind of ran off the road honestly. It's just bizarre how it happened. Long Off-Season for us." Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin stated.

New York(7-9) was (7-5) and still in the Playoff Hunt before ending the Season on a 4 Game slide.

Once Dallas clinched the East, New York was dead in the water.

The Philadelphia Eagles(8-8) were hoping for another East Title under Chip Kelly but the Birds limped to the finish line with numerous injuries throughout the year.

"Had adversity throughout the year and finishing strong was big for us." Eagles Head Coach Chip Kelly stated.

Philly(8-8) lost Nick Foles, Shady McCoy, etc.

Foles returned but the Eagles still struggled to a .500 Record.

In the Season Finale, the Birds stomped and swept their Rivals in New Jersey with 527 Total Yards and 49 points.

Foles had 241 yards, 3 Touchdowns, and 3 Interceptions.

The Giants(7-9) took it to the Eagles and it was 21-21 at Halftime.

With Eli Manning on the sidelines, Giants Quarterback Ryan Nassib got the start and had 327 yards and 2 Touchdowns.

"Had a strong first half then just didn't do much in the second." Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin said.

New York was held to just 2 Field Goals as Philly(8-8) pulled away for good.


UP NEXT

Eagles(8-8) head into their Off-Season Program...

Giants(7-9) head into their Off-Season Program....

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 28, 2014
	@
Cincinnati Bengals (7-8, 3-4 Away)		Pittsburgh Steelers (7-8, 4-3 Home)
Injury Report NONE Le'Veon Bell(RB) Fractured Foot(IR) Cortez Allen(CB) Abdominal Tear(IR) Lawrence Timmons(LB) IR CJ Miller(R)(WR) Ruptured Disk(IR) Game Notes In Week 14, the Bengals blew out the Steelers 48-10 in Cincy. Steelers Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau was fired after the loss. The Steelers have been a mess this year with Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger taking shots at the Team. Pittsburgh has been a Team of drama all year. Big Ben has taken to his Radio Show throughout the year to air "Team Dirty Laundry" and takes shots and throwing people under the bus. This has caused numerous drama in the locker room.

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Roethlisberger hurt, Gradkowski leads Game Winning Drive in OT for STEELERS 25-22 Victory over BENGALS...






RECAP





Pittsburgh, PA- The Pittsburgh Steelers(8-8) got some retribution today over their North rivals, Cincinnati Bengals(7-9).

But it was a dog fight from the start.

"AFC North Football. Black and Blue from the start." Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis stated.

The Bengals blew out the Steelers Week 14 in Ohio and Defensive Coordinator Dick LeBeau was fired by Pittsburgh afterwards.

Pittsburgh(8-8) has been a Soap Opera this year with Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger calling the Team out constantly on his Weekly Radio Show in the Steel City.

It's caused drama in the locker room. Many times it's spilled over to Twitter.

"I'm the Quarterback. It's my job to hold anyone I want accountable." Roethlisberger stated on his Radio Show.

Head Coach Mike Tomlin has been forced to put out fires all year long caused by his Franchise Quarterback.

It looks to be a long Off-Season in Pittsburgh and the Team will need to get on the same page if the Steelers wish to return to the Playoffs.

"Ben is a passionate guy. He needs to do a better job at communicating on the Team." Tomlin said.

Ben went down late in the third with a Abdomen Tear and Bruce Gradkowski stepped in for a Game Winning Drive in Overtime.


UP NEXT

Bengals(7-9) Head into their Off-Season Program...

Steelers(8-8) Head into their Off-Season Program...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

BUCCANEERS wrap up Season with Best Record in the NFL... Sweep SAINTS 31-14...#1 Seed in the NFC...






RECAP






Tampa Bay, FL- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers(14-2) have been on a mission this year.

To return to the Playoffs for the first time since 2007 and clinch the NFC South Division Championship.

Entering 2014, Tampa Bay hired former Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith to be their Head Coach. With him he brought Quarterback Josh McCown.

It did wonders. The Buccaneers(14-2) raced out to a 9-1 Record and was among the heavy favorites to win the #1 Seed in the NFC Playoffs.

Arizona and Chicago were also in the race before both Teams lost down the strech and Tampa Bay clinched Home Field entering Week 17 with 13 Wins.

The only Team to have 13 wins entering the finale. Chicago(12-4) and Arizona(11-4) are fighting for a BYE depending on how Seattle(11-4) and San Francisco(11-4) finish...

"We're excited to be here. It's been our goal all year long to get to the Playoffs. It's special for us as everyone comes here." Buccaneers Head Coach Lovie Smith stated.

The Buccaneers(14-2) were the surprise Team this year as Smith and McCown have really put the Bucs back on the map and returned them to the Post-Season.

Also a great Defense led by former Vikings Coach Leslie Frazier.

"Huge improvement I thought from us as we went on through the year." Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier stated.

With the #1 Seed locked up, Tampa Bay(14-2) sat Josh McCown for Playoffs and started backup QB Mike Glennon.

Glennon picked apart the Saints Defense with 395 yards and 2 Touchdowns.

The New Orleans Saints(8-8) struggled in Tampa only picking up 274 yards Total and 10 First Downs.

The Saints(8-8) lost to the Buccaneers(14-2) in Week 5 48-34 in "The Big Easy"

"Rough performance by us honestly. We just couldn't get anything going. Tampa is possibly the best Team in the League." Saints Head Coach Sean Payton stated.

Saints Quarterback Drew Brees struggled with only 123 yards 1 Touchdown, and a pick. Brees didn't break 100 yards passing until 5 minutes left in the Game.

"Yeah that was rough for us." Brees added.

With Brees and the Offense struggling, Rob Ryan's Defense was left out to dry. A pattern that has been the Saints 2014 Season in a nut shell after their 3-0 start.

"We've been up and down all year. Something we need to work on this Off-Season." Payton added.


UP NEXT

Buccaneers(14-2) Clinch Home Field for NFC Playoffs...

Saints(8-8) Head into their Off-Season Program...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Matchup Preview *|* December 28, 2014
	@
Oakland Raiders (0-15, 0-7 Away)		Denver Broncos (3-11-1, 1-6 Home)
Injury Report NONE NONE Game Notes The Oakland Raiders are looking to make history today, becoming the 2nd Team in NFL History to go 0-16. The Silver and Black should be shut out today given they been struggling to score points this year. Head Coach Dennis Allen and his Staff should be fired by "Black Monday". The Broncos have been a mess this year with Peyton Manning leading the league with 40 picks. Denver has a lot of work to do in the Offseason to get back to the Playoffs. Many questions are circling if Peyton Manning is done after the year.

[sgf83]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

40 picks for Manning. Jesus!

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

RAIDERS make History...Become 2nd Team to finish 0-16 after 33-18 loss to BRONCOS...






RECAP







Denver, CO- It's a honor nobody wants as Head Coach.

A 0-16 Campaign under your watch.

But now for the second time in NFL History, the Oakland Raiders(0-16) will join the 2008 Detroit Lions in the infamous "0-16 Club".

"It's terrible. A terrible feeling to have our Season end like this. Just not a very good feeling at all." Raiders Head Coach Dennis Allen stated. "I don't know what's going to happen tomorrow but I can only control and take responsibility for this rough year."

It's heavily speculated that Raiders Owner Mark Davis will be cleaning house and firing Allen.

The Denver Broncos(4-11-1) were a mess this year. Denver went into a downward spiral with Peyton Manning throwing Interceptions like he was handing out Candy on Halloween.

With one more today, Peyton will end his 2014 Season with 41 Interceptions.

"We're happy to be at the end and it's been a rough one for us this year for sure. We have a lot of work to do this Spring to bounce back." Broncos Head Coach John Fox stated.

Manning had 455 yards, 4 Touchdowns, and a pick. Denver(4-11-1) finished strong to give their fans a glimmer of hope.

Oakland(0-16) began to find some rhythm from Quarterback Matt Schaub who had 182 yards and 1 Touchdown. The Raiders never turned the ball over once.

But a Dislocated Ankle to Matt Schaub ended his Season early in the 4th.

Oakland still had 288 yards Total to Denver's 544.

The Broncos still took a 30-7 halftime lead. Oakland battled in the Second half. Raiders RB Maurice Jones-Drew racked up 76 yards and a Score. Denver RB Montee Ball had 80 yards.

Raiders Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver's Unit sacked Peyton 7 times today. Denver sacked Schaub 5.


UP NEXT


Raiders(0-16) Head into their Off-Season Program...

Broncos(4-11-1) Head into their Off-Season Program...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

Defending Champions, SEAHAWKS win 2nd straight NFC West Division Title and NFC #2 Seed in Playoffs off 52-7 Defensive Crushing over RAMS...






RECAP





Seattle, WA- The defending Super Bowl Champions Seattle Seahawks(12-4) are once again at the top of the NFC West Division.

And they did it with authority. Sweeping the Cardinals and smashing the St. Louis Rams(8-8) at Century Link Field. The Hawks claimed the West Division that the Arizona Cardinals let slip.

"It's been our goal since the start of the Season. We aimed for Home Field but it's still important to us that we get a Home Game and a BYE. We'll take it." Seahawks Head Coach Pete Carroll stated.

Sweeping Arizona and going 8-0 at Home was a huge factor for Seattle to get the West Division Title. Their 2nd in a Row after San Francisco clinched it in 2012 on their way to a Super Bowl Appearence.

Back in Week 7, the Rams(8-8) upset the Seahawks(12-4) in St. Louis thanks to a Sam Bradford Game Winning Drive.

Today was much different as the Seahawks Defense pummeled Bradford.

"Division Games are hard and you're not going to sweep the Seahawks. They're the best in my eyes right now. Getting our asses handed to us like that is just crazy. Seattle won the Super Bowl last year and they will make you pay for coming into their house. Humbled for sure." Rams Head Coach Jeff Fisher stated.

With the loss, the St. Louis Rams(8-8) will once again miss out on the Playoffs. Their last appearence was 2004.

But the silver lining is that Jeff Fisher's Team won 4 of their last 5 Games.

Rams Quarterback Sam Bradford struggled vs the Seahawks Defense. Throwing 214 yards, 1 Touchdown, 3 Picks and losing 2 Fumbles.

Seattle turned all 5 Turnovers into points.

The Seahawks(12-4) rushed out to a 21-7 Halftime lead. But then the wheels came off for the Rams(8-8).

Seattle raced out to a 31-0 shutout in the Second half.

Legion of Boom Defense made a field day at Bradford's expense. Kam Chancellor, Bruce Irvin, and Bobby Wagner all intercepted Bradfords passes. Wagner also forced both of Bradfords Fumbles.

"Guys just a monster. No doubt." Seahawks Defensive Coordinator Dan Quinn stated.

Seahawks Quarterback Russell Wilson had 159 yards, 2 Touchdowns, and a pick.

But the surprise for Pete Carroll's Offense today was "Beast Mode" who ran 30 times for 202 yards and 4 Touchdowns.


UP NEXT


Seahawks(12-4) Clinch Playoff BYE and #2 Seed..

Rams(8-8) head into their Off-Season Program...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

49ERS win defensive battle, send CARDINALS crashing to 6th Seed with 17-7 Victory in Levi's Stadium, Arizona loses Palmer for Playoffs...







RECAP








Santa Clara, CA- The Arizona Cardinals(11-5) were looking to make history this year in becoming the first Team in NFL History to host their own Super Bowl.

Now that dream looks to be a challenging one. The Cards still have a chance to host their own Super Bowl but now must win 3 Playoff Games all on the Road to get there.

"It's a blow to our confidence absolutely." Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians stated. "We had the Division Title in our grasp and let it slip away over these last few Games. It's a hard lesson learned for us for sure. We're still in the Playoffs but now going on the road as a Wildcard Team makes it more challenging for us."

Arizona(11-5) were in a position to clinch the NFC West Division before losing their final 3 Games against West Division Rivals and sending them crashing down to the 6th Seed as San Francisco(12-4) gets the 5th Seed.

Seattle(12-4) clinched the West.

The 49ers(12-4) made the Playoffs for the 4th straight year since Jim Harbaugh took over although barely missing out on the Division Title.

San Francisco(12-4) will head to Dallas next Weekend for Wildcard Weekend while Arizona(11-5) takes a trip to Chicago.

"Great to be in the Playoffs again but like last year we'll be on the road again. Seattle is a really good Team so we have to take it as the chips fall." 49ers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh stated.

But the Week 17 Finale was a Defensive struggle for both squads. San Francisco took a 7-0 lead into halftime.

It was 14-0 entering the 4th Quarter.

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick had just 180 yards passing but rushed for a Touchdown and 58 yards.

RB Frank Gore had 92 yards and a Touchdown. San Francisco finished with 319 yards Offensively. Arizona had 299 yards.

"San Francisco is a tough Team, Jim (Harbaugh) has done great things for them." Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians added.

Cardinals QB Carson Palmer had 320 yards and 1 Touchdown. 49ers Defense however kept the Cards out of the End Zone.

A sack on Palmer late in the 4th Quarter injured him and tearing his shoulder in the process.

Palmer will be benched for the Cardinals Playoff Run.

Cardinals RB Jonathan Dwyer had just 14 yards off 8 carries as he couldn't get anything going against that Vic Fangio Defense.


UP NEXT

Cardinals(11-5) @ Bears(12-4) on Wildcard Weekend...

49ers(12-4) @ Cowboys(11-5) on Wildcard Weekend...

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

WEEK 17 RECAP PART 1

Week 17 Transactions

NONE.

Week 17 Scores

Sunday's Games

Panthers 26 Falcons 21

Browns 20 Ravens 14

Cowboys 35 Redskins 27

Colts 20 Titans 56

Lions 31 Packers 7

Jaguars 10 Texans 27

Chargers 13 Chiefs 10

Jets 17 Dolphins 24

Bears 31 Vikings 34

Bills 10 Patriots 44

Eagles 49 Giants 27

Bengals 22 Steelers 25(OT)

Saints 14 Buccaneers 31

Raiders 18 Broncos 33

Rams 7 Seahawks 52

Cardinals 7 49ers 17

BYE WEEKS: NONE

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

NFC OFFENSE: BEAST MODE(RB)(Seahawks)- 30 Carries, 202 yards, 4 Touchdowns.

NFC DEFENSE: AJ Hawk(LB)(Packers)- 10 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 FF, 1 FR, TD

AFC OFFENSE: Peyton Manning(QB)(Broncos)- 455 yards, 4 Touchdowns, 1 Interception

AFC DEFENSE: D'Qwell Jackson(LB)(Colts)- 5 Tackles, 2 Interceptions


LEAGUE LEADERS

Passer Rating: Jay Cutler(Bears)(114.8)
Touchdowns: Drew Brees(NO)(44)
Yards: Drew Brees(NO)(5,410)
INTs: Peyton Manning(DEN)(41)
Rushing Yards: Jamaal Charles(KC)(2,433)
Rushing TD's: DeMarco Murray(DAL)(20)
Receiving Yards: Julian Edelman(NE)(1,567)
Receiving TDs: Brandon Marshall(CHI)(14)
Tackles: D'Qwell Jackson(IND)(150)
Sacks: Aldon Smith(SF)(30)
INT's: Richard Sherman(SEA)(9)

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

WEEK 17 RECAP PART 2

NFL Standings - Updated: Dec 29, 2014
NFC EAST	W	L	T
Y-Dallas Cowboys	11	5
Philadelphia Eagles	8	8
New York Giants	7	9
Washington Redskins	4	12
NFC NORTH	W	L	T
Y-Chicago Bears	12	4
Green Bay Packers	9	7
Detroit Lions	6	10
Minnesota Vikings	5	11
NFC SOUTH	W	L	T
Z-Tampa Bay Buccaneers	14	2
New Orleans Saints	8	8
Atlanta Falcons	4	12
Carolina Panthers	3	13
NFC WEST	W	L	T
Y-Seattle Seahawks	12	4
X-San Francisco 49ers	12	4
X-Arizona Cardinals	11	5
St. Louis Rams	8	8
AFC EAST	W	L	T
Z-New England Patriots	13	3
X-New York Jets	9	6	1
Buffalo Bills	7	9
Miami Dolphins	7	9
AFC NORTH	W	L	T
Y-Cleveland Browns	12	4
Pittsburgh Steelers	8	8
Cincinnati Bengals	7	9
Baltimore Ravens	7	9
AFC SOUTH	W	L	T
Y-Tennessee Titans	12	4
Houston Texans	7	9
Indianapolis Colts	4	12
Jacksonville Jaguars	3	13
AFC WEST	W	L	T
Y-Kansas City Chiefs	11	5
X-San Diego Chargers	10	6
Denver Broncos	4	11	1
Oakland Raiders	0	16

[johnstone1987]

Re: ~~Lords of the Gridiron~~

NEW YORK GIANTS: Head Coach Tom Coughlin announces Retirement...Could join Giants Front Office...



12/29/14



Written By: Adam Schefter




The New York Giants will have a new look entering next Season as Head Coach Tom Coughlin has officially announced he was retiring from Coaching after the Giants 7-9 disappointing year.

New York raced out to a 4-1 September before crashing and burning their way to a 7-9 Record and a third place finish in the NFC East. The Giants were mathematically alive in the NFC Playoffs until a Week 16 blowout loss to the Rams eliminated them from the Playoffs for the third year in a row.

General Manager Jerry Reese has been on the hot seat for the past few years and could be on his way out the door. This could make Tom Coughlin a potential replacement for the General Manager. The man who Coached Eli Manning and the Giants to 2 Super Bowl victories over the New England Patriots would be a great candidate to rebuild the Franchise in his vision.

With "Black Monday" officially kicking off, the New York Giants will now be in the hunt of a new Head Coach for the next chapter of Giants Football..