Sunday Night Football Recap- Texans vs. Bears

Final Score: Texans-13 Bears-6

Wow, that was ugly. One of the sloppiest NFL games I have ever seen played in prime time. In the windy city, Chicago and Houston could not fight the torrential downpour which led to a 13-6 Texan's victory. 

This did not look like a game between two 7-1 football clubs who are fighting for the #1 seed in their respective conferences. Starting QB Jay Cutler was knocked out of the game with a concussion on a play that could have led to a Bears touchdown. Called back by a penalty, Cutler finished the first half and then was reexamined in the locker room. Apparently his head injury was effecting him but that was not the reason for his poor play. 

The Bears first two offensive possessions were fumbles by tight end Kellen Davis and Michael Bush respectively. After two strong holds by the Bears superb defense, Cutler threw two interceptions in the first half. One eventually leading to an Arian Foster receiving touchdown. 

Even though Cutler threw for a mere 40 yards in the first half, the Bears were somewhat moving the ball. They had worked it near the red zone multiple times but the 4 turnovers killed them in the first half.  

The lone offensive bright spot for Chicago was Brandon Marshall. He didn't care who was under center but whoever it was he was going to make catches. Recording 8 catches for 107 yards, the Bears only threw for 134 total yards. Jason Campbell outplayed Cutler but still only put up the same 3 points. Chicago's defense was pretty good even though Arian Foster thrashed them in the first half for 87 yards rushing. 

Houston is playing winning football. A road win over a 7-1 team in sloppy conditions. That is how you win in the playoffs. Matt Schaub played as bad as the Cutler/Campbell tandem but the Texans got it done. In the playoffs, it is not about how pretty it looks. If you get it done you are moving on if not you will be watching the gritty teams like Houston. If I'm anyone in the AFC I do not want to play at Reliant Stadium in January. 

New York Giants vs. Cincinnati Bengals

New York Giants (6-3) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)

Besides being blown out in Week 1 by the Ravens, the Bengals looked pretty good through the first 4 weeks. Sitting at 3-1 tied with those same Ravens atop the AFC North. Since then it's been all down hill. 4 straight losses all by one score and now they are in a very tough position. A.J. Green has been spectacular but Andy Dalton is struggling, see Cam Newton, in their Sophomore slump. The Giants are defending Super Bowl Champions and usually go through some type of mid season slump. Hopefully for them, their home loss to the Steelers isn't the beginning of that.

It took 2 Super Bowl titles and multiple game winning drives for Eli Manning to get the same recognition his brother gets. While, he went 3 and out last week with the chance to win the game he is still the quarterback I want with the ball late in games. Victor Cruz is the best WR in the league and I think this Giants team won't go through their usual mid-season slump.

A.J. Green has caught a touchdown in every game but one this season. Benjarvus Green-Ellis has fumbled the ball multiple times after not fumbling ever in his career. And Andy Dalton is struggling. With a loss today and probable wins by the Ravens and Steelers the Bengals would ultimately be out of the divisional race. To their dismay, a dominating performance by Eli today will push the Bengals further to the basement of the AFC.

Final Score: Giants-42 Bengals-27

Oakland Raiders vs. Baltimore Ravens

Oakland Raiders (3-5) vs. Baltimore Ravens (6-2)

I am a Ravens fan, I will admit, but if we win this game today, which we should, the Ravens could be the worst 7-2 team in the history of the NFL. Obviously, I am overreacting but the Ravens are no longer a defense you fear playing. Teams have been gashing the Ravens on the ground this season which would mean advantage Oakland. Unfortunately for Oakland, they will be without Run DMC and Mike Goodson. Carson Palmer is a turnover machine and that is still one thing the Ravens are capable of doing. 

Ray Rice is going to slice through the Raiders defense without Richard Seymour. In addition, Joe Flacco will get back on track with 2 TD's himself. We will see a Dennis PItta TD and another sack from Terrell Suggs. The Ravens haven't lost at home dating back to the 2010 season and I don't see today being the first time in 15 games. 

Final Score: Ravens-31 Raiders-13