Sunday Football Afterword: Week 9 Early Games

Brian Urlacher is the latest Bear to return an INT for a TD
in this historic season.

After incorrectly picking the Chiefs to win Thursday night, I needed some early success on Sunday, and that’s just what I got. The only early game I got wrong was my prediction that the Redskins would beat the Panthers. Carolina’s defense played better than they have all season and Washington’s defense did not. That was really the story of the game as the Panthers ended their five-game losing streak.

Peyton Manning now owns the all-time record for fourth quarter comebacks, as his 48^th came in a 31-23 win in Cincinnati, improving Denver’s record to 5-3. Also 5-3 is Peyton’s old team, the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie quarterback Andrew Luck set the record for most passing yards in a single game by a rookie quarterback as his Colts held off the visiting Dolphins, 23-20. Chuck Pagano delivered a very emotional post-game speech.

Baltimore’s defense was not good, but they shut down Cleveland’s offense when it mattered most, holding them to five field goals and allowing the offense to put up enough to get the road win, 25-15.

Green Bay beat the Cardinals and Houston shut down Buffalo in a couple of games that weren’t all that memorable.

Detroit’s 31-14 victory in Jacksonville is memorable mostly because not one of Detroit’s touchdowns came on a pass by Matthew Stafford.

Chicago’s defense is dominant, that much is certain. Everyone and their mother knows I have been hesitant to jump on the Bears’ bandwagon, and a win over the Titans certainly will not change that. That said, through eight games Chicago’s defense has returned seven interceptions for touchdowns, which is already an NFL record and impressive no matter who their opponents have been. Charles Tillman forced four fumbles in the game, which is also very impressive.

Check back later for my Sunday Football Afterword for the three late games. Thanks for reading everyone!