Muscle Sport Magazine

NFL Week 10 Recap & Analysis – The Cream Rises To The Top

Jets – 26, BROWNS – 20 (OT)

No, they have not played extremely good football of late, but New York has taken care of business and are now 7-2. In Cleveland, they did not make the sloppy mistakes (penalties, turnovers, etc.) that have plagued them recently, but had difficulty finishing drives. Three missed field goals by Nick Folk kept the Brownies hanging around and rookie QB Colt McCoy took a big step in his career by leading his team on the game-tying drive late in the fourth quarter. Missed tackles by the home team on a Mark Sanchez to Santonio Holmes slant gave the Jets the win with a mere 16 seconds left before the ‘kiss-your-sister’ tie would have been the outcome. As for Cleveland (3-6), they have played better of late and have something to build on for 2011.

FALCONS – 26, Ravens – 21

The first Thursday night affair of the season was a good one between two teams with high expectations. Atlanta maintained first place and improved to 7-2 while Baltimore fell to 6-3 and stayed tied with Pittsburgh for the top spot in their division. Both are playoff teams and the Ravens caught a break when the Steelers also stumbled.

COLTS – 23, Bengals  -17

In a game that wasn’t as close as the final score may dictate, Indianapolis (6-3) took over possession of first place and must keep the winning going if they are to make much noise in the playoffs. They have been inconsistent all season long and need to run off a few in a row to solidify their position as a Super Bowl contender. The Bengals have been a bit more competitive of late, but they are sinking deep into the basement at 2-7. Marvin Lewis should find himself looking for a job soon.

Patriots – 39, STEELERS – 26

Another game with a final score that wasn’t indicative of the game, New England maintained pace with the Jets at 7-2 with their best performance of the year after their worst in the blowout loss to Cleveland. They thoroughly outplayed the Steelers, who disappointed the home crowd. Because Baltimore also lost, both teams are now 6-3 and tied for first.

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BEARS – 27, Vikings – 13

Minnesota may have called this a ‘must-win’ game for them, but they were done before this latest pitiful performance. They are 3-6, have a head coach who everyone dislikes and a 41-year-old QB who has already announced that he is finally retiring after the season. On to a team that does have a heart beat, Chicago kept pace with the idle Packers and at 6-3, they have stayed around first place all season even though inconsistent play has plagued them.

BUCCANEERS – 31, Panthers – 16

Tampa Bay remains the surprise team of the year and are still just a game back of Atlanta after improving to 6-3. They will still have a difficult task in making the playoffs but no one expected them to be in this position as it is, so anything can happen, right? Carolina (1-8) has been horrible all year.

Seahawks – 36, CARDINALS  -18

Seattle takes over sole possession of the NFL’s worst division at 5-4 and will probably end up winning it in the long run. Arizona (3-6) had a shot early on to do something but have been atrocious of late and are actually in last place.

Cowboys – 33, GIANTS – 20

New York had Dallas right where they wanted them and were licking their chops to get at a team in disarray. Jason Garrett was making his head coaching debut on the road and playing a tough divisional rival who had won four straight. So what happened? The ‘Boys came out swinging and blew out the G-Men. Dallas (2-7) played with some balls for the first time since beating Houston and can build towards next season with the likes of Dez Bryant, who is already a superstar. New York found themselves tied with Philadelphia at 6-3 for first place and may be at a crossroads.

Eagles – 59, REDSKINS – 28

Avenging their earlier loss to Washington, Philadelphia (6-3) moved into a first place tie with the Giants after blowing out the ‘Skins on Monday Night. Michael Vick had another big game and if he can stay healthy, Philly will win the NFC East. The Redskins signed QB Donovan McNabb to a five-year, $78 million extension, but fell to 4-5 and have been struggling of late. No playoffs this time around for them.

BILLS- 14, Lions – 12

Buffalo (1-8) earned their first win by holding on late against pesky Detroit (2-7), who have hung in there in most games this season.

JAGUARS – 31, Texans  -24

Jacksonville won on what may end up being the play of the year on a batted down Hail Mary pass with no time left on the clock. Houston (4-5) has played awful of late and will once again miss the playoffs, while the Jags (5-4) are right in the mix and have bounced back after a dreadful start.

DOLPHINS – 29, Titans  -17

Tyler Thigpen started the day as Miami’s number three QB, but now finds himself as the likely starter on Thursday after the two Chads left with injuries. Pennington started and was replaced by Henne, only to see Thigpen come in and keep the Fish ahead for good. Miami (5-4) won for the first time at home this season and are still in the hunt for a wild card spot. Tennessee (5-4) could have made a huge statement with a win here, but Randy Moss was held to one catch and they couldn’t get it going all day.

BRONCOS – 49, Chiefs – 29

Kansas City could have pulled away a bit in the division by beating a lesser opponent here, but proved once again that they are not ready to be a contender. They fell to 5-4 and are now tied with the idle Raiders. Denver (3-6) can now concentrate on playing the spoiler role.

49ERS – 23, Rams – 20 (OT)

St. Louis (4-5) could have stayed atop the NFC West with a win over the lowly Niners, but couldn’t make that jump. Sure, they are playing better but need another year or two to grow before being true contenders. San Francisco (3-6) are still plodding along in a disappointing season for them.

Photo by Bill Menzel

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