Week 12 in the NFL: Millimeters and Mistakes
As the playoffs start to loom, drama and excitement are in abundance in the NFL. The Texans featuring rookie QB sensation C.J. Stroud and the Bills offering an exhilarating overtime thriller, while the Chiefs manage to break a curse. Rapper Ludacris even decides to rappel from the stadium ceiling, adding to the Week 12 excitement.
A heartbreaking, inch-perfect miss
Earlier this month, kicker Matt Ammendola made his miraculous debut with the Houston Texans after being unclaimed by any NFL team. After four missed 50+ yard attempts throughout his career, Ammendola successfully kicked a 58-yard field goal with just 34 seconds left in the game. However, millimetres proved crucial once more; instead of finding the endzone, the ball dropped just short. Jacksonville emerged victorious, leaving the Texans and Stroud disappointed.
Stroud had lead an impressive comeback with an outstanding performance, racking up 304 yards and completing two touchdown passes. Destined to break Andrew Luck's rookie record for passing yards, Stroud finds himself chasing Trevor Lawrence, who is currently overshadowing him with his stellar performance. Despite the loss, Stroud still has six games remaining to make his mark on the league.
The curse-breaking Chiefs
The Chiefs emerged victorious against the Raiders, shattering a superstition that had trouble them in the second half. A 14-0 deficit in the early second quarter soon transformed into a 14-14 draw. Patrick Mahomes, Kyler Murray's worthy opponent, led a spectacular comeback backed by his top receiver Travis Kelce.
The return of the witchcraft
The Eagles and Bills faced each other in a rainy game, producing one of the most exciting matches of the season. Josh Allen and the Bills commanded the first half, falling just short of Jalen Hurts and the Eagles. However, things turned around quickly in the second half as Hurts led his team to a stunning 37-34 victory. Allen had not won in overtime in his entire career, with communication letting him down on the final play with just minutes left on the clock.
As the underdog, Hurts seems to thrive in adversity, leading his team to four consecutive victories even when trailing at halftime.
No Burrow, no victory for the Bengals
With Joe Burrow injured for the rest of the season, backup quarterback Jake Browning was tasked with guiding the Cincinnati Bengals to a playoff spot. The Bengals, having already lost their quarterback star, found themselves facing another setback as they lost to the Steelers, 10-16, in a hard-fought defensive battle.
Browning struggled to fill the gap left by Burrow, while the Steelers' resurgent running game tormented Cincinnati's 31st-ranked run defence. The Bengals will have to work hard to maintain a playoff spot if they want to restore their Super Bowl standing.
Patriots' woes persist
The New England Patriots' season has been plagued by quarterback woes and recent struggles, increasing the pressure on former star Tom Brady's former team. A missed 35-yard field goal in the final seconds of their game against the New York Giants cost the Patriots a potential tie. With both starting QB, Mac Jones, and his replacement, Bailey Zappe, unable to show any consistent progress, the Patriots' struggles continue in the hunt for a playoff spot.
Broncos on a winning streak
The Denver Broncos snapped a three-game losing streak, entering the win column with a well-deserved 29-12 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The turnaround that saw star quarterback Russell Wilson lead the team to five straight victories strengthens their chances of reaching the playoffs once more.
A thrilling game between the Falcons and Saints was highlighted by a mesmerising performance from rapper Ludacris, who famously hails from Atlanta. After throwing two interceptions, Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder made up for his mistakes by hooking a touchdown pass to triumphantly win the game. Ludacris topped off the occasion by performing a few tracks from the rooftop, adding to the excitement of the game.
Colts triumph, Buccaneers in despair
Tom Brady's revived Tampa Bay Buccaneers can't seem to find their footing, with a disappointing 27-20 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Colts' running back Jonathan Taylor proved instrumental in the victory, scoring two touchdowns, while the team's defence secured a turnover in the closing stages of the game. The loss leaves the Buccaneers in a precarious position, as they have now dropped four away games in a row.
Stafford's brilliant performance
Mathew Stafford led a brilliant comeback, helping the LA Rams to a 37-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals. Stafford completed four touchdown passes and racked up an impressive 457 passing yards. The Rams' offensive dominance, together with their impressive defence, ensured a string of victories against the Cardinals in the NFC West division.
The Panthers' Panic Attack
A dominant performance from Derrick Henry saw the Tennessee Titans emerge victorious, 17-10 over the Carolina Panthers. With Carolina's defensive struggles and their dismal away record (0-6), the Panthers find themselves at the bottom of the NFL standings, facing an uphill battle to secure their first victory of the season.
Sources:
- Stroud defends himself against critics as Texans lose close to Jaguars - ESPN
- Chiefs overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to beat the Raiders, 31-17 - NJ.com
- Bills and Eagles engaged in a thrilling overtime battle, while Hurts comes up clutch - CBS Sports
- Bengals fall to 3-6-1 after losing to Steelers with backup QB Browning at the helm - The Athletic
- Giants defeat Patriots in low-scoring affair as Thomas Edwin Devlin returns - Pro Football Focus
- Broncos secure fifth consecutive victory, running over an overmatched Browns defence - Pro Football Focus
- Ludacris played some rhymes at Mercedes-Benz Stadium during the Falcons-Saints game - People.com
- Indy Colts upset Tampa Bay Buccaneers to remain top the AFC South - The Athletic
- Matthew Stafford throws four touchdown passes as Rams bury defeated Cardinals - The Athletic
- Derrick Henry turns Panthers into pushovers with two touchdowns - Pro Football Focus
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