When quarterback Tom Brady first received his four-game suspension for his role in the Deflategate scandal, his first game back would’ve been against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6. It was big news at the time: Brady’s first start of the season, going up against the team that caused his suspension.
There’s no doubt that this game would have been emotional and thrilling for Patriots’ fans. But, Brady’s suspension was eventually nullified, and now his team is off to an undefeated start. The Pats kept the streak going on Sunday night, beating the Colts 34-27 at Lucas Oil Stadium.
In a rivalry often highlighted with wild games and crazy plays, the Colts head coach Chuck Pagano may be credited with creating the worst fake punt in NFL history. Early in the fourth quarter with the Pats leading 27-21, the Colts (3-3) faced a fourth down and short situation on their own 36-yard line.
With most of the punting unit lined up on the right sideline, wide receiver Griff Whalen snapped the ball to safety Colt Anderson, who was immediately tackled for a one-yard loss. It was a horrible attempt and the momentum shifted to New England. Brady and the Pats took advantage of the great starting field position, and Brady threw an 11-yard touchdown pass to running back LeGarrette Blount.
QB Andrew Luck threw a late TD pass to Whalen, but the Pats recovered their ensuing onside kick attempt. Brady finished with 312 yards, three TDs and one interception, his first of the season. Luck has had an inconsistent season so far but played terrific Sunday, completing 30 of 50 passing attempts to go along with three TDs and no turnovers. Brady and the Pats finally got revenge, but now they face their toughest matchup yet this season: the New York Jets.
The Jets have matched last season’s win total already this season, needing 11 games less to do so. They easily handled a banged-up Washington Redskins team, winning 34-20. In the first half, the Jets played sloppy football, committing three turnovers, two of which were lost fumbles by their top two receivers, Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker.
But it was a different story in the second half, as they scored 24 unanswered points to take control. RB Chris Ivory continued to be a beast, piling up 146 yards on 20 carries and a TD. WR Brandon Marshall tallied seven catches, 117 yards and a TD. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was fantastic, throwing for 253 yards and two TDs, and also scrambled for an impressive 17-yard rushing TD.
Pro-Bowl defensive end Sheldon Richardson returned from his four-game suspension, and recorded a half-sack. Redskins QB Kirk Cousins struggled once again, throwing for 196 yards, a TD and two interceptions. The Jets continue to shatter pre-season expectations as they head into Week 7 to face the Pats in Foxborough.
After six weeks of regular season play, there are still five undefeated teams left in the NFL. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers overcame San Diego QB Philip Rivers’ 503-yard passing effort to remain unbeaten at 6-0, defeating the Chargers 27-20. It was a record-breaking day for Rivers, but the Charger offense was stopped by Green Bay on the final play of the game in a fourth and goal situation.
The Cincinnati Bengals also improved to 6-0, as they cruised to a 34-21 victory over head coach Rex Ryan’s Buffalo Bills. QB Andy Dalton has been MVP-worthy so far this season; on Sunday he completed 22 of 33 passes for 243 yards and three TDs.
In Carolina, QB Cam Newton led the way for the Panthers as they made a late fourth quarter comeback to beat the now 2-4 Seattle Seahawks. Newton finished with 269 yards and two TDs (one rushing), as his team is off to a 5-0 start.
Every game the Denver Broncos have played this season, it’s gone to the wire. Yet they’re still undefeated at 6-0, beating the Cleveland Browns in overtime 26-23. QB Peyton Manning has struggled this season, as he threw three more interceptions. He now has thrown 10 picks on the season, compared to just seven TDs.
Another notable game occurred on Monday night, as the New York Giants were embarrassed by the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7. But it wasn’t a pretty win for Philly as QB Sam Bradford threw just one TD and three interceptions. They also lost a fumble.
The G-Men were even worse; Eli Manning finished with only 187 yards, one TD and two interceptions. WR Odell Beckham Jr. had seven catches for 61 yards and a TD for New York, while Philadelphia RB Demarco Murray ran for 109 yards on 22 carries and a TD. With the win for Philly, they now are tied with the Giants for first in the National Football Conference East.
Next Sunday brings us a must-see Jets-Patriots matchup. The Jets (4-1) and Patriots (5-0) are both rolling, and first place in the American Football Conference East will be up for grabs. Jets-Patriots games are always exciting, but now both teams are playing great football. No doubt, it will be a thriller. The Giants will face their NFC East division rivals, the Dallas Cowboys. Although without QB Tony Romo and WR Dez Bryant, this is not the same dangerous Cowboy team we are used to seeing.
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