The New England Patriots have solidified themselves as a dynasty over the past 15 years. Having won four Super Bowls, they’ve been a winning machine under coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady. But, only one other team in the NFL has consistent success when facing New England: the New York Giants. Last Sunday’s matchup between the two storied franchises brought arguably the best game of the season, as New England edged out a 27-26 victory over the G-Men. Pats kicker Stephen Gostkowski nailed a game-winning 54-yard field goal with one second left in the game. It was another heartbreaker for the Giants (5-5), as they’ve now blown four fourth-quarter leads this season. Throughout the game, it seemed as though the Giants would pull off the upset, beating them on both sides of the ball. After Brady was intercepted in the red zone, the Giants’ offense marched 85 yards in four minutes to the Patriot five-yard line. QB Eli Manning hit wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. for a touchdown that would’ve given the Giants a 29-24 lead with two minutes left. But, the play was reversed, as it was ruled Beckham didn’t complete the catch after the ball was knocked loose. Instead, the Giants settled for a field goal to make it 26-24. It left just enough time for Brady and the Pats to get within field goal range, and the rest is history. Manning did all he could, throwing for 361 yards, two TDs and no interceptions. Beckham was limited for much of the game, but had an impressive 87-yard TD catch. He finished with four catches and 104 yards and a TD. Brady also didn’t disappoint, completing 26 of 42 passes for 334 yards, two TDs, interception and a lost fumble. Tight end Rob Gronkowski totaled 114 yards receiving to go along with five catches, including a 76-yard TD catch in the fourth quarter. The win improved New England to 9-0, one of two undefeated teams left in the NFL. The Giants came so close, but it looks like perfection is eminent for these unstoppable Patriots.
In his first return to New York since being fired last season, coach Rex Ryan and the Buffalo Bills took down his former Jets on Thursday Night Football, 22-17. The Bills’ defense, having played well-below expectations so far this season, forced four-turnovers in their best performance of the season. The Jets were terrible for three quarters, and nearly made a comeback in the fourth. But a failed fourth down and goal conversion, questionable clock management by coach Todd Bowles, and turnovers cost the Jets a very winnable game. Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick did not play well, completing only 15 of 34 pass attempts for 193 yards, two TDs and two interceptions. WR Brandon Marshall was double-teamed throughout the game by the Bills’ defense, and limited him to three catches for 23 yards and a TD. Bills’ running backs LeSean McCoy and Karlos Williams both had strong games, as McCoy ran for 112 yards on 19 carries. Williams had just 24 yards rushing, but had a key 26-yard receiving TD in the third quarter that made it a 19-3 lead. Both teams are now 5-4, and currently both hold the two remaining AFC Wild Card spots. It’s important to note that these two face each other in the final game of the season, which could very well decide their playoff fates.
The Carolina Panthers remain undefeated as they cruised to a 27-10 victory over the Tennessee Titans. It was another great game for Panthers QB Cam Newton, hitting 21 of 26 passing attempts for 217 yards and two TDs (one rush). RB Jonathan Stewart finished with 22 carries for 91 yards and a TD. At 9-0, they’re making people believe that this is not a fluke-start. The season is already flying by, and soon the playoff picture will begin to form. So far, it’s the Patriots and Panthers that are the teams to beat.
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