Week 11 featured several epic matchups, but none lived up to their billing like the Monday Night Football meeting between the Los Angeles Rams and the Kansas City Chiefs. Here is a look at that thriller and the others highs and lows of the weekend’s matchups.
Highs
3. Monday Night Duel for the Ages between Rams, Chiefs
Many fans circled the Rams-Chiefs matchup when the schedule came out. This game had all of the intrigue surrounding it with Marcus Peters and Sammy Watkins switching teams and two young quarterbacks leading their high-octane offenses. Even with Watkins injured and Peters struggling, the hype leading up to the game was dramatic. Los Angeles and Kansas City did not disappoint.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed 33 of 46 passes for 478 yards, six touchdowns, and three costly interceptions as well as a fair of fumbles. Rams quarterback Jared Goff countered with 413 passing yards and four touchdowns on 31 of 49 pass attempts. Overall, the two teams combined for 1001 total yards, including 827 net passing yards.
Both teams struggled on defense, but the Rams scored 21 points off five turnovers, including two late interceptions to seal the game. Linebacker Samson Ebukam played the game of his life, scoring two touchdowns off those turnovers.
The Rams’ 54-51 victory keeps them in the running for home field advantage in the playoff, while the Chiefs still lead the AFC. I don’t know if these teams will meet again in the Super Bowl. New England, Pittsburgh, New Orleans and others still have a lot to say, but I’m sure many of us wouldn’t see a rematch in February. What a game, and what a victory for the NFL and fans who love offense.
2. Chicago Bears peaking at the right time
The Bears entered the season with high hopes and new blood in linebacker Khalil Mack. However, no one knew what to expect from a team that I thought was a year away. Instead, the Bears have jelled on both sides of the ball and now lead the NFC North. Their 25-20 victory over the Minnesota Vikings wasn’t nearly as close as the final score indicated.
The Bears defense held the Vikings to only 22 yards rushing for a 1.6 yards per carry average. They also picked off Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins twice, including one that was returned for a touchdown.
Don’t look now, but the Bears might just be a contender in the NFC. Their defense will win them games and maybe carry them deep into the playoffs.
1. Denver Broncos score massive road upset
It’s hard to believe that Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers threw for 401 yards against the Denver Broncos and his team still lost the game. In reality, this game was coming for the Broncos.
Denver gave some of the league’s best teams problems this season. It was only a matter of time before they finally scored a win against a prospective playoff team. Imagine how good the Broncos would be with a consistent offense.
Lows
3. What has happened to the Super Bowl Champions?
The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles are on the cusp of missing the playoffs after getting blown out 48-7 by the New Orleans Saints. Yes, there are problems with the team’s running back depth, but the defense is still loaded. There’s no way the Eagles should be this outclassed. There is far too much talent there. Here’s another question for Eagles fans about the offensive side of the ball: how much does Philadelphia miss Frank Reich?
2. Alex Smith’s injury
Thirty-three years to the day, the Washington Redskins lost another starting quarterback to a broken leg. In one of the more heartbreaking injuries in recent memory, Alex Smith suffered the broken leg on a sack and immediately tucked his head down in pain. At 34 years old, it’s hard to say if Smith will be the same quarterback when he gets back. Fortunately, his contract guarantees $71 million in case he never returns, but it’s hard to watch a player that means so much to his team go down in such a way.
1. Green Bay Packers have a problem
The questions surrounding Packers head coach Mike McCarthy continue to swirl with yet another close loss in a winnable game. McCarthy and his staff made several questionable decisions late in the game, including punting the ball on 4th and short. The Seahawks offense had been moving the ball well throughout the second half, but McCarthy chose to give them the ball instead of putting it in the hands of one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. If the Packers miss the playoffs, I wouldn’t be surprised to see McCarthy out of a job come January.
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