Close Calls

If you were watching the NFL at 1pm today, then you know that there was barely a game you'd want to have money on (New Orleans turned out to be the only safe bet). Today's games gave thousands of gamblers across the country heart attacks. 4.5 games were decided in the last 10 seconds (a record!) and the outcome was not always predictable!

Atlanta over Chicago: After the Bears scored a TD leaving my franchised QB, Matt Ryan, only 11 seconds to score most people probably changed the channel. But with less time than an online preroll commercial, Matt Ryan threw a 70 yard pass, completed, out of bounds stops the clock with 1 second left. Field Goal range. Kick is up and good! Atlanta wins!! (And celebrates as if they just won the superbowl).

Houston over Miami: Although not a shocker that TX beat FL, for anyone watching the game, you thought Miami had this one sown up. But in the last minute, Matt Schaub (my other fantasy QB) brought the Texans back to the red zone. Next I watched 4 attempts at the end-zone, only the last one (7 seconds left) pulling through as the Miami Defense spread out expecting the pass and allowed Schaub himself to run right up the middle for 6. I was thrilled because it meant +6 points for my fantasy team, and no one else! But I still would have preferred for Miami to win. Hot damn.

St. Louis over Redskins: I knew better than to pick the 'skins this week. I don't know why, but I knew there would have to be a point that the Rams would have to come out with the W. The 'Skins, although seemingly strong in the last three games, were never as solid as they appeared. Washington has a ton of talent, but for some reason never pull it together. Well the last few weeks they have finally put the pieces of their puzzle together, but that consistency was clearly broken this past week.

I tried to follow online and with the captions but there was so much excitement going on it was hard. I did notice the scroll read "Washington 17 St.Louis 16 Time: 0:00 4th Quarter". So I assumed it was over. But next thing I know the announcer in passing mentions St. Louis' first win... With 2 seconds left, the Rams had kicked a field goal to WIN THE GAME. Holy Moly where did that come from?!

Vikings over Lions: The poor, poor Lions, still completely defeated... This may have been one of the ugliest games ever. First score of the game was when Kitna's replacement runs away like a scared child from the defender... right out of the back of the endzone. Detroit may want to consider putting in a QB who knows how to play football. The rules at the very least. So starting with a safety, the score did not get much better. Always close, Minnesota pulled out a heart-ripping field goal with just 9 seconds left on the clock. I would have much preferred the Lions victory.

And let's not forget about the COWBOYS game against the Cardinals!

In the last second, Nick Folk needs to kick a 57 yard field goal to tie the game... fortunately for the 'Boys, the Cardinals have an offside (injured) player behind the line of scrimmage during Romo's hurry-up, gaining 5 extra yards. Nick Folk attempts a 52-yard field goal and it's BLOCKED! But wait... AZ called a timeout! So Nick gets a second try and nails it straight down the middle. They go into overtime. Within the 1st minute, Dallas is 3 and out and puts to the Cardinals... blocked punt and Arizona recovers in the endzone for the win.

THIS IS WHY I LOVE THIS SPORT!