Football Report Dec. 15

GAME BALLS:
Buffalo vs. Kansas City: Buffalo pass defense. KC’s last three drives ended with 2008 golden boy Matt Cassel getting intercepted by Paul Posluszny, Jarius Byrd and George Wilson in succession to secure a 16-10 victory. The last two picks occurred when it looked like KC might have a change to win the game.

Cincinnati vs. Minnesota: Adrian Peterson. A week after being shut down by Arizona, Peterson remembered that he is still the best rusher in the league with 96 yards and two scores.

San Diego vs. Dallas: Vincent Jackson. Jackson made a mint in the Dallas secondary with seven catches for 120 yards including one down to the one yard line that set up a field goal then another late in the fourth to set up Antonio Gates game-winning score.

Wild Card: Eagles WR DeSean Jackson. Jackson finished with 178 yards receiving, including a 60-yard touchdown catch. He also returned a punt 72 yards for a score. Jackson tied Crazy Legs Hirsch (1951) and Devin Hester (2007) for the most TDs of at least 50 yards in one season with eight.

PENALTY FLAGS:
Buffalo vs. Kansas City: Ryan Fitzpatrick. 12 of 20 for 86 yards with two premier WR’s is just not going to cut. Sigh, can we please see Brian Brohm play now?

Cincinnati vs. Minnesota: Carson Palmer. What? Does he think he is Ryan Fitzpatrick? Palmer could muster only 94 yards through the air as one of the best offensive’s in the NFL was completely shut down.

San Diego vs. Dallas: Dallas offense. The ‘boys converted on only one of eight third down tries. They also couldn't punch the ball into the end zone on a critical fourth-and-goal in the second quarter.

Wild Card: Carolina defense. They gloated post-game about shutting down Pats WR Randy Moss. Somehow they must have forgotten they got their behinds kicked by the other 10 Patriots on offense.

NFL Power Poll
1. Indianapolis- They have now won an NFL record 22 straight regular season games.
1. New Orleans- It is scary how they win blow outs and now have learned how to win the close ones.
3. San Diego- Have won eight in a row after a shaky start. May be the only team in the AFC that can go toe-to-toe with Indy.
4. Minnesota- Beating a very good Cincy team may be their most impressive win this season.
5. Philadelphia- Seem to be gelling at the right time.