Jaguars comeback to stun Giants, Rodgers’ Packers top Brady’s Patriots, and all of NFL Week 13˗the Monday Morning Realist

Every Monday morning, Section 215’s Akiem Bailum gives an in-depth and unfiltered look at all of the latest sports news in The Monday Morning Realist. You can follow Akiem on Twitter @AkiemBailum.

Coming back…in a New York Minute

Nov 30, 2014; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars celebrate kicker Josh Scobee (10) celebrates with teammates after kicking the game winning field goal during the fourth quarter New York Giants at EverBank Field. The Jaguars won 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Realists, why would a New York Giants vs. Jacksonville Jaguars matchup with the playoff implications the size of a gnat even be on our radar?

Well, that’s a very good question and one that I have pondered as I was penning this column. After all, the New York Giants just lost last week to the Dallas Cowboys in a game in which they appeared to perform well for a good portion of it (including that catch…). This was before Dallas eventually gained their eighth victory of the season.

Meanwhile on the Jacksonville Jaguars side of things, they were defeated 23˗3 by the Indianapolis Colts. 23˗3. That did not resemble most of their earlier matchups circa 2006 or 2007 when Peyton Manning was still the quarterback of Indianapolis and the Jags had actually given them a run for their money in the AFC South.

Now, these days, the Jaguars are lucky if in some games they even compete.

So again, with both teams far outside of the playoff picture, why would I write about this Realists? The answer soon.
The Giants’ first drive of the game would only feature one first down gain before punting back to the Jaguars who would start the game with a three and out.

New York would maintain possession for the remainder of the first quarter. They would gain a total of six first downs primarily on short yardage gains with the longest one coming when Eli Manning completed a pass for 14 yards to Larry Donnell.

The drive spanned 91 yards, 19 plays, and nearly 10 minutes, but culminated in the beginning of the second quarter when Rashad Jennings took it in from 2 yards out for a 7˗0 Giants lead after a Josh Brown extra point.

On the heels of another three and out by the Jaguars, the Giants marched down the field at Everbank again. They began with great field position at their own 46, then picked up a pair of first downs, including when Manning found Donnell for 32 yards. This New York possession would not last as long, but did go six plays for 54 yards for 3:01 when Manning found Preston Parker for a three yard score on 3rd and 3.

14˗0 Giants.

Another three and out from Jacksonville was followed up by another Giants scoring drive. They gained a pair of first downs with one of them coming off of a Manning pass for 29 yards to Odell Beckham (the guy responsible for that catch…last week). On 2nd and 10 from the 17 yard line of Jacksonville, New York completed another scoring drive when Jennings went 17 yards to the house to cap a seven play, 63 yard, 3:29 drive. 21˗0 Giants.

Jacksonville would finally crack the scoreboard on their second to last possession of the first half. After gaining four first downs earlier in the drive, it appeared that the Jags’ first points would be via the touchdown when Blake Bortles passed to Cecil Shorts for a five yard score. The play was on 4th and five from the 5, but was nullified by an offensive holding flag forcing Jacksonville back to the 15.

The Jaguars had to settle for a field goal try, which was aided five yards by a New York encroachment flag. Josh Scobee drilled a 28 yard field goal through the uprights to make the score 21˗3.

The Giants got a big gain early in their next possession when Manning found Reuben Randle for 23 yards to the New York 44. They would not advance much further beyond that as they punted back to the Jaguars.

After a drive in which Jacksonville gained two first downs including a 29 yard QB keeper by Bortles, the game went to halftime.

Jacksonville would have the football first coming out of halftime. After gaining three first downs, the drive stalled at the 35, bringing up a punt. After a short run by Jennings on first down, a 2nd and 10 Giants play resulted in a J.T. Thomas fumble return for a touchdown to make the score 21˗10.

A three and out by New York was followed by a Jacksonville drive in which they only picked up one first down. After that a drive by the Giants would also only result in one first down after a punt that only went to the Giants’ 43 which Beckham returned to the Jaguars’ 42.

After moving the ball to the 25 of Jacksonville and gaining one first down, a 43 yard field goal attempt by Brown was no good…a turnover on downs.

Jacksonville answered with a possession that featured two first down pickups, spanned six plays, 67 yards, and 2:55 resulting in a Bortles pass to Marqise Lee for 30 yards and a score to make the tally 21˗16. This was only such after the ensuing two point conversion attempt failed.

The following Giants possession would see two first downs gained, then after a Manning sack, a 3rd and 15 play at the 43 resulted in a 41 yard fumble return by Aaron Colvin to give Jacksonville its first lead of the game at 22˗21.

The next two drives for each team would be three and outs before the Giants got the ball back with six minutes remaining. The first play of that drive was a Manning pass to Beckham for 23 yards. Jacksonville also used its first timeout during this drive. The three first down, eight play, 54 yard drive lasting 2:56 resulted in a 33 yard field goal by Brown after the drive stalled at the Jaguars’ 14.

With the score at 24˗22 in favor of New York, the Jaguars had one more possession. They gained four first downs, including one in which Bortles kept the rock himself for 20 yards. The 11 play, 55 yard drive that lasted nearly three minutes ended when after stalling at the Giants’ 25, Josh Scobee nailed a 43 yard field goal that gave the Jaguars a 25˗24 lead.

After a fumble by the Giants on the first play of their ensuing drive caused by a Manning sack by Sen’Derrick Marks (that was reviewed and upheld), Jacksonville got the football back and fans in Duval were celebrating a 25˗24 victory.

• Bortles: 21/35, 194 yards, 1 TD
• Bortles: 5 carries, 68 yards
• Lee: 6 receptions, 75 yards

• Manning: 24/34, 247 yards, 1 TD
• Jennings: 26 carries, 91 yards, 2 TDs
• Beckham: 7 receptions, 90 yards

Week 14: NYG at TEN, HOU at JAC

High Five and Alive

Nov 30, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) leads his team in a huddle against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half at Heinz Field. The Saints won the game, 35-32. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

The next two games have a common theme: they both highlight the ineptitude of the NFC South this season. The NFC South’s lack of any one seemingly wanting to actually win the division the old fashioned way has led to concern that it could affect the playoffs. Apparently, the NFL is taking notice as they plan to discuss reseeding in the future.

One of those teams is the New Orleans Saints. The very Saints who lost last week on Monday Night Football to the Baltimore Ravens by a final of 34˗27. The very Saints who now appear to be in the stage where they want to move on from Drew Brees and draft a quarterback.

Brees may be late in his career now, but earlier in his career with San Diego when they drafted someone named Eli Manning (and later Philip Rivers), in a sense, it propelled his career.

Meanwhile, the Steelers are one of two teams that are playing their first football since their bye week in Week 12. The other team that has a bye also resides in the NFC South: the Carolina Panthers.

Pittsburgh began the game with the football and a possession in which they would pick up a pair of first downs, including one on a Ben Roethlisberger pass to Martavis Bryant for 23 yards to the Saints’ 46 yard line on first and 10 from the Steelers’ 31.

That drive stalled at the Saints’ 42 bringing up a punt. After one first down gain for New Orleans, their drive which included an offensive holding penalty was stymied at the 27, bringing up a punt back to Pittsburgh.

The ensuing Steelers drive would feature a pair of first down gains, both courtesy of Le’Veon Bell runs. Ultimately, it would last 7 plays for 34 yards and 3:37 minutes, stalling at the Saints’ 31, and ending in a Shaun Suisham 49 yard field goal to give Pittsburgh a 3˗0 lead.

After a three and out from New Orleans, the Steelers got the ball back again as the first quarter was nearing its end. It included a gain of 21 yards as Roethlisberger found Antonio Brown for a first down. After two more first down gains with the majority of plays being handoffs to Bell (and stalling at the 13 after two Roethlisberger incompletions) the score became 6˗0 after Suisham’s second field goal of the game. This one was from the 31.

New Orleans got one first down on their next drive before punting back to Pittsburgh who would go three and out.

They gained four first downs on this drive and only gained momentum as it went longer. The big play would be a first down and 10 play from the 47 resulting in a 20 yard run by Mark Ingram who took the ball to the 27. The Saints got on the board when Brees found Benjamin Watson for a 15 yard TD and his only reception of the game for a 7˗6 lead.

After one first down gain on the Steelers’ next drive, Roethlisberger would be picked off by Kenny Vaccaro on a throw in which he was looking for Darius Heyward˗Bey. It was a touchback since the pick occurred in the end zone.

Three first downs would be gained on the ensuing New Orleans drive, including one for 44 yards when Brees found Kenny Stills on 3rd and six from the Saints’ 35 to the Steelers’ 21. Past the two minute warning and after two Ingram runs, Brees found Erik Lorig for a four yard touchdown and his only catch of the game as the Saints lead grew to 14˗6.

The last Steelers drive of the first half featured all passes from Roethlisberger, including one to Heath Miller for 23 yards to the 43 yard line and a 2nd and 10 from the Steelers’ 43 to the Saints’ 36 as Big Ben found Brown for 21 yards. After three incompletions and a Saints timeout, Suisham’s 54 yard field goal attempt was no good.

In addition, the Saints had the ball after halftime. It only resulted in a New Orleans three and out. Pittsburgh got the ball back and gained one first down before a 1st and 10 pass at the Steelers’ 35 intended for Markus Wheaton instead ended up being picked off by Cameron Jordan to the Steelers’ 15.

Two plays into the following New Orleans possession, Brees threw to Nick Toon (exactly.) for 11 yards and a score. Scoreboard: 21˗6 Saints. It was held up as the refs ruled he broke the plane.

This was followed by a long Steelers drive in which they began with the ball at their 17 yard line. They gained six first downs, and ran 13 plays for 83 yards and 7:04 culminating in a one yard TD run by Bell to make the game 21˗13.

This was followed with a drive in which both big plays were passes to Kenny Stills. A 2nd and 11 play from the 10 went 21 yards from Brees to Stills. Brees, on 3rd and 10 from the 31 found Stills for 69 yards and a touchdown for a 28˗13 lead as the third quarter neared its close.

Pittsburgh had the ball back as the third quarter neared its close and ran three plays before the fourth quarter commenced. One of which was a 48 yard pass from Roethlisberger to Bell to move the chains to the Saints’ 26. After failing to move those chains further as the drive stalled at the 30, Suisham’s 47 yard field goal was good for a 28˗16 score.

The next Saints drive would see four first down gains, including a 31 yard carry by Ingram to move the football to the 3 yard line. The nine play, 80 yard drive that lasted 4:27 ended when Brees found Marques Colston for three yards and a 35˗16 lead.

The ensuing Steelers drive spanned three first downs and seven plays for 35 yards and 2:28. It would have lasted longer as Pittsburgh went for it on 4th and 10. Roethlisberger completed to Wheaton for 10 yards but after a Saints challenge of a first down, the ruling was reversed, bringing up a turnover on downs.

A three and out by the Saints would be followed by a long Pittsburgh possession in which they would gain six first downs. This would be before a 3rd and 4 play was a Roethlisberger pass to Brown for those four yards and a touchdown. Roethlisberger then threw to Brown for the ensuing two point conversion attempt that was good.

A Saints three and out in which both teams used their last timeouts was followed by one more Pittsburgh drive that saw two passes of at least 30 yards. One was a catch and run to Bell for 30 yards on first and 10 from the 2, and another was to Bell when Roethlisberger threw to him for 33 yards on first and 10 from the Saints’ 39 yard line to the six.

A first and goal play at the three would see Roethlisberger throw to Brown for three yards and a score. The ensuing two point conversion attempt to Lance Moore also was good for a 35˗32 game, but these were the final points of the game.

• Brees: 19/27, 257 yards, 5 TDs
• Ingram: 23 carries, 122 yards
• Stills: 5 receptions, 162 yards, 1 TD

• Roethlisberger: 32/58, 435 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs
• Bell: 21 carries, 95 yards, 1 TD
• Bell: 8 receptions, 159 yards

Week 14: CAR at NO, PIT at CIN

Falling Back to Earth?

Nov 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Steven Jackson (39) runs against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Cardinals 29-18. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Continuing our NFC South theme, we now focus our attention from New Orleans over to the Atlanta Falcons.

Believe it or not, “ATLiens” are none too happy about the performance of their team this year…and the team is still in contention in the NFC South. Last week, the Falcons lost a heartbreaker to the Cleveland Browns by a final of 26˗24 via a last second field goal by the Browns. That game for Cleveland was also aided by poor clock management by Atlanta coach Mike Smith towards the end of the game.

Believe it or not despite virtually every Falcons fans calling for Smith’s head, the team still has a legitimate shot to be able to make the postseason because the rest of their division is weak as toilet paper.

Meanwhile, after a 9˗1 start for the Arizona Cardinals (one in which the media should have taken better notice earlier), Carson Palmer was injured for the rest of the season as Drew Stanton became the starter for the rest of the season. Plus, the Cards were doing this with virtually limited production from Larry Fitzgerald.

This was of course before they faced one of their toughest tests of the season as they hoped to defeat the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle beat them 19˗3.

Atlanta began this one fast and scored early and often. The big gain on the first drive would come via a 55 yard pickup by Steven Jackson on 1st and 10 from the 44. This moved the football from the Falcons’ 44 to the Cardinals one yard line. The drive ended in a Matt Ryan pass to Levine Toilolo for a touchdown for one yard and a 7˗0 after a Matt Bryant extra point.

After a three and out from Arizona, Drew Butler punted for 50 yards to Devin Hester who returned that punt for a 70 yard TD from the 30 yard line, but the touchdown was nullified by a face mask penalty on Hester for 15 yards. This brought up 1st and 25 from the Cardinals’ 32. A one yard gain by Jacquizz Rodgers was followed by a 2nd and 24 play that saw Ryan throw to Julio Jones for 25 yards.

It appeared that on the next play, Ryan was picked off by Jerraud Powers on a pass intended for Jones, but it was challenged and ruled an incomplete pass. Despite third and goal from the two, the Falcons settled for a 20 yard field goal by Bryant for a 10˗0 score.

After gaining one first down, on 1st and 10 from the Cardinals’ 32, a Stanton pass intended for Jaron Brown actually found Dwight Lowery for as he returned it 21 yards from the Falcons’ 47 to the Arizona 32.

Two plays into the ensuing Atlanta drive, Ryan connected with Jones for 32 yards and a touchdown for a 17˗0 advantage.

The Cardinals only gained one first down on their next drive before punting back to Atlanta. After gaining three first downs and moving the ball to near the Cardinals’ red zone, a 2nd and five pass intended for Jones instead found Rashad Johnson at the Cardinals’ 12. His return went 88 yards the other way for Arizona’s first touchdown of the day as the second quarter began.

Atlanta only gained one first down on its next drive before punting. A 2nd and 10 play from the Cardinals’ 31 was a 22 yard gain to Michael Floyd for a first down. 2nd and 7 from the 44 would be another pass to Floyd (13 yards) before a fumble caused by William Moore and recovered by Desmond Trufant at the 25.

The Falcons only got a three and out from it before punting back to Arizona. The Cardinals got three first downs on their next drive which included a Stanton pass for 22 yards to Ted Ginn, Jr. on first and 10 from the Falcons’ 45 to move the chains to the 23. A penalty moved Arizona back 10 yards and the drive stalled at the 26 before a 44 yard field goal from Chandler Catanzaro capped off a 8 play, 54 yard drive, lasting nearly four minutes.

Atlanta would have one more possession prior to the start of the halftime period in which all plays were pass plays and they gained four first downs. After advancing the football to the five yard line of the Cardinals, a 3rd and 4 play with three seconds left would see Bryant connect on a 23 yard field goal for a 20˗10 score.

Arizona had the ball coming out of the halftime period. They gained one first down, but traded flags with the Falcons that eventually moved them back to hamper the drive. Eventually, they would punt.

Atlanta gained three on their next drive, including a 44 yard pass from Ryan to Jones for 41 yards to the 22 of Arizona. The 10 play, 85 yard possession lasting almost five minutes ended when Bryant nailed a 21 yard field goal through the uprights to up the Atlanta lead to 23˗10 after moving the football to the Cardinals’ 3.

Two first downs would be gained by the Cardinals before punting back to the Falcons who maintained possession into the fourth quarter. A drive that began at the 14 yard line of the Falcons would see 3 first downs gained. The nine play, 59 yard drive ended in a Bryant 45 yard field goal to make the game 26˗10.

After trading three and outs, the Cardinals had the football again. After gaining two first downs, a Stanton pass intended for Floyd was picked off by Josh Wilson at the Falcons’ 32 and returned to the 47 yard line of Atlanta.

The ensuing 11 play, 44 yard drive would see the Falcons notch three first downs. A 4th and one play from the 19 originally would have been a Bryant 37 yard field goal which was good, but a defensive offside on Arizona gave Atlanta a fresh set of downs.

It didn’t turn into much as the Falcons gained a net of six yards after running three plays having first down at the 15 yard line. Bryant eventually did kick a 28 yard field goal through the uprights for a 29˗10 score.

The ensuing possession for Arizona would see Stanton complete on 2nd and 10 from the 20 for 23 yards to Jaron Brown to the 43. A 1st and 10 from the Atlanta 46 that would see a completion for 27 yards to the Falcons’ 19 as Stanton found Josh Brown. The drive that lasted 7 plays for 80 yards and over a minute would see Stanton connect with Stepfan Taylor for his only reception of the game as he caught a three yard touchdown pass. A rush by Taylor was good to complete a two point conversion. 29˗18.

But after an unsuccessful onside kick attempt by Arizona, Ryan took two kneel downs to seal a victory.

• Ryan: 30/41, 361 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
• Jackson: 18 carries, 101 yards
• Jones: 10 receptions, 189 yards, 1 TD

• Stanton: 24/39, 294 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
• Grice: 5 carries, 16 yards
• Ja. Brown: 7 receptions, 75 yards

Week 14: KC at ARI, ATL at GB

Cold vs. Cold and Cold wins

Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) passes the ball during the second half against the New England Patriots at Lambeau Field. The Packers won 26-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

One did not have to talk much about all of the buildup to this game.

Everyone has been pegging New England Patriots vs. Green Bay Packers from Lambeau Field in Green Bay as a potential Super Bowl preview. Partially, this is because the media has a love affair with both quarterbacks in Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.

There have been matchups in which teams with better records have faced off so far this year, but because the networks are salivating at the idea of a Brady/Rodgers Super Bowl, of course this is the one that they will hype up.

The Patriots are being hyped up for a reason given that they were on a seven game winning streak and were showing indications of being the best team in football over the past few weeks. As for Green Bay, a strong case could be made for them as well. Both were victorious last week, but the Pats’ was more dominant as the beat the Lions 34˗9 while the Packers won 24˗21 over Minnesota.

And of course, we know about how these two teams play in cold weather. Was it cold in Lambeau? Yes it was.

Green Bay began this game with the football and managed four first downs, including one that was a 23 yard run by Eddie Lacy for 24 yards to the Patriots’ 23 after 1st and 10 at the 47.

The opening nine play, 58 yard drive would end when 4th and 8 from the Pats’ 14 would be a 32 yard field goal by Mason Crosby for an early 3˗0 lead.

New England began by gaining one first down, then having their drive stall at their own 46.

The following four first down, 11 play, 66 yard, 5:49 drive would see Green Bay move the football to the 17 yard line prior to a 35 yard Crosby field goal for a 6˗0 lead.

After another Patriots three and out, the Packers would get the ball back again in which Aaron Rodgers would Davante Adams for a first down after a 45 yard gain on 3rd and 2 from the Packers’ 23. The next play would see Rodgers throw to Rodgers (Richard, that is) for a 23 yard score as Green Bay put six on the board instead of three. 13˗0 Green Bay.

New England got three first downs on their next possession, including a 29 yard pass from Brady to Rob Gronkowski for 29 yards to the Packers’ 41 on 2nd and 7 from the 30. Michael Hoomanawanui was then the recipient of a 23 yard pass on 1st and 10 from the Packers’ 41 that moved the football to the 18. Two plays later, Brandon Bolden found the end zone from six yards out to bring the Patriots to within 13˗6.

Green Bay got those points right back on its next drive. It included three first downs including one on third and 5 at the 33 that saw a pass to Randall Cobb for 33 yards to the 34 of the Patriots. The 13 play, 57 yard drive that spanned seven minutes and five seconds ended in a Crosby field goal from 33 yards out after the Packers moved the football to the six yard line. Rodgers would be sacked for a nine yard loss which moved back Crosby. Still, the lead became 16˗7.

Then, a long scoring drive would be engineered by New England. Four first downs would be gained, including when Brady passed short to Shane Vereen who turned it into a 26 yard gain. That 12 play, 80 yard drive would end in a Brady pass to Brandon LaFell from two yards out for a touchdown to make the score 16˗14.

Green Bay responded when a 2nd and 10 play from the 19 moved the football to the 47 as Rodgers found James Starks for 29 yards. Then, on 3rd and 2 from the 45 of the Patriots, Rodgers found Nelson for those 45 yards and six more points to up the Packers lead to 23˗14.

Brady would have the ball once more prior to the start of the half, knowing the Patriots would start the second half with possession. But, that would only bring up a three and out.

The Packers got two first downs on their following possession and had a nine play, 32 yard drive lasting four minutes and 28 seconds. But a 40 yard field goal try by Crosby was wide left.

New England only gained one first down on its next drive before punting back to the Packers. Green Bay only got two of their own before punting themselves. The Patriots would have the ball as the fourth quarter began.

After four first down gains, a nine play, 78 yard drive that spanned three and a half minutes ended when Brady found LaFell for 15 yards and a touchdown to make the score 23˗21 in favor of Green Bay.

The Packers would respond with an 11 play, 65 yard drive lasting five minutes and ten seconds in which they gained four first downs before the drive stalled at the 10 yard line of the Patriots, setting the stage for a 28 yard field goal from Crosby to bring the score to 26˗21, Green Bay.

The ensuing Patriots possession also saw four first down gains, and lasted 13 plays for 43 yards and six minutes. But, after the drive stalled at the Green Bay 29, Stephen Gostkowski’s 47 yard field goal was no good.

The Packers would have the ball one more time in which New England would use their last two timeouts. Two Lacy runs and a pass from Rodgers to Cobb would gain them a first down. Three kneel downs later, Green Bay earned win number nine this season.

• Rodgers: 24/38, 368 yards, 2 TDs
• Lacy: 21 carries, 98 yards
• Adams: six receptions, 121 yards

• Brady: 22/35, 245 yards, 2 TDs
• Blount: 10 carries, 58 yards
• Gronkowski: 7 receptions, 98 yards

Week 14: NE at SD, ATL at GB

Have Manning, Will Run?

Nov 30, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) runs the ball during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. The Broncos won 29-16. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

This is another one that was pegged on the schedule, especially given where both teams appear to be on the schedule.
The Denver Broncos appear to be in the throes of another season in which they are aiming towards a division championship and possible deep run in the postseason. Despite struggles earlier in the season, they appear to have righted the ship as evidenced by a 39˗36 victory over the Miami Dolphins despite Miami outplaying Denver for three quarters.

Meanwhile, a few weeks ago, the Kansas City Chiefs were actually tied with the Broncos for the top spot in the AFC West and had many in the Kansas City area thinking that they had a legitimate shot at the division this year. They may still have, but the Chiefs’ best chance at the postseason this year may now rest with the Wild Card.

One thing to mention. It is uncharacteristic for any team that has Peyton Manning at quarterback (especially any Broncos team) to be primarily led by the run, even though Manning once had Marshall Faulk, Edgerrin James, and Joseph Addai during his Indianapolis days.

Realists, work with us here. We’re giving you a glimpse into how this one played out from Kansas City of all places, where the Chiefs wore all red tonight on Sunday Night Football.

After a three and out by the Chiefs to start the game, the first Denver drive would see six runs from C.J. Anderson and only two passes by Peyton Manning. They gained two first downs and both of Manning’s passes were at least 20 yards.

One was a first down gain when Manning threw to Emmanuel Sanders to the 28 of Kansas City for 20 yards after 3rd and 6 from the Chiefs’ 48. The second was a 3rd and 5 play from the Kansas City 23 that saw Manning find Demaryius Thomas for a touchdown and an early 7˗0 lead.

A three and out by Kansas City was followed by another long Broncos possession in which they gained three first downs. The 10 play, 48 yard drive lasting nearly five minutes ended when Manning passed to Anderson for 15 yards and a touchdown for a 14˗0 lead.

The Chiefs would have one more three and out before the Broncos ran one more play to close out the first quarter.

The drive spanned into the beginning of the second quarter. It appeared it would end in a three and out as well, but a 49 yard punt from kicker Britton Colquitt would see Andre Caldwell flagged for a player out of bounds penalty on a punt. This moved the Broncos back five yards before this punt formation resulted in a fake punt and a 13 yard gain for a first down.

They would gain two more first downs before the 15 play, 63 yard drive that lasted nearly eight minutes resulted in a 17˗0 lead for Denver after a 22 yard field goal by Connor Barth after a drive that stalled at the four yard line.

The ensuing Kansas City possession would see two first down gains, including one on a 4th down play when Jamaal Charles converted a 4th and 1 from the 50 into an 11 yard gain. This 7 play, 69 yard drive for four minutes and twelve seconds ended when Alex Smith found Anthony Fasano for 20 yards and a touchdown for a 17˗7 Broncos lead.

The ensuing Denver possession would three first down gains and only one rush attempt. Ten plays, 53 yards, and nearly three minutes later, Barth nailed a 24 yard field goal after a drive that stalled at the six yard line. This made the Broncos lead become 20˗7.

Kansas City would have the ball for one play before halftime: a kneel down.

It would be the Broncos with the football coming out of the halftime period, but their three and out resulted in a Manning sack for a loss of six yards by Justin Houston. This also caused a fumble recovered by Kurt Coleman at the 23 yard line.

Kansas City only advanced the football two yards before a Cairo Santos 39 yard field goal made the score 20˗10.

Denver gained three first downs on their following drive and moved the football to the 37 yard line for a drive that lasted nine plays for 37 yards and over five minutes. But on 4th and 9 from the 39 yard line, instead of kicking a 57 yard field goal, they punted back to Kansas City.

On the first play of the Chiefs’ ensuing possession, a Smith pass intended for Dwayne Bowe was instead picked off by DeMarcus Ware after being deflected at the line of scrimmage by Terrance Knighton.

But with the ball at the Chiefs’ 13 yard line, the Broncos only advanced the football two yards as Barth kicked a 30 yard field goal to make the score 23˗10 in favor of Denver.

Both teams then traded three and outs, but after Denver punted back to the Chiefs, Marcus Cooper muffed a catch that was recovered by Omar Bolden at the Kansas City 37 yard line. It bounced off his leg and he had no intention of returning the football.

After a five yard penalty for illegal formation on Sanders, the Broncos still gained a first down, and then one more. Manning hoped to find Thomas for a TD on two occasions but both passes were incomplete. Denver had to settle for another Barth field goal as he was true from 33 yards out to make the score 26˗10.

The next Chiefs drive began at their 38 yard line as the fourth quarter progressed. After gaining three first downs, and a seven play, 62 yard drive lasting nearly three minutes, Smith found Charles for 12 yards and a touchdown but the ensuing two point conversion attempt failed as Smith could not connect with Fasano.

The Broncos would respond with another score of their own. Midway through that drive they gained two drives of at least 20 yards. A 3rd and 7 play from the Broncos’ 35 was a Manning pass to Sanders for 23 yards before being pushed out of bounds.

The following 1st and 10 play from the Chiefs’ 42 was an Anderson run for 20 yards that moved the football to the 22. Overall, the nine play, 65 yard drive that lasted four minutes and 12 seconds ended in another field goal by Barth as he made one from 37 yards to extend the Denver lead to 29˗16.

The two teams traded three and outs before a Chiefs drive that saw them gain a pair of first downs. A first and 10 play from the 46 resulted in a short pass from Smith to Donnie Avery for 20 yards to the Broncos’ 34. But, Avery fumbled and it was recovered by the Broncos’ Bradley Roby after Rahim Moore caused the fumble.

The last two full possessions would both be three and outs before a Broncos’ possession that would see them kneel the ball one last time for their ninth win of the year.

• Manning: 17/34, 179 yards, 2 TDs
• Anderson: 32 yards, 168 yards
• Sanders: 6 receptions, 73 yards

• Smith: 15/23, 153 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT
• Charles: 10 carries, 35 yards
• Kelce: 3 receptions, 36 yards

Week 14: BUF at DEN, KC at ARI

Other Games

Nov 27, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fan holds a Thanksgiving sign in the stands during the third quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Lions defeat Bears 34˗17

Eagles defeat Cowboys 33˗10

Seahawks defeat 49ers 19˗3

Colts defeat Redskins 49˗27

Texans defeat Titans 45˗21

Bills defeat Browns 26˗10

Chargers defeat Ravens 34˗33

Bengals defeat Buccaneers 14˗13

Rams defeat Raiders 52˗0

Vikings defeat Panthers 31˗13

Dolphins vs. Jets (8:30, Monday Night Football)