The Inconceivable Truth: Frank Gore put on an explosive display at Ford Field.
The NFL is quickly approaching the half way mark and Week 6 was yet another action packed weekend from around the country. The highlight of the week came from Ford Field, Detroit, as one of the most exciting games of the season finished with controversy as the two coaches almost came to blows in an intense and charged atmosphere.
However, they weren't the only coaches in the headlines as one was forced to sit on the bench with a broken kneecap. The other main stories of the week was the fact that the Superbowl champions Green Bay Packers brushed aside yet another opponent and look destined to be a back-to-back winner already. And also the return of the underachievers as both the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets got their season back on tracks. But more from them later on.
However, they weren't the only coaches in the headlines as one was forced to sit on the bench with a broken kneecap. The other main stories of the week was the fact that the Superbowl champions Green Bay Packers brushed aside yet another opponent and look destined to be a back-to-back winner already. And also the return of the underachievers as both the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Jets got their season back on tracks. But more from them later on.
Week 6 Highlight - 49ers @ Lions
The unbeaten Lions finally lost their roar as the 49ers put on an impressive display to stop Matthew Stafford and the Lions run. But the performance from Frank Gore and the rest of the San Francisco team would not be the talking point at the end of the game.
The Lions are 5-0 for the first time since 1956 and made a commanding start to the game when defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch stripped the ball from Alex Smith soon into the first quarter. Lions would go on to drive forward for a field goal to make it 3-0.
Matthew Stafford then began to orchestrate the game, finding star receiver Calvin Johnson on a number of completions and then threw a 16 yard touchdown throw to Brandon Pettigrew. The play was originally called as incomplete, but was reviewed and then overturned putting the Lions 10-0 in front.
Then just before the end of the first quarter, Frank Gore rushed for 47 yards to put take the 49ers one-yard from a touchdown. Gore then ran it home two plays later at the start of the second quarter to make it 7-10.
Half way through the second quarter, Matthew Stafford found himself in trouble as he was taken down for a safety. The 49ers then added a field goal in a reasonably uneventful 2nd quarter to put them 12-10 up at half time.
The Lions responded with a field goal soon into the 3rd quarter but that man again Frank Gore was on fire with another long rushing completion to set the 49ers up with a responding field goal to put them back in front again (15-13).
Towards the end of the third, Alex Smith threw his only interception of the game looking for Michael Crabtree but over threw it into the arms of Amari Spievey who ran it back to half way. The resulting drive would go on to be finished at the start of the 4th quarter where Matthew Stafford found Nate Burleson. However, yet again the touchdown was ruled incomplete but Jim Schwartz would challenge again and yet again, the decision was overturned. The Lions then went for two but were unsuccessful. (15-19)
After a reasonably uneventuful 4th quarter, the 49ers drove well to make the final two minutes a rather nervous watch. After a good drive, the 49ers were forced to go for it on 4th down and in a game winning situation, Alex Smith found Delanie Walker who just got enough distance for the touchdown. With a successfull PAT, they led 22-19.
Matthew Stafford tried to find a spark to ignite a sensational comeback but it wasn't to be. After the 4th down was incomplete, the 49ers went on to score a field goal to seal a 25-19 victory.
However, the action didnt end here. A fired up and excited Jim Harbaugh made his way across to Jim Schwartz and made a 'strong' handshake with a slight too hard slap on the back of the the Detroit coach causing not the best of responses from Schwartz. A scuffle began including the coaches, staff and players which was uncalled for which marred what was a great game of football. 49ers are now 5-1 and looking like good play off prospects.
Round Up of Week 6
Unbeaten: The Packers remain the only team to have not lost a game at 6-0
St Louis Rams 3 Green Bay Packers 24
The Green Bay Packers made it 6-0 as Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdown passes including a career-long 93 yarder to Jordy Nelson who smartly evaded two players before running into the end zone.
Buffalo Bills 24 New York Giants 27
A late field goal from Lawrence Tynes and a game to remember from Ahmad Bradshaw who ran for 104 yards with three touchdowns saw the Giants edge past the Bills.
Indianapolis Colts 17 Cincinnati Bengals 27
Jerome Simpson made six receptions for 101 yards as he and rookie quarterback Andy Dalton kept the Colts winless.
Jacksonville Jaguars 13 Pittsburgh Steelers 17
The Steelers hung on to a narrow lead which looked to be slipping away but running back Rashard Mendenhall ran for a season-high of 146 yards to give Pittsburgh the victory.
Philadelphia Eagles 20 Washington Redskins 13
The Eagles won their first game in four with quarterback Michael Vick throwing for 237 yards to put Philly back on the right track.
Carolina Panthers 17 Atlanta Falcons 31
Cam Newton impressed again as he returned to his home town, but the Falcons had the edge over the Panthers with Michael Turner running 139 yards for two touchdowns to seal victory.
Cleveland Browns 17 Oakland Raiders 24
In the Raiders first game at home since the passing of owner Al Davis, they threw a touchdown on a fake field goal play and returned a kick off for 101 yards courtesy of Jacoby Ford to show why they are fast becoming the entertainers of the NFL.
Houston Texans 14 Baltimore Ravens 29
Billy Cundiff kicked 5 field goals and the in-form Joe Flacco threw for 305 yards with a rushing touchdown also to take the Ravens to 4-1.
New Orleans Saints 20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26
QB Josh Freeman threw for 303 yards with two touchdowns in one of the shock results of the season as the Buccaneers tie with the Saints at the top of the NFC South. Saints coach Sean Payton suffered a fractured kneecap after a collision with New Orleans tight end Jimmy Graham. Despite the loss, Drew Brees became the first quarterback to throw for 350+ yards in four consecutive games.
Dallas Cowboys 16 New England Patriots 20
They left it late, but a brilliant 9-pass drive from Tom Brady finished in a 8-yard bullet throw caught by Aaron Hernandez for the Patriots to snatch a key victory with only 22 seconds remaining.
Minnesota Vikings 10 Chicago Bears 39
Devin Hester was at his imperious best as he caught a 48 yard touchdown pass and then a career best 98 yard kick return to dump more misery on the Vikings. However, Vikings new rookie quarterback Christian Ponder made his first appearance and there wont be many who weren't impressed with the new QB's performance.
Miami Dolphins 6 New York Jets 24
The Jets found form to end their 3-game losing streak as Darrelle Revis ran back an interception for 100 yards and caught another TD to give the Jets a reasonably comfortable win.
Players of the Week
Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jordy Nelson (Packers), Fred Jackson (Bills), Eli Manning (Giants), Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants), Jerome Simpson (Bengals), Andy Dalton (Bengals), Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers), Jeremy Maclin (Eagles), Michael Vick (Eagles), Matt Ryan (Falcons), Michael Turner (Falcons), Jacoby Ford (Raiders), Joe Flacco (Ravens), Josh Freeman (Buccaneers), Marques Colston (Saints), Tom Brady (Patriots), Jay Cutler (Bears), Devin Hester (Bears)
Winner of the Week - Devin Hester, Wide Receiver/Return Specialist (Bears)
The all-time NFL record holder for most all-time kick and punt return touchdowns had a week to remember and along with Matt Forte they are two of the most feared offensive players. Catching a long completion for a touchdown and then a career best 98 yard kick return showed why hes not only this weeks best, but one of the best in the NFL.
Loser of the Week - Donovan McNabb, Quarterback (Vikings)
Was a close one for my loser of the week, but it has to go to the ageing and probably should be retired quarterback Donovan McNabb.
McNabb was mauled to the ground on more than one occasion and showed clear signs that maybe his body has gone over the hill and far away. He was replaced by Christian Ponder late in the game who impressed and will most likely make the starting place his own.
Aaron Rodgers (Packers), Jordy Nelson (Packers), Fred Jackson (Bills), Eli Manning (Giants), Ahmad Bradshaw (Giants), Jerome Simpson (Bengals), Andy Dalton (Bengals), Rashard Mendenhall (Steelers), Jeremy Maclin (Eagles), Michael Vick (Eagles), Matt Ryan (Falcons), Michael Turner (Falcons), Jacoby Ford (Raiders), Joe Flacco (Ravens), Josh Freeman (Buccaneers), Marques Colston (Saints), Tom Brady (Patriots), Jay Cutler (Bears), Devin Hester (Bears)
Winner of the Week - Devin Hester, Wide Receiver/Return Specialist (Bears)
The all-time NFL record holder for most all-time kick and punt return touchdowns had a week to remember and along with Matt Forte they are two of the most feared offensive players. Catching a long completion for a touchdown and then a career best 98 yard kick return showed why hes not only this weeks best, but one of the best in the NFL.
Loser of the Week - Donovan McNabb, Quarterback (Vikings)
Was a close one for my loser of the week, but it has to go to the ageing and probably should be retired quarterback Donovan McNabb.
McNabb was mauled to the ground on more than one occasion and showed clear signs that maybe his body has gone over the hill and far away. He was replaced by Christian Ponder late in the game who impressed and will most likely make the starting place his own.
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