Around The NFL: A Sunday Full Of Shocking Losses
By Danny Cox
Sunday's action brought about some last-minute victories, big-time upsets, and even a rare tie game. Some teams are battling it out for a playoff spot or to even get home-field advantage, but they are underestimating the teams that are already looking forward to the NFL Draft and next year.
Chargers stage a comeback to send Chiefs to second straight loss
Early on, the San Diego Chargers were down 14-3 to the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium and then 14-10 at halftime. The second half turned into a back-and-forth scoring fest that ended with Philip Rivers hitting Seyi Ajirotutu from 26 yards out with only 24 seconds left and the go-ahead score.
A number of injuries – including defensive linemen Tamba Hali and Justin Houston – caused the Chiefs to scramble to fill spots, but it just wasn't enough as they lost their second in a row after winning nine to start the season.
Jaguars win second game by handing Texans a ninth straight loss
The Jacksonville Jaguars have won two of their last three and the Houston Texans haven't won since mid-September. The futility of the Jaguars was expected, but not of the two-time AFC South champions.
Jacksonville running back Maurice Jones-Drew had a season-high 84 yards on the ground to help send Houston to their franchise record ninth loss in a row. Drive after drive stalled or was just halted unexpectedly and the Texans could never find the end zone as they lost 13-6.
Bears stunned as Rams jump out to early lead and open it up in the fourth
Chicago has been hoping that they could secure one of the final playoff spots in the NFC, but they've lost five of their last eight games and aren't helping anything by losing to the St. Louis Rams who are riddled with injuries. The Rams jumped out to a 21-7 lead and then fought off a comeback from the Bears.
Michael Bush ran it in from one yard out halfway through the fourth quarter to make it 27-21, but the Rams opened it up from there. Benjamin Cunningham ran it in from nine yards and then Robert Quinn had a 31-yard fumble return for a touchdown that made the final margin 42-21.
Bucs win third straight by hounding Matthew Stafford and the Lions
The Detroit Lions are another one of those NFC teams fighting for a playoff spot, but losing games that they should win isn't going to help anything. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers won their third straight game after starting the season 0-8, and it came about due to their staggering defense.
Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford was intercepted four times by the Bucs and also sacked twice. He still threw three touchdowns, but it just wasn't enough. The Lions also lost a fumble which equaled up to five total turnovers on the day against a Bucs team that committed none.
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Danny Cox knows a little something about the NFL, whether it means letting you know what penalty will come from the flag just thrown on the field or quickly spouting off who the Chicago Bears drafted in the first round of the 1987 draft (Jim Harbaugh). He plans on bringing you the best news, previews, recaps, and anything else that may come along with the exciting world of the National Football League. Danny is a freelance writer covering all things NFL. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
