DAY
It took the Bengals to end the Chiefs' 26-game winning streak in November and December. It is the third time in less than a year that the tigers have surprised the favorites, this time at the count of 27 24.
On January 2, the Bengals defeated the Chiefs to secure the division title. Three weeks later, they did it again in the conference final. Yesterday, Joe Burrow was still smoking hot (286 yards, two touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown), receiver Ja'Marr Chase returned to the game in style (seven receptions, 97 yards) and the carrier of ball Samaje Perine was sublime with 106 yards rushing and 49 through the air.
This confrontation between Burrow and Patrick Mahomes, two of the standard bearers of the new generation of quarterbacks, did not did not disappoint. Burrow jumps into the conversation for MVP with the Mahomes, Jalen Hurts and Josh Allen.
Pratt plays hero
The young Bengals quarterback became the first to defeat Mahomes in three straight games. To date, only a man named Tom Brady has beaten Mahomes three times, but he also has three losses to his name against him.
The ironic thing is that even if everyone focuses on the Burrow-Mahomes rivalry, it is ultimately a defensive game that will have made the difference.
Going into the fourth quarter, the Chiefs clung to a 24-20 lead when Mahomes joined his trusted man, Travis Kelce, for a 19-yard gain. Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt, however, snatched the ball from Kelce to cover the fumble.
Regaining possession, the Bengals scored the game-winning touchdown, when Burrow joined Chris Evans in the end zone.
The Chiefs in turn orchestrated a push that aborted with a missed field goal on 55 yards. Some would say they should have tried to convert on fourth down, but Mahomes had just been sack-sacked by Joseph Ossai and looked in bad shape as he retreated to the bench.
Major impact
This victory for the Bengals therefore has major consequences in the race for the playoffs. Since the Chiefs and Dolphins lost, the Bills are the big winners of the day, even if they were watching football with their feet on the beanbag.
They not only regain first place in their division, but also the driver's seat in the American Conference, which provides home-court advantage in the playoffs.
For their part, the Bengals are making sure to stay head to head with the Ravens in the North Division. The team is doing very well and it should be noted that after a tough start, the offensive line is recovering quite well. Burrow hasn't had more than two sacks in his last four games.
Those who were planning the burial after a two-win, three-loss start to the season obviously need to revise their plans.
Big tile for the 49ers
A little word is needed on the costly victory of the 49ers against the Dolphins. Kyle Shanahan's men lost the services of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo when he suffered a broken foot and the coach confirmed after the game that his season was over.
That puts this team in a very uncomfortable position. In relief, last-draft seventh-round pick Brock Purdy has looked pretty good (25-for-37 for 210 yards, two touchdowns and one interception), but his lack of experience could strike sooner or later.
The 49ers remain a team built around their defense and running game, but Garoppolo brought them a good dose of experience and confidence. Even if he does not find himself as the central point of the attack, Purdy inherits an immense command. The 49ers have seemed cursed at this position for the past few years.
Winners
Jalen Hurts
The Eagles quarterback has destroyed the Titans by accumulating 380 yards through the air with three touchdown passes, in addition to a touchdown on the ground. He earned points in the race for Most Valuable Player.
Christian Watson
The Packers are not having the expected season, but their rookie receiver Christian Watson continues to impose himself. In the win over the Bears, he scored two touchdowns, giving him eight in his last four games. In history, only Randy Moss has done so much as a rookie.
Jared Goff
Jared Goff plays much better than expected this season and it's time to give it some love. Against the Jaguars, the Lions center gained 340 yards and added two touchdown passes, to bring his total to 19.
Nick Bosa
The 49ers defensive end had a party against the Dolphins with three quarterback sacks, a forced fumble and two tackles for loss. He helped make Tua Tagovailoa's day miserable.
Davante Adams
The Raiders wide receiver still had his say in the victory over the Chargers with eight receptions for 177 yards and two touchdowns. It's a third straight win for the Raiders.
Losers
The Jets
The Jets haven't been bad offensively, but their lack of opportunism killed them. They scored just one touchdown in six appearances in the pay zone. They converted just two fourth downs in five attempts.
The Jaguars
Whenever this team shows encouraging signs, like last week, they find a way to come crashing down to earth. In the 40-14 loss to the Lions, we saw the good old Jaguars again.
The Chargers
The Chargers seem unable to win the big game this season. At this rate, it will be difficult to make the playoffs and if so, driver Brandon Staley will be unemployed.
Commanders and Giants
Nothing against these two teams, on the contrary. It's just sad to see that after a hard-fought game, their efforts are sabotaged by a draw. A draw is just too bad!
The Dolphins
The Dolphins missed a golden opportunity to beat the 49ers mortgaged by the injury of Jimmy Garoppolo. Brock Purdy was playing his first game in the NFL. Much better had to be done.
The Monday Showdown | week 13
Saints, New Orleans, 4-8
Andy Dalton
- 14 tds | 7 ints | 2023 yds
Division Ranking: 4
Offensive: 15th
Defensive: 12th
Buccaneers, Tampa Bay, 5-6
Tom Brady
- 14 tds | 2 ints | 3051 yds
Ranking in Division: 1
Offensive: 18th
Defensive: 9th
5 games of the week
Watson back
Deshaun Watson was returning to action after serving his 11-game suspension and the Browns quarterback certainly didn't impress. The rust was very present, he who had not played since January 2021. He completed 12 of his 22 passes for only 131 yards, with an interception in the end zone. He added 21 yards on the ground. All three Browns touchdowns came from defense (Tony Fields II interception and Denzel Ward fumble return) and special teams (Donovan Peoples-Jones punt return).
Watson back
Deshaun Watson was returning to action after serving his 11-game suspension and the Browns quarterback certainly didn't impress. The rust was very present, he who had not played since January 2021. He completed 12 of his 22 passes for only 131 yards, with an interception in the end zone. He added 21 yards on the ground. All three Browns touchdowns came from defense (Tony Fields II interception and Denzel Ward fumble return) and special teams (Donovan Peoples-Jones punt return).
Heart Vikings!
History repeats itself with the Vikings. They built a solid 20-3 lead over the Jets and then played with fire. They eventually won 27-22 when Camryn Bynum ended the Jets' hopes by intercepting a pass from Mike White at the goal gate with 10 seconds left. It was a tenth victory for the Vikings and for the ninth time they won by a margin of eight points or less. Their supporters lose precious years of life expectancy!
Ravens hold their breath
The Ravens won with difficulty against the Broncos, but beyond the victory, they are certainly concerned about the state of health of their quarterback Lamar Jackson. The latter left early in the match due to a knee injury. His substitute, Tyler Huntley, orchestrated a nice 91 yard winning drive, which ate up 4 min 34 s. Two fourth down conversions were successful and Huntley scored the game-winning touchdown on a run. It looks like Jackson won't see his season come to an end.
Geno again!
The Seahawks needed of all their little change to overcome the Rams. Trailing 23-20, they regained possession with just under three minutes to play. Two of their three running backs were injured and even DeeJay Dallas, the lone survivor, was playing through injury. Quarterback Geno Smith took charge with a nice push until he joined DK Metcalf for the game-winning touchdown with 36 seconds left.