WalterFootball.com - Detailed NFL Mock Drafts, Player Prospect Rankings, and One of the Largest Mock Draft Databases on the Web

Week 20 NFL Game Recaps



Patriots 23, Ravens 20

  • How do you miss a 32-yard field goal? Billy Cundiff was paid $2.2 million this year. It's simply inexcusable that he couldn't convert a routine kick to send this game to overtime. He can't be allowed back to this team. Not after this.

    Of course, Cundiff shouldn't have been in that position anyway because Joe Flacco threw a game-winning touchdown to Lee Evans two plays earlier. Unfortunately for Baltimore, Evans couldn't hang on to the football, as Sterling Moore, who was on the practice squad earlier in the year, knocked the ball out of his hands. Moore saved the season for Tom Brady, who has now tied John Elway for most Super Bowl appearances (5) and Joe Montana for most playoff victories (16). If Brady wins in two weeks, it's an easy argument to say that he's the best quarterback in NFL history.

  • Brady didn't play like the best quarterback in NFL history in this contest, however. He finished 22-of-36 for 239 yards, one rushing touchdown and two interceptions. He was just off. The picks weren't really his fault because they were just great plays by the Baltimore defense (the second, which Bernard Pollard tipped to Jimmy Smith in the end zone, is the best interception I've ever seen), but Brady missed some routine throws, including one where he had Rob Gronkowski open in the end zone.

    Brady will obviously need to play better in the Super Bowl because his defense isn't good enough to carry the team. If Moore doesn't knock the ball out of Evans' hands, the Patriots would have surrendered a game-winning drive to Joe freaking Flacco. That says it all.

  • Speaking of Flacco, he was pretty brutal early on, but got into a rhythm in the second and third quarters just when it looked like he wouldn't be able to get a first down. Flacco finished 22-of-36 for 306 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. He scrambled smartly when needed (4-27) and made some really nice throws, though New England's putrid defense made it pretty easy for him. Unfortunately, the pick was awful, as it was heaved right to Brandon Spikes with 7:30 remaining in regulation in Patriots' territory.

    Flacco deserves a ton of credit for this near-victory because he was handicapped by Cam Cameron's atrocious play-calling. Cameron decided to run the ball on first down on the opening three drives, putting Flacco in second-and-long each time. The Ravens consequently had to punt on all three occasions.

    Cameron's play-calling would improve, but he really screwed up on the penultimate drive of the fourth quarter. He had Ray Rice run a draw on 3rd-and-3 on the New England 30 - a down in which the Ravens couldn't lose yardage no matter what. Rice was tackled three yards behind the line of scrimmage, forcing Baltimore to go for it on 4th-and-6. Flacco would throw incomplete because of pressure.

    If I'm Cameron, I'm sending Cundiff a gift basket (and perhaps a suitcase full of money) because if the kicker doesn't whiff on that field goal, Cameron would have been the easy scapegoat.

  • There was one seemingly critical injury in this contest, and that was to Gronkowski. The big tight end injured his ankle and had to be helped into the locker room. He would eventually return, so that bodes well for his chances to play in two weeks. The Gronk led the team with 87 receiving yards (5 catches). Both Aaron Hernandez (7-66) and Wes Welker (6-53) had more receptions.

  • BenJarvus Green-Ellis was the lone Patriot skill-position player to find the end zone. The Law Firm was a monster, bulldozing the Baltimore defense for 68 yards on just 15 carries. He was so impressive that I joked, "Green-Ellis is the second coming of Walter Payton!" in the Live In-Games Thread on the forum.

  • Green-Ellis amazingly edged out Rice by a single yard. Rice dashed for 67 yards on 21 carries. He had just one reception for 11 more yards, which makes you wonder why he wasn't a bigger factor in the aerial attack.

  • Anquan Boldin had a second-consecutive solid performance, hauling in six grabs for 101 yards. Torrey Smith (3-82) and Dennis Pitta (5-41) both found the end zone. Smith could have had a much greater performance, as he was open twice for deep balls, but Flacco overthrew him on both occasions.

    Ed Dickson, meanwhile, really struggled. He had a big drop and was guilty of a crucial false start in the fourth quarter.

  • Congratulations to the Patriots for advancing to Super Bowl XLVI. I'm rooting for Bob Kraft because of his wife's passing earlier this year. However, I have to criticize him for one thing. He needs to shell out more money for the national anthem performer. Yes, the homeless woman poured her heart and soul into singing the Star-Spangled Banner, but Kraft needs to get a musician who doesn't live in a cardboard box next time.





    Giants 20, 49ers 17

  • Cam Cameron obtained Ten Ginn with the ninth-overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, a selection that was viewed at the time as a major reach. Who would have thought that four-and-a-half years later, Cameron would be one of the scapegoats for one championship game loss, while Ginn's absence would be the reason for another championship defeat?

    Seriously, how big was Ginn's knee injury? If he's in the game, the 49ers don't muff a punt and fumble a return in overtime. You really have to feel for Kyle Williams. Unlike Billy Cundiff, Williams' main job isn't returning punts. He was in the game because Ginn was hurt. That doesn't excuse his two crucial mistakes that led to 10 New York points, but if you're comparing Williams to Cundiff, it's no contest. The kicker was more responsible.

  • This was a dead-even game otherwise. The total yardage was 319-319 at the end of regulation, and both squads would have been worthy NFC champions. The reason I picked the Giants, however, was that an even matchup like this would go to the team with the better quarterback. And Eli Manning was unquestionably the superior signal-caller.

    Manning went 32-of-58 for 316 yards and two touchdowns. That's an impressive stat line considering the immense pressure he was under. He seldom had time in the pocket and took six sacks (2.5 from Ray McDonald). San Francisco's defense definitely came to play.

    As for Alex Smith, he was 12-of-26 for 196 yards and two scores. He made a couple of great throws to Vernon Davis, but two things stick out to me. First, he had an open Kyle Williams downfield for a long touchdown in the second quarter, but overthrew him by about five yards. Second, Smith couldn't convert a third down to save his life. He was 1-of-13 in those situations, with the only positive result coming right at the very end of regulation when the Giants allowed him to complete a pass well short of the end zone.

    I don't want you to think that Smith is a lost cause or anything. He made great strides this year, and it wouldn't be fair to dismiss him because of this loss, especially after his late-game heroics versus New Orleans. He deserves a chance with more than one weapon to throw to. Vernon Davis was a monster again (3-112, 2 TDs), but no other Niner receiver or tight end did anything. Michael Crabtree caught one ball for three years yards.

  • Frank Gore had a really nice game. He rushed for 74 yards on just 16 carries, and chipped in with six catches for 45 receiving yards. Remember when I said this contest was evenly played? Well, Ahmad Bradshaw had the same amount of rushing yards and receptions (20-74; 6-52).

  • The star for the Giants was Victor Cruz, who had a whopping 10 grabs for 142 yards. All of his work came early though, and he didn't get a single reception in about 10 of the final drives. Hakeem Nicks (5-55) also played well, while Mario Manningham (1-17) and Bear Pascoe (1-6) caught Manning's touchdowns.



    My playoff 2011 NFL Power Rankings, will be posted Monday morning.

    Leave a comment

    Name
    Comment
    Verification:
    click on image to refresh it
     
    Sense 11-28-2011 05:46 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.87 (total posts: 1)
    232     74

    Hey Nonsense, the Broncos recap was written by Charlie Campbell, not Walt. Labeling people who point out that Tebow wins despite his flaws does you no cretit.
    Nonsense? 11-28-2011 04:37 am xxx.xxx.xxx.216 (total posts: 11)
    91     217

    Hey Walt, your Teboner is showing.

    Tebow sucks as a passer, that's common sense. Thus far he's proven that he can hand the ball off and not lose games for his team, also he can win if his defense holds his opponents to under 17 points. G.O.A.T status i'm sure.

    Labeling people who point out the obvious as "haters" does you no credit.
    Matt Moore Good? 11-25-2011 07:18 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.216 (total posts: 11)
    41     37

    No, just no. He missed open recievers all game, and on that Brandon Marshall throw he massively underthrew the ball and if not for Brandon Marshall making an amazing catch that pass is incomplete.

    He's a backup QB a best who looks good because the guy before him was Chad Henne. If the Dolphins really try to roll with him as a starter they'll remain in the purgatory of being a 7 to 9 win team for longer. If they've got a chance to get a franchise QB they need to take it.
    Doug 11-25-2011 07:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.185 (total posts: 1)
    50     21

    I keep seeing people spout of these ridiculous conspiracy theories. What is the NFL's motivation in wanting to keep Green Bay undefeated?

    Take the Ewing conspiracy theory. Though ridiculous, the NBA would have motivation to give the Knicks the first pick, because having a visible star in the biggest market in the league is a positive.

    How does the NFL benefit from the Packers being undefeated? I need more of a reason than you're rooting against Green Bay and you don't like the calls.
    Kev 11-25-2011 11:51 am xxx.xxx.xxx3.95 (total posts: 1)
    111     50

    That officiating in the Packers-Lions game was a complete joke. I hate conspiracies but I'm honestly starting to think the refs are trying to help the Packers go 16-0. Every time the Packers get in trouble there's some BS pass interference or roughing the passer call. Last weeks Bucs-Packers game was the exact same way. The Bucs corners were getting called for next to nothing while Charles Woodson was mugging receivers all day long. It's absolutely ridiculous.
    Tony 11-25-2011 01:46 am xxx.xxx.xxx7.85 (total posts: 2)
    25     24

    Hey Walt, error in your Pack/Lions review.

    "The killer, however, happened after the Lions forced the Lions into a field goal in the third quarter."
    JT 11-22-2011 03:41 am xxx.xxx.xxx2.10 (total posts: 1)
    119     38

    Phillip Rivers is the Lebron James of the NFL. Amazing gifted talent that chokes when the pressure becomes too much!
    db 11-21-2011 11:27 pm xxx.xxx.xxx7.20 (total posts: 1)
    22     33

    lol @ the panthers being the "right" side. you're right, there was NO WAY carolina's stingy defense could possibly give up 5 td passes to one of the most explosive offenses in the league. I mean who could have seen that coming?
    larry 11-21-2011 03:24 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.177 (total posts: 2)
    20     21

    panther's loss was FUKKKKKKKKKKED up. sorry walter, i had that one too.
    Jason 11-21-2011 01:56 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.117 (total posts: 2)
    26     111

    Hey walt thanks for the craptastic picks this week..I will say this at least looking at how much money you lost makes me feel better about losing 600 this week.
    Denver Phin Phan 11-21-2011 01:51 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.107 (total posts: 1)
    43     20

    Maybe I was right after ripping Walt about his preseason fish prediction. He said they'd "give up" on their "lame duck" coach. They've anyting but given up. Turning around an 0-7 start shows a lot of heart, even if they're playing themselves out of the Luckstakes. But after what I saw of Luck this weekend against Oregon, he's way overrated and should be behind Barkley in the mock drafts...
    Nick B 11-20-2011 07:42 pm xxx.xxx.xxx4.34 (total posts: 1)
    73     25

    Greg Cox's game recaps suck! Walter and Charlies are 10x better!
    chuckster 11-19-2011 07:31 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.190 (total posts: 1)
    21     18

    Great call Walter!! I believe your bad karma is just about over. That Panthers pick? Ballsy brother!!!!
    PhillyGreen 11-18-2011 09:34 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.75 (total posts: 1)
    736     690

    Yea Tebow and all the other poor Christians suffer from so much persecution in this country. Give me a break dude. If he was praying to Allah after TD's you might be on to something.

    Tebow has a crappy throwing motion and unorthodox style yet gets ridiculous amounts of coverage on ESPN. The more coverage someone undeservingly gets, the more haters he will have.
    NYBigBlue 11-18-2011 07:02 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.170 (total posts: 2)
    99     89

    We all know Tebow is not a very good QB. I certainly wouldn't take him over Eli. There's absolutely nothing wrong with criticizing his play, and it is easy to criticize. I don't think everyone that criticizes him is a hater. But if you don't think there are a lot of people out there that mock him for his faith, you aren't paying attention. People have mocked him since college. He does not need prayer so he can score more touchdowns or be able to throw the ball effectively, he needs prayer to help keep him grounded, stay true to the faith, and to continue to be courageous even in adversity. A lot of people would love to see him falter. Those are the haters I refer to. There are a lot of people in this country that despise Christianity. And they would love nothing more than for Tim Tebow to be discredited. He obviously doesn't have thin skin. He's been through this in college. But, he is on a much, much bigger stage now.

    A prayer fueled super Jesus robot? Interesting concept.

    And you guys are right about Denver's defense. They were awesome. Although, I'm not sure how much of that was the Jets just sucking.


    2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25


    2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 22


    2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21


    Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20


    NFL Picks - Feb. 3








    2012: Live 2012 NFL Draft Blog - April 26
    2012 NFL Week 1 Recap - Sept. 10
    2012 NFL Week 2 Recap - Sept. 17
    2012 NFL Week 3 Recap - Sept. 24
    2012 NFL Week 4 Recap - Oct. 1
    2012 NFL Week 5 Recap - Oct. 8
    2012 NFL Week 6 Recap - Oct. 15
    2012 NFL Week 7 Recap - Oct. 22
    2012 NFL Week 8 Recap - Oct. 29
    2012 NFL Week 9 Recap - Nov. 5
    2012 NFL Week 10 Recap - Nov. 12
    2012 NFL Week 11 Recap - Nov. 19
    2012 NFL Week 12 Recap - Nov. 26
    2012 NFL Week 13 Recap - Dec. 3
    2012 NFL Week 14 Recap - Dec. 10
    2012 NFL Week 15 Recap - Dec. 17
    2012 NFL Week 16 Recap - Dec. 24
    2012 NFL Week 17 Recap - Dec. 31
    2012 NFL Week 18 Recap - Jan. 7
    2012 NFL Week 19 Recap - Jan. 14
    2012 NFL Week 20 Recap - Jan. 21
    Super Bowl XLVII Recap - Feb. 4
    Super Bowl XLVII Live Blog - Feb. 4


    2011: Live 2011 NFL Draft Blog - April 28
    2011 NFL Week 1 Recap - Sept. 12
    2011 NFL Week 2 Recap - Sept. 19
    2011 NFL Week 3 Recap - Sept. 26
    2011 NFL Week 4 Recap - Oct. 3
    2011 NFL Week 5 Recap - Oct. 10
    2011 NFL Week 6 Recap - Oct. 17
    2011 NFL Week 7 Recap - Oct. 24
    2011 NFL Week 8 Recap - Oct. 31
    2011 NFL Week 9 Recap - Nov. 7
    2011 NFL Week 10 Recap - Nov. 14
    2011 NFL Week 11 Recap - Nov. 21
    2011 NFL Week 12 Recap - Nov. 28
    2011 NFL Week 13 Recap - Dec. 5
    2011 NFL Week 14 Recap - Dec. 12
    2011 NFL Week 15 Recap - Dec. 19
    2011 NFL Week 16 Recap - Dec. 26
    2011 NFL Week 17 Recap - Jan. 2
    2011 NFL Week 18 Recap - Jan. 9
    2011 NFL Week 19 Recap - Jan. 16
    2011 NFL Week 20 Recap - Jan. 23
    Super Bowl XLVI Live Blog - Feb. 6


    2010: Live 2010 NFL Draft Blog - April 22
    2010 Hall of Fame Game Live Blog - Aug. 8
    2010 NFL Kickoff Live Blog - Sept. 9
    2010 NFL Week 1 Review - Sept. 13
    2010 NFL Week 2 Review - Sept. 20
    2010 NFL Week 3 Review - Sept. 27
    2010 NFL Week 4 Review - Oct. 4
    2010 NFL Week 5 Review - Oct. 11
    2010 NFL Week 6 Review - Oct. 18
    2010 NFL Week 7 Review - Oct. 25
    2010 NFL Week 8 Review - Nov. 1
    2010 NFL Week 9 Review - Nov. 8
    2010 NFL Week 10 Review - Nov. 15
    2010 NFL Week 11 Review - Nov. 22
    2010 NFL Week 12 Review - Nov. 29
    2010 NFL Week 13 Review - Dec. 6
    2010 NFL Week 14 Review - Dec. 13
    2010 NFL Week 15 Review - Dec. 20
    2010 NFL Week 16 Review - Dec. 27
    2010 NFL Week 17 Review - Jan. 3
    2010 NFL Week 18 Review - Jan. 10
    2010 NFL Week 19 Review - Jan. 17
    2010 NFL Week 19 Review - Jan. 24
    Super Bowl XLV Live Blog - Feb. 6


    2009: Live 2009 NFL Draft Blog - April 25
    2009 Hall of Fame Game Live Blog - Aug. 10
    2009 NFL Kickoff Live Blog - Sept. 10
    2009 NFL Week 1 Review - Sept. 14
    2009 NFL Week 2 Review - Sept. 21
    2009 NFL Week 3 Review - Sept. 28
    2009 NFL Week 4 Review - Oct. 5
    2009 NFL Week 5 Review - Oct. 12
    2009 NFL Week 6 Review - Oct. 19
    2009 NFL Week 7 Review - Oct. 26
    2009 NFL Week 8 Review - Nov. 2
    2009 NFL Week 9 Review - Nov. 9
    2009 NFL Week 10 Review - Nov. 16
    2009 NFL Week 11 Review - Nov. 23
    2009 NFL Week 12 Review - Nov. 30
    2009 NFL Week 13 Review - Dec. 6
    2009 NFL Week 14 Review - Dec. 13
    2009 NFL Week 15 Review - Dec. 20
    2009 NFL Week 16 Review - Dec. 27
    2009 NFL Week 17 Review - Jan. 4
    2009 NFL Week 18 Review - Jan. 11
    2009 NFL Week 19 Review - Jan. 18
    2009 NFL Week 20 Review - Jan. 25
    Super Bowl XLIV Live Blog - Feb. 7


    2008: Live 2008 NFL Draft Blog - April 26
    2008 NFL Kickoff Blog - Sept. 4
    NFL Week 1 Review - Sept. 8
    NFL Week 2 Review - Sept. 15
    NFL Week 3 Review - Sept. 22
    NFL Week 4 Review - Sept. 29
    NFL Week 5 Review - Oct. 6
    NFL Week 6 Review - Oct. 13
    NFL Week 7 Review - Oct. 20
    NFL Week 8 Review - Oct. 27
    NFL Week 9 Review - Nov. 3
    NFL Week 10 Review - Nov. 10
    NFL Week 11 Review - Nov. 17
    NFL Week 12 Review - Nov. 24
    NFL Week 13 Review - Dec. 1
    NFL Week 14 Review - Dec. 8
    NFL Week 15 Review - Dec. 15
    NFL Week 16 Review - Dec. 22
    NFL Week 17 Review - Dec. 29
    NFL Wild Card Playoffs Review - Jan. 4
    NFL Divisional Playoffs Review - Jan. 11
    NFL Championship Sunday Review - Jan. 19
    Super Bowl XLIII Live Blog


    2007: NFL Draft: Day 1 Review Blog - April 28
    Quarterback Rankings - June 25
    NFL Kickoff Blog - Sept. 6
    Chief Carl Has Lost a Step - Sept. 9
    The NFL Cheated the Patriots - Sept. 16
    NFL Week 3 Wrap-Up - Sept. 23
    NFL Week 4 Wrap-Up - Sept. 30
    NFL Week 5 Wrap-Up - Oct. 7
    NFL Week 6 Wrap-Up - Oct. 14
    NFL Week 7 Wrap-Up - Oct. 21
    NFL Week 8 Wrap-Up - Oct. 28
    NFL Week 9 Wrap-Up - Nov. 4
    NFL Week 10 Wrap-Up - Nov. 11
    NFL Week 11 Wrap-Up - Nov. 18
    NFL Week 12 Wrap-Up - Nov. 25
    NFL Week 13 Wrap-Up - Dec. 2
    NFL Week 14 Wrap-Up - Dec. 9
    NFL Week 15 Wrap-Up - Dec. 16
    NFL Week 16 Wrap-Up - Dec. 23
    NFL Week 17 Wrap-Up - Dec. 30
    NFL Week 18 Wrap-Up - Jan. 6
    NFL Week 19 Wrap-Up - Jan. 13
    2008 Championship Sunday Diary - Jan. 20
    Super Bowl XLII Live Blog - Feb. 3


  • © 1999-2013 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved
    Privacy Policy
    2 5 9
    Google
















    WalterFootball.com Now on Twitter:

    WalterFootball.com Twitter

    Subscribe to the WalterFootball.com RSS Feed:

    Walterfootball.com RSS Feed






















































    Support Walt's Other Site:

    Sales Tips and Sales Advice - Tons of sales tips, sales techniques and sales advice, including a Sales Mock Draft: The 32 Worst Things You Can Do in Sales.