Today, we’ve done things a little differently, and we’re continuing that with the late games. Many of our great writers have submitted their reactions as they’ve watched the game, and this is what they had to say:
Pittsburgh Steelers 32, Arizona Cardinals 20
The Steelers were expected to walk all over a struggling Cardinals team, but it was actually relatively close. The Cardinals had the Steelers’ lead down to just 3 points at one point in the 3rd quarter, but then the Steelers put their foot back on the gas. Altogether, it was another poor performance from the Cardinals defense, and their offense kept them in it for a while. In the end, the Steelers got their fifth win of the season to push their record to 5-2.
Kansas City Chiefs 28, Oakland Raiders 0
Probably the worst game to watch of the afternoon, this game was a blowout from the onset. Still it did have some solid story lines when you consider the Raiders’ quarterback situation. Here’s what Tom Gower had to say about the game:
I’m watching the Chiefs-Raiders game, and Kyle Boller simply is not an NFL quarterback. He has stretches where he looks like he might not be a disaster, then throws a bad interception like one of the three he threw in the first half. McFadden being out compounds the Raiders’ problems on offense, as he’s a more quicker, faster, more effective runner than Bush.
St. Louis Rams 7, Dallas Cowboys 34
Derek Pease as the Rams, Cowboys game unfolded:
Watching Rams Cowboys, already a bad start for Rams run Defense as Murray breaks off a 91 yard touchdown run on 2nd and long.
1st half of Rams and Dallas so far the product of big plays. Dallas running for a 91 yard score for their first touchdown. Their second score was set up by a 34 yard pass from Romo to Bryant then immediately by a 17 yard strike from Romo to Robinson. For St. Louis ,Steven Jackson put them is position for their 1st Red Zone score since week four and their first rushing touchdown since week 1 with a strong 40 yard jaunt to the Dallas 6 yard line.
Also of note Brandon Llyod’s first game as a Ram is off to a slow start. Apparent miscommunication between Lloyd and new QB Feeley lead to the Rams second turnover on the day as Lloyd appeared to break off his deep route over the middle leading to a Dallas interception.
Jason Garrett taking the game away from Romo (and St. Louis) and handing to DeMarco Murray. Dallas perhaps learning from previous Romo mistakes and game tape on St. Louis’ inability to stop the run. Dallas has controlled the game and the clock most of the second half with a steady dose of Murray on 22 carries for 235 yards on the day. Only Murray himself appeared able to stop Murray. Going down on his own after a 40 yard run before a St. Louis defender could bring him down.
Green Bay Packers 33, Minnesota Vikings 27
The Vikings came out firing, and they led the game at halftime. Christian Ponder was the story of the game, and he was able to throw a pair of touchdown passes, but ultimately it was his interceptions that ruined the game for the Vikings. They had a chance late to drive down the field for a go-ahead touchdown, but they couldn’t do it.
The Packers were surprisingly flat. They’re a much better team than the Vikings, but they allowed Minnesota to hang around for most of the game. Rodgers was on fire for most of the game, as usual, and they survive yet another week as the NFL’s only undefeated team.
