New York Giants 20, San Francisco 49ers 27
This game was circled on many peoples’ calendars, and it didn’t disappoint in a very closely contested game from start to finish. Alex Smith continued to impress his critics as he was efficient distributing the ball around the field, as well as to his running backs. This game had post-season implications as well. The 49ers, with the win, stake a claim to the tie-breaker in the battle for the 2nd seed in the NFC and the bye week that goes with it.
This loss is somewhat disappointing for Eli Manning and the Giants. I was wondering if there would be a let-down coming out of last week’s emotional win against the Patriots, but that just wasn’t the case. They were simply beaten by the 49ers, but the great news is they may well see the 49ers again in the playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens 17, Seattle Seahawks 22
This is why I refuse to put the Baltimore Ravens in the top 5 in our all important power rankings. The Ravens are the new “yeah but” team in the league, and this is the kind of letdown that is beginning to define the Ravens. They’ve lost 2 of their last 3 games, with their only win coming against the Steelers. Their losses have come at the hands of the Jaguars and the Seahawks. I’m not the only one to see a big problem with that picture, am I?
Detroit Lions 13, Chicago Bears 37
Today was simply not Matthew Stafford’s day. Whether it was the wind, his gloves, or the Bears defense, his performance was inexcusable. The Lions have now lost 3 of their last 4 games, and they’re beginning to look like the old Lions we’re used to. They’re turning the ball over, playing poor special teams, and they’re starting slower than any team in the league. Personally, I blame it on Jim Schwartz’s run in with Jim Harbaugh, but hey, that’s me.
The Bears, who haven’t lost since they were beat by the Lions, and they’re starting to look like the team that made it to the NFC conference championship game just a year ago. The NFC North may put 3 teams in the playoffs this year (Packers, Lions, Bears), but the Lions shouldn’t expect to be going anywhere if they keep playing the way they have over the last 4 weeks.
