Week 9 Game Review- Part 4

I did not do so well with this batch of games.  I missed both the Tennessee-San Francisco and Dallas-Philadelphia games.  My reasoning for picking San Francisco was due to Vince Young going on the road for the first time in over a year against a good defense.  For the night game, I thought Dallas's secondary wouldn't be able to cover all the Eagles weapons, and it would be a high-scoring game.  Against the Eagles, most teams lose a track meet.  Instead, it was a defensive struggle.

Tennessee at San Francisco

I mentioned this game above.  Vince Young has been impressive in his two games back as the starter.  He took just one sack on one hit, and led an offense that didn't turn the ball over.  Despite gaining 40 more yards and holding the ball for eight more minutes, the 49ers lost.  How did it happen?  They coughed the ball up four times.  Not many teams win with a -4 disadvantage in the turnover battle

Dallas at Philadelphia

Another game I mentioned earlier.  An additional thought crept in my mind when I predicted the game, Tony Romo has had some terrible games against the Eagles recently.  I thought he was due for another one.  Both teams were effective at pressuring the quarterback and committed a lot of penalties.  Dallas won because they gained 60 more yards and were +1 in turnover differential.

Pittsburgh at Denver

This was more of a gut call for me.  Denver's offense runs with a minimal margin of error, and Pittsburgh has a tough, physical defense, with a healthy Troy Polamalu, coming off a bye week.  The Steelers dominated this game.  They were 75% in the red zone, while not allowing an attempt from Denver, gained over 130 more yards, and won the turnover battle at +1.  I'm looking forward to the Cincinnati-Pittsburgh game next week.