I thought this one would be close. However, the Texans ran up a big lead, and the Dolphins couldn't quite catch up. Still, both teams were evenly matched. The red zone and turnovers were even. Houston's advantage was pressuring the passer- they hit Chad Henne seven times, and yards gained (40 more). Big win for the Texans.
Jacksonville at New England
The Patriots turned this one into a laugher. They kept Tom Brady clean, hit David Garrard six times, went 67% in the red zone- in triple the opportunities, gained 190 more yards, and won the turnover battle at +1. New England looks ready for the playoffs. Nice win.
Tampa Bay at New Orleans
This was the shocker of the week. Like most, I assumed the Saints would take their initial loss of the season out on the Bucs. Obviously, that didn't occur. The Saints generated slightly more pressure on Josh Freeman, won the turnover battle at +1, and held the Bucs without a red zone touchdown. Tampa Bay won, because they held the Saints to just 33% in the red zone, and gained 60 more yards on offense.
Carolina at New York Giants
If the previous game was the shocker of the week, then this one was a close second. The Giants looked like a team primed for a deep playoff run following their game last week against the Redskins, and they came out flat. Carolina showed their victory over Minnesota was no fluke. They can win without DeAngelo Williams, but lost Steve Smith for the season following his broken arm. The Panthers pressured Eli Manning with four sacks on six hits, were 50% in the red zone, gained 100 more yards, and had a +4 turnover advantage. Perhaps, they should have gone with Matt Moore sooner. That's two big wins in a row.
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