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We’re fast approaching the business end of the season and while for some the playoffs are a virtual certainty there’s still plenty up for grabs so here is the week 11 lowdown starting in the AFC
AFC
The Titans continue to self destruct giving up another 50 points this time to the Chargers. Their defensive woes are clearly behind the surprise trade of Peyton Manning to the Jets along with Mark Bradley. DT Richard Seymour, MVP Quarterback Marc Bulger and a first rd pick travelling in the opposite direction. The Browns continued to sneak under the radar moving to 9 and 1 with victory over the Bills. Clinton Portis ran for another 200 yards and seems set on single handedly driving Cleveland to the Simbowl. Elsewhere the Raiders thrashed the Texans in the battle of the basement.
Performance of the week was undoubtedly in Cincinnati where the Colts streak was extended to 5 with their 23-19 defeat of the Bengals. In a true smash and grab raid the Colts were second best in most stats save the one that counts most, points scored. With their defence having a big day, Carson Palmer was picked off 3 times ROLB Rocky Mcintosh running one back for a TD. In our halftime report we picked the Colts to sneak the AFC East and that is looking increasingly likely, especially with the Titans and Jags still to meet twice.
NFC
The Cardinals continued their steady form beating the Seahawks with the help of 173 yards from Jonathan Stewart and 7 Austin Starr field goals. The Bears had a very good win over the Vikings with 44 points scored. Rookie Graham Harrell threw for 412 yards 4 td’s and no picks. Rookie WR Louis Murphy had 190 yards and two TD’s. The Cowboys and Giants both won again, the Giants strolling to the playoffs and the Cowboys hanging in there. Their match up with the Colts this week will be crucial for both teams and should be a cracker. Performance of the week came from the defending champion Rams who once again showed they won’t be giving up their title without a fight defeating the Broncos 38-36 in a real thriller.
Chad Pennington threw for 359 yards and 4 td’s Steven Jackson averaged 4.44Ypc with 18 carries for 80 yds .The highlight though was a masterful performance from 34 year old defensive end Leonard little who rolled back the years recording 10 tackles 5 Tfl and a sack. Spare a thought for the poor Broncos who stand at 4 and 6 with 4 defeats by less than a score.
Highlights of week 12 include as we’ve mentioned the Cowboys v the Colts, Titans v the Jags and the Chargers v Cards battle. Join us next week for the overview of those and the other matchups from what will be another thrilling week in USL
