NFL FOOTBALL - 2012
09/09/12 - Pittsburgh Steelers (19) @ (31) Denver Broncos - In his 1st start for the Broncos, QB Peyton Manning led his team to a season-opening home win against the Steelers. Manning (22-40-245-2) was playing his 1st game since January 2010 after 4 neck operations, but looked sharp as a he overcame the Steelers domination of time of possession (35 minutes to 25 minutes) to take his chances and lead his team to the victory. Denver also featured WR Demaryius Thomas (5-110-1), RB Willis McGahee (16-54-0), LB Wesley Woodyard (12 tackles) and DB Tracy Porter (8 tackles, 1 interception returned for a TD). Pittsburgh were led by QB Ben Roethlisberger (22-40-245-2) and RB Jonathan Dwyer (9-43-0). This is the Channel 4 broadcast with Nat Coombs and Mike Carlson analysis instead of commercial breaks (10, 2 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, PAL)
09/09/12 - New Orleans Saints (32) @ (40) Washington Redskins - Redskins rookie QB Robert Griffin III, in his 1st NFL start, had a great game to beat the Saints in New Orleans. Griffin (19-26-320-2 + 10-42-0) completed his first eight passes including an 88 yard TD pass for his 1st NFL TD, as he helped the Redskins to a 30-17 lead after 3 quarters that they defended to the end. The Saints were led by QB Drew Brees (24-52-339-3) but he was let down by a rushing attack that only managed 32 yards rushing (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Albert/Johnston/Siragusa, NTSC)
10/09/12 - Cincinnati Bengals (13) @ (44) Baltimore Ravens - The Ravens opened their season on Monday Night Football with a comfortable win over the Bengals. Led by QB Joe Flacco (21-29-299-2) and RB Ray Rice (10-68-2) the Ravens rolled up 430 yards of total Offense, breaking open a tight 17-13 game in the 3rd quarter by scoring the last 27 points of the game. The Defense, led by LB Ray Lewis (11 tackles, 1 forced fumble) and DB Ed Reed (2 tackles, 1 interception returned for a TD) also chipped in with 4 sacks and 2 turnovers. The Bengals were led by QB Andy Dalton (22-37-221-0) and RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (18-91-1). The game was the 1st regular season NFL game ever broadcast live by the BBC (10, 2 Discs, ESPN - Tirico/Gruden/Salters, PAL)
16/09/12 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (34) @ (41) New York Giants - The Giants kept their unbeaten start to the season with a shootout at the Met Life Stadium. The Bucs had the better of the 1st half, leading 24-13 at the break, having forced Giants QB Eli Manning into 3 interceptions. But Manning (31-51-510-3) responded with a huge 2nd half, helping the Giants to outscore the Bucs 28-10, and helping the Giants win the game with a last minute TD run by RB Andre Brown (13-71-1). The passing yards by Manning were the 2nd best ever by a Giants QB. New York also featured WR's Hakeem Nicks (10-199-1) and Victor Cruz (11-179-1). Tampa Bay were led by QB Josh Freeman (15-28-243-2), RB Doug Martin (20-66-1) and WR Vincent Jackson (5-128-1) (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Buck/Aikman/Oliver, NTSC)
16/09/12 - Minnesota Vikings (20) @ (23) Indianapolis Colts - The Colts rookie QB Andrew Luck celebrated his home debut with his 1st NFL win. The Vikings, led by QB Christian Ponder (27-35-245-2) and RB Adrian Peterson (16-60-0), tied the game 20-20 with 31 seconds left, but Luck (20-31-224-2) cooly guided the Colts into FG range and with 13 seconds left kicker Adam Vinatieri kicked the game-winning 53 yard FG. The Colts also featured RB Donald Brown (16-45-0) and WR's Donnie Avery (9-111-0) and Reggie Wayne (6-71-1) (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Brennaman/Billick/Okmin, NTSC)
23/09/12 - Detroit Lions (41) @ (44) Tennessee Titans - In a shootout at LP Field, the Titans finally shook off the Lions in Overtime to take their 1st win of the season. In a game of scoring runs, the Titans took a 20-9 lead in at the half only for the Lions to score 18 unanswered points, followed by the Titans scoring 21 unanswered points, with the Lions scoring the final 14 points. The Lions forced Overtime after recovering an on-side kick and throwing a last play 46 yard "Hail Mary" TD pass. The Titans scored 5 TD's over 61 yards and scored TD's from all 3 phases of the game : 71 yard TD pass, 105 yard kick-off return TD and a 72 yard fumble recovery return for a TD. The Titans were led by QB Jake Locker (29-42-378-2), RB Chris Johnson (14-24-0) and WR Nate Washington (3-112-1). The Lions were led by QB's Matthew Stafford (33-42-278-1) and Shaun Hill (10-13-172-2), RB Mikel LeShoure (26-100-1) and WR Calvin Johnson (10-164-1) (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Pitts/Martz, NTSC)
24/09/12 - Green Bay Packers (12) @ (14) Seattle Seahawks - In a sensational finish, the Seahawks beat the Packers on a controversial last play TD pass to take the win. The Seahawks frustrated Packers QB Aaron Rodgers (26-39-223-0) all game (8 sacks) but trailed 12-7 entering the final 46 seconds of the game. Seattle rookie QB Russell Wilson (10-21-130-2) then led his team to the Packers 24 yard line before throwing a "Hail Mary" pass into a crowd in the end-zone on the final play of the game. Seahawks WR Golden Tate pushed a defender out of the way and barely got 1 hand onto the ball which was intecepted by Packers defender M.D. Jennings. The replacement referees, officiating while the usual referee's were on strike, missed the push and deemed that the interception was simultaneous possession by both players, with the ruling going to the Offense. The result was a game-winning TD that was also upheld after a replay review. The ruling forced the NFL to end the strike and re-instate the normal referee's for the rest of the season. BBC broadcast of the ESPN broadcast (10, 2 Discs, ESPN - Tirico/Gruden/Salters, PAL)
30/09/12 - Oakland Raiders (6) @ (37) Denver Broncos - The Broncos handed the Raiders their worst loss in the rivalry since 1962 with a big win in Denver. Led by QB Peyton Manning (30-38-338-3) and RB Willis McGahee (19-112-1) the Broncos blew open a tight 10-6 game at the half by scoring 27 unanswered points in the 2nd half to take the win. The Raiders were led by QB Carson Palmer (19-34-202-0) but only managed 56 yards rushing as a team (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Nantz/Simms, NTSC)
07/10/12 - San Diego Chargers (24) @ (31) New Orleans Saints - The Saints finally registered their 1st win of the season with a record-breaking win in the Superdome. The Chargers led 24-14 in the 3rd quarter before the Saints started their comeback, scoring 17 unanswered points to take the win. The Saints were led by QB Drew Brees (29-45-370-4) whose 40 yard TD pass in the 1st quarter broke the NFL record of 47 consecutive games with a touchdown pass, set by Colts QB Jonny Unitas from 1956-60. The Saints also featured WR's Marques Colston (9-131-3) and Devery Henderson (8-123-1). The Chargers were led by QB Philip Rivers (27-42-354-2). This is the Channel 4 broadcast with Nat Coombs and Mike Carlson analysis instead of commercial breaks (10, 2 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, PAL)
08/10/12 - Houston Texans (23) @ (17) New York Jets - The Texans kept their unbeaten start to the season intact with a tight win over the Jets. Houston, led by QB Matt Schaub (14-28-209-1) and RB Arian Foster (29-152-1), posted a 20-7 lead in the 3rd quarter and never looked in trouble, despite a brief fightback by the Jets in the 4th quarter. The Houston Defense, led by DL JJ. Watt (4 tackles, 1 sack, 3 batted passes), had a big game, holding the Jets to 69 yards rushing and forcing 3 sacks and 2 turnovers. The Jets were led by QB Mark Sanchez (14-31-230-1). The win was the Texans 1st ever against the Jets and the 5-0 start was their best ever. BBC broadcast of the ESPN broadcast (10, 2 Discs, ESPN - Tirico/Gruden/Salters, PAL)
15/10/12 - Denver Broncos (35) @ (24) San Diego Chargers - In an AFC West shootout, the Broncos mounted a huge 2nd half comeback to beat the Chargers. San Diego held a 24-0 lead at the half with QB Philip Rivers (25-41-242-2) and RB Ryan Matthews (22-74-0) leading the way. But the Broncos scored 35 unanswered points in the 2nd half to take the win, led by QB Peyton Manning (24-30-309-3) and a Defense that scored 2 TD's of it's own (65 yard fumble return + 46 yard interception return), forced 4 interceptions, 2 fumbles and 4 sacks. The comeback was the 4th highest in NFL history. BBC broadcast of the ESPN broadcast (10, 2 Discs, ESPN - Tirico/Gruden/Salters, PAL)
28/10/12 - New Orleans Saints (14) @ (34) Denver Broncos - The Broncos finally put together a complete game as they dominated the Saints in Denver. The Broncos were led by QB Peyton Manning (22-30-305-3), RB Willis McGahee (23-122-1) and a Defense that held the high-scoring Saints to only 252 yards of total offense. The Broncos broke open a tight 7-7 game at the start of the 2nd quarter with 27 unanswered points to take control of the game. The Saints were led by QB Drew Brees (22-42-213-2) but he was let down by a rushing attack that managed only 60 total yards. This is the Channel 4 broadcast with Nat Coombs and Mike Carlson analysis instead of commercial breaks (10, 2 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, PAL)
18/11/12 - Jacksonville Jaguars (37) @ (43) Houston Texans - On a record-setting day in Reliant Stadium, the hometown Texans finally shook off the Jaguars in Overtime to move to 9-1. The underdog Jaguars held a 34-20 lead with 12 minutes left in the game before Houston QB Matt Schaub (43-55-527-5) brought the Texans back, forcing overtime with 1:34 left in the game. Both teams traded FG's before Schaub won the game with a 48 yard TD pass with only 2 minutes left in overtime. The Texans also featured RB Arian Foster (28-77-0) and WR Andre Johnson (14-273-1) who set a team record for receiving yards. The Jaguars were led by QB Chad Henne (16-33-354-4), in for injured starte Blaine Gabbert, RB Jalen Parmele (24-80-0) and WR Justin Blackmon (7-236-1 including an 81 yard TD catch). The 527 yards passing by Matt Schaub were the 2nd most ever in NFL history (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Macatee/Tasker, NTSC)
02/12/12 - Indianapolis Colts (35) @ (33) Detroit Lions - The Colts sensationally upset the Lions with a last play TD pass that saw them win their 2nd game in a row and kept them in the playoff hunt. The Lions held a 23-14 lead at the half and were ahead 33-28 with 2:39 left before Colts QB Andrew Luck (24-54-391-4) marched his team 75 yards to the game-winning 14 yard TD pass as time ran out. The Colts also featured RB Vick Ballard (9-41-1) and WR's T.Y.Hilton (6-100-0), Donnie Avery (5-91-2) and Reggie Wayne (4-51-0). The Lions were led by QB Matthew Stafford (27-46-313-2), RB Mikel LeShoure (21-57-1) and WR Calvin Johnson (13-171-1). Johnson's 13 catches were a career high (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Eagle/Fouts, NTSC)
16/12/12 - San Francisco 49ers (41) @ (34) New England Patriots - In a shootout in Foxborough, the 49ers held off a spirited comeback by the Patriots to book a spot in the playoffs. The 49ers, led by QB Colin Kaepernick (14-25-216-4 + 7-28-0) and WR Michael Crabtree (7-107-2), took a 31-10 lead in at the half before the Patriots, led by QB Tom Brady (36-65-443-1), came roaring back, scoring 21 unanswered points to tie the game. The 49ers then re-claimed the lead for good with the next 10 points to take the win. The 49ers also featured RB Frank Gore (21-83-0) and LB NaVorro Bowman (12 tackles + 1 forced fumble). The Patriots also featured WR Brandon Lloyd (10-190-0). This is the Channel 4 broadcast with Nat Coombs and Mike Carlson analysis instead of commercial breaks (10, 2 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, PAL)
12/01/13 - AFC Divisional Playoff - Baltimore Ravens (38) @ (35) Denver Broncos - In a shootout in Denver, the Ravens upset the AFC West Champions with a double overtime win. Both teams were evenly matched, ending the 1st half tied at 21-21, but the Ravens needed a sensational 70 yard TD pass with 31 seconds left to force overtime. The Ravens defense then stepped up, forcing a turnover to set up the game-winning FG in the 2nd overtime. The Ravens were led by QB Joe Flacco (18-34-331-3), RB Ray Rice (30-131-1), WR's Anquan Boldin (6-71-0) and Torrey Smith (3-98-2), LB Ray Lewis (10 tackles) and DB Corey Graham (2 interceptions). The Broncos were led by QB Peyton Manning (28-43-290-3), RB Ronnie Hillman (22-83-0) and WR Eric Decker (6-84-0) (10, 3 Discs, CBS - Gumbel/Dierdorf/Wilcots, NTSC)
12/01/13 - NFC Divisional Playoff - Green Bay Packers (31) @ (45) San Francisco 49ers - In a shootout in San Francisco, the 49ers advanced to their 2nd straight NFC Championship game with a big win over the Packers. Both teams were evenly matched, but the difference was 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick (17-31-263-2 + 16-181-2) who used his feet to devastating effect, rushing for an NFL rushing record for a QB of 181 yards. He was supported by RB Frank Gore (23-119-1) and WR Michael Crabtree (9-119-2). The Packers were led by QB Aaron Rodgers (26-39-257-2), RB DuJuan Harris (11-53-1) and WR Greg Jennings (6-54-1) (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Buck/Aikman/Oliver/Andrews, NTSC)
20/01/13 - NFC Championship - San Francisco 49ers (28) @ (24) Atlanta Falcons - The 49ers stunned the home-town Falcons with a record-setting comeback to advance to their 6th Superbowl. The Falcons jumped out to a 17-0 lead in the 2nd quarter, led by QB Matt Ryan (30-42-396-3) and WR Julio Jones (11-182-2). The 49ers re-grouped and out-scored the Falcons 28-7 the rest of the way, including keeping the Falcons scoreless in the 2nd half, to take the win. The 49ers were led by QB Colin Kaepernick (16-21-233-1), RB Frank Gore (21-90-2) and WR's Vernon Davis (5-106-1) and Michael Crabtree (6-57-0) (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Buck/Aikman/Oliver/Andrews, NTSC)
27/01/13 - Pro Bowl - AFC (35) v (62) NFC - The annual end-of-season game for the best players in the league went the way of the NFC in a shootout in Honolulu. The NFC jumped out to a 31-14 lead at the half and maintained the lead the rest of the way. The NFC were led by QB's Drew Brees (8-11-131-1), Eli Manning (16-23-191-2) and Russell Wilson (8-10-98-3). The AFC were led by QB's Peyton Manning (6-12-43-1), Matt Schaub (12-22-113-1) and Andrew Luck (12-19-205-2). The MVP of the game was NFC TE Kyle Rudolph (5-122-1) (10, 2 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, NTSC)