NFL FOOTBALL - 2013
05/09/13 - Baltimore Ravens (27) @ (49) Denver Broncos - In the opening game of the season, the Broncos dominated the Super Bowl champion Ravens in Denver. Broncos QB Peyton Manning (27-42-462-7) had a huge game and tied the NFL record of TD passes in a single game. His favourite targets were WR's Demaryius Thomas (5-161-2), Julius Thomas (5-110-2) and Wes Welker (9-67-2), who was playing his 1st game as a Bronco. The Ravens were led by QB Joe Flacco (34-62-362-2), RB Ray Rice (12-36-1) and WR Torrey Smith (4-92-0) (10, 2 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, NTSC)
08/09/13 - New York Giants (31) @ (36) Dallas Cowboys - The Cowboys finally beat the Giants at the new Cowboys Stadium, using a big Defensive effort to off-set a big game from Giants QB Eli Manning. The Cowboys Defense forced 6 turnovers (3 fumbles, 3 interceptions), had 2 sacks and scored 2 Defensive TD's while the Offense, led by QB Tony Romo (36-49-263-2) and RB DeMarco Murray (20-86-0) paced the Cowboys to a 30-17 lead in the 4th quarter they defended to the end. The Giants were led by QB Manning (27-42-450-4) and WR Victor Cruz (5-118-3 including a 70 yard TD catch). 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)
09/09/13 - Philadelphia Eagles (33) @ (27) Washington Redskins - The Eagles debuted new coach Chip Kelly and his ultra-fast tempo Offense and it paid off with an opening day win in Landover. The Eagles racked up 443 yards of total Offense, led by QB Michael Vick (15-25-203-2 + 9-54-1), RB LeSean McCoy (31-184-1) and WR DeSean Jackson (7-104-1), and raced out to a 33-7 lead in the 3rd quarter. The Redskins, led by QB Robert Griffin III (30-49-329-2), did make a comeback in the 4th quarter but the Eagles recovered a last minute on-side kick to seal the win (10, 2 Discs, ESPN - Tirico/Gruden/Salters, PAL)
09/09/13 - Houston Texans (31) @ (28) San Diego Chargers - In San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium, the Texans mounted a huge comeback to start their season with a win. The Chargers led 28-7 in the 3rd quarter before Texans QB Matt Schaub (34-45-346-3) went to work and led Houston to 24 unanswered points, with the final points coming on a 41 yard FG as time expired. The Texans also featured RB Arian Foster (18-57-0), WR Andre Johnson (12-146-0) and LB Brian Cushing, who returned an interception 18 yards for a TD. The Chargers were led by QB Philip Rivers (14-29-195-4) (10, JIP 9:02 1st quarter - 7-0 Chargers, 2 Discs, ESPN - Berman/Dilfer/Paolantonio, PAL)
15/09/13 - Denver Broncos (41) @ (23) New York Giants - "Manning-Bowl 3" went the way of the previous 2 editions with older brother Peyton's team emerging victorious. A tight 1st half ended with the Broncos in front 10-9 but Denver out-scored the Giants 31-14 in the 2nd half to move to 2-0 on the season. The Broncos were led by QB Peyton Manning (30-43-307-2), RB Knowshon Moreno (13-93-2) and WR Eric Decker (9-87-0). The Giants were led by QB Eli Manning (28-49-362-1) and WR Victor Cruz (8-118-0) but were let down by a rushing attack that only managed 23 yards (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Nantz/Simms/Wolfson, NTSC)
23/09/13 - Oakland Raiders (21) @ (37) Denver Broncos - The Broncos moved to 3-0 on the season with a dominating win over their big rivals from Oakland. The star of the show was Denver QB Peyton Manning (32-37-374-3) who led the Broncos to a 27-7 lead at the half. He was well supported by WR's Eric Decker (8-133-1) and Wes Welker (7-84-1) + a Defense that forced 3 sacks and held the Raiders to 49 yards rushing. Oakland were led by QB Terrelle Pryor (19-28-281-1 including a 73 yard TD pass), RB Darren McFadden (12-9-0 + 1 TD pass) and WR Denarius Moore (6-124-1) (10, Missing last 47 seconds of the 1st Quarter - No scoring missed, 2 Discs, ESPN - Tirico/Gruden/Salters, PAL)
29/09/13 - Pittsburgh Steelers (27) @ (34) Minnesota Vikings - In a "must-win" match in London between 2 teams without a win on the season, the Vikings claimed their 1st win of the season. The Vikings never trailed in the game, but saw a 34-17 lead at the start of the 4th quarter whittled down to a 7 point lead with 3 minutes left. The Steelers had 1 last chance to force overtime but fumbled at the Minnesota 6 yard line with 6 seconds left to lose the game. The loss condemned Pittsburgh to their 1st 0-4 start since 1968. The Vikings were led by back-up QB Matt Cassel (16-25-248-2), RB Adrian Peterson (23-140-2 including a 60 yard TD run) and WR Jerome Simpson (7-124-0). The Steelers were led by QB Ben Roethlisberger (36-51-383-1), RB Le'Veon Bell (16-57-2), on his debut, and WR Antonio Brown (12-88-0). This is the Channel 4 broadcast with Nat Coombs and Mike Carlson analysis instead of commercial breaks (9, 2 Discs, CBS - Nantz/Simms, PAL)
30/09/13 - Miami Dolphins (17) @ (38) New Orleans Saints - In a battle of 2 unbeaten teams on Monday Night Football, it was the Saints that stayed unbeaten with a big win the Superdome. The Saints never trailed in the game, and built on a 21-10 lead at the half by out-scoring the Dolphins 17-7 the rest of the way. The Saints were led by QB Drew Brees (30-39-413-3), RB Darren Sproles (4-28-1 + 7-114-1) and WR Jimmy Graham (4-100-2). The Dolphins were led by QB Ryan Tannehill (22-35-249-1) but he also had 3 interceptions and lost a fumble. The 413 yards by Brees moved him up to 4th most career passing yards in NFL history (10, 2 Discs, ESPN - Tirico/Gruden/Salters, PAL)
06/10/13 - Denver Broncos (51) @ (48) Dallas Cowboys - In a shootout in Arlington, the Broncos moved to 5-0 with a win on a last play FG. Both teams QB's had big games with the Cowboys Tony Romo (25-36-506-5) and the Broncos Peyton Manning (33-42-414-4) on fire, but it was an interception by Romo in the final 2 minutes that set up Denver's game-winning 28 yard FG on the last play of the game. The result was the 2nd highest scoring regulation game in NFL history and Romo set a team record for single game passing yards. Denver also featured RB Knowshon Moreno (19-93-1) and WR Julius Thomas (9-122-2). Dallas also featured WR's Terrance Williams (4-151-1), Dez Bryant (6-141-2) and Jason Witten (7-121-1) (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Nantz/Simms, NTSC)
20/10/13 - Denver Broncos (33) @ (39) Indianapolis Colts - Broncos QB Peyton Manning's return to Indianapolis ended in defeat as the Colts ended the Broncos unbeaten record. The Broncos self-destructed, committing 12 penalties, losing 3 turnovers and suffered 4 sacks, and the Colts took advantage. Led by QB Andrew Luck (21-38-228-3) and RB Trent Richardson (14-37-0) the Colts held a 33-17 lead at the start of the 4th quarter and despite a fight-back by the Broncos and Manning (29-49-386-3), the Colts held on to win. The Colts also featured WR Reggie Wayne (5-50-0). The Broncos also featured WR's Eric Decker (8-150-1) and Wes Welker (7-96-0). 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)
27/10/13 - Dallas Cowboys (30) @ (31) Detroit Lions - The Lions overcame 4 turnovers and a 10 point deficit in the 4th quarter to shock the Cowboys. Dallas held a 20-10 lead with 11 minutes left when the Lions started their comeback, and won the game with a sensational 80 yard TD drive in the final minute that was capped by a 1 yard TD run with 12 seconds left. The stars for Detroit were QB Matthew Stafford (33-48-488-1 + 1 TD run) and WR Calvin Johnson (14-329-1) whose yardage was the 2nd most ever in an NFL game. The Cowboys were led by QB Tony Romo (14-30-206-3) (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Stockton/Billick/Okmin, NTSC)
03/11/13 - Philadelphia Eagles (49) @ (20) Oakland Raiders - In a shootout in Oakland, the Eagles ended a 2 game losing streak against the Raiders. Both teams Offenses were hot, with both teams amassing 1,102 yards of total Offense. After a slow 1st quarter, the Eagles out-scored the Raiders 42-10 in the 2nd and 3rd quarters to take the win. The star of the show was Eagles back-up QB Nick Foles (22-28-406-7) who equalled an NFL single-game record with his 7 TD passes. The Eagles also featured RB LeSean McCoy (12-44-0) and WR's DeSean Jackson (5-150-1) and Riley Cooper (5-139-3). The Raiders were led by QB Terrelle Pryor (22-41-288-0 + 10-94-0) and RB Rashad Jennings (15-102-1) (10, 2 Discs, FOX - Myers/Ryan/Hale, NTSC)
03/11/13 - Indianapolis Colts (27) @ (24) Houston Texans - The visiting Colts heaped more misery on the Texans, coming back from a 21-3 deficit at the half to win the game. Houston QB Case Keenum (20-34-350-3), in his 2nd career start, led the Texans to a big lead at the half, helped by WR Andre Johnson (9-229-3). But the Colts re-grouped and roared back in the 2nd half, led by QB Andrew Luck (18-40-271-3) and WR T.Y. Hilton (7-121-3), and took the lead for good with 4 minutes left in the game. The game also featured Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak collapsing as he left the field at half-time and he ended up being rushed to hospital. This is the Channel 4 broadcast with Nat Coombs and Mike Carlson analysis instead of commercial breaks (9, 2 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, PAL)
17/11/13 - Kansas City Chiefs (17) @ (27) Denver Broncos - In a battle of the top 2 teams in the AFC, it was the Broncos that claimed the win and gave the Chiefs their 1st loss of the season. Denver never trailed in the game, building on a 17-10 lead at the half and coasting home. The Broncos were led by QB Peyton Manning (24-40-323-1), RB Knowshon Moreno (27-29-0) and WR's Demaryius Thomas (5-121-0) and Wes Welker (8-72-0). The Chiefs were led by QB Alex Smith (21-45-230-2), RB Jamaal Charles (16-78-0) and WR Dwayne Bowe (4-57-1). This is the Channel 4 broadcast with Nat Coombs and Mike Carlson analysis instead of commercial breaks (9, 3 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, PAL)
24/11/13 - Denver Broncos (31) @ (34) New England Patriots - The Patriots continued their mastery over Broncos QB Peyton Manning with a big comeback win in Foxborough. Denver dominated the 1st half, forcing 3 Patriots turnovers and taking a 24-0 lead in at the half. But New England dominated the 2nd half, scoring 31 unanswered points, led by QB Tom Brady (34-50-344-3). Denver forced overtime with a late FG but the Patriots claimed the win with 1:56 left in overtime when Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 31 yard FG after the Broncos had muffed a punt. The Patriots also featured RB Brandon Bolden (13-58-1) and WR Julian Edelman (9-110-2). The Broncos were led by QB Peyton Manning (19-36-150-2), RB Knowshon Moreno (37-224-1) and WR's Jacob Tamme (5-47-1) and Wes Welker (4-31-0). This is the Channel 4 broadcast with Nat Coombs and Mike Carlson analysis instead of commercial breaks (9, 3 Discs, NBC - Michaels/Collinsworth/Tafoya, PAL)
08/12/13 - Tennessee Titans (28) @ (51) Denver Broncos - On a record-setting day in Denver, the Broncos fought back from an early deficit to book their place in the Playoffs. The Titans held a 21-10 lead in the 2nd quarter before the Broncos reeled off 24 points to take control of the game, and then closed out the game with 17 unanswered points in the 4th quarter. The Broncos were led by QB Peyton Manning (39-59-397-4) who set or tied team records for attempts and completions, RB Knowshon Moreno (14-78-1) and WR's Eric Decker (8-117-1) and Wes Welker (5-61-1). The Broncos Kicker Matt Prater also set an NFL record with a 64 yard FG. The Titans featured QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (13-24-172-1), RB Chris Johnson (12-46-1) and WR Justin Hunter (4-114-1) (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Nantz/Simms, NTSC)
22/12/13 - Denver Broncos (37) @ (13) Houston Texans - The Broncos re-claimed the AFC West title with a record-setting win in Houston. The Texans played the Broncos tough through 3 quarters, but Denver scored the last 21 points of the game to take the win. Broncos QB Peyton Manning (32-51-400-4) had a big game and with his final TD pass of the game he set the NFL record for TD passes in a season (51). The Broncos also featured RB Knowshon Moreno (11-76-0) and WR's Eric Decker (10-131-2) and Demaryius Thomas (8-123-1). The Texans were led by QB Matt Schaub (18-37-176-1) but were out-gained on Offense 511 yards to 240 yards (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Eagle/Fouts, NTSC)
23/12/13 - Atlanta Falcons (24) @ (34) San Francisco 49ers - In the final NFL game at Candlestick Park, the 49ers held off a strong challenge from the Falcons to book their place in the Playoffs. Both teams were evenly matched with the 49ers holding a 27-24 lead in the final 2 minutes before clinching the game with a spectacular 89 yard interception return for a TD by LB NaVarro Bowman as the Falcons looked set for the game-winning score. The 49ers also featured WR Colin Kaepernick (13-21-197-1 + 6-51-1), RB Frank Gore (21-97-1) and WR Michael Crabtree (5-102-0). The Falcons were led by QB Matt Ryan (37-48-348-2), RB Steven Jackson (16-53-1) and WR Roddy White (12-141-1) (10, 2 Discs, ESPN - Tirico/Gruden/Salters, PAL)
29/12/13 - Denver Broncos (34) @ (14) Oakland Raiders - The Broncos finished the regular season with a big win against their big rivals. Denver took control early on and held a comfortable 31-0 lead at the half. The star of the show was Broncos QB Peyton Manning (25-28-266-4) who set an NFL record for Passing yards in a season (5,477) in the 2nd quarter before sitting out the 2nd half. Denver also featured back-up QB Brock Osweiler (9-13-85-0), RB Montee Ball (10-72-0) and WR Demaryius Thomas (6-113-2). Oakland were led by QB Terrelle Pryor (21-38-207-2 + 9-49-0) but the Raiders suffered from only 64 yards rushing (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Harlan/Wilcots, NTSC)
04/01/14 - AFC Wildcard - Kansas City Chiefs (40) @ (45) Indianapolis Colts - The Indianapolis Colts shocked the visiting Chiefs with the 2nd largest comeback in Playoff history. The Colts only led once in the game and that came with 4:21 left and capped a 28 point comeback from a 38-10 deficit in the 3rd quarter. The star of the show was Colts QB Andrew Luck (29-45-443-4 + 7-45-0) and he was helped out by RB Donald Brown (11-55-1) and WR's T.Y. Hilton (13-224-2 including the game-winning 64 yard TD catch) and Coby Fleener (5-46-1). The Chiefs were led by QB Alex Smith (30-46-378-4 + 8-57-0), RB Knile Davis (18-67-1) and WR Dwayne Bowe (8-150-1) but lost star RB Jamaal Charles (3-18-0) to injury in the 1st half (10, 2 Discs, NBC - Hicks/Mayock/Flanagan, NTSC)
19/01/14 - AFC Championship - New England Patriots (16) @ (26) Denver Broncos - The Broncos booked a place in their 7th Superbowl with a hard-fought win in Denver. The Broncos had the better of the opening 3 quarters and held a 23-3 lead in the 4th quarter before the Patriots started a comeback that fell just short. The Broncos were led by QB Peyton Manning (32-43-400-2) and he was helped by RB Knowshon Moreno (14-59-0) and WR's Demaryius Thomas (7-134-1) and Wes Welker (4-38-0). The Patriots were led by QB Tom Brady (24-38-277-1) and TE Julian Edelman (10-89-1) but were let down by a rushing attack that managed only 64 yards (10, 2 Discs, CBS - Nantz/Simms/Wolfson, NTSC)