Philly Falter in Texas & Mahomes Rescues Chiefs – Top Moments from NFL Week 12
Week 12 delivered an incredible Cowboys rally, or perhaps an epic Philadelphia Eagles implosion?
Postseason Patrick Mahomes showed up to salvage the Chiefs' season as the Chicago Bears continue to surprise while they extend their winning streak.
And did Shedeur Sanders do enough on his first NFL start to secure the full-time job in Cleveland?
Let's take a look at the best of the action in the league.
Analysis – Cowboys Comeback or Philly Fail?
The Cowboys were down and out at twenty-one to zero down versus the reigning Super Bowl winners, how exactly did they produce their equal-largest recovery ever?
Sentiment of a initial home game since a teammate’s tragic passing may have been a factor, however it was a combination of Prescott’s resolve and a defence that cashed in on uncommon mistakes by the Philadelphia.
Prescott surpassed Tony Romo records for passing yards (now thirty-four thousand three hundred seventy-eight) and game-winning drives (twenty-five) with an dynamic display – his diving score embodying his energetic showing.
Philadelphia squandered a advantage of twenty-one points or more for the first time since nineteen ninety-nine, with just their second game with multiple turnovers this season – the other being another disappointing NFC East loss at the Giants.
Along with 14 penalties for ninety-six yards, the offensive malaise that affected Hurts after what – for him – was an explosive start was significant. He'd only thrown for 200-plus yards in four games prior to Sunday, he had more than 150 in the opening two quarters by himself in Dallas.
However from the time the Eagles went 21-0 up their offence derailed spectacularly – with four consecutive punts, a missed field goal and then a fumble handing chance after opportunity to the Cowboys.
Philadelphia’s defense is brilliant, it really is, but an offense that's not surpassed 21 points in five of 7 games (3 losses) is now a major worry, as the pieces are all there but it's just not clicking.
Nick Sirianni approach is all about securing the key moments, the defence keeps them in it and what offense there is does barely enough – if it can't even do that and now the discipline and possession security is failing, there may be problems in the future.
Spotlight – Postseason Mahomes Shows Up Prematurely to Rescue Chiefs
It wasn't as dramatic, but Kansas City's eleven-point comeback in the fourth quarter against a powerful Indianapolis squad was hugely impressive – and could have only rescued their season.
How significant was it? Indeed, the league’s Next Gen Stats now assign the Chiefs a 58% chance of reaching the postseason, when a loss on Sunday would have dropped that number to twenty-eight percent.
No wonder the playoff version of Patrick Mahomes arrived, throwing for two hundred thirty-five yards in the second half alone and guiding 3 scoring possessions in their final 4 possessions to seal it in overtime.
Some big passes and swashbuckling runs are typical for Mahomes in the postseason, but currently the Chiefs are in post-season form – at 6-5 and just 10th in the conference standings.
This was more like the old Kansas City however, with a first close win of the year after dropping five previously – they secured 11 of them last year so, if that confidence returns, this Kansas City faithful might not be done so soon.
Talking Point – Are Chicago Be Rulers of the North?
You can no longer overlook the Chicago Bears any longer. A victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, without Aaron Rodgers, kept them first of the division and at 8-3 – holding the same record as the Eagles.
They look dangerous on each side of the field, with a defence that leads the league in interceptions and total turnovers and, in Williams, a emerging player now accustomed to securing close games.
He can at times be inconsistent, giving away a score after a fumble in his team’s goal area – but he additionally passed for three scores and, with already 5 fourth-quarter comebacks this year, he understands how to get the job done.
Green Bay are in close pursuit in the division after overpowering the Vikings and Detroit are in contention after overcoming the New York in extra time with a huge game from Gibbs.
The Bears are interestingly the most consistent with 8 victories in nine, but as they visit the championship winners on Thanksgiving we'll discover exactly how strong they truly are.
Look Ahead – Exciting Thanksgiving in Store
It appears among the most exciting Thanksgiving line-ups for a long time, with every game loaded with playoff implications.
The Lions host the Packers in the classic curtain-raiser in Detroit, prior to a unusual trip back to Texas for the Chiefs, who began life as the Dallas Texans way back in the sixties before moving to Missouri.
Sunday's rally kings are both holding on to playoff hopes but have very little margin for mistakes – so this will have a post-season atmosphere.
And how about the Baltimore Ravens? An unattractive win over the New York actually has them leading of the division after beginning 1-5 and looking finished.
Holiday and Black Friday Fixtures (all times GMT)
- Thursday, 27 November: Green Bay Packers @ Lions (6:00 PM)
- Thursday, twenty-seven November: Chiefs @ Cowboys (21:30)
- Friday, 28 November: Bengals @ Ravens (01:20)
- Friday, 28 November: Chicago Bears @ Eagles (20:00)
Will Shedeur Sanders Keep His Starting Role?
Browns head coach Stefanski dismissed inquiries on whether Shedeur Sanders had done enough in his debut NFL start to keep the starting position when Dillon Gabriel comes back.
Yet the question will keep being asked as Shedeur became the first Browns quarterback to win his debut league game since Zeier in 1999 – with seventeen additional first-year quarterbacks failing to do so since.
It came just the Las Vegas, and with the help of an almost aggressive Browns defense recording 10 sacks, but the Browns’ offense requires a leader, a presence to inspire belief.
Moreover self-belief is something not lacking in Sanders, who told a network {