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Indianapolis Colts

Pathetic' Colts 'not that far' away, claims Reich

The Colts required a 17-point fourth-quarter comeback in Week 1 to tie with the Houston Texans, yet they made another woeful start on Sunday.

This time, there was no recovery, as Indianapolis lost 24-0 in an alarming start to the season.

"That s*** was embarrassing," said defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. "We got our a** whooped."

Buckner added the Colts must "grow from this", and head coach Reich still sees a positive path forward.

"As pathetic as that was today, where this is and where we need to be, the distance is not that far," he said. "We have the players and coaches to do it.

"I know that doesn't play in the outside world, and I'm fine with that. We'll take our medicine and I'll take my medicine, and we'll just keep doing what we do."

This is the first time the Colts have failed to win their first two meetings with fellow AFC South opponents since the 2017 season.

That was the last season before Reich was hired as head coach, with Indianapolis finishing with a 4-12 record.

Patriots aiming for six in a row, Brady and Evans look to down Colts

The last time the two teams met was in the wild card round of the 2019 playoffs, where Tennessee beat New England 20-13 in Tom Brady's last game as a Patriot.

Brady of course now leads the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the 2021 Super Bowl champions also have a tricky contest in week 12 as they travel to Indianapolis to face the Colts.

The Green Bay Packers will be looking to shake off their heartbreakingly narrow loss to the Minnesota Vikings last time out as they host the Los Angeles Rams at Lambeau Field.

 

Tennessee Titans (8-3) @ New England Patriots (7-4)

The Patriots beat Atlanta in week 11, 25-0, for their fifth consecutive win, and the longest active streak in the NFL. Bill Belichick's team are the only one this season to win five straight games by a total of more than 100 points (+125, 175 points for and 50 points against during the streak).

Tennessee lost to Houston in week 11 (22-13), snapping a six-game winning streak for the Titans. Their 103 rushing yards were the most since they lost Derrick Henry to knee surgery in week 8.

Ryan Tannehill threw 52 passes for 35 completions against Houston, the second most attempts of his career (58 in week 12 of 2015) and tied for his career high in completions (also 35 in week 16 of 2014).

Including the playoffs, New England are 7-3 against Tennessee over the last 20 years.

Nick Folk went a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals in the Patriots victory over the Falcons. It was his fourth game this season kicking at least four field goals and making them all, the most in the NFL (Zane Gonzalez of the Carolina Panthers is second most with two such games).  

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-5)

The Buccaneers and Colts have met just seven times when playing in Indianapolis, with Tampa Bay winning only twice. Tampa's last win there came during week 10 of the 1997 season.

Tampa Bay beat the Giants 30-10 in week 11, breaking a two-game losing streak. They have lost back-to-back games just twice in the last two seasons and have not lost three in a row since Tom Brady arrived. Their 10 points allowed were the second fewest allowed all season after holding Chicago to three points in week seven.

Brady found Mike Evans for a five-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter of last week's victory. Their 10 combined touchdowns are tied for the most between any passer and receiver this season with LA Rams' duo Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp.

The Colts beat the Bills last week (41-25) for their third-straight-win and longest win streak of the season. Their 26-point differential was the second-largest victory of the season for the Colts, only behind their 31-3 victory over the Texans in week six.

Colts quarterback Carson Wentz was 11-for-20 with 106 passing yards in their victory over the Bills. That is the lowest number of passing yards he has ever thrown for in a game when having at least 20 pass attempts.

Los Angeles Rams (7-3) @ Green Bay Packers (8-3)

These two last faced off in the divisional round of the playoffs in January, with the Packers winning 32-18 at Lambeau Field. After 96 games in the all-time series (including the playoffs), the teams are separated by just six points, with the Rams having scored 2204 points to Green Bay's 2198.

The Rams have lost two straight after a 31-10 defeat to San Francisco in week 10, having lost to Tennessee 28-16 the week prior. It is the first time the team has lost consecutive games with both being by double digits since Sean McVay became head coach in 2017.

Matthew Stafford has thrown for more interceptions than touchdowns in consecutive games after not doing so in any of his first eight games with the Rams. Stafford had 31 such games in his 12 seasons with Detroit.

Green Bay fell to Minnesota in a dramatic 34-31 loss last week, despite converting seven of 11 third-down attempts (63.6 per cent). It was the highest third-down conversion percentage for the Packers in a loss since week two of the 2005 season when they lost 26-24 to Cleveland while converting 10-of-14 third downs.

Aaron Rodgers threw for a season-high 385 yards to go with four touchdowns and zero interceptions against the Vikings. It was the fourth time Rodgers has thrown for 375 or more yards, four or more touchdowns and no interceptions in the same game, which is three more times than any other Packer QB.

Elsewhere...

The number one pick of the 2021 draft Trevor Lawrence will be hoping to fare better against the Atlanta Falcons (4-6) after going three straight starts without throwing a touchdown for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8). He is one of two quarterbacks to go three-straight-starts without a passing TD this year, along with the Carolina Panthers' Sam Darnold.

The Minnesota Vikings (5-5) are the only NFL team that has had every game decided by fewer than 14 points this season. Minnesota will tie a single-season team record for most consecutive games (11) decided by 13 or fewer points with another such game on Sunday when they travel to the San Francisco 49ers (5-5).

The Denver Broncos (5-5) will be looking to keep a lid on LA Chargers (6-4) QB Austin Ekeler, who scored four touchdowns against Pittsburgh last week, two on the ground and two in the air. He is the only active player with multiple rushing and receiving TDs in a game and the first player to do so since Jacksonville's Maurice Jones-Drew in 2011 against Tampa Bay. 

The Cleveland Browns (6-5) head into their clash against the Baltimore Ravens (7-3) coming off a 13-10 win over Detroit, their fourth win in the last two seasons when scoring 17 or fewer points. No other NFL team has more than two wins while scoring so few points since the beginning of last season. 

Patriots move into top seed, Brady & Bucs survive against Colts

New England went into Sunday's heavyweight clash having won five successive games, and their ability to produce turnovers proved key in extending that streak to six.

Tennessee, minus their top offensive playmakers in injured running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver A.J. Brown, committed four giveaways while the Patriots produced a flawless game in that regard, rookie quarterback Mac Jones recording his second 300-yard passing game of a stellar first season.

Both teams now stand at 8-4, with the Patriots' victory giving them the tiebreaker, with another test of New England's Super Bowl credentials to come a week on Monday when they face AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills (7-4) on the road.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's touchdown reception and a 68-yard rushing score from Dontrell Hilliard meant the Titans only trailed 16-13 at half-time.

But their first two drives of the second half, sandwiched by a field goal for New England, ended in a fumble and a punt and Tennessee's slow start to the third quarter was exacerbated when Kendrick Bourne's 41-yard catch and run for his second touchdown of the day gave the Patriots a 26-13 lead.

The Titans drove to New England's two-yard line in response, only for Ryan Tannehill to see a fourth-down pass to Cody Hollister tipped and intercepted by J.C. Jackson.

That allowed the Patriots to stretch the lead with Nick Folk's fifth field goal and, after another failed fourth-down attempt from Tannehill, Damien Harris capped things off for New England with a 14-yard run as they sent an emphatic message to the rest of the AFC.

FOURnette stars as Bucs win Colts thriller

Defending Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trailed by 10 points at the end of the half in a see-saw battle with the Indianapolis Colts.

But five Colts turnovers tipped the balance in the favour of the Bucs, Leonard Fournette's fourth touchdown securing a 38-31 victory and a 51st game-winning drive for Tom Brady, putting him three shy of Peyton Manning's all-time record, despite a late 71-yard kickoff return from Isaiah Rodgers that almost forced overtime.

The Bucs (8-3) have a commanding lead atop the NFC South, with the Carolina Panthers' defeat to the Miami Dolphins dropping them to 5-7. The 6-6 Colts remain firmly in the Wild Card picture in the AFC.

Bengals sweep Steelers

The Cincinnati Bengals moved within half a game of the AFC North lead as they completed their first season sweep of the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2009 season.

It was a feat they achieved in style with a 41-10 rout, running back Joe Mixon the star of the show with 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with Joe Burrow's lone touchdown throw to Tee Higgins his 10th of 30 or more yards this season.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger endured a miserable day, throwing two interceptions and suffering three sacks to drop Pittsburgh to 5-5-1. The 7-4 Bengals will end the day atop the division if the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Cleveland Browns later on Sunday.

Patriots strike blow in race for one seed, Brady & Bucs survive against Colts

New England went into Sunday's heavyweight clash having won five successive games, and their ability to produce turnovers proved key in extending that streak to six.

Tennessee, minus their top offensive playmakers in injured running back Derrick Henry and wide receiver A.J. Brown, committed four giveaways while the Patriots produced a flawless game in that regard, rookie quarterback Mac Jones recording his second 300-yard passing game of a stellar first season.

Both teams now stand at 8-4, with the Patriots' victory giving them the tiebreaker over the Titans, with another test of New England's Super Bowl credentials to come a week on Monday when they face AFC East rivals the Buffalo Bills (7-4) on the road.

Nick Westbrook-Ikhine's touchdown reception and a 68-yard rushing score from Dontrell Hilliard meant the Titans only trailed 16-13 at half-time.

But their first two drives of the second half, sandwiched by a field goal for New England, ended in a fumble and a punt and Tennessee's slow start to the third quarter was exacerbated when Kendrick Bourne's 41-yard catch and run for his second touchdown of the day gave the Patriots a 26-13 lead.

The Titans drove to New England's two-yard line in response, only for Ryan Tannehill to see a fourth-down pass to Cody Hollister tipped and intercepted by J.C. Jackson.

That allowed the Patriots to stretch the lead with Nick Folk's fifth field goal and, after another failed fourth-down attempt from Tannehill, Damien Harris capped things off for New England with a 14-yard run as they sent an emphatic message to the rest of the AFC.

FOURnette stars as Bucs win Colts thriller

Defending Super Bowl champions the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trailed by 10 points at the end of the half in a see-saw battle with the Indianapolis Colts.

But five Colts turnovers tipped the balance in the favour of the Bucs, Leonard Fournette's fourth touchdown securing a 38-31 victory and a 51st game-winning drive for Tom Brady, putting him three shy of Peyton Manning's all-time record, despite a late 71-yard kickoff return from Isaiah Rodgers that almost forced overtime.

The Bucs (8-3) have a commanding lead atop the NFC South, with the Carolina Panthers' defeat to the Miami Dolphins dropping them to 5-7. The 6-6 Colts remain firmly in the Wild Card picture in the AFC.

Bengals sweep Steelers

The Cincinnati Bengals moved within half a game of the AFC North lead as they completed their first season sweep of the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2009 season.

It was a feat they achieved in style with a 41-10 rout, running back Joe Mixon the star of the show with 165 rushing yards and two touchdowns, with Joe Burrow's lone touchdown throw to Tee Higgins his 10th of 30 or more yards this season.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger endured a miserable day, throwing two interceptions and suffering three sacks to drop Pittsburgh to 5-5-1. The 7-4 Bengals will end the day atop the division if the Baltimore Ravens, who own the top seed with Titans' defeat, lose to the Cleveland Browns later on Sunday.

Pats out of playoff contention as Brady inspires Bucs

A defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in the Patriots' previous outing had ended their streak of 17 straight seasons with 10 or more wins and 11 successive division titles, both of which were the longest such runs in NFL history, and Bill Belichick's team will now not be involved in the postseason for the first time since 2008.

Meanwhile, former Patriots star Tom Brady combined with another ex-New England player as Antonio Brown scored his first touchdown for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons.

There was also a big win for the Seattle Seahawks, who clinched a playoff berth for the ninth time in 11 seasons thanks to a 20-15 win over the Washington Football Team.
 

PATRIOTS' POSTSEASON STREAK COMES TO AN END

For the first time in 12 years, there will be no New England in the postseason. They are now 6-8 in third place in the AFC East and officially eliminated from playoff contention.

Though the Patriots led at halftime, Cam Newton could not pick the Dolphins lock and help find a way to the end zone, with New England failing to score a touchdown.

Newton finished with 209 passing yards, while Miami quarterback Tua Tagovailoa produced a decisive performance, with two rushing scores to go along with 20-of-26 passing for 145 yards as the hosts tallied 22 points in the second half.

While the Patriots will be observers this postseason, Miami (9-5) have their playoff fate in their own hands, needing only to win their final two games.


BRADY BREAKS ATLANTA AGAIN AS BROWN GETS OFF THE MARK

While Newton may not be the man to take the Patriots forward, New England's former stalwart and legendary QB Brady inspired Tampa to a tight 31-27 win over the Falcons.

In the 2017 Super Bowl, Brady led the greatest comeback in championship game history as he inspired New England from 28-3 down in the third quarter to a 34-28 overtime success against Atlanta.

The prize on offer was considerably less substantial this time around, but Brady broke Falcons hearts again as he turned around two 17-point deficits.

Atlanta raced into a 17-0 lead by halftime and then restored that cushion after Tampa got their first touchdown early in the second half.

Yet it was to be Brady's day, with the 43-year-old finishing  completing 31 of 45 throws for 390 yards and two touchdowns.

He rounded it off in style, picking out Brown – a midseason signing for the Bucs – with a 46-yard touchdown pass as the seven-time Pro Bowler got off the mark for his new team. 

The Bucs are now 9-5 for 2020, ensuring just their third winning season since 2007, when Tampa last made the playoffs. Victory over Detroit Lions next time out will be enough to secure postseason football.


SEAHAWKS PLAYOFF-BOUND, BEARS AND COWBOYS IN THE MIX

The Chicago Bears remain firmly in the hunt for an NFC wildcard spot after they overcame the Minnesota Vikings 33-27.

Chicago, who started the campaign 5-1 before a six-game losing streak saw them drop off the pace, put in a poor offensive showing in a 19-13 defeat to the Vikings in Week 10 but showed no such inefficiency this time in their NFC North divisional contest.

The Dallas Cowboys are also still in the mix despite missing running back Ezekiel Elliott for their clash with the San Francisco 49ers.

Elliott sat out a game due to injury for the first time in his career, having suffered a calf bruise in the loss to the Baltimore Ravens on December 8, but the Cowboys managed without him.

Even with a 5-9 record, the Cowboys – who beat the Niners 41-33 – can still qualify for the postseason, with Washington's defeat to the Seahawks having helped their cause. 

That win in Washington booked a playoff spot for Seattle, who improved to 10-4 for the season.

Seattle made life tough for themselves in the fourth quarter, having led 20-3 in the third, but got consecutive sacks before an unsuccessful Hail Mary attempt ended Washington's comeback hopes.

QB Russell Wilson, Chris Carson and Carlos Hyde all topped 50 yards rushing for the Seahawks, with the latter scoring a touchdown on a 50-yard run.

 

Week 15 scores

Green Bay Packers 24-16 Carolina Panthers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-27 Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens 40-14 Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Cowboys 41-33 San Francisco 49ers
Indianapolis Colts 27-20 Houston Texans
Miami Dolphins 22-12 New England Patriots
Chicago Bears 33-27 Minnesota Vikings
Tennessee Titans 46-25 Detroit Lions
Seattle Seahawks 20-15 Washington Football Team

Philip Rivers considered retirement before signing with Colts: It just all worked out

Quarterback Rivers will be embarking on a new experience with the Colts, having previously spent his entire NFL career with the Chargers, firstly in San Diego and then in Los Angeles.

The 38-year-old admitted he was not at his best in the 2019 season, when he threw 20 interceptions for a team that missed out on the playoffs, leading to him contemplating the idea of walking away from the sport.

However, Rivers retains the hunger to keep on playing, adding it "just all worked out" to reunite with Colts head coach Frank Reich and offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni, having previously worked with the pair at the Chargers.

"I think really where we settled in is I still love to play, certainly not coming off my best year [in 2019], but I know I still can play at a high level," the eight-time Pro Bowler told reporters on Saturday.

"It was one of those deals where we said if there's nothing else out there then that'll be our answer. I don't want to just try to hang on to play."

He added: "I was still excited about playing and hoping to get another opportunity to continue my career and certainly thankful that it's going to be with the Colts.

"It just all worked out. I am just super thankful the way it worked out and excited to - again - be a part of it, because we know this is the ultimate team game."

Rivers has not ruled out carrying on beyond his new contract - reportedly worth $25million - but has no plans to follow the lead set by Tom Brady, who will playing in the league at 43 after joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in free agency.

"I don't think you'll see me in the Tom Brady range, but I am excited and feel like I can still help a football team go win a championship," he said.

Following Rivers' arrival, and with Jacoby Brissett - last season's starting quarterback - still on the roster, the Colts have released Brian Hoyer, who joined the team last September.

Philip Rivers no sure thing for Indianapolis Colts after he 'didn't play well' in 2019

The 38-year-old left the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency after 16 seasons with the franchise, agreeing a one-year, $25million contract at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Indianapolis hope eight-time Pro Bowler Rivers can provide them with a significant quarterback upgrade on last year's starter, Jacoby Brissett.

But former Colts offensive lineman Baldinger, now an analyst for NFL Network, believes the previous campaign, when Rivers threw for 23 touchdowns and 20 interceptions, is a cause for concern.

The Chargers missed the playoffs and went 5-11, just one year after Rivers had 32 TDs and 12 INTs as part of a 12-4 campaign in 2018.

Baldinger told Stats Perform: "He didn't play well last year, and it wasn’t because the offensive line was terrible, or because the defense started with Derwin James getting injured in preseason and all that.

"All that stuff is true, but they won 12 games the year before and a large part of that was because Philip Rivers was really good late in games. 

"Late against Kansas City, late against the Pittsburgh Steelers, late against the Baltimore Ravens in a playoff win, all this stuff was true. 

"But he didn't play well late in games last year, which is where your quarterback has got to elevate your team, he has got to put you on their shoulders. 

"You look at losses last year in Detroit, losses to the Oakland Raiders, losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, all late in games with interceptions by Philip Rivers. They were not good decisions.

"Is that just an outline of Philip Rivers, is that who he is? Because he didn't look good when you have to be good late in games. 

"I don't know what you're going to get, are you going to get 2018 Philip Rivers or 2019 Philip Rivers? I don't know yet and I don't think anybody knows."

Philip Rivers to coach Alabama high school team after NFL retirement

Philip Rivers is not quite done playing yet, but the longtime NFL quarterback does have a job lined up for when he decides to hang up his cleats.  
 
St. Michael Catholic High School announced on Friday that Rivers will become its head football coach following his retirement from the NFL.

The decision to coach the school in Fairhope, Alabama, is a natural career move for Rivers, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts in March after spending his first 16 NFL seasons with the Chargers. 

His father, Steve, was a successful high school coach in Alabama for 25 years and mentored his son during the younger Rivers' days as a star quarterback for Decatur High School. 
 
"It's a special day for me and my family," said Rivers at a press conference announcing his hiring. 

"I had two childhood dreams. One is to play in the NFL, and now I'm going into my 17th season. The other was to be a high school football coach as my dad was. How blessed am I to be able to live those out?" 
 
Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler whose 59,271 passing yards and 397 passing touchdowns both rank sixth in NFL history, had contemplated retirement before agreeing to a one-year, $25 million deal with the Colts.

The 38-year-old is yet to make a firm decision on his plans beyond this season and has not ruled out extending his playing career beyond 2020. 
 
"I think it is a one-year-at-a-time deal," he said. "I've expressed publicly and the Colts have too they hope it's more than one year. But we take it one year at a time. 
 
"I love playing. When that time does end, you will get the same passion and work ethic at this school and community that I've poured into my career."

Quarterbacks, trades headline day three of NFL Draft

The 49ers executed three trades on Saturday, highlighted by the acquisition of disgruntled left tackle and seven-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams from the Washington Redskins, giving up a fifth-round pick this season and a third-round selection in 2021.

Williams will take the place of Joe Staley, who announced his retirement after a 13-year career in San Francisco that included six Pro Bowls.  

The 49ers also traded running back Matt Breida to the Miami Dolphins for a fifth-round pick and sent wide receiver Marquise Goodwin to the Philadelphia Eagles while swapping picks in the sixth round.   

The Eagles entered the draft on a mission to improve a receiving corps that was historically impotent last season. In addition to trading for Goodwin, Philadelphia spent first-, fifth- and sixth-round picks on wide receivers, including Boise State's John Hightower and Southern Mississippi's Quez Watkins on Saturday.   

Quarterback selections played a prominent role again as the Indianapolis Colts used their fourth-round pick – 122nd overall – on Washington quarterback Jacob Eason.

The 6-foot-6 signal-caller began his career at Georgia but transferred to his home state of Washington and may be Indianapolis' quarterback of the future.   

The player who replaced Eason at Georgia, Jake Fromm, had to wait until the 22nd pick of the fifth round to hear his name called by the Buffalo Bills.    

The New York Jets selected a quarterback in the fourth round, grabbing Florida International's James Morgan, and Oregon State's Jake Luton, another 6-foot-6 quarterback, fell to the sixth round and the Jacksonville Jaguars.  

Four more quarterbacks were taken in the seventh round, but one team that did not select a QB all weekend was the New England Patriots.   

Despite the departure of Tom Brady to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this offseason, the Patriots passed on adding a rookie at the position, leaving journeyman Brian Hoyer and second-year Auburn product Jarrett Stidham as the only quarterbacks on the New England roster.   

The Patriots, however, did draft a replacement for a franchise legend in the fifth round by selecting Marshall kicker Justin Rohrwasser, who will take the place of franchise scoring leader Stephen Gostkowski.   

The Carolina Panthers and new head coach Matt Rhule used all seven of their picks on defensive players, tying the 1985 Cleveland Browns for most picks on one side of the ball. The Browns used all seven picks on offense.  

National champion LSU had the most players selected with 14, tied with Ohio State in 2004 for the most by any single school in a seven-round draft. 

Raiders land Chandler Jones, send Ngakoue to Colts for Ya-Sin

According to multiple reports, Jones will join the Raiders on a three-year deal worth roughly $51million.

It follows a stellar six-season spell in Arizona, which saw him record double-digit sacks in five campaigns.

Since 2015, his final year with the New England Patriots, only Aaron Donald (89) has more sacks to his name than Jones (84). No player has forced more fumbles than Jones (27) in that span.

Though he is now 32, Jones showed little sign of slowing down for the Cardinals last season, registering 10.5 sacks as Arizona returned to the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 campaign.

His move to the Raiders sees him reunite with Josh McDaniels, the two having crossed paths during their time in New England, where McDaniels was the offensive coordinator before taking the job in Las Vegas this offseason.

Jones will immediately step in for Ngakoue, who finished last season with 10 sacks, his first time reaching double digits since 2017 with the Jacksonville Jaguars (12), and will hope to do the same for a Colts team that was 20th in pass rush win rate, according to Stats Perform data, in 2021.

Heading the other way is cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, a former second-round pick of the Colts coming off a statistically impressive season.

Ya-Sin allowed a burn, which is when a receiver wins his matchup with a defender on a play where he is targeted, on 46.8 per cent of targets last season. The average for corners with at least 25 targets was 51.3.

He allowed 5.92 burn yards per target, the fewest among corners (min. 25 targets) and 0.90 burn yards per snap (third fewest), illustrating the limited separation Ya-Sin allowed receivers.

Between the arrivals of Jones and Ya-Sin, a defense that allowed the eighth-fewest yards per pass play (5.91) in the NFL last season will hope to produce sterner showings against opposing aerial attacks under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham.

Ravens in awe of Jackson after historic performance against Colts

Head coach John Harbaugh called Jackson's effort "one of the greatest performances I've ever seen" after Jackson led four straight touchdown drives to erase a 19-point deficit. 

Jackson's career-best 442 passing yards set a franchise record and with 62 additional yards on the ground he accounted for all but 19 of Baltimore's 523 yards of total offence. 

It was a breathtaking effort that left team-mates in awe. 

"He's amazing," said Marquise Brown, who caught the game-winning touchdown pass in overtime after hauling in a 43-yard TD to start the comeback.

"I think he's just 24 years old? It's crazy what he can do," said veteran defensive end Calais Campbell. 

A significant part of Jackson's allure stems from his ability to get the team out of jams, as he did once again Monday with Baltimore down 22-3 late in the third quarter and 25-9 with 12 minutes remaining in the fourth. 

"It wasn't easy," Harbaugh told reporters. "I mean, it wasn't like we came out up and down the field. We had to overcome and fight through some things.

"[Jackson] just came alive like all of our guys did. All of the guys made plays, but it starts with Lamar. He deserves the credit."

The quarterback insisted he never doubted the Ravens' ability to come back in the game. It was just a matter of time before they got their offence going. 

"Our team, we hit that peak that we needed at the right time in the second half," Jackson said. "We just knew it was one play at a time – that's all we kept saying in the huddle."

Ravens star Lamar Jackson wants all QBs protected: Not just myself

Jackson was on the end of some late hits during Baltimore's 23-7 win over the Denver Broncos last week.

Former MVP Jackson was 22-of-37 passing for 316 yards, a touchdown and three sacks on the road in Denver, where the Ravens QB showed no signs of a sore back to snap the Broncos' unbeaten start to the season.

"I just feel we should be protecting all quarterbacks in the league, not just myself," Jackson said Thursday, ahead of the Week 5 clash with the Indianapolis Colts.

"Everyone should be included in that, especially while we're in the pocket – our leg area and stuff like that.

"Football is football. Guys get aggressive sometimes. Stuff happens. Probably don't mean it. I'd like the ref to throw the flag, though, if they catch it."

Against Denver, Jackson had his highest passing yardage total since Week 1 of 2019 (324) – the 2019 Pro Bowler has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 13 consecutive home games.

The Ravens have the chase to break the record for consecutive 100-yard rushing games – Baltimore are currently level on 43 alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-77).

Baltimore have won their last two games against Indianapolis, including a 24-10 road win last season.

The Ravens have never won three straight games against the Colts, the franchise which began in Charm City before moving to Indianapolis in 1984.

Reich tells Colts to 'dial it back' after impressive Patriots win

The Colts scored a 27-17 win against the Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday to improve to 8-6 on the season, leaving them fifth in the conference standings.

Next time out, the Colts face the high-flying Arizona Cardinals and, while delighted to add another tick in the win column, head coach Reich said there is plenty of work ahead in their playoff bid.

"We're the five seed, we got to win every one of these games," Reich said. 

"What we said in there was, hey, this is a great team win but this counts for one. It counts for one, that's it. 

"So, we got to dial it back in and get ready to play against, obviously, the best team in the NFL next Saturday."

Jonathan Taylor was influential for the Colts, rushing for 167 yards including a 67-yard touchdown with 2:01 remaining on the clock in the fourth quarter to put the seal on the Colts' triumph.

It means Taylor has run for a score in 11 straight games, which matches the Hall of Famer Lenny Moore for the longest streak in franchise history.

"I think it just says we're a team that's going to come in and play 60 minutes, four quarters of hard football and we're not going to give up till the clock hits zero," Taylor said. 

"It was just all out effort."

Speaking about Taylor's sensational 67-yard TD, Reich admitted he almost called for a different play.

"I almost called a pass there because I thought we needed a first down and I talked it over with Marcus Brady and said 'no, let's call one more pass,'" Reich said of discussions with his offensive coordinator. 

"There's no way anybody's catching him."

For the Patriots, defeat means they drop out of the AFC top-seed spot, while their seven-game winning streak was snapped.

A host of sloppy errors left them with a 20-0 deficit from which they were never able to recover.

"I've said it like five times, I can say it another five times," head coach Bill Belichick said. 

"We didn't do anything well enough to win tonight."

Resurgent Beckham insists Browns record 'no fluke' ahead of big Colts test

The Browns are seeking their first 4-1 start since 1994 when they host the Colts, who have the NFL's best defense through four weeks, on Sunday.

An astonishing 49-38 win at the Dallas Cowboys last week, where Beckham had three total touchdowns, saw the team score their most points in a game since 2007.

In an impressive response since losing to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, they have had 34 or more points against the Cincinnati Bengals, Washington and Dallas, their best scoring streak since 1968.

IS BECKHAM BACK TO HIS BEST?

As Beckham struggled with a core muscle injury in 2019, he largely failed to meet high expectations in his first year after being traded from the New York Giants, finishing with 1,035 receiving yards.

The Cowboys win saw him produce his best display yet in a Browns jersey. 

"You look at the games that we won, and it was not like it was a fluke," Beckham told reporters about the Browns' start to 2020.

"I’ve just been waiting," he added of his breakout game against Dallas, where he had 81 yards through the air and 73 on the ground.

"I know what I can do. I know what I am capable of. Just trying to find ways to keep this train rolling. This is probably one of the best spots I have been in.

"I had to really strain heavy last year - I did not want to run any faster than I needed to. I am definitely stronger, faster this year than I was last year. I am just all around healthier."

The Colts represent stiff opposition. They also struggled in a poor opener, losing to the Jacksonville Jaguars, only to respond with wins over the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets and Chicago Bears to also sit 3-1.

With star running back Nick Chubb out injured, Jarvis Landry believes his close friend and team-mate Beckham will have to produce more fireworks, after his spectacular 50-yard touchdown run on a reverse settled the game with Dallas.

"Greatness - listen, I have not seen plays like that in the NFL in a long time," said fellow wide receiver Landry, who had earlier thrown a TD pass to Beckham.

"Only special guys make those type of plays. He is very special. That is something that we are going to continue to need out of him for the rest of the season.

"Last year, he was dealing with a major injury that obviously he had to have surgery and coming into a new system, a new team and all of these things, I think that that weighs on anybody."

HISTORIC NUMBERS FOR COLTS DEFENSE

The Colts defense ranks first in the NFL for points allowed per game (14), yards per game (236.3) and yards per play (4.4).

The 945 total yards allowed is the best Colts figure through the first quarter of a season since 1971, per Stats Perform data.

They have also had the Browns' number over recent years, winning eight of the last nine meetings and five straight in Cleveland. However, each of the last 10 games have been decided by eight or fewer points.

For the Browns, defensive end Myles Garrett has had a spectacular start to 2020 and his 31 pressures are second to only to the Bears' Khalil Mack.

That form has helped the Browns generate turnovers – they have forced 10 fumbles and recovered six of them, the first team to have had such a streak since the 2015 Detroit Lions.

But they have also allowed as many touchdowns as their offense has scored (16) and given up 63 passing plays of 10 or more yards, a record which is second-worst in the league (the Seattle Seahawks have allowed 74).

MILESTONE FOR RIVERS

Pressure may be harder to come by this week, as Colts QB Philip Rivers has only been sacked three times behind quality offensive line play he was not used to with the Los Angeles (formerly San Diego) Chargers.

Rivers will almost certainly become the fifth player in history to reach 5,000 career pass completions, following in the footsteps of an elite group – Drew Brees, Tom Brady, Brett Favre and Peyton Manning. He goes into the game with 4,996 to his name.

Colts coach Frank Reich has been thrilled with Rivers, even though the Colts' run game and stellar defense meant he only had to throw for 190 yards in last week's win over the Bears.

Reich said: "He made some huge plays on third down trusting his receivers, the throw to T.Y. Hilton, the throw to Marcus [Johnson] down the field - we get the pass interference.

"We had the other one that we missed to T.Y. down there. I know Philip said something about that missed throw. There was a little collision down the field that kind of precipitated that."

And Hilton is not worried about having just 13 catches (162 yards, 22 targets) through four games, so long as the Colts keep winning.

He said: "I have got no problem with what’s going on - we are winning and I am having fun.

"I can only control what I can control and when the ball comes my way, I'll be ready. Whatever my team needs, I'm always there to make a play."

Rodgers helps Packers clinch NFC North, Wilson dominates Jets

Rodgers continued his good form as the Packers overcame the Detroit Lions 31-24 on Sunday, clinching the NFC North for the second straight year.

Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks were untroubled by the Jets, who slumped to 0-13.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers fell to a second straight loss and Jalen Hurts inspired the Philadelphia Eagles on his first NFL start.

 

RODGERS HELPS PACKERS CLINCH

Rodgers threw three touchdown passes and went 26 of 33 for 290 yards in the Packers' win, while also rushing in for a score.

The quarterback connected with Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Robert Tonyan, Green Bay seeing out their win despite the Lions closing to within seven twice in the fourth quarter.

Adams caught a receiving TD in an eighth straight game, which is tied for the third longest streak in a single season in the Super Bowl era, as per NFL Research. Only Jerry Rice (12) and A.J. Green (nine) have had longer streaks.

As the Packers improved to 10-3, Detroit fell to 5-8 – including 1-5 at home – and saw quarterback Matthew Stafford replaced by Chase Daniel due to an upper-body injury.

WILSON WONDERFUL AGAINST WINLESS JETS

Seattle were untroubled by the Jets as Wilson completed 21 of 27 passes for 206 yards, four touchdowns and an interception in a 40-3 thrashing.

Wilson recorded his 15th career game with four-plus touchdowns, tied with Peyton Manning for the second most such games in a player's first nine seasons in the Super Bowl era, as per NFL Research. Only Dan Marino (16) has more.

The Seahawks star checked out in the third quarter for Seattle, who joined the Los Angeles Rams on a 9-4 record in the NFC West. Seattle and Los Angeles meet on December 27.

BILLS BEAT STEELERS, HURTS SHINES

The Buffalo Bills handed the Steelers a second straight loss with a 26-15 victory to close in on a first AFC East title since 1995.

Josh Allen was 24 of 43 for 238 yards, two touchdowns and an interception and Stefon Diggs had 130 receiving yards and a TD.

Now 10-3, the Bills moved clear of the Miami Dolphins (8-5) and New England Patriots (6-7) in the AFC East.

Handed their first loss of the season by the Washington Football Team last time out, the Steelers (11-2) are still clear of the Cleveland Browns (9-3) and Baltimore Ravens (7-5) in the AFC North.

In the defeat, the Steelers set an NFL record with a sack in 70 consecutive games. Pittsburgh surpassed the 1999-2003 Tampa Bay Buccaneers' all-time mark.

Replacing the struggling Carson Wentz, Hurts inspired the Eagles to an upset 24-21 win over the New Orleans Saints, whose nine-game winning streak was ended.

Hurts completed 17 of 30 passes for 167 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 106 yards on 18 carries.

He became the second quarterback all-time to beat a team on a winning streak of nine-plus games on his first career start, according to Stats Perform. He joined former Ram Ron Jaworski (1975).

Week 14 scores:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-14 Minnesota Vikings
Arizona Cardinals 26-7 New York Giants
Kansas City Chiefs 33-27 Miami Dolphins
Tennessee Titans 31-10 Jacksonville Jaguars
Dallas Cowboys 30-7 Cincinnati Bengals
Chicago Bears 36-7 Houston Texans
Denver Broncos 32-27 Carolina Panthers
Indianapolis Colts 44-27 Las Vegas Raiders
Seattle Seahawks 40-3 New York Jets
Green Bay Packers 31-24 Detroit Lions
Los Angeles Chargers 20-17 Atlanta Falcons
Philadelphia Eagles 24-21 New Orleans Saints
Washington Football Team 23-15 San Francisco 49ers
Buffalo Bills 26-15 Pittsburgh Steelers

Rodgers helps Packers secure NFC's top seed, Henry makes history as Titans win AFC South

Aaron Rodgers again powered the Packers, throwing four touchdown passes in a win over the Chicago Bears.

Despite their loss, the Bears clinched a playoff spot, as did the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams.

Meanwhile, Henry made history as the Titans won the AFC South, while the Washington Football Team claimed the NFC East.

 

RODGERS DOMINATES AGAIN AS PACKERS CLINCH TOP SEED

Rodgers completed 19 of 24 passes for 240 yards and four TDs in the Packers' 35-16 victory over the Bears.

The Packers quarterback connected for TDs with Robert Tonyan, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Dominique Dafney and Davante Adams.

Rodgers finished the regular season with 48 TD passes. Alongside Peyton Manning, they are the only players in NFL history with 45-plus TD passes in multiple seasons, according to NFL Research. They won the NFL MVP in each of the previous three instances.

While Green Bay finished with a 13-3 record, the 8-8 Bears also reached the playoffs.

 

HISTORY FOR HENRY AS TITANS WIN AFC SOUTH

The Titans claimed the AFC South for the first time since 2008 after a thrilling 41-38 win over the Houston Texans.

Henry became the eighth player in history to rush for at least 2,000 yards in a single season.

He had 250 rushing yards and two TDs against the Texans. Of the eight players to achieve the feat, Henry was the only one who needed 200-plus yards in his last game to get there, according to Stats Perform.

A.J. Brown had 151 receiving yards, but the Titans needed Sam Sloman's 37-yard field goal as time expired to edge the Texans.

The Titans became the first team in NFL history to have a 250-yard rusher and 150-yard receiver in the same game.

 

WASHINGTON WIN NFC EAST AS COLTS, RAMS REACH PLAYOFFS

The Washington Football Team claimed the NFC East thanks to a 20-14 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

Alex Smith threw two touchdown passes and two interceptions as Washington (7-9) claimed the division.

The Colts (11-5) reached the playoffs thanks to a 28-14 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, while the Los Angeles Rams (10-6) are also into the postseason after beating the Arizona Cardinals 18-7.

 

Week 17 scores:

Minnesota Vikings 37-35 Detroit Lions
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 44-27 Atlanta Falcons
New England Patriots 28-14 New York Jets
Buffalo Bills 56-26 Miami Dolphins
Cleveland Browns 24-22 Pittsburgh Steelers
New York Giants 23-19 Dallas Cowboys
Baltimore Ravens 38-3 Cincinnati Bengals
Indianapolis Colts 28-14 Jacksonville Jaguars
Tennessee Titans 41-38 Houston Texans
Los Angeles Rams 18-7 Arizona Cardinals
New Orleans Saints 33-7 Carolina Panthers
Green Bay Packers 35-16 Chicago Bears
Los Angeles Chargers 38-21 Kansas City Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks 26-23 San Francisco 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders 32-31 Denver Broncos
Washington Football Team 20-14 Philadelphia Eagles

Rodgers leads Packers past Bears, Mahomes shines as Chiefs hold off Brady's Buccaneers

Rodgers was in control throughout as the Packers eased to a 41-25 win over the Chicago Bears to strengthen their grip on the NFC North.

Patrick Mahomes had earlier starred for the Kansas City Chiefs, who held off Brady and the Buccaneers.

Meanwhile, the San Francisco 49ers left it late against the Los Angeles Rams and the Denver Broncos – without a quarterback – fell.

 

RODGERS' PACKERS DOMINATE BEARS

The Packers handed the Bears a fifth straight loss with a 16-point victory.

Rodgers completed 21 of 29 passes for 211 yards and four touchdowns for Green Bay, who at one stage led 41-10.

During the win, Rodgers became the 11th player in NFL history to reach 50,000 passing yards.

Davante Adams had a receiving touchdown in a sixth straight game, the longest active streak in the NFL. He also tied the Packers' franchise record since at least 1950, according to NFL Research.

The Packers (8-3) are top of the NFC North ahead of the Minnesota Vikings (5-6), Bears (5-6) and Detroit Lions (4-7).

CHIEFS HOLD OFF BUCCANEERS

Mahomes and Tyreek Hill dominated as the Chiefs overcame the Buccaneers 27-24.

Hill caught three touchdown passes and had 269 receiving yards as the Chiefs improved to 10-1 and handed Brady three straight home losses for the first time in his career.

During his performance, Hill had 203 receiving yards in the first quarter. He was the third player since 1980 with 200-plus receiving yards in a single quarter, joining Qadry Ismail (1999) and Lee Evans (2006).

Mahomes was 37 of 49 for 462 yards and three touchdowns, while Brady completed 27 of 41 for 345 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.

In November, Mahomes averaged 399.5 passing yards per game. That is the most passing yards per game by any quarterback in a single month in NFL history, with minimum four games played, as per Stats Perform.

49ERS EDGE RAMS

Robbie Gould drilled a 42-yard field goal as time expired to lift the 49ers past the Rams 23-20.

Deebo Samuel had 133 receiving yards for the 49ers as Nick Mullens completed 24 of 35 for 252 yards, with one interception.

Rams QB Jared Goff struggled, throwing two interceptions and getting sacked twice while completing 19 of 31 for 198 yards.

The 49ers (5-6) are bottom of the NFC West, behind the Seattle Seahawks (7-3), Rams (7-4) and Arizona Cardinals (6-5).

SAINTS BEAT QUARTERBACK-LESS BRONCOS

With all their quarterbacks declared ineligible to play due to coronavirus protocols, the Broncos fell to the New Orleans Saints 31-3.

Wide receiver Kendall Hinton started at QB for the Broncos. He went one-of-nine for 13 yards and two interceptions.

With Drew Brees sidelined, the Saints improved to 9-2 as Taysom Hill started, throwing for 78 yards and rushing for 44. Latavius Murray had 124 rushing yards.

Week 12 scores:

Atlanta Falcons 43-6 Las Vegas Raiders
Buffalo Bills 27-17 Los Angeles Chargers
Cleveland Browns 27-25 Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins 20-3 New York Jets
Minnesota Vikings 28-27 Carolina Panthers
New England Patriots 20-17 Arizona Cardinals
New York Giants 19-17 Cincinnati Bengals 
Tennessee Titans 45-26 Indianapolis Colts
New Orleans Saints 31-3 Denver Broncos
San Francisco 49ers 23-20 Los Angeles Rams
Kansas City Chiefs 27-24 Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Green Bay Packers 41-25 Chicago Bears

Rodgers surpasses Favre in Packers win, Cardinals slump continues against Colts

Rodgers overtook Packers legend Brett Favre for the most passing touchdowns in Green Bay history after finding Allen Lazard from 11 yards in the first quarter.

The 38-year-old threw for 202 yards and three touchdowns in the 24-22 win as the Packers extended their lead at the top of the NFC, moving to a 12-3 record.

Rodgers reached 445 career touchdown passes by the end of the game, beating Favre's haul of 442 for Green Bay.

Wide receiver Davante Adams made 10 catches for a total of 114 yards, scoring two TDs, the fourth time he has made 10 or more catches in a game this season.

Rodgers and Adams also became the Packers' most productive partnership in franchise history after combining for a TD for the 66th time, surpassing Rodgers and Jordy Nelson.

Baker Mayfield, meanwhile, struggled in his first game back since being activated from the Browns' COVID-19 list, being sacked five times and throwing four interceptions in Wisconsin.

Cleveland, now on a record of 7-8 for the season, gave themselves late hope with an Anthony Schwartz TD in the fourth quarter, but were unable to add further.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals lost a third game in a row after a 22-16 home loss against the Indianapolis Colts at State Farm Stadium.

Despite being sacked twice, Carson Wentz threw two TDs, one in the first quarter to T.Y. Hilton to give the Colts the lead, and then a 14-yard effort to Dezmon Patmon in the fourth to take the game away from the hosts.

Jonathan Taylor made over 100 rushing yards (108) for the Colts for the ninth time this season, and has now done so in six of his last seven outings.

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray saw plenty of the ball, making 43 throws in the game, but could only complete 27 of them, finding the endzone only once as he combined with Antoine Wesley as Arizona nudged ahead at the start of the second half.

Wentz and the Colts were able to wrestle control though, and move on to 9-6, while the Cardinals now sit at 10-5, dropping to fifth in the NFC.

Ryan opens up on 'bittersweet' Colts trade: I thought I'd retire as a Falcon

The Falcons confirmed Ryan's departure to the Colts on Monday, with the 36-year-old traded for a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Ryan spent 14 seasons with Atlanta after arriving in 2008, with no player in the NFL throwing for more passing yards than the quarterback's 59,735 over that period.

He completed 67 per cent of his passes in 2021, his highest completion rate since 2018, for 3,968 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Prior to 2021, Ryan threw for 4,000 yards in 10 consecutive seasons, the high point coming in 2016 when he led the Falcons to the Super Bowl.

But with his time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium now over, the 2016 MVP is excited to begin a new journey with the Colts, who parted with Carson Wentz after just one season.

As part of a full page advert in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution published on Wednesday, Ryan said: "Thank you, Atlanta.

"From the moment I landed here, late at night just hours after having been drafted, I felt at home. 

"The team welcomed me, balancing the typical indoctrinations of a rookie with the generous acceptance of wise and experienced veterans. 

"The city supported me, bringing enthusiasm to games but also to the more casual interactions we had day-to-day, I knew how lucky I was.

"When my first NFL pass ended with a touchdown, I admit that I felt like this was all meant to be. 

"I was immediately determined to do as right by Atlanta as Atlanta was doing by me. I carried that determination with me through every season that followed.

"Sports are sports, and there is a reason why we play the game every week. Winners are not preordained, and every drive does not end in a touchdown. 

"Success become all the sweeter, not only because I knew it was not guaranteed, but because I was enjoying it with teammates and fans who worked hard to earn it.

"There were of course disappointments, large and small. That did not shake my faith in this team, or in my determination to deliver. This disappointments became motivations."

Across his 14 years in Atlanta, Ryan was a four-time pro bowler, won the MVP award and set multiple franchise records, including the most career touchdowns.

"I have long thought and often said I would retire as a Falcon. But the changes and growth continue," he added.

"As excited as I am about the this next step in my career, this is a bittersweet moment. I have spent more than a decade playing for you, the fans of Atlanta. 

"You have made all of this worth it, and all of this means something more than what could ever be reflected in a statistic. 

"I appreciate each and every one of you, and I thank you, so sincerely, for the life you have given me all of these seasons.

"I am also very grateful to the coaches and teammates I have played with over the years. 

"There are too many to list here, but I hope each of you know how much you have shaped me as a player and as a person. I look forward to crossing paths, on the field and off.

"It seems impossible to sum up 14 years, and to adequately express my feelings about them. 

"As much as I have learned about change, though, I know this: Nothing can change what this time has meant to me. So, again. Thank you, Atlanta."

Ryan vows to embrace new role after being benched by Colts

The Colts are currently 3-3-1 for the campaign, and Ryan – a postseason acquisition from the Atlanta Falcons – has thrown a league-high nine interceptions. 

Ryan threw two interceptions – one of which was returned 76 yards for a touchdown – during the Colts' 19-10 loss to their AFC South rivals the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

On Monday, head coach Frank Reich revealed the team's plan to make Ehlinger their starting QB for the rest of the season, and Ryan accepts that decision.

"It's not something I've dealt with [before], but I've been around a long time and seen that it happens," Ryan said.

"I've always preached that you've got to accept and embrace the role that they decide for you and try and be the best in that role that you can be. That's what I'll do.

"As a player, you just always anticipate, you're getting ready, you're going to go and so that's where your mindset's at. 

"There was a little bit of surprise and shock at the beginning, but it's a decision they had to make and, as a player, as a team-mate, you have to move forward and you've got to help out where you can."

Reich, meanwhile, has refuted the suggestion the decision to change quarterback means the Colts are giving up on the season. 

"I can tell you this for sure, nobody is waving the white flag," Reich said. "It's not in my DNA. It's not in our players' DNA. I would never do that in a million years. I just couldn't do that."

Ryan has completed 203 of 297 passes for 2,008 yards at a 68.4 per cent completion rate this season, with nine touchdowns and nine interceptions. He has also been sacked 24 times, tied for the second most in the NFL this season.