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What Happened in the NFL? Week 14 Recap

With the playoffs just around the corner, week 14 saw more teams eliminated while others kept their dreams of post season games alive. See what happened and what to look forward to for week 15.

Lamar Leads the Charge

After running all over the Cleveland Browns in the first half, the Baltimore Ravens found themselves fighting for every yard down the stretch as they went back and forth eventually winning 47-42 on Monday night.

After Lamar Jackson left the game to deal with a cramping throwing arm and legs, backup quarterback Trace McSorley ran the offence until he injured his knee leaving Baltimore with a 4th and 5 with the game on the line.

From here the heroics happened as Jackson ran from the locker room to lead his team on the critical down. After scoring, Baker Mayfield led the Browns downfield for the game tying score leaving just one minute for the Ravens to respond.

With three quick plays, Jackson’s arm led his offence into field goal range where Justin Tucker kept their playoff hopes alive on a game winning field goal. While Jackson kept his team in the game early, it was his throwing that sealed the deal late.

Running for Miles

After 56 games of not giving up 100 yards rushing to a single player, the New Orleans Saints allowed two players to pass that mark in the team’s 24-21 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. With rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts starting, the Eagles were able to use his mobility to freeze defenders and stress coverage responsibilities with his legs.

As a result, Miles Sanders and Hurts were able to eclipse 100 yards on the ground and hand the Saints their third loss of the year. What stood out during the game though was coach Doug Pederson’s commitment to the run game which has been absent for the majority of the season.

The Eagles will probably keep Hurts at the helm for a couple more games, but the balanced approach will benefit them regardless of who is taking snaps. On the other sideline, the Saints now fall to the two seed which would require them travelling to the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field if they had to face the Green Bay Packers.

Rams’ Defensive Display

The Los Angeles Rams hosted the New England Patriots on Thursday Night Football and their stars were on full display in the 24-3 win. Defensive Player of the Year Candidate Aaron Donald made his presence felt early and often as he recorded 1.5 sacks and two QB hits on Cam Newton.

The defence’s dominance was highlighted by linebacker Kenny Young’s 79 yard interception return for a touchdown which sealed the Patriot’s fate.

Los Angeles’ stellar night on defence also saw some history being made on the offensive side of the ball as Cam Akers ran for 171 yards, the most for a Rams’ rookie since Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis in 1993. With the win the NFC West standings remain the same with the Rams holding a half game lead over the Seattle Seahawks.

Bills beat up Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers danced all over the field in pregame warmup, but when the game kicked off the Buffalo Bills took control and halted all celebrations in their 26-15 win. A main reason why the Bills were able to dominate in primetime was receiver Stefon Diggs recording ten catches for 130 yards and a touchdown.

Having made the trade for Diggs in the off season, the Bills have made quarterback Josh Allen feel more comfortable with a superb weapon on the perimeter. The third year quarterback has progressed in his ball placement, cut back on the errant throws, and limited his turnovers en route to the Bills’ successes this season.

The Buffalo defence has helped the team a ton by creating short fields for their offence by adding two interceptions on the pass heavy Steelers. With the loss, Pittsburgh now opens the door for the Chiefs to steal the first round bye from them.

Super Bowl Replay

The Kansas City Chiefs found themselves down by ten for a second straight game in Hard Rock Stadium, and once again Patrick Mahomes rallied his team and came back with ease. After falling behind, the Chiefs scored 30 unanswered points including a 14 point swing at the half. 

While there were 30 unanswered points, the Chiefs were halted early by the Miami Dolphins defence which recorded three interceptions on the day and pressured Mahomes all game long. While you can stop the Chiefs momentarily, Andy Reid finds a way to scheme up touchdowns for his team.

As the Dolphins fell behind, they also fell apart as they lost both starting receivers and tight end Mike Gesicki to injury. With the playoff race winding down, the injuries will play a big role in Miami’s chances.

Want to check out Wade’s previous storylines from week 13? You can read them here.