SPORTS N STUFF

TIME: 08:20 P.M. EST
VENUE: Lucas Oil Stadium

After dominating the AFC South over the previous eight seasons, the Peyton Manning-less Indianapolis Colts have given way to the Houston Texans.

Even though these teams most recent efforts more resembled previous seasons than the current one, this may be Houstons best chance to finally win in Indianapolis.

Looking to regroup from their first defeat in more than two months, the division champion Texans visit a Colts team looking to build on its first win of the season Thursday night.

With Manning under center, Indianapolis had won seven of the past eight South titles and made the playoffs in all nine years since the division was created in 2002 – Houstons inaugural season.

The Colts had been 15-1 in this series before losing two of the last three meetings, including a season-opening 34-7 defeat at Houston on Sept. 11. However, the Texans are 0-9 all-time at Indianapolis, giving up an average of 32.6 points, but this is the first time theyve played there without having to face Manning.

Then again, Indianapolis (1-13) is coming off its first win, shocking Tennessee 27-13 on Sunday.

“I think (the Colts are) feeling very good after what happened last week,” Kubiak said. “… You know, the Thursday night game gets a lot of attention. We know theyll play well. Like I said, our history in that building hasnt been very good, so were going to have to go change that and play much better.”

The Texans secured their first postseason berth and division title in Week 14. They entered Sunday having won a franchise-record seven straight and coming off a last-second 20-19 victory over Cincinnati, but they lost 28-13 at home to a sub-.500 Carolina team.

Houston had been tied for the conferences best record but fell one game behind New England and is now one of three AFC teams at 10-4.

“It is a wake-up call, and its up to us as leaders to let our team know what exactly this game is,” defensive end Antonio Smith told the teams official website. “I wouldnt say it has to happen, but if it does happen, its needed for you to be battle-tested in a situation like this, for us to grow as a team. You got to take your (knocks). You got to take your hits on the chin.”

“When you become the team, just like when we face teams that people give high praise, you got the underdog coming to knock you right off the pedestal.”

The Texans find themselves in a similar situation Thursday and likely know better than to overlook a Colts team that has plenty to celebrate following an 0-13 start.

Indianapolis rallied in the second half to defeat the Titans, posting its first victory without Manning in more than 14 years.

“Any time you get a win, its good, and these guys have been working hard,” coach Jim Caldwell said. “The guys havent been complaining, theyve worked together, theyve fought together, so its good to get a good result. I think it gives our guys a little bit of a lift.”

Making his third consecutive start, Dan Orlovsky was just 11 of 17 for 82 yards but threw for the go-ahead touchdown in the third quarter, and no Colts passes were intercepted for the first time since Week 5. Donald Brown carried 16 times for a career-high 161 yards, including an 80-yard TD run late in the fourth.

“It means a lot (to win), but were a proud ball club so one game out of 13 or 14, we still have a ways to go,” defensive end Robert Mathis said.

A big reason Indianapolis dominated this series was the Texans werent very good defensively, but theyve made major strides this year, ranking second in total yards allowed at 277.9 per game and fifth against the run (96.8 ypg). However, they gave up a season-worst 166 yards on the ground Sunday and two rushing TDs, one more than they surrendered during the seven-game win streak.

Rookie T.J. Yates, thrown under center with season-ending injuries to Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart, also had a forgettable performance as he went 19 of 30 for 212 yards and two interceptions.

“Weve got a lot of things to fix and maybe just a quick turnaround is the thing,” Kubiak said.

With Yates still getting accustomed to his new role, the offense continues to lean on Arian Foster. The Pro Bowler had his fifth 100-yard rushing effort and eighth touchdown in eight games Sunday, running for 109 yards and catching five passes for 58.

In two career meetings with Indianapolis, Foster has totaled 405 yards from scrimmage and four TDs. He rushed for a career-high 231 yards and three scores during a 34-24 win Sept. 12, 2010.

All-Pro wideout Andre Johnson will miss a third straight contest and ninth this season due to a hamstring injury. Its unknown if defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, who went on medical leave after undergoing kidney and gall bladder surgery last week, will be available to coach.

CBSSports.com wire reports
Dec. 20, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — From the swirling winds off the bay that can play fits with the football to the 1989 earthquake that rocked the World Series, Candlestick Park has long been an unpredictable venue known for its challenges.

nearly became a Monday Night Fiasco when everything went dark — twice.

San Franciscos lights-out return to prime time in a 20-3 victory against the Steelers helped salvage what could have been an embarrassing evening for everyone involved on the NFLs biggest stage after a pair of power outages delayed the game for close to 35 minutes in all.

“I just feel like San Francisco took a big step to show the NFL and to show the state of California that they need a new stadium,” Steelers safety Ryan Clark said. “I think it was a very strategic move, and Candlestick may be no more.”

Good thing theres a state-of-the-art $1 billion stadium in the works.

The 49ers rode their top-ranked run defense once again to keep ailing Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger off balance and maintain a hold on the NFCs No. 2 playoff seed and a first-round bye.

“Electric atmosphere tonight,” tweeted team president Jed York — unclear if his pun was intended.

Vernon Davis caught a 1-yard touchdown pass for the 49ers (11-3) one play after setting himself up with a 21-yard reception from Alex Smith, Frank Gore ran for a 5-yard score and David Akers kicked field goals of 22 and 38 yards to overtake Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for San Franciscos single-season scoring record.

“I think we showed the world we can play the game of football on a national stage,” Davis said. “At the end of the day thats what its all about: respect.”

The Steelers (10-4) missed a key chance to take sole possession of first place in the AFC North and gain the AFCs No. 1 playoff seed.

Roethlisberger, playing on a sprained left ankle that had Big Ben in a walking boot during the week, suffered two early interceptions and another in the waning minutes — and a couple of light structures flickered as the final ticks elapsed.

Even all those Terrible Towel-waving Steelers supporters in the sellout crowd of 69,732 couldnt will their team when San Franciscos unique home-field advantage became two blackout delays.

“Its very frustrating to feel like you let down your team and your fans and your coaches. Its tough,” Roethlisberger said. “Im not going to make excuses. I played a bad football game, I turned the ball over and that ones on me.”

San Francisco became the first team in NFL history to hold an opponent without a rushing touchdown through each of the first 14 games.

“I also want to recognize our defense,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “NFL record for not allowing a rushing touchdown in 14 games. I think that is huge.”

Carlos Rogers, Dashon Goldson and Tarell Brown made interceptions, while Rookie of the Year candidate Aldon Smith had 2½ sacks for San Franciscos stingy defense.

The 49ers also have gone 36 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Rashard Mendenhall had 15 carries for 64 yards.

“This team has really become a team,” Harbaugh said. Im really proud of them for that.”

Roethlisberger still finished 25 for 44 for 330 yards, but was sacked three times. After his second pick, he fumed as he limped off the field and could be seen yelling into his chin strap.

The 49ers made a big statement in their most meaningful home game since their last trip to the playoffs in January 2003, when San Francisco came from behind to stun the New York Giants 39-38 in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.

“It was probably the biggest home game since Ive been here,” Alex Smith said.

They had to wait 20 minutes to get started after the power went out the first time. It didnt seem to faze San Francisco.

“It wasnt too bad. It was unusual,” said Alex Smith, who went 18 for 31 for 187 yards. “You dont expect to have to deal with it, and it happened twice. But it was the same for both teams.”

Smith wasnt sacked after being taken down 18 times in the previous three games, including nine in the Niners prime time flop at Baltimore on Thanksgiving night against Jim Harbaughs big brother, John.

Jim Harbaugh prepared for the Steelers by comparing notes with his brother after the Ravens won both meetings this season with Pittsburgh in one of the AFCs fiercest rivalries.

The Steelers are 0-for-Harbaugh this season.

“I think we need to acknowledge that was 49er football tonight,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “We played the game on their terms.”

The 37-year-old Akers, who long admired Rice from afar growing up in Kentucky, topped Rices 138 points scored in 1987.

Yet Akers has said he doesnt feel deserving of the points mark over a great such as Rice — who clowned around on the field before the game catching passes from fellow Hall of Famer and former QB Steve Young, including one in the end zone.

It was after Akers second field goal when everything went dark for a second time. Thousands of flashbulbs went off in the midst of the black, with thousands of fans sitting in darkness — including all those Steelers fans who travel the country with their team.

NFL security chief Jeff Miller said he witnessed a transformer blow up while he was monitoring a gate outside the stadium, where a shooting during the preseason already put a negative light on this venue.

The second delay came early in the second quarter and halted the game again between the playoff-bound teams for about 15 minutes. Miller and other NFL officials gathered in the press box to assess the situation, remaining in constant contact with the commissioners office.

This was the 49ers only Monday night game this season and their final regular-season home game at Candlestick Park. The NFL certainly will want to make sure there are no problems when San Francisco plays host to a playoff game next month as NFC West champions — and Miller said he remains confident Candlestick can capably host a playoff game.

“Never in my life have I been a part of a blackout in a stadium,” Davis said.

The Steelers missed linebacker James Harrison, who served his one-game suspension for a helmet to facemask hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy on Dec. 8.

“We better lick our wounds pretty quickly because we have a quick turnaround here,” Tomlin said.

This marked the fourth time in history that two teams faced off with 10 victories and a winning percentage of at least .750 — and San Francisco has played in all of them, the last on Dec. 15, 1997, with the 12-2 49ers vs. 11-3 Broncos.

Notes

The 49ers lost left tackle Joe Staley to a second-half leg injury. WR Ted Ginn Jr. injured his right ankle on the second-half kickoff. Pittsburgh was held to 84 yards rushing.

CBSSports.com wire reports
Dec. 20, 2011

SAN FRANCISCO — From the swirling winds off the bay that can play fits with the football to the 1989 earthquake that rocked the World Series, Candlestick Park has long been an unpredictable venue known for its challenges.

nearly became a Monday Night Fiasco when everything went dark — twice.

San Franciscos lights-out return to prime time in a 20-3 victory against the Steelers helped salvage what could have been an embarrassing evening for everyone involved on the NFLs biggest stage after a pair of power outages delayed the game for close to 35 minutes in all.

“I just feel like San Francisco took a big step to show the NFL and to show the state of California that they need a new stadium,” Steelers safety Ryan Clark said. “I think it was a very strategic move, and Candlestick may be no more.”

Good thing theres a state-of-the-art $1 billion stadium in the works.

The 49ers rode their top-ranked run defense once again to keep ailing Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger off balance and maintain a hold on the NFCs No. 2 playoff seed and a first-round bye.

“Electric atmosphere tonight,” tweeted team president Jed York — unclear if his pun was intended.

Vernon Davis caught a 1-yard touchdown pass for the 49ers (11-3) one play after setting himself up with a 21-yard reception from Alex Smith, Frank Gore ran for a 5-yard score and David Akers kicked field goals of 22 and 38 yards to overtake Hall of Famer Jerry Rice for San Franciscos single-season scoring record.

“I think we showed the world we can play the game of football on a national stage,” Davis said. “At the end of the day thats what its all about: respect.”

The Steelers (10-4) missed a key chance to take sole possession of first place in the AFC North and gain the AFCs No. 1 playoff seed.

Roethlisberger, playing on a sprained left ankle that had Big Ben in a walking boot during the week, suffered two early interceptions and another in the waning minutes — and a couple of light structures flickered as the final ticks elapsed.

Even all those Terrible Towel-waving Steelers supporters in the sellout crowd of 69,732 couldnt will their team when San Franciscos unique home-field advantage became two blackout delays.

“Its very frustrating to feel like you let down your team and your fans and your coaches. Its tough,” Roethlisberger said. “Im not going to make excuses. I played a bad football game, I turned the ball over and that ones on me.”

San Francisco became the first team in NFL history to hold an opponent without a rushing touchdown through each of the first 14 games.

“I also want to recognize our defense,” 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh said. “NFL record for not allowing a rushing touchdown in 14 games. I think that is huge.”

Carlos Rogers, Dashon Goldson and Tarell Brown made interceptions, while Rookie of the Year candidate Aldon Smith had 2½ sacks for San Franciscos stingy defense.

The 49ers also have gone 36 games without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Rashard Mendenhall had 15 carries for 64 yards.

“This team has really become a team,” Harbaugh said. Im really proud of them for that.”

Roethlisberger still finished 25 for 44 for 330 yards, but was sacked three times. After his second pick, he fumed as he limped off the field and could be seen yelling into his chin strap.

The 49ers made a big statement in their most meaningful home game since their last trip to the playoffs in January 2003, when San Francisco came from behind to stun the New York Giants 39-38 in one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history.

“It was probably the biggest home game since Ive been here,” Alex Smith said.

They had to wait 20 minutes to get started after the power went out the first time. It didnt seem to faze San Francisco.

“It wasnt too bad. It was unusual,” said Alex Smith, who went 18 for 31 for 187 yards. “You dont expect to have to deal with it, and it happened twice. But it was the same for both teams.”

Smith wasnt sacked after being taken down 18 times in the previous three games, including nine in the Niners prime time flop at Baltimore on Thanksgiving night against Jim Harbaughs big brother, John.

Jim Harbaugh prepared for the Steelers by comparing notes with his brother after the Ravens won both meetings this season with Pittsburgh in one of the AFCs fiercest rivalries.

The Steelers are 0-for-Harbaugh this season.

“I think we need to acknowledge that was 49er football tonight,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said. “We played the game on their terms.”

The 37-year-old Akers, who long admired Rice from afar growing up in Kentucky, topped Rices 138 points scored in 1987.

Yet Akers has said he doesnt feel deserving of the points mark over a great such as Rice — who clowned around on the field before the game catching passes from fellow Hall of Famer and former QB Steve Young, including one in the end zone.

It was after Akers second field goal when everything went dark for a second time. Thousands of flashbulbs went off in the midst of the black, with thousands of fans sitting in darkness — including all those Steelers fans who travel the country with their team.

NFL security chief Jeff Miller said he witnessed a transformer blow up while he was monitoring a gate outside the stadium, where a shooting during the preseason already put a negative light on this venue.

The second delay came early in the second quarter and halted the game again between the playoff-bound teams for about 15 minutes. Miller and other NFL officials gathered in the press box to assess the situation, remaining in constant contact with the commissioners office.

This was the 49ers only Monday night game this season and their final regular-season home game at Candlestick Park. The NFL certainly will want to make sure there are no problems when San Francisco plays host to a playoff game next month as NFC West champions — and Miller said he remains confident Candlestick can capably host a playoff game.

“Never in my life have I been a part of a blackout in a stadium,” Davis said.

The Steelers missed linebacker James Harrison, who served his one-game suspension for a helmet to facemask hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy on Dec. 8.

“We better lick our wounds pretty quickly because we have a quick turnaround here,” Tomlin said.

This marked the fourth time in history that two teams faced off with 10 victories and a winning percentage of at least .750 — and San Francisco has played in all of them, the last on Dec. 15, 1997, with the 12-2 49ers vs. 11-3 Broncos.

Notes

The 49ers lost left tackle Joe Staley to a second-half leg injury. WR Ted Ginn Jr. injured his right ankle on the second-half kickoff. Pittsburgh was held to 84 yards rushing.

CBSSports.com wire reports
Dec. 18, 2011

SAN DIEGO — Philip Rivers isnt going to get caught up trying to figure out what it will take for his San Diego Chargers to reach the playoffs.

He just knows that if San Diego cant win its final two games — on the road, no less — its not going to matter.

Rivers threw for one score and reached the 4,000-yard mark for the fourth straight season, Ryan Mathews ran for two scores and hit 1,000 yards rushing, and the Chargers won their third straight game, beating the playoff-bound Baltimore Ravens 34-14 on Sunday night.

Unlike Joe Flacco and the Ravens, Rivers and the Chargers played as if they were postseason-bound. San Diego might not make it to the playoffs, though, because of an earlier six-game losing streak.

“The one thing that stays true in all the scenarios is, we have to win our next two games,” Rivers said. “Lets just worry about us. If its not enough on Jan. 1, its not enough. But were going to go down fighting.”

The Chargers (7-7) are tied with Oakland for second in the AFC West, a game behind Denver with two to play. Denver and Oakland both lost on Sunday. The Chargers finish with road games against Detroit and the Raiders.

The Ravens (10-4) had their four-game winning streak snapped, but clinched a playoff berth earlier in the day thanks to losses by the New York Jets, Oakland and Tennessee.

“Its a reality check,” said Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs, who was anything but the disruptive force that he has been in accumulating a career-high 13 sacks this season. “You dont show up to play in a game like this, youre going to get your [butt] whupped. Championship teams get on the road and keep playing — they peak — they dont take a step back.”

Even though Ray Lewis was back with the Ravens after a four-game injury layoff, Baltimore only had two punishing hits on Rivers. Rivers was dominating, completing 17 of 23 passes for 270 yards to lead the Chargers to scores on six of their first seven possessions. He didnt throw an interception, and the only sack the Ravens got was wiped out on a personal foul against Suggs.

“It was good to win a big game like this at home against a good team,” Rivers said. “It was a rough six-game stretch, but we hung tight together and fought our way back to .500 with two to play and were still alive.”

Rivers joined Peyton Manning (1999-04 and 2006-10) and former teammate Drew Brees (2006-11) as the only QBs in NFL history with at least four-straight 4,000-yard seasons.

Flacco got the treatment many thought Rivers would. Flacco was sacked five times — three by former Ravens linebacker Antwan Barnes — and intercepted twice. Overall, the Chargers had seven sacks, and Barnes finished with four.

Chargers coach Norv Turner said it was San Diegos most complete game this season.

“We are building on some things we have done over the last couple weeks,” he said.

Turner said the Chargers have to “play as good as we can” to keep their playoff hopes alive. “Thats the only thing we can control. You obviously need some luck in the situation we are in.”

Mathews gained 96 yards on 23 carries, including scores of 1 and 3 yards. Hes at 1,033 yards for the season.

Rivers surpassed 4,000 yards on a 21-yard completion to Malcom Floyd that set up Mathews 3-yard TD run late in the third quarter. The drive was set up when Takeo Spikes intercepted Flacco and returned it 45 yards to the Baltimore 27. The Chargers were flagged 15 yards for excessive celebration.

“We did not play particularly well at all,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I think the mistakes we made, they were able to capitalize on and turn them into points, especially early on. Were disappointed, but were moving on.”

Nick Novak, who earlier kicked a 45-yard field goal for the Chargers, had a 37-yard attempt bounce off the right upright late in the third quarter.

San Diego took the second-half kickoff and moved 80 yards, with Rivers throwing a perfect 28-yard TD pass to Floyd for a 24-7 lead.

Mathews scored on a 1-yard run and Novak kicked a 45-yard field goal to help the Chargers take a 17-7 halftime lead.

Novak became the first Chargers kicker with 11 field goals of 40 yards or longer in a season when he booted his 45-yarder for a 10-7 lead. Rivers was sacked on the drive by Cory Redding for an 8-yard loss, but Suggs was whistled for a personal foul for head-slapping tight end Randy McMichael.

Instead of a third-and-17 on their 27, the Chargers had a first down on the 50 after the 15-yard penalty.

After forcing a Ravens punt, the Chargers moved 80 yards in seven plays. Rivers pitched to Mathews for a 1-yard TD run and a 17-7 lead. The key play was Vincent Jacksons 58-yard reception, which put him over 1,000 yards for the season.

San Diegos Mike Tolbert scored on a 2-yard run on San Diegos opening drive, and Flaccos 15-yard touchdown pass to Ed Dickson tied it early in the second quarter.

Notes

Chargers TE Antonio Gates had two catches, leaving him three shy of breaking Hall of Famer Charlie Joiners franchise record of 586. San Diego linebacker Travis LaBoy hurt a knee. It was the first time in franchise history — 254 games — that Baltimore allowed a team to score on its first five drives. The Ravens allowed a season-high 34 points.

CBSSports.com wire reports
Dec. 18, 2011

SAN DIEGO — Philip Rivers isnt going to get caught up trying to figure out what it will take for his San Diego Chargers to reach the playoffs.

He just knows that if San Diego cant win its final two games — on the road, no less — its not going to matter.

Rivers threw for one score and reached the 4,000-yard mark for the fourth straight season, Ryan Mathews ran for two scores and hit 1,000 yards rushing, and the Chargers won their third straight game, beating the playoff-bound Baltimore Ravens 34-14 on Sunday night.

Unlike Joe Flacco and the Ravens, Rivers and the Chargers played as if they were postseason-bound. San Diego might not make it to the playoffs, though, because of an earlier six-game losing streak.

“The one thing that stays true in all the scenarios is, we have to win our next two games,” Rivers said. “Lets just worry about us. If its not enough on Jan. 1, its not enough. But were going to go down fighting.”

The Chargers (7-7) are tied with Oakland for second in the AFC West, a game behind Denver with two to play. Denver and Oakland both lost on Sunday. The Chargers finish with road games against Detroit and the Raiders.

The Ravens (10-4) had their four-game winning streak snapped, but clinched a playoff berth earlier in the day thanks to losses by the New York Jets, Oakland and Tennessee.

“Its a reality check,” said Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs, who was anything but the disruptive force that he has been in accumulating a career-high 13 sacks this season. “You dont show up to play in a game like this, youre going to get your [butt] whupped. Championship teams get on the road and keep playing — they peak — they dont take a step back.”

Even though Ray Lewis was back with the Ravens after a four-game injury layoff, Baltimore only had two punishing hits on Rivers. Rivers was dominating, completing 17 of 23 passes for 270 yards to lead the Chargers to scores on six of their first seven possessions. He didnt throw an interception, and the only sack the Ravens got was wiped out on a personal foul against Suggs.

“It was good to win a big game like this at home against a good team,” Rivers said. “It was a rough six-game stretch, but we hung tight together and fought our way back to .500 with two to play and were still alive.”

Rivers joined Peyton Manning (1999-04 and 2006-10) and former teammate Drew Brees (2006-11) as the only QBs in NFL history with at least four-straight 4,000-yard seasons.

Flacco got the treatment many thought Rivers would. Flacco was sacked five times — three by former Ravens linebacker Antwan Barnes — and intercepted twice. Overall, the Chargers had seven sacks, and Barnes finished with four.

Chargers coach Norv Turner said it was San Diegos most complete game this season.

“We are building on some things we have done over the last couple weeks,” he said.

Turner said the Chargers have to “play as good as we can” to keep their playoff hopes alive. “Thats the only thing we can control. You obviously need some luck in the situation we are in.”

Mathews gained 96 yards on 23 carries, including scores of 1 and 3 yards. Hes at 1,033 yards for the season.

Rivers surpassed 4,000 yards on a 21-yard completion to Malcom Floyd that set up Mathews 3-yard TD run late in the third quarter. The drive was set up when Takeo Spikes intercepted Flacco and returned it 45 yards to the Baltimore 27. The Chargers were flagged 15 yards for excessive celebration.

“We did not play particularly well at all,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I think the mistakes we made, they were able to capitalize on and turn them into points, especially early on. Were disappointed, but were moving on.”

Nick Novak, who earlier kicked a 45-yard field goal for the Chargers, had a 37-yard attempt bounce off the right upright late in the third quarter.

San Diego took the second-half kickoff and moved 80 yards, with Rivers throwing a perfect 28-yard TD pass to Floyd for a 24-7 lead.

Mathews scored on a 1-yard run and Novak kicked a 45-yard field goal to help the Chargers take a 17-7 halftime lead.

Novak became the first Chargers kicker with 11 field goals of 40 yards or longer in a season when he booted his 45-yarder for a 10-7 lead. Rivers was sacked on the drive by Cory Redding for an 8-yard loss, but Suggs was whistled for a personal foul for head-slapping tight end Randy McMichael.

Instead of a third-and-17 on their 27, the Chargers had a first down on the 50 after the 15-yard penalty.

After forcing a Ravens punt, the Chargers moved 80 yards in seven plays. Rivers pitched to Mathews for a 1-yard TD run and a 17-7 lead. The key play was Vincent Jacksons 58-yard reception, which put him over 1,000 yards for the season.

San Diegos Mike Tolbert scored on a 2-yard run on San Diegos opening drive, and Flaccos 15-yard touchdown pass to Ed Dickson tied it early in the second quarter.

Notes

Chargers TE Antonio Gates had two catches, leaving him three shy of breaking Hall of Famer Charlie Joiners franchise record of 586. San Diego linebacker Travis LaBoy hurt a knee. It was the first time in franchise history — 254 games — that Baltimore allowed a team to score on its first five drives. The Ravens allowed a season-high 34 points.

TIME: 01:00 P.M. EST
VENUE: MetLife Stadium

Now that the New York Giants have ended their losing streak, they have a clear path to the NFC East title.

The next step comes Sunday at home and the Giants will have to contend with a number of injury problems as they try to avenge a season-opening defeat to the Washington Redskins.

New York (7-6) held a two-game division lead after starting 6-2, then fell a game behind Dallas thanks to a four-game slide. Eli Manning, however, guided the Giants to two touchdowns in the final 3:14 to rally them to a 37-34 road victory over the Cowboys last Sunday and a share of first place before Dallas win at Tampa Bay on Saturday dropped New York one-half game back.

“We knew that we couldnt afford to fall further behind Dallas when we went into the game,” offensive lineman Kevin Boothe said. “We are in a playoff-type atmosphere from here on out. We have a big division game this week and we have to take it one game at a time and see what happens. We have to give Washington our best shot.”

New York can clinch the division by winning one of its next two games along with the regular-season finale at home against Dallas.

The Giants, though, are dealing with numerous injuries.

Pro Bowler Justin Tuck failed to record a tackle against the Cowboys and could sit out with a toe injury while fellow defensive end Osi Umenyiora could miss a third straight game with a sprained ankle. Safety Kenny Phillips missed the Dallas game with a sprained left knee.

Tuck and Umenyiora were both injured when they sat out a 28-14 loss at Washington (4-9) in the opener. Rex Grossman continued his success against the Giants with 305 yards passing and two touchdowns as the Redskins ended a six-game slide in the series.

That loss didnt stop Giants safety Antrel Rolle from saying earlier this week that New York could beat Washington 99 out of 100 times.

“I know what the outcome of the game should be come Sunday,” Rolle said. “It is up to us to go out there and put it on film and make sure the outcome is what we plan.”

Three of Grossmans six best games in terms of passing yards have come against New York. He didnt sound too worried about Rolles comments.

“It is the NFL and nobody is going to beat anyone 99 out of 100 times,” Grossman said. “I am confident about where we are. We havent finished games lately and we need to finish and everything should take care of itself.”

Grossman was sacked four times in the first meeting, twice by Jason Pierre-Paul. The Giants defensive end had two more last week to bring his season total to 12 1/2, and he blocked Dan Baileys tying field-goal attempt near the end of regulation.

Pierre-Paul has come on strong after he registered 4 1/2 sacks in 2010 as a rookie.

“Im not thinking as much as I was last year,” Pierre-Paul said. “Last year, I was on and off and I wasnt sure about all of the calls so I was playing slow.”

Pierre-Paul and the Giants pass rush will be looking at a patchwork Washington offensive line that is far different from what they saw in Week 1. Right tackle Jammal Brown missed last weeks 34-27 loss to New England with a groin injury as Tyler Polumbus replaced him while left tackle Trent Williams continues to serve his suspension for violating the leagues substance abuse policy.

Manning failed to throw a touchdown pass against Washington in the opener – one of two times that has happened this year. He recorded his third 400-yard effort of the season last Sunday and is fourth in the league with a career-high 4,105 passing yards and sixth with 25 TD passes.

Manning has totaled 1,153 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions over his last three games.

“Eli has taken it upon himself to throw the ball well, and exceptionally well for the last three games,” Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said. “But hes played well the whole year.”

A major reason why Mannings numbers are up is that New York owns the NFLs worst rushing attack at 85.8 yards per game.

There is reason for optimism. With Ahmad Bradshaw suspended for the start of last weeks game due to a violation of team rules, Brandon Jacobs gained a season-high 101 yards on 19 carries with two scores.

“Nobody wants to hit that guy running like hes running other than they have to,” said Giants coach Tom Coughlin about Jacobs. “Its the right message and when you see him north and south as hard as he can go and the piles going forward, were all cheering.”

Washington has the leagues second-worst rushing attack at 93.8 yards per game, but rookie Roy Helu has reached 100 for three straight weeks. Helu had a season-high 126 last week.

CBSSports.com wire reports
Dec. 17, 2011

TAMPA, Fla. — Tony Romo made it look easy, shredding Tampa Bays secondary at will and helping the Dallas Cowboys get back on track in the NFC East.

“This was an important game,” Romo said after throwing for three touchdowns and running for a fourth first-half score Saturday night to lead the first-place Cowboys to a 31-15 rout of the struggling Buccaneers.

“Really the playoffs started for us; thats the way we approached it. Guys came out with great energy and it was a great week of practice. We just had to go forward.”

Dallas stopped a two-game losing streak in which it blew fourth-quarter leads to allow a seemingly solid grip on the division lead slip away.

The victory gave the Cowboys (8-6) a half-game lead over New York. Although the Giants hold a tiebreaker advantage after beating Dallas 37-34 last week, the Cowboys can claim the division title and host a playoff game by finishing with wins the next two weeks over Philadelphia at home and the Giants on the road.

“I think it showed our character, our resolve, what were made of,” Dallas linebacker Keith Brooking said. “It was obviously doom and gloom around Valley Ranch for the past couple of weeks — kind of the world was caving in on us. But we just kept fighting and kept plugging away, and we still control our own destiny.”

The Bucs (4-10), meanwhile, lost for the eighth straight time and played a miserable first half that certainly didnt do anything to help coach Raheem Morris make a case for keeping his job.

Romo threw a pair of 8-yard TD passes to Miles Austin and Dez Bryant in the first quarter, then finished a seven-play, 89-yard drive with a 9-yarder to Laurent Robinson to make it 21-0 with just under 5 minutes remaining in the second quarter. Romo increased the lead to 28 points on a quarterback sneak in the closing seconds of the opening half.

“I thought he just had a good feel for what we were doing against what they were doing,” Cowboys coach Jason Garrett said. “I thought he got back quickly and got the ball out of his hands, and when he had to move and make plays, he was able to do that too. He made a lot of big plays and not many bad plays.”

Tampa Bay managed just one first down and was outgained 279 yards to 55 in the first two quarters, yet found a way to make it more interesting in the second half.

The Bucs, who had yielded 69 consecutive points dating to the second quarter of the previous weeks 41-14 loss at Jacksonville, finally got on the scoreboard in the third quarter when rookie Adrian Clayborn sacked Romo from behind, forcing a fumble that linebacker Dekoda Watson returned 4 yards for a TD for a much-needed spark.

Josh Freemans 13-yard TD pass to Dezmon Briscoe and a two-point conversion throw to Kellen Winslow cut it to 31-15 heading into the final quarter.

The Cowboys have led in the fourth quarter in five of their six losses, however there wouldnt be a late collapse this time. Tampa Bay turned the ball over on downs twice in the last 6 minutes, and Sammy Morris picked up a first down inside the Bucs 10 to give the Cowboys an opportunity to run out the clock.

“Too little, too late,” Morris said about Tampa Bays comeback. “Not enough … at the beginning. You cant dig holes like that for yourself.”

Austins TD midway through the first quarter was set up by Tampa Bays NFL-leading 32nd turnover, a fumble by Freeman on the fifth play of the game.

The Tampa Bay quarterback scrambled 25 yards on third-and-5 to march the Bucs near midfield, but the opening possession of the night came to an abrupt halt on the next play when Freeman took off again for a 7-yard gain and was stripped of the ball at the Cowboys 44.

Linebacker Bradie James recovered and it took Romo seven plays to get Dallas in the end zone for the first time. The Cowboys marched 69 yards in 10 plays on their next possession, with Romo finishing the drive by finding a wide-open Bryant in the back of the end zone to make it 14-0.

In three career games against Tampa Bay — all lopsided victories — Romo has thrown for 908 yards, 11 touchdowns and no interceptions. He was 23 of 30 for 249 yards and was sacked twice Saturday night.

“I was just finding guys who were open and the guys do the rest,” Romo said. “I thought the offense played good as a whole.”

Felix Jones, back in the starting lineup after DeMarco Murray broke his right ankle last week in a 37-34 loss to the Giants, broke a 38-yard run on the drive leading to Robinsons TD and finished with 108 yards on 22 carries – his second straight 100-yard performance had 67 yards rushing on 12 carries at halftime.

Freeman, making his second start since missing a game because of an injured throwing shoulder, was 17 of 27 for 148 yards and no interceptions. He led the Bucs in rushing with 37 yards on four attempts and was sacked three times, once by DeMarcus Ware, who notched his 16th of the season.

Thanks to a large contingent of Cowboys fans, the Bucs played before a sellout crowd at home for just the second time in two seasons. Judging by all the blue and white jerseys scattered throughout the 65,000-seat stadium, at least half the house appeared to be rooting for Dallas.

The Bucs have lost eight straight following a 4-2 start that included wins over NFC South rivals New Orleans and Atlanta. The skid has Morris on the hot seat just a year after the NFLs youngest head coach led his team to a surprising 10-6 finish that heightened expectations coming into this season.

Tampa Bay finishes up with games at Carolina and Atlanta. Freeman said Morris status is out of his hands, but that he and his teammates intend to give maximum effort the rest of the way.

“If youre not going out and giving everything you have for these last two games, you dont really deserve to be out there,” Freeman said. “Youve got to take some pride in what youre doing.”

Notes

Tampa Bay CB Aqib Talib started after sitting out the previous week because of a sore right hamstring, however he aggravated the injury in the first half and did not return. By building an early lead, the Cowboys essentially took leading rusher LeGarrette Blount out of Tampa Bays lineup. Blount, who rarely plays in passing situations, was limited to 21 yards on nine carries. Morris finished with 53 yards rushing on 12 attempts for the Cowboys.

TIME: 08:30 P.M. EST
VENUE: Candlestick Park

Ben Roethlisberger has played through injuries before, but the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback could find himself sidelined for health reasons for the first time since 2009 at an inopportune time.

In a tight AFC playoff race, the Steelers could also be without linebacker James Harrison when they visit the postseason-bound San Francisco 49ers on Monday night.

Pittsburgh (10-3) has been idle since winning its fourth straight with a 14-3 victory over Cleveland on Dec. 8. The 10-day layoff due to a Thursday night game came at a good time for the Steelers, who hope to get Roethlisberger on the field after he sprained his left ankle against the Browns.

Roethlisberger left in the second quarter but returned in the second half, finishing 16 of 21 for 280 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Veteran Charlie Batch relieved him and threw two incomplete passes.

Roethlisberger declined to talk to reporters Wednesday before walking out of the teams facility with a noticeable limp. Coach Mike Tomlin said the quarterback would be evaluated throughout the week before a decision is made, but that Roethlisberger wouldnt need to participate in a full practice in order to play.

“He can be ready to play on a limited number of snaps,” Tomlin said. “Were going to take it day by day. Were always going to be optimistic when it comes to Ben.”

Roethlisberger, who played through a broken thumb earlier this season, hasnt missed a start due to injury since a concussion sidelined him against Baltimore in 2009. He sat out the first four games of the 2010 season after violating the NFLs personal conduct policy. The Steelers went 3-1 in his absence with Dennis Dixon and Batch splitting the snaps.

“Those guys, theyre not Ben,” wide receiver Mike Wallace said. “Theyre great players, but Ben is something really special. So you have to change your game to what they do best.”

The situation may be less optimistic for Harrison, who garnered a one-game suspension by the NFL following his helmet-to-facemask hit on Browns quarterback Colt McCoy.

Though Harrison hasnt been fined for a hit in more than a year, he was considered a repeat offender under the 2011 League Policies for Players manual, leading to the suspension.

Harrison filed an appeal, which was expected to be heard later this week.

“Were disappointed for James because we know how hard hes worked to play within the rules,” Tomlin said. “We accept the judgment rendered by the league office and well move forward.”

Harrison has eight sacks despite missing a month with a fractured right orbital bone and dealing with persistent back issues. The Steelers defense has given up 19 total points in the last three games, and Pittsburgh managed to go 4-0 during his earlier absence.

The 49ers (10-3) have clinched the NFC West, but have lost two of three and have some injury concerns of their own as they try to grab a first-round bye for the playoffs.

“Youre the hunted now, youre not the hunter as much,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “You have a target on your back. Thats raised. Not saying it wasnt like that before, but that expectation, that bar has raised.”

After a 26-0 win over St. Louis on Dec. 4, they fell 21-19 at Arizona last Sunday. San Francisco had the ball inside the Cardinals 10-yard three times in the second quarter and came away with only field goals, then proceeded to blow a 12-point lead.

Alex Smith had one of his worst games of the season, completing 18 of 37 passes for 175 yards and no touchdowns.

Red-zone efficiency has been a problem all season for San Francisco, which is converting a league-worst 35.6 percent of its chances into touchdowns and has done so in just three of its last 19 trips.

Running back Frank Gores struggles down the stretch could be worsening the red-zone difficulties. After averaging 126.8 yards in five straight victories between Oct. 2 and Nov. 6, he hasnt topped 88 yards in the five games since, averaging 54.4. Gore suffered a knee injury in a win over the New York Giants on Nov. 13, and coach Jim Harbaugh says his top rusher is “not 100 percent,” without specifying further.

Gore had 72 yards, including a 37-yard touchdown run in the third quarter last Sunday, but had only three carries in the second half.

This is the first meeting between the teams since Pittsburghs 37-16 home victory in 2007. They last played in San Francisco in 2003, a game won 30-14 by the 49ers.

TIME: 08:20 P.M. EST
VENUE: Raymond James Stadium

The Dallas Cowboys are hoping the loss of DeMarco Murray wont derail their season.

It looks like a trip to London may have been the catalyst to ending the hopes of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Two teams looking for answers meet Saturday night at Raymond James Stadium with the Cowboys trying to avoid a third straight loss and the Buccaneers on a seven-game slide.

Dallas (7-6) dropped into a first-place tie in the NFC East with the Giants after blowing a late 12-point lead in Sundays 37-34 home defeat to New York. The Cowboys had a tying field goal blocked at the end, marking the second straight game they have failed to convert one at the close of regulation.

Perhaps a bigger loss happened in the first quarter when Murray fractured his right ankle. Murray, averaging 137.4 rushing yards over the Cowboys last five victories and on pace to become the franchises first 1,000-yard back since 2006, has been placed on injured reserve.

Felix Jones, who gained 106 yards on 16 carries Sunday, becomes the starter again. The Cowboys signed journeyman Sammy Morris on Monday.

“DeMarco has been a big part of this offense and big part of this football team,” quarterback Tony Romo said. “We are lucky to have a guy like Felix, obviously, who can step in.”

Dallas could have put a stranglehold on the division had it won Sunday. The Cowboys still would win the division by capturing their final three games, and can even win it by losing to Tampa Bay (4-9) and winning the last two.

“We still control our own destiny,” coach Jason Garrett said. “I think our players understand.”

The Buccaneers last dropped eight in a row during a season in 1987, when they lost their final eight games. Tampa Bay missed the playoffs at 10-6 last year and began 2011 with a 4-2 mark before an Oct. 23 loss to Chicago in London started this skid.

The losing has put third-year coach Raheem Morris job in jeopardy.

“Its great for you guys to scare my family half to death and talk about that stuff all throughout,” Morris said. “But for us, man, its a mentally tough business. It is move on. It is next opponent. Its next man up. Its the Dallas Cowboys. … For me, a chance to ruin Jason Garretts season, and let you talk about him.”

Tampa Bay seemed to have a budding star on its hands in 2010 in Josh Freeman, who had 25 touchdown passes and just six interceptions. That ratio has dropped to 12 TDs and a league-high 18 interceptions this year.

Freeman returned last Sunday after missing a game with an injured throwing shoulder, but the results were disastrous as the Buccaneers fell 41-14 at Jacksonville.

Tampa Bay has allowed the most points in the NFC (370) and has lost four times at by least 19.

“You might think guys might be kinda down,” Freeman said. “Like I said, were upset about losing. Guys are coming to work and theyve been wanting to do something about it to correct it.”

Freeman is relishing the chance to go up against a Dallas defense that allowed 510 yards last Sunday for the highest total by a Cowboys opponent in five years.

“Dallas is kind of on the bubble right now, what are they, 7-6?” Freeman said. “So I cant think of anything happier than to go out and get a win this week and that may put a damper on their hopes.”

Sundays lackluster defensive showing ruined a strong performance by Romo, who threw four touchdown passes for the first time since 2007 and recorded his fifth 300-yard effort of the year. Romos passer rating is a career-best 100.6 for the NFLs fourth-highest mark, and hes fifth in the league with 26 TD passes.

The Cowboys are headed back on the road, where they have played three overtime games and two others decided on scores within the final 30 seconds.

Garretts clock management has come into question after some of the close games. He called a timeout before Dan Bailey missed a 49-yard field goal attempt at the end of regulation in a 19-13 OT loss at Arizona on Dec. 4 and also let some extra time elapse last weekend before calling a timeout with the Cowboys on defense late in the game.

“The nature of our team is weve played a lot of close games,” Garrett said. “Weve won maybe half of them and weve lost some other ones. You have to look at situations, see what happens, some way, somehow process it, learn from it and hopefully go forward.”

Dallas has won the last three meetings with Tampa Bay. Romo needed only 16 completions to throw for 353 yards and three scores in the last matchup, a 34-21 win Sept. 13, 2009.

TIME: 08:20 P.M. EST
VENUE: Georgia Dome

A spectacular comeback helped put the Atlanta Falcons in position for their third playoff berth in four years.

With coach Mike Smith expected to be on the sideline after a medical scare, the Falcons will try to hold on to that spot Thursday night against a visiting Jacksonville Jaguars team that showed its not just content to play out the string.

It appeared that Atlantas playoff hopes might take a hit this past Sunday when it trailed 23-7 at halftime in Carolina. The Falcons, though, responded with 24 unanswered points in a 31-23 victory and received additional help later in the day with Chicagos stunning overtime loss in Denver.

Matt Ryan had three of his career high-tying four touchdown passes over the final 24 minutes against the Panthers, including two to Julio Jones in the fourth quarter.

“We approached it as the first of four legs,” Ryan said of the teams remaining games. “Weve knocked the first leg out and now weve got to move on and keep going.”

Atlanta (8-5) enters this week tied with Detroit for the NFCs final playoff berths, and leading Chicago and Dallas by one game. The Falcons have a trip to NFC South leader New Orleans remaining on their schedule, which could make winning this weeks game crucial to their postseason hopes.

Judging by their most recent performance, the Jaguars (4-9) might not make it easy for Atlanta. Jacksonville is coming off its highest-scoring game in nearly four years, a 41-14 rout of Tampa Bay on Sunday that snapped a three-game skid.

Maurice Jones-Drew scored a career-high four times while helping interim coach Mel Tucker earn his first win and set a franchise record with his 71st career touchdown late in the fourth quarter. Rookie Blaine Gabbert threw two of those TDs to the running back while topping 200 yards for the third time this season.

“This is what we expected to have all year,” defensive tackle Terrance Knighton said. “It didnt work like that, but hopefully it will be good momentum for us.”

While the Jaguars will seek to win consecutive games for the first time this season, the Falcons will try to claim their seventh victory in nine contests and will likely have Smith to help them in that attempt.

The 52-year-old Atlanta coach checked into a Charlotte hospital after he reportedly became ill and walked off the team plane following Sundays win. The Falcons released a statement that Smith was examined for a “non-emergency matter” but did not offer further details.

He returned to Atlanta early Monday morning on owner Arthur Blanks private jet and was back at practice that night.

“Im really embarrassed to have to even be talking about it,” Smith said. “I dont want to talk about it. Id prefer to talk about the way our guys played in the second half and weve got a short week and weve got to get ready for Jacksonville.”

Smith had the Falcons ready to play on three days rest last season when they beat Baltimore 26-21 during an eight-game win streak. However, they werent ready the last time they faced the Jaguars, losing 13-7 during a 4-12 campaign in 2007.

Smith was hired after that season and led the team to an 11-5 record in his first year.

Atlanta finished last season with the NFCs best record (13-3) but needs to win out and have New Orleans lose its remaining games to repeat as division champs.

Theyll try to take a step toward fulfilling at least one part of that scenario by earning their second win in five games against Jacksonville. Atlanta claimed that victory during the previous matchup at the Georgia Dome on Dec. 28, 2003.

Ryan, who has topped 300 yards in three of the last five games, will try to lead his team to another win by setting a single-season mark. He needs 232 yards to top last years 3,705.

Top receiver Roddy White is 35 yards shy of his fifth straight 1,000-yard season and had four catches for 81 yards against the Jaguars in 2007.

Jones-Drew needs 170 yards to top his career high of 1,391 set in 2009.