The Miami Dolphins and New Orleans Saints would both fight hard to become the fourth NFL team to go 4-0 this year in an epic cap to an exciting week for the NFL's undefeated club. It would be the Saints who moved on with a flawless record, but the Dolphins remain in striking distance with their second-place position in the AFC East.
Seattle Seahawks (4-0) vs Houston Texans (2-2)
The Seahawks scored nine points on field goals, a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown by Richard Sherman and one offensive touchdown thanks to a three-yard Marshawn Lynch run in the third quarter. The Texans scored all of their 20 points in the second quarter, the only quarter in which they shut out the Seahawks.
Texans quarterback Matt Schaub threw for 355 yards and two touchdowns, but he also gave up two interceptions. Seattle's yardage came mostly on rushes from Lynch (17 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD) and quarterback Rusell Wilson (12-23, 123 yards, 1 INT), who also rushed for 77 yards on just 10 attempts.
New England Patriots (4-0) vs Atlanta Falcons (1-3)
Matt Ryan (30-54, 421 yards, 2 TDs, INT) and Tony Gonzalez (12 Rec., 149 yards, 2 TDs) had a fantastic football game, but the rest of the Falcons offense was listless, especially the running game. Tom Brady (20-31, 316 yards, 2 TDs) did what he had to do with the uninjured tools he has left to do the job.
His backfield support was also impressive Sunday night. LeGarrette Blount (9 carries, 64 yards, TD) scored on a 47-yard TD rush to put New England up 20-10. Rookie wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (6 receptions, 127 yards, TD) also had a banner day, scoring the final Patriots touchdown on an 18-yard connection with Brady. Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib saved a late surge for the Falcons from tying the contest with his brilliant fourth-down pass coverage, and New England escaped with a 30-23 victory.
The top players for the Patriots may return soon, and the only undefeated team with under 70 points scored could turn out to be the best match for a clash with the dazzling Denver Broncos (4-0).
Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) vs New York Giants (0-4)
Alex Smith threw two interceptions Sunday for the Chiefs, with 24 completions on 41 attempts for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Dexter McCluster's 89-yard punt return touchdown also helped the Chiefs stay unbeaten.
The Giants just can't seem to get it together this year. Meanwhile, the Chiefs have 102 points scored to just 41 scored against them.
Denver Broncos (4-0) vs Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)
Demaryius Thomas scored two of Denver's four passing touchdowns Sunday afternoon, racking up 86 total yards. Philly QB Michael Vick scrambled for 41 yards on the ground, but he also went down on three sacks and did not throw a single touchdown Sunday in 14 connections on 27 attempts for 248 yards.
The Broncos continue to prove they have all the answers so far this season and remain a Super Bowl favorite. Manning threw 16 touchdowns in the month of September without allowing a single interception.
New Orleans Saints (4-0) vs Miami Dolphins (3-1)
The Dolphins made their most significant gains on the ground to open the game. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill (22-35, 249 yards, TD, 3 INTs, 4 rushes for 48 yards) scrambled 26 yards for a first down on a designed run in one of the most impressive plays for the Dolphins on their opening drive. Lamar Miller started the game strong with some early success, but he finished the day with 11 carries for just 62 yards and a touchdown. Miami wound up settling for a field goal after their first offensive series.
Brees would throw for two more touchdowns before the end of the first half with the Dolphins only managing one. The 21-10 start helped the Saints maintain control in the second half with their fourth touchdown coming on a four-yard, secnd-and-goal pass to Ben Watson.
Sproles might have scored his first touchdown on a carry, but over the course of his team's first four scores, Sproles managed only 10 yards rushing. Meanwhile, he caught seven passes for 114 yards and a touchdown. Sproles would ulitmately accumulate 28 rushing yards and all of his team's 80 return yards as well.
Tannehill just couldn't keep up with the theatrics and natural talent Brees and his offensive squad displayed Monday night. The Miami defense also just couldn't stop the dynamic offensive looks New Orleans kept throwing their way.
Which undefeated NFL team do you think is the strongest right now? Which one is the weakest? Do you expect any one of these teams to be in the Super Bowl?
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