Philly Falter in Dallas & Mahomes Saves Kansas City – Best Highlights from National Football League the Twelfth Week
Week 12 provided an incredible Dallas Cowboys comeback, or perhaps an epic Eagles implosion?
Playoff Patrick Mahomes showed up to salvage the Chiefs' campaign while the Chicago Bears keep to surprise while they extend their victorious run.
Did Sanders do enough on his debut NFL start to secure the starting job in Cleveland?
Let's take a look at the pick of the action in the league.
Analysis – Cowboys Comeback or Philly Fail?
Dallas were trailing badly at twenty-one to zero down against the reigning Super Bowl champions, so how on earth did they produce their equal-largest recovery in history?
The emotions of a first home game since a teammate’s untimely death could have played a part, however it was a combination of Dak Prescott resolve and a defence that pounced on uncommon mistakes by the Eagles.
Dak surpassed Romo’s marks for passing yards (now thirty-four thousand three hundred seventy-eight) and clutch possessions (twenty-five) with an all-action display – his diving score embodying his energetic showing.
Philly wasted a lead of 21 points or more for the first time since nineteen ninety-nine, with just their second game with multiple giveaways this year – the previous being another bad NFC East loss at the Giants.
Along with fourteen penalties for ninety-six yards, the attacking malaise that hit Jalen Hurts after what – for him – was an fast start was huge. He'd only thrown for over two hundred yards in 4 games before the weekend, he had more than one hundred fifty in the opening two quarters by himself in Dallas.
However from the time Philadelphia went twenty-one to zero up their offense fell apart spectacularly – with four straight kicks, a failed field goal and then a fumble handing opportunity after chance to the Cowboys.
The Eagles defense is brilliant, it truly is, but an offense that's not surpassed 21 points in 5 of seven games (3 losses) is now a major worry, as the components are all there but it's just not working.
Sirianni’s approach is all about winning the big moments, the defense maintains them in it and what offense there is does barely enough – if it cannot even do that and now the composure and ball protection is breaking down, there could be trouble in the future.
In Focus – Postseason Mahomes Shows Up Early to Rescue Chiefs
It wasn't quite as dramatic, but the Chiefs’ 11-point comeback in the final period versus a strong Colts squad was very notable – and may have just saved their campaign.
How big was it? Indeed, the NFL's advanced analytics now give the Kansas City a 58% probability of making the postseason, whereas a loss on the weekend would have dropped that figure to 28%.
It’s no surprise the postseason version of Patrick Mahomes turned up, throwing for 235 yards in the latter half alone and guiding three point-scoring possessions in their last 4 possessions to win it in overtime.
A few huge throws and daring scrambles are commonplace for Mahomes in the playoffs, but currently the Chiefs are in post-season mode – at 6-5 and only 10th in the conference rankings.
That was closer to the former Chiefs however, with a first close victory of the season after dropping 5 already – they secured 11 of them last year so, if that confidence comes back, this Kansas City faithful might not be finished just yet.
Talking Point – Are Chicago Be Kings of the North?
You just can't overlook the Bears any longer. A win over the Steelers, minus Rodgers, maintained them top of the division and at eight and three – holding the same record as the Eagles.
They look threatening on both sides of the field, with a defence that leads the NFL in picks and overall takeaways and, in Caleb Williams, a young quarterback now used to securing close games.
He can still be inconsistent, surrendering a touchdown after a fumble in his own goal area – but he additionally threw three touchdowns and, with already five fourth-quarter rallies this year, he understands how to get the job done.
Green Bay are in hot pursuit in the division after overpowering the Vikings and the Lions are in contention after beating the New York in overtime with a huge game from Jahmyr Gibbs.
Chicago are strangely the most reliable with 8 victories in nine, but as they travel to the championship winners on Thanksgiving we'll discover exactly how good they truly are.
Look Ahead – Thrilling Thanksgiving in Store
This looks among the best Thanksgiving line-ups for years, with every game packed with postseason consequences.
Detroit host the Green Bay in the classic curtain-raiser in Michigan, prior to a unusual trip back to Dallas for the Chiefs, who began life as the Texans way back in the sixties before moving to Kansas City.
Sunday's comeback teams are each holding on to playoff aspirations but have very little room for mistakes – so this will have a post-season feel.
And how about the Baltimore Ravens? An unattractive victory over the Jets actually has them leading of the division after starting 1-5 and appearing finished.
Holiday and Shopping Day Games (all times GMT)
- Thursday, 27 November: Packers @ Lions (18:00)
- Thursday, twenty-seven November: Chiefs @ Cowboys (9:30 PM)
- Friday, 28 November: Bengals @ Ravens (01:20)
- Friday, twenty-eight November: Bears @ Eagles (20:00)
Can Sanders Retain His Starting Role?
Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski dismissed questions on whether Sanders had done enough in his first professional outing to maintain the starting job when Dillon Gabriel returns.
But the issue will continue to be asked as Sanders became the first Browns quarterback to secure his first NFL start after Zeier in nineteen ninety-nine – with 17 additional rookie quarterbacks failing to do so afterward.
It was only the Raiders, and with the assistance of an almost feral Cleveland defence recording 10 sacks, but Cleveland's offence requires a leader, a figurehead to inspire confidence.
And self-belief is one thing not lacking in Sanders, who informed a network {