Philadelphia Stumble in Texas & Mahomes Saves Kansas City – Best Highlights from National Football League the Twelfth Week
The twelfth week provided an incredible Cowboys comeback, or was it an epic Philadelphia Eagles collapse?
Playoff Mahomes arrived to rescue the Chiefs' campaign as the Bears continue to impress while they continue their winning run.
Did Shedeur Sanders perform sufficiently on his debut NFL outing to secure the full-time role in Cleveland?
Let's take a look at the pick of the week in the NFL.
The Breakdown – Dallas Rally or Philly Fail?
The Cowboys were down and out at 21-0 down against the defending championship champions, how exactly did they produce their equal-largest comeback in history?
The emotions of a first home fixture after Marshawn Kneeland tragic passing could have played a part, however it was a combination of Dak Prescott determination and a defence that cashed in on rare mistakes by the Eagles.
Dak eclipsed Tony Romo marks for passing yards (now thirty-four thousand three hundred seventy-eight) and game-winning drives (twenty-five) with an dynamic display – his diving touchdown embodying his all-action showing.
Philadelphia wasted a lead of twenty-one points or more for the first time after 1999, with only their second game with multiple turnovers this season – the other being a disappointing NFC East loss at the Giants.
In addition to 14 infractions for 96 yards, the offensive malaise that hit Jalen Hurts after what – for him – was an explosive beginning was huge. He had only thrown for 200-plus yards in four games prior to Sunday, he had more than 150 in the first half alone in Dallas.
However from the time the Eagles went twenty-one to zero up their offense fell apart dramatically – with four straight kicks, a failed field goal and then a turnover handing chance after opportunity to the Dallas.
Philadelphia’s defence is excellent, it truly is, but an offense that's not surpassed twenty-one points in 5 of 7 games (three losses) is now a major concern, as the components are all there but it's simply not working.
Nick Sirianni approach is all about winning the big moments, the defense keeps them in it and what offence there is does just about sufficient – if it cannot even do that and now the composure and possession security is breaking down, there could be trouble ahead.
In Focus – Postseason Mahomes Appears Prematurely to Save Chiefs
It wasn't as extreme, but Kansas City's eleven-point recovery in the final period versus a strong Indianapolis team was hugely notable – and could have only rescued their season.
How big was it? Well, the NFL's advanced analytics now give the Chiefs a fifty-eight percent chance of reaching the postseason, whereas a defeat on Sunday would have reduced that figure to 28%.
It’s no surprise the playoff version of Patrick Mahomes arrived, throwing for 235 yards in the latter half alone and guiding 3 point-scoring possessions in their last four series to win it in overtime.
A few huge passes and daring scrambles are commonplace for Patrick in the playoffs, but right now the Kansas City are in playoff form – at 6-5 and just 10th in the AFC rankings.
This was more like the former Chiefs however, with a first close win of the season after losing 5 already – they secured eleven of them the previous season so, if that confidence comes back, this Kansas City faithful may not be done just yet.
Talking Point – Are Chicago Become Kings of the Division?
You just can't ignore the Bears any longer. A victory over the Steelers, without Aaron Rodgers, maintained them top of the NFC North and at 8-3 – sharing the same standing as the Philadelphia.
They look threatening on both sides of the ball, with a defence that tops the NFL in interceptions and total takeaways and, in Caleb Williams, a young quarterback now accustomed to securing close games.
He can still be inconsistent, surrendering a score after a turnover in his team’s end zone – but he also threw three scores and, with already 5 final period comebacks this year, he knows how to finish the game.
Green Bay are in hot chase in the NFC North after overpowering the Vikings and the Lions are right there after beating the Giants in overtime with a huge game from Gibbs.
Chicago are interestingly the most consistent with 8 wins in nine, but as they visit the Super Bowl winners on Thanksgiving we'll see just how strong they truly are.
Preview – Exciting Holiday in Prospect
It appears among the most exciting holiday schedules for years, with every game loaded with playoff implications.
The Lions host the Packers in the classic opener in Detroit, before a rare visit return to Texas for the Kansas City, who began existence as the Dallas Texans long ago in the sixties before relocating to Kansas City.
Sunday's comeback teams are each clinging to postseason aspirations but have very little room for mistakes – so this will have a post-season atmosphere.
What about the Ravens? An unattractive win over the Jets actually has them leading of the division after starting 1-5 and appearing dead and buried.
Thanksgiving and Black Friday Games (all times GMT)
- Thursday, 27 November: Packers @ Lions (18:00)
- Thursday, 27 November: Chiefs @ Dallas Cowboys (21:30)
- Friday, twenty-eight November: Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens (1:20 AM)
- Friday, twenty-eight November: Bears @ Eagles (20:00)
Can Sanders Retain His Job?
Browns coach Stefanski batted away questions on whether Sanders had done enough in his first NFL start to keep the starting position when Gabriel returns.
But the question will continue to be asked as Shedeur became the first Browns quarterback to win his first league start after Zeier in nineteen ninety-nine – with seventeen other first-year signal callers failing to do so afterward.
It came only the Las Vegas, and with the assistance of an nearly feral Cleveland defense getting 10 sacks, but Cleveland's offense requires a leader, a figurehead to inspire belief.
Moreover self-belief is something not lacking in Shedeur, who told a network {