NFL 2008 RSS
Meanwhile, for the Cowboys it was a statement game in that not only can they keep up with the NFC's big boys,
but that the Cowboys are also capable of winning convincingly.
Baltimore Ravens (9-5) at Dallas Cowboys (9-5)
Saturday Night, NFL Network, 8:00 PM ET
Indeed, this Saturday Night contest is important for both the Ravens (9-5) and Cowboys (9-5).
The Dallas Cowboys currently cling on to the 5th spot in the NFC ahead of the Buccaneers (9-5), Falcons (9-5),
Eagles (8-5-1), Bears (8-6) and Redskins (7-7).
With a win plus other scenarios, the Cowboys can clinch an NFC Wildcard spot.
With a win, the Ravens are one step closer to an AFC playoff berth. At 9-5, the Ravens trail the Colts by one game for the
AFC's fifth seed and are essentially tied with two of the AFC East's trio (Jets, Dolphins,
Patriots) for the final Wildcard spot. If the 2008 season were to end today, the Ravens would be the AFC's 6th seed (and the
Jets would be the AFC East Division Champs.
But the NFL 2008 season hasn't ended, so let's move on.
Two exceptional defenses headline the last regular-season game to be played at Texas Stadium.
The Baltimore Ravens have not allowed a 100-yard rusher for an NFL current-best 33 consecutive games and are tied for the
NFL-lead in interceptions (22) this season. The Ravens pass-defense is anchored by 2009 Pro Bowl selection Ed Reed.
Since 2002, the Ravens safety leads the NFL in that time span with 39 interceptions. Ed Reed also has 4 interceptions
over the past 4 games.
And lets not forget the Ravens all-star linebackers, Terrell Buggs and Ray Lewis.
Not to be overlooked, the Cowboys defense has built a "mini-streak" by not allowing a 100-yard rusher in five
straight games. However, the core of the Cowboys defense has been their pass-rush as the lead the NFL with 53 sacks.
On defense, the Cowboys are led by linebacker De Marcus Ware recently selected to the 2009 Pro Bowl. Ware
leads the NFL with 19.0 sacks and needs four sacks over the next two games to set the NFL single-season sack
record set by Michael Strahan (22.5 sacks in 2001).
Cowboys opponents have adjusted to Ware by double-teaming him which has allowed Ware's teammates to increase their sack
totals. Linebackers Greg Ellis (2 sacks last week) and Bradie James (6 sacks in last 8 games) have been the primary
beneficiaries. In addition, the Cowboys defensive backfield has benefitted from rushed throws. Prime example -- cornerback
Terence Newman who has 4 interceptions in the past 5 games.
Ravens Lead the Series 2-0
The Cowboys and Ravens have squared off only twice with Baltimore winning both games. However, both of these games were played in Baltimore,
with the Ravens outscoring the Cowboys 57-10.
The Cowboys and Ravens last met on November 21, 2004. The Ravens handled the Cowboys rather easily on their home turf winning
by a comfortable 30-10 margin. In that game, Baltimore Ravens QB Kyle Boller threw 2 touchdown passes
(17 and 31 yards) as the Ravens scored 30 unanswered points in the second half.
NFL 2008 Week 15: Dallas Cowboys 20, New York Giants 8
The Dallas Cowboys improved their record to 9-5 with a 20-8 home victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night.
After a scoreless first quarter, Tony Romo connected with Patrick Crayton for a 34-yard touchdown pass on the Cowboys
first drive of the 2nd quarter. The Giants responded on the next drive with a 34-yard John Carney field goal.
The 7-3 score would stand up thru halftime and past the 3rd quarter.
However, the Cowboys struck first in the game's final quarter to take a 14-3 lead as Tony Romo threw his second
touchdown pass of the game to running back Deon Anderson. On the next Cowboys possession, a Giants punt pinned the
Cowboys deep in their own territory. A Romo fumble in the end zone almost resulted in a Giants touchdown, however,
Romo was able to push the ball out of the end-zone resulting in a Giants safety and only two points.
A Giants touchdown would have significantly changed the game's momentum. But the safety did appear to swing momentum
slightly in the Giants favor. After the free kick, the Giants tacked on 3 more points on John Carney's 2nd field goal
of the game (47 yards) to narrow the Cowboys lead to 14-8.
But the Cowboys responded on the very next drive. The Cowboys drove the ball 66 yards in seven plays eating up
valuable game time (3:32) and scoring a TD to put the game out of reach. The touchdown came on a a 38-yard run by
running back Tashard Choice which produced the 20-8 final.
Ware tied a career-high with three sacks and forced two fumbles in the Cowboys 20-8 win over the New York Giants.
De Marcus Ware led a defensive unit that recorded eight sacks on the night and held the Giants to 218 total yards
(72 rushing, 146 passing). Ware has recorded at least one sack in 13 of 14 games this season, including six in a row.
This season, he has recorded three sacks in a game three times.
For his effort against the Giants, Ware was honored as the NFC's Defensive Player of the Week for Week 15.
NFL 2008 Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers 13, Baltimore Ravens 9
The Baltimore Ravens suffered only their second home loss of the season to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Ravens led the Steelers 9-3 through three quarters behind three Matt Stover field goals (28, 26, 28 yards).
However, the Steelers scored 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to complete a comeback victory that was
capped off when Ben Roethlisberger threw a four-yard scoring toss to Santonio Holmes to bring the
score to 13-9.
Rookie QB Joe Flacco was intercepted on the Ravens final drive to give Pittsburgh the win.
Flacco completed 11-of-15 passes for 115 yards with no touchdowns and two interceptions.
The Ravens all-star fullback Le'Ron McClain rushed for 87 yards on 23 carries. Mark Clayton
had a team-high three receptions for 38 yards.
BALTIMORE RAVENS (9-5)
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Le'Ron McClain, Ray Lewis, Terrell Suggs and Ed Reed were named to the AFC's 2009 Pro Bowl team.
The Ravens have won 7 of their past 9 games and are looking for their 3rd consecutive win vs. the Dallas Cowboys In past 5 road games, rookie sensation QB JOE FLACCO (1st round, No. 18) has completed 88 of 137 passes (64.2 pct.)
for 1,109 yards with 8 TDs vs. 2 interceptions & 102.7 passer rating RB WILLIS MC GAHEE is averaging 78.3 rush yards
per game over past 3 road games FB LE RON MC CLAIN leads the Ravens this season with 8 TDs (7 rush, 1 receiving) Since 2003, WR DERRICK MASON ranks 2nd in NFL with 516 receptions (TORRY HOLT, 553). Mason (9,918) needs 82
receiving yards to reach 10,000. Mason has receiving TD in 2 of past 3. In past 2 games vs. Cowboys, Mason is averaging
106.5 receiving yards per game (213 total) Since 2003, the Ravens are 34-11 (.755) when their defense posts 3 or more
sacks The Ravens are tied for 1st in NFL with 22 interceptions Since 2002, 2009 Pro Bowl selection safety ED REED leads the NFL with 39 interceptions & has 4 interceptions over the past 4 games The Ravens have not allowed a running back to gain more than 100 rushing yards in 33 consecutive games. LB TERRELL SUGGS (2009 NFL All-Star) aims for his 4th game a in row with at least half a sack
DALLAS COWBOYS (9-5)
This is the final regular-season game ever at Texas Stadium. The stadium with the hole in the roof and the
home of Tom Landry, Roger Staubach, Jimmy Johnson, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. There will be a
postgame celebration honoring the stadium, the Cowboys in which all five-year Cowboys will be introduced to the fans
with ceremonies to follow. Cowboys quarterback TONY ROMO is 27-10 (.730) as starter. Romo has completed 382 of 600 for 5,119 yards with 46 TDs
vs. 19 interceptions for 103.0 passer rating in home starts. The Cowboys are 19-3 (.864) when Romo starts & has 100.0 or better
rating When RB MARION BARBER has 11 plus carries, the Cowboys are 26-4 (.867). Barber has scored 37 TDs (31 rush, 6 receiving)
over his past 44 games. Rookie RB TASHARD CHOICE has 309 scrimmage yards (154.5 per game) with 38-yard TD run over past 2 games WR TERRELL OWENS had 8 catches for 101 yards & 1 TD in last meeting versus Ravens. Owens has 25 receiving TDs in
24 home games as Cowboy (including playoffs). Pro Bowl tight end JASON WITTEN has 382 catches & 4,451 yards since 2004, most by an NFC tight end. Rookie TE MARTELLUS BENNETT has TD in 3 of past 5 Starting Pro Bowl linebacker DE MARCUS WARE leads NFL with 19.0 sacks. Ware has 33.0 sacks over his past 28 games,
including 3.0 last week in the Cowboys 20-8 victory over the New York Giants. Ware has at least one sack in 24 of past
28 games. LB GREG ELLIS has 19.5 sacks in past 27, including 2.0 last week. LB BRADIE JAMES has 6.0 sacks in past 8. CB
TERENCE NEWMAN has 4 interceptions in past 5.
PREDICTION: Dallas Cowboys 24, Baltimore Ravens 9
The Ravens have compiled a very respectable 4-3 road record and those 3 losses have come at the hands of
NFL powerhouses -- Steelers (23-20), Colts (31-3) and Giants (30-10). Accordingly, 2 of the Ravens 4 road victories
have come against the Dolphins (27-13) and the Texans (41-13).
Given their road record, it is plausible that the Ravens escape Texas Stadium with a victory.
For this to happen, however, would require the Ravens defense forcing Romo & Company into a few turnovers plus
catching a Cowboys defense still hung over after their excellent effort against the Giants.
But don't count on it. The Cowboys have won 4 of their past 5 games and are 6-1 at home this season.
Plus this is the Cowboys final regular season game ever at Texas Stadium.
Then there's De Marcus Ware at the helm of the Cowboys defense. Flacco has had a wonderful rookie campaign, but going
up against the Steelers defense at home and then facing the Cowboys defense on the road this late in the season . . . Well,
expect it to be a long and frustrating day for the Ravens and Flacco.
RELATED NFL 2008 Week 16
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NFL Week 16: Two Weeks Left in an Extraordinary NFL 2008 Regular Season
With 2 weeks left in the regular season NFL teams find themselves in must-win situations. For the NFC & AFC Top seeds, it's about home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
For the other teams still in the playoff hunt, it's a matter of survival and about punching their ticket for the
playoffs. As such, the goal is simple: keep winning, control your own playoff destiny and hope not to have to rely
on other teams losing.
Thursday Night Battle Between Colts & Jags Still Meaningful
The Jaguars (5-9) host the hottest team in the NFL. After their mediocre 3-4 start to the season, the Colts have
won seven in a row to improve their record to 10-4.
Falcons are No Match for Vikings at Metrodome
The Vikings can clinch the NFC North this week, while the Falcons have a chance to earn a Wildcard spot this week.
However, the Falcons are simply not built for the road this season proving that not all 9-5 records are equal.
NFC Leaders Battle It Our for Home Field Supremacy
The NFC's top playoff seed is at stake this Sunday night when the Carolina Panthers visit the New York Giants. The
Giants and Panthers have identical 11-3 records, but appear to be going in different directions.
The Battle for the AFC King of the Hill
The top two seeds in the AFC meet this Sunday, as the AFC South Champion Tennessee Titans (12-2) host the
AFC North Champion Pittsburgh Steelers (11-3). While both teams have clinched a first-round playoffs bye,
this Sunday game will likely determine which team gains homefield advantage in the AFC.
4th Time Better Be the Charm for the Jets Out West
The Jets head to the west coast for the 4th time this season to face the Seahawks in Mike Holmgren's last home
game as Seattle's head coach. With the Dolphins and Patriots also sporting 9-5 records, this week's matchup
is significant. The Jets cannot afford to look ahead to the season finale against the Dolphins.
Eagles Aim for 4th in a Row at Redskins Expense
The Eagles look to win their fourth straight game as they travel to Washington to take on the Redskins.
The Washington Redskins (7-7) downward spiral continued last week in Cincinnati as Washington suffered
its third straight loss and defeats in five of their last six games.
NFL 2008 Playoffs & Playoff Scenarios
Heading into NFL 2008 Week 16, the AFC playoff scenario is down to 6 teams fighting for 4 spots. While in the
NFC 8 teams are vying for 4 spots. A look at the playoff races and playoff scenarios.
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NFL 2008 WEEK 16 RESULTS DECEMBER 18, 20-22
(All times local)
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:00 PM (NFLN - Thursday, December 18)
Baltimore Ravens at Dallas Cowboys, 7:00 PM (NFLN - Saturday, December 20)
San Diego Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 PM
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans, 12:00 PM
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos, 2:05 PM
Houston Texans at Oakland Raiders, 1:05 PM
N.Y. Jets at Seattle Seahawks, 1:05 PM
Atlanta Falcons at Minnesota Vikings, 4:15 PM
Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns, 1:00 PM
Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redksins, 4:15 PM
New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions, 1:00 PM
Miami Dolphins at Kansas City Chiefs, 12:00 PM
Arizona Cardinals at New England Patriots, 1:00 PM
San Francisco 49ers at St. Louis Rams, 12:00 PM
Carolina Panthers at N.Y. Giants, 8:15 PM (NBC)
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears, 7:30 PM (ESPN - Monday, December 22)
NFL 2008 WEEK 15 RESULTS DECEMBER 11, 14-15
(Home Team in Caps)
CHICAGO BEARS 27, New Orleans Saints 24 (OT)
N.Y. JETS 31, Buffalo Bills 27
Seattle Seahawks 23, ST. LOUIS RAMS 20
Minnesota Vikings 35, ARIZONA CARDINALS 14
ATLANTA FALCONS 13, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 10 (OT)
Pittsburgh Steelers 13, BALTIMORE RAVENS 9
CINCINNATI BENGALS 20, Washington Redskins 13
CAROLINA PANTHERS 30, Denver Broncos 10
HOUSTON TEXANS 13, Tennessee Titans 12
New England Patriots 49, OAKLAND RAIDERS 26
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 31, Detroit Lions 21
DALLAS COWBOYS 20, N.Y. Giants 8
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 20, Green Bay Packers 16
San Diego Chargers 22, KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 21
MIAMI DOLPHINS 14, San Francisco 49ers 9
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 30, Cleveland Browns 10
NFL 2008 WEEK 14 RESULTS - DECEMBER 4, 7 - 8
(Home team in CAPS)
SAN DIEGO 34, Oakland 7
Miami 16, BUFFALO 3 (Toronto)
DENVER 24, Kansas City 17
SAN FRANCISCO 24, N.Y. Jets 14
CHICAGO 23, Jacksonville 10
New England 24, SEATTLE 21
Minnesota 20, DETROIT 16
ARIZONA 34, St. Louis 10
Houston 24, GREEN BAY 21
PITTSBURGH 20, Dallas 13
INDIANAPOLIS 35, Cincinnati 3
BALTIMORE 24, Washington 10
NEW ORLEANS 29, Atlanta 25
Philadelphia 20, N.Y. GIANTS 14
TENNESSEE 28, Cleveland 9
CAROLINA 38, Tampa Bay 23
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