NFL Week 9 Recap and Steelers/Broncos Preview

Ahh! The last of the winless coming into this week is no longer winless! Congrats to Raheem Morris and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on their victory over Green Bay. I’m sure more are to come. Here’s the quick recap! Both undefeated teams had to play a bit of come from behind to keep their perfect records.

Kansas City (1-7) 21, Jacksonville (4-4) 24
Jags make their way to .500
Game ball: Jags QB David Garrard: 18-27, 264, TD

Washington (2-6) 17, Atlanta (5-3) 31
Falcons bounce back from Monday night loss
Game ball: Falcons RB Michael Turner: 18 car., 166 yds., 2 TD

Arizona (5-3) 41, Chicago (4-4) 21
Are these the Cards that were in the Super Bowl last year?
Game ball: Cardinals QB Kurt Warner: 22-31, 261 yds., 5 TD

Baltimore (4-4) 7, Cincinnati (6-2) 17
Bengals sweep season series from Ravens
Game ball: Bengals RB Cedric Benson: 34 car., 117 yds., TD

Houston (5-4) 17, Indianapolis (8-0) 20
Colts come from behind and hold off late rally and FG attempt.
Game ball: Colts TE Dallas Clark: 14 rec., 119 yds

Green Bay (4-4) 28, Tampa Bay (1-7) 38
Bucs pull off a stunner at home
Game ball: The whole Tampa Bay organization and their fans

Miami (3-5) 17, New England (6-2) 27
Can the Pats be slowed down?
Game ball: Patriots WR Randy Moss: 6 rec., 147 yds., TD

Detroit (1-7) 20, Seattle (3-5) 32
Seahawks overcome 17 pt. Lions 1st quarter
Game ball: Seahawks defense: 5 INT (TD)

Carolina (3-5) 20, New Orleans (8-0) 30
Saints another early deficit to stay perfect
Game ball: Saints WR Robert Meacham: 5 rec., 98 yds., TD

Tennessee (2-6) 34, San Francisco (3-5) 27
QB Vince Young wins second game as starter this season
Game ball: Titans RB Chris Johnson: 25 car., 135 yds., 2 TD

San Diego (5-3) 21, New York Giants (5-4) 20
Bolts shock Giants with TD in last half minute
Game ball: Chargers QB Philip Rivers: 24-36, 209 yds., 3 TD

Dallas (6-2) 20, Philadelphia (5-3) 16
Another Philly Phlop after a great game the week before
Game ball: Dallas defense: Philly offense held to 50 yards below their average and no big plays

Monday Night Preview
Pittsburgh (5-2) @ Denver (6-1)

Steelers: Are the Steelers ever going to get their running game going? With the way QB Ben Roethlisberger (left) has been passing the ball, Pittsburgh is showing a slight resemblance to the team they vanquished in the last Super Bowl. But RBs Rashard Mendenhall and Willie Parker along with the Steelers O line have to elevate the Steelers rushing attack to acquire a balanced offense. And the Broncos aren't pushovers. WR Hines Ward is suprising everyone but his teammates with his '09 performance. His numbers: 42 catches, 602 yards. He's 10th in yards and receptions even after Sunday's games. But we all know Blitzburgh makes their living from the defense. A defense that will be without S Ryan Clark due to sickle cell trait. The last time the Steelers visited Invesco, Clark had to have his spleen and gall bladder removed due to complications from playing in the high altitude. S Tyrone Carter will have to fill his shoes. The Steelers know they have to win with Cincy taking down Baltimore. Plus, they get a shot at the Bengals next week.

Broncos: Was last week's loss to Baltimore the real Broncos? Most say no, but I'm not totally convinced. Denver is a good team and this year's Broncos does not resemble last year's team. It's not even close. But it was a difficult road test and Denver did not pass. The Steelers are yet another difficult test, but the Broncos are at home. Having another day to prepare for the defensing champs will help pull the strings back together. Two things: protect QB Kyle Orton (right) and run the ball. On defense, pressure Big Ben and stuff the run. People talk about the turnaround of the New Orleans Saints defense. This Broncos defense has been completely overhauled. The result? The #1 overall defense in the NFL. You can't really pass on them (7th against the pass) and you certainly can't run on them (4th against the run). Baltimore didn't exactly light it up against Denver either. The Ravens only had 292 yards (only 26 yards over their average) with most of that coming after halftime. The wild card in this game may be WR Eddie Royal on returns. He did pretty much win the Charger game.