Texas A&M delivered the biggest comeback in its football history on Saturday, overturning a 27-point halftime deficit to defeat South Carolina 31–30 and keep its undefeated season intact. The win at College Station extended the Aggies’ perfect record to 10–0 and strengthened their bid for their first College Football Playoff appearance.

The result marked a dramatic shift from last season’s loss to South Carolina, which derailed A&M’s momentum. This time, the Aggies overcame early turnovers, key defensive stops, and a standout second-half performance by quarterback Marcel Reed to secure one of the most improbable wins in recent Southeastern Conference history.

A Record-Breaking Rally Under Pressure

Reed, who struggled in the first half with two interceptions and a costly fumble returned for a touchdown, rebounded with a career-high 439 passing yards and three touchdowns. His turnaround fueled an offensive surge that reversed a 30–3 halftime deficit—overcoming a margin no SEC team had previously recovered from since at least 2004, according to conference data.

Head coach Mike Elko described the postgame locker-room scene as emotional, reflecting the team’s shared belief and persistence. He noted that few teams possess the culture required to withstand such adversity and continue fighting.

The comeback surpassed the school’s previous record: a 21-point rally during the 2013 Chick-fil-A Bowl, when Johnny Manziel led Texas A&M to a 52–48 win over Duke.

South Carolina Dominates Early Before Momentum Shifts

South Carolina built early control with an aggressive first-half showing. Quarterback LaNorris Sellers threw for 246 yards with two touchdowns, opening the scoring with a 50-yard pass to Vandrevius Jacobs. Defensive tackle Nick Barrett added a pivotal play when he recovered a Reed fumble and ran 17 yards for a touchdown, pushing the Gamecocks ahead 17–3.

Late in the second quarter, South Carolina capitalized again when Nyck Harbor sprinted 80 yards after a short pass for another touchdown, widening the gap to 27–3. A Reed interception in the final minute set up a late field goal that sent the Gamecocks into halftime up 30–3.

Coach Shane Beamer said the first half reflected South Carolina’s capability but lamented the inability to maintain performance after the break. He expressed disappointment in the team’s second-half execution, noting that momentum slipped when the Gamecocks failed to sustain control.

Bold Second-Half Offensive Shift Powers A&M Comeback

The Aggies opened the third quarter with renewed urgency. Reed found Izaiah Williams for a 27-yard touchdown, cutting the deficit to 30–10. On a fourth-and-12 situation, Reed extended the drive with a 16-yard run, demonstrating a shift in confidence and rhythm.

Minutes later, Reed connected with Ashton Bethel-Roman for a 39-yard touchdown, bringing A&M within two scores. Another quick strike followed when Reed found Nate Boerkircher for a 14-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 30–24 late in the third quarter. That drive was set up by a standout 76-yard catch-and-run from Bethel-Roman, who finished the day with 139 receiving yards. K.C. Concepcion added seven receptions for 158 yards, helping anchor the Aggies’ passing offense.

The momentum carried into the fourth quarter, and with 11 minutes remaining, EJ Smith scored on a 4-yard run, giving Texas A&M its first lead of the game at 31–30.

Defensive Stops Seal the Win

South Carolina attempted to mount a final drive, but the Aggies defense delivered at critical moments. After a fumbled trick play gave the Gamecocks possession with three minutes left, Dalton Brooks and Cashius Howell recorded back-to-back sacks on Sellers, setting up a fourth-and-16 scenario.

Sellers scrambled on the decisive play but was stopped short of the first-down marker, securing the victory for Texas A&M.

Linebacker Taurean York acknowledged that the team deviated from its initial game plan due to the early deficit but emphasized the unity and resilience that defined the comeback.

A&M’s Playoff Picture and Season Outlook

With the win, Texas A&M reinforced its position near the top of the College Football Playoff rankings. At 10–0 for the first time since 1992, the Aggies remain well-positioned for a postseason berth but face mounting pressure to maintain consistency.

Coach Elko said the team must improve ahead of its upcoming games if it hopes to contend for a national championship. While the comeback was historic, the early mistakes highlighted areas the coaching staff aims to address.

South Carolina, meanwhile, dropped to 3–7 and extended its losing streak to five games. The team will look to regroup at home against Coastal Carolina next week.

What Comes Next

South Carolina hosts Coastal Carolina next Saturday as it attempts to break its losing run and close the season on a positive note.

Texas A&M hosts Samford before preparing for a rivalry matchup against No. 10 Texas on November 28—a game expected to carry playoff implications.

Source: AP News – No. 3 Texas A&M pulls off biggest comeback in school history to beat South Carolina 31-30

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Cristiano Ronaldo was in tears. At 40 years old, he just helped Portugal claim another title — their third under his captaincy — this time against their fiercest rivals, Spain, in a dramatic Nations League final decided by penalties.

It wasn’t just the trophy that brought him to tears. It was pride. Relief. Legacy.

And maybe, just maybe, it also saved the job of Portugal’s under-fire manager Roberto Martinez.

Ronaldo: Still Defying Time and Expectations

Ronaldo may have left the pitch in the 88th minute, but he had already done what he does best: score goals. His 61st-minute strike — a trademark poacher’s finish from close range — tied the game at 2-2. It was his 138th international goal, and his eighth in nine Nations League matches this campaign, just behind Sweden’s Viktor Gyökeres.

Let’s not forget: this is a player plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr, yet he’s still delivering on the biggest stages.

As ITV pundit Karen Carney put it:

“When you turn 30, people say you’re old. He’s 40 — and still defying us.”

Andros Townsend added:

“He’s a predator in the box. That’s why he’s on the pitch. People have written him off, but he played his part. More than played it.”

He touched the ball just 22 times, but one of those touches rippled the net — and another saw him chase down none other than Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to win back possession.

Not bad for the “old man.”

Yamal Meets His Match: Enter Nuno Mendes

Much of the pre-match buzz was about the generational clash between Ronaldo and 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal. But it wasn’t Ronaldo who shut Yamal down — it was Portugal’s flying full-back Nuno Mendes, who turned in a near-flawless performance.

Yamal, fresh off a semi-final brace against France, found himself largely anonymous this time around. Mendes not only kept him quiet, but also scored Portugal’s first equaliser with a sharp finish into the bottom corner — and earned Man of the Match for his efforts.

Stats don’t lie:

• 4 successful dribbles (most in the team)
• More touches in the opposition box than any Portugal player
• 7 duels won
• 5 tackles won
• 16 passes into the final third

UEFA’s technical observers called Mendes “incredible, both in attack and defense.” Spanish football journalist Guillem Balagué went even further, saying:

“Lamine Yamal, in Nuno Mendes, has found his nemesis.”

Has Martinez Bought Himself Time?

With this trophy, Roberto Martinez earns the first international title of his managerial career — and possibly a lifeline. After years of underachievement with Belgium’s golden generation, skepticism followed him to Portugal.

Rumors had swirled about his job security, especially with a new federation president reportedly eyeing high-profile names like Jorge Jesus or José Mourinho.

But after this? It’s hard to justify letting him go.

“How can you sack a man who just won a trophy and has made Ronaldo a regular goalscorer again?” asked Balagué.

Martinez took the reins in January 2023 and is contracted through the 2026 World Cup. Whether or not the Nations League carries the same weight as the Euros or World Cup, it’s still one of just three major trophies European nations can realistically win. And he’s delivered it.

Carney summed it up:

“There’s something special about him. The players — especially Ronaldo — have responded. He deserves to lead them into the World Cup.”

A Night for the Next Generation Too

Portugal’s future looks just as bright as its past. Alongside Mendes, teammates Joao Neves, Vitinha, and Goncalo Ramos were also celebrating their second major win in eight days, after lifting the Champions League with PSG.

If this blend of experience and youth continues to click, Portugal could be a real force heading into 2026.

Bottom Line: A Victory With Consequences

• Cristiano Ronaldo proves he’s still got it at 40.
• Nuno Mendes cements himself as one of the best full-backs in Europe.
• Lamine Yamal gets a tough but valuable lesson.
• Roberto Martinez might have just saved his job — and Portugal’s future looks more promising than ever.

It might “only” be the Nations League, but for Portugal, it feels like much more.

Source: BBC – Ronaldo tears & Yamal’s nemesis – has Nations League saved Martinez?

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Ohio State made the most of a second chance, routing top-ranked Oregon 41-21 in the 111th Rose Bowl on Wednesday night to advance to the College Football Playoff (CFP) semifinals.

After a season filled with near-misses and heartbreaks, including a close loss to Oregon earlier in the year and a humiliating defeat to Michigan, the Buckeyes entered the Rose Bowl with something to prove. Ohio State seized the opportunity, delivering a sensational 34-point first half that set the tone for the rest of the game.

Offensive Explosion in First Half

Jeremiah Smith, a standout freshman, had a remarkable performance, catching two of Will Howard’s three long touchdown passes. Smith finished the first half with five catches for 161 yards, including scoring grabs of 45 and 43 yards. He would finish the game with seven receptions for a season-high 187 yards.

Ohio State was firing on all cylinders, scoring on six of their first seven drives, with four of those drives covering more than 40 yards. The Buckeyes’ offensive domination included a 66-yard touchdown run by TreVeyon Henderson, giving Ohio State a commanding 34-0 lead late in the second quarter.

Defensive Domination

The Buckeyes’ defense also showed up in a big way. In their previous meeting with Oregon, Ohio State failed to sack Heisman finalist Dillon Gabriel, but this time, they dropped him eight times, frustrating Oregon’s offense. Gabriel, who passed for 299 yards and connected with Traeshon Holden for two touchdowns, couldn’t keep up with Ohio State’s relentless pressure.

Oregon’s 14-game winning streak was snapped, and the Ducks’ hopes of securing their first national title came to a crushing halt.

A Historic Victory for Ohio State

Ohio State’s 41-21 win marked the Buckeyes’ biggest margin of victory over a No. 1-ranked team in school history. The Buckeyes’ offense, led by Howard’s 319 passing yards, was firing on all cylinders, while the defense made a strong statement with multiple sacks and shutdown plays.

Emeka Egbuka also had a key role in Ohio State’s offensive success, catching a 42-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Head coach Ryan Day praised his team’s resilience and noted that the win was a testament to their growth and determination after a season of setbacks.

Oregon Struggles Without Key Players

Oregon, which entered the game as the top-ranked team and the only remaining unbeaten squad, struggled to get anything going offensively. They played without wide receiver Evan Stewart, who had a huge impact in their earlier win against Ohio State but was sidelined due to injury. Despite a strong final drive before halftime that resulted in a touchdown, Oregon could never recover from their disastrous first half.

Looking Ahead

With the win, Ohio State (12-2) advances to the CFP semifinals and will face No. 4 Texas in the Cotton Bowl on January 10 for a spot in the national title game. Texas, after narrowly defeating Arizona State 39-31 in double overtime, will be looking to continue their strong playoff run.

“Still got a lot of football ahead of us,” Day said, keeping his focus on the next challenge while celebrating the big win.

Takeaways

• Ohio State: The Buckeyes played their most complete game of the season, dominating on offense and defense. With their biggest margin of victory over a No. 1 team, they are looking like one of the best teams left in the playoff race.
• Oregon: The Ducks’ extended break and lack of key personnel proved detrimental. While they had a strong regular season, this Rose Bowl defeat marks a missed opportunity, especially with the first-ever College Football Playoff bye.

Source

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In a rare and thrilling moment for football fans, Cameron Dicker of the Los Angeles Chargers made the first successful fair-catch kick in the NFL in nearly half a century. The 57-yard kick, which occurred just before halftime against the Denver Broncos, became an unlikely turning point in the game, helping propel the Chargers to a 34-27 victory.

What Is a Fair-Catch Kick?

The fair-catch kick is one of the NFL’s most obscure rules, and it rarely comes into play. The rule allows a team that has just made a fair catch to attempt a free kick for three points. In this situation, the defense must stand at least 10 yards away from the kicker, giving the kicker a chance to boot the ball through the uprights.

This unusual play is hardly ever executed because teams seldom find themselves in a position to attempt it. In fact, only five teams had tried a fair-catch kick in the 21st century, and none had succeeded since Ray Wersching made one for the San Diego Chargers back in 1976.

The Key Play

The opportunity for Dicker’s historic kick came after Denver’s Tremon Smith committed a fair-catch interference penalty just before halftime. This occurred when Los Angeles’ Derius Davis attempted to field a punt at the Chargers’ 38-yard line. Smith, who admitted to being “well aware” of the fair-catch kick rule, acknowledged that the penalty was a costly mistake.

“This is a dumb penalty,” Smith said. “The returner did a good job of selling it, even though he wasn’t going to catch the ball.”

The penalty moved the ball to the Denver 47-yard line, allowing the Chargers to attempt the rare kick with an untimed down. After taking a timeout, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh opted to go for the fair-catch kick, and Dicker nailed it through the uprights.

A Special Moment for the Chargers

Dicker’s 57-yard fair-catch kick set a new record, surpassing Paul Hornung’s 52-yard attempt for the Green Bay Packers in 1964. It was also the longest fair-catch kick in NFL history.

The Chargers’ special teams coach, Ryan Ficken, has regularly practiced the play with the team, and it paid off in this crucial moment. Dicker said, “It was fun to go out there. It was fun to be in that scenario.”

Harbaugh, who attempted the fair-catch kick during his time with the San Francisco 49ers in 2013, was thrilled to see it executed successfully. “I was really happy… we took a timeout and got things dialed in. It was our chance,” he said.

Chargers’ Comeback

Dicker’s successful kick sparked a momentum shift, as the Chargers went on to finish the game with a 24-6 run. The fair-catch kick not only provided the Chargers with three unexpected points but also helped set the tone for the team’s second-half rally.

“We talk about it every week, so it was normal for us,” Dicker said. “But looking over at [Denver’s] sideline, they were confused about what was going on.”

The Broncos’ Disappointment

Despite knowing the rule, the Denver Broncos were disappointed to be on the wrong side of history. Receiver Marvin Mims explained, “We all knew what was going to happen, and they executed it to perfection.” Broncos head coach Sean Payton also expressed his frustration with the missed opportunity, acknowledging the rarity of the play and the missed field goal chance.

“I’m disappointed,” Payton said. “The penalty put them in field goal position, so it’s disappointing.”

Looking Back at History

The most recent fair-catch kick attempt before Dicker’s was in 2019, when Joey Slye of the Carolina Panthers missed a 60-yard attempt in a London game. The last successful fair-catch kick was made by Ray Wersching in 1976 for the San Diego Chargers against Buffalo.

For Chargers players like Joey Bosa, the moment was surreal. “I was ready to get in the locker room, but I’m happy we had a shot,” Bosa said. “It was an important swing in momentum.”

In the end, Dicker’s record-setting kick not only added a historic highlight to the Chargers’ victory but also brought attention to one of the most intriguing and underused rules in football.

Source

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In a Premier League match packed with drama, Aston Villa’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez delivered what many are calling the greatest save in Premier League history.

A Moment of Pure Brilliance

The breathtaking moment came in the 59th minute when Nottingham Forest’s Nicolás Domínguez unleashed a powerful header destined for the back of the net. Time seemed to freeze as Martínez, seemingly beaten, leapt backwards and stretched out a single hand. In an extraordinary display of reflexes and precision, he managed to push the ball onto the ground, just centimeters from crossing the goal line.

The save was met with widespread acclaim. Former Wales defender Ashley Williams, speaking on BBC’s Match of the Day, declared it “the best save I have ever seen.” Williams added, “He is so clever; he understands exactly where he is and what he needs to do, even while facing the wrong way.”

England goalkeeper Mary Earps called the save “beyond outrageous” on Instagram, while the Premier League labeled it “world-class.” Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool defender, described it as “truly sensational” on Sky Sports, likening Martínez’s effort to a magician’s sleight of hand.

A Game of Highs and Lows

Despite Martínez’s heroics, Aston Villa ultimately fell short, losing 2-1 to Nottingham Forest after a dramatic late-game turnaround.

Villa briefly held the upper hand, taking the lead in the 62nd minute when Jhon Durán headed the ball into the net. The team seemed poised for victory, holding their advantage deep into the match.

However, the tide turned in the 87th minute. Nikola Milenković’s header slipped past Martínez, leveling the score. Just minutes later, in injury time, Anthony Elanga sealed the victory for Forest with a close-range strike.

What It Means for the Premier League Table

The win propelled Nottingham Forest to fourth place in the Premier League standings, while Aston Villa slipped to sixth. Despite the loss, Martínez’s save remains a defining moment of the match—one that will be remembered long after the final whistle.

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BOULDER, Colo. (AP) — Travis Hunter, the Colorado Buffaloes’ dynamic two-way standout, has been named the Associated Press College Football Player of the Year. Hunter earned 26 of 43 votes from AP Top 25 voters, edging out Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, who garnered 16 votes, and Arizona State’s Cameron Skattebo, who received one vote.

A rare talent in college football, Hunter excels both as a wide receiver and a cornerback, rarely leaving the field and making game-changing plays in both roles. Known for his electrifying performances, Hunter also keeps fans entertained with creative touchdown and interception celebrations, including a signature Heisman Trophy pose.

Reflecting on his success, Hunter credited his team, saying, “I couldn’t do what I do without my team. So I view being up for these awards as team awards.”

Hunter’s remarkable versatility reminds fans of legendary players like Charles Woodson at Michigan, Champ Bailey at Georgia, and his coach, Deion Sanders, who also thrived in both offensive and defensive roles during his NFL career. Hunter’s decision to join Coach Prime, first at Jackson State and now at Colorado, was driven by his desire to play both sides of the ball—an opportunity only Sanders offered.

“I’m motivated when people tell me I can’t do something,” Hunter shared. “That I can’t dominate on both sides of the ball. I want to be an example for others that anything is possible. Keep pursuing your dreams.”

This season, Hunter helped Colorado finish with a 9-3 record, securing a spot in the Alamo Bowl against BYU on December 28. Over the course of the season, he played 688 defensive snaps and 672 offensive snaps, making him the only player in the Power Five conferences with over 30 snaps on both sides of the ball.

Hunter’s achievements don’t end with the AP Player of the Year award. He also won his second consecutive Paul Hornung Award as the most versatile player in college football. He is also in the running for several prestigious awards, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, Biletnikoff Award (best receiver), and Bednarik Award (top defensive player). Additionally, Hunter is the favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, which he could bring home this weekend, becoming only the second Colorado player to win the award after Rashaan Salaam’s victory in 1994.

Despite his stellar season, Hunter wasn’t a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation’s top defensive back, a decision that upset Coach Sanders, who vowed to give his own 1988 Thorpe Award to Hunter.

Hunter’s high school coach, Lenny Gregory, recognized his exceptional talent as early as Hunter’s freshman year. Gregory recalls telling college recruiters that Hunter would one day be the top player in the country. “They’d laugh at me, saying ‘What are you talking about? This scrawny kid?’ I told them, ‘Just watch. Just watch.’”

This season, Hunter finished with 92 catches for 1,152 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver. On defense, he recorded four interceptions, broke up 11 passes, and forced one fumble that helped secure a dramatic overtime win over Baylor. Hunter was targeted 119 times by his own quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, but only 39 times by opposing quarterbacks, showcasing his dominance on both sides of the ball.

Hunter’s likely final game in Boulder, a commanding victory over Oklahoma State, included three touchdowns and one interception, a performance that left fans and teammates in awe.

“I’m used to seeing him do all this spectacular stuff,” said Shedeur Sanders. “You all are just now seeing it on a national stage.”

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Rasmus Hojlund Inspires First European Away Win in 20 Months for Manchester United

Manchester United ended their European away drought in dramatic fashion, defeating Viktoria Plzen 2-1 thanks to a stellar performance from substitute Rasmus Hojlund. The victory, their first on foreign soil in Europe since March 2023, came after a challenging match in the freezing conditions of Bohemia.

Match Highlights

1. Early Shock for United
   Viktoria Plzen capitalized on a mistake by United goalkeeper Andre Onana to take the lead early in the second half. Former Burnley striker Matej Vydra intercepted a poor pass, coolly slotting the ball home in the 48th minute.
2. Game-Changing Substitutions
   Manager Ruben Amorim responded decisively, replacing an underperforming Marcus Rashford with Rasmus Hojlund. The Danish striker made an immediate impact, scoring a poacher’s goal after excellent setup play from Amad Diallo in the 62nd minute.
3. Decisive Finish
   United sealed the win in the 88th minute with a clever set-piece routine. Bruno Fernandes delivered a disguised free-kick, allowing Hojlund to spin and fire past Plzen’s goalkeeper Martin Jedlicka, ensuring a vital three points for the Red Devils.

Key Performances

• Rasmus Hojlund (8/10): The standout player, Hojlund turned the tide with two critical goals, cementing his role as United’s hero of the night.
• Amad Diallo (8/10): Instrumental in the build-up to the equalizer, showcasing creativity and composure under pressure.
• Bruno Fernandes (7/10): The orchestrator in midfield, his pinpoint assist for the winner highlighted his vision and precision.
• Andre Onana (4/10): Struggled with decision-making, gifting Plzen their goal, but will hope to bounce back in the next fixture.

Manager’s Perspective

Ruben Amorim reflected on the match:
“We lacked speed and movement in the first half but improved significantly. The substitutes made a huge difference, particularly Rasmus [Hojlund], who was decisive tonight. Mistakes happen in football, but it’s about how we respond—and the team showed great resilience.”

Statistics and Records

• Comeback Kings: Manchester United have now secured seven points from losing positions in this Europa League campaign, the most of any team.
• Breaking Records: Plzen’s 12-match unbeaten run at home in European competition was ended, with United becoming the first team to win there since Barcelona in November 2022.
• Bruno’s Brilliance: Fernandes created seven chances in the match, marking the third time he’s achieved this feat in a major European competition for United.

Looking Ahead

The win moves United up to fifth in the Europa League table, revitalizing their chances of advancing. With upcoming matches against Rangers and Steaua Bucharest, Amorim’s side must build on this momentum.

For Viktoria Plzen, the defeat is a hard blow, dropping them to 15th in the standings. The Czech team must regroup quickly to salvage their campaign.

Final Thoughts

Manchester United’s hard-fought victory highlights the importance of adaptability and impact from the bench. Rasmus Hojlund’s performance is a promising sign for the Red Devils as they navigate a challenging season. Fans can now toast to the end of their long European away drought, while the players prepare for the upcoming Manchester derby with renewed confidence.

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DETROIT — With 36 seconds left in the game and the Chicago Bears trailing the Detroit Lions by three points, the Bears had a chance to tie or win in their Thanksgiving Day matchup. However, questionable clock management ultimately sealed a 23-20 defeat and extended Chicago’s losing streak to six games.

Despite the outcome, head coach Matt Eberflus defended his late-game decisions, insisting the team handled the situation appropriately.

The Final Drive

The Bears began their final possession at the Detroit 1-yard line with 3:31 remaining, running 13 plays to reach the Lions’ 35-yard line. On second-and-20, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked for a six-yard loss with 32 seconds remaining as Lions defensive end Za’Darius Smith broke through unblocked.

Instead of calling a timeout, the Bears let the clock run. Williams scrambled to line up the offense, but the next snap came with only six seconds left. His deep pass to rookie receiver Rome Odunze fell incomplete near the 5-yard line as time expired.

“I knew when we snapped the ball, the [clock] would run out,” Odunze said. “I was trying to make it to the end zone, but we didn’t get the coverage we hoped for.”

Eberflus’ Decision Under Scrutiny

After the game, Eberflus defended his strategy. “Our hope was to get the play off at 18 seconds, throw inbounds, get into field goal range, and then call a timeout,” Eberflus explained. “Once it gets under 12 seconds, your only option is to throw it to the end zone.”

Critics pointed out that 26 seconds passed between Williams’ sack and the final snap, with no timeout called during that span. Kicker Cairo Santos could have attempted a 58-yard field goal—three yards longer than his career best—but Eberflus said the team believed they were out of range.

“We rehearsed scenarios like this,” Santos said. “I was ready to kick, but I didn’t expect it to play out like that.”

Player Reactions

The chaotic final moments left several Bears players puzzled. Tight end Cole Kmet described the ending as baffling: “I turned around, and the game was over. We just needed to avoid the sack and manage the clock better.”

Wide receiver DJ Moore, who had eight catches for 97 yards and a touchdown, expressed frustration. “We keep coming back in these games and having chances to win,” Moore said. “And then we just blow it.”

A Pattern of Narrow Losses

Thursday’s defeat was the fourth game this season the Bears lost by three or fewer points, tied for the most such losses in the NFL. According to ESPN Research, the Bears are the first team since 1933 to endure a six-game losing streak without committing multiple turnovers in any game.

Despite their struggles, the Bears rallied from a 16-point halftime deficit, with Williams leading three second-half touchdown drives. The rookie quarterback also set a franchise record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie (15) during the game.

Still, Eberflus’ record in one-score games now stands at 5-19—the worst in NFL history for any coach with at least 20 such games.

Looking Ahead

Eberflus took responsibility for the overall execution but maintained confidence in his approach. “We were all on the same page,” he said. “We just need to execute better.”

As the Bears fall to 4-8, fans and analysts are questioning whether changes in strategy—or leadership—might be necessary to turn the season around.

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INGLEWOOD, Calif. — The Baltimore Ravens secured a hard-fought 30-23 victory against the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday night, keeping coach John Harbaugh undefeated in head-to-head matchups with his brother, Jim Harbaugh. This marked their first coaching face-off since Super Bowl XLVII over a decade ago.

John Harbaugh’s Ravens (8-4) relied on bold decisions, converting three critical fourth-down attempts — all leading to touchdowns. Quarterback Lamar Jackson delivered a stellar performance, accounting for three touchdowns and extending his perfect Monday Night Football streak to 22 touchdown passes without a single interception, a record in NFL history.

The win places the Ravens just half a game behind the AFC North-leading Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3).

Key Highlights

Lamar Jackson’s Dominance

Jackson was the linchpin of Baltimore’s offense, throwing touchdown passes of 40 and 6 yards while rushing for another score. His leadership turned a 10-0 early deficit into a string of five consecutive scoring drives, four of which reached the end zone.

Ground Game Resurgence

Running back Derrick Henry powered the Ravens’ rushing attack with 140 yards on 24 carries. While Henry didn’t score for the first time in 12 games, his performance cemented Baltimore’s success when he gets 15 or more carries. The team is now 9-1 in such games.

Gutsy Fourth-Down Gamble

One of the game’s pivotal moments came late in the first half. Facing fourth-and-1 deep in their own territory, tight end Mark Andrews executed a direct snap for a first down. Four plays later, Jackson launched a 40-yard touchdown pass to Rashod Bateman, flipping the momentum and giving the Ravens a 14-10 lead.

Defensive Breakthrough

Baltimore’s offense handed the Chargers their first 30-point game allowed this season. The Chargers entered the game ranked No. 1 in fewest points allowed per game (14.5).

Chargers’ Perspective

The loss keeps the Chargers struggling in the AFC playoff race. Despite a promising start with a 10-0 lead, the defense faltered under Baltimore’s relentless pressure.

In Summary: “Never Panic”

Baltimore’s ability to remain composed under pressure was on full display. The Ravens now have four wins this season after trailing by 10 points, tying the record for the most such victories in a season since 2000.

With Jackson’s continued brilliance and a team firing on all cylinders, the Ravens look poised to challenge for AFC supremacy.

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Welcome to Week 12 of the NFL season! It was a week filled with thrilling finishes, standout performances, and unexpected meltdowns. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the key games, including grades for each team.

Special Teams Chaos Takes Center Stage

This week saw some of the wildest special teams moments in NFL history. From missed field goals to game-changing kickoff returns, here’s a quick summary:

• Titans vs. Texans: Ka’imi Fairbairn missed a crucial 28-yard field goal, costing Houston a chance to tie.
• Chiefs vs. Panthers: Spencer Shrader’s 31-yard field goal sealed a narrow win for Kansas City.
• Vikings vs. Bears: Minnesota won in overtime after Cairo Santos’ late heroics forced the extra period.
• Cowboys vs. Commanders: Dallas delivered two kickoff return touchdowns in the final minutes to secure a dramatic victory.

Let’s dive into the grades for each matchup.

Cowboys 34-26 Over Commanders

• Cowboys: A-
  The Cowboys thrived despite starting backup quarterback Cooper Rush. Key contributions came from Rico Dowdle, CeeDee Lamb, KaVontae Turpin, and Juanyeh Thomas. Both Turpin and Thomas scored electrifying special teams touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Rush played smart, throwing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. While their defense struggled late, the Cowboys showed they can compete with top teams.
• Commanders: B-
  Special teams were a disaster for Washington, surrendering two kickoff return touchdowns and missing three kicks, including an extra point. The offense came alive in the fourth quarter, but it was too little, too late. Jayden Daniels’ 275 passing yards were impressive, but his slow start contributed to the Commanders’ third straight loss, jeopardizing their playoff hopes.

Vikings 30-27 Over Bears (OT)

• Vikings: B
  Minnesota’s offense shined, led by Jordan Addison (182 yards) and T.J. Hockenson (114 yards). Sam Darnold threw for 330 yards, including a flawless overtime drive. While the defense nearly gave the game away, the Vikings found a way to win and are well-positioned for a strong finish to the season.
• Bears: B-
  The Bears’ offense showed life under new coordinator Thomas Brown, with Caleb Williams throwing for 340 yards and two touchdowns. However, their defense faltered, allowing 452 yards. Despite their offensive surge, Chicago’s five-game losing streak continues.

Lions 24-6 Over Colts

• Lions: A-
  Detroit’s defense dominated, holding the Colts to just six points and 94 second-half yards. Offensively, Jared Goff spread the ball around, while Jahmyr Gibbs totaled 90 rushing yards and two touchdowns. The Lions are proving they can win decisively, even without playing perfect football.
• Colts: C-
  Indianapolis struggled in the red zone, coming away with zero touchdowns on two first-half trips inside Detroit’s 12-yard line. Anthony Richardson completed just 39.3% of his passes, and the offense faded in the second half. The Colts’ playoff hopes are slipping.

Dolphins 34-15 Over Patriots

• Dolphins: A
  Tua Tagovailoa delivered another stellar performance, throwing for 317 yards and four touchdowns. The defense also stepped up, sacking Drake Maye four times and forcing a strip-sack. Miami’s recent hot streak has them looking like serious playoff contenders.
• Patriots: D-
  New England’s offense regressed, managing just 84 first-half yards. The defense struggled to contain Miami’s explosive offense. This loss exposes significant flaws on both sides of the ball, putting the Patriots in a precarious position.

Buccaneers 30-7 Over Giants

• Buccaneers: A+
  Tampa Bay crushed New York with a dominant defensive performance and a standout game from Bucky Irving, who tallied 151 total yards. Baker Mayfield looked sharp with Mike Evans back, and the Bucs remain alive in the playoff race.
• Giants: F
  The post-Daniel Jones era began disastrously. The Giants’ offense and defense were abysmal, leaving little hope for the remainder of the season. Brian Daboll’s job security may be in question as losses mount.

Packers 38-10 Over 49ers

• Packers: A
  Green Bay’s offense thrived in the red zone, scoring touchdowns on all five trips. Josh Jacobs carried the load with 106 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while the defense smothered a Brock Purdy-less 49ers offense.
• 49ers: F
  Without Purdy, the 49ers’ offense was lifeless. Christian McCaffrey struggled, and the team couldn’t overcome Brandon Allen’s inefficiency. San Francisco’s playoff hopes could be in jeopardy if Purdy remains sidelined.

Broncos 29-19 Over Raiders

• Broncos: A-
  Denver’s defense dominated, tallying five sacks and a key interception. Bo Nix continued his stellar rookie campaign with 273 yards and two touchdowns. The Broncos are emerging as legitimate playoff contenders.
• Raiders: B-
  Despite some creative plays, including a successful fake punt, the Raiders faltered in the second half. Turnovers and poor quarterback play from Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder sealed their fate.

Seahawks 16-6 Over Cardinals

• Seahawks: B+
  Seattle’s defense put on a clinic, holding Arizona to 49 rushing yards and pressuring Kyler Murray into mistakes, including a pick-six. Offensively, Geno Smith delivered in key moments, helping Seattle stay competitive in the NFC West.
• Cardinals: C
  Arizona’s offense sputtered against Seattle’s defense, and Kyler Murray struggled under constant pressure. After a strong stretch, the Cardinals have lost momentum heading into tough matchups.

Week 12 showcased the highs and lows of NFL competition, with some teams solidifying their playoff hopes and others facing harsh realities. Stay tuned as the action heats up in the final stretch of the season!

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