Vikings realize reasons for reeling offense run much deeper than QB inexperience By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press EAGAN, Minn.
EAGAN, Minn. (AP) — Max Brosmer faked the handoff to fullback C.J. Ham as he began the ill-fated wide rollout to his right that might well tell the story of Minnesota's calamitous season no matter what else happens from here.
The rookie making his first career start was swarmed by Seattle defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, who had barreled into the backfield unblocked on this fourth-and-1 play from the 4-yard line and chased Brosmer all the way back to the 24 with the Seahawks leading by just a field goal late in the second quarter on Sunday .
Then in the last moment to avoid a turnover on downs, Brosmer heaved an underhanded ball from behind his back that became a turnover by desperation, a stunningly reckless toss that linebacker Ernest Jones easily snagged for an 86-yard return for a touchdown , the first of four interceptions thrown by Brosmer.
“I don’t like the play call. It’s totally on me in that moment,” a contrite coach Kevin O'Connell said on Monday.
Yes, the glaring inexperience at quarterback has ultimately doomed the Vikings this season, but they've got a system-wide mess to address with an offense that was one of the most dynamic and productive in the league just last season.
“We just haven't been anywhere near our standard of doing things,” O'Connell said after the 26-0 loss, the first shutout in 18 years for a Vikings team that is now averaging the fifth-fewest points per game (18.7) in the NFL.
Brosmer was playing, of course, because of J.J. McCarthy's latest absence, a concussion that sidelined the 10th overall pick in the 2024 draft. He's symptom-free and on track to return to action this week, O'Connell said, for another opportunity to show that he can make some strides with learning the sport's most difficult position.
But the problems hovering over the offense in this final stretch of the schedule include every position and coach, not to mention the salary cap situation the Vikings (4-8) must tackle in the offseason. By the third quarter, they were missing three starting offensive linemen and their best running back, but blaming the injuries at this point is an irrelevant exercise.
As the play-caller and primary designer of a scheme that has proven over time it can consistently create a potent downfield passing attack, O'Connell must determine once and for all how to revamp the strategy in a way that suits the Vikings as they're currently constructed for the foreseeable future.
“Just trying to understand maybe we’re not going to be a statistically impressive team, but we do have to find a way when you’re playing a really good football team in that kind of environment to get the game to where we need to get it to,” O'Connell said.
What's working
The blitz-heavy game plan from defensive coordinator Brian Flores and the relentlessness of their pass rushers kept the Vikings in the game until Brosmer's pick-6. They sacked former teammate Sam Darnold four times for 34 yards in the first half, including two by Dallas Turner that forced fumbles.
What needs help
One reason O'Connell called the doomed pass play on fourth-and-1 was the Vikings were averaging less than 2 yards per rush at that point in the game.
Stock up
Linebacker Eric Wilson has had a career-best season, his ninth in the NFL. He had four of his 11 tackles for loss against the Seahawks.
Stock down
Wide receiver Jordan Addison has totaled only 15 receptions for 165 yards over the past six games. He's had four drops over the past four weeks, per Sportradar tracking, tied for the most in the league in that span.
Injury report
The Vikings have a chance to get all three injured offensive linemen back in the starting lineup on Sunday, with center Ryan Kelly (hip), left guard Donovan Jackson (ankle) and left tackle Christian Darrisaw (foot, knee) all with day-to-day status, O'Connell said. Jackson might face the longest odds to play of those three, but O'Connell said the rookie was “improving by the day.”
Running back Aaron Jones (shoulder) suffered no new damage, only aggravating a previous injury. Blake Brandel, who has started at center and left guard, entered the concussion protocol after the game but was symptom-free on Monday, O'Connell said.
Key number
26 — That's the number of turnovers for the Vikings this season, the most in the league.
Up next
The Vikings play the bottom three teams in the NFC East in their next three games, starting with the Washington Commanders at home this Sunday. The following week, they hit the road for a Sunday night game against the Dallas Cowboys, who have salvaged a chance for the playoffs with three straight wins. Then comes a Dec. 21 road game against the New York Giants.
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Seattle's defense is peaking at the right time as the Seahawks compete for the NFC West title By ANDREW DESTIN AP Sports Writer The Associated Press RENTON, Wash.
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — The Seattle Seahawks have fielded a handful of memorable defenses, ranging from the 2013 “Legion of Boom” unit to the 1984 team that featured the late Kenny Easley and forced a franchise-record 63 turnovers.
According to defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, the 2025 team has the best defense he has played for in his 12 NFL seasons.
“Yes, and I mean that wholeheartedly,” Lawrence said after Sunday's 26-0 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. “But I feel like there’s another level we’re going to reach. Y’all haven’t seen the best of us, and we’re going to capitalize on our opportunities.”
It's been pretty impressive so far, a key factor in Seattle's 9-3 record. The Seahawks rank fourth in the NFL with 40 sacks. They are tied for second with 13 interceptions. They slot in at third in yards allowed on the ground.
All that has taken place with safety Julian Love missing nine games with a hamstring injury, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins missing the whole season with a back ailment and plenty of other key players shuffling in and out of the lineup.
On Sunday, Seattle’s defense stopped Minnesota four times in Seahawks territory while pitching the shutout.
“It’s nothing new to us and it just feels good because when we get in those situations, we’re not stressed,” cornerback Riq Woolen said. “We’re more relaxed. We know what to do when we get there.”
As a result, the Seahawks find themselves in a coveted position. They are tied with Los Angeles for first place in the NFC West after the Rams lost 31-28 to Carolina on Sunday.
Under second-year coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks will secure the division title if they win out over the final five weeks of the season. They host the Rams on Dec. 18.
What’s working
Kenneth Walker III continues to separate himself as Seattle’s clear No. 1 option in the backfield. For the fourth straight week, Walker averaged more than 4 yards per carry. He finished Sunday’s game with 56 yards on 13 carries, as well as 18 yards receiving on three catches.
Walker's emergence has been critical to Seattle’s offense finding more balance over the second half of the season.
What needs help
One of the most improved units for the Seahawks in 2025 has been its offensive line. But the line struggled at times against the Vikings.
Sam Darnold was sacked four times before halftime. He was sacked 11 times through the Seahawks’ first 11 games of the season.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores made life difficult on Darnold and the Seahawks with an array of blitzes.
“We need to start faster, especially in terms of protection and making sure we’re on the same page,” Macdonald said.
Darnold was not sacked in the second half.
Stock up
Jason Myers made three more field goals against the Vikings, connecting from 56, 54 and 40 yards. Myers has made 15 of his last 16 attempts, with the lone miss from 61 yards during a Nov. 16 loss to the Rams. He is 28 for 33 overall this season.
Stock down
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been sensational, catching 82 passes for a league-leading 1,336 yards receiving. But Smith-Njigba finished with two receptions for 23 yards against the Vikings, both season lows.
“Coach Flores does a great job mixing up looks, and we were just taking what they give us and made the best decision for the team,” Smith-Njigba said. “It was just one of those days.”
Injuries
DT Jarran Reed (thumb) is eligible to come off injured reserve this week, and “looks good” according to Macdonald. RG Anthony Bradford (elbow) is expected to practice Wednesday. Josh Jobe (concussion) cleared protocol, according to Macdonald, during the game. Love (hamstring) possibly could play this week as well.
Key number
3,717 — Days between shutouts for Seattle. The Seahawks also beat the Chicago Bears 26-0 on Sept. 27, 2015.
Next steps
The Seahawks visit the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
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Coming through in the clutch remains an issue for the reeling Saints By BRETT MARTEL AP Sports Writer The Associated Press NEW ORLEANS
NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints found a new and unusual way to lose after a largely competitive showing at Miami. In the end, it was the latest example of the team's inability to come through in crunch time in what is now a double-digit-loss campaign
Down 16-0 at halftime on the road, it would have surprised few if the reeling Saints had faded down the stretch at a Dolphins squad that has shown improved form lately.
“We certainly did not start well,” first-year coach Kellen Moore said after reviewing video of Sunday's loss . “As frustrated as this loss is — they're tough — there's nothing easy about losing — I love the way our guys battled and I love the way the positives coming out of this game are going to be able to be built off of.”
Instead, New Orleans rallied with Chris Olave's touchdown catch and Tyler Shough's QB run for a 2-point conversion, a 56-yard field goal from a former Gaelic Football player making his NFL debut — and then got a late touchdown from receiver Devaughn Vele, a second-year pro.
The Saints (2-10) lined up for a 2-point conversion for the tie, only to have it intercepted and run back the other way to extend the Dolphins' lead to 21-17.
There was still more drama to come after the Saints recovered an onside kick. But the comeback fizzled on a failed fourth-and-1 sneak by Shough on the Miami 36-yard line.
What’s working
The Saints' pass rush has been solid. The defensive line accounted for four sacks on Sunday — two by Cameron Jordan, and one each by Chase Young and Bryan Bresee. The Saints are tied for 15th in the NFL in sacks, one of few key statistical areas where they are not in the bottom third of the league.
What needs help
The Saints rushed for 81 yards on 27 attempts against the Dolphins. They might have been more committed to the run had they not fallen behind 16-0 in the first half, but it nonetheless continued a trend of anemic showings on the ground for an offense that ranks 29th in the league in rushing.
Stock up
Charlie Smyth , a Northern Ireland native, made his regular-season debut and kicked a 56-yard field goal on what is currently the only attempt of his NFL career. Vele caught all eight passes thrown to him for 93 yards and a touchdown. And the 36-year-old Jordan, now in his 15th NFL season (all with New Orleans), continues to show he might be able to play beyond this season, when he's due to become an unrestricted free agent.
Stock down
Taysom Hill did not get many touches or have much production, even with the Saints needing someone to fill the void left by running back Alvin Kamara's injury. Hill had one carry for just 2 yards rushing and only one pass was thrown his way. He caught it for a 5-yard gain.
Injuries
Safety Justin Reid injured his knee in the first half at Miami. Kamara will continue to be evaluated as he recovers from a Week 12 knee injury.
Moore did not get specific about Reid’s injury on Monday, but essentially said the veteran defensive back could miss games because of it.
Key number
10 — The number of games this season in which the Saints have been held to fewer than 20 points, including seven straight. They have lost nine of those games, the lone victory coming by a score of 17-7 at Carolina in Week 10.
Next steps
The Saints travel to Tampa Bay on Sunday for their final meeting this season with the Buccaneers, who entered this week clinging to a half-game lead over Carolina for first place in the NFC South.
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Browns coach Stefanski still isn't ready to announce Sanders as his starting QB for rest of season By JOE REEDY AP Sports Writer The Associated Press
Coach Kevin Stefanski continues to take Shedeur Sanders’ status as the Cleveland Browns’ starting quarterback on a week-by-week basis.
The Browns’ 26-8 loss to San Francisco assured their 23rd losing season since 1999. Sanders struggled in the second half, but finished 16 of 25 passing for 149 yards with a touchdown.
Sanders has accomplished something none of the other 14 Cleveland quarterbacks did in their first two rookie starts, going back to 1957 — have a passer rating above 85 in each start.
“I’m just dealing with our football team week to week, but I’m pleased with his progress,” Stefanski said about Sanders on Monday. “He wants to continue to get better and better, and that’s the right attitude to have, and that’s why we’ll continue to work.”
Sanders continues to say that the biggest area he is trying to improve is building comfort and trust with the first-unit offense. He has had only two weeks of practice with the group after not getting any first-team snaps during training camp or after becoming Dillon Gabriel’s backup after Joe Flacco was traded to Cincinnati on Oct. 7.
Stefanski has taken plenty of criticism for not trying to find even an occasional snap for Sanders with the starters until he had to.
“As players and teammates, we have to be able to gel and be comfortable with each other in every situation,” Sanders said. “That takes time and work to develop the right chemistry and be on the same page.”
Sanders looked to build rapport with receiver Jerry Jeudy, who finished with three catches for 26 yards on Sunday.
Jeudy, who has 35 receptions for 421 yards and a touchdown through 12 games, was seen during the CBS broadcast having a heated exchange with Sanders on the Browns sideline in the second half. The discussion appeared to center on miscommunication about specific routes and plays.
“You have plays that you see things, and you want to talk through it, but those come up every single game, truly,” Stefanski said of the disagreement. “And sometimes it can be two offensive linemen who saw a play a little bit differently, and you’ve got to look at the tape and get on the same page. So that’s all it is.”
Despite the lack of practice, Sanders already has three of the Browns’ four longest pass plays this season. The 66-yard TD to Dylan Sampson against the Raiders last week was on a receiver screen, but the 34-yard touchdown to Harold Fannin came on a nicely thrown ball toward the left sideline. Fannin caught the ball at the San Francisco 9 and then outmuscled two defenders to reach the end zone.
Sanders is 3 of 8 on passes of 21-plus air yards; Gabriel was 2 of 10 in six starts.
With the Browns still managing the effects of the Deshaun Watson trade, starting Sanders for the remainder of the season will give the team essential insight into his abilities before entering an uncertain offseason.
Cleveland will have two picks in the first round of next year’s draft. If the season ended after this week, it would have the fifth and 26th picks.
What’s working
The defense continues to play at a high level. San Francisco’s Christian McCaffrey, who came in leading the league in scrimmage yards, was held to his second-lowest total of the season at 74 yards (53 rushing, 21 receiving).
What needs help
Fourth down play-calling. The Browns were 0-for-4 going for it on fourth down, with the two fourth-and-1 failures looming large. Judkins was stopped for a 1-yard loss at the Niners 21 in the first quarter when Cleveland was in field-goal range. Fannin then had a bobbled snap and fumbled at the Browns 32 on a play that was rushed because the play clock was winding down and some on the offensive line were out of position.
Special teams, especially the punt teams, continue to be an issue. Gage Larvadain fumbled three punt returns, including his fumbled punt at the Cleveland 18 that the Niners converted into a touchdown. Skyy Moore’s 66-yard return to the Browns 16 also set up San Francisco’s first TD.
Stock up
RB Quinshon Judkins had 91 rushing yards, his third 90-yard game this season, plus three catches for 18 yards. He now has 758 rushing yards, fifth most by a Browns rookie in a season.
Stock down
Safety Ronnie Hickman allowed four receptions for 82 yards, including a 33-yard catch by George Kittle at the Browns 7-yard line that set up Matt Gay’s 25-yard field goal to give the 49ers a 10-8 halftime lead.
Injuries
Stefanski announced DT Maliek Collins will undergo season-ending surgery on his quad. Guard Wyatt Teller will miss Sunday’s game against Tennessee because of a calf injury. OT Jack Conklin (concussion) and RB Dylan Sampson (calf) will be evaluated as the week progresses.
Key number
6: Consecutive games that Myles Garrett has had a sack, tied for the longest streak of his career (2020 and ’21). He has 15 of his league-high 19 sacks during the current run.
What’s next
Cleveland hosts Tennessee (1-11), which has dropped seven straight. The Browns have won their past two meetings against the Titans.
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Chargers QB Justin Herbert has surgery on non-throwing hand, playing status to be determined By DAN GREENSPAN Associated Press The Associated Press EL SEGUNDO, Calif.
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert’s availability to play will be determined later this week after undergoing surgery on his non-throwing hand Monday.
Herbert is day-to-day, the team said in a statement, after he broke a bone in his left hand in the first quarter of a 31-14 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday, playing the last three quarters in a cast and wearing a glove. He was 15 of 20 for 151 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
Herbert has completed 66.9% of his passes for 2,842 yards and 21 touchdowns against 10 interceptions, and he is second on the team with 353 yards rushing. He has also taken the third-most sacks in the NFL (38) and is on pace to absorb the most hits in Herbert's six seasons with the Chargers.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh said earlier Monday afternoon that backup Trey Lance would receive more snaps in practice to prepare for situations where the offense operates under center, such as at the goal line and in short yardage. The Chargers had to work exclusively out of the shotgun and pistol after Herbert was hurt, though he did take a handful of snaps from under center on the sideline before returning to the game.
“Justin, he’s one of those quarterbacks that takes all the reps. He’s a machine like that, and we got to make sure that Trey’s getting more of those goal-line reps, those situations under center,” Harbaugh said.
The Chargers (8-4), who host the Philadelphia Eagles next Monday night, currently hold the first wild-card in the AFC and are two games behind the Denver Broncos for first in the AFC West. The Chargers defeated the Broncos 23-20 on Sept. 21 and will travel to Denver to close out the regular season on Jan. 4.
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LA Rams' surprising loss to Panthers contained no reasons for concern, Sean McVay insists By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer The Associated Press LOS ANGELES
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Although the Los Angeles Rams' tenure atop the NFC standings ended quickly with their most surprising loss of the season by far, coach Sean McVay says he saw nothing to change his optimistic outlook for the rest of the season.
The main areas in which the Rams (9-3) struggled in their rain-soaked, 31-28 loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday hadn't been big areas of concern for McVay's team before this game, and he doesn't think the problems will linger.
He'll find out whether he's correct starting next weekend, when the Rams begin a stretch of three games in three cities over 12 days with their playoff hopes on the line.
“I think the best thing is our players and coaches are more connected,” McVay said Monday, echoing his optimistic outlook in Charlotte. “There's an ownership, there's an accountability and there's a security to acknowledge where we can improve and move forward, and that starts with us as coaches.”
Two areas of struggle stood out as the key factors in the Panthers' upset win: The Los Angeles defense's inability to stop Carolina's steady rushing attack, and Matthew Stafford's three turnovers.
Only Derrick Henry and the Ravens put up more yards rushing against the Rams’ defense this season than the Panthers' 164 yards on the ground. Carolina ran the ball 37 times before three kneel-downs, and that steady effectiveness contributed to the Panthers' ability to convert seven third downs.
The Rams are in the middle of the NFL pack in run defense, but a team that has won nine games and hadn’t trailed since Week 6 is likely to face more passes from trailing opponents.
Poona Ford, the Rams’ run-stopping defensive tackle, played only 19 snaps at Carolina because of a calf injury, forcing youngsters Tyler Davis and Ty Hamilton to play more than normal.
“Just some leaky yards, and it was a collective effort," McVay said, noting the paucity of explosive runs by Carolina. "It was just not the level of execution that we're accustomed to. ... They made some plays on those critical downs.”
McVay probably doesn't have to do anything to fix the mistakes by Stafford, who hadn't thrown an interception in his previous eight games during a strong season.
The first end zone interception came on a tipped ball, while the second — a pick-6 — was simply a bad decision made quickly by a quarterback who has been stellar in tight spots all season long. Stafford's strip-sack fumble on the Rams' final series was the result of losing track of the pressure in a collapsing pocket.
Without those errors, the Rams would have been in position to win, McVay believes — and his team's first three months were too solid for him to panic down the playoff stretch.
“You get a chance to be able to learn about people when you go through some challenging setbacks or moments,” McVay said. “I think this group is well-equipped to be able to handle it. You have to do it. It’s not about any words. Seen is better than said.”
What's working
Davante Adams remains a touchdown machine, catching two more scoring throws to boost his total to an NFL-best 14 — tied for the second most in a season in his 12-year career. Stafford and Adams have developed an easy chemistry in short-yardage situations that has made Adams frequently unstoppable.
What needs help
The Rams gave up two touchdown passes by Bryce Young on fourth downs. While Emmanuel Forbes was in coverage on both, the cornerback isn't solely responsible for the defense's inability to stop big plays — including a third TD pass by Young on which Chuba Hubbard could have been tackled multiple times. McVay ascribes it all to poor execution.
Stock up
Running back Blake Corum had his most impactful game as a pro with a career-high 81 yards on just seven carries, including a 34-yard scamper and a 2-yard TD run.
Stock down
The secondary wasn't great. Forbes and Cobie Durant were the defense's stars a week ago, but both yielded multiple big catches in Carolina while Young wisely focused on getting the ball out quickly. Ahkello Witherspoon returned from injury, but played only 15 snaps.
Injuries
RB Kyren Williams' injured ankle looks “pretty good,” McVay said. ... Adams had hamstring soreness after the game, but McVay doesn't think it's serious. ... Tutu Atwell's return from a hamstring injury was scrapped at the last minute because of overall roster makeup, McVay said. He isn't sure when his $10 million receiver will be activated.
Key number
1 — The Rams' number of penalties in Carolina. But that solo flag was huge: a delay of game call on third-and-5 with the Rams in the red zone on their final offensive series. One snap later, Stafford fumbled the game away. The quarterback said the penalty was entirely his fault, but he was still surprised by the flag, thinking he got the play off in time.
Next steps
The Cardinals are the only NFC West team not in playoff contention, yet the Rams took a humiliating 41-10 loss in Glendale early last season before McVay got his team fixed. That memory should make sure Los Angeles doesn't take this visit lightly before back-to-back showdowns with Detroit and Seattle.
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Drake Maye passes for 2 TDs, Patriots become 1st team to 11 wins, defeating Giants 33-15 By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer The Associated Press FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — Led by Drake Maye and Marcus Jones, the New England Patriots became the first NFL team to reach 11 wins this season.
They also left no doubt about the gulf between them and the New York Giants at the moment.
Maye passed for two touchdowns , Jones had a 94-yard punt return for a TD and the Patriots beat the Giants 33-15 on Monday night.
It was the 10th straight win for the AFC-leading Patriots (11-2), the franchise's longest streak since winning 10 consecutive games in 2015. Coach Mike Vrabel also became the third coach since 1970 to have a win streak of 10 or more games in his first season with a team.
Maye completed 24 of 31 passes for 282 yards with no interceptions. Vrabel said it was another example of his quarterback “realizing what he can be.”
“Just trying to be the face, trying to be the conductor,” Maye said. “Trying to want the pressure. You want the ball in my hands.”
The Giants (2-11) lost their seventh straight game, and third in a row since firing former coach Brian Daboll. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart returned after missing two games because of a concussion, but there wasn't much he could do.
Dart threw a touchdown pass to Darius Slayton and finished 17 of 24 for 139 yards. Devin Singletary added a touchdown run.
“We were just scratching and clawing. You’re trying to find any way to catch up,” Dart said.
Dart played with his usual style in his return. On a second down on the team's second offensive series, Dart scrambled toward the New York bench and tried to tip-toe up the sideline for extra yards.
It left him open for a clean hit to the midsection by Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss, who sent Dart hard to the turf.
“Stay inbounds? What am I supposed to do,” Elliss said. “We play hard on defense. We try to bring life to this team."
The forceful tackle caused a brief shoving match between several players. No flags were thrown for Elliss’ tackle, but after a discussion by officials, Giants tight end Theo Johnson was called for unnecessary roughness for his role in the post-play scrum.
Dart was not evaluated following the hit and remained in the game for the next play.
“I'm not playing soccer out here. You're going to get hit,” Dart said. “Things happen. It's part of the game.”
After the Patriots took a 17-0 lead on a 3-yard TD pass by Maye to Kayshon Boutte, Dart found traction on the Giants’ third possession and capped a six-play, 62-yard drive with a catch-and-run TD pass to Slayton that covered 30 yards.
The Giants defense started the game well, holding the Patriots to a field goal on the game’s opening possession in its first game under the direction of interim coordinator Charlie Bullen. Bullen was elevated to the role after Shane Bowen was fired 12 games into his second season.
It didn’t last.
Trailing 10-0 after Jones’ TD and a quick three-and-out that included the Elliss hit on Dart, Maye used a 36-yard pass to Hunter Henry to set up his touchdown pass to Boutte.
New England led 30-7 at halftime, marking the first time since Week 17 of 2009 season that the Giants had allowed 30 points in the first half.
Return game
Jones became the fourth player in Patriots history to return two punts for TDs in a single season, joining Troy Brown (2001), Irving Fryar (1985) and Mike Haynes (1976).
Benched again
Giants rookie linebacker Abdul Carter didn’t play in the first quarter for what coach Mike Kafka was the coach’s decision, but not disciplinary.
“(Stuff) happens,” Carter said afterward.
It marks the second time the No. 3 overall pick in the draft was benched at the start of a game. He was previously held out of the first series of New York’s Nov. 16 loss to Green Bay.
Hold on
Lined up for a 47-yard field-goal attempt in the second quarter, Giants kicker Younghoe Koo got his cleat caught in the turf and never got off a kick. Holder Jamie Gillan tried to get up and run but was tackled for what was scored as a 13-yard sack by Jeremiah Pharms.
It wasn’t New York’s only special teams mishap. Gunner Olszewski also fumbled on a kickoff return late in the first half after being sandwiched on a tackle by Marte Mapu and Elliss.
The Patriots recovered on the Giants 27 and eventually added Andy Borregales’ second field goal of the half.
Injuries
Giants: Olszewski was ruled out with a concussion following the hit that caused his fumble. Replays showed him taking a helmet-to-helmet blow from Elliss. ... RB Tyrone Tracy Jr. was helped off in the fourth quarter with a hip injury.
Patriots: RB Terrell Jennings left in the first quarter with a head injury and didn’t return. ... LB Jack Gibbens was shaken up in the third quarter.
Up next
Giants: Bye. Host Washington on Dec. 14
Patriots: Bye. Host Buffalo on Dec. 14.
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Another hard hit to Jaxson Dart underscores tough return for Giants rookie quarterback By BRENDAN McGAIR Associated Press The Associated Press FOXBOROUGH, Mass.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The return of Jaxson Dart to the New York Giants lineup didn’t provide much of a spark, though the rookie quarterback came close to learning a valuable lesson the hard way.
In the first quarter of Monday night’s 33-15 loss to the New England Patriots , Dart scrambled out of the pocket to make a play. As he neared the Giants sideline, Patriots linebacker Christian Elliss delivered a hard but legal hit, briefly sending Dart airborne.
Dart missed the previous two games with a concussion, underscoring why there would be concern after Elliss came charging in his direction. Dart shrugged off the hit to finish 17 of 24 for 139 yards and one touchdown pass, but the Giants dropped their seventh straight game.
“Jaxson’s an aggressive football player. He’s on the sideline, trying to get himself out of bounds. He bounced up. He’s a tough kid,” Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka said. “Obviously, we don’t want him to take any hits that are unnecessary.”
One New York player – tight end Theo Johnson – took exception to the hit and immediately got in Elliss’ face. After a brief scuffle that involved players from both sides and concluded with an unnecessary roughness penalty assessed to Johnson, the sight of Dart standing upright and leading the huddle was interpreted as a close call that went the Giants’ way for a change.
“I would do the same for him (Johnson). That’s the relationship that we have. You saw the O-line get in there. We have each other’s backs,” Dart said. “It’s not fun losing. It doesn’t look super bright from the outside, but it takes time to turn things around. Everybody wants it now. I’m hoping that we can continue to build and find a little bit of momentum.”
The 12-yard run also served as a reminder that if Dart doesn’t alter his approach, his shelf life as an NFL quarterback may be drastically cut short. From his point of view, it’s about staying true to an outlook he insists has worked for him since high school.
“This is football. Whether I’m inside the pocket or outside the pocket, I’m going to get hit. We’re not playing soccer out there. It’s just part of the game,” Dart said. “I’ve played this way my entire life. It shouldn’t be a shocker to anyone who has followed my career.”
Dart doesn’t have far to look when it comes to an example of a young quarterback changing his viewpoint when it comes to being more cautious. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye’s rookie season included battling concussion concerns that heightened the importance of learning to slide more effectively to avoid future injuries.
Now in his second year taking snaps from center for New England, Maye has managed to steer clear of the issues that plagued him a season ago. With a prime-time audience looking on, Maye strengthened his MVP candidacy and helped the Patriots take another step in their quest to win the AFC East for the first time since 2019, which was Tom Brady’s final season at Gillette Stadium.
On a night when Maye passed for 282 yards and two touchdowns, his fourth-quarter decision to slide as he approached the boundary closest to the Giants sideline represented an area of growth for a player who was once in Dart’s shoes.
“He’s done a great job,” Dart said when asked about Maye postgame. “I’m not into comparisons. Everyone’s journey is different. I’ve known Drake for years. He also struggled during his first year. I’m just trying my best to change this franchise around and do my part. Just have to stay diligent with that.”
Even though he’s taken some big hits this season, Dart plans to continue making plays with his arm and legs. He also provided a concise and to-the-point response to those questioning his physical and competitive approach.
“Tell them thanks for looking out for me,” Dart said.
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Fortunate flags: How the Broncos extended their win streak to 9 with a little help from officials By ARNIE STAPLETON AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press DENVER
DENVER (AP) — The Denver Broncos won another close one , and this time they had some major help from the officials.
The Broncos (10-2) stretched their winning streak to nine games with a 27-26 overtime thriller at Washington on Sunday night, but they were aided by three calls and one non-call that went their way in the waning minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime.
The Commanders (3-9) overcame a pair of penalties on back-to-back snaps that raised eyebrows on their final drive of regulation, which ended in a 32-yard field goal by Jake Moody as time expired.
Trailing 20-17 with just over four minutes remaining in regulation, Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota appeared to scramble for 7 yards on second-and-9 from his 37.
Expedited review showed Mariota was indeed down by contact 19 yards earlier but it was because edge rusher Dondrea Tillman had tripped him , which should have been a 15-yard flag on Denver.
“That's tripping,” NBC rules analyst Terry McAulay said on the broadcast. “Should have been a 15-yard penalty from the previous spot.”
But replay can't interject a penalty that wasn't called on the field. So, Washington instead faced third-and-21 from its 25-yard line and had to punt after Alex Singleton broke up Mariota’s deep pass to tight end Zach Ertz that would have given the Commanders a first down.
The Commanders got the ball back at their 15 with 3 minutes left after Denver went three-and-out, and more officiating drama ensued.
On second-and-10 from the Washington 26, Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin was interfered with by the NFL's reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II, who wrapped his right arm around McLaurin's neck before the ball arrived. But no flag was thrown and no mention of it was made on the broadcast.
That wouldn't be the case moments later.
The Commanders reached the Broncos 49 after the 2-minute warning when McLaurin was whistled for a phantom false start that stumped NBC's broadcast crew.
“Is he not set for a second?” play-by-play announcer Mike Tirico asked as the replay was shown. “No, he is. Wow! I don't know about that.”
“That's not a foul,” color commentator Cris Collinsworth added. “It's really not.”
Tirico suggested that maybe referee Land Clark announced the foul on the wrong player.
"No, it’s right in front of the official who blew it dead,” Collinsworth said. “You could see him running in. And yes, there was a moment where he got set, but I don’t think at this point in the game that’s a foul.”
So, the Commanders faced first-and-15 from their 46.
Mariota airmailed a pass over the head of McLaurin and was flagged for intentional grounding. The 10-yard penalty moved the ball back to the Washington 36, and the 10-second clock runoff had the Commanders facing second-and-25 with just over a minute remaining in regulation.
McAulay, a former longtime NFL official, couldn't believe the call.
“So, this is absolutely not grounding, guys,” McAulay said. "He throws it over the head of No. 17, who is outside the numbers. By rule, that is not intentional grounding.”
Unruffled, Mariota hit Ertz for 8 yards on fourth-and-6 from the Denver 45, then connected with Deebo Samuel for gains of 10 and 7 yards to help set up Moody's tying kick as the clock hit zeros.
Washington won the overtime coin toss but Commanders coach Dan Quinn may have blundered by electing to kick off rather than receive.
That choice is now customary in the new overtime format where both teams get a possession even if the first team scores a touchdown.
But Denver's defense was gassed, having just spent 18 plays on the field at the end of regulation and getting no help from the Broncos offense, which punted on its final three drives of regulation.
While the Broncos defenders caught their breath on the sideline, Bo Nix hit tight end Evan Engram for a 41-yard gain to the Washington 11 that set up RJ Harvey's short touchdown run.
After Wil Lutz's extra point made it 27-20, Mariota responded with a touchdown drive of his own. But on the 2-point conversion attempt to win it, Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto was left unblocked and batted down Mariota's pass to wide-open running back Jeremy McNichols to secure Denver's ninth straight victory, all of which have required comebacks.
“I mean, we’ve been battle tested all year,” Bonitto said. "There’s no situation that we’re new to. It was just a matter of just finding another way to win the game, and we did that.”
The Broncos, who have won their last four games by 10 points total, insist luck has nothing to do with their winning streak, their longest in 13 years. But they sure got a few fortunate flags Sunday night as they made it nine wins in a row.
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Jets and ECAC launch largest collegiate women's flag football league in the US By DENNIS WASZAK Jr. AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press FLORHAM PARK, N.J.
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Quincy Williams and his neighborhood buddies would get together and play football games wherever they had some room to run while growing up in Birmingham, Alabama.
Williams has since been living out his childhood dream in the NFL as a playmaking linebacker for the New York Jets , an example for the kids now playing on those fields. And he's excited that girls — maybe someday even his young daughter — are finding increasing opportunities to play football.
“When I was younger, we had females who wanted to play 7-on-7 with us and stuff like that,” Williams said. “To see how much it has grown, it's been amazing.”
The Jets and the Eastern College Athletic Conference announced Tuesday they're launching the largest collegiate women's flag football league in the country, starting in February. It will include 15 Division I, II and III universities from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio and Virginia.
“Taking that chance, taking that big jump of actually playing the game is something that we wanted to lead by making this collegiate league,” said Williams, who has been heavily involved in the Jets' efforts to support girls flag football leagues in the United States and overseas. "And also letting people see that it's not just an idea, that there's something that can actually happen.
“There's an opportunity that we can give these girls and the younger generation, also.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson, through the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation, is making a $1 million investment to support the creation and operation of the women's flag league. Each participating school will receive a grant to help offset costs such as equipment, uniforms, coaches' salaries and travel.
“It is absolutely huge,” ECAC Commissioner Dan Coonan said. “And it’s a game changer, really. ... Without it, this doesn’t happen.”
The Jets' support for girls flag football dates to 2011 when they were the first NFL team to help launch a league at the varsity high school level in New York. They have since helped create more than 260 teams around the world, including in England and Ireland.
“Ultimately it came down to, it was just the next evolution of everything we’ve done in girls flag football,” said Jesse Linder, the Jets' vice president of community relations. “It was like, what’s the next step for these girls? How do we provide opportunities for them to play? We also saw there was a little bit of a gap between high school and Olympic or international competition. So the collegiate space just made the most sense.”
Linder and the Jets reached out to Coonan, who similarly felt there was a void for the sport at the college level. Coonan said he had already been contacting the NFL's offices to see which teams might be the right fit for the ECAC.
“By far the most urgency I felt on the other side of the phone was when I talked to the Jets,” Coonan said. “It was just kind of a match made in heaven.”
Coonan, who spearheaded the ECAC's esports program in 2018, emailed the athletic directors of all 200 schools associated with the conference to gauge their interest in a women's flag football league.
“Within 10 days or so, I got 15 responses saying, ‘Yeah, we’re in,'” Coonan said.
The initial group of schools that will compete in the first season includes Allegheny College, Eastern University, Franciscan University, Kean University, Long Island University, Mercy University, Mercyhurst University, Montclair State University, Mount St. Mary’s University and Penn State Schuykill.
Five others — Caldwell University, Fairleigh Dickinson, Dominican University, Union College and Sweet Briar College — will begin competing in 2027.
Linder said the goal is to have at least 20 schools competing within the first four years, a number Coonan told him will be reached in short order. They both think the new league will help serve as a blueprint for college athletics, especially with the NCAA set to vote on making women's flag football an “emerging sport” in January.
“I hope this is kind of the nudge to push things over the edge,” Linder said.
Regular-season games will be played with a 7-on-7 format on campus sites from February through April. The Jets will host a playoff tournament at their facility in May, with future postseasons played at MetLife Stadium.
Callie Brownson, a scouting intern for New York in 2017 and the first woman hired as a full-time NCAA Division I coach a year later with Dartmouth before coaching with the Bills and Browns, will be the Jets' flag football adviser.
Commissioner Roger Goodell said in October that the NFL plans to launch women’s and men’s professional flag football leagues “in the next couple of years” — ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics , which will feature flag football for the first time.
“The desire has always been there and the talent has always been there,” Coonan said. “It’s just needed a little vision of somebody to say, ‘Why not? Why can’t we do this?’ In the era of Caitlin Clark and women’s sports again getting another big boost out of her, I think it’s perfect.
"So, to be associated with that is everything. It means everything. And it’s why we exist, really.”
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