By Around the NFL staff
NFL.com
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Week 11 has been a cruel joke with no kicker for kickers. The league’s most disrespected position players were under fire Sunday after they collectively missed 11 point-after attempts, breaking a single-week record. Even Adam Vinatieri got in on the miss-apolooza!

This week’s games weren’t a lost cause for everyone though. Andrew Luck helped the Colts top the Titans for the 11th straight time; the Buccaneers quieted Alex Smith‘s Arrowhead attack; and the Cowboys are still the cream of the league. Here’s what we learned from Week 11. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Minnesota (6-4) snapped its four-game losing skid in exciting fashion, avoiding a late collapse to send the Cardinals (4-5-1) back to Arizona with a losing record after the Vikings triumphed 30-24 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Here’s what we learned:

1. Arizona tried its best to extend it, but mercifully, Minnesota’s losing streak has come to an end. In a role reversal, the Vikings moved the ball efficiently through the air and even found success on the ground. For the first time in weeks, it was evident that Minnesota has some talent at its skill positions when the offensive line isn’t folding in on itself. Adam Thielen was a focal point of a passing game and opened scoring with a fantastic toe-tapping touchdown grab inside the pylon. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Cody Kessler exited the Browns‘ game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter to be evaluated for a possible concussion and did not return in the team’s 24-9 loss.

After the game, Browns coach Hue Jackson said Kessler suffered a concussion and that Josh McCown would start next week if Kessler can’t play.

Kessler has routinely been harassed and beaten by various defenses since taking over as Cleveland’s starting quarterback, suffering a concussion earlier in the season against Cincinnati and fighting through many more vicious blows to stay on the field. It begs, if not screams the question of what’s going on up front? Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Steve Smith is a step closer to reserving a possible place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The passionate, rage-fueled receiver recorded reception No. 1,000 in his career with a 22-yard catch in the third quarter of the Ravens‘ 27-17 loss Sunday, becoming the 14th receiver in NFL history to reach 1,000 catches. Smith moved into a tie for 13th-most receptions in NFL history with former Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward and is just 24 grabs from tying Isaac Bruce at 12th all-time. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Late in the fourth quarter Sunday, the Chargers found themselves embroiled in yet another heart-stopping affair. And as quickly as they had the win in their sights, it was sprinting away from them, in the form of a linebacker wearing a white and aqua No. 47.

It’s become par for the course for San Diego in 2016. But this one was especially painful for Philip Rivers, who, on the day he joined the 300-touchdown club, was directly responsible for the defeat. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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While an array of Jets quarterbacks — Ryan Fitzpatrick, Geno Smith (momentarily) and Bryce Petty — flounder on the offensive side of the ball, a defensive stalwart for Gang Green is again staring at his own football mortality.

Eighteen days after Darrelle Revis admitted he was losing his battle against the undefeated Father Time, he made similar statements after another loss, explaining his struggles with a simple answer and soft laugh. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Time to check your radar, football fans. You might find some playoff teams flying under it. Week 10 saw a bundle of statement games from postseason hopefuls. Marcus Mariota and the 5-5 Titans smashed Aaron Rodgers, thanks to a 35-point first half. Kansas City won its seventh game of the season and its 17th game in its last 19, escaping Carolina with 20 unanswered points and a share of the AFC West lead. The 5-3-1 Redskins stifled Sam Bradford and the Vikings, who have briefly fallen out of the playoff race. Don’t change the channel, this season ain’t over yet. Here’s what we’ve learned from Week 10 so far:

Kansas City Chiefs 20, Carolina Panthers 17

1. The Chiefs aren’t flashy, they aren’t high-powered and while it might sound cliché, it’s true: they find ways to win. In Week 10 it required overcoming a 17-point deficit, and for the longest time, it didn’t seem possible. But with the game in a familiar lull that usually produces a decisive play, Eric Berrycame up big, intercepting a pass underthrown by Cam Newton, who let it fly off his back foot under pressure. Berry took the pick on a winding path across the field, crossing in front of the pylon as he ran out of gas to cut the deficit. After coming up short offensively, Marcus Peters — who had quite a day against Kelvin Benjamin — stripped Benjamin of the ball, legitimately outmuscling him for possession, which set up the Chiefs for Cairo Santos‘ game-winning field goal. Continue reading →

By Nick Shook
NFL.com
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Scott Turner has his father to thank for a considerable influence on his career path. But when Norv Turner decided to resign his position as Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, he didn’t give his son much of an advance warning.

The younger Turner said his father informed him of his decision just moments before telling head coach Mike Zimmer it was time for the two to part ways on Nov. 2, in the wake of back-to-back losses. Continue reading →