Tag Archives: NFL

A vision gives New England Patriots Super Bowl XLIX win

Patriots' defensive end, Malcolm Butler and the 2015  Chevy Super Bowl truck that MVP Tom Brady intends to hand over to him.
Patriots’ defensive end, Malcolm Butler and the 2015 Chevy Super Bowl truck that MVP Tom Brady intends to hand over to him.

 

The New England Patriots’ defense end Malcolm Butler said that he had a vision that he would do something big in the Super Bowl, and he did.  It happened during the last play of the game.  The score was 28-24 with the Patriots leading.  The Seahawks were in possession of the ball at 2nd-and-goal at the 1-yard line.  They even had two-timeouts, with 1:38 left in the final quarter of the game. 

Then something strange happened, that prophecy that Butler had.  It came to fruition.

 With the opportunity to win the game and become back-to- back Super Bowl champions, Seattle’s quarterback Russell Wilson dropped-back and threw the ball into the end zone for the winning scored.  

He thought, instead Butler jumped in front of intended wide receiver Ricardo Lockett and grabbed the ball and it was all over for the Seahawks.

The phenomenal game sealing interception by Patriots’ Malcolm Butler to seal Super Bowl XLIX win.
The phenomenal game sealing interception by Patriots’ Malcolm Butler to seal Super Bowl XLIX win.

 This phenomenal play sealed the win for the Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX.

Many considered the Seahawks’ decision to throw the ball in that position strange instead of just running it, especially with the two time-outs.   Well it just goes to show you visions can be credible.

After the game when asked about the incredible play by an on-field reporter, Butler tried to tell the reporter about the vision but she didn’t fully comprehend what he was saying. 

  “I knew, I would do something big in this game, I had a vision,” said Butler as he pointed up to the sky. 

The reported looked dumbfounded and skirted around his response and attempted to go into another question about the big play in hopes of getting a different response from Butler. 

 He politely responded, “You wouldn’t understand.”

The following day on Good Morning America (GMA), he went into detail about the revelation with host, Robin Roberts. 

 “The vision that I had about me doing something big in the game was even confirmed by my mom,” Butler told Roberts. 

 “I really believed it was when I called an Uber driver for my mom.  My mom called me and said the guy (Uber driver) spoke nice of me.”

  Butler Continued, “The driver felt I was going to do something fantastic in the game.  So I just prayed on it and I just went out and played as hard as I could, and it turned out great,”   

Even though Butler didn’t received the MVP award, its recipient Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady said he intends to give Butler the 2015 red Chevrolet truck, the prize that came along with the MVP award.  “A guy like Malcolm who makes that type of instinctive play, that’s one of his strong suits.   It came off as a great play.  Someone had to make it.  It happen to Malcolm,” said Brady.

Super Bowl XLIX, MVP the incomparable, New England quarterback Tom Brady.
Super Bowl XLIX, MVP the incomparable, New England quarterback Tom Brady.

“I would love to give him that truck,” Brady said. “I would love to do that.  I’m going to figure out how to make that work.”

Butler was undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft.  On May 19, he was signed by the Patriots.  In his rookie season, Butler appeared in 11 games one-start, recording 15 tackles and three defensive passes. 

He made his first start at defensive back against Miami on December 14, 2014 finishing with two tackles.

Now in 2015, he is known as that guy who made the phenomenal play in Super Bowl XLIX via his special vision and hard work.

Seahawks and Patriots headed to Super Bowl XLIX

Who would have ever though that the Seattle Seahawks would go into overtime against the Green Back Packers to win the NFC Championship after they were down by 16 points to quarterback, Aaron Rogers and company?  What excitement and the biggest comeback ever in a conference title game.  The final overtime score was 28-22.   Seattle won the Super Bowl last year and are now headed to Arizona for Super Bowl XLIX.  It has been 10 years since a defending champion has had a back-to-back Super Bowl appearance

 

Super Bowl defending quarterback, Russell Wilson on his way back to Super Bowl XLIX to face the Patriots.
Super Bowl defending quarterback, Russell Wilson on his way back to Super Bowl XLIX to face the Patriots.

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Rogers summed up the defeat with these words, “This is one of the one’s that’s going to stick with you because of the way it ended.  Every loss in the playoffs is difficult.  This one, being just a few minutes from going to the Super Bowl, obviously is a little more difficult, he said.

The AFC Championship game between the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts was a blowout and didn’t generate an ounce of excitement as in the NFC big game.  The Patriots hammered the Colts beating them 45-7.  Tom Brady threw three touchdown passes and running back LeGarrette Blount ran for three more touchdowns and Patriots kicker, Stephen Gostkowski topped it off with a field goal to advance to the Super Bowl. 

New England's quarterback Tom Brady gearing up for Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, in Arizona
New England’s quarterback Tom Brady gearing up for Super Bowl XLIX on February 1, in Arizona

 

This will be New England’s 8th Super Bowl Appearance in franchise history and 6th with Brady and Coach Bill Bellichick.

It should be a rousing game Super Bowl match-up between the Seattle Seahawks with the best defense in the league and Brady and Bellichick’s Patriots who has the most impressive offense in the league.

One thing for sure though, Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, AZ on February 1st will have many folks watching the footballs to make sure  their air pressure PSI (Pressure for Square) is in NFL compliance.

After the blow-out between the Patriots and Colts, it was brought to the attention of the NFL that 11 of 12 footballs used on offense were found to be underinflated by two pounds per square inch.

According to Fox Sports, the league was already planning to inspect the balls at halftime.  Earlier reports had claimed that Colts linebacker D’Qwell Jackson notice something was not right about a ball he intercepted from Brady.

This what a dozen deflated footballs look like.
This what a dozen deflated footballs look like.

Five days later after the Patriots victory and allegations of Brady knowingly played with deflated balls in the NFC championship game, a press conference was held for Bellichick and Brady to address the matter.

 When asked by one reporter if he was a cheater, Brady replied, “I don’t think so.”  Brady went on to say that he feels like, he has always played within the rules.  And that he would never do anything to break the rules. “I believe in fair play, and I respect the league,” Brady said.

Coach Bellichick backed him up and said, “We have followed every rule to the letter and we welcome the league’s investigation in this matter. A couple of days later, when asked Seattle’s   Russell Wilson about the issue, he said, “deflating has nothing to do with us.”

                One thing for sure, in Super Bowl XLIX, all eyes will be on every football to make sure they are in NFL compliance.

Texans win over Ravens 25-13

 

Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reflecting on his history making moment of the 10th man in NFL history to make 1000 or more receptions.
Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson reflecting on his history making moment of one of only the 10th man in NFL history to make 1000 or more receptions.

 

Texans quarterback Case Keenum fresh off of an NFL practicing squad gets his team ready for victory.
Texans quarterback Case Keenum fresh off of an NFL practicing squad gets his team ready for victory.

 

The now (8-7) Texans led by quarterback Case Keenum, shut the Baltimore Ravens down game day Sunday, December 21, beating them 25 to 13 at NRG Stadium with impressive performances from kicker Randy Bullock, running back Arian Foster, JJ Watt and the defense, and a history making day for wide receiver Andre Johnson.

After being summons by the Texans earlier this week straight off of the St. Louis Practice Squad, Keenum was eager and performed well against  Ravens seasoned quarterback Joe Flacco.   Keenum threw for 185 yards with one interception.   Flacco threw for 195 yards with three interceptions and two touchdowns

Bullock made up for missed touchdown opportunities by the Texans.  He put up 18 points of field goals from the 20, 25, 30, 33, 35 and 39.  The six for six field goals were a franchise-record.

Texans kicker, Randy Bullock making franchise history with six for six field goals.
Texans kicker, Randy Bullock making franchise history with six for six field goals.

The Texans only touchdown in the game came by way of Foster.  It was a brilliant play.  With only seconds left in the half, Foster ran to the right, drew in the Ravens’ defense and threw a five-yard halfback pass to  tight end, C.J. Fiedorowicz in the end zone for the score. Foster had 95 yards rushing including a 43 yard run.

The leading candidate for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Number 99, Watt did his thing again as he does on every game day.  Watt led the Texans with eight tackles.  Watt tackled Flacco to stop a two-point conversion attempt after a touchdown in the fourth quarter.  The fans went wild after the play, when Watt gave his signature finger “no-no” wave.

Keenum all smiles after his 2014  quarterback debut with the Texans
Keenum all smiles after his 2014 quarterback debut with the Texans

Texans fans cheered when Johnson reached the groundbreaking mark of 1,000 receptions.  He went in today’ game with 996 receptions.  He had six receptions for 65 yards.  He is only the 10th player in NFL history to make this achievement of 1000 or more receptions.

“It puts you in an elite group. I never thought I would be in this situation,” said Johnson after the game.  “You can say everything you want when you first come in the league about how good you want to be but you have to go out there and play and put the numbers up and things like that.”

Johnson continued, “It was just so special to do it here because we have fans that have been riding with us for a long time. I’ve been here to experience a lot of things that have went on with this organization.  It was just fun to do it here.”

Today’s win keeps the Texans playoff hopes alive.  There are several things that need to happen in Week 16 for this to happen.  The Cleveland Browns must beat the Indianapolis Colts, the Kansas City Chiefs must beat the San Diego Chargers.

And the Texans must beat the Jacksonville Jaguars who they will host next week in the season’s final game at NRG Stadium.

This is all possible,  because who will have thought that Keenum would be the starting quarterback for the Texans after he was release by them during the practice squad.

 

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com

Battle red Texans fall to green Eagles 31-21

 

Battle Day Red Texans at NRG Stadium
Battle Day Red Texans at NRG Stadium

 

The Texans charged into NRG Stadium with their Battle Red jerseys on and blazing and ready for business against the Philadelphia Eagles.  This was the Texans fourth home game and even though the weather outside was picture perfect at 72 degrees mildly cool and sunny.  Management elected not to open the stadium to the crisp blue skies.  It might have been a wise choice since the Texans lost another game they could have won. 

First quarter action began with the Philadelphia Eagles striking first with a 59-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Nick Foles to wide receiver Jeremy Maclin putting the Eagles up on the board 7-0.

The Texans came back with a Foles’ interception   intended for wide receiver Riley Cooper but was scooped up by Texans cornerback A.J. Bouye, for a 51-yard touchdown to put the Texans up 7 with the Eagles to tie the game.

The Eagles would score again but without its first string quarterback.  Foles fell with two back-to-back sacks by Texans linebacker Whitney Mercilus near the end of the first quarter.  He was taken out of the game and replaced by back-up quarterback Mark Sanchez. It was later revealed that Foles had suffered a shoulder and collarbone injury.

 

Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick  waves to loyal Texans fans.
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick waves to loyal Texans fans.

Sanchez got into field-action quickly taking his first drive 60-yards in six plays moving the ball along the field.  He scored his first touchdown of the season with a short left pass to wide receiver Jordan Matthews for an 11-yard score. Eagles lead Texans 14-7. 

  It took the Texans a couple of drives to get back on the scoreboard due to an illegal block penalty by tackle Duane Brown. Fitzpatrick threw a deep right 56-yard touchdown pass to running back Arian Foster to tie the game 14 to 14.

 With a little less than four minutes left before the half time break a 45-yard field goal by Eagles’ kicker Cody Parkey put Philadelphia up by three points leading Houston 17 to 14.

The third quarter was a bit messy for the Texans.  Fitzpatrick threw too many incompletions and wide receiver Andrea Johnson had a reception coming straight to him but it seemed to slide off his hands, and kicker Randy Bullock missed a 39-yard field goal.

The Eagles extended their lead with an 8-yard touchdown run by running back Chris Polk. The Eagles now lead 24-14.

 The Texans came back in the fourth quarter with a 7-yard pass from Fitzpatrick to wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins for a touchdown that put the TeBattle Day Red Texans at NRG Stadiumxans within three of the Eagles 24-21.

The remainder of the final quarter was

all Eagles.  Sanchez hit Maclin with an 8-yard touchdown pass that extended Philadelphia’s lead by 10 with a final score of 31-21.

The Texans are now (4-5).  They are off next week and will meet the Cleveland Browns on November 16.

Battle Day Red Texans at NRG Stadium
Battle Day Red Texans at NRG Stadium
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick  waves to loyal Texans fans.
Houston Texans quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick waves to loyal Texans fans.

 

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com

Texans shine in 2014 game day opener

Houston Texans fans rolled out of NRG Stadium with victorious faces celebrating the Texans 17-6 win over Washington for the game day opener.

Game Day Opener record attendance at NRG, crowd of 71770.
Game Day Opener record attendance at NRG, crowd of 71770.

Defensive end JJ Watt recently made headlines with his record breaking contract extension. Today’s performance proved why he is worth every buck of his $100 million deal.  Watt racked three tackles, a sack, a blocked extra point, a fumble recovery and stopped a play with the palm of his hand with his signature swatt pass.

  Safety, D.J. Swearinger clamping down on Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III
Safety, D.J. Swearinger clamping down on Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III

The scoring action started in the second quarter when Washington fullback Darrel Young rushed up the middle for a touchdown. No additional point accompanied the play as JJ Watt went up and blocked the extra point.  It wasn’t long after Washington put 6-points on the board that the Texans went in to score.

Quarterback Ryan Fitzgerald connected with De Andre’ Hopkins for a 76-yard touchdown. The Texans led 7-6.   On the next drive, Texans running back Alfred Blue blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown putting the Texans up 14-6 at halftime.

It was a not a good day for Washington quarterback Robert Griffin, III (RG3).  The Texans defense wore him out.  D.J. Swearinger joined JJ Watt to let RG3 know this was not Waco, TX where the Baylor Bears just unveiled a statue of their former star player.  RG3 went down with three sacks from the mighty Texans’ defense.

 Running Back, Alfred Blue going in for touchdown after blocking punt return.
Running Back, Alfred Blue going in for touchdown after blocking punt return.

In the third quarter, JJ Watt did what he does best, seized opportunity.  Watt recovered a fumble after a spoiled attempt by RG3 to Alfred Morris on the Texans’ seven-yard line.

During the next drive, Swearinger took down tight end (TE) Niles Paul and caused a fumble after a 48-yard pass from RG3.  Texans safety Kendrick Lewis recovered the ball at the 9-yard line.

The Texans didn’t put up any scores with the two second-half fumbles. They punted after the first one and the other was lost by Arian Foster after a long Texans’ drive.

The fourth quarter sealed the game for the Texans with a 42-yard field goal by kicker Randy Bullock.

Fitzpatrick had 206 yards passing. Foster ran for 103 yards and Andre Johnson had 93 yards receiving.

First-round number-one draft pick Jadeveon Clowney left late in the second quarter because of a knee injury.  Late reports have indicated that Clowney has a lateral torn meniscus tear.  Clowney is set to meet with doctors on the prognosis of his right knee.

Defensive End, JJ Watt shows RG3 & Washington who house it is.
Defensive End, JJ Watt shows RG3 & Washington who house it is.

Coach Bill O’Brien said they will know better as the week goes on about Clowney’s injury.  “I am no sure about the status, but I will say right now that think it’s going to be ok.  He may miss some time.  He may not,” said O’Brien.

Game-day at NRG Stadium had a record attendance of 71,770, the second largest crowd in game history and the largest in game opening.

 

sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com