Pittsburgh 27, Philadelphia 3—Pittsburgh and Ben Roethlisberger are for real, folks. A week after upending unbeaten New England, they do the same to Philadelphia in convincing fashion. Roethlisberger is showing the poise of a veteran, and Jerome Bettis is still chugging along. Donovan McNabb and Terrell Owens weren’t sharp as Philly couldn’t get its ground game going.
Buffalo 22, New York Jets 17—Willis McGahee is justifying the Bills’ first round pick they used on him in 2003. McGahee rushed 37 times for 132 yards and a touchdown in a game largely hindered by 25-plus mph wind. Chad Pennington played hurt until the fourth quarter when Quincy Carter came in relief. Carter’s second drive ended in a touchdown to Santana Moss, but that was close as the Jets’ would get.
Tampa Bay 34, Kansas City 31—Tampa Bay’s offense was the dominant one in this matchup. Most people were expecting an offense versus defense game, but the Buccaneers’ showed they could put up points too. Michael Pittman had a huge performance rushing for 128 yards and three touchdowns. Trent Green, without the services of Priest Holmes in the second half, threw a costly interception in the end zone in the fourth quarter, ending their best chance at a comeback.
Kerry Collins, returning to the town he once left, managed the game well for Oakland as they beat Carolina 27-24.
Washington showed some life as Clinton Portis rushed to this victory over Detroit 17-10.
Drew Brees and San Diego keep on rolling with a 43-17 blowout over the struggling Saints.
After a convincing win last week against Minnesota, the Giants’ looked exactly the opposite. They committed five turnovers and lost 28-21 to the Bears.
The Indianapolis Colts managed to keep the Vikings’ offense in check and win this Monday night game on Mike Vanderjagt’s leg 31-28.
