The NFC West made a statement in Week 10, with every team winning except the San Francisco 49ers. The Carolina Panthers continue their hot-streak by defeating the 49ers in a defensive showdown, 10-9. The Arizona Cardinals held off the Houston Texans in a close game, with a final score of 27-24. The Seattle Seahawks dominated the game on both sides of the football, pulling off a 33-10 massacre of the Atlanta Falcons. The St. Louis Rams were the upset specialists in Week 10, by dominating the formidable Indianapolis Colts, 38-8.
Team Notes:
- San Francisco 49ers: Colin Kaepernick was unable to connect with his receivers. The Carolina defense held him to just 91 yards through the air and intercepted him once. Frank Gore could only manage 82 yards on the ground. The lack of offense resulted in the 49ers only scoring three field goals in the game. On defense, Patrick Willis had seven tackles and a sack. However, it was Ahmad Brooks who pummeled the Panthers’ offensive line for five tackles and three sacks.
- Arizona Cardinals: Carson Palmer passed for 241 yards, two touchdowns and threw one interception. Andre Roberts and Rob Houlser together caught nine passes for 129 yards and had a touchdown each. Daryl Washington led the team in tackles with eight, John Abraham welcomed Case Keenum to the NFL with two sacks and Matt Shaughnessy had a six-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the opening moments of the game.
- Seattle Seahawks: Russell Wilson connected with his receivers for 287 yards and two touchdowns. Golden Tate benefited the most from Wilson’s success, catching six passes for 106 yards and one touchdown. Doug Baldwin and Jermaine Kearse added to the total, with 151 yards and one touchdown. Marshawn Lynch went into beast-mode, rushing for 145 yards and a touchdown. Bobby Wagner led the defense in tackles with nine.
- St. Louis Rams: Kellen Clemens did a great job of managing the Rams’ offense, passing for 247 yards and two touchdowns. The Rams’ rushing attack was led by Benny Cunningham with 72 yards and Zac Stacy with 62 yards and a touchdown. Player of the game honors went to Tavon Austin. On a risky play inside the Rams five-yard line, Austin fielded the ball after it bounced and weaved his way along the sideline for a 98-yard punt return, for his first (penalty free) special teams touchdown. He also added two receiving touchdowns, with two catches for 138 yards. The defense caused problems for Andrew Luck and the Colts’ offense all game long. Robert Quinn sacked Luck and caused him to fumble, which Chris Long recovered and returned it for 45 yards and a touchdown. Quinn and Long combined for eight tackles and three sacks, putting pressure on Luck the entire game. This caused Luck to throw four interceptions, one each to James Laurinaitis, Trumaine Johnson, William Hayes and Will Witherspoon.
Standings (Week 10 Opponent):
Seattle Seahawks 9-1 (vs. Falcons)
San Francisco 49ers 6-3 (vs. Panthers)
Arizona Cardinals 5-4 (vs. Texans)
St. Louis Rams 4-6 (vs. Colts)
SOURCE: ESPN Box Score
IMAGE: Darron Cummings
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