Bengals get back on track, defeat struggling rams 31-7

The Bengals were able to beat the Rams 31-7 on Sunday. Andy Dalton had a terrific game through the air, Throwing for 233 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception. The prolific Bengals offense was able to move the ball pretty well and get plenty of points on the board. A.J. Green had a monster day, catching 6 receptions for 61 yards and accounting for 2 of Andy Dalton's touchdown's. Tyler Eifert produced his normal showing with 4 receptions, 30 yards and yet another touchdown to make an NFL high 12 touchdowns on the season. Eifert left the game early with a stinger and we'll see how things go this week, but he should probably be good to go next week. The Bengals defense also had a decent showing despite all of the injuries in the secondary, allowing only 7 points and Leon Hall got a pick 6 as well. Finally, we saw Jeremy Hill look somewhat like his old rookie self, as he rushed for a season high 86 yards while Giovoni Bernard struggled with only 16 yards on 10 carries.

Nick Foles got the start for the Rams. He had another lackluster performance, throwing for 228 yards and 3 picks. Todd Gurley had another weak performance. he only got 19 yards on 9 carries which despite the deficit. Even with all the injuries on the offensive line, the Rams still need to utilize the workhorse that Gurley is. Whether that's running to the outside to stay away from Geno Atkins, or getting him some screen play, the offense needs to run through him. The rams did utilize Tavon Austin well, he scored the rams only touchdown, tallying 63 yards on 4 carries and he was also involved in the pass game as well. Although the rams have some key injuries such as Case Keenum and Robert Quinn, but they have really been shooting themselves in the foot these last few seasons. Since 2012, the rams have had a total of 458 penalties, the most in the league.

Not a game the Bengals can quite just overlook, but they were a heavy favorite coming in. For the rams to succeed this season and in the future, the rams offense needs to feed Todd Gurley in order to open up other options for the offense to flourish. The Bengals seem to be on their way to a division championship, but we'll see if Andy Dalton can get that ever elusive first playoff win.

Bears get big win on Thanksgiving night versus Green Bay

The Chicago Bears were able to pull of a 17-13 victory over the Green Bay packers at Lambeu Field as they were able to spoil Brett Favre's number retirement ceremony. This was Jay Cutler's first victory in Green Bay as a Chicago Bear. He had a decent night despite the conditions and pressure of the left side throughout the night. he was 18-36 with with a touchdown to tight end Zach Miller. Cutler has been a real bright spot for a injury plagued and rebuilding Bears team with injuries to Martellus Bennett, Eddie Royal and the still yet to play a game top pick, Kevin White. Despite these downfalls, Cutler really has shined and displayed what he is capable of in this Adam Gase Offense.
The Bears were assisted by the return of Matt Forte. He split carries with Jeremy Langford and they combined for 92 yards and a touchdown.
The Bears Defense had done a lot with a little, per say. The switch to 3-4 scheme behind the leadership of former 49ers coordinator Vic Fangio has really been a huge improvement over the defense last year which was arguably the worst in the teams long and illustrious history. The free agent acquisition of Pernell Mcphee has been a real get and he has been instrumental in the teams success. In Thursdays game, 2 players who really are worth highlighting are Tracy Porter and Lamar Houston. Porter was a key performer in the bears secondary with that interception late in the 4th against Aaron Rodgers. Lamar Houston helped Mcphee at applying pressure on Rodgers all night and was noted for injuring what appeared to be Rodgers funny bone. Rodgers in general seemed to have an off night but he missed a few throws possibly due to the injury.
A bright spot for the Packers was Eddie Lacy. He had over 100 yards on the ground and a receiving touchdown with an almost costly, Desean Jackson Esq, play by nearly dropping the ball before crossing the goal line. Even with a fumble, he still has been a bright spot for a packers team that has been struggling as of late and its nice to see him starting to play like his old self.
All in all, it was a tough, well deserved win by a undermanned win over a heavily favored Packer team in Prime time.