Tag: Fumble

Twitter reacts to Von Miller’s fumble return vs. Ravens

Playoff Von Miller!

Buffalo Bills pass rusher Von Miller recovered a fumble in the second quarter of Sunday’s playoff game against the Baltimore Ravens and returned it 39 yards to the 24-yard line. Buffalo went on to later score a touchdown.

Here’s a sampling of how fans and pundits reacted to the play on Twitter/X.

At the time of publication, Miller and the Bills are leading the Ravens 14-10. The winner of Sunday’s game will advance to face the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game next week.

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Chiefs finish the 2024 regular season with seven consecutive games without a turnover

Kansas City #Chiefs finish the 2024 regular season with seven consecutive games without a turnover | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have set a franchise record for regular season wins with 15, and they accomplished it in the traditional sixteen games. An overlooked accomplishment was how they handled the football offensively to finish the year.

The Chiefs ended the 2024 campaign without committing a turnover over the last seven games. The previous turnover was a Patrick Mahomes interception in the Week 11 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Rookie fullback Carson Steele had his share of turnovers to start the season. In his press conference with reporters, he discussed players’ mindset regarding avoiding fumbles last week.

“Guys are more antsy about it,” said Steele, “especially the last couple (of) teams we’ve played. The Steelers were really big (at) knocking the ball out. So we try to learn from our mistakes and keep going.”

Since Week 12, the Chiefs have been a league-best +11 in turnover margin, and Kansas City finished +6 for the season. During that seven-game span, Mahomes hasn’t thrown an interception in 237 consecutive attempts, which is his longest career streak.

Darren Rizzi explains bizarre clock management to close the first half vs. Packers

The clock dripped from 40 seconds to 15 seconds after a Kevin Austin fumble. Darren Rizzi explained what went wrong in those 25 seconds:

One of the more confusing parts of the Green Bay Packers’ demolition of the New Orleans Saints came at the end of the first half. Kevin Austin Jr. caught a pass from Spencer Rattler, but fumbled the ball out of bounds.

What happened next was just strangle. There were 40 seconds left in the half when the ball rolled out of bounds. Interim head coach Darren Rizzi didn’t take a timeout until there was only 15 seconds left on the clock. Rizzi explained how the clock mismanagement came down to a miscommunication between him and the officials.

“Both covering official ruled the clock stopped. I asked the official if the clock would remain stopped, I got a yes,” Rizzi said. From there, he ” turned back to talk to the offensive coaches, kind of talk about our plan and what we were going do at the end of the half. Then they decided he fumbled the ball forward.”

Someone on the Saints sideline must have pointed out the running clock to Rizzi because the coach said, “it just wasn’t communicated to me that the clock had restarted.”

This explains why Rizzi was so heated on the field. He asked for confirmation and was given wrong information. Rizzi didn’t give what he would have done differently if he did know the clock would start running. He could have called the timeout immediately or the offense could have moved with urgency.

Those 25 seconds that vanished proved to be crucial. Rattler took a bad sack on the next play which forced New Orleans to take their last timeout. If that play happened with about 27 seconds instead of 10 seconds, throwing a short pass to get into field goal range would have been an option. The Saints, instead, had to.

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Russell Wilson regrets ‘unacceptable’ red zone fumble vs Ravens

Russell Wilson takes full responsibility for the costly fumble against the Ravens and explained his decision not to slide during the play.

Fans of the Black and Gold are understandably disappointed with the Pittsburgh Steelers Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, as the team had momentum early in the contest.  However, Steelers QB Russell Wilson’s fumble in the red zone marked the beginning of the end for the team’s hopes to clinch the division.

Speaking to reporters in the postgame press conference, Wilson’s costly fumble quickly became a focal point for the media. Asked to walk everyone through his decision not to slide, Wilson did not mince words about his game-changing mistake:

“I just thought we had a chance to go in the end zone. I tried to cut back and just got hit. I think right before I hit the ground, the ball came out. It’s unacceptable. It can’t happen.”

Wilson went on to explain his reasoning for the play, clarifying that his cut was made in hopes of setting up a block.

Wilson will aim to rebound quickly, as the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day—just four days after their Week 16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

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Former Steelers QB frustrated by botched plays in Week 15 loss

Ben Roethlisberger voices his frustrations over the Steelers’ Week 15 loss to the Eagles, pointing to key moments that sealed their fate.

While watching the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 15 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, one legendary Steelers quarterback shared the disappointment felt by much of the Black and Gold faithful.

Former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger, while discussing Pittsburgh’s loss in Week 15 with co-host Spencer Te’o on his podcast, Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger, revealed the specific plays he deemed game “killers.”

Big Ben expressed frustrations with areas of the Steelers’ offense that fans have collectively agreed need improvement: finding a reliable WR2 and avoiding slow starts in the first half.

Roethlisberger highlighted a few plays in particular that he believed were “killers” for any hope of a late-game comeback against the Eagles in Week 15: “Najee fumbling the toss sweep—that was a killer.” He then pointed to what he argued was an even greater misstep: “I think one of the killers was Coach T punting on like the 47ish [yard line]. They never got the ball back.”

While the Pittsburgh Steelers’ overall performance was rough in Week 15, is Roethlisberger correct in his analysis that Harris and head coach Mike Tomlin’s “killer” plays sealed the Black and Gold’s loss?

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Broncos players laugh about Jonathan Taylor’s ‘early Christmas present’

Jonathan Taylor’s fumble was “an early Christmas present,” leaving Broncos players all in smiles in the locker room after the win.

Early in the third quarter of Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor ripped off a 41-yard touchdown run to give his team a 13-point lead. Well, almost.

After review, officials determined that Taylor dropped the ball just before crossing the goal line. Taylor’s fumble rolled out of the end zone for a touchback. So instead of scoring a touchdown, Taylor gave the ball back to Denver.

Following that game-altering play, the Broncos went on to score 24 unanswered points in an eventual 31-13 victory. Denver coach Sean Payton was flabbergasted when asked about the play after the game.

“That was significant,” Payton said. “I don’t get it, but I’m not going to try to. That was a significant play that you go from breaking a long run for a touchdown for your team to us having the ball.”

Payton was asked if the play could be a teachable moment for his own players.

“Fair question,” Payton said. “I cannot recall covering that. It would not be a teaching point. I think that will be difficult for the coaches and every one of his teammates. It’ll just be difficult, I don’t get it. I’ll leave it at that. I don’t want to say something.”

At the risk of putting words in the coach’s mouth, it seemed that Payton might have been suggesting such a scenario shouldn’t even need to be taught because it’s common sense to not drop the ball before you score. Those are Broncos Wire’s words, though, as Payton was careful to not say too much.

Denver’s players, on the other hand, weren’t quite as diplomatic.

Broncos pass rusher Jonathon Cooper gave Taylor a shoutout in the locker room, Nik Bonitto said he was happy the running back bailed out the defense and safety P.J. Locke thanked the “football Gods.” Everyone had big smiles when asked about the play.

The best reaction of the night came from defensive back Brandon Jones.

“I think it was kind of fitting for the kind of season it is,” Jones said, via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. “It’s an early Christmas present, which we are super grateful for it and we appreciated it so much.”

Denver defensive lineman John-Franklin Myers also had a great reaction:

Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton said any Denver players who made such a blunder would have to answer to the wrath of Payton.

As for Taylor himself, the running back took responsibility for the blunder.

“It just can’t happen,” Taylor said. “No matter the game, no matter the scenario, you could be up 50, down by 50, in a playoff game, the first game of the season. That should never happen.”

Taylor said he apologized to his teammates and vowed never to let it happen again.

“I told them, I apologized, and I just know that it will never happen again,” the running back said. “That has never happened to me before, and it will never happen again.”

The Broncos are now just one more win away from clinching a spot in the NFL playoffs. Indy’s postseason hopes are now all but dead.

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Did Najee Harris fumble away the starting job to Jaylen Warren?

Najee Harris’ Week 15 struggles raise questions about his future, as the Pittsburgh Steelers may turn to Jaylen Warren down the stretch.

When it rains, it pours. While this seemed to be the case throughout the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Week 15 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, it was especially true for one player in particular: RB Najee Harris.

Harris finished the game with six rushes for 14 yards and a single catch for seven yards. His poor statistical showing wasn’t the worst of it, however, as Harris’ worst play of the game practically sealed the fate of the Black and Gold.

In what many can only describe as heartbreaking, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense was beginning to make up ground, trailing the Philadelphia Eagles 13-20 with under five minutes remaining. Harris was on the receiving end of a toss play that QB Russell Wilson executed perfectly, but the running back completely whiffed on collecting the football. The Philadelphia Eagles recovered the fumble and extinguished the Steelers’ momentum by scoring a touchdown.

Harris, who is currently in a contract year, has been rumored to leave the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025 free agency. With costly plays, such as the one in Week 15, it may be time to call on RB Jaylen Warren to lead the Steelers’ running game down the stretch.

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Sean Payton reveals where Broncos need to improve

Sean Payton wants the Broncos to protect the ball on offense and stop the run on defense in the second half of the season.

Halfway through the 2024 NFL season, the Denver Broncos have a winning record (5-4), but there’s plenty of room for improvement.

During his conference call with reporters earlier this week, Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked in what areas he’d like to see the team improve in the second half of the season. Payton was forthcoming with a lengthy response.

“Great question,” Payton said. “Actually at halftime this past weekend, we were right at halftime of the season I believe. I think back to one important statistic, and that deals with the running game. The consistency of us offensively rushing the football efficiently. Our continued success that we’ve had, prior to yesterday, at defending the run is going to be vital to this team winning.

“We’re minus one right now in the turnover battle. If we’re having that discussion towards the end of the season, that’s not going to be good. So that has to be something in our favor. I start with those two things off the top of my head and understanding our margin for error relative to the giveaway-takeaway ratio.

“When your program is further along and you get to a spot — we did this study the other day and it was pretty interesting — you look at the elite teams in our history, who were the best teams at surviving minus turnovers? One of the Broncos, I think the [2015] Broncos team, was one of the teams listed. Certainly the [2022] Chiefs. These teams, they won 80% of their games when they were minus in the giveaway-takeaway. So obviously, their margin for error was much different.

“I think of the rushing game, both offensively and defensively. I think certainly our return units in the kicking game with Marvin [Mims] and what we’re trying to do from a punt-return standpoint. Then us being able to defend the run. If we’re having problems defending the run, or we’re having problems and not having the ability to blow the game down and play it on our terms, I think it’s going to be challenging for us to accomplish our goals.”

Payton’s comments essentially boiled down to stop the run on defense and protect the ball on offense. The Broncos have allowed 108.7 rushing yards per game this season. That ranks ninth-best in the NFL, but they allowed Derrick Henry to rush for 106 yards last week, and he could have had more if he stayed in the game. On the turnover front, Denver has 13 giveaways (fifth-most) this season — six interceptions and seven lost fumbles.

If the Broncos are going to make the playoffs this fall, protecting the ball and shoring up the run defense will be imperative.

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Chiefs TE Travis Kelce discusses his fumble vs. Buccaneers: ‘I almost handed it away’

Kansas City #Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce discusses his fumble vs. the Tampa Bay #Buccaneers: ‘I almost handed it away’ | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs pulled out a thrilling overtime victory in the pouring rain on Monday Night Football. The Arrowhead Stadium crowd supported their stars, including tight end Travis Kelce, who had a career night.

After the 30-24 victory, Kelce sat down with ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt, recapping his fourteen-catch, 100-yard night in front of the fans of Chiefs Kingdom. He immediately addressed his fumble in the first half, stalling a promising drive.

“I almost handed it away today a few times, and I’m lucky that my guys were right there for me,” said Kelce. “It’s a culture, man. It’s a culture set from the big man (Andy Reid) down, and everybody just believes at all times that we’re gonna get it done because we’ve done it in the past. We keep doing it on nights like tonight. I’ll tell you what when Arrowhead (Stadium) is rocking like it was tonight. Man, it’s hard to lose in this place.”

The Chiefs have now won a record fourteen consecutive games, counting back to last season, and Kelce and his teammates credit the winning culture.

Broncos coach Sean Payton gives his take on team’s fumbles

“You have to know when the ride’s over,” Broncos coach Sean Payton said of wide receivers losing fumbles.

Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton was clearly upset after wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Lil’Jordan Humphrey both lost fumbles against the Carolina Panthers last week. In a radio interview, Payton went as far as suggesting the team could “find some other receivers” who won’t fumble.

After a few days to cool down, Payton was a little more cordial on Wednesday.

“L.J.’s [fumble], there’s a point at which the ride is over,” Payton said. “You have to know that. In other words, that extra two yards that you’re fighting for, I’m looking at 30 plays that I’ve got ready to call. So you have to know when the ride’s over.

“Courtland’s was a little different, catching it real close to the [goal line]. So each one can be different, but it’s just that understanding. These guys have forced fumbles at a high rate, and so that’s an important statistic as it relates to a game like this.”

Broncos quarterback Bo Nix defended both receivers this week.

“I thought both L.J. and Court, they were tough football plays,” Nix said. “They weren’t necessarily careless with the ball, those guys (on defense) made good plays. I’m not worried about those two. They’re veterans. They handled it really well this week.

“We know it’s important. We have to eliminate them and continue to win the turnover margin. When we do that, we’re successful. We just have to find ways to continue to do it. It has to be most important.”

Going up against a 5-3 Baltimore Ravens team this week, Denver’s offense can’t afford to put the ball on the ground.

“[Y]ou try to deal with it before you have that crisis moment,” Payton said of the fumbles. “Then we coach it, ‘How are you handling the ball in traffic? Not in traffic?’ Eventually, it has to become a habit. I think it’s coaching, it’s practice and it’s technique. It’s all of those things.”

The Broncos have 12 takeaways this season (tied for ninth-most) and 12 giveaways (five interceptions and seven fumbles, a league-high). The defense’s takeaways have been canceled out by the offense’s blunders, which will come back to hurt Denver against better teams.

After a point of emphasis on protecting the ball this week, Broncos receivers will undoubtedly have two hands on the ball in traffic on Sunday.

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