Vick throws four picks as Eagles fall to Buffalo
The Philadelphia Eagles continued to struggle as they lost to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, Oct. 9 by a score of 31-24. The Eagles are now 1-4 and all the pre-season talk about winning a Super Bowl seems distant. Michael Vick threw four interceptions in the game, including two to Bills linebacker Nick Barnett. Barnett returned one of the picks 31 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter. Fred Jackson led the way for the Bills with 196 total yards and a touchdown. The Eagles trailed at halftime 21-7 but made a comeback in the second half, falling short by one touchdown. Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant had 9 receptions for 139 yards and running back LeSean McCoy rushed for 80 yards and scored once.
Texas Rangers take 2-0 lead in ALCS
The Texas Rangers took a 2-0 lead in the ALCS after defeating the Detroit Tigers 7-3 on Monday, Oct. 10. Right fielder Nelson Cruz put his name in the record books when he hit a walk-off grand slam in the 11th inning to give the Rangers the win. Cruz also homered in the seventh inning of the game to tie the score at 3-3. Trailing by two runs early on, Detroit’s Ryan Raburn hit a three-run homer in the third inning to give the Tigers a lead that they would hold on to until the seventh inning. Max Scherzer pitched six innings for Detroit while Rangers starter Derek Holland was charged with three earned runs in less than three innings of work.
Dempsey’s goal gives U.S. coach Klinsmann first win
Clint Dempsey scored in minute 36 and goalkeeper Tim Howard made several key saves as the U.S. defeated Honduras on Saturday, Oct. 8. This gave new coach, Jurgen Klinsmann, his first win as the United States national coach. Since Klinsmann replaced Bob Bradley on July 29 after the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the Americans had tied Mexico and lost to Costa Rica and Belgium. There are high expectations for Klinsmann and it remains to be seen if the U.S. team can live up to them. Klinsmann was the former national coach for Germany but after finishing third at the 2006 World Cup, he was forced to resign.
Rodgers leads Packers to comeback win over Falcons
The Green Bay Packers scored 25 unanswered points to defeat the Atlanta Falcons 25-14 on Sunday, Oct. 9, in Atlanta, Ga. Once again, Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers had a great game, leading the defending champs with 396 yards and two touchdowns. The first half was a struggle for the Packers as they were held without a touchdown. They settled for two field goals by Mason Crosby but still trailed 14-6 at halftime. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan passed for only 167 yards and had two interceptions. With the win, the Packers are now 5-0 on the year.
