Fourth Quarter Covers
By Joe Nelson
Here is a look back at the spread result changing plays and sequences from the opening week NFL action. These games had spread result changing moments in the fourth quarter, leaving backers on both sides watching intently through the final minutes.
Miami led Buffalo 10-3 entering the fourth quarter but there was more scoring to come in the opener with Buffalo. Miami would add a field goal but Buffalo answered finally putting a strong drive together and connected for a touchdown on a fourth and eleven play to cut the margin to 3, right on the spread. Buffalo got the ball back but they were pinned deep and opted to take a safety with a minute and a half remaining hoping to improve the field position. Buffalo was able to get the ball back but nothing came of it and the Dolphins ended up with a fortunate narrow cover.
In tightly lined opener between two teams that expect to find the playoffs after falling short last season Pittsburgh and Atlanta endured a physical defensive battle. In regulation both teams managed just three field goals The Steelers failed to take the win in regulation with a missed 40-yard attempt with 39 seconds to go after Atlanta had tied it minutes earlier. Atlanta got the ball first in overtime but could not muster much on offense and a marginal punt left the Steelers at midfield before quickly breaking a long run for the win.
The Browns got off to a strong start last week to lead 14-10 at the half but then fumbled after a long drive to open the second half and momentum shifted. The Bucs would move the ball reasonably well in the second half while Cleveland did nothing but Tampa Bay broke through for the score with about seven minutes to go pushing the lead to three for a push or a narrow win depending on the line. After a Browns interception, Tampa Bay had a chance to extend the lead deep in Cleveland territory but a fumble saved a push for many backers of the Browns.
Jacksonville led 17-14 entering the fourth quarter but Denver would tie the game early in the fourth with a 54-yard field goal. Jacksonville answered with a great scoring drive to go up seven but Denver took the ball deep into Jacksonville territory on the ensuing drive, only to fail going for a fourth down conversion. Both teams would get the ball again but the seven-point margin held up.
In a game that featured eight turnovers St. Louis appeared poised for a big victory against Arizona last week with a 13-10 lead entering the fourth quarter. Arizona's first drive of the final frame ended in another fumble but the Rams had to give the ball back. Arizona put it together on the next drive with an 86-yard drive for the winning score and a slim cover. The Rams moved the ball late in the game but ultimately fell short in a painful loss.