Tag Archives: game-winning

Texans RB Joe Mixon Shares Short Message After Latest Update

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The Houston Texans continue to navigate the 2025 season without the services of Pro Bowl running back Joe Mixon. The former Cincinnati Bengals star recently weighed in again, this time following the Texans’ narrow 16-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans. Notably, the Texans were missing not only Mixon but also quarterback C.J. Stroud during the game. While Stroud is expected to return this season—possibly as soon as next week—Mixon’s future with the team remains uncertain.

### Joe Mixon Reacts After Texans’ Win

The Texans needed a late surge and a game-winning field goal to edge out the Titans. Backup quarterback Davis Mills guided the offense down the field during crunch time, stepping up in the absence of Stroud. The Texans’ backfield, however, sorely missed Mixon. Rookie fourth-round pick Woody Marks started at running back, leading the team in touches with 18 carries for 44 yards. Nick Chubb also contributed with three carries for 18 yards.

Despite missing Mixon, the Texans secured the win. Mixon, staying engaged with the team, posted a simple “W” on X (formerly Twitter) on November 16 to acknowledge the victory.

Mixon was expected to be a key component of the Texans’ offense in 2025, serving as a dual threat. He was envisioned as both a safety valve for Stroud in the passing game and a reliable weapon to manage the clock late in close contests. In 2024, Mixon rushed for 1,016 yards and 11 touchdowns, adding 36 receptions for 309 yards and one receiving touchdown.

### Injury Concerns and Impact on Texans’ Backfield

Mixon’s ongoing absence stems from a complicated foot and ankle injury—a recurring issue that has plagued his career. The Texans are feeling the impact of his absence in their rushing attack.

Although Mixon has remained involved with the team—sharing messages during and after games and appearing at a private event alongside wide receiver Tank Dell—the Texans reportedly do not expect him to return this season.

KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on November 13 that Mixon remains on the non-football injury list with a “tough and complicated” foot and ankle injury. Sources suggest this could sideline him for the entirety of the 2025 campaign.

### Future with the Texans: Uncertain

Mixon is signed with the Texans through the 2026 season on a three-year, $19.7 million contract. However, if his foot issues prevent a full recovery, his tenure with Houston could be in jeopardy.

Jonathan M. Alexander of The Houston Chronicle highlighted the possibility that the Texans might consider moving on from Mixon to save salary cap space. Releasing him could save the Texans approximately $8.5 million for the 2026 season, according to Over the Cap, as none of his 2026 salary is guaranteed.

### Texans GM Nick Caserio’s Update: Still Waiting

Texans General Manager Nick Caserio initially set an estimated timeline of three to four weeks for an update on Mixon’s status back in early October. That timeline has passed with no substantial news.

Speaking to Texans reporters on October 7, Caserio said, “I think, probably over the next few weeks, we’ll probably have a better idea. He’s making progress. So, I wouldn’t put a particular timetable on it. Kind of see how he’s progressing. But taking one day at a time. But I think once we kind of get to that period, probably have a better sense of which way it’s going to go for the duration of the year.”

However, the lack of updates, combined with Mixon’s absence at team activities, has cast a shadow over his status.

Alexander expressed concerns in October, writing, “All of those things would lead me to believe that Mixon has a very serious injury to either his foot or ankle. One league source I spoke to a month ago had doubts about whether he’ll return this season. And those doubts have not changed.”

He continued, “There was a glimmer of hope that his foot would respond to treatment and change the prognosis. Of all the people I’ve spoken with about this, there is no one who has told me they expect him to return this season. And if he was, someone would tell me.”

### Conclusion

As the Texans push forward in the 2025 season, all eyes remain on the status of Joe Mixon. While the team copes without their star running back, the uncertainty surrounding his recovery and future with Houston adds extra intrigue to the remainder of the season. For now, the Texans’ backfield will continue to rely on emerging talent and depth players as they await further updates from their medical and management teams.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/houston-texans/mixon-message-injury-update-titans/

Studs and duds from Bears’ last-second win vs. Vikings

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The Chicago Bears secured a narrow 19-17 victory over the Minnesota Vikings thanks to a last-second 48-yard field goal by kicker Cairo Santos. This win marked the Bears’ third consecutive victory, improving their record to 7-3 overall and earning their first NFC North win of the season at 1-2.

Despite another gritty performance, the Bears’ offense struggled to convert opportunities into touchdowns, settling for field goals multiple times—attempting four before Santos delivered the game-winning kick. Fortunately for Chicago, the Vikings’ offense faced difficulties under the leadership of quarterback J. J. McCarthy, while the Bears’ defense capitalized on two key takeaways.

Though Cairo Santos nearly became the face of the loss after missing a crucial 45-yard field goal earlier in the fourth quarter, he ultimately emerged as the game’s hero, securing the win in dramatic fashion.

Here’s a breakdown of the studs and duds from the Bears’ Week 11 clash with the Vikings:

**Stud: K Cairo Santos**
Cairo Santos seemed destined for a “dud” designation after missing a 45-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. However, he redeemed himself spectacularly by nailing a 48-yard game-winning field goal as time expired. Santos made 4-of-5 field goals overall, including a season-best 54-yarder, and converted his only extra point attempt. With the Bears’ offense often stalling inside the Vikings’ 40-yard line, Santos’s reliability on kick attempts kept Chicago competitive and ultimately victorious.

**Studs: TEs Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland**
In a game where the wide receivers struggled to make an impact, tight ends Cole Kmet and rookie Colston Loveland stepped up as a dynamic duo. Kmet, usually utilized more as a blocker, led the team with five catches totaling 45 yards, gaining significant yards after contact. Loveland has really come alive recently, hauling in three catches for 40 yards. His key third-and-14 conversion in the fourth quarter, where he broke tackles, was vital in sustaining the Bears’ drive.

**Studs: RBs D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai**
Chicago leaned on its running backs again, as D’Andre Swift and rookie Kyle Monangai played crucial roles. Swift led the team with 90 yards on 21 carries, averaging 4.3 yards per carry, and executed clutch runs late in the game to keep drives alive. Monangai, while not putting up eye-popping numbers with 12 carries for 23 yards, continued to showcase his tough running style and found the end zone with a touchdown.

**Stud: S Kevin Byard**
With cornerback Jaylon Johnson sidelined due to injury, safety Kevin Byard has been a standout defensive back for Chicago. Byard made a huge interception of quarterback J. J. McCarthy late in the second quarter, setting up a Bears field goal that extended the lead to 10-3. He now leads the league with five interceptions this season and has been instrumental in Chicago’s defensive takeaway dominance.

**Stud: KR Devin Duvernay**
Kick returner Devin Duvernay played a pivotal role in the win with a massive 56-yard kickoff return that put the Bears in excellent field-goal range. The offense only needed to move the ball nine yards following that return to set up Cairo Santos’s game-winning kick. Duvernay’s contribution was a game-changer and cannot be overlooked.

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**Dud: LB Noah Sewell**
The Bears defense has been without several key players this season, notably missing linebacker T. J. Edwards, who remains sidelined with hand and hamstring injuries. Noah Sewell, filling in for Edwards, led the team with 10 tackles but struggled for the second straight game. Sewell has been a liability in coverage, and he also committed a holding penalty that extended a promising Vikings drive. The defense hopes for Edwards’s return soon to improve stability and performance.

**Dud: Bears’ Red Zone Offense**
The biggest threat to Chicago’s victory was its continued red zone inefficiency. The Bears were only 1-for-2 inside the red zone, with Kyle Monangai’s touchdown run their lone score from close range. Multiple drives stalled inside or just outside the red zone, forcing the team to settle for field goals instead of touchdowns. At one point, Chicago reached inside Minnesota’s 40-yard line six times but managed just 19 points. Without J. J. McCarthy’s offensive struggles for the Vikings, the Bears’ red zone woes could have cost them the game.

—

Chicago once again found a way to prevail in a closely contested game by leaning on strong defense, solid special teams, and clutch kicking. As the Bears improve to 7-3 and hold the top spot in the NFC North, they’ll look to build on this resilience moving forward.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/studs-duds-bears-last-second-220914166.html

Diego Pavia stats vs Auburn as Vanderbilt QB puts up season-high 377 yards, 3 TDs

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The quarterback was the biggest reason for Vanderbilt’s win at FirstBank Stadium, as the defense struggled mightily against one of the SEC’s worst offenses.

He ran for an impressive 126 yards on 16 attempts—not including sacks—and recorded a touchdown. Despite being sacked twice for a total loss of 14 yards, he maintained composure and did not commit any turnovers throughout the game.

One of his standout moments was a perfect throw that found Richardson completely unguarded, giving Vanderbilt its first lead of the game.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/sports/college/vanderbilt/2025/11/08/diego-pavia-stats-vanderbilt-football-auburn/87011480007/

Western Illinois scores final 17 points to rally past Lindenwood 24-21

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MACOMB, Ill. (AP) — Cason Carswell threw a go-ahead touchdown pass to Alex Williams with 1:21 remaining, and Western Illinois scored the final 17 points to beat Lindenwood 24-21 on Saturday.

It was all Western Illinois (3-7, 2-4 OVC-Big South Association) after Nate Glantz threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Rico Bond to put Lindenwood (4-6, 3-3) ahead 21-7 with 7:05 left in the third quarter.

Antonio Chadha sparked the Leathernecks’ rally with a 41-yard field goal with 19 seconds left in the period. Markell Holman then scored on a 27-yard run, cutting the score to 21-16 after Western Illinois failed their two-point conversion attempt.

A crucial turnover came when Jacques Wyatt muffed a punt, which was recovered by the Leathernecks’ Don Paul Keith at the Lions’ 37-yard line. Carswell capitalized on the opportunity, delivering the game-winning touchdown pass just four plays later. He then connected with Holman for a successful two-point conversion, giving Western Illinois a three-point lead.

Lindenwood had built an early advantage by scoring touchdowns on their first two possessions, using eight-play drives to lead 14-0 after the first quarter. Glantz opened the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown pass to Jalen Smith, capping a 75-yard drive to start the game. Steve Hall added a 6-yard touchdown run to finish an 80-yard drive.

Western Illinois responded in the second quarter, narrowing the gap to 14-7 at halftime with a 17-yard touchdown pass from Carswell to Brandon Lanier—the lone score of the quarter.

Stats Highlights:
– Carswell completed half of his 34 passes for 175 yards.
– Holman rushed 25 times for 172 yards.
– Glantz totaled 216 yards on 20-for-31 passing with two interceptions.
– Hall rushed 21 times for 148 yards.

For more college football updates, including the AP Top 25 poll alerts, sign up here.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/college-sports-general-news/10162128/western-illinois-scores-final-17-points-to-rally-past-lindenwood-24-21.html

Sy’s 12, Lake’s game-winner lead Oregon State over North Dakota State, 67-65

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CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Isaiah Sy led Oregon State with 12 points and Josiah Lake scored the game-winning layup with two seconds left, as the Beavers edged North Dakota State 67-65 on Monday in a season-opening contest for both teams.

Sy also contributed five rebounds for Oregon State. Lake finished with 10 points, shooting 3 of 5 from the field and 4 of 5 from the free-throw line, while adding eight rebounds. Dez White scored 10 points, going 3 of 8 from the field, including 2 for 4 from beyond the arc.

For North Dakota State, Markhi Strickland led the scoring with 17 points. Treyson Anderson added 10 points, and Andy Stefonowicz contributed nine points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Sy scored 10 points in the first half, but Oregon State trailed 32-30 at the break. In the second half, Johan Munch chipped in 10 points, helping the Beavers outscore the Bison by four points over the final 20 minutes.

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
By The Associated Press.
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/college-sports-general-news/10141296/sys-12-lakes-game-winner-lead-oregon-state-over-north-dakota-state-67-65.html

After the Bengals scored late field goal, Thursday night’s game was far from over

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A variety of factors have combined to make NFL games that would otherwise feel like they’re over, not really over—until they’re truly over.

After the Bengals kicked the go-ahead field goal against the Steelers on Thursday night, the game definitely was not over. In past years? Probably it would have been. This year, three key changes have shifted that presumption:

1. The latest changes to kickoff procedures
2. The emergence of kickers with ranges approaching those of Gus the donkey
3. The revamped K ball procedures

These factors made receiver Tee Higgins’s widely-praised decision to eschew a touchdown and take a knee at the Pittsburgh seven-yard line less of a no-brainer than it was described to be.

With 1:39 to play, the Bengals had to bleed the clock—quarterback Joe Flacco wisely burned extra ticks prior to taking knees—before kicking the field goal. When seven seconds remained on the clock, the game was certainly not over.

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First, the Bengals faced a crucial decision about the kickoff.

The best outcome would have been a “dirty ball” kick that skittered into the end zone without being returned, placing the Steelers at the 20-yard line. The risk, however, was missing the landing zone and giving Pittsburgh the ball at their own 40.

The second-best outcome would have been to place the kick between the five-yard line and the goal line, forcing the Steelers to return the ball and lose precious seconds in the process. Yes, this carried a small risk of a kickoff return for a touchdown.

Instead, the Bengals opted to kick into the end zone, which gave the Steelers the ball at their own 35-yard line—just 13 yards away from an opportunity for kicker Chris Boswell to attempt an astonishing 70-yard field goal to win the game.

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Five years ago, that scenario would have prompted guffaws. Today, it’s more than plausible.

Replay Week 1: Boswell won the game against the Jets, 34-32, with a 60-yard field goal that likely would have been good from 70 yards or more.

One play. One pass. Thirteen yards. Six seconds or less.

The Steelers didn’t attempt to set up the kick for reasons not currently known. Instead, quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw to tight end Pat Freiermuth for a five-yard gain, taking four seconds to do so. This set up the “Master of the Hail Mary” with a non-zero chance to win the game with another ICBM-like throw to the end zone.

And that’s exactly what Aaron Rodgers did.

The ball had a chance. It was delivered to the end zone. The Bengals made a great play on the ball to save the victory.

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So no, the game was not over when the Bengals took a 33-31 lead.

The Steelers had a chance to get the ball to their own 48-yard line, which would have given Boswell the opportunity to try a potential walk-off, 70-yard, game-winning field goal.

Ultimately, they rolled the dice on a repeat of the Rodgers-to-Rodgers Hail Mary that propelled the Packers past the Lions on a Thursday night nearly 10 years ago.

While the Bengals escaped with a win, the broader takeaway is this: We all need to adjust our thinking about when a game is truly over after a late score.

If a field goal is needed to win the game or force overtime, it doesn’t take much time to create the chance to try. And when the quarterback is Aaron Rodgers, there’s always a chance he’ll nail another Hail Mary.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/after-the-bengals-scored-late-field-goal-thursday-nights-game-was-far-from-over