Led by an outlandish amount of yards in the air by many of the league's premier quarterbacks, the NFL's week five a few close games but for the most part, saw the favorites take home victories.
Minnesota 34, Houston 28
In what shaped up to be a very close game, the high-flying Vikings (3-1) continued to dominate their opponents through their air attack. Quarterback Daunte Culpepper continued his MVP-caliber exhibition for the first half of the season, completing 36 passes out of 50 attempts for 396 yards and five touchdowns. This brings his season total to 18. The Texans (2-3) countered late in the second half with a strong performance from their never-say-die gunslinger at the QB position. David Carr who completed 27 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns. Carr found a strong effort from second year receiver Andre Johnson. Johnson had 12 receptions for 170 yards and two touchdowns.
Indianapolis 35, Oakland 14
The Raiders' inconsistent play on the defensive side of the ball became just another meal for the Colts' amazing offensive output in the RCA Dome. Quarterback Peyton Manning and his multitude of offensive weapons feasted upon a Raiders defense that is lacking in playmaking ability, despite the addition of Warren Sapp in the off-season. For the Colts (4-1), Manning had another huge day with three touchdowns on only 198 yards through the air. His touchdowns came on two short passes and one long bomb. He was able to find Reggie Wayne for a 35-yard touchdown play, and his two other TD passes were to tight end Dallas Clark and halfback James Mungro. Raiders quarterback Kerry Collins had a very different afternoon as he was credited with three interceptions and only one touchdown. The Raiders (2-3) have lost two straight after Rich Gannon was injured indefinitely against Tampa Bay in week three. Kerry Collins has not proven to be an adequate replacement for the former MVP of the league.
St. Louis 33, Seattle 27
Rams' quarterback Mark Bulger had three second-half touchdowns in the team's heroic come-from-behind victory over divisional rival Seahawks (3-1). Bulger threw two first half interceptions and had another late in the third quarter. He ended up with 325 yards through the air, aided by a 52-yard pass in the overtime period, to lift the Rams to their third victory on the young season. Seattle running back Shaun Alexander came back from the bye week and gained 150 yards on the ground including one scamper for 41 yards and a touchdown. It was just not enough in the end, as a last second field goal by Jeff Wilkins sent the game into overtime and Marc Bulger found Shaun McDonald for 52 yards and a touchdown to end the game and improve the Rams' record to 3-2 on the season.
San Francisco 31, Arizona 28
In a "Who's the worst of the worst in the NFC?" match-up; San Francisco's (1-4) young quarterback Tim Rattay had a huge game against a defense that is certainly lacking in the talent department. The Arizona Cardinals (1-4) were unable to stop Rattay, as he picked apart their secondary for 417 yards on 38 completions. Rattay threw two touchdown passes, both of which came in the second half to finish off the Cardinals. He hit tight end Eric Johnson, 13 times for 162 yards and the second of his two touchdowns. The 49ers' defense didn't fare much better, as Josh McCown was able to complete 47 percent of his passes and total 231 yards and three touchdowns on the day. This included the first of what should be many for rookie standout receiver Larry Fitzgerald.
New York Jets 16, Buffalo 14
It was the same old story for the Bills (0-4) in week four. Too many penalties and an inconsistent offense hindered Buffalo, as they lost to the Jets (4-0). New York quarterback Chad Pennington led the Jets on a late game winning drive in the fourth quarter, driving 68 yards in less than five minutes to set up a 38-yard game-winning field goal for kicker Doug Brien. On the day, Pennington completed 31 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown. Buffalo played the type of offense fans expected to see all season for about three minutes of the total contest, as Drew Bledsoe found tight end Mark Campbell for a 16-yard touchdown with 8:57 remaining in the game. Following the Bills' first points of the game, Bledsoe hit first-round draft pick Lee Evans on a 46-yard bomb to give the Bills a late game lead. The lead wouldn't last, however, as Pennington's cool and collective mentality, along with his dependable rocket of an arm led the Jets on their last-minute drive. Buffalo totaled 83 yards on seven penalties helping the Jets to a 4-0 start to the season. Buffalo will look to win its first game of the season next week at home against winless Miami.
