Falcons beat Eagles 35-31, Vick leaves with concussion
The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 35-31 in a back-and-forth affair on Sunday, Sept. 18. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan put in a solid performance, throwing for 195 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Despite not playing the entire game, Eagles quarterback Michael Vick threw for 242 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Vick left midway through the game with a concussion and was replaced by second-year quarterback Mike Kafka.
Phillies clinch fifth straight NL East title
The Philadelphia Phillies clinched their fifth straight NL East title with a decisive 9-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, Sept. 17 at Citizens Bank Park. Roy Oswalt pitched seven strong innings and Raul Ibanez hit a grand slam in the eighth inning to put the game out of reach. The Phillies will have home-field advantage throughout the postseason and the World Series should they make it that far.
Mariano Rivera breaks all-time saves record
Yankees closer Mariano Rivera broke the all-time saves record on Monday, Sept. 19 in a 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins at Yankees Stadium in the Bronx. Former San Diego Padres closer Trevor Hoffman previously held the record with 601 saves. Rivera pitched a 1-2-3 ninth inning to claim the record.
Patriots defeat Chargers in battle of AFC heavyweights
The New England Patriots defeated the San Diego Chargers 35-21 on Sunday, Sept. 18 at Gillete Stadium in Foxboro, Ma. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady continued his mastery of picking apart opposing defenses by tossing 423 yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots defense, at times suspect, came up with some huge fourth down stops as well as a few turnovers to prevent the Chargers from taking the lead.