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Anthony Greib, ESPN
As the 2023 NFL playoff race heats up, the catch meant more in Week 14, especially for the San Francisco 49ers.
The 49ers’ fifth straight win came behind a dominant offensive performance against the Seattle Seahawks. San Francisco had 527 yards compared to Seattle’s 324. Brock Purdy threw for 368 yards and two touchdowns, while Christian McCaffrey ran for 145. Two 49ers receivers also had at least 100 receiving yards — Deebo Samuel (149) and Brandon Aiyuk (126).
If winning on the field wasn’t enough, the 49ers made sure to troll their division rivals on social media.
Bye Birdie! 👋#SEAVsSF s #FTTB pic.twitter.com/onukgsMr2i
-San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) December 11, 2023
49ers long snapper Taybor Pepper also directed a pointed message toward DK Metcalf. The Seahawks wide receiver was ejected Sunday after an altercation with 49ers linebacker Fred Warner. After the match, Bieber used sign language to troll Metcalf, who began celebrating his touchdown through sign language.
Does anyone know American Sign Language? pic.twitter.com/LxjKw4Z3mq
– Tybor Bieber (@TayborSnapping) December 11, 2023
Here are the best trolls of Week 14.
New York Jets 30, Houston Texans 6
The Jets clicked on offense with Zach Wilson back under center.
Wilson threw for a season-high 301 yards and two touchdowns. New York held Houston scoreless in the first half and outgained them 347 to 135. C.J. Stroud, who exited the game with an injury late in the fourth quarter, had only 91 receiving yards.
The Jets’ first win since late October came in a Texas-style midget.
hoodie y’all pic.twitter.com/l1FXbZ0qvZ
– New York Jets (@nyjets) December 10, 2023
Cleveland Browns 31, Jacksonville Jaguars 27
Cleveland’s defense forced four turnovers, but Flacco’s 311-yard, three-touchdown performance was the story of the game.
At 38 years and 328 days old, Flacco is the oldest Browns quarterback in franchise history to throw for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a game, according to ESPN Stats & Information. Flacco has five TDs in his first two games with the Browns — only five players since the 1970 merger have had more in his first two games with the team.
The Browns provided double midget for the Jaguars, including an edited “Shark Tank” segment.
Nailed the display pic.twitter.com/X6KsgH499c
-Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 10, 2023
That’s why I’m out! pic.twitter.com/WGm7G52Kmx
-Cleveland Browns (@Browns) December 10, 2023
Down by three points with 3:23 remaining, the Buccaneers went on a 12-play, 75-yard drive that ended with an 11-yard catch by Cade Otton. Atlanta accounted for 434 total yards, but couldn’t make a timely stop near the end. Desmond Reeder had 347 total yards and two scores. Baker Mayfield threw for 144 yards and two touchdowns, while Rashad White ran for 102 yards.
The Buccaneers used a lyric from Atlanta-based rapper Ludacris to troll the Falcons, who vaulted to the top of the NFC South.
Move over, Bird. Get out of the way. pic.twitter.com/mX4U8jdFLa
– Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) December 10, 2023
Another strong performance by Jake Browning gave the Bengals their second straight win.
Browning briefly left the game in the fourth quarter but threw for 275 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The Colts were scoreless in the first quarter, finding nothing but points in the second quarter. Gardner Minshew had 240 receiving yards plus one touchdown and an interception apiece.
Cincinnati posted an equestrian-themed elf after the win.
Don’t jump now. pic.twitter.com/cHi6FlyJGk
– Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 10, 2023
The Broncos kept their playoff hopes alive with a comfortable win over the Chargers.
Russell Wilson had 224 yards and two touchdowns. Javonte Williams ran for 66 yards and scored a score, his first rushing touchdown of the season.
Justin Herbert left with a finger injury late in the first half, bringing Easton Stick back up under center. The Chargers went scoreless until 10:37 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Denver had a celebratory midget targeting Los Angeles.
‘This season pic.twitter.com/mwUejWwhEl
-Denver Broncos (@broncos) December 11, 2023
In NFL Week 14, the San Francisco 49ers’ defense sent a clear message to DK Metcalf as they emerged as the top tacklers on the field. The team’s relentless pursuit and ability to shut down one of the league’s top receivers showcased their strength and determination. With their impressive performance, the 49ers made a statement about their defensive prowess and ability to challenge the best in the league. As they head into the latter part of the season, the 49ers have proven that they are a force to be reckoned with on the field.