Offensive explosion of Rams- Chiefs is new NFL

The Big 12 conference has come to the NFL.

Without a doubt, the Monday night scoring extravaganza between the Rams and Chiefs was entertaining. It had more spectacular plays and head-spinning twists than a game of Madden or a matchup of teams from college football's defense-challenged conference.

As for it being a pro football classic, no way.

And for those yearning to see a rematch in the Super Bowl, don't count on it — unless each team finds a consistent defense.

Yeah, several big defensive plays produced points in Los Angeles' 54-51 victory, the highest-scoring Monday night contest ever and the only time that both teams have exceeded 50 points in a game. Aaron Donald might have cemented a second straight NFL Defensive Player of the Year award with his strip-sacks of Patrick Mahomes.

There were three interceptions, although two came when Mahomes was in desperation mode. There were four lost fumbles as each defensive line made its present felt — for a few seconds.

How did we get to a point where the thirdhighest scoring game in NFL history, chock full of flying flags (21 accepted penalties for 195 yards), terrible coverage and some overzealous coaching, is labeled a masterpiece?

"A couple of things are contributing," says Hall of Fame coach Rams defensive end Michael Brockers enjoys Monday night’s wild 54-51 win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Los Angeles. It was the third-highest point total in NFL history.

Tony Dungy, now an analyst for NBC. "The skills of the players on offense, and the way the coaches are designing things, is one. And the practice schedule that has been reduced really favors the offense now.

"You can't do as much work in the offseason

and at training camp, and that hurts the defenses. Quarterbacks take their groups, and they can get together and throw and work on their timing for two or three weeks. Defenses can't do that, so they are behind the eight ball from the outset."

The Miami Dolphins plan to start quarterback Ryan Tannehill for the first time in six games Sunday at Indianapolis.

Tannehill threw at practice Tuesday for the first time since midOctober. Tannehill’s throwing motion looked smooth and undisturbed by the injury he suffered to his throwing shoulder in Week 5.

Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky did not practice Tuesday and is day to day with a right-shoulder injury as the team prepares for Thursday's game against the Detroit Lions. Trubisky was injured on a fourthquarter play against Minnesota on Sunday.

Trubisky's backup, 32-year-old Chase Daniel, hasn't thrown more than two passes in a season since he was with Kansas City in 2014.

First-year eligible Tony Gonzalez, Ed Reed and Champ Bailey are among 25 semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Thirteen defensive players, nine on offense and three coaches — Jimmy Johnson, Tom Flores and Don Coryell — made the cut.

The 25 will be reduced to 15 finalists on Jan. 3. The selection meeting is Feb. 2.