NFL Week 10 Game Notes

Games I watched this weekend

Chargers defeat Colts: Did anyone see the look of dismay on L.T.s face during and after the game? The look of, “why am I not the focal point of this offense”. News to Norv “I look shook on the sidelines” Turner, LaDanian Tomlinson is the best running back in the game and needs the ball 30 times at a minimum. San Diego is a running offense and the ball needs to be in the hands of LT throughout the game. I know they have Gates and now Chambers, but these players are the dressing and LT is the salad. During Charger games this season I find myself asking, “why are they not running the ball?”. This is a question that should not be asked on a team with Tomlinson in his prime. San Diego was lucky to win this game, which is sad in lieu of 6 picks and two kick returns for touchdowns.

Packers defeat Vikings: If Adrian Peterson plays again this season I would like to see a boycott of the remaining Metrodome tilts. The best player on your team, a player that has everything to be a star for the next decade just suffered a ligament tear. You are 3-6, no realistic shot at the playoffs, do me a favor, please. DO NOT PLAY THIS YOUNG MAN AGAIN THIS SEASON!! It would be stupid and reckless. I understand that it is not a “serious” ligament injury, but why risk his and the organization’s future? Why was Favre in the game with 6 minutes to go in a 27-0 game? Good news for Green Bay is that Ryan Grant is a determined enough runner to give the Pack a legitimate running game. Somewhat bad news is that standout offensive tackle Mark Tauscher suffered an ankle injury. The Packer website reported that the injury does not seem serious.

Eagles defeat Redskins: I love that Andy Reid kissed McNabb on his head as Reid was giving him a headlock in the closing minutes of the game. Both of them, each excellent at what they do, have been scrutinized heavily through any slide in Eagle production during their tenure together. It seemed to me that Andy Reid really appreciated everything McNabb has accomplished as an Eagle with that kiss. Sort of like the visions of the dying seeing their life flash before their eyes, Reid saw all the wins and success McNabb has given him at that moment. The Eagles are a veteran team with a lot of pride and one heck of a back in Westbrook, who is the MVP of the Eagles this year. A playoff push is possible if the defense can make a few stops a game. The Eagle defense made the Redskin offense look much better than they actually are. Joe Gibbs made a mistake going for 2 when he was up 12- 7 in the 2nd Q.

Steelers defeat Browns: I was waiting for one of the star offensive players on the Browns to make a play in the second half and it never happened. Jamal Lewis was ineffective and Anderson looked nervous. The Brown offense came to a halt after the opening half with their possessions resulting in six punts, a fumble, a kickoff return for a TD and a missed FG attempt. The Brown defense also relented in the second half but that had more to do with the Steelers playing better on the offensive end. Rothlisberger played a tremendous game, made all the big plays he had to and won this game for the Steelers. There is no hesitation in Rothlisberger this year, vividly seen on his long TD run. Willie Parker is a very good runner and the Steeler defense is above average and getting better every week.

Bills defeat Dolphins: Good win on the road for Buffalo against a team desperate for a win. Marshawn Lynch continues to impress. His stat line was a pedestrian 19 rushes for 61 yards, but he had to fight for all those yards and got the ball into the end zone when the Bills needed a TD and the ensuing 2pt conversion. The holding call on Miami’s kickoff return nullifying Tedd Ginn Jr’s TD is a play typical of a losing team. Miami played better on both sides of the ball and should have won this game.

Rams defeat Saints: The Saint defense was once again horrendous. St. Louis moved the ball at will through the air and on the ground. The Saints have a good offense but a serious lack of talent in their defense will make it tough on them to get into the playoffs at 4-5. Steven Jackson looked healthy, Bulger looked healthy and the line played better than it has this season. Barring injuries, St. Louis will win a few more games before this season is complete and play spoiler in the NFC West.

Seahawks defeat San Fran: The first play from scrimmage was a very nice call. Fake handoff to Frank Gore, semi roll-out to the right by Alex Smith, then throw deep to Darrell Jackson on a fly route. Jackson was open by 5 yards but the ball was severely under thrown. The MNF announcers made no comment to the ball being under thrown. They spoke of the play call being good and that the defense was fooled, but neglected to mention that if the ball was thrown correctly, San Fran goes up 6-0. Frank Gore had a good game but looks as if he is limping going back to the huddle after every play. The 49ers need to evaluate his condition and make sure they are not jeopardizing any future Frank Gore production by playing him. I liked Nolan going for the TD on 4th and 1 from the Seattle 2. I did not like him going for the 1st down on 4th and 3 from Seattle’s 23 when he needed a FG at some point in the game, 17-0 at the time, and the San Fran defense had been playing better the last few sets.