– Devin Hester is the most explosive returner in the NFL. That 45-yard put return he had in Chicago’s 23-13 victory over the Vikings was the best return I’ve seen since Dante Hall’s touchdown a few years ago against Denver. I think it’s time for Minnesota to see what rookie Tavaris Jackson has after Brad Johnson’s four-interception day. And what do the Bears do with Rex Grossman? Lovie Smith cannot continue to count on special teams and defensive touchdowns every week while his quarterback continues to average three interceptions a game.
– Two things about the Saints 34-10 win over the 49ers. First, New Orleans isn’t going anywhere. Everybody thought (including myself) that this team was going to fold a few weeks ago when it lost two straight. The Saints aren’t and should be the favorites to win the NFC South from here on out. Secondly, as much credit as I give San Fran for at least being in the playoff hunt this year, the Niners are obviously still a year or two away from seriously competing.
– Michael Vick threw two lasers to Alge Crumpler and Michael Jenkins in Atlanta’s 24-14 rally over the Redskins. I heard a rumor this week that the Falcons should trade Vick to the Raiders for Randy Moss. Yeah, that should fix everything down in Hotlanta. Or (and this may sound crazy), how about the receivers actually hang on to the ball for him? They did in Washington (for the most part) and the Falcons won. By the way, Vick hasn’t been intercepted in three straight games, so look elsewhere for the Falcons’ woes. Washington looked great in cruising to a 14-0 first quarter lead, but give Atlanta credit in scoring 24 unanswered points in the final three quarters. The Falcons are still very much flawed, but they will be dangerous in the final four weeks.
