Quick observations from Sunday’s action:
Colts 33, Bucs 14
This was supposed to be the marquee match up of the day, but Indy dominated in all phases of the game, even without Marvin Harrison, Joseph Addai and Bob Sanders. Kenton Keith (121 yards, 2 TDs) was fantastic filling in for Addai…A week after I laud Monte Kiffin for being one of the best game planners in the league, his unit surrenders 400 total yards and 33 points to a banged up Colts offense.
Patriots 34, Browns 17
This was easily New England’s worst performance of the season and they still put up 34 points…The Browns might have the most inept defensive line in football in terms of creating pressure and stopping the run…
Steelers 21, Seahawks 0
For Pittsburgh to shutout Seattle without Troy Polamalu, Bryant McFadden and Casey Hampton is impressive…Shaun Alexander rushed for only 25 yards on 11 carries, which was his worst statistical performance since November of 2002.
Chargers 41, Broncos 3
San Diego looked great, especially Philip Rivers (270 yards, 2 TDs), but Denver was atrocious. Nice effort by the Broncos defense on Michael Turner’s 74-yard run in the fourth quarter and did they ever consider defending Antonio Gates? He was open all game.
Jaguars 17, Chiefs 7
With how good the Jags defense is, all David Garrard has to do is not turn the ball over and this team might sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card…Mike Solari had no clue how to move the ball against Jacksonville’s defense; the Chiefs finished with just 10 rushing yards.
Titans 20, Falcons 13
The Titans have the most underrated defense in the league – they saved Vince Young’s ass all day…The Falcons defensive players owe their offensive mates a swift kick to the throat after blowing a gift-wrapped victory…
Panthers 16, Saints 13
The Saints dominated this game, but two miscues in the fourth quarter cost them their first victory in 2007…Carolina should thank the football gods that they won a game in which David Carr started…
Giants 35, Jets 24
The Giants have needed a playmaker in their secondary for years and finally found one in Aaron Ross (2 INTs, 1 TD)… Kellen Clemons has to start for the Jets next week doesn’t he? Chad Pennington was brutal…
Redskins 34, Lions 3
Gregg Williams’s defensive game plan for Mike Martz’s offense was a thing of beauty…The stat of the game for the Lions: 1 for 10. As in, 1 for 10 on third down conversions…
Texans 22, Dolphins 19
Matt Schaub has nothing for weapons, but is willing the Texans to victories. Of course it helps when your kicker can make a 57-yard game winning field goal too…Please hang it up Trent Green – there’s plenty of life after football and you’re going to need your health.
Ravens 9, 49ers 7
What a brutal game. I don’t know whether to applaud both teams’ defense or shred the offenses. At least one man showed up in this game – way to go Matt Stover (3 FGs).
Cardinals 34, Rams 31
With Anquan Boldin sidelined for the second straight week, Larry Fitzgerald (9 rec. 136 yards, 1 TD) once again played like a man possessed… It wasn’t pretty, but Gus Frerotte had a gutsy performance. It’s too bad the defense continues to give up 30-plus points a game…
