Mac's Picks - NFL Week 13

Last fall, I railed hard against the NFL for scheduling football games on Thursday nights. Not because I can’t bear the thought of missing “My Name is Earl” or anything like that, I just thought it wasn’t a good idea to make teams play two games within five days of each other this late in the season.

I couldn’t believe that the players have sufficiently recovered physically from the previous, and that the game-plans would be hastily thrown together and that teams wouldn’t have the proper time to fine-tune them, all of which could potentially result in sloppy football that bordered on being unwatchable.

And for the most part, that perfectly sums up what it was like last year. Wasn’t how horrible Bryant Gumbel is at being a play-by-play announcer the only memorable aspect of the NFL Network broadcasting games last year?

Now, I’m sure last night’s Cowboys-Packers game has the NFL positively beaming this morning. That game had a playoff-type atmosphere and was thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end. How could anyone say something about a game like that?

They’re right. Hey, if it weren’t for Brett Favre getting hurt (could lack of prep time have something to do with him not recognizing a Cowboys’ blitz package?), the referees being utterly incompetent, and Bryant Gumbel, last night’s game would’ve been perfect.

Last night: 0-1
Last Week: 10-6
2007 Season: 82-88-6

Detroit at Minnesota (-3 ½) – The choking sounds you heard last Thursday wasn’t caused by dry turkey. Nope, that was just the Detroit Lions, who haven’t quite figured out how to swallow the big ol’ piece of playoff pie their 6-2 start provided them.

And now the Lions are just a game ahead of the Vikings and Bears, and will need to go 4-1 in order to fulfill Jon Kitna’s prophecy of a 10-win season. Just like I thought in August, that 10-win and a trip to the playoffs won’t happen for the Lions this year. Kitna may have Jesus on his side, but the Vikings have Purple Jesus. And everyone knows Purple Jesus > regular Jesus.

It’s science. Pick: Vikings -3 ½

Seattle at Philadelphia (-3) – In week 1, the Eagles were impressive in a narrow road loss to the Packers. In week 2, they were unimpressive in a home loss to the Redskins. In week 3, the Eagles racked up 56 points against the upstart Detroit Lions. In week 4, the Eagles scored 3 points against the New York Giants. After a bye week, the Eagles played pretty well in a win over the Jets. In week 7, they choked away a home game to the Chicago Bears.

Do you see the pattern at work here? We’re thirteen weeks into the season and the Eagles are yet to string two good games together. Additionally, the only offensive weapon the Eagles have (Brian Westbrook) hasn’t practiced all week due to a knee injury. I’m not saying it’s going to be as easy as the 42-0 shellacking the ‘Hawks laid on the Iggles two years ago, but I do think it’s a game the Seahawks will win outright. Pick: Seahawks +3

San Diego (-5 ½) at Kansas City – If there was a low-point in the San Diego Chargers season this year, it was getting stomped 30-16 at home to the Kansas City Chiefs in week 4. Things have changed for both the Chargers and Chiefs since then (Chargers are 5-2, Chiefs are 2-5), and I think that this is going to be a “revenge” game for San Diego, who actually need this win to keep ahead of the 5-6 Denver Broncos in the “no, you take it” race in the AFC West. Pick: Chargers -5 ½

NY Jets at Miami (-1 ½) – I’m sure Cam Cameron isn’t rooting for his team to finish 0-16, since that would be a historically embarrassing mark that would pretty much ensure that he never gets another head coaching gig in the NFL or any other level of organized football.

However, when you’re 0-10, and the score is 0-0 late in the 4^th quarter, and a delay of game penalty has pushed you back into an area of the field where the footing actually improves the likelihood of your veteran kicker making the field goal, you have to take the points, don’t you?

You can’t put the ball in the hands of your rookie quarterback, who was making his second NFL start, on a 4^th and 1 play on the road against the NFL’s best defense, which is exactly what Cameron did. So maybe he is rooting for that 0-16 record. Pick: Jets +1 ½

(Here’s a stat I liked: In their last 16 games, the Miami Dolphins are 1-15. That one win: A 21-0 shutout of the New England Patriots.)

Jacksonville at Indianapolis (-7) – It kind of surprised me that the Colts were giving this many points to the Jaguars, because there’s this belief that the Jags always keep it close when they play Indianapolis. Then I looked at their last 5 meetings and found that in the four games the Colts won, they’ve done so by margins of 7, 8, 7 and 22 points.

Indianapolis is getting healthier, they’re well aware of how good these Jaguars are, and they know that the AFC South title is at stake. Peyton Manning knows they don’t offer commercials to quarterbacks on wild card teams. Pick: Colts -7

San Francisco at Carolina (-3) – It’s sort of sad, but when I found out that Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde woke up on Sunday with a bad back, and David Carr was going to replace him, I wanted to change my pick to the Saints last week. Pick: 49ers +3 (Don’t worry, Charlotte. College hoops season is underway.)

Houston at Tennessee (-4) – If I had my pick of occupations right now, my distant second choice behind “Scarlett Johansson’s personal stress reliever”, would be “Albert Haynesworth’s agent”.

Haynesworth can be an unrestricted free agent after the season, and there’s no denying how valuable he is. In the 1^st half of the season, Tennessee went 6-2, played some stifling defense and was in the mix for the AFC South title until a hamstring injury forced him out of the lineup. In the three games he’s missed, the Titans are 0-3 and are allowing over 30 points per game.

Haynesworth is expected to play this week. Pick: Titans -4

Atlanta at St. Louis (-4) – What can you expect when the leading passer for the 2005 Miami Dolphins (Gus Frerotte) goes up against the leading passer for the 2006 Miami Dolphins (Joey Harrington)?

A local TV blackout. Pick: Rams -4

Buffalo at Washington (-6) – All week long, I had Buffalo winning this game. I just didn’t think there would be any way the Redskins would be emotionally prepared to play or a football game, nor would I have blamed them.

Then Pedro Taylor, Sean Taylor’s father, flew up to Washington to speak to the team and told them to win out and make the playoffs. How could I pick against that? Pick: Redskins -6

Cleveland at Arizona (-1) – The Arizona Cardinals placed not one, but two starters from their secondary on injured reserve this week. Just in time to face the pass-happy Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks in back-to-back weeks. Here’s what I’m going to write in the Arizona Cardinals’ yearbook:

“Thanks, Arizona. You kept it interesting for three months. I can’t wait until you’re the darlings of all the NFL preview issues next year.” Pick: Browns +1

Denver (-3 ½) at Oakland – I can understand why a team would want to challenge Devin Hester. Football is, after all, a man’s game, and how manly is a pooch kick? And every special teams coach would have to turn in every man-card he’s ever earned if he/she told his kicker to just kick it out of bounds.

But why, after he already returned a punt for a touchdown, would you kick the ball to him again? I’ll applaud you for challenging him, but once you get burnt, you have to play it smart from then on. Pick: Raiders +3 ½

NY Giants (-2 ½) at Chicago – Speaking of Devin Hester, if there was going to be one head coach who misses the memo that Hester is the only legitimate scoring threat the Bears have, wouldn’t the smart money be on that coach being Tom Coughlin?

In the same way that even a blind squirrel occasionally finds a nut, I think the Giants realize that as long as Hester doesn’t touch the ball, they’ll win. Pick: Giants -2 ½

Tampa Bay at New Orleans (-3 ½) – Injuries have been the story for the Buccaneers all season long, and now they’ve hit them in the one place they could least afford: Jeff Garcia? Garcia’s back is so sore, he can’t throw a football, which is not how Jon Gruden wanted to go into this week’s game against the schizophrenic New Orleans Saints. Pick: Saints -3 ½

Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (-7) – I’m sure I’ve referenced it before, but one of the best fake commercials Saturday Night Live did in the ‘90s was the one for “Bad Idea Jeans”:

“Normally I wear protection, but then I thought ‘When am I going to make it back to Haiti’?”

With that in mind, who thought it was a good idea to place sod on top of sod, and not expect drainage problems? Pick: Steelers -7

New England (-20 ½) at Baltimore – I’m sure after the scare the Patriots got from the Philadelphia Eagles this week, Vegas is seeing a lot of action on the Baltimore Ravens plus the 20 ½ points this week. Sorry, but I’m not buying it.

New England still hung up 31 points in their “worst” performance of the season, and have you seen the Baltimore Ravens offense? Dogs humping fire hydrants are more productive than Brian Billick’s “3 yards and a cloud of suck” attack. Pick: Patriots -20 ½

Cowboys Have Inside Track to Home-Field Advantage in Playoffs

A few observations from the Cowboys' 37-27 win that gives them the inside track for the #1 seed in the NFC playoffs:

1. You have to wonder what the Packers' offensive gameplan was last night. Continually throwing deep isn't what the Packers have had great success at this season, and last night it resulted in Brett Favre throwing two interceptions in 20 minutes and having to leave the game with an injury. Aaron Rodgers came into the game and moved the ball with short passes and let the talented Packers receivers gain yards after the catch. It's that formula that got the Packers to 10-1 in the 1st place, so did Favre stray from the plan or was going for low-percentage plays how they saw themselves beating a 10-1 team on the road?

2. I'm still not sure how the officials saw pass interference on Trumain Williams in the 4th quarter. Williams never altered Miles Austin's path and their legs got tangled, which does not constitute PI. That was a 42-yard penalty that set up the touchdown that gave the 'Boys a 10-point lead midway through the 4th quarter.

3. I question the decision by Mike McCarthy to kick the field on 4th and inches from the Dallas 35-yard line. You're down by 10 and haven't stopped the Cowboys' offense too many times that night. You need two scores, and one of them can be a field goal, but under those circumstances, I think you need to score the touchdown first.

Favre suffered a separated left shoulder and had a "funny bone" injury to his right elbow. Packers starting left guard Daryn Colledge was benched midway through the 2nd quarter.

Tim Cowlishaw of the Dallas Morning News writes that last night's win gives the Cowboys a huge lead for home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Cowboys defensive back Nate Jones, a player I had never heard of, made the biggest play of the game last night.

Michael Felger of the Boston Globe writes that the New England Patriots will have to cut some big checks in the off-season to keep Randy Moss and Asante Samuel.

Buffalo Bills running back Anthony Thomas isn't expected to play this Sunday.

Two of the worst teams in the NFL will meet up in Miami this Sunday.

If the Miami Dolphins go 0-16, will Cam Cameron be back?

Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Dan Kreider tore his ACL, likely ending his stint with the team.

Cleveland Browns rookie cornerback Brandon McDonald earned a pair of game balls last week.

The Baltimore Ravens could have three starters back for Monday night's game against the undefeated Patriots.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson implies that he's a mudder.

Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai has "magic feet".

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard didn't expect to have a higher quarterback rating than Peyton Manning.

Tennessee Titans kicker Rob Bironas doesn't want to hear any talk about his consecutive field goal streak.

Houston Texans offensive lineman Chester Pitts was arrested on Thursday.

San Diego Chargers running back Michael Turner always knew he'd have to wait to get his touches in the Chargers offense.

The Denver Broncos believe that running back Travis Henry won't be suspended for one year when NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell makes his decision today.

Sam Mellinger of the Kansas City Star writes that the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers are heading in different directions.

Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin spent a second consecutive day deflecting questions about collegiate job openings.

According to New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey, the Giants offense had a players-only meeting earlier this week.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback AJ Feeley took all the snaps with the 1st team offense in practice Thursday.

The words of Sean Taylor are helping Washington Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams prepare for this Sunday's game.

During his career, Detroit Lions quarterback Jon Kitna hasn't played his best football in December.

Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson appears to ready to return to action.

Chicago Bears defensive end Alex Brown has always performed well against the New York Giants.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Michael Pittman isn't expected to play this week.

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Marques Colston has avoided the sophomore slump.

Carolina Panthers defensive end Mike Rucker says the defense hasn't played well enough to ridicule the offense, which they were rumored to have done.

Sorry, Falcons fans. Head coach Bobby Petrino says he's staying.

Seattle Seahawks defenders know they'll have their hands full with Eagles running back Brian Westbrook.

The Arizona Cardinals have signed punter Mitch Berger to replace Mike Barr.

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Alex Smith can't lift his arm over his head without feeling pain.

Some St. Louis Rams would like a different selection of music played during games in the Edward Jones Dome to make it a more lively atmosphere. Oh, and the Rams home game against Atlanta this Sunday won't be shown locally.

Cowboys-Packers Prediction

Since we've got a Thursday game tonight, it's prediction time!

While everyone is talking about this being the NFC Championship game, I think that's a bit premature. Both teams are very good, but both teams have weaknesses that make them beatable in any stadium, and on any Sunday, so let's not go "crownin' the asses" of the team that wins tonight, ok?

Tonight, I'm taking the Packers (+7) over Dallas. Not only that, I think they're going to win the game. As much as the absence of Charles Woodson scares me, who besides Terrell Owens and Jason Witten are threats in the Cowboys' passing game?

Conversely, don't you have to like the 5-6 receivers the Packers can throw at a secondary that Ken Hamlin and Pat Watkins covering the deep ball? I sure do.

The New England Patriots like "experience" at the linebacker position.

A pair of Buffalo Bills legends made the semifinalist list for the 2008 Hall of Fame ballot.

New York Jets wide receiver Laveranues Coles saw a lot of himself in Sean Taylor.

Do you remember (when the Miami Dolphins were good)?

The Pittsburgh Steelers players prefer grass. (And Ricky Williams has asked to be traded to Pittsburgh.)

After the season is over, the Cleveland Browns are expected to offer the highest tender possible to restricted free agent quarterback Derek Anderson.

Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas took a swipe at the Baltimore media.

The Cincinnati Bengals aren't expecting Heinz Field to be any less sloppy than it was on Monday night.

The Indianapolis Colts are among the league leaders in dropped passes.

Despite missing several key players on defense, the Jacksonville Jaguars remain in the hunt for the division title.

The Tennessee Titans are a below average team on 3rd and 1 situations.

Houston Texans running back Ahman Green might practice today.

Environmentalists aren't thrilled with the San Diego Chargers $1 billion waterfront stadium plan.

Denver Broncos tight end Tony Scheffler has fully recovered from his broken foot.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Brodie Croyle might not be able to play on Sunday.

Oakland Raiders head coach Lane Kiffin says he hasn't heard from any colleges about their head coaching vacancies.

For the Dallas Cowboys, it's "win tonight or freeze later".

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs isn't optimistic about playing this Sunday.

The father of Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor addressed the team on Wednesday and told them "Go win this next five and make the playoffs".

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Andy Reid reiterated on Wednesday that if he's healthy, quarterback Donovan McNabb will start on Sunday against Seattle.

Green Bay Packers cornerback Al Harris must control his emotions tonight.

An injury has paved the way for Mr. Irrelevant to be signed back to the Detroit Lions active roster.

After the death of his former college teammate, Minnesota Vikings tackle Bryant McKinnie hopes to take the negative energy inside him and "turn it into something positive".

The Chicago Bears December 6th game against the Washington Redskins may be pushed into that weekend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Luke McCown is at the front of the line to replace injured starter Jeff Garcia this Sunday.

New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Brian Young is expected to play this week.

The rehab on Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme's elbow is on schedule.

The Atlanta Falcons are attempting to sign linebacker Michael Boley to a long-term extension before he hits free agency after the season.

Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander returned to practice on Wednesday. Now the question is "How do they use him?".

Arizona Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson was placed on injured reserve.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan regrets not doing more early on to help first-year offensive coordinator Jim Hostler.

Former St. Louis Rams running back Marshall Faulk the last one to wear #28 for that franchise.

New England Loses Colvin for Season

The New England Patriots defense took a major hit on Sunday night when outside linebacker Rosevelt Colvin injured his foot. The Patriots have placed Colvin on injured reserve.

As Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe points out in that article, replacing Colvin will be no small task. During the game, the Patriots moved Adalius Thomas to outside linebacker and inserted Junior "The Graduate" Seau to Thomas' inside 'backer position. However, how comfortable are the Patriots with a 34 and 38-year old linebackers, who had been sharing snaps, logging a large amount of playing time down the stretch?

The Patriots could go to a more traditional 4-3 alignment on defense, but with the release of rookie defensive end Kareem Brown (to make room for the ageless Troy Brown) and the signing of 37-year old linebacker Chad Brown, it appears as though the Patriots are going to keep Adalius Thomas on the outside and use a trio of old linebackers to man the middle.

Two years ago, Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson was a youth counselor living in his mother in-law's basement. On Sunday, he could be a starting running back in the NFL.

Newsday's Tom Rock says the needs of the New York Jets matches what will be available in the top of the 2008 NFL Draft.

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams' pectoral muscle was torn away from the bone.

Thursday's game against Green Bay is the biggest home game the Dallas Cowboys have played in 12 years.

The next month could significantly alter the path the New York Giants take in the future.

The Washington Redskins are taking it "one hour at at time". The Washington Post has more coverage of the Sean Taylor tragedy here. Specifically, I think Michael Wilbon's column is worth reading.

Lincoln Financial Field has been re-sodded for this week's Seahawks-Eagles game.

734 pounds of humanity will be going toe-to-toe tomorrow night in Dallas.

Detroit Lions linebacker Ernie Sims was happy to get a hit on Brett Favre.

Kevin Seifert of the Star Tribune reports that Minnesota Vikings safety Dwight Smith has been named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Chicago Bears return man Devin Hester was nearly drafted by the Tennessee Titans.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is "cautiously optimistic" that Santonio Holmes and Troy Polamalu will be able to play against Cincinnati on Sunday night.

Cleveland Browns Kellen Winslow and Ken Dorsey, both former Miami Hurricanes, are saddened by the tragic death of Sean Taylor.

Monday night's game against New England is the Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Dhani Jones isn't your typical NFL football player.

A trio of tight ends are picking up the slack in the Indianapolis Colts' offense.

Smiling and laughter gets Jacksonville Jaguars rookie safety Reggie Nelson through the day.

The Tennessee Titans have been digging an early hole for themselves.

Houston Texans running back Ron Dayne has run well lately.

If you're anything like me, you completely forgot that linebacker Jeremiah Trotter is still in the NFL.

Should the New Orleans Saints repeat last week's performance going forward, the playoff picture will sort itself out.

Carolina Panthers guard Jeremy Bridges is appealing the guilty verdict levied against him for assaulting a dancer at a Charlotte nightclub.

An 11th-year veteran and a rookie are the only Atlanta Falcons offensive linemen to start all 11 games this year.

The San Diego Union-Tribune previews the next opponent on the San Diego Chargers schedule.

The Denver Broncos are advising the Washington Redskins on how to handle the loss of Sean Taylor.

Kansas City Chiefs tackle Kyle Turley will donate his game check from December 23rd to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.

Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is still waiting to get on the field.

Seattle Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney had a productive November.

Arizona Cardinals cornerback Eric Green has been placed on injured reserve.

Last Sunday was the first time in 25 months that both Bay Area football teams won on the same day.

The St. Louis Rams offense struggles when it hits the red zone.

Sean Taylor Has Died

Washington Redskins safety Sean Taylor has died after being shot during a home invasion at his Palmetto Bay, Florida home.

My thoughts and prayers are with Sean Taylor's family, friends and teammates today.

NFL News and Notes

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker broke the 1,000-yard mark for the third straight season. The old turf at Heinz Field couldn't hold up during a schedule that had 7 football games played on it during a 11-day span. Who would allow that sort of schedule in the days leading up to a nationally-televised football game?

Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams hurt his chest in his first NFL action in over 20 months. Due to the sloppy conditions, it's impossible to rate how Dolphins rookie quarterback John Beck performed.

New England Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas says his return to Baltimore is "just another game".

Buffalo Bills rookie quarterback Trent Edwards will start when the Bills play the Redskins on Sunday.

The New York Jets are quick to deflect criticism of second-year quarterback Kellen Clemens, who is coming off his worst game as a pro.

Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams is fine with being removed from the field when opponents go to a three wide receiver sets.

The New York Giants stood behind their quarterback.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback AJ Feeley could get another start this week.

There are some Monday mornings where Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow feels like he's 60 years old.

The Baltimore Ravens are 20.5 point underdogs at home this week against New England.

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chris Perry, who has been on the PUP list since September, will likely be placed on injured reserve on Wednesday.

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Koren Robinson isn't in football shape.

It's been awhile since Detroit Lions offensive lineman Damien Woody played the position he's going to start at this Sunday.

Kevin Seifert of the Star Tribune checks to see if the Minnesota Vikings meet the criteria on the playoff checklist.

The injury to Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson has put his future in doubt.

No matter who is in there, the Indianapolis Colts linebackers have done the job.

The Jacksonville Jaguars lost two tight ends to season-ending injuries on Sunday.

With his team mired in a three-game losing streak, Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher says that the Titans haven't changed how they are approaching games.

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Mike Sherman has been named the new head coach at Texas A&M and will pull double duty the rest of the way.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be without Jeff Garcia next Sunday.

The New Orleans Saints can pull within a game of the division-leading Buccaneers if they can beat them this Sunday.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde is likely to get the start against San Francisco next weekend.

His boss says there is no indication Atlanta Falcons head coach Bobby Petrino is putting out feelers regarding college vacancies.

Television cameras caught San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers telling the Chargers home crowd to "shut up" on Sunday.

The Denver Broncos are trying to put Sunday's tough loss behind them.

Free agent kicker John Carney is expected to replace Dave Rayner as the kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs.

Oakland Raiders special teams leader Jarrod Cooper has a torn ACL and will miss the rest of the season.

The Seattle Seahawks will be without wide receiver DJ Hackett for at least two weeks.

Arizona Cardinals kicker Neil Rackers isn't going anywhere. Punter Mike Barr, on the other hand...(And again no mention of Steve Breaston committing the "cardinal" sin when returning punts.)

San Francisco 49ers rookie linebacker Patrick Willis is leading the league in tackles despite playing with a hand in a bulky cast on his right hand.

St. Louis Rams quarterback Marc Bulger felt better on Monday and plans on playing this Sunday.

Special Teams Miscues Drop Cardinals

Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic lists the plays that led to the Arizona Cardinals' 37-31 overtime loss to the San Francisco 49ers.Trouble is, Mr. Somers missed one ginormously important play: Rookie wide receiver Steve Breaston's decision to field a punt within his own 5-yard line during overtime.

I'm not sure why Somers didn't mention it, and since I'm not in Arizona I don't know if it'll be the subject of sports radio out there, but it seems to me that if you're going to mention Ben Patrick's block in the back penalty as one of the mistakes, you could at least mention why Patrick had to block someone in the back in the first place.

Fielding a punt inside your own 10-yard line is something most NFL teams forbid even the speediest and most elusive of punt returners to do. Devin Hester probably doesn't have the green light to do that. Seattle's Nate Burleson, who has a pair of 90+ yard punt returns on his resume, definitely doesn't have the green light to do that. In fact, his inability to adhere to this rule is why Seattle sent Bobby Engram back there yesterday to field punts that were likely to land inside the 10-yard line.

I don't want to bash Steve Breaston, who is a rookie and an electrifying return man, but when Ken Whisenhunt looks back at this season, that'll be the one of the plays he identifies as one that kept them from the post-season.

And I just thought someone should mention it.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck literally played his guts out on Sunday. Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney is making a strong case for himself to be November's Defensive Player of the Month.

San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore was a beast in yesterday's win over the Cardinals. Gwen Knapp of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that the 49ers played yesterday like the team fans and media were expecting to see all season long.

The St. Louis Rams found a new way to lose a game. Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch blames Rams head coach Scott Linehan for the team's 0-5 home record.

Have the Philadelphia Eagles provided the blueprint for beating the New England Patriots? The Patriots had to be "60-minute men" to get to 11-0.

Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News says the JP Losman Era is officially over in Buffalo. Bills wider receiver Lee Evans was a non-factor on Sunday.

Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter admits his team's record doesn't allow him to talk as much as he wants to heading into his return to Pittsburgh.

The Dallas Cowboys wide receivers know that its going to get physical against Green Bay's cornerbacks.

Newsday's Bob Glauber writes that Eli Manning provided four more reasons for New York Giants fans to wonder if he's really he guy that will lead their team to a championship. Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey "likes the roller coaster".

The Washington Redskins outgained the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but were unable to overcome costly turnovers. Former Buc and current Redskins receiver Keenan McCardell is still the "shiftiest guy" cornerback Ronde Barber has ever had to cover.

Phil Sheridan of the Philadelphia Inquirer thinks Eagles quarterback AJ Feeley has earned a chance to start one more game. John Smallwood of the Philadelphia Daily News weighs in on the QB discussion and doesn't even think there should be a debate.

According to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the winless Dolphins are a dangerous team.

On Sunday, the Cleveland Browns played like they belong in the playoffs. Browns rookie cornerback Brandon McDonald made a handful of big plays in the win.

The Baltimore Ravens offense sputtered in a game that virtually ended their playoff hopes. Mike Preston of the Baltimore Sun writes that "high school teams play run a more complicated offense" than the Ravens do.

A career day for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Johnson moved him into the franchise lead in career receptions. Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer rebounded nicely from his dismal performance a week ago.

The Green Bay Packers haven't beaten Dallas in Texas Stadium in 18 years.

Drew Sharp of the Detroit Free Press writes that despite improvements, no playoffs this season would equal a failure for the Detroit Lions.

With yesterday's blowout win over the Giants, the Minnesota Vikings are back in the playoff race. The Vikings should get Purple Jesus back for next week's game against Detroit.

The season appears over for Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson. Teams pay for kicking it to Devin Hester.

A win over the Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday would all but assure the Indianapolis Colts a fifth straight AFC South crown.

Those Jaguars are hungry for the AFC South title. The Jaguars wide receivers had a big day. (...and Matt Jones had 1 catch for 13 yards.)

A three-game losing streak has put the Tennessee Titans playoff hopes in jeopardy. Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth says his absence isn't to blame for the Titans defensive struggles.

The Houston Texans offense couldn't put it together against the NFL's worst defense. Texans rookie cornerback Fred Bennett is quietly having a good season.

Gary Shelton of the St. Petersburg Times can't beat the thought of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers having to play without their backbone, Jeff Garcia. Will Monte Kiffin be the next head coach at his alma mater?

A dominating effort in the second half on Sunday has kept the New Orleans Saints playoff hopes alive. John DeShazier of the Times-Picayune knows that the Saints can be, and should be, better than their 5-6 record.

Tom Sorensen of the Charlotte Observer writes that the Carolina Panthers aren't inspired, effective or entertaining, among other things. From the sound of things in Charlotte, I sure hope David Carr is renting.

The San Diego Chargers played their most complete game of the season. For the first time in over a month, Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman was able to perform his "Lights Out" dance.

In a development more shocking than the Broncos blowing a 14-point 4th quarter lead to a Rex Grossman-led offense, Woody Paige of the Denver Post can count to seven. According to Mark Kiszla, Broncos defensive coordinator Jim Bates has got to go.

There can be no doubt now that the Kansas City Chiefs are in rebuilding mode. Jason Whitlock of the Kansas City Star continues to assail Carl Peterson and Herm Edwards. (And he's right.)

The Oakland Raiders exorcised several demons with their divisional road win at Arrowhead Stadium yesterday. The Raiders' game-plan was designed to neutralize Chiefs' defensive end Jared Allen.

Matt Jones Continues to Disappoint

I'm sure he's a good guy, but Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Matt Jones does not sound like a player I'd want on my team.

At 6-6, 235 pounds, Jones is the sort of big target quarterbacks love. Yet, neither David Garrard nor Quinn Gray have looked his way this season, and Jones has been passed on the depth chart by a rookie 7th round pick John Broussard.

How has the former 1st round pick, who led the Jaguars in receiver as recently as a year ago, fallen so out of favor with his team? Maybe he just doesn't like playing football. And if Jones doesn't like football, he'll have a difficult time finding someone who'll pay him over $500K per year to sit on the sidelines.

Jerry Sullivan of the Buffalo News writes that while the Buffalo Bills are a likable team, they're not a playoff team.

The "virtually unblockable" Albert Haynesworth will be a game-time decision for the Tennessee Titans this afternoon.

An eighth loss would end the Cincinnati Bengals playoff hopes.

A rough upbringing helped shaped the work ethic of Oakland Raiders defensive end Chris Clemons.

The Kansas City Chiefs defense hasn't created the number of turnovers Herm Edwards would like.

Keeping their quarterback healthy is the biggest key to the remainder of the season for the Seattle Seahawks.

The St. Louis Rams used to dominate at the Edward Jones Dome.

Washington Redskins defensive end Demetric Evans wears #92 to commemorate the accidental death of a childhood friend.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin challenged his players pride in the off-season, and they've responded.

The Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns are trying to shake the "expansion" label.

Cleveland Browns head coach Romeo Crennel isn't letting his players use the p-word.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith is all grown up now.

Defensive end Will Smith has been the New Orleans Saints most consistent defensive lineman.

Some players are fitting in with the Minnesota Vikings schemes, but safety Darren Sharper isn't one of them.

An embarrassing loss from over 2 years ago is still on the minds of several New York Giants.

The Arizona Cardinals know what the San Francisco 49ers are going through.

Matthew Barrows of the Sacramento Bee writes that life has come full circle for San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Nolan.

Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick is confident he'll remain the head coach next season.

The San Diego Union-Tribune has five things to watch and offers up some predictions on today's Ravens-Chargers game.

The Denver Post introduces you to Denver Broncos safety Hamza Abdullah.

Brad Biggs of the Chicago Sun-Times breaks down today's Broncos-Bears game, followed by some predictions from the Sun-Times staff.

It still bothers the Philadelphia Eagles that they couldn't beat a beatable New England Patriots team three years ago on the game's biggest stage.

John Popper of the Boston Herald has five things to keep an eye on tonight when the Patriots resume their "march to perfection".

Miami Dolphins linebacker Derrick Pope spent some time in the hospital on Saturday and might not make the trip to Pittsburgh.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Willie Parker plans on returning to his running style from last year.

A Sneak Peek at 2008 Free Agents

The Atlanta Journal Constitution posted a wishlist of potential unrestricted free agents the Atlanta Falcons should go after in the off-season and a pair of New England Patriots, wide receiver Randy Moss and cornerback Asante Samuel, are on top of the list. I found this interesting for two reasons:

#1 - The Patriots have only one franchise tag, so either Moss or Samuel will be an unrestricted free agent. Unless an injury changes the circumstances, Samuel is going to hit the open market. Let the bidding begin at, oh 8 years and over $80 million dollars, which is what San Francisco overpaid for Nate Clements. Don't worry about New England, though. They'll find another cornerback, perhaps with that Top 5 pick they're getting from the 49ers.

#2 - The Atlanta Falcons could've had Randy Moss a few years ago, but Arthur Blank balked at trading for him. It's a bit ironic that Blank, who we now know coddled Michael Vick at every turn throughout his career, deemed Moss too poisonous a player to add to the mix.

I'm not the smartest man in the world, so will someone remind me again of who is sitting in a jail cell today and who is breaking NFL records on a team in the expressway to a 4th Lombardi trophy this decade?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Michael Bennett will play a more prominent role this week.

A pair of Carolina Panthers starting defenders are doubtful for Sunday.

New Orleans Saints running back Reggie Bush missed practice on Friday. If he's unable to play, his workload would be split amongst Aaron Stecker and rookie Pierre Thomas.


The "throwback" label can be applied to New England Patriots fullback Heath Evans.

Buffalo Bills running back Marshawn Lynch has officially been ruled out for Sunday's game.

Next week's game against the Miami Dolphins might be the last chance the New York Jets have to get a win this season.

Just as he did earlier this season with his quarterbackers, Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron isn't saying who will start at running back this week.

Even though he wasn't on the field on the first play, Dallas Cowboys safety Roy Williams is still a starter in his head coach's mind. (Why would a Pro Bowl safety not be a part of his team's nickel package?)

The season-ending injury to Mathias Kiwanuka has moved Reggie Torbor into the starting lineup.

Thomas Boswell of the Washington Post writes that if the Redskins don't win in Tampa, their season is over.

It appears a certainty that AJ Feeley will start at quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Injuries could mean Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker Lawrence Timmons sees the most extensive action of his career.

Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson has a lot in common with his counterpart on Sunday.

After three disappointing seasons, Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Devard Darling is making an impact.

Cincinnati Bengals right tackle Willie Anderson has been ruled out for tomorrow's game against Tennessee.

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy knew his team needed to complete a higher percentage of passes