NFL Week 7 Monday Morning Quarterback

A rather strange week in the NFL. There were a few close games but the real stat is that there were 6 games decided by 28 points or more. That was the first time it happened since 1970. This year more also has three unbeatens at this point in the season (Saints, Colts, Broncos), the first time it has happened in NFL history. Now onto my thoughts on week in football.

Defense Huge in Pittsburgh

The game of the week lived up to the hype as we rewarded with a great game to watch. The game was close in the fourth quarter and the Steelers defense took over scoring defensive touchdowns of 77 and 82 yards, reminiscent of James Harrison’s return in the Super Bowl. The Steelers have now won 4 in a row after starting out the season 1-2.

The Vikings meanwhile, shouldn’t be too upset about the loss. The secondary, without Antoine Winfield, played well and Sidney Rice looks like the real deal at receiver. But I have to question the Vikings play calling. They passed the ball 51 times to only 23 runs. When you have Adrian Peterson at running back and your passing almost twice as much as your running your not going to win many games.

Saints Comeback

With the Saints down 24-3 late in the first half it looked like they were headed toward their first loss of season. Then Drew Brees lead a furious comeback and showed why the Saints are one of the best teams in football. Once again Darren Sharper came up huge with another pick six and is only one behind Rod Woodson for the all time record.

For the Dolphins the Wildcat was great but again it can’t win them the game. This loss was similar to the Colts loss in week 2 where they simply couldn’t the Colts quick strike offense. They need to get some impact receivers to help out Chad Henne. Ted Gin Jr has not looked thepart and had a couple of key drops on Sunday.

Giants in Trouble

After getting embarrassed in New Orleans last week the Giants failed to rebound against the Cardinals. They have now lost two in a row after starting the season 5-0. Looking back on their schedule their only quality win is over the Cowboys so maybe their not as good as we all think. Eli Manning and the receivers really struggled. Eli threw as many picks (3) as he had the entire season and Mario Manningham continued to drop passes. Do the Giants miss Plaxico Burress?

The Cardinals are starting to look like the team that went to the Super Bowl last year. Their run defense is the best in the league and their pass defense which struggled early in the season has been fantastic the past two weeks. It wasn’t a typical Cardinal win though. They didn’t air it out as much as normal and instead ran the ball fairly well. Beanie Wells looked good and should be in line for more touches going forward.

QBs Benched

Both JaMarcus Russell and Shaun Hill rode the pine on Sunday. For Russell it was about time. His three turnovers in the first quarter against the Jets were terrible and this wans’t even his worst showing of the season. But Bruce Gradkowski didn’t do much to make this a controversy. It appears that Russell will reclaim his starting gig this week .

The other quarterback benching went a little different. During halftime Shaun Hill was benched in favor of former first overall pick, Alex Smith. With the 49ers trailing 21-0 Smith led a remarkable comeback that came up just short as th 49ers lost by three. He threw for over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns, all to Vernon Davis. His play will give Mike Singletary a lot to think about this week. I think Singletary rides the hot hand and goes with Alex Smith.

Game Balls

1. Miles Austin

After setting Cowboys records in his first game as a starter Miles Austin came to play again on Sunday finishing with 6 catches for 172 yards and two scores. He, not Roy Williams, who finished with one catch, is looking like the number one receiver the Cowboys desperately need. He has given the Cowboys a spark and has them sitting nicely at 4-2.

2. Cedric Benson

This was a revenge game for Benson, who was cut by the Bears after being drafted 4th overall in 2005. He put in a workmanlike effort rushing 37 times for 189 yards and a score. Even with the Bengals up 45-10 late, Benson stayed in and finished off the Bears running with power and determination.

Lame Ducks

1. Josh Johnson, JaMarcus Russell, Jake Delhomme

The quarterback trio combined for nine turnovers on Sunday, all in losing efforts. At least Johnson looks to be benched and the other other two are in very hot water.

Stat of the Week:

LaDainian Tomlinson received nine carries inside the Chiefs seven yard line and didn’t score once.

Ouch. If this was 2006 how many times does he score?

Stat of the Week 2:

Michael Crabtree had 5 catches in his NFL debut on Sunday. That is one more catch than Oakland rookie, Darius Heyward-Bey, has this entire season.

Nice pick Al Davis.

Quote of the Week:

“I don’t think it’s me personally, I really don’t. Do you?”

-JaMarcus Russell, QB, Raiders

Yeah JaMarcus, it’s you.

Pic of the Week: