The New York Giants had two weeks to stew about an unnecessarily tough game at home against the Bengals. And during that time, star wide receiver Plaxico Burress became the center of controversy, getting suspended for two weeks for not showing up and not answering his phone. Rumors surrounded him during his absence (he beat his wife, he's been fined 50 times) but the Giants didn't let it affect them one bit. They absolutely pounded the Seahawks, 44-6. And just to show Burress how much he was missed, Eli Manning completed passes to 8 different receivers. The Giants once again reminded everyone they are the champs, they are undefeated, and they are the best team in football.
The Only 5-0 Team in the NFL
Though they've done so in far less impressive fashion, the Tennessee Titans are also undfeated, and they have the best record in the NFL. Despite an in-game squabble (Keith Bulluck shoved Cortland Finnegan) the Titans toughed out a victory (with a little help from a bad personal foul call on Baltimore's Terrell Suggs) to improve to 5-0. Things are looking worse and worse for Vince Young and the Titans could soon be added to the long list of teams with the dilemma of an older quarterback playing well and a younger QB who was supposed to be the franchise's future on the bench (Warner over Leinart, Anderson over Quinn last year, Brees over Rivers a few years ago).
He Likes Big Butts and He Cannot Lie
Reggie Bush did his best Devin Hester impression by returning two punts for touchdowns, but it wasn't enough to bring his Saints a win over the Vikings. The big question being asked is why they kicked to him again after the first touchdown. As I've said repeatedly, a coach has to have confidence that his coverage teams can prevent a runback for a touchdown, especially after getting burned once. And I think the incremental advantage of 10 yards on every drive is better than the occassional return touchdown.
For the second time this season though the Saints can trace a loss directly back to a miss by Martin Gramatica. He may want to begin looking for work soon.
Game of the week
Indianapolis Colts 31 Houston Texans 27
This could go down as the game of the year as the Colts rallied back with 3 touchdowns in the last 4 minutes. But they couldn't have done it without Sage Rosenfels. With his team up by 10 with just under 4 minutes left, Rosenfels took off on a 3rd down and 8. In an effort to get the first down he leaped in the air, but he was crunched by Raheem Brock and fumbled.
The Colts recovered and returned it for a touchdown. But they still trailed by 3 points when the Texans got the ball back. On another third and long Rosenfels rolled out again, and was stripped from behind.
The Colts recovered again and on an amazing one-handed touchdown catch by Reggie Wayne took the lead and earned the win.
Rosenfels has been criticized for leaving his feet instead of sliding on that first fumble. It definitely would have been the safe, smart play to slide, punt the ball and hope at the very least your defense forced the Colts to use up some clock. But I think instinct took over and Rosenfels tried to get the first down and win the game. I think there was some happy medium where he could have jumped, and secured the ball at the same time.
Game of Next Week
New England Patriots at San Diego Chargers
The two competitors in last year's AFC title game look a lot different this time around. Obviously this season is going to be a struggle for the Patriots without Tom Brady, but right now they are only 1/2 game back in their division and the leader for the AFC wild card. But the situation is much different for the Chargers. They are 2-3 and though two of those losses were heart-breaking, they are in major trouble if they should lose this game.
Cheerleader of the Week
Tatyana of the Indianapolis Colts Cheerleaders
Tatyana has some very girly choices on her list of favorites. She loves "Dancing with the Stars," Will Smith, Cameron Diaz, "Under the Tuscan Sun" and books on healthy eating. I wonder if she read "Skinny Bitch."
She says her favorite thing about Indianapolis is that it has real people with values and morals. Maybe I found a hot Republican.
A Brief Rant About the Redskins
Right now I am cautiously optimistic about this team. Two great reasons for optimism, they are playing great right now, and they have three easy games coming up. If they can beat St. Louis, Cleveland and Detroit, I'll be very excited. Those teams are a combined 1-11. If they should lose one of those games, I'd be very disappointed.
But as far as their play, this game was huge. They got down early and didn't worry. They continued their gameplan on offense and went into shutdown mode on defense. On the Eagles first two drives they allowed 133 yards a touchdown and a punt return for a TD also. In the last 3 quarters the Redskins allowed only 119 net yards. After those first two drives, the Eagles got exactly one first down on their next five possessions. So the defense was awesome.
And so was the offensive line. The line which has been mashing people since the Giants game put the game away with a 7 minute drive to end the game. But the key play was the confidence Coach Zorn showed by going for it on 4th and 1 from the Eagles 35 with just under 3 minutes to go. If they miss, the Eagles have 65 yards to go for a game-winning touchdown, but he had faith in his line and his running back and that play put the game away.
The number one thing I love about Coach Zorn so far is his gutsiness. Many NFL coaches cost their teams by coaching in fear of getting ripped in the papers. Coach Zorn has none of that.
And I didn't even mention the playcall that allowed Antwaan Randle-El to throw a touchdown pass to Chris Cooley.
If the Super Bowl Were Played Today
New York Giants 31 Tennessee Titans 13
The Giants looked dominant and now that there's only one undefeated team in each conference, picking these two teams is a no-brainer. As for this score, the Giants offense looks too good, and the Titans barely have any offense, though it's been just enough to win 5 games.
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