The NFL season keeps getting more interesting. After a great end to week 5 with the Monday Night thriller last night, I am proud to say this may be one of the best seasons for football in at least 5 years. Look to every division and you will find an interesting story to follow. 2 unbeaten remain in the Giants and Titans, anyone still doubting the G-Men as Super Bowl champs now? Not me. The Bills took a big blow losing Trent Edwards to a concussion and Indy had a monumental comeback against the win-less Texans. Not enough headlines? There is plenty more where that came from.
Upset of the Week: Miami over San Diego. First New England now San Diego, the Bill Parcells era is certainly an upgrade over Cam Cameron. Already this season Miami as eclipsed its lowly 1 win from a year ago and actually may have a chance at making a run for the post season. This "wildcat offense" that the 'Phins have unleashed in recent weeks seems to be working, at least for the time being, and qb Chad Pennington has been excellent thus far. For the Chargers, an AFC favorite, they need to pick up the pace and in a hurry. Perhaps the real Norv Turner is being shown this season.
Statement Win of the Week: Giants 44 Seattle 6. All of the pre-season talk was Dalla, Dallas Dallas. The Cowboys lost a close game against the 'Skins last week and had much trouble finishing off a bad Bengals team (they did eventually win the game). The Eagles are struggling, while the Redskins have won 4 straight, their only loss coming to the Giants. Tom Coughlin's team smacked down the defending NFC West champs with ease despite not having their stud Plaxico Burress in the lineup. The Giants are better this season than last and that is saying a lot. Eli Manning is a changed quarterback this seaoson having 6 touchdown passes to just one interception. He may be the best Manning in the NFL. People around the league are finally taking notice, don't be shocked when the Giants remain the last unbeaten team in the NFL.
Hot Seat of the Week: Gary Kubiak, Texans. Sure other teams are much worse than the Texans and some have compared the hurricane ike experience this year to the Saints Katrina fiasco of 2005, but these are much different circumstances to be talked about another time. Texans qb Sage Rosenfels gave away the game vs the Colts in a "must win" for the already winless Houston squad. Not since John Elway have I seen a hurdle like that from a guy like Rosenfels. Heroics aside he should have slid and kept the ball. The Texans are now 0-4 in a year in which they were expected to make a run at their first ever playoff berth. Don't count on it now. Kubiak has had a good draft history (see Mario Williams, Demarco Ryans) but has failed in signings like Ahman Green and so far with Matt Schaub. He needs to dramatically improve the rest of the season or he could be looking for a new job come 2009.
Game of the Week: Titans 13 Baltimore 10. Anyone that saw last night's match-up may disagree, but there is nothing like a down and dirty defensive contest. Both team's quarterbacks threw 2 interceptions, but it was the Titan's Collins who threw a late touchdown past to rally the team to a win and a 5-0 record. Vince Young was on hand as the team's number 2 qb but it would be foolish to think head coach Jeff Fisher would disrupt a good thing by taking Collins out of the lineup. The Titans defense is really great this season and with the Colts not as good as previous seasons the division could be theirs for the taking.
TidBits:
- Sad to see Vikings coach Brad Childress calling out his punter through the media. Childress complained that the 2 punt returns for td by Reggie Bush should have been kicked out of bounds, and if need be, he would find someone that could punt out of bounds. Listen, I'm all for being frustrated and looking to make changes but to go and act like Childress just shows how desperate one can be to keep their job.
- Seahawks wideout Deion Branch came back from injury but will be out once again with what is being called a bruised heel. He was the Super Bowl MVP once upon a time and Seattle did give up a first round draft pick for the guy. Must be a little nerve racking for the Seahawks knowing that it has not really worked out. Here's to him returning to form.
- Kurt Warner almost retired following the injury to teammate Anquan Boldin. He changed his mind after seeing Boldin's injurys weren't to serious. I understand his religious faith, and how he may react different than others because of it, but really. How long has he been in the NFL? Warner should know better, it happens, its football. I didn't see any of the Chiefs a couple of seasons ago thinking about calling it quits when Trent Green was knocked unconscience.
Top Ten Quick Hits:
- Carolina is the 2nd best team in the NFC next to the Giants
- The Patriots will still make the playoffs
- So will Buffalo
- Kansas City should trade Larry Johnson and Tony Gonzales. Detroit needs to trade Roy Williams
- More coaches will lose their jobs this season than last season
- Drew Brees will throw for 5,000 yards
- Adrian Peterson is the new LT
- Reggie Bush is still a "bust"
- The NFC west champs (whomever it may be) will be 8-8
- Detroit will lose at least 13 games
