What a mess
Heading into Monday night's Giants-Browns game, the top 10 in last week's power rankings was 2-5, while the bottom 10 was 3-5. The No. 32 team (Rams) beat the No. 2 team (Redskins). Sorry, but we can't offer refunds to the few who actually still pay us to read the paper.
Ryan the Real Deal Although it's ridiculous that some have begun comparing Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan to Tom Brady after six games, it's obvious Ryan is a special player. Not only did he execute that 26-yard sideline pass in just five seconds to set up the game-winning field goal that beat the Bears on Sunday, he also was amazing in third-down situations. He completed nine of 12 third-down passes to four different receivers for 135 yards and six first downs. He converted on third-and-16, third-and-11, third-and-9 twice and third-and-8.
Bengals or Lions? The Texans beat the Dolphins, and Jim Haslett did further damage to Scott Linehan's résumé by leading the Rams to a major upset of the Redskins. So we're down to two winless teams: Detroit and Cincinnati. The Bengals are home this week, but should reach 0-7. They could be without QB Carson Palmer (elbow) again, and they also play a gritty Steelers team coming off a bye. The Lions (0-5) are at Houston (1-4) after losing to the officials, er, the Vikings.
Better stockpile those QBs A record 64 quarterbacks started NFL games in 2007. At this point last season, 45 had started at least one game. This year, that number will reach at least 44 when Brad Johnson replaces the injured Tony Romo (finger) when the Cowboys play at St. Louis on Sunday.
Pacman overkill We need a name for the television overkill of an NFL topic. How about ESPNed? As in Cowboys cornerback Adam (Pacman) Jones continues to be ESPNed despite the fact there were no arrests and no complaints involving his fight with a bodyguard the team hired to keep him out of trouble. If Pacman is fighting the bodyguard, then he isn't fighting civilians. Works for me. Move on, people.
