Under Center w/ Maly-Mal

I was a fan of the sport this weekend, as my beloved Philadelphia Eagles were on a bye. It gave me a chance to take a look at a few teams I normally don’t allow to occupy my Sunday afternoon’s. One team was the Tennessee Titans. They were in Kansas City, and either the Titans have one of the best run offenses this year, or someone turned off the all-madden and put it on rookie mode! The Titans ran for a total of 332 rushing yards, and passed for 134 yards. Isn’t that stat supposed to be reversed? Well one thing’s for sure; the Titans have the top defense in the league, and aren’t taking any prisoners. Keith Bullock is probably the most unheralded middle linebacker in the league, and Albert Haynesworth’s ‘I’ll kick your ass’ attitude makes this defense as menacing as those ’85 Bears led by Mike Singletary and Richard Dent.

Speaking of Mike Singletary, he’s the new coach of the San Francisco 49ers. I love this hire… But, I digress (I promised that a loser team like the 49ers would have no place in my commentary. Sorry!).

Another team that caught my observing eye, for the second week in a row, was the St. Louis Rams. How ‘bout them lamb chops? Let me say, the two game winning streak the Rams have been on has been more about the poor play of their opponents than how good they are. I said it at the beginning of the season and my point has been proven… The Dallas Cowboys secondary is suspect, at best! The secondary may now be second string, at best! Safety Roy Williams joined Pac man Jones (indefinite suspension) and Terrance Newman (sports hernia) on the sidelines, after breaking his leg. Tony Romo was sorely missed, also… Even with his one interception, per game. Without Romo the Cowboys lose their deep threat attack. Brad Johnson just doesn’t have the arm, and that helped the Rams tremendously. St. Louis was able to keep 7 in the box to stop the run, and drop 7 defenders in passing situations. Trying to throw through 7 defenders in a 15-20 yard area is mission impossible for the NFL’s elite, not to mention Brad Johnson. Needless to say, the Brokebacks, I mean Cowboys, have major problems. Wade Philips has that delusional ‘deer in the headlights’ look, Jerry Jones is clinching his teeth, and T.O. is starting to pout every time the offense leaves the field. All signs of a team in total disarray! In my Ezelle voice from the movie Friday… “I’m broke… It’s my back… I’m broke, it’s my back!” The Brokebacks, I mean Cowboys, are done… I love it!

As for the rest, the Giants bounced back (all be it the 49ers) and the Redskins survived. The Patriots offense showed some life, and the Bills keep on winning! Carolina put the whipping stick on the Saints, and the Colts dropped another one in Green Bay! Are the Bucs for real?

Here are the rankings:

1. Tennessee Titans – The experts don’t want to give the Titans their due respect, saying the Steelers are the AFC’s top team. That’s just adding fuel to an already raging fire!
2. New York Giants – Did what they were supposed to do against the 49ers… Win!
3. Pittsburgh Steelers – We get treated every year to a few ‘crack back’ blocks. None better than Hines Ward’s block on linebacker Keith Rivers. The block broke Rivers jaw!
4. Buffalo Bills – Beating San Diego is further evidence the Bills are turning things around. But, they need to beat divisional opponents to become serious contenders.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Can Antonio Bryant continue to live up to his predestined potential and be a reliable receiving option for Jeff Garcia?
6. Carolina Panthers – This team has all the weapons and intangibles. I’m just not sold on Jake Delhomme leading the way.
7. Washington Redskins – Losing to the Rams, and then struggle against the Browns. Everything ok?
8. Arizona Cardinals – Could this be the year the Cardinals actually win their division, as predicted? It’s looking pretty good.
9. Dallas Cowboys – DeMarcus Ware’s playing like a man on a mission. Too bad he seems to be the only one.
10. Philadelphia Eagles – Hey, after the Colts, Chargers, and Broncos lost, the #10 spot was up for grabs. Hopefully, the bye week gave the Eagle linebackers an opportunity to work on their cover skills!