This is our next to last post choosing the best players at each position by jersey number. If you have quibbles, leave a comment and we’ll update this post. And please have patience – this is a big job.

We started this project with wide receivers in this post and then with tight ends in this post and quarterbacks in this post and running backs in this post and offensive linemen in this post and kickers/punters in this post and defensive linemen in this post. Now we move to linebackers, who can wear numbers in the 50s and the 90s with a few exceptions. If a number is omitted, it’s because no linebacker who has played this season wears those digits.

46 – Vinny Ciurciu, Lions – Ciurciu is the only linebacker currently wearing 46. He has played in six games this year, seeing most of his action on special teams. Now with his fourth team, Ciurciu also has a good locker-room nickname (see the bottom of the linked post).

47 – Brit Miller, 49ers – Miller is the only linebacker currently wearing 47. The rookie out of Illinois has played in two games this season.

49 – Zack Follett, Lions – Follett is the only linebacker currently wearing 49. The rookie out of Cal has played in nine games this year, mostly on special teams.

50 – Curtis Lofton, Falcons – Lofton, a second-year middle linebacker, has emerged as a tackle machine for the Falcons. His growth allowed the Dirty Birds to let stalwart Keith Brooking leave via free agency, and now it’s Lofton who will lead Atlanta’s defense for years to come. Lofton is tied for second in the NFL with 118 tackles. We give him the nod over OLB Mike Vrabel, who had great years in New England and is now a veteran leader in Kansas City. Other notable 50s: Russell Allen, Jaguars; James Anderson, Panthers; K.C. Asiodu, Rams; Antwan Barnes, Ravens; Eric Barton, Browns; Monty Beisel, Cardinals; Rocky Boiman, Steelers; Diyral Briggs, 49ers; Isaiah Ekejiuba, Raiders; Vernon Gholston, Jets; A.J. Hawk, Packers; Erin Henderson, Vikings; Lance Laury, Seahawks; Matt McCoy, Buccaneers; Marvin Mitchell, Saints; Rob Ninkovich, Patriots; Ernie Sims, Lions; David Thornton, Titans; Erik Walden, Dolphins; Philip Wheeler, Colts; Will Witherspoon, Eagles

51 – Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Ruud has emerged as a do-everything middle linebacker for the Buccaneers, and he’s one of the few bright spots on the team’s defense. He’s fifth in the league with 113 tackles and also has six passes defensed. He gets the nod over Jonathan Vilma of New Orleans, who may be better in pass coverage. Also worth mentioning are long-time veterans Keith Brooking of Dallas, James Farrior of Pittsburgh, and Takeo Spikes of the 49ers; youngsters Jerod Mayo of the Patriots and Paul Posluszny of Buffalo; and injured Seahawks MLB Lofa Tatupu. Other notable 51s: Brendon Ayanbadejo, Ravens; Akin Ayodele, Dolphins; Tim Diles, Chargers; Ryan Fowler, Jets; Tony Gilbert, Falcons; Alex Hall, Browns; Clint Ingram, Colts; Ben Leber, Vikings; Corey Mays, Chiefs; Joe Mays, Eagles; Gerald McRath, Titans; Brady Poppinga, Packers; Dan Skuta, Bengals; Chaun Thompson, Texans

52 – Ray Lewis, Ravens – This is a loaded number that features Pro Bowl-caliber linebackers in Carolina MLB Jon Beason, San Francisco MLB Patrick Willis, and Jets ILB David Harris, but Lewis gets the nod for his long, productive career that continues at a very high level. Other notable youngsters include rookie Clay Matthews of Green Bay, Kirk Morrison of Oakland, Daryl Smith of Jacksonville, and injured Browns ILB D’Qwell Jackson. Other notable 52s: Xavier Adibi, Texans; Eric Alexander, Patriots;  Michael Boley, Giants; Cody Brown, Cardinals; Jonathan Casillas, Saints; Channing Crowder, Dolphins; Chris Draft, Bills; Larry English, Chargers; Cody Glenn, Colts; Chad Greenway, Vikings; David Herron, Chiefs; Abdul Hodge, Bengals; D.D. Lewis, Seahawks;  Rocky McIntosh, Redskins; Jamar Williams, Bears; Coy Wire, Falcons

53 – Keith Bulluck, Titans – Bulluck has long been the emotional leader of the Titans’ defense, and he remains a solid sideline-to-sideline player. His three interceptions tie him for the lead among linebackers, and his 10 passes defensed place him second at the position. He’s also among the top 10 in tackles for linebackers. That’s enough to give him the nod over Atlanta’s Mike Peterson, another long-time, solid performer. Other notable 53s: Marcus Buggs, Bills; Derrick Burgess, Patriots; Khary Campbell, Texans; Na’il Diggs, Panthers; Moise Fokou, Eagles; Clark Haggans, Cardinals; James Holt, Chargers; Thomas Howard, Raiders; Larry Izzo, Jets; Rashad Jeanty, Bengals; Bryan Kehl, Giants; Niko Koutouvides, Buccaneers; Paris Lenon, Rams; Jameel McClain, Ravens; Tyrone McKenzie, Patriots; Steve Octavien, Cowboys; Nick Roach, Bears; Matt Roth, Browns; Mark Simoneau, Saints; Bryan Smith, Jaguars; Reggie Torbor, Dolphins; Jeff Ulbrich, 49ers; Demorrio Williams, Chiefs

54 – Andra Davis, Broncos – This number lost its stalwart when Brian Urlacher of Chicago was knocked out for the season. So among a group of solid if unspectacular inside linebackers, we’ll give Davis the nod for his contributions (72 tackles, 3.5 sacks) in reinvigorating the Denver defense. Other contenders were Chargers ILB Stephen Cooper and Titans MLB Stephen Tulloch. Other notable 54s: H.B. Blades, Redskins; Jasper Brinkley, Vikings; Prescott Burgess, Ravens; Bobby Carpenter, Cowboys; Brandon Chillar, Packers; Blake Costanzo, Browns; Kenwin Cummings, Jets; Zac Diles, Texans; Troy Evans, Saints; Andre Frazier, Steelers; Jonathan Goff, Giants; Nic Harris, Bills; Geno Hayes, Buccaneers; Gerald Hayes, Cardinals; Will Herring, Seahawks; Freddie Keiaho, Colts; DeAndre Levy, Lions; Stephen Nicholas, Falcons; Jeremiah Trotter, Eagles; Tracy White, Eagles; Sam Williams, Raiders

55 – Terrell Suggs, Ravens – This is a tough call, because Suggs has just 3.5 sacks this season and has missed three games. But on the whole, he’s the most complete linebacker at this position, because he can be a dynamite pass rusher and also do well against the run and in coverage. I’d rather have Suggs that Miami OLB Joey Porter, who has eight sacks thus far this season, or Chicago’s playmaking WLB Lance Briggs, who stars in the featured position in the old Tampa 2 defense the Bears run. Other solid vets wearing 55 include Detroit’s Larry Foote and Denver’s D.J. Williams, while youngsters Clint Session of Indianapolis and James Laurinaitis of St. Louis deserve mention as well. Other notable 55s: Jon Alston, Raiders; Patrick Bailey, Steelers; Desmond Bishop, Packers; Alvin Bowen, Redskins; Stewart Bradley, Eagles; Ahmad Brooks, 49ers; Danny Clark, Giants; Dan Connor, Panthers; Scott Fujita, Saints; Stephen Hodge, Cowboys; Kawika Mitchell, Bills; Kenny Onatolu, Vikings; Keith Rivers, Bengals; Justin Rogers, Chiefs; Junior Seau, Patriots; Reggie Walker, Cardinals; Jamaal Westerman, Jets

56 – Brian Cushing, Texans – It’s hard to imagine giving a rookie like Cushing the honor at a highly populated number like this one, but Cushing has earned it. He’s sixth among linebackers with 116 tackles and also has 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 12 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, and a safety. That’s huge impact that earns him the nod over Shawne Merriman of San Diego, who isn’t the same after last season’s knee injury, pass-rushing stud LaMarr Woodley of Pittsburgh, and solid all-around players Nick Barnett of Green Bay and Bradie James of Dallas. Other notable 56s: Colin Allred, Titans; Charlie Anderson, Dolphins; Robert Ayers, Broncos; Quinton Culbertson, Panthers; Jo-Lonn Dunbar, Saints; Justin Durant, Jaguars; Keith Ellison, Bills; Tavares Gooden, Ravens; Tyjuan Hagler, Colts; E.J. Henderson, Vikings; Leroy Hill, Seahawks; Derrick Johnson, Chiefs; Akeem Jordan, Eagles; Kaluka Maiava, Browns; Scott McKillop, 49ers; David Nixon, Raiders; Chike Okeafor, Cardinals; Rod Wilson, Buccaneers

57 – Bart Scott, Jets – New Jets head coach Rex Ryan brought Scott with him from Baltimore as a high-dollar free agent to be the emotional leader and scheme expert in the middle of Gang Green’s defense. Scott has played fine for the Jets, but over the year it’s been fellow ILB David Harris who has emerged as a top-tier player. Still, Scott gets the nod over veteran Dhani Jones of Cincinnati and David Hawthorne, who’s having a terrific season as a fill-in starter at middle linebacker for Seattle. Other notable 57s: Stanley Arnoux, Saints; Kevin Bentley, Texans; Chase Blackburn, Giants; Ricky Brown, Raiders; Victor Butler, Cowboys; Chris Chamberlain, Saints; Jon Corto, Bills; Jordon Dizon, Lions; Keyaron Fox, Steelers; Chris Gocong, Eagles; Mario Haggan, Broncos; Adam Hayward, Buccaneers; Jordan Senn, Panthers; David Veikune, Browns; Matt Wilhelm, 49ers

58 – Karlos Dansby, Cardinals – It’s hard to imagine a better physical specimen at outside linebacker than Dansby, who is a leader on a strong Cardinals defense. He gets the nod over Gary Brackett, an undersized middle linebacker at the heart of the Colts defense. Other notable 58s: Marcus Benard, Browns; Quincy Black, Buccaneers; Thomas Davis, Panthers; Marques Harris, Chargers; Robert Henson, Redskins; Rey Maualuga, Bengals; Slade Norris, Raiders; Antonio Pierce, Giants; Scott Shanle, Saints; Tim Shaw, Bears; David Vobora, Rams; Jason Williams, Cowboys; Pierre Woods, Patriots

59 – London Fletcher, Redskins - Fletcher doesn’t have ideal size, but year after year he is a leader, a reliable tackler, and a playmaker, no matter what team he’s playing for. He’s a great success story as an undrafted player. He gets the nod over Julian Peterson of Detroit and DeMeco Ryans of Houston. Other notable 59s: Spencer Adkins, Falcons; Jovan Belcher, Chiefs; Angelo Crowell, Buccaneers; Aaron Curry, Seahawks; Dannell Ellerbe, Ravens; Heath Farwell, Vikings; Larry Grant, Rams; Gary Guyton, Patriots; Ramon Humber, Colts; Brian Iwuh, Jaguars; Brandon Johnson, Bengals; Landon Johnson, Panthers; Brad Jones, Packers; Cato June, Bears; Stanford Keglar, Titans; Ashlee Palmer, Bills; Brandon Siler, Chargers; Pisa Tinoisamoa, Bears; Gerris Wilkerson, Giants; Brandon Williams, Cowboys; Wesley Woodyard, Broncos

74 – Aaron Kampman, Packers – Kampman, who moved from defensive end to outside ‘backer this season as Green Bay implemented a 3-4 defense, kept his old D-lineman number. Kampman didn’t have a great transition season, with just 3.5 sacks in nine games before suffering a season-ending injury. But he’s still a good player, and he’s the only linebacker wearing 74, so he merits a mention.

90 - No linebackers wearing 90 have played a game this season.

91 – Tamba Hali, Chiefs - Hali is emerging as a solid pass rusher in Kansas City, with 7.5 sacks thus far this season. He gets the nod at this number over Cameron Wake, Miami’s CFL import who has 5.5 sacks in his first NFL season.

92 – Elvis Dumervil, Broncos - In one of the toughest calls of this whole project, we’re going with Dumervil, the NFL leader with 15 sacks, over 2008 Defensive Player of the Year James Harrison of Pittsburgh. Both guys play outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense, and both add the fright factor to their respective defenses. But while Harrison may be a better player in pass coverage, Dumervil is having a defensive player of the year caliber campaign in Denver, and so for 2009 we have to opt for him. Other notable 92s: Bertrand Berry, Cardinals; Hunter Hillenmeyer, Bears

93 – Anthony Spencer, Cowboys - Spencer has been a disappointment at outside ‘backer since the Cowboys made him a first-round pick three years ago, but as a full-time player he gets the nod over Jason Trusnik, who has moved into the starting lineup in Cleveland after a midseason trade from the Jets.

94 – DeMarcus Ware, Cowboys – Ware is a preeminent pass rusher with nine sacks this year and 62.5 in five seasons so far. Also deserving mention is Lawrence Timmons, an emerging inside ‘backer for the Steelers. Other notable 94s: Arnold Harrison, Browns; Marques Murrell, Jets; Jyles Tucker, Chargers

95 – Shaun Phillips, Chargers - In a close call, the nod here goes to Phillips, a pass-rushing outside ‘backer who has seven sacks for San Diego, over Cleveland OLB Kamerion Wimbley, who has 6.5 sacks. The six fumbles Phillips has forced was the determining factor. We’ll also shout out to Baltimore’s Jarret Johnson, another emerging pass-rusher. Other notable 95s: Tully Banta-Cain, Patriots; Ali Highsmith, Cardinals

96 – David Bowens, Browns – Bowens came with Eric Mangini from the Jets to Cleveland. He has long been an above-average pass-rushing outside ‘backer, and he has five sacks in that role this season. He gets the nod over declining Patriot Adalius Thomas. Other notable 96s: Omar Gaither, Eagles; Andy Studebaker, Chiefs

97 – Calvin Pace, Jets – Pace missed the first four games of the season due to a performance-enhancing drug suspension, but since returning he has continued to provide pass rush off the edge with six sacks. Other notable 97s: Clint Sintim, Giants; Pierre Walters, Chiefs

98 – Brian Orakpo, Redskins – Orakpo, Washington’s first-round pick, has 11 sacks in his rookie season, including four last week against Oakland. That’s the kind of defensive jolt Washington was hoping for when it drafted him. Other notable 98s: Shawn Crable, Patriots; Parys Haralson, 49ers; Darrell McClover, Bears

99 – Jason Taylor, Dolphins – Taylor spent most of his career as a 4-3 defensive end, but he has seamlessly made the transition to a 3-4 outside linebacker over the last few years. After a slow season in his one campaign in Washington, Taylor has six sacks this year for Miami, giving him 126.5 in his 13-year career. Other notable 99s: Kevin Burnett, Chargers; Paul Kruger, Ravens; Manny Lawson, 49ers; Bryan Thomas, Jets; Jeremy Thompson, Packers

The smell permeates all the way from stadiums in Saint Louis, Cincinnati, Oakland, Charlotte and even London into your poor homes.  Sorry, viewers, you’ve probably just experienced the worst week in the history of the NFL.  You’ve probably already heard this on ESPN, but this past week had the second-largest average margin of victory since the merger, and it doesn’t end there.  Besides just two (of 13 games) this week decided by one possession (San Francisco at Houston and Arizona at New York), only one game saw multiple lead changes (Minnesota at Pittsburgh).  In eight games, the team that the got the first lead held onto it for the rest of the game en route to victory.  One of those games was San Francisco at Houston, a game in which the Texans had a 21-point lead at halftime.  A gas mask couldn’t save you, and probably not even a blindfold.  Only changing the channel could.

With all the stink fests going on in Week 7, and a school obligation I had to tend from the 1:00 kickoff to the second half of the 1:00 slot, there’s not a whole lot going on in these observations, but we’ll have to do.  Trust me, when (if) the games get more competitive, the analysis will get deeper.

Minnesota at Pittsburgh (Steelers 27, Vikings 17)
What a better time to turn of the tube and head out than right after hearing some BrettFavre christening?  Seriously, FOX couldn’t resist — Daryl Johnston talks before the game about how Ben Roethlisberger must be so glad to meet and play against BrettFavre for the first time.  Do you think the man never met Favre before?  Of course, we saw more later when BrettFavre runs down the field to check on Percy Harvin when Harvin got injured.  I guess no other QB cares about his teammates, and Favre is the all-caring one (yes, the same Favre who burned his bridges with numerous Packers and Jets players).
As for the actual game, there was actually a whole lot going on for most of the first half.  Most of my observations were quick ones made during plays.  For example, there was a complete moronic penalty by Benny Sapp, the first penalty by Steve Hutchinson in 28 games and some extreme luck for the Steelers on an easy strip on Roethlisberger by Asher Allen.
Otherwise than that, we saw signs of old Favre coming back to the ranch.  Twice Favre turned the ball over in the red zone down by three late in the fourth quarter.  The first time, Favre poorly protected the ball, which lead to a fumble.  Favre made a miserable at tackling LaMarr Woodley, which lead to a fumble return for a touchdown.  The second time, Favre rushed a screen a bit and could’ve placed the ball a bit better on an easy pass to Chester Taylor.  Taylor let the ball slip through his hands and got whacked.  Keyaron Fox took the INT, eluded yet another miserable tackling attempt by Favre and allowed the convoy to bring him to paydirt.
Just a friendly reminder from your good ol’ cynical pal to wake you up from the Favrian dreamland.

New England vs Tampa Bay in London (Patriots 35, Buccaneers 7)
By golly, this sporting event was simply a bloody gorgefest.  Those young whippersnappers from Tampa Bay were quite magnificantly outmatched by the tea wasters from New England.
The crappy attempt at mimicking England aside, this game had nothing much else to offer.  Sabastian Vollmer’s struggles made for the only drama of the game, but Vollmer is a rookie after all.  He’ll eventually gain enough experience at LT to settle down.  He won’t handcuff the team any more in a few weeks.  That’s just Belichick’s players ability to improve, even when thrown into the fire.  Besides that, this was another ho-hum dominating performance by a very good team on one of the sad sacks in the league.  I had the Vikings-Steelers game on instead of this travesty.
However, I won’t be too hard on the Buccaneers.  They are in rebuilding mode, losing several key veterans and coaches in the offseason.  I’ll give them more time before even thinking of calling this franchise a lost cause.

Atlanta at Dallas (Cowboys 37, Falcons 21)
Another week means another chance to play up my boy, Miles Austin.  He had six catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns, leaving him with 16 for 421 and four TDs in his two career starts (the Cowboys’ last two games).  You shouldn’t have been ignoring this dude in the past year or so, but if you were, you can’t anymore.  What Austin did on the field was amazing.  He abused Brent Grimes.  Grimes generally does well against the run, bot not so much against the pass, which makes him like Minnesota’s Antoine Winfield, only without the coverage skills.  He also abused Chris Houston, who’s much better than Grimes.  Austin had two catches in one drive despite the Atlanta defensive backs committing a penalty on him in both plays.  And once again, Austin had the game-winning TD on a big pass play with some nice YAC in it.  Austin does it again later, this time with more nice YAC (especially considering he made the play despite being held).  But, that’s not even his best catch.  Seriously, watch the highlight of Austin’s breakaway catch with Dallas up 24-14.  It’s on NFL.com’s highlight center, and it’s spectacular.  That pass is an INT if not for Austin returning on the route, and I’ll tell you that throw was made by Romo with the confidence that Austin would get to it.  Austin brings a great size-speed combo, continually improving route-running skills, great work ethic and a great personality (growing chemsitry) to the table.  It’s no wonder Football Outsiders had Austin as the most promising “prospect”  in the Football Outsiders Almanac 2009 (check it out for the criteria).  It’s also no wonder I’ve been praising this guy for the past year about his potential.
Now, back to the game, where the Cowboys had almost everything going for them.  The passing game made for the an usually slow working run game, the run game eventually to form to help put the game away, the pass rush got going against one of the best pass blocking offensive line and special teams got a punt return TD.  Romo didn’t make a notable error in this game.  Jason Garrett throw in some effective short passes and quick slants.  The defense got back-to-back sacks against an Atlanta offense that hadn’t allowed a sack in over 17 quarters.
Besides a methodical opening drive for a Falcons TD that Atlanta should be given most of the credit for, the only major knock on Dallas was penalties.  As usual, both lines made silly, yet key mistakes.  False starts and offsides were on the menu once again.  The defensive line had two offsides on one drive, one which could’ve ended in a punt, but resulted in a touchdown.  We all get reminded weekly what potential the Cowboys have, but they find many ways to foul it up.

New Orleans at Miami (Saints 46, Dolphins 34)
*Note: This game came on after the ATL-DAL game, with 5:44 left to go in the game.*
After facing a 24-3 deficit, the customary domination from the 2009 Saints came back into play.  The offense obviously did great, finally getting that patented efficient passing game going.  The running game didn’t do too bad itself.  Meanwhile, the defense also came up big, at least in the passing game.  The defensive backfields returned two interceptions for touchdowns, and the defense looked Chad Henne look mediocre after his shining MNF performance two weeks ago. I missed most of the game, but this couldn’t have be ignored.

Arizona at New York (N) (Cardinals 24, Giants 17)
So maybe the Cardinals aren’t going to take the Super Bowl losers’ fall after all.  At first, we saw some of the ominous signs that have been hanging around Arizona for a while.  Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie showed why he’s DRC, making a spectacular INT on one play and not looking at all on a complete pass to Mario Manningham on another.  Jason Wright missed a fumble recovery he had dead to rights, and the ball went out of bounds to stay with the Giants.  Meanwhile, the Cards even fell victim to a Human Horseshoe-like bounce, as DRC unnecessarily batted a pass into the air, falling into the streaking frame of Hakeem Nicks, giving the Giants a 14-7 lead shortly before the half.  However, the Cardinals hung in there, and began looking like true contenders by game’s end.
First, we must face the fact that the Giants had a “meh” game. Forgotten in that Wright missed fumble recovery was a “muff” on a punt return caused by a blocking player failing to get out of the ball’s way.  Eventually, the Giants made more mistakes, and the Cardinals capitalized on it.  Whenever had the chance to get back control of the game, they’d make a mistake, and the Cardinals would take things back in favor.  Nothing epitomized New York’s struggles like the final drive.  The Giants were pinned back, facing far too high a mountain to climb.  They moved the ball some, but an Eli Manning INT to Antrel Rolle ended the game later in the drive.

Philadelphia at Washington (Eagles 27, Redskins 17)
Washington played poorly, but it could’ve been a lot worse.  The Eagles simply sleepwalked the entire second half.  The Redskins’ offensive line struggled terribly.  Jason Campbell still looked skiddish and out-of-sync in the pocket.  Missed snaps and muffed punt returns added to the problems.  The positive may have been the Albert Haynesworth effect on Andre Carter.  Carter’s taking advantage of the big man’s girth inside.  Still, the Redskins looked awful on offense.  The combo of Quentin Mikell and Will Witherspoon effectively put the game away after DeSean Jackson got the party started.  Mikell tipped a pass that Witherspoon took to the house.  The next drive, Witherspoon gets a sack and strip that Mikell recovers.  End game.
By the way, Witherspoon could have one of those rare 17-game regular seasons.  He started all six games with the Rams, appeared (but didn’t start) in this game and has 10 games left with the Eagles.  If he makes it through the season healthy, he’ll play 17 weeks uninterrupted with a bye.

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Sidebar

• So how did that Hill benching actually work? I didn’t agree with benching Shaun Hill for Alex Smith, but the decision certainly worked out.  San Fran made it a game, with Smith hitting three touchdowns (all to Vernon Davis) without throwing an INT.  Hill only had two picks in 5.5 games, but he couldn’t get the wheels turning on offense.  Smith did, but I would like the game replay to find out how exactly he improved so much.
• So what games will go on NFL replay? Really, there’s nothing to offer.  When San Francisco-Houston is arguably your marquee game of the week (Minnesota-Pittsburgh was “meh” with a very good ending), there’s some major problems. (Do give me credit, I throw this game in as an early GOTW candidate way back in the offseason.)
• So how about Spencer Havner’s second quarter? Take this nice sequence from your backup tight end/special teamer who becomes the tight end after a Jermichael Finley injury.  First, Havner catch a pass and takes it into the end zone for a 45-yard TD.  The next play, Havner makes an assisted tackle in kickoff coverage.  No, that number 41 catching a TD was no illusion.
• So why again is Derek Anderson a starting QB? I’ll probably keep asking this until he’s benched, but Anderson blew again. 12 of 29 for 99 yards, an INT and two fumbles (both kept).  Sure, Anderson provided a spark in his first start of the season (in the 23-20 OT loss to Cincinnati), but he’s been downright awful since then.  Put Brady Quinn back in already!  Anderson was nothing but a one-game fix.  Oh, and the Browns have been held to six points or less four times this season (in seven games) after not having an offensive TD in the final six games last season.
• So when will the Chiefs’ offense finally threaten somebody? The Chiefs’ longest play on offense against the Chargers was a 24-yard reception by Bobby Wade.  For the first time this season, Kansas City didn’t have a play of 25+ yards, but then again they only had six such plays in six games.  That’s right: the Chiefs are seven games into the season, and they haven’t had multiple plays of 25+ yards in a game.  Still the worst stat on a huge pile of rank clunkers.
• So can we welcome back Oakland and Carolina to land of suck? The Raiders took a one-game hiatus last week, actually looking competitive against the Eagles.    That was long-lived, with the Raiders following up their W with a 38-0 shutout loss to the Jets.  New York had two four-yard touchdown drives in their first three drives of the game.  By the way, the Raiders lost to the two East Rutherford teams by a combined score of 82-7.  Meanwhile, Carolina had a two-game voyage into the world of semi-suck, but got thrown back into the depths after a 20-9 loss at home to Buffalo.  Three Jake Delhomme INTs and a Kenny Moore muffed punt allowed the Bills to take control of the game despite their astonishing nine first downs, 21% third down and 167 net yards on offense.  Welcome back, guys, and please keep your shoes on so we don’t add to the awful smell of Week 7.

So, how’d I do?

After going 5-8 last week, it couldn’t get any worse could it.  Let me get this out of the way first.  I was wrong about Miami being able to hang on and beat the Saints.  I was wrong about Chicago at Cincinnati…really, really wrong.  Sorry Cedric.  I was a believer at the end of the preseason.  I just slipped.  Next time you all are in New York to collect rent from the Jets, holler!

I wasn’t perfect this week, but I was better.  Heading into the Monday night game featuring the heavily-favored Eagles vs. the seriously-sedated Redskins, I had a record of 7-5. Let’s get to the good.

The Classics

Pittsburgh Steelers 27, Minnesota Vikings 17. I have maintained two things since the beginning of Brett Favre’s flirtations with the Vikings…that this team is going to be a tough out in the post-season and that if the Vikings play teams that Adrian Peterson does not dominate – teams that force Brett Favre to beat them, he’s not going to do it.  I don’t dislike Favre.  For me it’s simpler than that.  Since 1997, he hasn’t won more than one playoff game in any season.  To play in a Super Bowl, the Vikings will need to win 2 or 3 playoff games.  The Steelers allowed 69 rushing yards to Adrian Peterson and the game was put in the hands of Favre to win or lose.

He threw 51 passes.  The chances of losing increase exponentially for most QBs after 45 passes (at least in the post-season).  Favre, for much of the game, did a masterful job of mixing up plays.  The Vikings attacked short and deep.  There are were a few plays where only good fortune and a very strong sun prevented Percy Harvin from dominating the action.  He is a very impressive young player.   The hamstring injury to Bernard Berrian significantly impacted the game.  Berrian did drop an easy pass, but he was otherwise having his way with William Gay.  Berrian’s speed forced Gay to play off — leaving room for underneath routes.  When Berrian went out of the game, Favre was reduced to throwing to Harvin, Sidney Rice (another great game) and Visanthe Shincoe.

The Steelers still have issues.  Rashard Mendenhall is a fumbler — until proven otherwise.  He’s not a nice back who happens to fumble.  He’s not a young power back with great speed and agility who happens to fumble.  He’s a fumbler.  He is a player who jeopardizes possessions each time he touches the ball.  After his Red Zone fumble yesterday, Coach Mike Tomlin went to former Viking Mewelde Moore to hold down the fort.  Moore, of course, is not a powerful between the tackles runner, but he is not a fumbler.

Adrian Peterson Runs Over Steeler RCB William Gay

William Gay has to play more aggressively on defense and learn to tackle.  After he was positively mauled by Adrian Peterson, I told a friend of mine that I couldn’t remember another Steeler corner getting abused like that in 30 years.  I’m sure it’s happened — I just couldn’t remember it.  Not with Earl Campbell, not with Jamal Lewis, not with anyone.  Gay invited Peterson to maul him by breaking down in a defensive/protective position that screamed, “I surrender.”  That’s unacceptable.  It wouldn’t have happened to Bryant McFadden.

Keyaron Fox filled in for Lawrence Timmons in the 4th quarter.  Timmons walked off the field with an injury and his replacement walked off with an 82-yard interception for touchdown.  Troy Polamalu is definitely not 100%, but his impact can be seen all over the field.  He and Favre played some great cat and mouse games yesterday.  Polamalu jumped a number of routes all over the field — and Favre didn’t get sucked in.  He pump faked or worked the other side of the field (isolating William Gay) or simply threw it away.

The Steelers have a bye this week, then its off to Denver and home to Cincinnati.  This would be a good time to work on SPECIAL TEAMS.  Josh Cribbs and Percy Harvin have scored in the past 2 weeks.  Eddie Royal is just as dangerous.  If Pittsburgh can run the table, they’ll greatly improve their chances of hosting a divisional round playoff game.  Who knows, maybe Denver will host Cincinnati in a Wildcard rematch of their Week 1 classic.  Minnesota is headed to Green Bay.  They’ll need all hands on deck for what promises to be their toughest game of the season.

New Orleans 46, Miami 34. Wow!  I think most observers thought this game would be a classic.  The contrasting styles of the Dolphins and Saints promised to make for interesting viewing.  I haven’t watched this game yet — so I could have more to say later…but the highlights were compelling.  New Orleans overcame a 24-3 lead against a running team.  That’s tough to do.  The Saints deserve a great deal of credit for pulling this one out.  The Dolphins lost starting cornerback Will Allen to a torn ACL in the 3rd quarter and were outscored by the Saints 22-0 in the 4th quarter.  Perhaps there is a correlation.  Either way, kudos to the Saints.  They were last in 2008, but now they are rolling.

Is Saints Nation on the rise?  Did you see Jeremy Shockey (former Hurricane) and Drew Brees doing Ripken-esque victory walks across the Dolphins stadium?  The Dolphins are 2-4 and only a few plays away from sporting two impressive wins over the Colts and Saints.  If Miami can hold it together, they should be able to make their Week 17 meeting with Pittsburgh very meaningful.  Jets and Patriots are next before winnable games vs. Tampa Bay, Carolina and Buffalo.

The Meat and Potatoes

Arizona 24, New York 17. The Giants were healthy on offense – until Kareem McKenzie was ruled out of Sunday’s game.  Still, was that a big enough loss to “excuse” a loss to the Cardinals?   Could it be that this team simply is not as good as we all believe them to be?  Brandon Jacobs, for all his size, power and agility can be contained.  Some might argue that he’s contained as much by Tom Coughlin as by opposing defenses.  His season high carry total is only 26.  Jacobs probably needs to have a few 35 carry games to really maximize his value for the Giants.  He hasn’t had an opportunity to really wear down a defense.

I think the Giants have to forego some of Ahmad Bradshaw’s explosiveness in order to reap the full benefit of Brandon Jacob’s power.  He needs more carries between the tackles to wear down quality opponents.  This portion of the Giants 2009 schedule simply demands it.  Up next: Philadelphia, San Diego, bye, Atlanta, Denver, Dallas, Philadelphia.  I am not alone in believing that Eli Manning is incapable of leading the Giants to victory over these teams.  He’ll need to rely on the power of Brandon Jacobs and his defense to run this gauntlet.

I picked Arizona because I like their ability to defend.  They’ve had some rough games, but I simply like their talent at all 3 levels.  From Darnell Dockett to Karlos Dansby to Adrian Wilson, they’re loaded.  This is the type of team where you need to run the ball 30+ plus to wear down that defense — and keep their explosive offense off the field.  Arizona is on the rise.  They’ve just beaten Seattle and the Giants ON THE ROAD.  They can beat everyone else on their schedule.  If they play like this, Super Bowl talk won’t be misguided.

Dallas 37, Atlanta 21. I cannot recall the last time I picked the Dallas Cowboys to win a big game before this week.  I picked them this week because I thought the team would have a solid defensive effort (they did).  I thought that Wade Phillips would be able to do some things against Matt Ryan that would cause problems (he did).  Ryan was 19-35 with two interceptions.  The Cowboys were able to get pressure and sack Ryan as well.  The Falcons have allowed Ryan to play with clean pockets for most of the season.  They have been able to run for decent yardage on early downs and convert 3rd downs by targeting Gonzalez and Roddy White.  Dallas took most of that away and forced the Falcons to play “Catch up” with the Dallas offense.  With the Falcons best corner (Brian Williams) done for the season, that was not a winning proposition for Atlanta.

The best defensive back in Dallas is Mike Jenkins.  He’s a baller.  He’s the guy they wish Terrance Newman was.

Besides, the Falcons never play well in Dallas!

Note to Dallas fans:  This game says more about the state of the Falcons than it does about the state of the Cowboys.  Don’t get too high about this one.  It doesn’t mean what you think it means.  Trust me.

Houston 24, San Francisco 21. Things are worse in San Francisco than I had imagined.   Okay, I did correctly predict that the Texans would score 24 points.  Hoorah!!  The problem is that I thought the 49ers would go for 30.  Alex Smith represented by Vernon Davis for 3 touchdowns in the game.  That’s good news for 49er fans.  Smith has always had more upside than Shaun Hill.  The problem for this team is that Frank Gore only had 13 carries.  They cannot win unless he’s at full strength and toting the rock for 20+ carries…and even then, they typically need to win the turnover battle.

The Texans appear to be a team still learning how to win close games.  This is still a very young team — and they don’t have much veteran leadership at key positions to really rally the defense.  The one player who fits this bill most closely, former New England Patriot Eugene Wilson, put the finishing touches on yesterday’s win over San Francisco.

THE BLOWOUTS!

Green Bay 31, Cleveland 3. Why Cleveland, why?  Why are you still in the NFL?

New England 35, Tampa Bay 7. Whoa, mercy, mercy me.  Things ain’t what they used to be, no, no.  Sing it Marvin.

San Diego 37, Kansas City 7. The Chargers need to use this game the way the Patriots need to use the Titans and Buccaneers games.  Rebounding with slump breakers.  It’s a tried and true tradition.

Indianapolis 42, St. Louis 6. Just one thought — Steven Jackson is…

Cincinnati 45, Chicago 10. There has to be an awful lot of head scratching going on in Chicago.  Last week, I wrote about how certain injuries can so significantly ravage a team that people go from talking about how good you are to how much you suck overnight.  What invariably happens is that a score like this causes people to think the Chicago Bears are worse than they are.  Yesterday, the Bears took the field WITHOUT Tommy Harris, without Brian Urlacher and without Hunter Hillenmeyer.  The Bears cannot stop the run or get consistent pressure without these players.  No team could be expected to play without their starting defensive tackle and two of their top 3 linebackers (Lance Briggs) and throttle the Bengals.

It bears repeating (no pun intended) that the last time the Bengals were this healthy, they went 13-3 and won the AFC North.  They did lose Antwaan Odom for the season, but as I said weeks ago, this team did get younger, stronger and faster on the defensive side of the ball.  Cedric Benson is a monster.  Chad Ochocinco is reminding the foolish media and the public that without a torn labrum, he is one of the top receivers in the entire NFL.  No one runs better routes…no one gets in and out of cuts quicker…and no one does more to take pressure off of his teammates.

When I picked Chicago to win this game, I was thinking that the Bears would find a way to get the ball to Forte and Olson through the air.  The Bears aren’t a bad team — they’re a depleted team — and they are in trouble.  I don’t believe they will be playing in the post-season this year.

New York Jets 38, Oakland 0. I admit I was fooled by the Raiders win over the Eagles last week.  I admit I was fooled by the Jets loss to the Bills last week.  I admit I was fooled by the Jets poor play, historically, in Oakland.  The Jets showed much of what allowed them to notch that surprising win vs. New England.  The Jets, though, lost Leon Washington.  That doesn’t have to be a fatal injury.  In fact, had the Jets not drafted Shonn Greene out of Iowa, every paper in the city would have led with an Obituary-style column on this game.

The Jets can run the ball.  With DeBrickashaw Ferguson, Alan Faneca and Nick Mangold, the Jets can get to the left side — and that means they can also work the middle and occasionally counter back to the right.  Thomas Jones and Greene give this team some nice options on the ground.  When Jerricho Cotchery returns, Mark Sanchez should feel right at home.

Imagine if Andy Reid had run the ball last week!

Question:  When was the last time that 6 teams lost by 4 or more touchdowns in one week?  (Will the Washington Redskins become number 7 this week?  What if the Detroit Lions didn’t have a bye?)

The Last and the Least

Buffalo 20, Carolina 9. Are the Carolina Panthers really going to allow quarterback Jake Delhomme to complete his contract with the team?  The Bills were plus 4 in the turnover battle (resulting in 17 points).  The Panthers allowed Delhomme to throw FORTY-FOUR PASSES.  The results:  325 yards, no touchdowns, 3 interceptions.  DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart only ran the ball 23 times, combined.

Someone is throwing games in Carolina.  Do you know this man?

Carolina Panther Offensive Coordinator - Jeff Davidson

By The Associated Press

SCOREBOARD

Monday, Oct. 26

Philadelphia at Washington (8:30 p.m. EDT). The Eagles look to rebound after last week’s loss to the  Raiders as they meet the turmoil-filled Redskins in an NFC East matchup.

STARS

Passing

— Brett Favre, Vikings, was 34 of 51 for 334 yards in Minnesota’s 27-17 loss to Pittsburgh, its first of the season.

— Tony Romo, Cowboys, was 21 of 29 for 311 yards and three touchdowns in Dallas’ 37-21 win over Atlanta.

— Tom Brady, Patriots, finished 23 for 32 for 308 yards and two touchdowns in New England’s 35-7 win over Tampa Bay.

— Carson Palmer, Bengals, was 20 of 24 and 233 yards and five touchdowns in Cincinnati’s 45-10 win over Chicago.

— Peyton Manning, Colts, was 23 of 34 yards for 235 yards and three touchdowns in Indianapolis’ 42-6 win over St. Louis.

Rushing

— Cedric Benson, Bengals, had 37 carries for a career-high 189 yards and a touchdown in Cincinnati’s 45-10 win over Chicago.

—Ryan Grant, Packers, had 27 carries for 148 yards and a touchdown in Green Bay’s 31-3 win over Cleveland.

— Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones, Jets. Greene ran for 144 yards and two scores, and Jones had 121 yards and a touchdown in New York’s 38-0 win over Oakland.

— Steven Jackson, Rams, finished with a season-best 134 yards in St. Louis’ 42-6 loss to Indianapolis.

Receiving

— Miles Austin, Cowboys, had six receptions for 171 yards and two touchdowns in Dallas’ 37-21 win over Atlanta.

— Vincent Jackson, Chargers, finished with five receptions for 142 yards and a touchdown in San Diego’s 37-7 win over Kansas City.

— Sidney Rice(notes), Vikings, had 11 catches for 136 yards in Minnesota’s 27-17 loss to Pittsburgh.

— Owen Daniels, Texans, finished with seven catches for 123 yards and a touchdown in Houston’s 24-21 win over San Francisco.

— Chad Ochocinco, Bengals, had 10 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns in Cincinnati’s 45-10 win over Chicago.

Special Teams

— Percy Harvin, Vikings, ran back a kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown in a 27-17 loss to Pittsburgh.

— Nick Folk, Cowboys, was 3 for 3 on field goals in Dallas’ 37-21 win over Atlanta.

— Nate Kaeding, Chargers, made three field goals in San Diego’s 37-7 win

Defense

— Calvin Pace, Jets, had three sacks in New York’s 38-0 win over Oakland.

— Darren Sharper, Saints, returned an interception 42 yards for a touchdown in New Orleans’ 46-34 win over Miami.

— Jairus Byrd, Bills, had two interceptions in Buffalo’s 20-9 win over Carolina.

—Brandon Meriweather, Patriots, had two interceptions and ran one back 39 yards for a touchdown in New England’s 35-7 win over Tampa Bay.

STREAKS

The Colts beat the Rams 42-6 for their 15th straight regular-season victory and set a franchise record with their eighth straight road victory. The Colts are 6-0 for the fourth time in five seasons. The Rams (0-7) lost their 17th straight regular-season game. … The Tampa Bay Buccaneers also fell to 0-7 on the season and saw their losing streak extended to 11 games overall. … The Chargers won their third in a row in Kansas City for the first time since 1981. The Chiefs have lost 10 straight at home. … The Browns have scored just four offensive touchdowns and 72 points all season.

MANY FOURTH-QUARTER RETURNS

The Vikings-Steelers game was the first in NFL history to feature three return touchdowns of 75 yards or longer in a fourth quarter. All three scores— two by Pittsburgh, one by Minnesota—came in the final 6 1/2 minutes of Pittsburgh’s 27-17 victory. LaMarr Woodley returned Brett Keisel forced fumble of Brett Favre 77 yards to push the Steelers’ lead to 20-10 with 6:23 remaining. Percy Harvin answered 14 seconds later with an 88-yard kickoff return. The Steelers completed the frantic fourth quarter by scoring on linebacker Keyaron Fox 82-yard return of an interception with one minute remaining.

MILESTONES

After gaining 318 yards rushing last week, the Jets became the sixth team to top 300 in consecutive games, and first since Buffalo did it in 1975. … San Francisco’s Michael Crabtree started in his NFL debut and had five receptions for 56 yards. … Cleveland’s Josh Cribbs (7,214) moved into 18th place in career return yards, passing Bruce Harper (7,191). … Saints PK John Carney became the fourth NFL player to score 2,000 points.

STATS

The Saints overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Miami 46-34 and remained the only unbeaten team in the NFC. They are off to their best start since 1991 … The Colts’ Dwight Freeney ran his sack streak to seven straight games—three off the NFL record. … Darren Sharper has 11 career interception return touchdowns, the second-most in NFL history behind Hall of Famer Rod Woodson’s 12. Sharper has three interception return touchdowns this season. … Pittsburgh hasn’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in its past 25 regular-season games. … Buffalo won its second straight despite being outgained 425-167 against Carolina. … The Bengals improved to 5-2 for the first time since 2005.

NO-FLY ZONE

Arizona’s 24-17 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday night was just the Cardinals’ third in 18 games at the Meadowlands. It was the Cardinals’ last regular-season visit to Giants Stadium, which will be replaced by a new Meadowlands stadium next season.

SIDELINED

New York Jets running back Leon Washington broke his right leg in the first quarter against the Oakland Raiders and underwent surgery after the game. Washington went down on his only carry when a defender rolled up on his right leg after a 6-yard run. Teammates said the bone broke through the skin, and it was visible on the field. Washington was helped off the field by two trainers and then taken away on a cart. He was diagnosed with a broken right fibula and underwent surgery immediately after the Jets’ 38-0 victory. The team said he would be out indefinitely. … Houston wide receiver Andre Johnson bruised his chest in the Texans’ 24-21 win over San Francisco, and coach Gary Kubiak said he was taken to a hospital to be examined. … New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis was forced from the game against Miami because of a sprained right knee.

SPEAKING

“I think it’s a privilege to come over here and get to enjoy this type of experience. It will probably never happen again for us, so we’ll retire 1-0 internationally.”—Patriots QB Tom Brady, whose team beat Tampa Bay 35-7 in Wembley Stadium.

“I don’t think we could have beaten an Oakland high school team today.” Raiders defensive lineman  Richard Seymour after a 38-0 loss to the New York Jets. Earlier in the week, Seymour said the Raiders would make the playoffs.

A few thoughts on the Week 7 game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Pittsburgh Steelers, both from an on-field perspective and a fantasy football perspective. The Steelers took advantage of two defensive touchdowns to hand the Vikings their first loss 27-17.

On-field perspective
*Playing without CB Antoine Winfield will really hurt the Vikings. They looked really vulnerable late in last week’s game against the Ravens, and this week the Steelers were able to find some holes in the secondary, especially to rookie Mike Wallace. Winfield’s absence is especially noticeable because the depth with Benny Sapp, Karl Paymah, and rookie Asher Allen is less than ideal.
*The Steelers are now a pass-first team, not a run-first team. They showed as much on a third-quarter possession where they got first-and-goal at the 8-yard line and tried two passes (along with a busted play). The next time the Steelers got an and-goal situation, Rashard Mendenhall fumbled on first down after diving to get over the 5-yard line, not the goal line. Ben Roethlisberger is having a great year, and that’s not just a benefit for the Steelers – it’s a necessity. They can’t win without him moving the ball via the air.
*Mendenhall has taken over as the Steelers’ running back, and that’s not really a good thing. Mendenhall’s straight-up running style isn’t ideal for inside runs, and he’s lacking as a blocker and a receiver. He’s just not a special back. He looked good on off-tackle runs and tosses against the Vikes but not so great on inside runs. His total of 69 yards on 10 carries shows that lack of consistency. The difference between Mendenhall and an elite back like Adrian Peterson is staggering. Even the old-school Steelers combo of Fast Willie Parker and the Bus Jerome Bettis offered much more than Mendenhall can at this point.
*While the Steelers are a pass-first team, the most special thing Vikings is Peterson. When he gets going, he can carry the team. Plus, he can run over guys, like he did with William Gay in the two-minute drill at the end of the game. He’s the X-factor that takes the Vikings from good to great. Brett Favre (aka Spanx) can’t carry the team, although he can help. But Favre needs to be the spice, not the entree. The fact that the Vikings threw twice on and-goal plays from the 1-yard-line in the third quarter (and had to settle for a field goal) is almost criminal. Then Favre’s fumble in the red zone in the fourth quarter led to Lamarr Woodley’s defensive touchdown. The Steelers’ second defensive TD by Keyaron Fox wasn’t Favre’s fault, but the first was.
*One of the most fascinating things about the game was Favre’s propensity to look for rookie Percy Harvin on third-down plays. He targeted Harvin on at least six third-down throws in the first half, and it paid off with a 28-yard gain that sparked the Vikes’ first scoring drive. That’s a vital role for a guy with just seven games of pro experience, but it speaks to how dangerous and prepared Harvin truly is. Harvin isn’t just a dangerous kickoff returner, as he showed with his second return TD of the season, he’s also an effective receiver.
*Wide receiver Bernard Berrian was a big-money signee by the Vikings just two offseasons ago, but he’s becoming less and less relevant in the offense. He had fallen behind Harvin and Sidney Rice in the receiving pecking order even before he suffered a first-half hamstring injury. The Vikings look to Berrian scheme-wise to try to get a big play out of him, and he’s capable of doing that, but they don’t appear to rely on him on conversion plays. That’s the role of a speciality player, not a stalwart. It’s not a coincidence that Rice had 11 catches for 136 yards, not to mention a touchdown that was called back, because Rice is the Vikings’ No. 1 wideout.
*Vikings DT Kevin Williams might be the most underrated defensive tackle in the league. We hear a lot about DE Jared Allen, who is a force, while we lump Kevin in with Pat as the Williams wall. Pat Williams is a big run-stuffer, but Kevin Williams is more than that. He’s a penetrator inside who can also make plays in space. Don’t sleep on him.
*On the other side of the ledger, it’s clear that S Troy Polamalu is what makes the Steelers’ secondary special. When he was out, Pittsburgh looked vulnerable. But with Polamalu back in there, there’s suddenly fewer holes and more danger for opposing passing games. That’s the sign of an impact player.
*One young player who adds a lot to the Pittsburgh offense is rookie wideout Wallace, who had 91 total yards and a touchdown. Wallace has speed and he’s already proving to be dependable in big spots. It seems like he makes big plays every week, as he did twice in the two-minute drill at the end of the first half. He’s an outstanding third receiver for Pittsburgh.
*Minnesota has two rookies playing prominent roles in Harvin and ORT Phil Loadholt, who is very appropriately named. Loadholt and Bryant McKinnie, his fellow tackle, take gigantic to another level. But the best player on the line is OLG Steve Hutchinson, whose false-start penalty in the fourth quarter was his first flag in 27 games. That’s consistency from a guy who’s also a great blocker for the run and the pass. No wonder the Vikings made him the highest-paid guard in the league.

Fantasy Football perspective
*While we don’t like Mendenhall’s running style, as long as he’s the starter he’s still a top-25 running back. He’s going to compile enough numbers to be a solid fantasy starter, but you can’t count on him to carry your team.
*Roethlisberger is a top-10 fantasy quarterback, while Favre is outside of that tier. Favre threw for 334 yards in this game, but that total was padded by two late drives in comeback mode. Meanwhile, Roethlisberger’s solid day was probably about as bad a fantasy day as he can have, and if that’s the case he’s a solid starter.
*What we’re seeing about Berrian’s role should be a big red flag to fantasy owners, even bigger than his injury in this game. At this point, I’d take both Rice and Harvin over Berrian in fantasy leagues – and that would be the case even if Berrian were healthy.
*For Pittsburgh, Hines Ward and Santonio Holmes remain above Wallace in the fantasy pecking order, but Wallace is a top-40 wideout going forward. He’s a nice sleeper play, especially against a bad passing D or a defense who is missing a major player like the Vikings’ was. Ward didn’t have a big game in this one, while Holmes had 59 yards.
*We raved about TEs Heath Miller of Pittsburgh and Visanthe Shiancoe of Minnesota in this post last week. Even though neither had a huge game in this one, we stick by our recommendations of both to fantasy owners.

FIRST QUARTER
- Patriots(D/ST) Patriots (S)Brandon Meriweather **39 Yard Interception Return for a TD**
- Colts (QB)Peyton Manning passes to (WR)Reggie Wayne for a TD
- Chargers (QB)Philip Rivers passes to (WR)Malcom Floyd for a TD
- Texans (RB)Steve Slaton rushes for a TD
- Colts (QB)Peyton Manning passes to (TE)Dallas Clark for a TD
- Patriots (QB)Tom Brady passes to (WR)Wes Welker for a TD
- Chargers (QB)Philip Rivers passes to (WR)Vincent Jackson for a TD

SECOND QUARTER
- Packers (QB)Aaron Rodgers passes to (LB)Spencer Havner for a TD
- Texans (QB)Matt Schaub passes to (RB)Steve Slaton for a TD
- Patriots (QB)Tom Brady passes to (WR)Sam Aiken for a TD
- Packers (QB)Aaron Rodgers passes to (WR)Donald Driver for a TD
- Vikings (RB)Adrian Peterson rushes for a TD
- Texans (QB)Matt Schaub passes to (TE)Owen Daniels for a TD
- Colts (RB)Joseph Addai rushes for a TD
- Packers (RB)Ryan Grant rushes for a TD
- Buccaneers (QB)Josh Johnson passes to (WR)Antonio Bryant for a TD
- Steelers (QB)Ben Roethlisberger passes to (WR)Mike Wallace for a TD

THIRD QUARTER
- Patriots (QB)Tom Brady passes to (TE)Ben Watson for a TD
- 49ers (QB)Alex Smith passes to (TE)Vernon Davis for a TD
- Chiefs (QB)Matt Cassel passes to (WR)Dwayne Bowe for a TD
- Chargers (QB)Philip Rivers passes to (RB)Darren Sproles for a TD
- Colts(D/ST) Colts (CB)Jacob Lacey **35 Yard Interception Return for a TD**

FOURTH QUARTER
- 49ers (QB)Alex Smith passes to (TE)Vernon Davis for a TD
- Packers (QB)Aaron Rodgers passes to (WR)James Jones for a TD
- Patriots (RB)Laurence Maroney rushes for a TD
- Colts (QB)Peyton Manning passes to (WR)Austin Collie for a TD
- Steelers(D/ST) Steelers (LB)LaMarr Woodley **77 Yard Fumble Recovery for a TD**
- Chargers(D/ST) Chargers (FB)Jacob Hester **Recovered Fumble in End Zone**
- Vikings(D/ST) Vikings (WR/KR)Percy Harvin **88 Yard Kickoff Return for TD**
- 49ers (QB)Alex Smith passes to (TE)Vernon Davis for a TD
- Colts (RB)Chad Simpson rushes for a TD
- Steelers(D/ST) Steelers (LB)Keyaron Fox **82 Yard Interception Return for a TD**

Why is this man smiling? Why, it’s coach Ligashesky and he just got yet another special teams toy to play with.

If free agency is any indication then I have to conclude that the Steelers believe that Special Teams last season was the weakest link. Steelers fans and non-Steelers fans would agree that ST’s have been a glaring weakness for some time, especially this season but the consensus seemed to be that the OL and DL were the weakest of the weak spots.

Or maybe the Steelers simply believe that Special Teams is much easier to address through free agency then the other two needy areas.

 While the Steelers have done next to nothing, in comparison to other free spending teams, it seems that their approach has been rather surgical as opposed to supplementing and band-aiding the trouble spots. Three of the Steelers FA signings will have a major impact on ST’s this season. Andre Frazier an almost exclusive special teamer was resigned, Mewelde Moore could very well handle both punt and kick off returns and had great success in Minnesota and finally, Keyaron Fox, a LB from KC was just signed to provide depth but mainly to be a special teamer.