NFL Week 6 Observations

Obviously the big storyline from Week 6 was the numerous head-to-head collisions that prompted the NFL to crack down on these hits with suspensions and even in-game ejections.  While the defensive players have complained loudly about this, I felt none of the disciplined plays were legal hits.  It will certainly be interesting to see how this plays out the rest of the season and into the future.

After Week 6 my top four teams (first to fourth) are: the New York Jets, Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.  Interesting, no NFC teams there. 

GAMES I WATCHED

New England Patriots over Baltimore Ravens, 23-20 (OT)

This week the New England Patriots welcomed back a familiar face, wide receiver Deion Branch, MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX.  Much was made the past few weeks about the departure of Randy Moss to Minnesota and how the Patriots would fare without his deep-threat capabilities.  The Patriots offense was clearly somewhat different.  I don’t think I saw one deep throw to loosen up the defense, something you always saw with Moss in the lineup.  Instead, New England used a shorter passing game that mostly worked. 

Baltimore got up early on New England, aided by a few penalties and shaky play by New England’s rookie cornerbacks.  But in the second half New England’s defense played much better, allowing the offense to tie the game and get to overtime.  Deion Branch seemed to pick up right where he left off five years ago, when he departed New England for Seattle. I was somewhat surprised he was so much part of the game plan after only about two weeks with the team. 

Having watched the game with Baltimore Ravens fans, the silence at the end of the game was golden.

MVP: Deion Branch, WR

Minnesota Vikings over Dallas Cowboys, 24-21

Dallas is one of those teams that people either love or hate, and I have always been a Dallas hater, especially with the obnoxious Jerry Jones as the owner.  I love seeing this team at 1-5. 

I feel a bit sorry for Wade Phillips, though.  I think he is a solid defensive coordinator and has always been a bit out of his depth as a head coach.  But he is not in a good position in Dallas. It has become clear he doesn’t really control the team, Jerry Jones does.  And Jason Garrett. 

I find it ironic that the so-called head-coach-in-waiting is really a significant part of the problem with this talented but dysfunctional offense.  The Cowboys defense, run by Philips, has played reasonably well, although they certainly have had problems with their defensive backfield.  But a terrible offensive line, mistakes by Romo and a generally undisciplined offensive team are the reasons for the Cowboys’ predicament.

This game was decided by two Romo interceptions and a Percy Harvin kickoff return for a touchdown in the second half that ended up deciding the game.  The turnovers stopped decent Dallas drives, and the special-teams score was critical for a struggling Minnesota offense.

It is great seeing Vikings linebacker E.J. Henderson playing at such a high level after suffering a gruesome broken femur last year.  In fact, he is having a career year.  While Harvin’s kickoff return for a touchdown was a key play in the game, Henderson’s two interceptions were critical in stopping the Dallas offense.

MVP: E.J. Henderson, LB

Indianapolis Colts over Washington Redskins, 27-24

The Redskins are a greatly improved team this year under Mike Shanahan, but they basically gave this game away to the Colts.  Cornerback Carlos Rogers dropped two would-be interceptions in the first half that would have given the Redskins great field position and may have turned the game in their favor.  When you don’t take advantage of uncharacteristic mistakes by Peyton Manning, that usually spells doom.

On the flip side, the Redskins moved the ball reasonably well. But the bad Donovan McNabb showed up too often with inaccurate passes and two interceptions.  This allowed the struggling Colts to escape with a win.

Pierre Garcon certainly showed up for the game.  His unbelievable one-handed grab with his off hand twisting in the air was the play of the week in the NFL.

MVP: Pierre Garcon, WR

Tennessee Titans over Jacksonville Jaguars, 30-3

I find all NFL games intrinsically interesting, regardless of the score, but I have to admit, by the middle of the third quarter I was utterly bored with this game.  The Jacksonville Jaguars embarrassed themselves on Monday Night Football in front of their home fans.  The Jaguars didn’t even show up.  It’s hard to say how good Tennessee was or wasn’t in this game because they had a group of patsies in front of them that didn’t compete. 

It’s also easy to see why Tennessee has kept veteran quarterback Kerry Collins on the roster.  Vince Young was injured early in the game, and Collins came out and gave a proficient, professional performance.

MVP:  Kerry Collins, QB

PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Offensive Player:  Chris Ivory, RB, New Orleans Saints
Defensive Player:  E.J. Henderson, LB, Minnesota Vikings
Offensive Lineman:  Jeff Saturday, C, Indianapolis Colts
Special Teams:  Percy Harvin, KR/WR, Minnesota Vikings
Rookie of the Week:  Chris Ivory, RB, New Orleans Saints