NFL Preview: Week 5

    This week brought us the end to the Scott Linehan era in St. Louis, and unfortunately, the Lane Kiffin era in Oakland (if for nothing more than comedic relief).  Linehan's firing went without much fanfare, and he will be replaced by Jim Haslett, hardly an improvement judging by his days in New Orleans.  The Raiders, and specifically Al Davis (or as he is becoming known around the Internet, C. Montgomery Burns), turned Kiffin's firing into a personal witch hunt.  Davis held a lengthy press conference where he laid out his grievances against Kiffin, and announced Tom Cable, who looks like a bum out of the stands (at this point, it wouldn't surprise me if they would be the only people willing to coach/play second fiddle to Davis in this franchise) as the new head coach.  And by the end of the day, Davis had succeeded in throwing the following people/organizations under the bus:
a. Lane Kiffin
b. Chris Mortensen
c. Mike Shanahan and the Broncos (seeing the pure joy of Shanahan using a press conference to criticize his former boss this week was gold)
d. Bill Belichick and the Patriots

I thought we were an NFL organization here, not a bunch of teenage girls?  On to this week's action, which is shaping up to be a great weekend of football:


GAME OF THE WEEK: Redskins at Eagles
The calendar may have switched over from September to October, but the NFC East is still going to be the focal point of many of this season's biggest games.  Philadelphia was noticeably crippled without Brian Westbrook in Chicago on Sunday night, and his status is up in the air for this contest.  They can ill afford to fall to 2-3, presumably two games behind Washington and Dallas, and two and half back of the Giants.  Washington, meanwhile, played a perfect game offensively in Dallas.  As much as it pains this Cowboys fan to say that, it is the truth.  I am sure Jim Johnson will have some interesting blitz packages lined up to make it more difficult than Wade Phillips and Brian Stewart's lack of defensive coaching innovation, so Jason Campbell won't have it as easy as he did a week ago.  I'll take the Eagles at home, Westbrook or no Westbrook. 


Other top contests


Titans at Ravens
While the blogosphere was complaining about how "boring" the Baltimore-Pittsburgh game was, that is TRUE football.  Lining up at the line of scrimmage, finding the ball carrier, and knocking the living hell out of them.  Nothing like a hard-hitting defensive showdown if you ask me (even though I share an equal love of offense).  Expect more of the same in this contest.  I was impressed with Joe Flacco on Monday night, and he will be in for another tough contest against the Tennessee defense.  The Titans, meanwhile, are clicking on all cylinders: they can run the ball, throw effectively enough to win, and create turnovers which in turn leads to even more points.  Look for a gift or two from Flacco on Sunday, and a Titans' victory. 

Seahawks at Giants
Seattle is probably really thankful that Plaxico Burress got himself suspended for this game, because that increases their chances of winning.  It won't be easy, considering the talent on the Giants and 3,000-mile trip east.  But this is a team that needs to come out and make a statement after two poor performances and a drubbing of the Rams.  Anybody can pound St. Louis.  Let's see what they do against actual competition.  Matt Hasselbeck should have Deion Branch and Bobby Engram back in the passing game, which would be a huge help after working with every Manny, Moe, and Jack the first three weeks of the season.  But they need to be able to run the ball to alleviate some of the pressure that will be coming from the New York defense. 

Buccaneers at Broncos
Denver's defense very well may be their downfall.  Geez...how do you give up 33 to Kansas City?  They very well may make Brian Griese look like a Hall of Famer this Sunday.  But as long as they have Jay Cutler throwing to Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and Brandon Stokley, the Broncos should be able to keep themselves in games.  Even if the final score is along the lines of 41-38.  Tampa's defense can create turnovers and quarterback pressure (what else is new?), so it would probably be in the Broncos' best interest to toughen up on defense this week.  It is unlikely the offense will be able to move the ball at will. 

Bills at Cardinals
Arizona gave up 56 points to the Bretts a week ago, and while the Bills are not what I'd call a high-octane offense, that has to be music to Dick Jauron's ears.  This is one of the most intriguing games of the weekend, and outside of the Buffalo and Phoenixmarkets, unless you have Sunday Ticket, too bad because CBS doesn't want you to see it.  Which is a shame, because I may be a Cowboys fan, but I'd rather watch this game then what very well may turn into a blowout against Cincinnati (I'm not predicting that per se, but let's face it, the Bengals are terrible). 

Steelers at Jaguars (Sunday night)
Jacksonville won twice at Heinz Field a year ago, so let's see if the Steelers can return the favor in the Sunshine State in this early season clash.  Pittsburgh's offense still had its struggles at times against Baltimore, and Jacksonville won't provide much relief.   With the running back core decimated by injury, Ben Roethlisberger becomes that much more important.   The Jaguars seem to have found footing after their 0-2 start, but you really are not hearing much about them in the national media.  This is one of their few opportunities to show off to a national audience in 2008, so they better take full advantage of it. 


And the rest...


Colts at Texans
Houston finally gets to host a 2008 regular season game, and after a tough loss in Jacksonville, the Texans really need to come out and save the sinking ship that is their season.  Indy, meanwhile, has had a bye week to sort through their difficulties on defense and the offensive line, but with Bob Sanders out yet again, this will probably turn into a shootout. 

Chiefs at Panthers
I think last week's 33-point effort finally got Herm Edwards to give up on the Tyler Thigpen and Brodie Croyle experiments in favor of Damon Huard.  This week, they visit a Carolina team that is 3-1 and likes to run the ball.  Therein lies the problem: the Chiefs have a suspect run defense, and will probably easily lose the time of possession battle. 

Chargers at Dolphins
This week's interesting stat: the last time the Chargers won in Miami was that epic 1982 AFC playoff game, where Dan Fouts led San Diego to a 41-38 overtime victory.   I don't think we'll see that much scoring in this contest, but don't be surprised if both running backs put on a display for the fans.  I never knew Ronnie Brown could throw the football.
 
Bears at Lions
The post-Matt Millen era begins with a divisional game against the Bears at Ford Field.  Will the fansriot out of pure happiness?  Probably not, because the current product on the field is still a mess, especially on defense.  Kyle Orton may not be Peyton Manning, but he can dissect the Lions' secondary.  And Matt Forte should have a field day running the ball. 

Falcons at Packers
It will be interesting to see if the Lambeau faithful have a shorter leash for Aaron Rodgers this Sunday after two consecutive losses where he, nor the team, were very impressive.  At least they are playing Atlanta, but they should not count this as a win just yet.  With the Packers' secondary banged up, Roddy White could have a field day.  Matt Ryan has already taken a liking to the receiver. 

Bengals at Cowboys
If you like egotistical, self-centered wide receivers, this is your game my friend.  Perhaps Ocho Cinco should change his name back because he has not performed well this season.  As for the other sideline, TO has been in the news all week concerning a lack of touches against Washington.  Versus this terrible defense, Tony Romo and Jason Garrett should be able to keep him smiling. 

Patriots at 49ers
Belichick and his staff have had two weeks to come up with a suitable gameplan for the Niners after the poor performance in all phases of the game against Miami.  This isn't the easy win that it would have been for the 2007 Pats.  O'Sullivan and the San Francisco offense have really taken off under Mike Martz. 

Vikings at Saints (Monday night)
Both Minnesota and New Orleans were projected in the preseason to be playoff contenders, and at least for the Vikings, they have been a major disappointment.  Facing the Saints' defense, the passing game should get on track behind Gus Frerotte, but if they are unable to slow down Drew Brees, it is going to be a long, long ride back to the Land of 10000 Lakes at 1-4.