Tuesday Morning Running Back Week Eight: London Calling and Lions Falling

I must admit that I'm not too keen on the idea of globalizing American sports in foreign countries.

After all, most Europeans idea of a good football game is watching Manchester United and Chelsea kick a white ball around for 90 minutes. They will never go for this so-called Americanized football.

But perhaps Roger Godel is on to something. After all, he was smart enough to showcase two strong offensive teams in the Chargers and the Saints, and they did not disappoint.

In front of 83,226 screaming and interested fans at London's Wembley Stadium, Drew Brees and Phillip Rivers put on a aeriel show that was more captivating than a fourth of July fireworks display.

Both teams totaled more than 400 yards in total offense, and despite the fact that both teams have not met their expectations, they gave London something to cheer about.

Maybe the Saints were the more desperate team, with four players now suspended for violating the league's substance abuse policy, and a need to become relevant in the NFC before it's too late.

Brees responded to the challenge by picking apart the Chargers vulnerable secondary for 339 yards passing and three touchdown passes.

Rivers was just as good, throwing for 342 yards and two scores, but was dogged by 12 penalties and an errant pass to Jonathan Vilma that sealed San Diego's fate.

Perhaps this game will spark interest in our version of football. Word is there might be a game in Scotland next year.

I can't wait to see a Scotsman wearing a kilt embodied with the logo of an NFL team while munching on haggis.

It is now time for me to comment on some of the other games that took place stateside. Onto the bullets!

• Well the Raiders had 35 total yards of offense in the first half again the Ravens. Apparently, it wasn't just Lane Kiffin's fault.
• Prior to Sunday, Jason Campbell hadn't thrown a pick or caused a fumble in a game this year. When he fumbled against the Lions, many Redskin fans thought it was time to panic, But Santana Moss saved the day, with touchdowns receiving and on a punt return. Hail to the Redskins.
• Memo to the few Lions fans left: The 1976 Buccaneers may soon have company if you know what I mean.
• That goes for you too Bengals fans.
• He may have thrown three interceptions to the lowly Chiefs. He may have had an interception returned for a touchdown. He may have finally received his proper New York welcome with a chorus of boos, but Brett Favre still knows how to engineer a fourth quarter comeback even at his advanced age.
• Speaking of welcomes, Ted Ginn finally introduced his talent to Dolphins fans catching 175 yards worth of passes and leading the Fish to a victory over the Bills.
• The mantra of the Patriots fan is in Bill we trust. The defense may have given up 301 yards over the air, and the offense may have had an unproven running back, but the Patriots came through at the end.
• Long shot prediction: The Rams Donnie Avery is the NFL's offensive rookie of the year.
• Credit the Panthers for coming back from 14 down to beat the Cardinals, but they caught a break on the go-ahead score as Steve Smith clearly stepped out of bounds.
• Roddy White is truly the hidden gem among receivers for fantasy owners. I'm sure owners who have him are thrilled this week.
• The Eagles have never lost a game coming off a bye week under Andy Reid, of course it didn't to have that Westbrook guy return to form to keep the streak alive.
• If you think the Cowboys are the same team without Tony Romo under center, you probably think Howard the Duck was the greatest movie ever made.
• Whoops of the week goes to the Bucs defense, who committed four penalties in their own territory to set up the game-winning score for the Cowboys.
• Memo to Reverend Singletary new coach of the 49er's, you may hit people in the mouth, and not be charitable, but you can't execute for sure, and you won't execute until your offense has talent.
• Who's willing to bet that Mike Singletary's post-game press conference will go down with Dennis Green's Bears tirade and Jim Mora's playoffs rant in NFL lore?
• The Bengals are now 0-8 for the fifth time in their history and the fifth time since 1991. I don't think Sam Wyche could even turn it around now.
• How do you think Jaguars WR Matt Jones feels today? If David Garrard had just thrown a catachable ball to him on one of the two passes he threw his way on the final two play of the game,the Jaguars would have won.
• When you're the number one defense in the NFL, and record five sacks, and four interceptions, it isn't surprising that the Giants beat the Steelers. However, what is surprising, is that the game was a close one.
• How much more whining is Tom Coughlin going to put up with? Plaxico Burress is talented, but he is also a cancer, and the Giants proved they could win against good teams without him. I'd try to trade him, I wouldn't cut him because he'll probably end up in Jerry Jones's  clutches.
• The Colts really needed that one last night. I fear their five-year streak of division titles has come to an end.
• Next week, the Patriots play the Colts and Big D goes to the Big Apple, see you next week for all of my analysis.