NFL Round Up, Week 9

Photos Courtsey AP

Big Game
Indianapolis Colts 40, New England Patriots 21
It was all business for Indianapolis Monday night as Peyton Manning led the Colts on six lengthy scoring drives and kept them perfect through eight games. Edgerrin James ran for 104 yards on 34 carries and Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne each had over 100 yards receiving. Manning finished with 321 yards and three touchdowns. The Colts remain the only unbeaten team in the NFL.

Big Upset
No real big upsets this week. I really thought the Ravens had a good chance to knock off the Bengals but give Cincinnati credit for not being upset. I guess the closest thing we had to an upset on Sunday was the Browns over the Titans. Granted the Titans are not world beaters but the Bowns lost to the Texans last week.

Reuben Droughns ran for 116 yards and caught a huge 51 yard pass on third down. Phil Dawson’s two field goals were the difference in the 20-14 win for the Browns.

Worst Game
Carolina Panthers 34, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 14
Chris Gamble scored on a 61 yard interception return as Chris Simms showed the NFL world what the people in Big 12 country knew. He stinks!

Stephen Davis ran for two touchdowns and Steve Smith caught his 9th touchdown, passing Steve Largent for ninth in career receptions, to aid the Panthers in their victory.

Benson a no-show
Saints owner Tom Benson his holding to his promise to never return to Baton Rouge, LA, he was not present for the Saints 20-17 loss to the Chicago Bears. In an e-mail sent to league commissioner Paul Tagliabue Benson said that he would not return to games in Baton Rouge because his trip there for the Saints Dolphins game was a “total disaster” and that he and his family members could have been injured or killed.

No T.O. in Team
The Eagles have given T.O. the boot and I have just become an Eagles fan. Look for Philly to have more team chemistry and be more focused now that the cancer has been removed. Would you play with T.O.? Make sure to vote in this week's poll.

Conference Rankings
NFC East 20-12
NFC South 19-14
AFC West 19-14
AFC North 18-15
AFC South 16-17
NFC West 14-18
AFC East 12-20
NFC North 12-20

Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins lost to the Atlanta Falcons 17-10 in a game that was closer than I thought it would be. Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams combined for 119 rushing yards and a touchdown. Miami had the ball for less than 24 minutes and was shut out in the second half.

The key for the Falcons victory was their 11 of 17 conversion rate on third down. The Dolphins were 0 for 9 on third down.

Miami had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter when they reached the Falcons 8 yard line but Gus Frerotte was intercepted by Keion Carpenter. Now there is talk in South Florida about giving Sage Rosenfels a chance to play quarterback.

Looking Ahead to Next Week

Big Game
St. Louis @ Seattle
If the Seahawks win this game they could run away with the division. They already have a two game lead on the Rams and three games could be too tough to overcome. Look for Seattle to use Alexander to keep the Rams defense on the field and their offense off.
Prediction: Seattle 27/St. Louis 17

Possible Upset
Minnesota @ NY Giants
I believe the Vikings are a different team with Brad Johnson at quarterback and I believe that the Giants are getting just a little too cocky. Look for Minnesota to humble them a little on Sunday.
Prediction: Minnesota 31/Giants 28

Bye: Cincinnati, San Diego, New Orleans, Tennessee