Tiffany – Thanks to the winter storm I lost power and had to watch the majority of the games on my iPad (Thank you, Steve Jobs). Watching the Rams upset as a drive chart online wasn’t as exciting as it could’ve been, but once I sought refuge in Long Island, I did get to see my Steelers play the Patriots. Old and slow defense? I think not. Bring on Baltimore!!!
Nick – Well, after the Rams and Dolphins looked a lot better this week, it appears the Colts are the clear favorites to win the Andrew Luck sweepstakes with the league’s worst record. And despite going all-in on New Orleans this week, starting three Saints in fantasy and getting destroyed, I have to admit that it’s good to see the Rams and Steven Jackson come alive. But how about that college football game on Saturday night? USC-Stanford was a classic. The Colts and the rest of the country got a good look at Luck, who just wills his team to victory. What a game to plead his Heisman case. USC quarterback Matt Barkley was also impressive so look out for him too NFL.
Christian Ponder (AP)
Dave – This current crop of rookie quarterbacks continues to impress. Cam Newton gets all the headlines and with good reason. He’s re-writing the record books for rookie QBs and posted 3 more touchdowns this week. Andy Dalton has been superb in Cincinnati, and is a big part of their 5-2 start. His numbers are comparable to what Palmer provided last year, and better than last year’s Rookie of the Year, Sam Bradford. Minnesota fans must be Pondering “what if” Christian was inserted sooner. His numbers aren’t huge, but his mobility and ability to convert 3rd downs has provided a spark to the offense. Is there even room in the NFL’s roster of star quarterbacks for a few more?
Cara – Trick: The end of the Patriots/Steelers game.
Treat: The entire 4 quarters of last night’s Sunday Night Football.
Fred Jackson (AP)
Jon – Who are the 5-2 Buffalo Bills? I am a Bills fanatic and sometimes I even have to look at the depth chart to see who’s making these plays. Here’s the Bills starting lineup from Sunday and where they came from.
Offense
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick – 2009 Free Agent; 7th round draft pick in 2005 out of Harvard
RB Fred Jackson – Signed to the Bills practice squad in 2006; Previously played in the United Indoor Football League and NFL Europa
WR Steve Johnson – 2008 7th round pick
WR David Nelson – 2010 Undrafted Free Agent
TE Scott Chandler – Claimed off waivers in 2010
LT Andy Levitre – 2008 2nd round pick
LG Chad Rinehart – Signed to the practice squad in 2010
C Eric Wood – 2009 1st round pick
RG Kraig Urbik – Claimed off waivers in 2010
RT Erik Pears – 2010 Free Agent; Signed by the Broncos as an undrafted free agent in 2005
Bills Defense (AP)
Defense
RE Alex Carrington – 2010 3rd round pick
NT Marcell Dareus – Rookie; 2011 1st round pick
DE Dwan Edwards – 2010 Free Agent; 2nd round pick by Baltimore in 2004
OLB Chris Kelsay -2003 2nd round pick; Converted to LB from DE
ILB Kelvin Sheppard – Rookie; 2011 3rd round pick
ILB Nick Barnett – Signed as a free agent in 2011 after a 8 years with the Packers
OLB Spencer Johnson – 2008 Free Agent, Signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2004
CB Terrence McGee – 2003 4th round pick
CB Drayton Florence – Signed as a free agent in 2009 after a disappointing season in Jacksonville
SS George Wilson – Signed to Bills practice squad in 2004
FS Jairus Byrd – 2009 2nd round pick
Is there a more blue-collar roster in the NFL? I think not.