Hands up, everyone who thought Drew Brees could pass for a half century against the Bengals and lose. Still, however many of you fall into that category, you’re probably a bigger party than those who counted on Chad Johnson (above) having an insane last two weeks (17 catches, 450 yards, 5 TD’s against San Diego and New Orleans respectively) after an especially quiet start to ’06. If the past fortnight is any gauge, Charlie Frye is going to have the game of his life next Sunday. While watching Carson Palmer and Ocho Cinco tear up the Browns’ D, however.
NBC might have the advantage of the NFL’s flexible scheduling, but there’s no guarantee the contests will be competitive. So with that in mind, the Peacock Network got their money’s worth tonight. San Diego beat Denver, 35-27, as L.T. had yet another fantastic game (4 TD’s, 179 yards total offense) and the Pseudo-Snake struggled, all-too typically (13 for 28 passing, 1 INT, a fumble after getting creamed by Shaun Phillips with 24 seconds remaining). The Jay Culter Era starts right about…now.
Da Bears pitched a shutout in the Swamp earlier today, despite Rex Grossman being about as effective as Rex Smith. Newsday’s Mark La Monica has more on his mind than Gang Green’s young coach engaging in secret handshakes.
I respect Eric Mangini’s coaching cajones, but an onside kick to start the second half against Chicago is just not wise. Despite leading the NFL in points per game with 33.7 coming into Sunday, the Bears remarkably have no ability to score points on offense. Why give them the ball in your own territory to start the second half? Plus, isn’t that one of the more obvious times to expect an onside kick?