Lessons Learned in NFL's Week 4...
By Scott Burks
Here are my thoughts on Week 4 in
the NFL...
Rashard Mendenhall's performance Sunday Night
marked the end of "Fast" Willie Parker
in Pittsburgh. Who was that guy running the ball for my Steelers
Sunday night, and what did he do with Mendenhall? On the serious tip,
Mendenhall's big night (165 yards and two TDs) not only has revived the
Steelers' moribund running game, but may have spelled the end of the Parker
era in Pittsburgh. Parker had some productive years as a Steeler, but
his injuries have caught up to him and he appears to be a little tentative
in hitting the holes. As for Mendenhall, let's see if he keeps the
party going against the Detroit Lions this weekend...
The New Orleans Saints are shaping out to be
the best in the NFC.
These Saints are looking scarier by the week. For the second
consecutive week, the Saints scored an impressive win despite an off-day
from their high-powered offense. Their defense found a way to get it
done AGAIN. Free safety Darren Sharper (who is also my wife's
dreamboat) had two more interceptions, returning the first 99 yards for a
touchdown. The Saints' front seven have been making plays as well,
sacking Jets QB Mark Sanchez in the end zone and harassing him the entire
game.
I've always maintained that the Saints' D
needed to only finish in the top 15 for the team to be a playoff contender.
The Saints' D may end up being better than a top 15 talent when it's all
said and done.
The AFC and
NFC North looks to be the toughest divisions in football.
How 'bout the conferences' North divisions? In the AFC North, the
Ravens and Bengals are tied for the lead at 3-1, my Steelers in second at
2-2. The NFC North has the Vikings at 4-0, followed by the Bears at
3-1 and Packers at 2-2. Sure both divisions' last-place teams stink
(especially the Browns), but those divisions are stacking up well against
the other divisions at the moment. Sure the NFC East still has the
edge, but look for the AFC and NFC North divisions to make some serious
noise throughout the season.
It's time for the Titans to give Vince Young a
look.
The Titans are not likely to return to the
playoffs. They are 0-4, and they are trailing the first place
Indianapolis Colts by four games. It's time to end the Kerry Collins
era and start Vince Young back at QB. Hell, what else do the Titans
have to lose? They already know what Collins can and cannot do at this
point, and their season appears to be a wash. I know this much: if the
Titans do not win their next game against the Colts (they probably won't),
they'll have know choice to see what Young can bring to the table.
It's time for the NFL to put a skirt on Tom
Brady.
I figured the NFL will enforce quarterback safety this season, but not to
the point of insanity. Those roughing the passer calls on the Ravens
last Sunday -- particularly the one where Terrell Suggs brushed Tom Brady's
knees -- were shameful. I understand that QBs such as Ben
Roethlisberger, Peyton Manning, and Drew Brees are the cash cows of the NFL,
but c'mon guys IT'S FOOTBALL! Brady himself needs to be ashamed.
If he's not careful, some guys will start calling him "gay"...
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