Shawn Culcasi - IDP Perspective

Michael Vick came back to earth on Sunday against a Lions 31st ranked overall defense that wasn't supposed to be able to handle the Falcons offense, even at home. The pocket-passing version of Vick, who threw for 523 yards with seven touchdowns during the last two weeks, obviously didn't make the trip to Detroit, and two costly turnovers resulted in first-half Kevin Jones TD runs. Playing without DTs Shaun Cody and Shaun Rogers, the Lions gave up 221 rushing yards to the Jets in week seven. This week, once again without their starting tackle duo, expectations were high for the leagues top rushing offense, but Detroit was able to "hold" the Falcons to just 165 yards on the ground while their 29th ranked pass defense limited Vick to 154 yards through the air. The Falcons have now rushed for under 175 yards in three straight games.

ATL DE John Abraham was inactive once again with his groin injury, replaced in the starting lineup by Chauncey Davis (3 tackles, 1 solo).
ATL MLB Ed Hartwell, who played in the last two games after missing the seasons first five, was inactive with a knee injury. He was listed as questionable. Keith Brooking slid inside to middle linebacker, allowing Demorrio Williams on the field at WLB.
DET DT Shaun Rogers missed the game, serving the second game of his four-game suspension. Fellow DT Shaun Cody was inactive with a toe injury for the second straight game. Marcus Bell (3 assists) and Cory Redding (3 solo tackles) started inside for the Lions.
DET DE James Hall was inactive with a shoulder injury. He was replaced by Jared Devries (3 tackles, 1 solo) who joined Kalimba Edwards (1 solo tackle) as the Lions' starting defensive ends.
The Falcons opened in a nickel defense with CB Allen Rossum (0 tackles) replacing SLB Michael Boley (5 solo tackles) on the field. This was to match the Lions opening 3-WR formation. Keith Brooking and Demorrio Williams were the linebackers on the field.
The Lions also opened in a nickel with S Jon McGraw (2 assists) replacing SLB Boss Bailey. This was to match the Falcons opening 3-WR set. Ernie Sims and Paris Lenon (4 tackles, 2 solo) were the linebackers on the field.
DET SS Kenoy Kennedy (4 tackles, 3 solo, INT, PD) was active but did not start. The same goes for LB Teddy Lehman (2 tackles, 1 solo).

The Good

ATL CB Jason Webster: 10 tackles (7 solo), PD. 27 solo tackles over the last four games
ATL MLB Keith Brooking: 9 tackles (7 solo), sack, QH
ATL SS Lawyer Milloy: 9 tackles (7 solo), sack, QH. Five or more solos in all but two games
ATL FS Chris Crocker: 5 solo tackles
DET SLB Boss Bailey: 6 tackles (5 solo)

The Bad

ATL WLB Demorrio Williams: 5 tackles (1 solo), PD
ATL DTs Rod Coleman and Grady Jackson: both guys blanked
DET WLB Ernie Sims: 6 tackles (1 solo), FR

The Ugly

ATL DT G.Jackson, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards (1st & goal, TD run, enforced on kickoff)
DET WLB E.Sims, Face Mask (15 Yards), 1 yard (2nd & goal from the 2, incomplete pass, TD run on the next play)
ATL CB D.Hall, Personal Foul, 11 yards (3rd & 13, added to the and of a 17 yard run, half distance to goal)
ATL DT D.Shropshire, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (2nd & 8)

Miami (31) at Chicago (13)

Time of Possession: Chicago 30:06, Miami 29:54
Total Plays: Chicago 73, Miami 67
Solo Tackles: Miami 48, Chicago 47

Not many gave the Dolphins a chance heading into Soldier field this week but, just as they did in 1985, Miami spoiled the Bears hopes for a perfect season. This time around, it wasn't Dan Marino tossing touchdown passes against the leagues top defensive unit, but the Dolphins defense stood out in their ability to create and take advantage of turnovers. Miami's 5th ranked defense limited the Bears to 292 total yards, just the second time this season that they've been held under 300, while picking off three Rex Grossman passes and recovering three fumbles. The Dolphins defense did their job on one side of the ball and Ronnie Brown did the damage on offense for Miami with a career high 157 rushing yards on 29 carries. Chicago, who allowed three TD passes to Joey Harrington, came in having given up just four passing touchdowns in the first seven games

CHI DT Ian Scott (2 solo tackles) started in place of Tommie Harris (2 solo tackles, QH). Scott is the Bears' designated run stuffer on the inside.
CHI SS Todd Johnson once again started in place of Mike Brown, who's done for the year with a foot injury.
MIA CB Andre Goodman (3 tackles, 1 solo, PD, FR) started in place of Travis Daniels (1 solo tackle). Daniels played, but was questionable coming in with a knee injury.
MIA SS Yeremiah Bell has taken over the starting job from Travares Tillman (0 tackles).

The Good

MIA WLB Channing Crowder: 10 tackles (8 solo), 2 QH. 20 solo tackles over the last three weeks
MIA MLB Zach Thomas: 8 tackles (6 solo)
MIA CB Will Allen: 7 tackles (6 solo), 2 PD. 23 solo tackles over the last five games
MIA DE Jason Taylor: 3 solo tackles, sack, 20 yard INT-TD, 2 PD, FF. Taylor, now with 100.5 career sacks, joined Michael Strahan (132.5) and Simeon Rice (120.0) as the three active members with 100 or more sacks
MIA SS Yeremiah Bell: 5 solo tackles, 2 PD, FF
MIA S Renaldo Hill: 5 solo tackles, INT, PD
CHI MLB Brian Urlacher: 12 tackles (10 solo). Urlacher was recently voted the 2nd most overrated player in the NFL, behind Terrell Owens
CHI FS Danieal Manning: 10 tackles (7 solo)
CHI DE Alex Brown: 6 solo tackles, QH, INT, PD
CHI CB Charles Tillman: 6 solo tackles, PD. Heating up with 14 solo tackles over the last two games

The Bad

CHI SS Todd Johnson: 2 solo tackles
CHI WLB Lance Briggs: 5 tackles (4 solo), PD. Second game this year with fewer than five solo tackles
CHI DE Adewale Ogunleye: 3 tackles (1 solo). Half way through the season, 11 solo tackles and 2.5 sacks

The Ugly

CHI DE A.Ogunleye, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (2nd & 7)
CHI CB C.Tillman, Face Mask (5 Yards), 5 yards (2nd & 10, led to a 2nd & 1 after 4 yard run)
CHI DT Ta.Johnson, Encroachment, 5 yards (1st & 10)
MIA CB A.Goodman, Illegal Contact, 5 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
MIA DE K.Carter, Defensive Offside, 4 yards (2nd & 3, -2 yard run, resulted in 1st down)
MIA CB W.Allen, Defensive Holding, 5 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down in redzone)
CHI CB R.Manning, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards (3rd & 8, incomplete pass, automatic first down)
MIA DT J.Zgonina, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (2nd & 10)
CHI DE A.Ogunleye, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (3rd & 10)
MIA DT K.Traylor, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards (2nd & 5, added to end of 1 yard run, 1st down)
MIA DT K.Traylor, Encroachment, 5 yards (1st & 10)
MIA DE D.Bowens, Neutral Zone Infraction, 5 yards (4th & 2, resulted in 1st down)
MIA DT V.Holliday, Encroachment, 5 yards (4th & 4, resulted in 1st down)
CHI DT T.Harris, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (1st & 10)

Green Bay (10) at Buffalo (24)

Time of Possession: Green Bay 34:21, Buffalo 25:39
Total Plays: Green Bay 79, Buffalo 48
Solo Tackles: Buffalo 53, Green Bay 34

A home game against the leagues worst pass defense, a possible career day for Buffalo QB J.P.Losman…right??? Not today. The Bills racked up 184 total yards (64 through the air) and watched their defense take advantage of four turnovers en route to a victory over a Green Bay squad that more than doubled their offensive output. The Packers got to Losman five times but to his credit he did not turn the ball over. The win is certainly nice, but the Bills are in trouble. Over the last four games they're averaging just 207 yards of total offense with this being their lone victory during that span. In his past nine games versus AFC opponents, GB WR Donald Driver has posted 62 receptions, 862 yards and five touchdowns.

GB DT Cullen Jenkins (1 solo tackle, sack, QH) entered the game questionable with an ankle injury. He played but was replaced in the starting lineup by Colin Cole (3 tackles, 2 solo).
GB CB Charles Woodson (4 solo tackles) started the game even though he was doubtful during the week with a knee injury.
BUF DT Kyle Williams (4 tackles, 2 solo, 2 QH) started ahead of Tim Anderson (5 tackles, 3 solo, QH).

The Good

GB DE Aaron Kampman: 9 tackles (8 solo), sack, 4 QH. Highest tackle output since 2004, leads league with 9.5 sacks
GB DE Corey Williams: 4 tackles (3 solo), 3 sacks, 3 QH. Second multiple-sack game this year (5 total)
BUF MLB London Fletcher: 14 tackles (11 solo), 17 yard INT-TD, 5 PD
BUF CB Nate Clements: 9 tackles (7 solo), 2 PD
BUF CB Terrence McGee: 6 solo tackles
BUF DE Aaron Schobel: 4 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 4 QH, FR. Invisible through the seasons first month, Schobel has now posted 6 sacks over the last four games

The Bad

GB FS Nick Collins: 3 tackles (1 solo). 2 solo tackles over the last two games
GB CB Al Harris: 1 solo tackle, PD
GB SS Marquand Manuel: 2 tackles (1 solo)
GB DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila: 2 tackles (1 solo). 8 games, 13 solo tackles, 3 sacks
GB WLB A.J.Hawk: 4 tackles (2 solo)
BUF WLB Angelo Crowell: 5 tackles (3 solo), 2 PD. 12 solo tackles over the last four games
BUF DE Chris Kelsay: 3 tackles (1 solo), QH

The Ugly

GB MLB N.Barnett, Personal Foul, 15 yards (QB kneel, last play of the game)

Cincinnati (20) at Baltimore (26)

Time of Possession: Baltimore 37:24, Cincinnati 22:36
Total Plays: Baltimore 69, Cincinnati 50
Solo Tackles: Cincinnati 54, Baltimore 31

Bengals QB Carson Palmer had eaten up the Ravens during their last three matchups for a total of 932 yards with eight touchdowns and just two interceptions. During those three games, Baltimore had allowed an average of over 30 points with over 400 total yards in each, and in the past two games this year they've given up over 400 yards in each. On Sunday, they looked a lot more like the typical Ravens defense that we're used to seeing, holding Cincinnati to 275 total yards (183 through the air) with two sacks, two interceptions (returned Palmer's first pass of the game for a TD) and a fumble recovery of the games opening kickoff. Rudi Johnson's rushing touchdown was just the second allowed by Baltimore this year.

CIN LB Brian Simmons was inactive with a neck injury. Rashad Jeanty returned to the starting lineup for the Bengals at SLB with Ahmad Brooks in the middle and Landon Johnson at WLB.
Rookie 1st round pick Jon Joseph (2 solo tackles, 3 PD) started at cornerback for the Bengals in place of Deltha O'Neal (5 solo tackles, PD).

The Good

CIN FS Madieu Williams: 12 tackles (11 solo). Career high solo tackles
CIN DE Justin Smith: 10 tackles (6 solo). His 4th game this year with 5 or more solo tackles
CIN WLB Landon Johnson: 8 tackles (6 solo)
CIN SLB Rashad Jeanty: 8 tackles (6 solo). Career highs
BAL MLB Ray Lewis: 8 tackles (6 solo), PD
BAL CB Samari Rolle: 3 solo tackles, INT, PD. Handed off to Ed Reed for a TD on the INT return
BAL CB Chris McAlister: 2 solo tackles, INT, 3 PD

The Bad

CIN MLB Ahmad Brooks: 3 tackles (1 solo). Six solo tackles over the last three games
CIN CB Tory James: 1 solo tackle
BAL DE Terrell Suggs: 4 tackles (2 solo). Six solo tackles with 0 sacks in his last five games

The Ugly

BLT FS E.Reed, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (1st & 10, run for 0 yards, automatic first down)
BLT CB C.McAlister, Defensive Pass Interference, 17 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass)
BLT FS E.Reed, Defensive Pass Interference, 34 yards (2nd & 8, incomplete pass)
BLT DE T.Pryce, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (2nd & 3, resulted in 1st down, redzone)

Dallas (19) at Washington (22)

Time of Possession: Dallas 31:28, Washington 28:32
Total Plays: Dallas 67, Washington 56
Solo Tackles: Washington 48, Dallas 42

Two teams headed in opposite direction. The Redskins, losers of three straight, looking to avenge a 27-10 loss to the Cowboys during week two. The Cowboys, coming off of a victory in Tony Romo's first career start, apparently with their ship righted. What it came down to was possibly a Bill Parcells' mistake (going for 2 in the second quarter) and a controversial face-mask penalty that allowed the Redskins one last play to pull this one out. The Cowboys have no one to blame but themselves for this one…and possibly the refs. While Dallas led this game almost across the board, stats-wise, they were flagged 11 times for 153 yards. Washington, with two sacks, now has 12 on the year (league low).

Keith Davis has returned to the starting lineup for the Cowboys at free safety. A starter in 15 games a year ago, he returned as a restricted free agent and has had to work his way back from an offseason shooting incident. Rookie Pat Watkins, a starter for much of the seasons first half, was inactive.
WAS DT Cornelius Griffin returned to the starting lineup after missing the last two games with a hip injury.
WAS CB Carlos Rogers (6 tackles, 3 solo) returned after missing one game with a thumb injury.
WAS DT Kedric Golston (4 tackles, 2 solo) started ahead of Joe Salave'a (0 tackles). Salave'a has been dealing with a calf injury that's forced him out of three games this year.
WAS SS Adam Archuleta (3 tackles, 2 solo) appears to have lost playing time, if not his starting job, to veteran Troy Vincent (6 tackles, 4 solo).

The Good

DAL ILB Akin Ayodele: 7 tackles (6 solo), QH, FR
DAL OLB DeMarcus Ware: 6 solo tackles, sack, 3 QH, PD. Ware continued his trend of picking up a sack in every other game
WAS MLB Lemar Marshall: 8 tackles (5 solo), tackled Julius Jones in the endzone for a safety
WAS SLB Marcus Washington: 9 tackles (6 solo), sack, QH, PD. 17 solo tackles over the last two games
WAS CB Shawn Springs: 8 tackles (7 solo), PD
WAS FS Sean Taylor: 8 tackles (6 solo). 27 solo tackles over the last four games
WAS DT Cornelius Griffin: 8 tackles (5 solo), sack, QH

The Bad

DAL FS Keith Davis: 3 tackles (1 solo)
WAS DE Andre Carter: 2 tackles (1 solo)
WAS DE Phillip Daniels: 2 tackles (1 solo). 4 sacks last year when Dallas visited Washington

The Ugly

DAL CB A.Henry, Defensive Pass Interference, 29 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, into redzone)
DAL CB T.Newman, Defensive Holding, 2 yards (3rd & 4 at the 4, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down led to TD run)
WAS FS S.Taylor, Roughing the Passer, offsetting (3rd & 5, incomplete pass, offset intentional grounding)
DAL FS K.Davis, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards (2nd & 1, added to the end of 2 yard run)
WAS FS S.Taylor, Illegal Contact, 5 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, redzone)
WAS CB K.Wright, Defensive Pass Interference, 6 yards (3rd & 2, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
DAL SS R.Williams, Defensive Pass Interference, 48 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, into redzone)

New Orleans (31) at Tampa Bay (14)

Time of Possession: New Orleans 37:21, Tampa Bay 22:39
Total Plays: New Orleans 67, Tampa Bay 53
Solo Tackles: Tampa Bay 51, New Orleans 38

Tampa Bay's defense sure isn't what it used to be. The Bucs allowed New Orleans to come into their house this weekend and dominate this game from the opening kickoff, from a ridiculous time of possession differential to a 363-226 difference in total yardage. Drew Brees and the Saints left Tampa unscathed without allowing a sack or a turnover, although they did struggle to get their running game on track with only 48 yards on the day (Deuce McAllister rushed for almost 100 yards less than what he posted in their earlier matchup). The 68 yards that New Orleans on the ground will certainly help their 21st ranked run D which averaged 122.1 coming in.

NO CB Fred Thomas (4 solo tackles) started the game after being listed as questionable.
TB defenders DT Ellis Wyms, DE Simeon Rice and MLB Shelton Quarles (6 tackles, 5 solo) all were listed as questionable but started.
Tampa Bay opened in a nickel defense to match the Saints 3-WR set. CB Torrie Cox replaced Ryan Nece in the starting lineup. Quarles and Derrick Brooks remained on the field.

The Good

NO WLB Scott Shanle: 10 tackles (8 solo), PD. 5 or more solo tackles in each of the last four games
NO DE Will Smith: 7 tackles (3 solo), 2 sacks, 2 QH, FF. Ends a streak of four straight games without a sack
NO DE Charles Grant: 5 tackles (3 solo), sack, PD, FF, FR. 15 solo tackles and three sacks over his last four games
TB CB Torrie Cox: 7 tackles (5 solo), PD
TB WLB Derrick Brooks: 13 tackles (9 solo)
TB SS Jermaine Phillips: 7 tackles (5 solo), QH. 5 or more solos in each of the last three games

The Bad

NO FS Josh Bullocks: 2 tackles (1 solo)
NO MLB Mark Simoneau: 2 tackles (1 solo). Fantasy wasteland, 18 solo tackles in eight games
NO SS Omar Stoutmire: 2 solo tackles
TB DT Ellis Wyms: 1 solo tackle
TB DE Simeon Rice: 2 tackles (1 solo)
TB FS Will Allen: 2 tackles (1 solo). Two games this year with five or more solo tackles

The Ugly

TB DE G.Spires, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (1st & 10, accepted over 3 yard run)

Kansas City (31) at St. Louis (17)

Time of Possession: Kansas City 34:40, St.Louis 25:20
Total Plays: St.Louis 72, Kansas City 49
Solo Tackles: Kansas City 59, St.Louis 40

The Kansas City Chiefs sure must love their inter-conference schedule, beating the four NFC West teams this year by a combined score of 130-65. St.Louis had to dread seeing Larry Johnson come to town, a week after they gave up 183 yards rushing and three TDs to Ladainian Tomlinson, but three early turnovers allowed the Chiefs to build an quick lead and ride their horse to the tune of 172 yards on 27 carries. The Rams came into the game with the leagues #3 turnover ratio (+10) but lost that battle with three fumbles lost. Stephen Jackson became the first St. Louis running back to pick up 100 yards receiving since Marshall Faulk in 2001. Damon Huard is now 10-3 as a starter.

STL WLB Pisa Tinoisamoa was active but did not play. Questionable with a hand injury, he was replaced by Dexter Coakley (3 solo tackles, PD).

The Good

KC DE Jared Allen: 7 solo tackles, 2 sacks, QH, 2 FF, FR. On pace for 70 solo tackles and 12 sacks
KC MLB Kawika Mitchell: 8 solo tackles. The most he's posted since week eight of last year
KC CBs Patrick Surtain and Ty Law: Combined for 12 solo tackles
STL MLB Will Witherspoon: 6 tackles (5 solo)
STL DE Leonard Little: 2 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 3 QH. Now has five sacks in three games v KC

The Bad

KC WLB Derrick Johnson: 1 assist. 11 solo tackles over the last four games
KC DE Tamba Hali: 2 solo tackles
KC SLB Kendrell Bell: 2 solo tackles
STL FS Oshi Atogwe: 1 solo tackle
STL CBs Travis Fisher and Fakhir Brown: Combined for four solo tackles

The Ugly

KC DE T.Hali, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (2nd & 10, accepted over incomplete pass)
KC DE T.Hali, Neutral Zone Infraction, 5 yards (2nd & 4, resulted in 1st down)
KC CB P.Surtain, Defensive Holding, 5 yards (3rd & 5, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
SL WLB D.Coakley, Defensive Pass Interference, 17 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
SL FS O.Atogwe, Face Mask (5 Yards), 5 yards (1st & 10, added to the end of a 16 yard run)

Houston (10) at New York Giants (14)

Time of Possession: NY Giants 31:05, Houston 28:55
Total Plays: NY Giants 59, Houston 57
Solo Tackles: NY Giants 46, Houston 42

The passing defenses for both Houston and the New York Giants, each listed in the bottom half of the league rankings, stood out this weekend. The teams combined for just 333 yards passing (170 for Houston). It was the Giants' success on the ground that allowed them to eventually pull this one out with Tiki Barber accounting for over half of New York's offense (115 rushing, 40 receiving). The Texans actually led this game 10-7 about half way through the 4th quarter but only saw the ball one more time after the Giants took the lead and fumbled it away. Barber has now led the Giants in rushing for 72 straight games, the longest such streak in NFL history.

The Giants were without three starters on defense: DE Osi Umenyiora, LB Brandon Short and CB Sam Madison. Mathias Kiwanuka started his second straight game in place of Umenyiora while Gerris Wilkinson (3 tackles, 2 solo, FF) filled in for Short and R.W.McQuarters (5 tackles, 4 solo, 2 PD) replaced Madison.

The Good

HOU MLB DeMeco Ryans: 10 tackles (8 solo), sack, QH. An outstanding rookie season, on pace for 116 solo tackles and five sacks
HOU DE Mario Williams: 3 tackles (2 solo), sack, 2 QH. 4.5 sacks in his last five games, on pace for 11
NYG SLB Carlos Emmons: 8 solo tackles
NYG DE Mathias Kiwanuka: 7 solo tackles, sack, QH. 2 starts, 11 solo tackles, 2 sacks

The Bad

HOU WLB Morlon Greenwood: 5 tackles (2 solo)
NYG DE Michael Strahan: 1 solo tackle
NYG MLB Antonio Pierce: 4 tackles (3 solo), QH, PD. Four of the last five games he's posted fewer than five solo tackles

The Ugly

HST CB D.Robinson, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
HST S G.Earl, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (1st & 10, accepted over 5 yard pass, redzone)
HST DE M.Williams, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards (3rd & 5, incomplete pass, resulted in 1st down)
NYG S J.Butler, Unnecessary Roughness, 3 yards (3rd & 10, added to the end of a 7 yard pass, 1st down at 2, TD run 2 plays later)
HST DE J.Babin, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (1st & 10, accepted over 2 yard run)
NYG DE M.Kiwanuka, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards (2nd & 8, incomplete pass, resulted in 1st down)

Tennessee (7) at Jacksonville (37)

Time of Possession: Jacksonville 30:11, Tennessee 29:49
Total Plays: Tennessee 69, Jacksonville 54
Solo Tackles: Jacksonville 43, Tennessee 38

Cinderella v. Jekyll and Hyde. Unfortunately for Tennessee, the clock had struck midnight for Vince Young and the monster had come out in the Jacksonville Jaguars. Making his fifth NFL start and riding the high of a two-game win streak, the Jags were able to pick off Young three times, returning one for a touchdown, and rattle him the entire game. Based on the first half of the season, you never know which Jacksonville team will show up from week to week: the one that beat the Jets 41-0 or the dog that lost to Houston 27-7. They brought their A-game this week and, led by three touchdown passes from David Garrard and 173 rushing yards, once again looking like a serious contender in the AFC. Garrard is now 6-1 as a starter over the last two seasons, including five straight wins.

TEN DT Albert Haynesworth continues to serve his suspension with Robaire Smith (1 solo tackle) and Randy Starks (3 tackles, 1 solo, ½ sack) in the starting lineup.
TEN SLB David Thornton (0 tackles) was questionable with a shoulder injury and did not start the game. MLB Peter Sirmon (4 tackles, 3 solo, ½ sack, QH) moved outside allowing rookie Stephen Tulloch (3 tackles, 1 solo, ½ sack) to start in the middle.
Rookie CB Pacman Jones was serving a one-game team imposed suspension by the Titans. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Andre Woolfolk (2 solo tackles).
JAC DT Marcus Stroud was once again inactive with an ankle injury, missing his fourth straight game. Rob Meier (1 assist, ½ sack) continues to start at DT with Bobby McCray (2 solo tackles) at defensive end.

The Good

TEN SS Chris Hope: 8 tackles (7 solo)
TEN WLB Keith Bulluck: 5 solo tackles, QH. Five or more solo tackles in all but one game this year
TEN FS Lamont Thompson: 5 solo tackles
TEN DE Kyle Vanden Bosch: 5 solo tackles. 5 solo tackles in three of the past four games
JAC CB Rashean Mathis: 4 solo tackles, 2 INT, 3 PD
JAC OLB Clint Ingram: 9 tackles (8 solo)
JAC CB Scott Starks: 55 yard INT-TD

The Bad

JAC DE Paul Spicer: 0 tackles, QH
JAC OLB Nick Greisen: 1 solo tackle, PD
JAC MLB Daryl Smith: 3 solo tackles

The Ugly

TEN SS C.Hope, Illegal Contact, 5 yards (3rd & 11, added to the end of a 12 yard run)
TEN DT T.Brown, Neutral Zone Infraction, 5 yards (3rd & 6, 1st down run on next play)
JAX DE B.McCray, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (1st & 10)

Minnesota (3) at San Francisco (9)

Time of Possession: Minnesota 34:45, San Francisco 25:15
Total Plays: Minnesota 67, San Francisco 50
Solo Tackles: San Francisco 41, Minnesota 27

Are the San Francisco 49ers better than they were a year ago? I guess it depends who you ask, but there's certainly a feeling surrounding this team that wasn't apparent in 2005. Like last year, the 'Niners possess the leagues worst scoring defense, allowing 29.8 points per game even after holding the Vikings to 3. Unlike last year, there's no way that team would've won this game. San Francisco knew that they were in for a dogfight against the leagues 2nd ranked run defense, little could they have imagined actually pulling out a victory with only 133 total yards. 371 yards of total offense between the two teams, this was not a pretty game to watch. Minnesota, who actually looked like contenders a couple of weeks ago, have to be shaking their head after this one.

MIN MLB Napoleon Harris was inactive with a wrist injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Dontarrious Thomas.
The 49ers shook up their starting lineup a bit with ILB Brandon Moore starting ahead of Jeff Ulbrich (2 assists) and Keith Lewis (4 tackles, 3 solo) taking Mike Adams (5 tackles, 2 solo, PD) place at free safety.

The Good

MIN MLB Dontarrious Thomas; 8 tackles (4 solo), sack, QH
SF LB Brandon Moore: 14 tackles (7 solo), sack, 3 QH
SF CB Shawntae Spencer: 8 tackles (5 solo), FR
SF OLB Manny Lawson: 6 tackles (5 solo), FR

The Bad

MIN FS Dwight Smith: 2 tackles (1 solo)
SF SS Mark Roman: 0 tackles, PD
SF ILB Derek Smith: 3 tackles (2 solo)

The Ugly

SF CB W.Harris, Defensive Pass Interference, 21 yards (3rd & 6, incomplete pass, automatic first down)
SF DE M.Oliver, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards (1st & 10, added to the end of a 5 yard pass)
SF DT R.Fields, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards (2nd & 21, added to the end of an 8 yard pass, automatic 1st down)
MIN DE D.Scott, Personal Foul, 15 yards (3rd & 8, added to the end of a 1 yard run, automatic 1st down)

Cleveland (25) at San Diego (32)

Time of Possession: Cleveland 32:54, San Diego 27:06
Total Plays: Cleveland 76, San Diego 54
Solo Tackles: San Diego 56, Cleveland 39

CLE DE Orpheus Roye was inactive with a hamstring injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Nick Eason (1 assist).
CLE OLB Willie McGinest was inactive with an ankle injury. He was replaced by Matt Stewart (4 tackles, 3 solo).
CLE CB Daven Holly, who had been starting with the Browns injuries at cornerback, was inactive with an illness. Ralph Brown (5 solo tackles) started in his place. CB Leigh Bodden (1 solo tackle) was questionable with an ankle injury but, luckily for the Browns, he started.
SD OLB Shawne Merriman dropped his appeal and started serving his four game suspension this week. With Shaun Phillips already out, this led to Marques Harris and Stephen Cooper (4 tackles, 2 solo) starting at OLB for the Chargers.

The Good

CLE ILB D'Qwell Jackson: 6 tackles (5 solo)
CLE SS Sean Jones: 5 solo tackles, ½ sack, QH
CLE OLB Kamerion Wimbley: 3 tackles (1 solo), 1.5 sacks, QH
SD ILB Randall Godfrey: 9 tackles (6 solo), sack, PD, 2 FF. His best game in years
SD ILB Donnie Edwards: 9 tackles (5 solo), INT, PD
SD CB Quentin Jammer: 7 tackles (6 solo), PD
SD OLB Marques Harris: 6 tackles (3 solo), sack, QH, PD, FR-TD
SD DE Jacques Cesaire: 5 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QH

The Bad

CLE ILB Andra Davis: 2 solo tackles
CLE DE Alvin McKinley: 1 solo tackle
SD FS Marlon McCree: 2 tackles (1 solo)

The Ugly

SD CB D.Florence, Defensive Pass Interference, declined (2nd & 10, declined in favor of 17 yard reception)
SD CB A.Cromartie, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards (4th & 12, missed FG, resulted in 1st down & eventual made FG)
SD CB Q.Jammer, Illegal Contact, 5 yards (3rd & 6, negated sack and fumble recovery by San Diego)
SD CB D.Florence, Defensive Holding, 5 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
CLV OLB M.Stewart, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards (1st & 10, added to the end of a 6 yard pass, automatic 1st down)
SD ILB R.Godfrey, Face Mask (15 Yards), 14 yards (2nd & 2, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
SD D.Robinson, Personal Foul, 15 yards (2nd & 10, automatic 1st down)
SD CB D.Florence, Defensive Pass Interference, 6 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
SD CB A.Cromartie, Defensive Pass Interference, 18 yards (3rd & 10, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)

Denver (31) at Pittsburgh (20)

Time of Possession: Pittsburgh 34:33, Denver 25:27
Total Plays: Pittsburgh 77, Denver 51
Solo Tackles: Denver 56, Pittsburgh 32

PIT NT Casey Hampton (2 tackles, 1 solo), after being listed as questionable with a hamstring injury, started the game.
Both teams had their starting lineups intact.

The Good

DEN MLB Al Wilson: 9 solo tackles
DEN CB Darrent Williams: 8 tackles (6 solo), FR. 18 solo tackles over the last three games
DEN SLB D.J.Williams: 8 tackles (6 solo)
DEN CB Champ Bailey: 7 solo tackles, 2 INT, 4 PD. Five INT over the last five games
DEN DE Kenard Lang: 5 tackles (4 solo), 2 sacks, 2 QH
PIT ILB James Farrior: 12 tackles (9 solo). Highest tackle output since week three of last year
PIT CB Ike Taylor: 5 solo tackles, 3 PD

The Bad

DEN WLB Ian Gold: 2 tackles (1 solo)
DEN DTs Gerard Warren and Michael Myers: combined for 2 tackles (0 solo)
DEN DE Ebenezer Ekuban: 2 tackles (1 solo)
PIT DE Brett Keisel: 1 assist
PIT OLB Joey Porter: 3 tackles (2 solo). Two or fewer solo tackles in all but one game this year
PIT FS Ryan Clark: 2 assists
PIT SS Troy Polamalu: 2 tackles (1 solo), PD

The Ugly

PIT CB I.Taylor, Defensive Holding, declined (1st & 10, declined in favor of 38 yard reception)
PIT CB D.Townsend, Defensive Holding, 5 yards (2nd & 6, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
DEN DE E.Dumervil, Defensive Offside, 5 yards (2nd & 9, accepted in favor of 7 yard run)
PIT ILB J.Farrior, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards (3rd & 8, added to the end of a 3 yard run, 1st down)
DEN CB D.Foxworth, Unnecessary Roughness, 12 yards (2nd & 6, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down, redzone)
DEN DT G.Warren, Defensive Holding, 3 yards (2nd & 3, run for 0 yards, next play was a TD run)

Indianapolis (27) at New England (20)

Time of Possession: New England 30:34, Indianapolis 29:26
Total Plays: New England 68, Indianapolis 64
Solo Tackles: Indianapolis 51, New England 40

Both teams have taken the practice of listing their entire teams as questionable during the week, making it difficult to sort out the mind games.
IND MLB Gary Brackett (9 tackles, 4 solo) was questionable with a knee injury and actually left the game with a hamstring injury, but he started.
IND DT Montae Reagor remains out with a head injury. He's been replaced by Anthony McFarland (3 tackles, 2 solo).
NE DE Richard Seymour (3 tackles, 2 solo, QH) was questionable with an elbow injury, but he started.
NE CB Ellis Hobbs (2 tackles, 1 solo) was questionable with a wrist injury and did not start. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Chad Scott (2 tackles, 1 solo, INT, PD).
NE FS Eugene Wilson was inactive with a hamstring injury and replaced by Artrell Hawkins (3 tackles, 1 solo).

The Good

IND FS Bob Sanders: 11 tackles (8 solo), INT, PD
IND SS Antoine Bethea: 9 tackles (5 solo), INT, 2 PD
IND WLB Cato June: 9 tackles (3 solo), 2 INT, 2 PD. 51 solo tackles through eight games, 68 total last year
IND Robert Mathis: 8 tackles (6 solo), 2 PD. 30 solo tackles through eight games
NE ILB Junior Seau: 11 tackles (7 solo), sack, 2 QH
NE CB Asante Samuel: 8 solo tackles, PD, FF
NE OLB Mike Vrabel: 6 tackles (5 solo), ½ sack, 2 QH
NE OLB Rosevelt Colvin: 5 tackles (4 solo), 1.5 sacks, 7 QH

The Bad

IND DE Dwight Freeney: 1 solo tackle, QH. Eight solo tackles and ½ sack in eight games
IND SLB Gilbert Gardner: 3 tackles (2 solo)
NE SS Rodney Harrison: 1 solo tackle, PD

The Ugly

NE CB C.Scott, Illegal Contact, declined (3rd & 3, declined in favor of 7 yard reception)
IND WLB C.June, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards (3rd & 3, added to the end of a 7 yard run)
NE CB C.Scott, Defensive Pass Interference, 22 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, set up 1st & goal from the 7)
NE CB A.Samuel, Illegal Contact, 5 yards (3rd & 17, automatic 1st down from the 12)
NE OLB M.Vrabel, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards (3rd & 8, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
IND DB M.Jackson, Defensive Pass Interference, 23 yards (3rd & 3, incomplete pass, 1st down)
IND DT R.Brock, Tripping, 10 yards (2nd & 7, run for -1, resulted in 1st down)
NE WR T.Brown, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards (3rd & 7, incomplete pass, automatic 1st down)
NE OLB R.Colvin, Personal Foul, 15 yards (1st & 10, run for 0 yards, 1st down, redzone)
IND LB F.Keiaho, Defensive Pass Interference, 5 yards (1st & 10, incomplete pass, 1st down, redzone)