Shawn Culcasi - IDP Perspective

Cleveland (12) at Carolina (20)

Time of Possession: Cleveland 34:15, Carolina 28:45
Total Plays: Cleveland 68, Carolina 58

Can one player make this big of a difference? After scoring just 19 points in the first two games this year, starting 0-2 without Steve Smith, the Panthers have won each of the last three with Smith while posting 67 points. Smith didn't have a big game, with just 6-62 receiving, but Carolina's offense has improved by nearly 80 yards per game since he's returned. The Carolina Panthers run D is also heating up, allowing an average of 72.7 yards over the last three compared to the 392 they gave up during the seasons first two games.

Both of Cleveland's starting cornerbacks were inactive in this game. Gary Baxter was inactive for his third straight game while Leigh Bodden sat with an ankle injury that he suffered last week. Daven Holly and Brodney Pool started in their place.
CLE OLB Kamerion Wimbley (2 solo tackles, QH) has officially moved past Matt Stewart into the starting lineup.
CAR MLB Dan Morgan remains out with a concussion, replaced by Chris Draft (4 solo tackles).
CAR SS Shaun Williams, who's missed the last two games, was inactive with a foot injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Colin Branch.

The Good

CLE ILB D'Qwell Jackson: 9 tackles (6 solo)
CLE SS Sean Jones: 6 tackles (5 solo)
CLE CB Daven Holly: 7 tackles (6 solo), PD
CAR SLB Thomas Davis: 11 tackles (9 solo)
CAR CB Ken Lucas: 7 tackles (6 solo), 2 PD
CAR DE Julius Peppers: 5 tackles (4 solo), sack, 4 QH, PD, FF, FR. Peppers, now with a sack in four straight games, has staked his claim as the leagues top defensive end
CAR CB Richard Marshall: 30 yard INT-TD
CAR DT Kris Jenkins: 5 solo tackles

The Bad

CLE DE Alvin McKinley: 2 tackles (1 solo). A breakout performer a year ago with 45 solo tackles and 5 sacks, the Browns 3-4 defense has killed McKinley's production. He's posted just 10 solo tackles without a sack in five games
CLE FS Brian Russell: 4 tackles (2 solo), PD. 3 solos over the last two weeks
CAR SS Colin Branch: 2 solo tackles

The Ugly

CAR DT A.Wallace, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
CLE DE A.McKinley, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards
CAR DE M.Rucker, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards
CAR DT D.Lewis, Defensive Offside, 4 yards
CLE ILB A.Davis, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards
CAR DE J.Peppers, Defensive Offside, declined

Buffalo (7) at Chicago (40)

Time of Possession: Chicago 37:31, Buffalo 22:29
Total Plays: Chicago 72, Buffalo 48

This was an all-out assault on the Buffalo Bills, who were held to just 145 total yards and scoreless until the final minutes of the game. The Bears defense is downright scary and they're going to be tough to beat if their offense continues to play as they have. Coming in with the leagues 4th ranked defense (#1 scoring), they had yet to allow a passing TD this year until the Losman to Evans hookup. This game got so bad that we actually saw Brian Griese come in for mop-up duty. The Bears have now allowed one TD or less in eight straight home games and are 5-0 for the first time since 1986 (they finished 14-2). The 36 points that Chicago has allowed through five games is better than their 1985 (88), 1986 (60) and 2001 squads (43). Chicago has won its first three home games 111-20.

Robbie Gould for MVP? Gould is now 17/17 on field goal attempts this year, one behind the record setting pace that Neil Rackers set a year ago (18/18 through first five games).
CHI DE Adewale Ogunleye was inactive with a hamstring injury, replaced in the starting lineup by Israel Idonije (1 assist).
CHI DT Ian Scott was not listed on the injury report but he was inactive. Tank Johnson (2 solo tackles, 2 QH, PD) started in Scott's place.
BUF SLB Takeo Spikes remained inactive with a hamstring injury. Keith Ellison (4 tackles, 3 solo, FR) once again started in his place.

The Good

BUF FS Ko Simpson: 11 tackles (10 solo). He had recorded just one solo tackle in each of the last three games
BUF WLB Angelo Crowell: 5 tackles (4 solo), sack, QH. Crowell has posted a sack or INT in 3 of 5 games
BUF SS Donte Whitner: 8 solo tackles
BUF MLB London Fletcher: 9 tackles (6 solo)
CHI DE Mark Anderson: 2 solo tackles, 2 sacks, QH, PD, FF
CHI DE Alex Brown: 4 solo tackles, sack, QH, INT, PD

The Bad

BUF DE Aaron Schobel: 1 solo tackle, sack, QH. Schobel remains on the bad list because of four solo tackles in five games
CHI DT Tommie Harris: 0 tackles, QH
The Bears IDP had very limited opportunity in this game, posting just 34 solo tackles as a team (compared to 53 for Buffalo)

The Ugly

CHI DT Ta.Johnson, Encroachment, 5 yards
BUF CB T.McGee, Defensive Pass Interference, 19 yards
BUF DT L.Tripplett, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
BUF DE C.Kelsay, Encroachment, 0 yards
CHI DT T.Harris, Neutral Zone Infraction, 5 yards
BUF DE R.Denney, Face Mask (5 Yards), 5 yards
CHI MLB B.Urlacher, Roughing the Passer, 6 yards

St. Louis (23) at Green Bay (20)

Time of Possession: St. Louis 30:43, Green Bay 29:17
Total Plays: Green Bay 67, St. Louis 60

Green Bay entered the game with the leagues 31st ranked defense, allowing 390.8 yards per game. It didn't get that bad as they held the Rams to 327 total yards, but it was a late-game redzone fumble by Brett Favre that did the Packers in. Favre entered the game 6-2 in his career against the Rams with 2 or more TD passes in six of those games. Each of St. Louis five games this year have been decided by eight or less points. STL QB Marc Bulger is on a stretch of 214 pass attempts without throwing an interception. The Rams, now 4-1, have a +12 turnover margin. Last year they finished at -10 on their way to a 6-10 record.

STL DE Victor Adeyanju (2 tackles, 1 solo, FR) continues to start ahead of Tony Hargrove (0 tackles).
STL rookie CB Ty Hill started in place of Fakhir Brown, who was inactive with an ankle injury.

The Good

STL SS Corey Chavous: 6 solo tackles. 20 solos over the last three games
STL DT Jimmy Kennedy: 6 tackles (5 solo), sack, FF. Career high in tackles
STL CB Ty Hill: 5 solo tackles
STL FS Oshi Atogwe: 5 solo tackles
STL DE Leonard Little: 2 solo tackles, sack, 2 QH
GB MLB Nick Barnett: 12 tackles (8 solo)
GB SS Marquand Manuel: 10 tackles (9 solo)
GB DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila: 4 tackles (2 solo), ½ sack, QH. KGB has at least a partial sack in four straight v. STL
GB DE Aaron Kampman: 6 tackles (3 solo), sack, QH

The Bad

STL WLB Pisa Tinoisamoa: 5 tackles (2 solo). 14 solo tackles in 5 games
STL MLB Will Witherspoon: 4 tackles (1 solo), 2 PD
STL CB Travis Fisher: 1 solo tackle, PD
GB WLB A.J.Hawk: 8 tackles (3 solo), QH, PD. Under 5 solo tackles in 3 of 5 games
GB FS Nick Collins: 4 tackles (3 solo), PD. Back-to-back games with 3 solo tackles
GB CB Al Harris: 0 tackles, 2 PD. Dropped a potential INT that hit him in the chest

The Ugly

SL DE V.Adeyanju, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
SL DT L.Glover, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
SL CB Tr.Fisher, Defensive Holding, 2 yards
SL FS O.Atogwe, Personal Foul, 10 yards
GB CB A.Harris, Illegal Contact, declined
GB CB C.Woodson, Defensive Pass Interference, 15 yards
SL SS C.Chavous, Defensive Holding, declined
GB CB A.Harris, Defensive Holding, declined
SL MLB W.Witherspoon, Defensive Pass Interference, 25 yards

Tennessee (13) at Indianapolis (14)

Time of Possession: Indianapolis 33:55, Tennessee 26:05
Total Plays: Indianapolis 65, Tennessee 52

This is why they play the games. On paper, the Titans were 18 point underdogs who entered the game with the leagues 30th ranked overall defense, 32nd ranked run D, last in time of possession, last in turnover margin and last in actual chance of defeating the Colts at home. In the last three matchups between these two teams in Indianapolis, the Colts had outscored the Titans 119-34. Nobody would have been surprised had the final score of this game been 40-3. While Tennessee wasn't able to hold on after leading for much of the game, they definitely came out with some positives in their ability to hang with one of the leagues top offenses. Indianapolis has now won seven straight v. TEN and are 5-0 for the third time in four years. The Titans have lost eight straight games overall and, at 0-5, are off to their worst start since opening 1984 0-10.

TEN DT Albert Haynesworth has been suspended for five games by the NFL for his foot stomp on DAL OL Andre Gurode. Robaire Smith (5 tackles, 4 solo) took Haynesworth's spot in the lineup.
IND DT Corey Simon, who has been diagnosed with polyarthritis, has been placed on the non-football injury list and is done for the year.
IND FS Bob Sanders was inactive with a knee injury, replaced by Antoine Bethea (7 tackles, 4 solo, PD) in the starting lineup.

The Good

TEN SLB David Thornton: 13 tackles (10), FF. Very nice game against his former team
TEN WLB Keith Bulluck: 8 tackles (6 solo), 2 PD, FR
TEN DE Kyle Vanden Bosch: 5 solo tackles
IND WLB Cato June: 11 tackles (9 solo)
IND SS Mike Doss: 6 tackles (5 solo), QH, INT, 2 PD

The Bad

TEN MLB Peter Sirmon: 7 tackles (3 solo). Under 5 solo tackles in 4 of 5 games
IND DE Dwight Freeney: 0 tackles, QH. Still looking for his first sack, has just 4 solo tackles in 5 games

The Ugly

IND DE D.Freeney, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
IND CB M.Jackson, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards
TEN DT R.Smith, Defensive Offside, 5 yards

Detroit (17) at Minnesota (26)

Time of Possession: Minnesota 36:39, Detroit 23:21
Total Plays: Minnesota 64, Detroit 58

The Vikings defense seemed to control this game all day, limiting Detroit to just 217 total yards, but they found themselves trailing by 14 when they entered the 4th quarter. Luckily for Minnesota, their defense had a little extra as they were able to return both a fumble and an interception for TDs, eventually pulling a victory away from the hapless Lions. The Vikings defense, which entered the game ranked #11 versus the run, held Detroit to 16 yards on 11 carries. Both teams finished with 201 passing yards, a disappointment for Minnesota as they had hoped to take advantage of a Lions defense that led the league in allowing 10 TD passes and ranked 30th against the pass. This was the first game of the year in which the Vikings have scored over 20 points and their defense, now with three TDs , have scored one less than their offense. MIN QB Brad Johnson has won six consecutive against the Lions while Minnesota has won nine straight v DET.

DET SS Kenoy Kennedy was inactive with a foot injury. He's replaced in the lineup by rookie Daniel Bullocks.
DET FS Terrence Holt (2 solo tackles) is nursing a knee injury and did not start. Jon McGraw (4 tackles, 2 solo) took his place in the lineup.
DET LB Alex Lewis was once again inactive with a knee injury. He's missed the last three games.
DET CB Fernando Bryant (6 tackles, 4 solo, PD) returned to the starting lineup after missing the last two weeks.
MIN SLB Ben Leber was questionable with a knee injury that forced him out of last weeks game but he returned to the starting lineup. SS Darren Sharper (quad) and CB Antoine Winfield (thigh) were also questionable, and both started.

The Good

DET MLB Boss Bailey: 11 tackles (10 solo)
DET WLB Ernie Sims: 8 tackles (7 solo). Sims has posted exactly 7 solo tackles in 4 of 5 games
DET SS Daniel Bullocks: 8 tackles (5 solo). 22 solo tackles over the last 4 games
MIN WLB E.J.Henderson: 3 solo tackles, 45 yard INT-TD
MIN SLB Ben Leber: 3 tackles (2 solo), sack, QH, FR-TD
MIN CB Fred Smoot: 5 solo tackles
MIN DT Kevin Williams: 3 solo tackles, sack, QH, PD. Williams has a sack in 3 of the past 4 games
MIN SS Darren Sharper: 2 solo tackles, INT, PD. Sharper now has 8 career INT v DET

The Bad

DET DE Kalimba Edwards: 1 assist. Edwards has recorded 3 sacks in his last three games v MIN
DET DT Shaun Rogers: 2 solo tackles. He hasn't gotten to the QB since week one
MIN DE Kenechi Udeze: 2 solo tackles. 5 solo tackles without a sack in 5 games
With the time of possession differential, the Vikings defenders were only able to rack up 34 solo tackles as a team.

The Ugly

DET DT S.Rogers, Encroachment, 5 yards
DET DE K.Edwards, Encroachment, 5 yards
DET DT S.Rogers, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards
DET LB D.Curry, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards
DET DE J.DeVries, Encroachment, 5 yards

Miami (10) at New England (20)

Time of Possession: Miami 30:17, New England 29:43
Total Plays: New England 64, Miami 63

At 1-4 the Miami Dolphins are crumbling . While their defense continues to play strong, holding the Patriots to just 213 total yards, their offense has not been able to sustain any of the success that was expected of them when the season opened. With Daunte Culpepper standing on the sidelines, having been sacked 21 times through the first four games, Joey Harrington entered for his first action of the year and didn't fare much better with 2 INT and zero TDs. The Patriots were only able to get to him once, so that's a positive sign as the Dolphins offensive line gave up just 26 sacks all of last year.

NE CB Ellis Hobbs (6 tackles, 5 solo) was active but did not start. He's nursing a wrist injury. Chad Scott (5 solo tackles) started in his place.
NE FS Eugene Wilson was inactive with a hamstring injury, replaced in the starting lineup by Artrell Hawkins (4 tackles, 3 solo).

The Good

MIA MLB Zach Thomas: 11 tackles (8 solo)
MIA DE Jason Taylor: 5 tackles (1 solo), sack, FF. Taylor has 6.5 sacks in his last 9 games v NE
NE CB Asante Samuel: 6 solo tackles, 2 INT, 2 PD
NE DE Jarvis Green: 2 solo tackles, sack, QH. This backup has been their most productive defensive lineman

The Bad

NE DE Richard Seymour: 1 assist. Zero solo tackles in the last 2 games
NE ILB Junior Seau: 3 tackles (2 solo), QH. 8 solo tackles over the last 4 games
NE OLB Rosevelt Colvin: 4 tackles (1 solo), QH. 6 solo tackles in 5 games, 0 sacks over the last 4

The Ugly

NE OLB M.Vrabel, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
NE DE R.Seymour, Encroachment, 5 yards
MIA LB K.Adams, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards
NE CB E.Hobbs, Face Mask (15 Yards)
NE DT V.Wilfork, Encroachment, 5 yards
MIA LB C.Crowder, False Start, 5 yards
MIA CB W.Allen, Defensive Pass Interference, 21 yards
NE DE J.Green, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards
MIA DT D.Wilkinson, Defensive Holding, 5 yards

Tampa Bay (21) at New Orleans (24)

Time of Possession: Tampa Bay 30:37, New Orleans 29:23
Total Plays: Tampa Bay 66, New Orleans 58

While he has failed to find the endzone in the Saints offense, and he's been a disappointment as a runner (53-164), Reggie Bush showed us on Sunday why he's considered one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. A 65 yard punt return gave him his first score as a professional and, with 35-256 receiving, he's on pace for over 100 catches. In what appeared to be a matchup of two teams headed in opposite directions, the Buccaneers actually led the game into the 4th quarter until Bush's TD gave the Saints the lead for good. Tampa Bay came in having won four of the last five versus New Orleans, but the loss now sets them at 0-4 for the second time in three years. At 4-1, New Orleans has now exceeded their victory total from a year ago when the finished 3-13.

Both teams had their starting lineups intact.

TB SLB Ryan Nece, a game time decision, returned after missing the last game with a knee injury and CB Brian Kelly, inactive since week one with a turf toe injury, was also in the starting lineup.

The Good

TB Brian Kelly: 9 tackles (8 solo)
TB CB Ronde Barber: 8 tackles (6 solo). Barber has posted 6 or more solo tackles in each game this year, 34 total in four games
NO FS Josh Bullocks: 10 solo tackles, career high
NO SLB Scott Fujita: 8 tackles (5 solo), sack, QH
NO DE Charles Grant: 5 tackles (4 solo), sack, 3 QH, FF. Grant has shown flashes of breaking out of his slump over the last few weeks. Now we need to see consistency
NO SS Roman Harper: 7 solo tackles, PD

The Bad

TB WLB Derrick Brooks: 5 tackles (3 solo)
TB SLB Ryan Nece: 2 solo tackles. Quarles showed us that production is possible from the position, now we need to see it from Nece
TB DE Simeon Rice: 1 solo tackle, QH
TB FS Will Allen: 2 solo tackles
NO CB Mike McKenzie: 1 assist
NO CB Fred Thomas: 3 tackles (2 solo)

The Ugly

NO SS R.Harper, Personal Foul, 3 yards
NO CB M.McKenzie, Defensive Pass Interference, offsetting
TB CB T.Cox, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards

Washington (3) at New York Giants (19)

Time of Possession: NY Giants 34:47, Washington 25:13
Total Plays: NY Giants 69, Washington 45

Just when you think that the Washington Redskins are getting their offense together, moving to #3 in the NFL at 371.8 yards per game, they pull this. The 'Skins couldn't get anything started on offense against a New York defense that came in ranked 27 overall (29 against the pass). The Giants held the Redskins to just 164 total yards while picking up 411 of their own (155 on the ground against Washington's #5 run defense). This will certainly help the Giants scoring defense, which came in ranked 31st allowing 30.7 points per game. A divisional battle, you could've thrown the stats out. Eli Manning, with one win at home this year, is still one win behind Peyton for Meadowlands victories in 2006.

WAS DT Joe Salave'a (3 tackles, 2 solo) returned to the starting lineup after missing the last two games with a calf injury.
WAS CB Shawn Springs remains out with a groin injury. He's yet to see the field in 2006. Kenny Wright continues to start in his place.
NYG WLB Carlos Emmons was inactive with a pectoral injury. He was replaced in the lineup by Brandon Short.
The Giants opened in a nickel defense with CB R.W.McQuarters (2 solo tackles) joining the starting lineup in place of LaVar Arrington (1 solo tackle, PD). This was to match Washington's 3-WR set. Antonio Pierce (6 tackles, 4 solo, PD) and Brandon Short were the two linebackers.
New York, which had just two sacks in the first three games, got to Mark Brunell three times this week.

The Good

WAS SS Adam Archuleta: 10 tackles (9 solo). Archuleta's 3rd game this year with 8 or more solo tackles
WAS CB Kenny Wright: 9 tackles (8 solo)
WAS MLB Lemar Marshall: 8 tackles (7 solo), QH
WAS CB Carlos Rogers: 7 solo tackles. 3rd straight game with 6 or more solo tackles
NYG WLB Brandon Short: 6 solo tackles, PD
NYG DE's Osi Umenyiora and Michael Strahan: Strahan's 1st sack of the year, Umenyiora's 2nd
NYG CB Sam Madison: 5 solo tackles. 5 or more solo tackles in three of 4 games

The Bad

WAS DE Andre Carter: 0 tackles, QH. 2nd time in the last three games he's been held without a tackle
WAS SLB Marcus Washington: 6 tackles (3 solo), PD. Washington has posted 3 or fewer solo tackles in 4 of 5 games
WAS WLB Warrick Holdman: 6 tackles (3 solo). 3 or fewer tackles in 3 of the last 4 games
NYG SS Gibril Wilson: 6 tackles (3 solo). Wilson had recorded 9 solos in each of the last 2 games
NYG CB Corey Webster: 1 solo tackle

The Ugly

NYG DT W.Joseph, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards
NYG CB S.Madison, Illegal Contact
NYG LB R.Torbor, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards

Kansas City (23) at Arizona (20)

Time of Possession: Arizona 30:29, Kansas City 29:31
Total Plays: Arizona 65, Kansas City 63

Matt Leinart's performance in his first NFL start was success, with 253 yards and two touchdowns, but the end result hasn't changed. The Cardinals (1-4) have lost four in a row after winning the season opener versus San Francisco. Kansas City, which came in with the leagues #3 defense and hadn't allowed a passing TD this year, gave up a Leinart to Boldin TD pass on the games fifth offensive play. Arizona's defense, which came in allowing 144.5 yards per game on the ground, held the Chiefs and Larry Johnson to 39. Sometimes you just can't explain this stuff.

Both teams came in with their starting lineups intact.

Kansas City opened in a nickel defense with CB Lenny Walls taking Kendrell Bell's (1 solo tackle, sack, QH) spot in the starting lineup. This was to match the Cardinals 3-WR set. Derrick Johnson (6 tackles, 5 solo) and Kawika Mitchell were the two linebackers.

The Good

KC CB Patrick Surtain: 8 solo tackles, FF
KC SS Sammy Knight: 7 solo tackles
KC DE Jared Allen: 6 solo tackles, sack, QH
KC DE Tamba Hali: 4 tackles (3 solo), sack, QH, PD
KC CB Ty Law: 2 solo tackles, INT, 2 PD. Back to back games with an INT. Led the league last year with 10
ARI LB Karlos Dansby: 9 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QH
ARI CB Antrel Rolle: 8 solo tackles, 2 PD
ARI CB Eric Green: 7 solo tackles, PD, FF, FR

The Bad

KC MLB Kawika Mitchell: 5 tackles (2 solo). Less than 5 solo tackles in all 4 games this year
ARI WLB Orlando Huff: 4 tackles (3 solo). Under 5 solo tackles in all 5 games
ARI MLB Gerald Hayes: 2 solo tackles, PD
ARI SLB Calvin Pace: 1 solo tackle. 9 solo tackles in 5 games, 0 sacks
ARI DE Bertrand Berry: 1 solo tackle. 8 solo tackles in 5 games, 0 sacks

The Ugly

ARI MLB G.Hayes, Illegal Contact, declined
ARI DE C.Okeafor, Defensive Offside, declined
KC CB P.Surtain, Defensive Pass Interference, 17 yards
ARI MLB G.Hayes, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
ARI CB R.Tate, Defensive Pass Interference, 14 yards
ARI CB R.Tate, Defensive Pass Interference, declined
ARI CB A.Rolle, Defensive Holding, 10 yards
ARI CB A.Rolle, Face Mask (15 Yards), 5 yards (injured Larry Johnson on this play)

New York Jets (0) at Jacksonville (41)

Time of Possession: Jacksonville 32:02, NY Jets 27:58
Total Plays: Jacksonville 60, NY Jets 58

What is it with the Jacksonville Jaguars? One week they look like the leagues top defense, the next they are giving up near 500 yards to the Washington Redskins. Unfortunately for the Jets, they caught Jacksonville on a day that they were clicking, both offensively and defensively, on route to the Jets worst loss in 20 years. The Jaguars came out hot with TDs on four of their first five possessions and limited New York to just 177 total yards while picking off Chad Pennington three times and recovering a fumble. Through it all, the lone highlight for the Jets was rookie RB Leon Washington running for over 100 yards. Pennington, who tore his rotator cuff last year v JAC, made it out of this game unscathed?somewhat. With two shutouts in five games, the Jaguars are definitely a team to be reckoned with in the AFC, especially if find consistency this year.

JAC DT Rob Meier (3 solo tackles, sack, QH), who had been starting in place of Reggie Hayward, was moved back to DT. He started this game in place of Marcus Stroud, who was inactive with an ankle injury. It was Stroud's first missed game of his career (84 games). Bobby McCray started at DE.
The Jaguars opened in a nickel defense with CB Terry Cousin replacing LB Nick Griesen (1 solo tackle, FR) in the starting lineup. This was to match New York's 3-WR set. Mike Peterson and Daryl Smith were the two linebackers.
As has been this year, the Jets are listed in a 4-3 defense in their opening set with Bryan Thomas as a defensive end.

The Good

NYJ DE Bryan Thomas: 8 solo tackles
NYJ LB Eric Barton: 6 tackles (5 solo), sack, QH. 20 solo tackles over the last 3 games
JAC DE Bobby McCray: 4 tackles (3 solo), 1.5 sacks, QH

The Bad

NYJ MLB Jon Vilma: 4 solo tackles. There have been grumblings that Vilma doesn't fit in New York's defensive scheme
NYJ SS Kerry Rhodes: 3 tackles (2 solo). Just 5 solo tackles over the last 2 weeks after a very big start to the year
NYJ OLB Victor Hobson: 1 solo tackle. 11 solo tackles in 5 games
NYJ FS Erik Coleman: 2 tackles (1 solo), QH. 12 solo tackles in 5 games
JAC MLB Mike Peterson: 2 solo tackles
JAC WLB Daryl Smith: 3 tackles (2 solo), PD. Has yet to record 5 or more solos in a game this year

The Ugly

JAC DE P.Spicer, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
JAC CB R.Mathis, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
NYJ LB J.Vilma, Personal Foul, 4 yards
JAC DT R.Meier, Defensive Offside, declined
NYJ LB E.Barton, Personal Foul, 15 yards
JAC CB S.Starks, Illegal Contact, 5 yards

Oakland (20) at San Francisco (34)

Time of Possession: San Francisco 35:13, Oakland 24:47
Total Plays: San Francisco 60, Oakland 56

The game that nobody cared about, outside of fantasy football nuts and some of us who live in the Bay Area. San Francisco came in last in scoring defense, allowing 31.5 points per game, while Oakland was tied with Tampa Bay for the fewest points scored (27). Something had to give, and it was the Raiders. Oakland allowed just one sack, after giving up 19 in the first three games, and they totaled more yardage than the 49ers (370-330) but the five turnovers (4 INT, 1 fumble) were too much for them to overcome. The Raiders have now lost 10 straight games, their longest winless stretch since 1961-61, and they are 0-4 for the first time since 1992 (Art Shell was their head coach then, too). They finished 7-9 in 1992 and they can only hope that this year will end with seven wins. Oakland actually came in with the leagues #3 pass defense, allowing 137.7 yards per game. Through four games, they give up 144.5 through the air and 150 per game on the ground.

OAK CB Fabian Washington was inactive with a hamstring injury. He was replaced in the lineup by Stanford Routt (5 solo tackles).
San Francisco opened in a 4-3 defense with Melvin Oliver at defensive end and Brandon Moore (2 solo tackles, QH) on the sideline.
Oakland opened in a nickel defense with S Derrick Gibson (1 solo tackle) replacing SLB Sam Williams (3 tackles, 2 solo) in the lineup. This was to match the 'Niners 2-TE set. Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard were the two linebackers.

The Good

OAK MLB Kirk Morrison: 10 tackles (7 solo)
OAK WLB Thomas Howard: 7 tackles (6 solo), QH. Howard has posted at least 6 solo tackles in all four games
OAK FS Stuart Schweigert: 9 tackles (7 solo). 24 solo tackles over the last 3 games
OAK SS Michael Huff: 6 solo tackles. Career high
SF DE Bryant Young: 2 tackles (1 solo), sack, QH. 80.5 career sacks, one of 5 active players with 80
SF DE Melvin Oliver: 2 solo tackles, 12 yard FR-TD
SF CB Walt Harris: 4 solo tackles, 3 INT, 3 PD

The Bad

OAK DE Tyler Brayton: 2 solo tackles. Still looking for his first sack this year
OAK DE Derrick Burgess: 1 solo tackle
SF CB Shawntae Spencer: 2 solo tackles

The Ugly

OAK CB N.Asomugha, Defensive Holding, declined
OAK S D.Gibson, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards
OAK DT T.Sands, Encroachment, 5 yards

Dallas (24) at Philadelphia (38)

Time of Possession: Dallas 36:59, Philadelphia 23:01
Total Plays: Dallas 84, Philadelphia 54

In what was billed as Terrell Owens' return to Philadelphia, more should have been made about Philadelphia CB Lito Sheppard's return to the starting lineup. Out since injuring his ankle against the Texans in week one, Sheppard was questionable entering the game but played. While Owens played little part in Dallas' offense with his first reception coming in the third quarter (finished with 3-45), Sheppard led the eagles with 8 tackles (7 solo), two interceptions (one that he returned 102 yards for a TD) and seven passes defended. Welcome back Lito.

The Cowboys defense, ranked 5th overall coming in, held their own against the run in limiting the Eagles to just 52 yards. But like everyone else in the league, they could not contain Donovan McNabb (354 passing yards, 2 TDs). McNabb has now thrown for 1606 yards with 11 TDs in five games. With this win the Eagles snapped a seven game losing streak against NFC East rivals.

Both teams had their starting lineups intact, although PHI nickel CB Rod Hood was inactive with a heel injury.

The Good

PHI CB Lito Sheppard: 8 tackles (7 solo), 2 INT, 7 PD, 102 yard INT-TD
PHI DE Trent Cole: 9 tackles (5 solo), sack, 2 QH, FR. 11 sacks in 20 career games
PHI MLB Jeremiah Trotter: 8 tackles (7 solo)
PHI DT Denard Walker: 7 tackles (6 solo), 3 sacks, 3 QH, FF
PHI DE Darren Howard: 7 tackles (4 solo), 2 sacks, 2 QH, FF
DAL OLB DeMarcus Ware: 3 tackles (2 solo), 1.5 sacks, QH, PD, 69 yard FR-TD
DAL OLB Greg Ellis: 6 tackles (5 solo), sack, FF. Second straight game with 5 solo tackles

The Bad

PHI SS Michael Lewis: 4 tackles (1 solo), 2 PD
PHI WLB Matt McCoy: 0 tackles
The Cowboys had just 28 solo tackles on Sunday, making it hard for them to fill up the boxscore.

The Ugly

DAL FS P.Watkins, Face Mask (15 Yards), 0 yards
DAL DE J.Hatcher, Defensive Offside, 4 yards
DAL CB A.Henry, Defensive Holding, declined
PHI SS M.Lewis, Defensive Pass Interference, 57 yards. Lewis would have been the goat for this play had Sheppard not picked off Drew Bledsoe two plays later

Pittsburgh (10) at San Diego (23)

Time of Possession: San Diego 33:52, Pittsburgh 26:08
Total Plays: San Diego 72, Pittsburgh 54

The death of Martyball. A week ago the Chargers were scrutinized for being too conservative while holding a lead against the Baltimore Ravens, and it came back to bite them with Steve McNair's late game heroics. This week, whether it was the Steelers defense stuffing LaDainian Tomlinson early on or Marty Schottenheimer's decision to air it out?it worked. The Chargers racked up 341 yards against the Steelers with the majority of that coming by way of Phillip Rivers' arm early on. Rivers ended up with 242 yards on 37 attempts and two TDs, by far the most that San Diego has relied on their quarterback this season. The Chargers' defense played their part also. The leagues top overall unit (#1 v pass, #2 v run) held the Steelers to 265 total yards (68 on the ground) with their only blemish being a Willie Parker TD run, the first rushing touchdown that San Diego has allowed this year.

Both teams had their starting lineups intact, but the Steelers were without nickel CB Ricardo Colclough who's been placed on the IR with a neck injury.

The Good

PIT FS Ryan Clark: 9 tackles (6 solo), INT, PD
PIT CB Ike Taylor: 7 solo tackles, 2 PD
PIT SS Troy Polamalu: 7 solo tackles. His best tackle out of the year
PIT OLB Clark Haggans: 6 solo tackles, sack, QH, PD. 3 sacks over the last 2 games
PIT OLB Joey Porter: 7 tackles (6 solo), QH. Porter hadn't posted 6 solo tackles since the final week of 2003
SD CB Quentin Jammer: 7 solo tackles
SD DT Jamal Williams: 6 solo tackles, sack, QH. He's not usually a stat producer, but Williams had an outstanding game with pressure and stuffing the run
SD OLB Shaun Phillips: 5 solo tackles, sack, 3 QH. At least one sack in 3 of 4 games this year
SD DE Luis Castillo: 4 tackles (1 solo), 1.5 sacks, QH. Unheralded

The Bad

SD ILB Randall Godfrey: 2 assists. 1st game played without a solo tackle since 2003
SD FS Marlon McCree: 4 tackles (2 solo), INT, PD. 5 solo tackles in 4 games
PIT ILB James Farrior: 4 solo tackles

The Ugly

SD OLB S.Merriman, Illegal Contact, declined
PIT CB I.Taylor, Illegal Contact, declined
SD OLB S.Phillips, Neutral Zone Infraction, 5 yards
SD CB Q.Jammer, Defensive Holding, declined