Shawn Culcasi - IDP Perspective

The Detroit Lions, after blowing 4th quarter leads in each of their past two games, finally held on to pick up their first victory of the year. A solid performance from the 28th ranked Lions' defense, limiting Buffalo to just 242 total yards and holding them without a rushing touchdown (they've allowed just one rushing TD in six games). J.P. Losman did get them for two passing TDs, increasing their league-worst total in pass TDs allowed to 13. After scoring just 13 points in the seasons first two games, the Lions have scored 95 over their last four. Buffalo falls to 2-4 after giving the Lions almost 100 yards more (394) than their season average (301.4). Detroit racked up 132 yards on the ground after coming in with a league worst average of 59.6 rushing yards per game.

BUF rookie 5th round pick Kyle Williams (5 tackles, 3 solo) started in place of DT Tim Anderson (QH).
BUF SLB Takeo Spikes (4 tackles, 3 solo), questionable with a hamstring injury, played but did not start. He was replaced in the starting lineup by CB Kiwaukee Thomas (1 solo tackle). The Lions opened in a standard offensive set so I'm not sure why the Bills opened with a nickel defense.
DET DT Shaun Cody was inactive with a toe injury. Cory Redding (3 tackles, 1 solo, ½ sack, QH), the normal starter at defensive end, slid inside to replace Cody and Kalimba Edwards (2 tackles, 1 solo, FR) got the start at DE.
DET SS Kenoy Kennedy remains sidelined with a foot injury, replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Daniel Bullocks (6 tackles, 2 solo, PD). Kennedy was also arrested for a DUI on October 6th, not exactly how he wanted to start the season.

The Good

BUF SS Donte Whitner: 8 tackles (6 solo), PD. 5 or more solos in each of the last three games
BUF CB Terrence McGee: 7 solo tackles, 4 PD
BUF MLB London Fletcher: 7 tackles (6 solo), sack
BUF DE Aaron Schobel: 4 solo tackles, sack, 2 QH. Sack in each of the last two games
DET CB Fernando Bryant: 8 tackles (6 solo), PD
DET DE James Hall: 7 tackles (4 solo), 3.5 sacks, 2 QH, FF. His first sacks since week one
DET MLB Boss Bailey: 6 tackles (5 solo)

The above DET trio recorded 15 of the Lions 33 solo tackles

The Bad

BUF Nate Clements: 4 tackles (3 solo). Clements has picked up <5 solo tackles in 4 of 6 games this year. Last year he picked up five or more solo tackle in 10 of 16 games
BUF DE Ryan Denney: 2 tackles (1 solo). 0 sacks since picking up 3 in week two
BUF WLB Angelo Crowell: 4 tackles (3 solo)
DET WLB Ernie Sims: 6 tackles (2 solo)
DET DE Kalimba Edwards: 2 tackles (1 solo). Two tackles, three penalties

The Ugly

DET DE K.Edwards, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
DET DE K.Edwards, Defensive Offside, declined
BUF DE R.Denney, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards
DET DE K.Edwards, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards

Carolina (23) at Baltimore (21)

Time of Possession: Carolina 33:49, Baltimore 26:11
Total Plays: Carolina 70, Baltimore 60

Carolina knew that they were in for a dogfight, facing the leagues 2nd ranked defense, but little did they know that the dog they'd be fighting on Sunday was a Chihuahua. The Panthers almost doubled the Ravens average allowance (219.6) with 414 total yards, 356 of which came through the air where Baltimore was 2nd in the league having allowed just 145.8 per game. Needless to say, Jake Delhomme was not expecting to throw for a career high in passing yards this day. On the other side, Carolina looked much more like the leagues #4 run defense that they were a year ago, holding Baltimore to 58 yards rushing. The Panthers had given up an average of 122.0 yards rushing during their first five games. Carolina is now 3-0 all-time v. BAL. Even though DeShaun Foster didn't have a big game (26-58), the Panthers are now 11-1 when he carries the ball 20 or more times. They scored 9.5 per game without Steve Smith, 22.5 in the four games since he's returned.

CAR MLB Dan Morgan has officially been placed on the injured reserve, ending his season.
CAR SS Shaun Williams was inactive with a foot injury, replaced by Colin Branch (3 tackles, 2 solo, INT, PD).
BAL DT Haloti Ngata (knee) (2 tackles, 1 solo) and Terrell Suggs (thigh) were both questionable entering the game, and both started.

The Good

CAR DE Julius Peppers: 8 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QH, FF. It looks like Peppers is trying to prove something this year and I think we get the point. 30 solo tackles, 8 sacks and 3 FF through six games
CAR MLB Chris Draft: 7 tackles (5 solo), sack, QH, FR
CAR nickel CB Richard Marshall: INT in back to back weeks
BAL MLB Ray Lewis: 9 tackles (8 solo), FR
BAL DT Kelly Gregg: 8 tackles (6 solo), FF
BAL SLB Adalius Thomas: 7 solo tackles, sack, QH, PD. Sack in four of the past five games
BAL CB Chris McAlister: 6 solo tackles, INT, PD. His first with >5 solos over the past 12 games

The Bad

CAR DE Mike Rucker: 3 tackles (2 solo), QH. Still looking for his first sack this year
CAR WLB Na'il Diggs: 4 solo tackles. Consistent with 4 solo in each of the last three games, but not very productive
CAR nickel CB Richard Marshall: INT in back to back weeks
BAL WLB Bart Scott: 5 tackles (3 solo)
BAL FS Ed Reed: 4 tackles (2 solo). 3rd game this year with 2 or fewer solo tackles
BAL DE Terrell Suggs: 3 tackles (1 solo), QH, PD

The Ugly

BAL CB C.McAlister, Defensive Pass Interference, 5 yards
BAL CB C.McAlister, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
CAR DT K.Jenkins, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
CAR DT K.Moorehead, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
CAR DT D.Lewis, Face Mask (5 Yards), 5 yards
BAL DE T.Suggs, Defensive Offside, 5 yards

Cincinnati (13) at Tampa Bay (14)

Time of Possession: Tampa Bay 35:07, Cincinnati 24:53
Total Plays: Tampa Bay 71, Cincinnati 59
Bruce Gradkowski has now done something that Chris Simms was unable to through the seasons first three games…win a game. The victory helped the Bucs avoid their first 0-5 start since 1996 and snapped the Bengals eight game win streak against NFC opponents. Cincinnati has now been held under 20 points in consecutive games, something that didn't happen a year ago (just three games overall <20 in 2005), and their run D, which allowed 126 yards to the Buccaneers, is giving up just over 140 yards per game. Tampa Bay, last years top overall defense, has been horrible thus far against the run (allowing 163.2 per game), but they held the Bengals and Rudi Johnson to just 53 yards. Carson Palmer, sacked twice on Sunday, has now been dropped 17 times in five games, two shy of his total from a year ago.

CIN MLB Brian Simmons woke up Sunday morning with a sore neck, so he was inactive. Simmons was replaced in the starting lineup by Ahmad Brooks.
CIN SLB Rashad Jeanty was inactive with a foot injury, replaced on the strongside by Landon Johnson. Caleb Miller started on the weakside for Cincinnati.
CIN SS Dexter Jackson was inactive with an ankle injury, replaced by Kevin Kaesviharn.
TB CB Brian Kelly was inactive with a foot injury, replace by Juran Bolden (questionable himself with a hip injury).
TB DE Simeon Rice was questionable entering the game with a shoulder injury, but he started.

The Good

CIN MLB Ahmad Brooks: 11 tackles (10 solo), PD. Not bad for his first NFL start
CIN FS Madieu Williams: 11 tackles (5 solo). Williams has posted four or more solo tackles in each game
CIN SLB Landon Johnson: 7 tackles (6 solo), QH
CIN WLB Caleb Miller: 7 tackles (5 solo)
CIN DE Justin Smith: 6 tackles (4 solo), sack, 2 QH. Now with five sacks, looks well on his way to breaking his career high (7.5)
CIN DE Robert Geathers: 3 solo tackles, sack, 2 QH
TB DL Ellis Wyms: 6 tackles (5 solo), 2 sacks, 2 QH
TB SLB Ryan Nece: 7 tackles (6 solo)

The Bad

CIN DT John Thornton: 3 tackles (1 solo). 10 solo tackles in five games
TB DE Greg Spires: 2 assists. 9 solo tackles and one sack in five games
TB WLB Derrick Brooks: 5 solo tackles. 8 solos over the last two games
TB DT Anthony McFarland: 2 solo tackles, QH. Once proclaimed the next Warren Sapp, 6 solos/0 sacks on year

The Ugly

CIN DE R.Geathers, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
TB CB J.Bolden, Defensive Holding, offsetting
TB DE S.Rice, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
CIN DT S.Adams, Encroachment, 5 yards
CIN DE R.Geathers, Roughing the Passer, 9 yards
TB DT C.Hovan, Defensive Offside, declined
CIN DE J.Smith, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards

Houston (6) at Dallas (34)

Time of Possession: Dallas 35:14, Houston 24:46
Total Plays: Dallas 69, Houston 55

The squeaky wheel got greased on Sunday to the tune of five receptions, 45 yards and three touchdowns. I wonder whether Terrell Owens even knows if the Cowboys won the game or not?

The Cowboys, hoping to avenge a defeat in their last matchup with Houston (Texans first franchise game), had this game play out pretty much as expected. While the numbers weren't gaudy for Drew Bledsoe and the Cowboys passing game (184 net yards), Julius Jones and Marion Barber helped pound out 170 rushing yards against the NFL's worst ranked overall defense. Dallas' 5th ranked run D held tough in allowing just 34 rush yards to Houston, a week after limiting the Eagles to 52 yards on the ground. Dallas' defense has not allowed a touchdown in either of their two home games this year.

Houston opened in a nickel defense with a light defensive line. Defensive ends Anthony Weaver (3 tackles, 2 solo) and ND Kalu (1 solo tackle) started at DT with Jason Babin (2 tackles, 1 solo) and Mario Williams at DE. CB Dexter McCleon (3 tackles, 2 solo) took the place of SLB Shantee Orr (2 solo tackles, PD) as the fifth defensive back while DeMeco Ryans and Morlon Greenwood remained as the linebackers.

HOU CB DeMarcus Faggins was once again inactive with a foot injury.

The Good

HOU FS C.C.Brown: 10 tackles (9 solo), sack, QH. 6 or more solos in three of the past four games
HOU MLB DeMeco Ryans: 9 tackles (6 solo), sack, QH
HOU DE Mario Williams: 6 tackles (5 solo)
HOU CB Dunta Robinson: 5 solo tackles. 5 or more solos in four of five games this year
DAL CB Anthony Henry: 8 solo tackles, INT, 5 PD. 10 PD in five games
DAL ILB Bradie James: 8 tackles (6 solo)

The Bad

HOU WLB Morlon Greenwood: 2 tackles (1 solo)
HOU CB Lewis Sanders: 2 solo tackles
DAL ILB Akin Ayodele: 2 tackles (1 solo). 9 solo tackles over the last four games
DAL OLB DeMarcus Ware: 4 tackles (2 solo)
DAL DE Chris Canty: 2 tackles (1 solo). 8 solo tackles in five games
DAL FS Pat Watkins: 1 solo tackle. 3 solo tackles over the last two games

The Ugly

DAL DE M.Spears, Face Mask (5 Yards), 5 yards
DAL CB A.Henry, Personal Foul, 4 yards
HST DT S.Payne, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
HST CB L.Sanders, Defensive Pass Interference, declined
HST DT Tr.Johnson, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
HST DT Tr.Johnson, Unnecessary Roughness, 2 yards
DAL OLB D.Ware, Illegal Contact, 5 yards

New York Giants (27) at Atlanta (14)

Time of Possession: NY Giants 34:18, Atlanta 25:42
Total Plays: NY Giants 70, Atlanta 60

The Atlanta Falcons came into this game with the recipe for success, leading the league with 234.2 rushing yards per game while holding opponents to just 69.2 yards per game on the ground, the leagues 2nd ranked run defense. The Falcons offense played their part with 223 rushing yards while their defense fell well short, allowing Tiki Barber and the Giants to run wild (259 yards). Both teams had trouble through the air, combining for 271 net passing yards, while the Giants were able to get to Michael Vick a career high seven times after posting just five sacks through the first four games. Coming in, Atlanta's defense had allowed just one touchdown on the year (0 passing) and the Falcons had won three straight against the Giants. The visiting squad has now won 11 straight in this series.

ATL DE John Abraham returned to the starting lineup after missing the last three games with a groin injury.
ATL MLB Ed Hartwell remained inactive with a knee injury, allowing Demorrio Williams to continue starting at WLB.
NYG SS Gibril Wilson, listed as questionable with a toe injury, was inactive. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Jason Bell (3 solo tackles).
NYG WLB Carlos Emmons was inactive with a pectoral injury, replaced by Brandon Short.

The Good

NYG WLB Brandon Short: 8 solo tackles, 2 sacks, FF. 14 solo tackles in two games as a starter
NYG DT Barry Cofield: 6 tackles (5 solo), 1.5 sacks, QH
NYG DE Osi Umenyiora: 5 tackles (4 solo), 2 sacks, QH, FF. Doubled his sack total of the year, best game by far
NYG CB Corey Webster: 4 solo tackles, sack, PD, FF
ATL WLB Demorrio Williams: 11 tackles (9 solo), INT, PD. 7 or more solos in three straight games
ATL SS Lawyer Milloy: 11 tackles (9 solo). 5 or more solo tackles in four of five games this year
ATL CB Jason Webster: 8 tackles (7 solo)
ATL DE John Abraham: 2 solo tackles, sack, QH, FF. Welcome back
ATL DE Patrick Kerney: 3 solo tackles, sack, QH, PD. 7 solos and four sacks over the last two games

The Bad

NYG DE Michael Strahan: 2 solo tackles. He missed out on the sack-fest
NYG SLB LaVar Arrington: 1 solo tackle. A single solo tackle in each of the past two games
NYG FS Will Demps: 1 solo tackle
ATL SLB Michael Boley: 4 tackles (3 solo). Keep a close eye on his production with the return of Abraham/Hartwell
ATL DT Rod Coleman: 0 tackles, PD. 5 solo tackles in five games

The Ugly

ATL DE J.Abraham, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
ATL SS L.Milloy, Defensive Pass Interference, 25 yards
ATL MLB K.Brooking, Illegal Contact, declined
NYG MLB A.Pierce, Personal Foul, 15 yards

Philadelphia (24) at New Orleans (27)

Time of Possession: New Orleans 34:03, Philadelphia 25:57
Total Plays: New Orleans 68, Philadelphia 54

This was billed as the return of Donte Stallworth and Darren Howard to New Orleans, but it was an ex-Philly defender in Saints clothing that had the biggest impact. DT Hollis Thomas, who joined the Saints this offseason after spending his first nine years in Philadelphia, had his best game in recent history with six solo tackles and sack, helping New Orleans' 13th ranked defense limit the leagues top offense to almost 100 yards short of their average. The Saints victory snapped a streak of five straight wins by Philly in this series. With the win, New Orleans has to be considered a legitimate player in the NFC.

PHI nickel-CB Rod Hood was inactive with a heel injury.
NO SS Roman Harper has been placed on the IR with a knee injury, officially ending his season. He'll be replaced in the lineup by Omar Stoutmire.

The Good

PHI MLB Jeremiah Trotter: 10 tackles (8 solo). 6 or more solo tackles in four of six games
PHI FS Brian Dawkins: 7 tackles (6 solo)
PHI SLB Dhani Jones: 7 tackles (5 solo)
PHI CB Lito Sheppard: 5 tackles (4 solo), INT, PD. Last week Sheppard became the first player in NFL history with two INT returns of 100 or more yards
NO SLB Scott Fujita: 8 tackles (4 solo), sack, QH, INT, 2 PD. 3 sacks over the last three games
NO WLB Scott Shanle: 6 solo tackles
NO SS Omar Stoutmire: 5 solo tackles, 2 PD
NO DE Charles Grant: 3 solo tackles, sack, 3 QH. 13 solo tackles and three sacks over the last four games

The Bad

PHI WLB Matt McCoy: 3 solo tackles. 3 or fewer solo tackles in four of six games
PHI WLB Shawn Barber: 3 tackles (2 solo)
PHI SS Michael Lewis: 3 solo tackles
NO MLB Mark Simoneau: 2 tackles (1 solo), QH
NO DE Will Smith: 2 tackles (1 solo), QH. 5 solo tackles with 0 sacks over the last three games
NO CB Mike McKenzie: 1 solo tackle. 3 solo tackles over the last three games

The Ugly

PHI DE D.Howard, Defensive Offside, 6 yards
PHI WLB M.McCoy, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards
PHI CB S.Brown, Defensive Pass Interference, 11 yards
NO SS O.Stoutmire, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards
NO SS O.Stoutmire, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
NO FS J.Bullocks, Defensive Pass Interference, 20 yards

Seattle (30) at St. Louis (28)

Time of Possession: St. Louis 32:05, Seattle 27:55
Total Plays: St. Louis 67, Seattle 66

Each of the last three games has come down to the buzzer for St. Louis, but, unfortunately, luck wasn't on their side this week. The Rams blew a 21-7 halftime lead only to watch the Seahawks outscore them 23-7 in the second half, sealing the game with a 54 yard field goal as time expired. Coming off of their worst loss since 1997 and having failed to score a touchdown in their previous two road games, Seattle's second half comeback is somewhat indicative of their path to a 4-1 record and sole possession of first place in the NFC West. The Seahawks led the league last year with 50 sacks but only had 10 through this years first four games. They got to Marc Bulger six times on Sunday and picked him off once, Bulger's first interception in his last 249 attempts. Seattle is now 10-1 in the last 11 divisional games.

SEA DT Marcus Tubbs (2 tackles, 1 solo, ½ sack, QH) started in place of Chuck Darby (1 solo tackle). This was Tubbs first action of the year after undergoing knee surgery.
STL CB Fakhir Brown was inactive with an ankle injury, replaced in the starting lineup by rookie Tye Hill (2 solo tackles).
STL DE Tony Hargrove was inactive.

The Good

SEA FS Ken Hamlin: 7 solo tackles, sack, QH. Tied his career high in solo tackle (game)
SEA MLB Lofa Tatupu: 6 solo tackles, INT, 2 PD. 27 solo tackles over the last four games
SEA LB Julian Peterson: 4 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QH, PD. 4 sacks in five games with Seahawks
SEA DE Bryce Fisher: 4 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QH
STL MLB Will Witherspoon: 10 solo tackles, PD. 8 or more solo tackle in four of six games
STL SS Corey Chavous: 5 solo tackles, QH, 2 PD
STL DE Leonard Little: 5 solo tackles, FF

The Bad

STL CB Tye Hill: 2 solo tackles
STL SLB Brandon Chillar: 2 solo tackles, sack, QH. 14 solo tackles in six games

The Ugly

SL DE L.Little, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
SEA DT C.Darby, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
SEA LB J.Peterson, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
SEA S K.Hamlin, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards
SEA CB K.Herndon, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
SL CB Tr.Fisher, Defensive Pass Interference, 30 yards
SL CB T.Hill, Defensive Pass Interference, 22 yards

Tennessee (25) at Washington (22)

Time of Possession: Tennessee 35:40, Washington 24:20
Total Plays: Tennessee 70, Washington 56

Joe Gibbs called this loss a "huge, bitter disappointment". I'd say so. When the season opened, Washington had legit Super Bowl aspirations. Six weeks in, sitting at 2-4 with a home loss to the NFL's lowest scoring team, only the homerest of homers would even consider this team a playoff contender. Washington allowed the Titans to control the ball while Travis Henry posted 178 yards against their 13th ranked run defense (94.4). They got to Vince Young four times, hurting his ankle in the fourth quarter, but they couldn't take advantage of a rookie making his third NFL start.

TEN DT Albert Haynesworth sat out the second game of his 5-game suspension. Randy Starks (3 tackles, 2 solo) started in his place.
The Titans opened in a nickel defense with CB Cortland Finnegan (2 solo tackles) taking MLB Peter Sirmon's spot in the lineup. This was to match Washington's 3-WR opening set. The linebackers for Tennessee were Keith Bulluck and David Thornton (3 solo tackles).
With Joe Salave'a (calf) and Cornelius Griffin (hip) both inactive, the Redskins had two rookie backups starting at defensive tackle: Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery (4 tackles, 1 solo, ½ sack).
WAS CB Shawn Springs (3 solo tackles) was active for the first time this year, but he did not start. Kenny Wright (4 tackles, 2 solo, PD) continued to start in his place.

The Good

WAS FS Sean Taylor: 10 tackles (8 solo), PD. 5 or more solo tackles in three of the past four games
WAS CB Carlos Rogers: 7 tackles (6 solo), sack, QH. 6 or more solo tackles in each of the past four games
WAS SS Adam Archuleta: 7 solo tackles. 7 or more solos in four of six games
WAS DT Kedric Golston: 6 tackles (5 solo), ½ sack, QH

The Bad

TEN WLB Keith Bulluck: 7 tackles (5 solo). 18 solo tackles over the last four games. Bulluck opened the year with back-to-back 10 solo tackle performances
TEN MLB Peter Sirmon: 2 solo tackles. 13 solo tackles over the last four games
WAS WLB Warrick Holdman: 2 solo tackles. 8 solo tackles over the last three games

The Ugly

TEN CB A.Jones, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards
WAS LB M.Washington, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards
WAS CB S.Springs, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
TEN CB A.Jones, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
WAS DT A.Montgomery, Face Mask (15 Yards), 1 yard
WAS LB W.Holdman, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards
TEN CB C.Finnegan, Unnecessary Roughness, 11 yards

Kansas City (7) at Pittsburgh (45)

Time of Possession: Pittsburgh 34:31, Kansas City 25:29
Total Plays: Pittsburgh 63, Kansas City 59

Now this is what we expected to see from the defending Super Bowl Champs, a dominating defense accentuated by a ball control offense. The Steelers made waste of the leagues #4 overall defense on Sunday, racking up 457 yards (219 on the ground) while holding the Chiefs to just 213 (38 on the ground) and intercepting three Damon Huard passes. Kansas City's pass defense has been a pleasant surprise this year with Herman Edwards leading them to a #4 ranking against the pass (147.8) after finishing 30th a year ago (229.9). Herm must be on to something after leading the Jets to a #2 pass D ranking a year ago. Ben Roethlisberger, who came in with 0 TDs, 7 interceptions and 0 wins, picked up his first two TD passes of the year and a 153.8 QB rating for the game. Pittsburgh is 8-1 when Willie Parker rushes for 100 yards. The Steelers have history of losing three straight and finding success…they did it last year on their way to the Championship. Pittsburgh can only hope for a repeat performance in 2006.

PIT OLB Arnold Harrison (3 tackles, 2 solo, PD) got his first NFL start in place of Joey Porter. Porter was inactive with a hamstring injury and his usual replacement, James Harrison, was also inactive (ankle).
PIT CB Deshea Townsend (3 solo tackles, 2 PD) was questionable with a hamstring injury and he did not start. Bryant McFadden (3 tackles, 2 solo, INT, 2 PD) took his place in the starting lineup. McFadden picked up one solo tackle for each of his pass interference penalties.
PIT DE Brett Keisel (4 tackles, 3 solo) was questionable with a rib injury, but he started.

The Good

KC MLB Kawika Mitchell: 10 tackles (7 solo), FR. Could he be waking up? Mitchell hasn't posted seven or more solo tackles once over the last six games
KC DE Tamba Hali: 9 tackles (7 solo), 2 FF. Very productive over the last three games
KC CB Patrick Surtain: 8 tackles (6 solo). 14 solo tackles over the last two games
KC FS Greg Wesley: 6 solo tackles. His best tackle output over the last eight games
PIT SS Troy Polamalu: 10 tackles (9 solo), INT, 3 PD. Polamalu picked up nine of Pittsburgh's 32 solo tackles
PIT LB Rian Wallace: 30 yard INT-TD
PIT LB Chad Brown: 3 tackles (2 solo), sack, QH. Brown's first sack with Pittsburgh since 1996

The Bad

KC WLB Derrick Johnson: 7 tackles (2 solo). Johnson is too talented to post two solo tackles
KC SLB Kendrell Bell: 2 solo tackles. 13 solo tackles in five games
PIT ILB Larry Foote: 3 assists, PD

The Ugly

KC DE T.Hali, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
PIT CB B.McFadden, Defensive Pass Interference, 10 yards
PIT CB B.McFadden, Defensive Pass Interference, 6 yards

Miami (17) at New York Jets (20)

Time of Possession: Miami 31:44, NY Jets 28:16
Total Plays: Miami 72, NY Jets 58

The boxscore shows a Miami victory, but the scoreboard says otherwise. Miami led in time of possession, total yards and late game momentum, but the Jets were able to hang on just long enough for Olindo Mare to miss a 51 yards potential game tying field goal. The Dolphins came in with the leagues 5th ranked overall defense and they played the part, holding the Jets to 272 total yards, but they couldn't overcome losing the turnover battle 3-0. This was the first game of the year in which Miami posted over 300 yards of total offense. The Jets have won eight of the last nine in this series. Do the Jets miss Herman Edwards? As noted above, Edwards has the Chiefs pass D among the leagues best after Kansas City finished 30th in 2005. The Jets, last years #2 pass D, have fallen to the mid-20s in 2006. Ronnie Brown's TD run was the 12th this year allowed by New York, most in the league.

The Dolphins opened in a dime defense with S Yeremiah Bell (1 solo tackle) and CB Eddie Jackson (2 tackles, 1 solo, PD) taking the spots of Channing Crowder and Donnie Spragan (1 assist) in the starting lineup. MLB Zach Thomas was the lone linebacker. This was to match the Jets 4-WR opening formation.
MIA CB Travis Daniels was inactive with knee injury, replaced in the starting lineup by Andre Goodman.
NYJ David Barrett was inactive with a hip injury. The starting cornerbacks for the Jets were Justin Miller and rookie 6th round pick Drew Coleman. Andre Dyson played but did not start.

The Good

MIA MLB Zach Thomas: 10 tackles (7 solo). 32 solo tackles over the last four games
MIA WLB Channing Crowder: 10 tackles (5 solo), PD
MIA FS Renaldo Hill: 9 tackles (8 solo)
MIA CB Will Allen: 7 tackles (6 solo)
MIA DE Jason Taylor: 7 tackles (4 solo), sack, 2 QH. Three straight games with a sack
NYJ DE Bryan Thomas: 11 tackles (7 solo), QH
NYJ SS Kerry Rhodes: 8 tackles (6 solo), PD
NYJ CB Justin Miller: 7 solo tackles

The Bad

MIA CB Andre Goodman: 1 solo tackle
NYJ MLB Jon Vilma: 6 tackles (5 solo)
NYJ FS Erik Coleman: 6 tackles (2 solo)
NYJ DE Shaun Ellis: 3 assists. 2 or fewer solo tackles in five of six games

The Ugly

MIA LB D.Spragan, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards
MIA LB K.Adams, Face Mask (15 Yards), 11 yards
NYJ DE K.Von Oelhoffen, Encroachment, 5 yards
NYJ S K.Rhodes, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards
MIA LB C.Crowder, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards
MIA S T.Tillman, Defensive Pass Interference, 20 yards
MIA S T.Tillman, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
NYJ CB A.Dyson, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards
MIA DT V.Holliday, Defensive Offside, declined
NYJ CB J.Miller, Defensive Holding, 5 yards

San Diego (48) at San Francisco (19)

Time of Possession: San Diego 35:48, San Francisco 24:12
Total Plays: San Diego 69, San Francisco 50

The San Francisco 49ers actually put up a valiant effort against the Chargers on Sunday, but in the end it turned into a varsity scrimmage versus their JV squad from the north. What the 'Niners did do this weekend was stop the run a little better then we expected them to, holding LaDainian Tomlinson to 71 yards on 21 carries (we'll overlook the 4 rushing TDs from LT), and their offense moved the ball successfully against the leagues top defense. San Francisco finished with 274 total net yards, about 70 more than what San Diego has been permitting, with two touchdown passes from Alex Smith. While these teams may not belong on the same field this year, you can definitely see the potential in San Francisco even in an ugly loss.

The 49ers opened in a 4-3 nickel defense to match the Chargers 3-WR set. DE Ronnie Fields started next to Marques Douglas in place of NT Anthony Adams. Bryant Young and Melvin Oliver were the DEs. CB BJ Tucker was brought in as an extra DB with Derek Smith and T.J. Slaughter as the linebackers. SS Mark Roman opened in place of Tony Parrish.

SF CB Walt Harris was inactive with a hamstring injury, replaced in the starting lineup by Sammy Davis.

The Good

SD CB Drayton Florence: 7 solo tackles, PD
SD OLB Shawne Merriman: 7 tackles (6 solo), sack, 3 QH. At least a partial sack in four of five games
SD FS Marlon McCree: 5 solo tackles, sack, QH
SD OLB Shaun Phillips: 5 tackles (4 solo), 2 sacks, QH, PD, FF. 16 solo tackles and four sacks over the last three games
SD DE Luis Castillo: 1 solo tackle, sack, QH, INT, PD
SF ILB Derek Smith: 8 tackles (7 solo)
SF DE Marques Douglas: 7 tackles (5 solo)

The Bad

SD SS Terrence Kiel: 2 solo tackles, FF, FR. 11 solo tackles in four games
SD ILB Randall Godfrey: 1 assist
SD DE Igor Olshansky: 1 assist, QH
SF SS Tony Parrish: zilch

The Ugly

SD OLB S.Merriman, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
SD S T.Kiel, Personal Foul, 15 yards
SF DT I.Sopoaga, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards
SD CB D.Florence, Illegal Contact, declined
SF CB S.Spencer, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
SF S M.Roman, Defensive Pass Interference, 41 yards
SF S M.Adams, Defensive Pass Interference, 5 yards
SF DT A.Adams, Personal Foul, 15 yards

Oakland (3) at Denver (13)

Time of Possession: Oakland 31:36, Denver 28:24
Total Plays: Oakland 60, Denver 51

As fantasy nuts we'd like to see Denver get their high-powered offense on track, but Mike Shanahan has to love back-to-back 13-3 home victories by his Broncos. In fact, Denver's defense has been incredible to start the year, becoming the only team since 1934 to allow just one TD through the first five games. 1934!!! Denver has allowed 37 points through five games, their lowest five-game total since 1977 (33) and they've yet to allow a rushing touchdown. The Broncos have won 13 straight at home, the longest current streak in the NFL (Seattle has a 12 game current streak). Oakland had hope coming into Denver, being the last team that actually won at Mile High, but they fell for the 11th straight game. The Raiders, through five games, are actually giving up more rushing yards per game (149.0) than passing (133.8). The Raiders have recorded a league low six sacks on the year and are tied with Cleveland for a league low turnover ratio (-9). Commitment to Excellence?

OAK CB Fabian Washington was inactive with a hamstring injury, replaced in the starting lineup by Stanford Routt.

The Good

OAK DT Tommy Kelly: 7 tackles (5 solo)
OAK WLB Thomas Howard: 5 solo tackles. 5 or more solo tackles in all five NFL games
OAK DE Derrick Burgess: 4 solo tackles, sack, QH. Last years NFL sack king is heating up with three sacks over the last three games
DEN SLB D.J.Williams: 8 tackles (6 solo), PD. 2nd game over last three with six solo tackles
DEN CB Champ Bailey: 6 tackles (4 solo), INT, PD. Back-to-back games with an INT
DEN DE Elvis Dumervil: 3 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QH. First sacks of NFL career

The Bad

OAK SLB Sam Williams: 2 solo tackles
OAK CB Stanford Routt: 1 solo tackle, PD
OAK SS Michael Huff: 4 tackles (2 solo)
OAK MLB Kirk Morrison: 4 tackles (3 solo)
DEN WLB Ian Gold: 3 solo tackles. 3rd game in five with three or fewer solo tackles

The Ugly

DEN DT G.Warren, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards
OAK CB S.Routt, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards
OAK DT A.Hawthorne, Encroachment, 5 yards
DEN DT M.Myers, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
DEN DT G.Warren, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards
OAK DT T.Sands, Unnecessary Roughness, 15 yards