Shawn Culcasi - IDP Perspective

Entering this game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina's gameplan had to involve getting DeShaun Foster on track. Coming in, Carolina had been 2-0 all-time v. CIN and 6-0 all-time when Foster rushes for 100 or more yards. Facing the leagues 25th ranked run defense, which averaged allowing over 140 rush yards per game through the first six weeks, the Panthers were held to just 60 yards rushing on 16 carries. Not exactly what they had in mind. The Bengals themselves put up only 99 total yards in the first half, but rallied behind Carson Palmer on a 13 play 86 yard early fourth quarter drive and held on with a late interception by S Kevin Kaesviharn to seal the victory. Palmer is now 7-1 career v. NFC. Carolina lost its first game since Steve Smith returned from injury after winning four in a row.

CAR SLB Thomas Davis was inactive with an injury to his ribs. He was replaced in the starting lineup by rookie James Anderson.
CAR SS Shaun Williams (8 tackles, 5 solo) returned to the starting lineup after missing the last month with a foot injury.
CIN MLB Brian Simmons was active but did not start. Rookie Ahmad Brooks started in his place.
CIN SLB Rashad Jeanty remained inactive with a foot injury. Landon Johnson (4 tackles, 3 solo) started on the strongside with Caleb Miller (7 tackles, 3 solo) at WLB.
CIN SS Dexter Jackson (3 tackles, 1 solo, PD) was also active but not in the starting lineup. Kevin Kaesviharn continued to start in his place.
Overall, there were just 65 solo tackles recorded in this game, obviously limiting the production of all IDP involved.

The Good

CAR SLB James Anderson: 9 tackles (6 solo)
CIN DE Justin Smith: 1 solo tackle, sack, QH. Smith has picked up a sack in three of the past four games and, with sin on the year, stands 1.5 shy of his career high
CIN SS Kevin Kaesviharn: 0 tackles, INT, PD. Blanked in tackles, but he's picked off a pass in three of the last four games
CIN DE Robert Geathers: 3 tackles (2 solo), sack, 2 QH. Already working on a career high with 6 sacks, Geathers has gotten to the QB in four of six games this year
CIN MLB Ahmad Brooks: 5 tackles (3 solo), sack, QH, PD. 10 solo tackles in his first NFL start, a sack in his second

The Bad

CAR DE Mike Rucker: 1 solo tackles, 2 QH. 12 solo tackles and 0 sack in seven games
CAR DE Julius Peppers: 4 tackles (2 solo), QH. Peppers had recorded a sack in five straight games
CAR WLB Na'il Diggs: 5 tackles (1 solo). Yet to pick up 5 or more solo tackles in a game

The Ugly

CAR CB K.Lucas, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
CAR DT K.Moorehead, Defensive Offside
CAR DE A.Wallace, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards
CAR CB C.Gamble, Defensive Holding, offsetting
CAR DE A.Wallace, Illegal Use of Hands, 1 yard
CAR DT K.Jenkins, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
CIN FS M.Williams, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards

Detroit (24) at New York Jets (31)

Time of Possession: NY Jets 34:14, Detroit 25:46
Total Plays: NY Jets 66, Detroit 59

The Detroit Lions were without their two starting defensive tackles this game and it showed. In what was supposed to be a highlight reel game for Chad Pennington against the leagues 30th ranked pass D, it turned into a showcase for the Jets revived running game and their newfound star, rookie Leon Washington. New York picked up 221 rushing yards against the Lions, who had held there previous six opponents to 94.3 per game on the ground, with 129 and two TDs coming from Washington. Luckily their offense was on because their defense certainly didn't play well enough to win. Detroit picked up 386 total yards on the Jets' 30th ranked overall defense with 261 coming through the air. Aside from their 41-0 shutout loss to the Jaguars, each of the Jets' games has been decided by a touchdown or less…win or loss. New York has matched their win total from a year ago, when they finished 4-12.

DET DTs Shaun Rogers (first of a 4 game suspension) and Shaun Cody (toe) were both missing. Marcus Bell and Cory Redding (2 solo tackles, sack, QH) started in their place. Redding began the year as the starting end, but he's been on the interior in place of Cody. Kalimba Edwards (3 tackles, 2 solo, sack, FF) has been starting at defensive end in Redding's spot.
DET SS Kenoy Kennedy missed his fifth game with a foot injury. He's been replaced in the starting lineup by Daniel Bullocks.
NYJ CB David Barrett was inactive with a hip injury. Justin Miller (4 solo tackles) is taking his place in the lineup.
Whether it's correct or not, the Jets were once again shown opening in a 4-3 defensive front with Bryan Thomas (5 tackles, 4 solo) as a defensive end.

The Good

DET DT Marcus Bell: 11 tackles (4 solo), QH
DET WLB Ernie Sims: 10 tackles (9 solo). 7 or more solo tackles in 5 of 7 NFL games
DET FS Terrence Holt: 10 tackles (7 solo), INT, PD
DET SS Daniel Bullocks: 9 tackles (7 solo). 5 or more solo tackles in four of last six games
NYJ MLB Jon Vilma: 11 tackles (6 solo), INT, 2 PD. Vilma has been consistently average this year at around 6 solo tackles, this was his first sack/INT
NYG FS Erik Coleman: 10 tackles (9 solo). Just when you give up on the guy

The Bad

DET CB Fernando Bryant: 3 tackles (1 solo)
DET DE James Hall: 1 solo tackle
NYJ SS Kerry Rhodes: 0 tackles, INT, 2 PD. A monster early in the year, his tackle numbers over the last month are baffling

The Ugly

DET DE J.Hall, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
DET CB F.Bryant, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
DET DE K.Edwards, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
DET DE J.Hall, Defensive Offside, declined
NYJ S E.Smith, Running Into the Kicker, declined
DET S D.Bullocks, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards
DET DT T.Jackson, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
DET CB D.Bly, Offside on Free Kick, 5 yards

Green Bay (34) at Miami (24)

Time of Possession: Miami 32:01, Green Bay 27:59
Total Plays: Miami 83, Green Bay 66

Green Bay entered the game with the leagues last ranked pass defense and the 381 yards that Miami put up against them on Sunday won't help that, but it took Joey Harrington 62 attempts (Dolphins regular season record) and the Pack were able to pick him off three times, returning one for a touchdown, before Green Bay wrapped up their first ever victory over the Dolphins in Miami. The Dolphins' defense, which came into the game with a #4 overall ranking, allowed about 80 yards more than their average, with much of that coming from the Packers ground game (155 rushing yards allowed). Miami allowed four sacks of Harrington after he'd been sacked just once in his first two starts this year.

GB DT Cullen Jenkins was inactive with an ankle injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Corey Williams (3 tackles, 1 solo, QH).
MIA CB Travis Daniels was inactive with a knee injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Andre Goodman (2 assists, PD).
The Dolphins opened in a nickel defense with S Yeremiah Bell (1 solo tackle, PD) starting in place of SLB Donnie Spragan (4 tackles, 2 solo). Zach Thomas and Channing Crowder were the two linebackers. This was to match the Packers set with WR Greg Jennings opening as a tight end.

The Good

GB WLB A.J.Hawk: 12 tackles (9 solo), sack, QH, PD. His best statistical game as a pro, by far
GB MLB Nick Barnett: 9 tackles (4 solo), QH, INT, 3 PD
GB FS Nick Collins: 8 tackles (6 solo)
GB CB Charles Woodson: 6 tackles (5 solo), sack, QH, INT, 3 PD, FF. 23 yard INT-TD. Woodson was questionable coming into the game with a knee injury
MIA DE Jason Taylor: 5 tackles (3 solo), 2 sacks, 2 FF. Taylor is ½ sack away from joining Michael Strahan and Simeon Rice as the only active players with 100 or more sacks
MIA WLB Channing Crowder: 11 tackles (7 solo). His best game of the year so far

The Bad

GB DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila: 1 assist, 2 QH. KGB has never been a huge tackle producer, but he's been especially bad this year with 11 solo tackles in six games (2.5 sacks)
MIA MLB Zach Thomas: 7 tackles (2 solo). Thomas posted 2 or fewer solo tackles in a game just once a year ago. He's already done it twice in 2006

The Ugly

MIA DT D.Wilkinson, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
MIA CB W.Allen, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
GB CB C.Woodson, Defensive Pass Interference, 10 yards
MIA MLB Z.Thomas, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards
GB DE M.Montgomery, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards
MIA CB W.Allen, Taunting, 15 yards
MIA DT D.Bowens, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards
GB WLB A.Hawk, Illegal Contact, 4 yards
GB DE A.Kampman, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards

Jacksonville (7) at Houston (27)

Time of Possession: Houston 33:30, Jacksonville 26:30
Total Plays: Houston 69, Jacksonville 54

Some games just leave you scratching your head, and this definitely falls into that category. Houston came in with the leagues last ranked overall defense, next to last scoring defense and with an offense that had scored just 72 points in five games (3rd worst). Jacksonville, certainly not an offensive juggernaut, is the only team this year to have two shutouts, leading them to a #7 overall defense (#7 scoring). The injuries have possibly caught up to the Jaguars defense, having lost MLB Mike Peterson and DE Reggie Hayward for the year while All-Pro DT Marcus Stroud remains out with an ankle injury. QB Byron Leftwich came in with an injured ankle, but he claims that the injury didn't factor into the games outcome. Jacksonville has playoff ability that may not be realized until the build consistency on both offense and defense, something they could not find on Sunday. With two victories, Houston has matched their win total from a year ago.

JAC DT Marcus Stroud was inactive with an ankle injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Rob Meier (2 solo tackles).
JAC DE Bobby McCray has taken over for Meier as the starting defensive end (taking over for Reggie Hayward, who tore his ACL).
With JAC MLB Mike Peterson done for the year with a pectoral injury, WLB Daryl Smith moves inside to take his place. This allows rookie LB Clint Ingram (4 solo tackles) to join the starting lineup.
HOU CB DeMarcus Faggins (4 solo tackles, FF) returned to the starting lineup after missing the first five games with a broken foot from training camp. Lewis Sanders (4 tackles, 2 solo) return to nickel back duty.
HOU DT Seth Payne has been lost for the year with a torn ACL. Anthony Maddox (4 tackles, 2 solo) was reportedly going to replace Payne in the starting lineup but Travis Johnson (0 tackles) opened against Jacksonville, along with ND Kalu (1 solo tackle, QH) in the Jags pass-rush unit.
The Texans opened in a nickel defense with CB Lewis Sanders replacing SLB Shantee Orr (2 solo tackles) in the starting lineup. DeMeco Ryans and Morlon Greenwood (6 tackles, 3 solo, FR) remained in at linebacker. This was to match the Jaguars 3-WR opening set.

The Good

JAC MLB Daryl Smith: 8 tackles (7 solo), PD. The middle seems to suit him well, his best output of the year
JAC SS Donovin Darius: 8 tackles (7 solo)
JAC DT John Henderson: 7 tackles (6 solo), PD. His best tackle output over the last 16 games
JAC FS Deon Grant: 6 solo tackles
HOU FS C.C.Brown: 7 tackles (5 solo). 5 or more solos in four of the last five games
HOU MLB DeMeco Ryans: 6 tackles (5 solo), 2 QH, PD. At least five solo tackles in all six NFL games

The Bad

JAC DE Bobby McCray; 1 solo tackle, QH
JAC OLB Nick Greisen: 2 tackles (1 solo)
HOU CB Dunta Robinson: 2 tackles (1 solo)

The Ugly

HOU DE A.Peek, Defensive Offside, offsetting
JAC CB B.Williams, Illegal Contact, 5 yards
JAC DT M.Stanley, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
HOU MLB D.Ryans, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
HOU CB L.Sanders, Defensive Pass Interference, 7 yards
JAC DT J.Henderson, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
JAC DT T.McDaniel, Face Mask (5 Yards), 3 yards

New England (28) at Buffalo (6)

Time of Possession: New England 31:40, Buffalo 28:20
Total Plays: New England 58, Buffalo 52

Are New England the silent assassins this year or are they just pickin' on a weak AFC East? They've quietly jumped out to a 5-1 record with four of those victories coming at the expense of division rivals Buffalo (twice, 2-5), Miami (1-6) and the New York Jets (4-3). They've shown the heart of a champion at times and their defense has yet to allow over 17 points in a game this year, but their next two games should be telling as to just how strong this team really is: at the Minnesota Vikings and a home game against the unbeaten Indianapolis Colts. They may not have to be great to win their fourth consecutive NFC East title this year.

NE CB Ellis Hobbs (2 solo tackles) was active but did not start. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Chad Scott (2 solo tackles, PD). Hobbs was questionable entering the game with a wrist injury.
BUF DT Kyle Williams (3 tackles, 2 solo) has started the last two games ahead of Tim Anderson (1 solo tackle).
BUF SLB Takeo Spikes (5 solo tackles) has played in the last two games after missing the previous four weeks with a hamstring injury.

The Good

NE ILB Junior Seau: 9 tackles (5 solo)
NE FS Eugene Wilson: 5 solo tackles
BUF MLB London Fletcher: 9 tackles (6 solo), sack, QH
BUF DE Chris Kelsay: 5 tackles (4 solo), sack, QH
BUF DE Aaron Schobel: 5 tackles (3 solo), 2 sacks, 2 QH, FF. Became 4th Bills player with 50 sacks (joined Bruce Smith, Phil Hanson and Cornelius Bennett)

The Bad

BUF WLB Angelo Crowell: 4 tackles (2 solo)
BUF SS Donte Whitner: 5 tackles (1 solo)

The Ugly

Clean game, no defensive penalties

Philadelphia (21) at Tampa Bay (23)

Time of Possession: Tampa Bay 31:01, Philadelphia 28:59
Total Plays: Philadelphia 63, Tampa Bay 58

The Philadelphia Eagles offense has carried this team through the seasons first seven games, leading the league with over 417 total yards per game, while their defense had allowed the most yards of any team with a winning record (until this week, the Jets now lead in that distinction). Sunday was payback as the Buccaneers took advantage of the mistakes by Donovan McNabb and the Eagles offense, digging a hole that proved too deep for even Philly's high octane O to find their way out. As bad as it appeared, it still took the third longest field goal in NFL history to put away the Eagles. All three of Philadelphia's losses have come on the last play of the game (Two field goals in regulation, one overtime TD pass). After allowing 202 this week, the Bucs have now given up over 200 yards rushing to two teams this year (lead by the Falcons' 306 in week two) and have held only one team under 100 yards rushing (Bengals, week six). Not your typical Tampa Bay defense. Brian Westbrook became the first since Priest Holmes in 2002 to post both 100 yards rushing and receiving. The Bucs are 8-0 when Cadillac Williams carries the ball 20 or more times. The Eagles held the Buccaneers to 196 total yards (111 rushing, 85 passing).

PHI SS Michael Lewis was reportedly in danger of losing his starting job to Sean Considine (6 tackles, 4 solo) and the move may have been made with Considine starting this game.
TB DT Ellis Wyms (3 solo tackles, sack, QH) has taken over the starting job opened up when Anthony McFarland was traded to the Indianapolis Colts.
TB CB Brian Kelly was inactive with a foot injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Juran Bolden (6 tackles, 3 solo, INT, 2 PD).

The Good

PHI MLB Jeremiah Trotter: 12 tackles (11 solo). 26 solo tackles over the last three weeks
PHI WLB Matt McCoy: 9 tackles (6 solo)
PHI DT Darwin Walker: 3 solo tackles, sack, 2 QH, PD. 4 sacks over the last three games
TB CB Ronde Barber: 7 solo tackles, 2 INT, 2 PD, FF. Returned both of his INTs for TDs. 45 solo tackles on the year, a pace of 120 for the season
TB MLB Shelton Quarles: 11 tackles (9 solo)
TB SLB Ryan Nece: 8 tackles (6 solo)
TB FS Will Allen: 8 tackles (5 solo)
TB SS Jermaine Phillips: 7 tackles (6 solo)

The Bad

PHI SS Michael Lewis: 1 solo tackle. Whether it's a motivational ploy or not, the ex-Pro Bowl safety is in danger if riding the pine
PHI DT Mike Patterson: 3 tackles (1 solo), 2 QH. 9 solo tackles over the last five games without a sack
PHI CB Sheldon Brown: 3 tackles (1 solo). 16 solo tackles in seven games. A disappointment this year
PHI FS Brian Dawkins: 1 assist
TB DE Simeon Rice: 1 assist, QH. Couldn't get to his high school teammate, Donovan McNabb
TB DE Greg Spires: 1 assist. 9 solo tackles and one sack in seven games

The Ugly

PHI LB O.Gaither, Encroachment, 5 yards
PHI DE J.McDougle, Face Mask (15 Yards), 15 yards
PHI DE J.McDougle, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards

Pittsburgh (38) at Atlanta (41)

Time of Possession: Atlanta 36:03, Pittsburgh 30:53
Total Plays: Atlanta 70, Pittsburgh 64

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered Atlanta on Sunday looking to show everyone that their play a week ago (45-7 victory over Kansas City) was more indicative of their team than the three game losing streak that preceded it. Early on, with the Steelers moving the ball at will, it appeared that their point would be proven. In a matchup of the leagues seventh ranked run D and its top overall run offense, it was the passing game for each that stood out. The biggest statement of the day may have come from Michael Vick, proving that maybe (just maybe), in throwing for his first career three and four touchdown game, he can succeed as a pocket passer. Of course, he could come out next week and run for 200 yards. Pittsburgh is now 2-1 at home this year, averaging 31 points, and 0-3 on the road (averaging 17 points). The Steelers three fumbles lost on Sunday were their first fumble giveaways of the season. Michael Vick is 7-0 at home against AFC opponents while Ben Roethlisberger ended his streak of seven wins (without a loss) versus the NFC. With 173 rush yards this week the Falcons are averaging 222 per game. No team has averaged more than 200 rushing yards in a full season since the 1977 Chicago Bears. These two teams played in the NFL's last tie, a 34-34 game at Pittsburgh in 2002.

PIT OLB Arnold Harrison (5 solo tackles) once again started in place of Joey Porter, who was inactive with a hamstring injury. James Harrison was also out with an ankle injury.
PIT CB Bryant McFadden (3 solo tackles, PD) started in place of DeShea Townsend, who was listed as probable with a hamstring injury.
Atlanta was without DE John Abraham (groin) and DT Rod Coleman (toe). Chauncey Davis (3 solo tackles, sack, 2 QH) started in Abraham's place with Jon Babineaux filling in for Coleman.
ATL MLB Ed Hartwell (4 solo tackles) returned to the starting lineup after missing the first five games recovering from knee surgery. Demorrio Williams (1 solo tackle) returned to a backup role.

The Good

PIT ILB James Farrior: 8 solo tackles, INT, PD. On pace for 93 solo tackles which would be his high since 2003
PIT FS Ryan Clark: 8 tackles (7 solo). His highest solo tackle output since week eight last year with WAS
PIT SS Troy Polamalu: 8 tackles (6 solo), INT, PD. Picks in back to back games, 22 solo tackles over the last three
ATL CB Jason Webster: 9 solo tackles, FF
ATL DT Jon Babineaux: 4 solo tackles, sack, QH, FF, FR. The 2nd year pros best game
ATL SS Lawyer Milloy: 7 tackles (5 solo). 5 or more solo tackles in all but one game this year

The Bad

PIT ILB Larry Foote: 3 solo tackles. 6 solos over the last three games
PIT CB Ike Taylor: 1 solo tackle
ATL WLB Keith Brooking: 3 tackles (2 solo). He's picked up <3 solo tackles in two of the past three games after recording three or more in every game but two over the last four seasons
ATL DE Patrick Kerney: 1 solo tackle. 1.5 sacks away from becoming ATL's all-time leader

The Ugly

ATL DE P.Kerney, Neutral Zone Infraction, 5 yards
ATL DT J.Babineaux, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
PIT OLB C.Brown, Roughing the Passer, 5 yards
PIT SS T.Polamalu, Illegal Contact, declined
PIT CB D.Townsend, Defensive Pass Interference, declined
ATL CB J.Webster, Defensive Holding, 5 yards
PIT S M.Logan, Defensive Pass Interference, 2 yards

San Diego (27) at Kansas City (30)

Time of Possession: San Diego 31:02, Kansas City 28:58
Total Plays: San Diego 71, Kansas City 59

Kansas City came into the game with the leagues #11 overall defense based mainly on a pass defense that had been limiting opponents to 165.8 yards per game (#4). Based on that, you'd think that if they were able to limit LaDainian Tomlinson they'd have a good shot at taking this game from San Diego. They won the game, on a last second field goal from Lawrence Tynes, and they held LT in check with only 66 rushing yards, but Phillip Rivers stung the Chiefs through the air with 266 yards, helping the Chargers to almost pull this one out in tough Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas City has allowed 806 yards of total offense over the last two games after holding opponents to just 463 combined during the previous two weeks. The real story was the Damon Huard led Chiefs offense posting 355 total yards against the leagues top overall defense. That represents the most yards that San Diego has allowed in any game this year. Huard is now 5-0 as a starter at home. In five career games against Kansas City, Antonio Gates has 33 receptions, 401 yards and 8 TDs.

SD DE Igor Olshansky was inactive with a knee injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Jacques Cesaire (2 solo tackles).
With OLB Steve Foley already lost for the year and Olshansky shelved for a few weeks, the Chargers lost OLB Shaun Phillips (sack leader) for 4-6 weeks with a calf injury and found out after the game the All-World OLB Shawne Merriman will miss the next four games with a suspension for steroids.
Is a 4-3 defense possible with the personnel the Chargers have put together? There will definitely be some shifting around among the San Diego linebackers to find something that works.

The Good

SD ILB Donnie Edwards: 10 tackles (8 solo), ½ sack, QH
SD OLB Shawne Merriman: 8 tackles (7 solo), PD
SD OLB Marques Harris: 1 solo tackle, sack, QH, PD, FF. In his second year, Harris may be thrust into the spotlight with the Chargers now hurting for depth at outside linebacker
KC OLB Derrick Johnson: 8 tackles (6 solo)
KC FS Greg Wesley: 7 solo tackles, INT, PD. 21 solo tackles over the last three weeks
KC SLB Kendrell Bell: 7 solo tackles. The most solo tackles that he's posted with Kansas City (22 games)
KC DE Jared Allen: 4 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 3 QH, FF, FR. On pace for 67 solo tackles and 10.5 sacks
KC CB Patrick Surtain: 5 solo tackles, FF. 19 solos over the last three weeks
KC DE Tamba Hali: 2 solo tackles, sack, QH, FR. 3.5 sacks, 3 FF and 1 FR over the last three weeks

The Bad

OLB Shaun Phillips: 0 tackles, QH
SD CB Drayton Florence: 2 assists
KC MLB Kawika Mitchell: 3 solo tackles, QH. Probably my biggest miss in projections this year, time to send Mitchell to the glue factory

The Ugly

SD DE J.Cesaire, Encroachment, 5 yards
SD NT J.Williams, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards
KC DE J.Allen, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
KC CB T.Law, Defensive Pass Interference, 17 yards

Denver (17) at Cleveland (7)

Time of Possession: Denver 37:15, Cleveland 22:45
Total Plays: Denver 80, Cleveland 51

The game was a Browns family reunion of sort with eight current Broncos formerly having played for Cleveland. If they had played as well in Cleveland as they have in Denver, maybe they wouldn't be former Browns. In one of the few games that actually played out as expected, Denver's #10 overall defense (#1 scoring D) held the Browns to 165 total yards (35 on the ground) and pretty much controlled this game from the coin flip. The Broncos have now allowed just two TDs in six games (44 total points). Unfortunately, they trail only Oakland in points scored per game at 13.2 (each has scored a league low seven TDs), not what you expect to see from Mike Shanahan's offense. At 5-1, they've built some room to work out their kinks on offense. Hopefully their defense can hold up until they come around (or, as we like to say, jay Cutler's first NFL start). Denver is now 6-1 when Tatum Bell rushes for 100 or more yards. The Broncos have won five of their first six games for the fourth straight season.

CLE CB Gary Baxter (6 solo tackles, INT, 2 PD) returned to the starting lineup after missing the last three games with a pectoral injury. Unfortunately, his stay was short lived as injuries to both knees that occurred this week are expected to knock him out for one calendar year. With Daylon McCutcheon already on the IR and Leigh Bodden having missed the last two games with an ankle injury, the Brown's are dangerously thin at cornerback. Brodney Pool (2 tackles, 1 solo) started at CB earlier in the year and may be called upon here. Daven Holly has been starting at one cornerback spot.

The Good

DEN WLB Ian Gold: 7 tackles (6 solo)
DEN MLB Al Wilson: 6 solo tackles. 22 solos over the last three weeks
DEN CB Darrent Williams: 6 tackles (5 solo)
DEN CB Champ Bailey: 2 solo tackles, INT, 2 PD. Bailey has picked off a pass in three straight games
DEN DE Elvis Dumervil: 3 solo tackles, 3 sacks, 3 QH, FR. 5 sacks over the last two weeks
CLE ILB D'Qwell Jackson: 9 tackles (6 solo)
CLE CB Daven Holly: 8 solo tackles
CLE ILB Andra Davis: 8 tackles (6 solo), INT, PD. Davis is creeping up towards his normal production
CLE DE Orpheus Roye: 7 tackles (6 solo), sack, 2 QH
CLE Kamerion Wimbley: 5 solo tackles, QH

The Bad

DEN FS Nick Ferguson: 1 solo tackle, PD
DEN DE Ebenezer Ekuban: 2 solo tackles
CLE FS Brian Russell: 2 solo tackles. 5 solos over the last three games, 0 INT this year
CLE SS Sean Jones: 2 solo tackles
CLE OLB Willie McGinest: 2 solo tackles

The Ugly

CLV CB R.Brown, Illegal Use of Hands, declined
A clean game with no accepted defensive penalties

Arizona (9) at Oakland (22)

Time of Possession: Oakland 37:01, Arizona 22:59
Total Plays: Oakland 77, Arizona 55

The Oakland Raiders treated the Arizona Cardinals this weekend like they themselves have become accustomed to being treated…not very good. Coming off of Monday nights surprise almost-upset of the Chicago Bears, Arizona could've been riding the emotion of what could've been, but they should've used that loss as a stepping stone. Instead, they appeared to use it as a cement block into the depths of the San Francisco Bay. If Edgerrin James was going to get on track this year, the Raiders #30 run D would've been the perfect opponent. The Raiders limited the Cards to 50 rushing yards and made Matt Leinart look like the rookie that he is, picking him off twice and holding the young upstart to just 203 yards without a touchdown. Oakland picked up three sacks this week, giving them nine on the year (Tennessee is last with eight) and their five offensive turnovers gave them a league worst -12 T.O. ratio for the year. Their pass defense has been a bright spot, leading the league in fewest yards allowed, and their six interceptions already surpass last years total. The Raiders snapped a string of 11 straight losses.

The Cardinals opened in a 5-2-4 defense with DL Antonio Smith (0 tackles) starting in place of SLB Calvin Pace. It's the second straight game that Smith has started in place of Pace.
ARI DT Kendrick Clancy was inactive with an ankle injury. He was replaced in the lineup by Gabe Watson (3 solo tackles, sack, QH).
The Raiders opened in a nickel defense with DBs Chris Carr (2 assists, PD) and Tyrone Poole in the starting lineup. Sam Williams and Kirk Morrison were the linebackers while Nnamdi Asomugha (2 solo tackles, 2 PD) was on the sideline. Tyler Brayton was replaced by Lance Johnstone (3 solo tackles). This formation was to match the Cardinals 4-WR opening set.
OAK CB Fabian Washington was questionable entering the game with a hamstring injury, but he started.

The Good

ARI MLB Gerald Hayes: 13 tackles (10 solo)
ARI CB Antrel Rolle: 7 tackles (6 solo), PD. On pace for 85 solo tackles
ARI LB Calvin Pace: 7 tackles (5 solo)
ARI DE Bertrand Berry: 5 tackles (4 solo), 3 sacks, 2 QH, PD, 2 FF. Berry may be waking up with 4 sacks and 3 FF over the last two weeks
ARI SS Adrian Wilson: 5 tackles (4 solo), INT, PD. On pace for 75 solo tackles, 9 sacks and 7 INT. YIKES
OAK SS Michael Huff: 4 tackles (3 solo), tackled ARI RB Marcel Shipp for a safety
OAK DE Derrick Burgess: 5 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 2 QH, PD. Last years NFL sack leader is rolling with 5 over the last four games. Has 4 or more solo tackles in four of six games
OAK MLB Kirk Morrison: 5 solo tackles
OAK CB Tyrone Poole: 2 solo tackles, sack, QH, INT, PD

The Bad

ARI DT Darnell Dockett: 1 solo tackle
OAK CB Fabian Washington: 1 solo tackle
OAK DE Tyler Brayton: 2 solo tackles
OAK OLB Sam Williams: zilch

The Ugly

ARI DL A.Smith, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
OAK S D.Gibson, Illegal Block Above the Waist, 10 yards
ARI S A.Wilson, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
OAK LB T.Howard, Unsportsmanlike Conduct, 15 yards

Minnesota (31) at Seattle (13)

Time of Possession: Minnesota 32:19, Seattle 27:41
Total Plays: Seattle 67, Minnesota 59

In what was the most unlikely outcome of the weekend, Minnesota travels to Seattle and beats the Seahawks at home where they had won 12 consecutive games. The loss of Matt Hasselbeck, the absence of Shaun Alexander and Chester Taylor gaining more on one run than Seattle had average giving up in a full game was too much to overcome. Taylor's 95 yard TD run was the longest in Minnesota history and the longest ever allowed by Seattle. Welcome to the record books, Chester. The Vikings, after recovering a fumble in the endzone, have scored four defensive TDs this year (compared to seven offensive). Their run D, which ranked 4th in the league coming in, held the Maurice Morris led Seahawks to just 53 yards on the ground. On the other hand, Seattle's 6th ranked run D gave up 175.

Both teams had their current starting lineups intact.

The Good

MIN WLB E.J.Henderson: Career high 9 solo tackles, INT, PD
MIN DT Kevin Williams: 4 solo tackles, sack, QH, PD, FR-TD
MIN SLB Ben Leber: 4 solo tackles, sack, FF. Back to back games with a sack. Forced the fumble that Williams landed on in the endzone
SEA OLB Julian Peterson: 12 tackles (8 solo), 2 sacks, 2 QH. Consecutive 2 sack games. These are the type of stretches that Peterson has built his reputation on. Consistency has always avoided him
SEA FS Ken Hamlin: 9 tackles (7 solo), 2 PD. Consecutive 7 solo tackle games
SEA OLB LeRoy Hill: 6 tackles (5 solo), sack, FF

The Bad

MIN DE Kenechi Udeze: 1 solo tackle. 6 solo tackles in six games, 0 sacks
MIN SS Darren Sharper: 3 tackles (2 solo), PD
MIN MLB Napoleon Harris: 4 tackles (2 solo), ½ sack, PD. 11 solos over the last four games
SEA DE Grant Wistrom: 2 tackles (1 solo). 10 solo tackles, 1 sack on the year

The Ugly

SEA CB M.Trufant, Defensive Pass Interference, offsetting
SEA DE B.Fisher, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
MIN CB F.Smoot, Illegal Use of Hands, 5 yards
SEA DT R.Bernard, Encroachment, 5 yards
MIN DE K.Udeze, Defensive Offside, 5 yards
MIN DE R.Edwards, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards

Washington (22) at Indianapolis (36)

Time of Possession: Washington 30:54, Indianapolis 29:06
Total Plays: Washington 63, Indianapolis 60

The Colts, 6-0 for the second straight season, shook off a Peyton Manning injury scare and made the Redskins pay with three 3rd quarter touchdown passes, sealing a game that Washington led at halftime. Manning took advantage of a 24th ranked Redskins pass D and, while the Colts defense didn't dominate, their league worst run D played surprising well in limiting Clinton Portis to 43 yards on 12 carries. Manning has won 10 of his last 11 games versus NFC opponents, throwing for 32 touchdowns with four interceptions.

IND DT Montae Reagor was in a car accident heading to the stadium and remained in the hospital with a head injury. Anthony McFarland, recently acquired from Tampa Bay, replaced Reagor in the starting lineup.
IND FS Bob Sanders was inactive with a knee injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Antoine Bethea.
WAS CB Carlos Rogers was inactive with a thumb injury. He was replaced by Kenny Wright.
WAS DT Cornelius Griffin was inactive with a hip injury. He was replaced by Kedric Golston.
WAS MLB Lemar Marshall was inactive with an ankle injury. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Khary Campbell.

The Good

WAS SLB Marcus Washington: 11 solo tackles, QH. His best tackle output since week two of 2004
WAS FS Sean Taylor: 8 tackles (6 solo). 21 solos and 2 FF over the last three weeks
WAS CB Shawn Springs: 6 tackles (5 solo), PD
WAS CB Kenny Wright: 5 solo tackles, PD
IND WLB Cato June: 15 tackles (10 solo), QH. On pace for 123 solo tackles
IND DE Robert Mathis: 7 solo tackles, 2 QH. Sackmaster ties his career high in solo tackles
IND SS Mike Doss: 5 solo tackles
IND CB Nick Harper: 6 tackles (5 solo)

The Bad

WAS DE Andre Carter: 2 solo tackles, QH. 11 solo tackles and two sacks in seven games
WAS DE Phillip Daniels: 1 assist. Third game this year with 0 solo tackles
IND DE Dwight Freeney: QH. Fourth game this year without a tackle, still looking for his first sack
IND FS Antoine Bethea: 2 solo tackles

The Ugly

IND DE D.Freeney, Roughing the Passer, 12 yards
WAS FS S.Taylor, Offside on Free Kick, 5 yards
WAS SLB M.Washington, Roughing the Passer, 15 yards
WAS CB K.Wright, Defensive Holding, 1 yard