WEEK FOUR IN THE NFL

 

1.    The firing of Matt Millen does come as a surprise to me, more so with the timing.  I was around NFL Films today watching tape and while no one was surprised with the decision to fire Matt, they were curious about the timing of the decision.  The Lions had 14 guys in today for a workout, do you think Millen thought he was getting fired today?  I am not sure where this goes from here, but the Lions need a program—BADLY.  Early word is that they want to keep Rod Marinelli in place.  I suspect Tom Lewand the current CFO will take over. 

2.     On Plaxico Burress' suspension, Giants' coach Tom Coughlin had this to say on Wednesday:  “We want to make sure that the message is loud and clear.  We have had success here because of the team concept.  And the team concept means basically that everyone is accountable and responsible and that we don’t let the other guys down.  And that is what we are trying to do.”  I think what Jon Fox did with Steve Smith has made all the coaches in the NFL think team first.  I'm not surprised that Burress filed a grievance later in the day.  In all probability he will win his money back, but not his playing time. 

3.    The Chargers have to get Jamal Williams back to his old form.  Their run defense has really suffered and they are not as dominating as they have been in the past.  They are currently allowing five yards per carry this year.  Chris Chambers has six catches for the year, four of them touchdowns.

4.    The Falcons are one of the best first down run teams in the NFL.  If they start getting into long down situations, this will be trouble for the young QB.  The Falcons are the worst team in the NFL at converting third and medium. 

5.     Many of the Eagles' top offensive players did not practice today.  It seems that every time you play a Pittsburgh Steelers team, it is hard to get ready for the next game.

6.     In light of the recent public relations move by the Raiders this past weekend, head coach Lane Kiffin agreed to do an interview with the NFL Network.  But when Adam Schefter showed up in Buffalo to tape the interview he was told that it had been cancelled.  Al Davis apparently sent word to Kiffin that if he did the interview, the act would be deemed as insubordinate and therefore provide grounds for termination without pay. 

7.     Many teams have been working out Jason Babin, the former first-round pick of the Houston Texans, looking for pass rush help.  It's hard to feel like he will be an answer for anyone.  His lack of burst and second move always has bothered me about his game. 

8.     Denver defensive linemen Jarvis Moss and Dwayne Robertson need to do something.  I just watched them both on tape and it was painful.  Moss looks like a blown pick right now.

9.     I cannot think of a defensive tackle playing better than Tony Brown of the Tennessee Titans.  He is really a force inside and is one of the many reasons they are so good up front. 

10.  The Jets brought in cornerback Hank Poteat for another visit.  They must be worried about someone in their secondary.  Their game against the Cards this week will certainly be a challenge for their secondary.