Week 8 thoughts

Media is focusing way too much on:

QB Brett Favre - Does anyone care about his injuries anymore? Yes it is amazing that he has played 293 games, and it will be one of those things that will be really impressive when he actually retires, and when you look back at it. The worst part is that Favre is the one that is fueling these stories. I know he is injured and I know he has a long streak, do we need to hear about it every day? Make it a story when he actually doesn't start. I don't think I have ever seen an athlete talk about himself this much before (other than maybe LeBron James) and Favre's team is 2-5.

Dallas Cowboys: Wade Phillips is terrible. They have tons of talent, but always underachieve.

This is nothing new, this is what the Cowboys have been for the last 10 years. What else is there to say? They are 1-6! Why are they still being talked about?

Media needs to focus more on:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They are 5-2, yet I do not think most football fans can name 3 players on their roster. This should be a fun team to watch for a long time. QB Josh Freeman and rookie WR Mike Williams are legit and CB Aqib Talib may be one of the best corners in the NFL and all are under 25.

Oakland Raiders: They have blown out their opponents in the last two games and are finally

showing the Raider nation a team they can be proud of. Yet the Raiders have had local TV blackouts for 11 straight games now. This is shocking considering how intimidating the fans are in Oakland. McClain said he wouldn't give an interview until the Raiders sold out a game:

"If the fans come out and we can sell out a damn game, I'll talk to the media," McClain said. "Until then ... I need full fan support." (NFL.com)

Rookies Dominating - It seems this year, more than usual, first year players have come in and really impressed. Look across almost every roster in the NFL and you will see rookies making a key impact on their teams. QB Sam Bradford, WR Mike Williams, DT Ndamukong Suh, CB Devin McCorty, S Eric Berry, S Earl Thomas

Offense: Overrated and Underrated

QB

Underrated – Kyle Orton, I don’t know how Orton, who is 31-22 as a starter, is still under the radar. This year he is tearing it up; he is second in passing yards and has 8 TDs and 3 INT’s. He has put up these stats without any big name receivers around him. He has helped put Brandon Lloyd (leads the NFL in receiving yards), Eddie Royal, and Jabar Gaffney all in the top 20 in receiving yards.

Overrated – Carson Palmer, the Bengals loaded up with new receiving talent this year but

Palmer has underwhelmed. Palmer has thrown some costly interceptions this season and led the Bengals to a disappointing 2-3 start.

Best Rookie – Sam Bradford, he came onto the worst team in the NFL and has already led them to 2 wins and they are sitting 2^nd in their division right now. I think even the biggest football fan would have a very hard time naming 2 or 3 players on the Rams roster let alone a receiver.

RB

Underrated – LeSean McCoy, in his second year as a pro, and a first year as a starter, McCoy has proved he can be a carry the load and can catch the ball out of the back field. He has done a great job filling the void left by Brian Westbrook.

Overrated – Clinton Portis, has had some injury problems the last 2 years, and has not had a 100+ yard rushing game in almost a year. He is a big name, but ever since he left Denver he has not averaged over 4.3 yards a carry.

Best Rookie – Jahvid Best, has stepped in right away and has become the Lions starter. Even with a sub-par offensive line Best has found success. He has done a really good job catching the ball out of the backfield, he is second out of all RBs in receptions and yards.

WR

Underrated – Malcom Floyd, with Vincent Jackson holding out, Floyd has gotten a chance to be the primary target. The big 6’5” receiver is a deep threat and is averaging 22.6 yards per catch. He is probably going to end up putting up Randy Moss like stats this year, but has not garnered much attention.

Overrated – Dwayne Bowe, his first two years as a pro Bowe dominated and he looked like he was going to be a star. You would think with Todd Haley, who is a pass heavy coach, Bowe would continue to shine, but he has digressed. The Chiefs offense really needs Bowe to step up and be the player he was two years ago.

Best Rookie – Mike Williams, the late third rounder has been a stud leading all rookie receivers in yards, catches and touchdowns. The Josh Freeman –Williams connection could be a dominate combination for a long time to come.

TE

Underrated – Zach Miller, not too many people know how good Miller is other than Raiders fans. Miller had 805 yards receiving last year and is second for all tight ends in receiving yards.

Overrated – Jeremy Shockey, he is a big name player but has not been a playmaker for the Saints like he was in New York. He is probably not even a top 10 tight end anymore.

Best Rookies – Aaron Hernandez, Jermaine Gresham, and Tony Moeaki, All three of these tight ends have made a big impact on their team. Hernandez has shown the ability to run after the catch. Gresham is a big athletic tight end who is a great weapon in the red zone. Moeaki has been a surprise this year, he has quickly become Matt Cassel’s favorite target leading the Chiefs in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.