"Hey, aren't you that other USC running back?"

Tom Brady’s Favorite Target

Who is the Patriots’ Red Zone extraordinaire? Who has caught every one of his ten receptions during his career in the end zone? Mike Vrabel. Yes the starting linebacker is also the most successful receiver in Patriot history. Sure, Vrabel had thirteen tackles this week including eleven that were solo. Sure, he had three sacks and three forced fumbles but it is his catch from Tom Brady in the right corner of the end zone that people still talk about. My question is how could any defense that knows Vrabel has caught nine passes in his career for nine touchdowns allow Vrabel to be alone in the corner of the end zone? He has to announce he is an eligible receiver when he comes in and still he is forgotten. Much has been made about Bill Belichick’s secret camera. I just wonder if he has a machine to fog the minds of the defense. You are getting sleepy…

The Treasures

Kellen Clemens, Quarterback, New York Jets
5-12, 67 Yards Passing

The Chad Pennington era is over. The Jets are ready to see what Clemens can do. When you have lost every game and the season is half over, you might as well think of next year. Coach Eric Mangini announced Monday he's going with Clemens as his starter for Sunday's game against Washington. His numbers should improve. Of course, the way the Jets are playing, five completions for 67 yards might be pretty good.

LenDale White, Running Back, Tennessee Titans
25 Carries, 133 Yards Rushing

After five weeks of averaging less than three yards per carry and failing to gain more than 66 yards rushing, White had his second consecutive game with more than 100 yards. The big back out of Southern California is starting to establish himself and may become known as more than Reggie Bush’s running mate.

Brandon Jacobs, Running Back, New York Giants
23 Carries, 131 Yards Rushing

Here is another big back who is establishing himself. Faced with a sloppy field in London, Jacobs was the only consistent offensive threat for either team. Eli Manning ran for the only touchdown but without Jacobs, the Giants likely would have given the Dolphins their first victory.

Laurence Maroney, Running Back, New England Patriots
14 Carries, 75 Yards Rushing

Maroney is not a surprise but people should know that he is improving his playing time and his stamina each week. Maroney started this game with two runs of more than ten yards each. As he regains his timing Maroney should be more of a factor in the Patriots’ attack. Like the Patriots needed more offensive options.

Braylon Edwards, Wide Receiver Cleveland Browns
Eight Receptions, 117 yards, Two Touchdowns

Edwards has now caught five touchdown passes in the last two games and none of them from Tom Brady. Actually, Derek Anderson has become a source of good statistics and Edwards is a prime recipient. Edwards has 37 receptions for 669 yards and nine touchdowns this season. Those who gave up on him when Anderson became the starting quarterback, shame on you.

Vernon Davis, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers
Six Receptions, 71 yards, One touchdown

Finally, the tight end compared to Antonio Gates, when drafted, actually played like him. The 49ers are not the Chargers so do not expect good numbers weekly but it is nice to know Davis has it in him.

Greg Olsen, Tight End, Chicago Bears
Six Receptions, 59 yards, One Touchdown

Who knows who will quarterback the Bears from week to week, but rookie Greg Olsen is looking like a dependable receiver. Remember these are tight end numbers. Of course it doesn’t help when your quarterback completes four passes to the opposition.

Fool’s Gold

Jeff King, Tight End, Carolina Panthers
Ten Receptions, 82 yards

King made ten of his 28 receptions this season all in one game. He was the primary target of David Carr and Vinny Testeverde. The Panthers tried to slow down the Colts and it worked for one quarter. The Panthers are a team searching for answers.

Quinn Gray, Quarterback, Jacksonville Jaguars 
7-16, 100 Yards Passing, One Touchdown

In his first start, Gray almost doubled his stats. Of course when you pass for 56 yards and raise it to 100 yards, there is still room for improvement. On the plus side, Gray did throw one touchdown and no interceptions, an improvement on zero touchdowns and two interceptions. The bottom line is that you should not expect very much from Gray or from the Jaguars with Gray at the helm.

Ted Ginn Jr., Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
One Reception, 21 Yards, One Touchdown

In the midst of pouring rain in London, one ray of sunshine appeared. Rookie Ted Ginn became a Dolphin starter the week before, but this week, he scored his first NFL touchdown. Given the disarray in the offense, including a new quarterback, running back and prime receiver, don’t expect too much this year but Ginn is on the field. Miami earned their eighth straight loss but first in a different continent. Dolphins like the water, right?

David Patten, Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints
Five Receptions, 109 Yards

The 5-10 waterbug now has consecutive games with the following receiving yardage: 6, 0, 113, 29, and 109. Now if you can figure out a pattern, please send it to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for quantum analysis.

Now, a Moment of Real Life…

Much is made of Chad Johnson the publicity seeking Cincinnati wide receiver who does as much with a ball after he scores as before. Silently, his teammate on the other side of the field is gaining the numbers while Johnson just gets the interviews. T.J. Houshmandzadeh has caught a touchdown pass in all seven games the Bengals have played. Should he maintain this pace he will have 133 receptions for 1,439 yards with 21 touchdowns. So how has “Ocho Cinco” done? Johnson caught five passes for 51 yards this week but dropped two crucial passes. For the season Johnson has caught 44 passes for 731 yards and three touchdowns. Houshmandzadeh has caught 58 passes for 629 yards and nine touchdowns. The seven-year veteran wide receiver from Oregon State caught 90 passes last year for 1081 yards and nine scores. So, if you want a good interview or an enjoyable sideline show, contact Chad Johnson. If you want touchdowns, call on T.J.