James Thrash became the first Redskins' WR to score a TD this season.

Yes, He Can Be Stopped

Last week, I began by asking if anyone can stop the Minnesota Viking’s Adrian Peterson, who was proving to be the top running back in the league this year. Unfortunately the answer was a knee injury. As someone who was just operated on this past Friday for a torn meniscus in my right knee, I feel the pain of the sidelined running backs. As a fantasy owner, I feel the pain of you readers as well. This year has seen an abundance of running backs out or injured and playing sub par. Peterson should be able to play again this year because, as coach Brad Childress points out, the rip was only in the ligament and not in the PCL, MCL, meniscus or other structures in the knee. While Peterson could be back, it is doubtful that he will be as effective as before. For a team with one shining star, the Vikings are in a world of trouble. Chester Taylor is not capable of the explosiveness of Adrian Peterson.

Injured and out in week ten: Shaun Alexander (wrist, ankle, knee); Correll Buckhalter (illness); Derrick Ward, New York Giants; Jerious Norwood (ankle), Atlanta Falcons. Injured but able to play in week ten: Marshawn Lynch (ankle) Buffalo Bills; Travis Henry (knee) Denver Broncos; Ryan Grant (concussion) Minnesota Vikings; Kevin Jones (foot) Detroit Lions; Reggie Bush (knee & concussion); Willie Parker (knee) Pittsburgh Steelers; Frank Gore (ankle) San Francisco 49ers, Steven Jackson (back) St. Louis Rams; LenDale White (knee and toe) Tennessee Titans; and Brian Westbrook (shoulder) Philadelphia Eagles.

It is not just running backs who have been hurt. It is likely that the six interceptions thrown by the Colts’ Peyton Manning were at least in part due to the absence of quality receivers. Let’s go through the list: Wide receiver Marvin Harrison- not available. Tight end Dallas Clark- not available. Rookie slot replacement Anthony Gonzalez- not available. Reggie Wayne can only do so much. The Colts only had 17 healthy players on offense.

Treasures

Brian Westbrook, Running Back, Philadelphia Eagles
20 Carries, 100 Yards Rushing, One Rushing Touchdown, Five Receptions, 83 yards, Two Receiving Touchdowns

Clearly the player of the week with yardage by land and by air, Westbrook was the jack of all trades he frequently is.

Marc Bulger, Quarterback, St. Louis Rams
27-33, 302 Yards Passing, Two Touchdowns

Bulger had his best game of the year and showed what he used to be in leading the Rams to their first victory of the season. Look at match ups including the 49ers next week. Bulger could have a good week here and there. It all depends on the blocking.

Kurt Warner, Quarterback, Arizona Cardinals
26-36, 259 Yards Passing, Three Touchdowns, One Interception

As I said above, it all depends on the blocking. Give Warner time and he can throw for touchdowns. When you decide whether to play Warner, look to the defensive line and their ability to rush.

Jason Campbell, Quarterback, Washington Redskins
23-34, 215 Yards Passing, Three Touchdowns

Campbell is still a work in progress but he seems to be improving each week. The ‘Skins are finally allowing him to be a part of the offensive formula. Don’t expect too much next week from Campbell against Dallas but he will bounce back the following week against Tampa Bay.

Jesse Chatman, Running Back, Miami Dolphins
27 Carries, 124 Yards Rushing

Chatman has been a pleasant surprise for a moribund offense. One key has been an offensive line that has opened a few holes for Chatman. Not enough to win, but better.

Selvin Young, Running Back, Denver Broncos
20 Carries, 109 Yards Rushing, One Touchdown

Young had his best output, breaking 100 for the first time. Young has 180 yards in two weeks after rushing for 151 over the past eight weeks. Young has shown the ability to fit into the offense. He will be a good replacement if Travis Henry cannot play due to injury or suspension. Henry will meet with the Commissioner on Friday.

Brandon Jacobs, Running Back, New York Giants
23 Carries, 95 Yards Rushing, No Touchdowns

This is why I hate running backs by committee. Jacobs takes the Giants up and down the field but Reuben Droughns scores the touchdown on three cares for eight yards. Still, I believe Jacobs will finish stronger to the end of the year.

Ryan Grant, Running Back, Green Bay Packers
25 Carries, 119 Yards Rushing, One Touchdown, Five Receptions, 20 yards

Started with a thirty-yard touchdown run and ended by proving he deserves to start. Packer head coach Mike McCarthy says Grant is his “feature back”.

Ruvell Martin, Wide Receiver, Green Bay Packers
Four Receptions, 57 yards, Two Touchdowns

Martin only had six receptions before this week but with Favre able to pass to so many receivers, Martin may see the end zone more. Favre is playing like a MVP this year.

Leonard Pope, Tight End, Arizona Cardinals
Five Receptions, 52 yards, Two Touchdowns

The second year player out of Georgia proved to be a good target in the red zone. Pope is likely available in most leagues and should be a good acquisition for the balance of the year.

Fool’s Gold

James Thrash, Wide Receiver, Washington Redskins
Five Receptions, 85 yards, Two Touchdowns

Finally, a wide receiver has caught a touchdown pass for the Redskins, and Thrash caught two. Until this week, Thrash has three receptions and at the end he was standing on crutches on the sideline so don’t expect a replay.

Plaxico Burress, Wide Receiver, New York Giants
Four Receptions, 24 yards

He tweaked his ankle again. Perhaps we should believe his injury. For weeks, Burress has sat out practices only to come in and play in the games. It may be time to sit Burress.

Mark Clayton, Wide Receiver, Baltimore Ravens
Eight Receptions, 107 yards

Clayton had his best game of a very mediocre season. Clayton has not been able to gain more than 49 yards in any prior game.

Priest Holmes, Running Back, Kansas City Chiefs
20 Carries, 65 Yards Rushing

Do not expect a return to greatness. In fact, the second half was not as strong for Holmes as the first. If you need a running back for minimal yardage and a possible touchdown, think of Holmes. Larry Johnson has a cracked bone I his foot but he might come back before the season is over.

Vince Young, Quarterback, Tennessee Titans
24-41, 257 Yards Passing, One Touchdown, Two Interceptions

Young has not yet proved he can be a passing quarterback. He now has four passing touchdowns and ten interceptions. Sure he three 41 passes but he also took off for 52 yards on a team high eight carries.

Rex Grossman, Quarterback, Chicago Bears
7-14, 142 Yards Passing, One Touchdown

Yes, he is back at the helm of the Bears, but one touchdown pass does not mean he is back. After all, he is Rex Grossman.

Now, a Moment of Real Life

With the St. Louis Rams’ win, only the Miami Dolphins remain winless while only the New England Patriots remain without a loss. Wouldn’t it be ironic if the Patriots become the second team to complete a NFL season without a loss during the same year that the Dolphins become the only team to have both an undefeated and winless season on their record? Also, did anyone notice that another streak was broken? T.J. Houshmandzadeh had caught a touchdown pass in every game until this week. While he did catch six passes, none were in the end zone.

When we reach Week 13, there may be another big game on the schedule. Both the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers have an 8-1 record. They face each other in Dallas in three weeks. That game will decide the home field in the NFC. The Patriots look secure with a two game lead over the Colts and Steelers but face the Steelers in New England during Week 14. One of the above five teams will win the Super Bowl.