Is Trent Edwards the answer for the Bills' playoff hopes?

Oh, To Be A Referee…

Once again, an officiating controversy. The New England Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 27-24 on a last minute touchdown that was controversial and it followed a number of close calls and a Raven defensive meltdown. After the game, the Ravens were accusing the Head Linesman of name-calling and the NFL of wanting the Patriots to reach the final game undefeated. The last game of the regular season, of course, is the Patriots facing the New York Giants on a Thursday NFL Network-only game. Obviously, the NFL would benefit by fans complaining that they cannot see the Patriots fight for perfection. However, if the officiating crews are trying to make this happen, this is a bigger story than the NBA referees gambling.

Perhaps I am naïve but I believe that the Ravens would have won if they had not lost their composure. When I saw the Ravens’ defensive players acting out on the field because their coaching staff called a time out, I knew the Patriots would win. This is a lesson to the Pittsburgh Steelers whose coach staff and players are more disciplined. My money says the Patriots are going down next week to the Steelers and we should expect that loss to propel the Patriots on to win the Super Bowl.

Treasures

Gus Frerotte, Quarterback, St. Louis Rams
23-35, 311 Yards Passing, Three Touchdowns, Two Interceptions

Great game for Frerotte, but you hate to hear that he will be having a MRI on his shoulder. If healthy, Frerotte is more than capable of putting up a game like this again next week against a weak Cincinnati Bengals defense. Watch for the reports on both Frerotte and Marc Bulger.

Trent Edwards, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
22-36, 257 Yards Passing

Who is the Bills’ quarterback this week? Edwards did just enough to win and they are facing the Dolphins this week so be prepared to go with Edwards to provide decent numbers.

Jerious Norwood, Running Back, Atlanta Falcons
Eight Carries, 94 Yards Rushing

It is about time that Norwood had a chance. He has more explosiveness and power than Warrick Dunn does. Hopefully, the Falcons will continue to give Norwood a chance.

Earnest Graham, Running Back, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
22 Carries, 106 Yards Rushing, One touchdown; Seven Receptions, 37 yards

There was a question before the game as to whether Graham could play because of an ankle injury. There was no question in the game as Graham continues to run effectively and be a good fantasy option. Michael Pittman did come back and caught two passes for six yards but Graham has proven himself a number one rusher.  

Dallas Clark, Tight End, Indianapolis Colts
Seven Receptions, 60 yards, Two Touchdowns

He catches balls thrown by Peyton Manning and Manning is missing Marvin Harrison. Expect more of the same.

Ryan Grant, Running Back, Green Bay Packers
14 Carries, 94 Yards Rushing, Two Touchdowns

Brett Favre’s new best buddy is offering the rushing balance previously missing in the Packers’ offense. Grant has established himself. Do not expect Adrian Peterson-like numbers but Grant is dependable.  

Joey Galloway, Wide Receiver, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Seven Receptions, 159 yards

He had a great game, but remember, Galloway is 36 years old. Galloway’s big gainer was a 60-yard pass play where Galloway was tackled at the one-yard line. He now has 49 catches for 891 yards. This follows two years where he caught 83 passes for 1287 yards and 62 for 1057 yards. I guess 36 is just a number.

Hines Ward, Wide Receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers
Eleven Receptions, 90 yards, Two Touchdowns

Twenty receptions in two weeks – with Santonio Holmes hurting, Hines Ward has taken charge. He is primed for the match with the suddenly human New England Patriots. 

Fool’s Gold

Derrick Ward, Running Back, New York Giants
24 Carries, 154 Yards Rushing, One Touchdown

First, the good news – Ward had a great game when he was not fumbling the ball. The bad news (besides the fumble, of course) was that Ward broke a bone and will be out. 

Luke McCown, Quarterback, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
29-37, 313 Yards Passing, Two Touchdowns, One Interception

Jeff Garcia may have had to watch from the sidelines but Luke McCown produced in only his fifth start in his four-year professional career. He completed his first 15 passes but it was his last pass to tight end Jerramy Stevens for a touchdown with 17 seconds left that brought a victory. However, expect Garcia to regain his position next week. 

Brandon Stokley, WR, Denver Broncos
Three Receptions, 102 yards

Stokley seems to always catch three or more balls per week. He has 39 catches and four touchdowns in his first twelve weeks. Just do not expect more.

Now, a Moment of Real Life…

I look to sports to give me a pause from real life. Sports bring emotional agony and ecstasy, but rarely is a game truly life and death. No matter the contest, no matter how hard the loss, there is always next year. However, sometimes sports takes a backseat to life. Sometimes that slice of life is ugly. This week, the success of one man in the NFL contributed to his death. From information released so far, it appears the Washington Redskins’ Sean Taylor was killed by four men who invaded his home to steal some of the spoils of his success in the NFL. They found him unexpectantly home and shot and killed him. Many sites have brought out the good and bad in Taylor’s life. I do feel sad for the child who will not know his father and the woman who lost her partner. I also felt sorry for the rude awakening that even men who play games for a living must face the cruelty of life.