WOUNDED HAWKS
-- The Seattle Seahawks have a massive road block in front of them as they try to return to the Super Bowl. On top of the injury that has kept reigning MVP Shaun Alexander out of action, Seattle is without QB Matt Hasselbeck, who was knocked out of Sunday's game - and for the next few weeks - against Minnesota with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee. Replacing Hasselback is Seneca Wallace, who can do a lot of thing in a "slash" capacity, but has yet to demonstrate he can throw the ball in the NFL on a consistent basis. Originally recruited by Oregon State as a cornerback, he had academic difficulties, went to junior college, and eventually wound up at Iowa State, where he was known for his improvisational skills. He has had problems absorbing the NFL playbook, and is still considered by some NFL scouts to be a better prospect at another position. He committed three turnovers in Hasslebeck's place against the Vikings, including a fumble in the end zone that resulted in a touchdown. Maurice Morris, who has been filling in for Alexander, is going to have to produce more than 3.1 ypc if Wallace is to get help from elsewhere.
BUCS MAY STOP HERE
-- With rookie Bruce Gradkowski (one INT) at the helm, it certainly looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are doing a better job of taking care of the ball. But even though this team has registered two straight wins in underdog situations, and in cardiac fashion, there are some stats Tampa Bay backers should be concerned about. For one thing, Gradkowski threw for just 104 yards last week. And the defense gave up nearly 500 total yards to the Eagles. This year, opponents are rushing for 5.1 ypc against the Bucs' defense, and that situation won't necessarily get better after the team dealt defensive tackle Anthony McFarland off to the Indianapolis Colts, as Jon Gruden does some rebuilding with youth.
FOR THE RAMS, THERE'S GOOD NEWS....AND BAD NEWS
-- Marc Bulger is making a great case for himself for the Pro Bowl, throwing just one INT against 10 TD's in 208 attempts this season. He's doing just what coach Scott Linehan wants him to do - which is to be productive with great wideouts Isaac Bruce and Torry Holt while taking care of the football. And he doesn't spread it around too badly or effectively either, with seven different receivers averaging at least nine yards a reception. But St. Louis is not going to get to the playoffs without improved every-down play from its defense. The Rams have allowed opposing teams to convert on 47% of third-down situations. By comparison, their opponent this weekend - the Chargers - is allowing just 31%. By the way, LB Shawne Merriman will be in the lineup while he is appealing a four-game drug suspension handed down by the NFL. Merriman has the effect of making this a vastly different defense with him than without him.
BROWNIE POINTS
-- Even in their 1-5 start, there are some bright spots for the Cleveland Browns. They've been penalized only 21 times in six games. And they've actually done a reasonable job against the pass, allowing just 54.6% completions and 193 passing yards a game. Of course, the flip side is that Cleveland doesn't run or pass too well. That often means "under," and indeed the Browns have played five of their six games under the total. This week's opponent, the New York Jets, have played eleven "overs" in a row, however, so I guess that's your challenge. And incidentally, the Jets figure their offense is more dangerous now that they've found a go-to running back. Leon Washington, a rookie out of Florida state, ran for 101 yards against the Jaguars in the 41-0 blowout loss, and had 129 yards against Detroit this past weekend.
WHIPPING UP A BATCH
-- Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger figures he going to be ready to play this weekend, despite the concussion he suffered against Atlanta. But Charlie Batch has played consistently better in his place. Batch has thrown five TD passes with no pickoffs, and he holds a passing efficiency rating of 137. To take a couple of words out of Bill Parcells' mouth, does Batch by any chance give Pittsburgh "the best chance to win right now"?
INVITE T.O.
-- Word out of Hollywood is that Paris Hilton is offering herself for personal appearances on New Year's Eve. She's asking $100,000 to help host your party, if only for ten minutes or so. I think Terrell Owens is willing to do the same thing, for considerably less money. Any takers?
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