Week 8 notes

Right, it's notes time for week 8 so far:

• It seems my faith in Troy Smith was well placed.
• As was my faith in Frank Gore (29 carries, 118 yards and a TD)
• Kyle Orton became the latest victim of the "many yards, little result" phenomenon (28/40, 369 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT).
• Justin Smith is an under appreciated player.
• The Jaguars had the kind of offensive balance/numbers that makes me smile (Maurice Jones Drew; 27 carries, 135 yards. David Garrard; 17/21, 260 yards, 4 TDs).
• Jaguars Corner Derek Cox should be returning punts and kicks with the way he reads blockers.
• Could someone please explain to me why John Kitna was allowed to throw 49 times? (34/49, 379 yards, 1 TD, 4 INTs).
• Just when you thought roughing the passer penalties couldn't get any more ridiculous, the Dolphins/Bengals game produced one for the ages.
• When you look at the Dolphins offensive numbers from Sunday, they're a bit slim (Chad Henne; 24/37, 217 yards, 1 INT). Luckily the Bengals offense wasn't much better (Carson Palmer; 17/38, 156 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT).
• So uhm, I'm not sure if I can defend Ryan Fitzpatrick this week (24/48, 223 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT)
• And I'm not sure if I can criticize Matt Cassel when he keeps winning by not throwing picks (14/26, 152 yards, 1 TD).
• The Chiefs must have been laughing when they picked up Thomas Jones (19 carries, 77 yards) to partner Jamaal Charles (22 carries, 177 yards). And at least they stick to what they're good at (I'm looking at you Carolina).
• Bills LB Paul Posluszny had another good game (11 tackles, 7 assists, 0.5 sacks).
• As did Chiefs rookie safety Eric Berry (watch list) (7 tackles, 3 assists, 1 INT).
• As did Chiefs LB Tamba Hali, picking up another 1.5 sacks. Contender for defensive player of the year? (yes, along with fellow LB Derrick Johnson).
• "Interesting" is what I would call the Redskins decision to pull Donovan McNabb (17/30, 210 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT) with the game on the line.
• Calling just 15 rushes for Kevin Williams and Ryan Torain, despite Torains obvious talents is even more "Interesting".
• Matthew Stafford was in fine form for the Lions (26/45, 212 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT).
• Redskins WR Brandon Banks was looking electric in the return game.
• Since when did the Lions D-line have six sacks in it?
• "The Matt Moore Show" continued to flatline (23/37, 194 yards, 1 TD, 3 INTs)
• Sam Bradford is looking like one hell of a first round pick up.
• The Rams in general look quite intriguing.
• Reports are coming in that during the last two weeks someone has abducted the Packers offense (Aaron Rodgers; 15/34, 170 yards).
• What happened to Mark Sanchez (16/38, 256 yards, 2 TDs)?
• You could argue that the Jets were hard done by on two officiating decisions involving interceptions, but then the Jets were so bad I doubt it would have mattered much.
• Philip Rivers (27/36, 305 yards, 2 TDs, INT) and Antonio Gates (5 catches, 123 yards, 1 TD) are just looking sensational. It's a shame to think they might not make the play offs due to a poor start.
• Losing Kenny Britt was huge for the Titans.
• Unsurprisingly the Titans seem to struggle when their D-line doesn't get into the game.
• Brett Favre had another good game for yards, but without an end product (22/32, 259 yards, 1 INT)
• Since when did BenJarvus Green-Ellis start running for 112 yards and 2 TDs off 17 carries (erm... Sunday perhaps?).
• Once again the Vikings defense failed to record a sack. That would help explain some of their struggles.
• Josh Freeman had another efficient day (18/25, 278 yards, 1 TD)
• LaGarrette Blount has proved to be an awesome scoop after being cut by the Titans after the pre-season (22 carries, 120 yards, 2 TDs)
• Rookie WR Mike Williams is also fulfilling the hype he received in training camp (4 catchs, 105 yards, 1 TD)
• You know your offense is struggling (Arizona) when you have two different QBs in one game and they both throw 2 interceptions.
• Despite the above, WR Steve Breaston caught 8 passes for 147 yards.
• Jason Campbell averaged over 20 yards per completion (15/27, 310 yards, 2 TDs).
• Even Darius Heyward-Bey had a good game against the Seahawks (5 catches, 105 yards, 1 TD).
• The Raiders collected 8 sacks on the day, including two for Richard Seymour and two for under rated LB Kamerion Wimbley (who regulars will know I'm a bit of a fan of).
• Matt Hasselbeck completed just 13/32 for 160 yards and a pick. Not sure how long he can last as the Seahawks starting QB with numbers like that.
• My theory about the Saints was disproved. They left it late, but they did it none the less.

Have a great day everyone.