Random Shots

An NFL legend passed on Wednesday with the death of Hall of Famer Otto Graham. I love those old films where he wore No. 60 throwing TD passes all over the field. Graham never missed a game as a pro while passing for 23,584 yards and 174 touchdowns. He finished his career with an astounding 105-17-4 regular-season record. Thank you, Mr. Graham.

I wrote a few weeks ago about Green Bay head coach Mike Sherman and the little boy that was blind singing the National Anthem. Sunday, Sherman was once again part of an emotional scene when he invited Jason Wittling of Ashland, Wisconsin into the locker room and presented him with the game ball. Wittling is a Marine who was injured in Iraq and is confined to a wheelchair. As the players gathered around him, Sherman said, "This guy fought for our country. He fought for us. What he did allows us to do what we're doing right now." He handed the ball to Wittling as the team cheered. Cool move, Coach.

Brett Favre threw three touchdown passes in the fourth quarter Sunday. Even more impressive was the fact he threw them in the span of nine plays.

Michael Strahan and Bruce Smith seem like pretty good friends. Strahan said Smith should have time to play more golf now, but couldn't help but rip him: "Your golf game is tragic, Brother. Your game is hurtin'."

Is it just that much harder to coach at the pro level? Watching Steve Spurrier against Bill Parcells Sunday made me think. You have guys like Butch Davis, Dennis Erickson and Steve Spurrier who were outstanding college coaches yet they seem to struggle at the next level. Even Barry Switzer seems to not get much credit for the Cowboys.

The Clinton Portis injury has many owners in a panic as they try to decipher the cryptic signals coming out of Bronco headquarters. Smcindoe from our message boards put it best: "People, it's Mike Freaking Shanahan. Portis could be dead for all we know…"

Minnesota's Moe Williams carried the ball four times against Chicago and finished the game with as many rushing yards as he started with. That's not easy to do.

Vikings owner Red McCombs sounded a little miffed and then stuck his foot in his mouth as he usually does when talking to the LA Times about defensive coordinator George O'Leary leaving for Central Florida: "If you're married to one girl and have another one stashed, I think you'd be thinking a lot about the other one ... not that I've ever done that.''

Am I just paying more attention now, or are more teams going for it on fourth down?

Kansas City's Dick Vermeil says Portis owes them: "We're going to put him in the Hall of Fame. His bust should have a big Kansas City headdress on it. I'm serious."

Would you trade William Green, T.J. Duckett or DeShaun Foster straight up for Portis? All three of those backs were drafted ahead of the Denver running back.

Interim head coach Wade Phillips summed up the Colts' thrashing of Atlanta: "My worst fears came to being."

Have you ever seen Phil Donahue and Mike Martz at the same time? I'm just askin'…

It took Indianapolis' Edgerrin James until week 15 before he could claim the team's longest rush of the year. Who held it before then? Punter Hunter Smith… Speaking of that, James ripped off the 43 yard run right as the game announcers were making the comment that his longest run of the season was just 20 yards.

One of the most telling quotes of the year regarding the state of some pro athletes came from Saints head coach Jim Haslett following the Joe Horn celebration: "He'll learn. He's only 32."

My one comment on Horn (I'm contractually obligated to whine/rip/defend him as a member of the writing community): You may have seen ESPN's Dan Patrick interview with Horn on Monday night. The wide receiver repeatedly said this wasn't about drawing attention to Joe Horn. You know what? I'm fine if you want to showboat. Just showboat, take your fine and be done with it. But don't sit there on national TV and take me for being friggin' stupid.

Sunday, Denver owner Pat Bowlen, looked at Shanahan and swung his foot in a kicking motion just before the running play where Portis was injured. Ouch. Hindsight is 20-20. If Denver had botched the field goal attempt, you know the world would be screaming how do you kick the ball with Clinton Portis in the backfield raring to score? Especially when he'd just gained 7 and 6 yards on the two plays prior. I've taken my shots at Skeletor in the past but if I'm in his shoes, I run Portis there all day long.

I'm not sure how long they'll keep it running but the Mike Vick animation on the Tampa Bay site was interesting. I don't remember an "official" media outlet for a team publicly talking smack like before. Not to say I don't like it.

In case you haven't seen it, Peyton Manning is on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Sorry Colts fans, it was nice while it lasted…

Former Yankee pitcher Roger Clemens reportedly turned down a Hummer to come back for the Astros. Baseball players…

It's that time of year when some owners throw in the towel if their team is out of the running. Here's the cool story of the week from Footballguy Matt Singer telling me about Adam Ballenger, an owner in his league. Ballenger collapsed during the week with a brain trauma issue. He woke up in the Intensive Care Unit on Saturday. The doctors said that some of the first words out of his mouth were to ask for a phone so he could call his lineup into his commish. And it wasn't a line up for the Championship game. Ballenger was calling with his lineup for the consolation (Toilet Bowl) game. He's that into it. Good stuff. We're pulling for you Adam.

An estimated 15,000 Eagles fans showed up at the Monday Night Football game in Miami. When Duce Staley ran the ball, the chorus of "DUUUUUUCE" was so loud, you might have thought the game was in Philly. Evidently, the Eagles fans left a pretty strong impression on the locals. Said one South Beach resident: "I really have never seen anything like this, a culture, a following, a gang, a pack, a mafia, call it what you want. But this is something I have never seen. I have been to tailgate parties, but never one that has lasted for 4 days straight, day and night."

Tim Hasselbeck: "I'm going to play better next week. I'm telling you that right now." I'm going to go easy on him because I feel bad for the guy, but c'mon Tim, that's not really going out on a limb there. Hasselbeck's 6 of 26 for 56 yards and four interception day earned him a QB rating of zero.

Great play Monday night as Donovan McNabb threw back to wide receiver Freddie Mitchell who rifled a strike to halfback Brian Westbrook who made a tough catch in good coverage by linebacker Zach Thomas. It was like musical positions. The wide receiver threw like a quarterback. The running back made a wide receiver caliber catch. And the linebacker blanketed the receiver like a safety. Interesting. At least to me. I don't really expect most of you guys to be as easily fascinated as I am...

I think Randy Moss is figuring it out: "We're at Soldier Field, it's a little nippy. But we get paid a lot of dollars to come out here and play a game."

It's that time of year when people feel compelled to pull out the "Best Of" lists. When it comes to best Sports Moments of the year, Maurice Cheek's assisting the young girl who struggled with the National Anthem has to rank up there. Here's a nice video.

C'mon Jamal Lewis. Get Happy.

Speaking of Lewis, why doesn't his name come up more often when talking about the best backs in the game? He doesn't catch the ball much at all, but outside of that, I can't imagine what more you'd want in a running back.

In 1997, Santa Monica College started a pretty fair pair of wide receivers in Chad Johnson and Steve Smith. That's solid for junior college.

I can sort of understand the Lions. But why are the Seahawks totally powerless on the road?

Is it just me or do helmets fly off a lot more than they used to?

Smart aleck writers (like your author) have been quick to point out the fact that going into last week's game, Warren Sapp had more touchdown receptions than Jerry Rice. Sapp was asked about it and quickly put an end to that thought. "That's the greatest touchdown maker to ever see the field and I'm just a lucky guy who's got a coach that gets off on that." When asked about Gruden calling the pass play for him, Sapp said, "I thought he'd been listening to the damn AC/DC a little too long."

Carolina linebacker Brian Allen briefly lined up over Cardinal receiver Anquan Boldin. Said Boldin, "I know they ain't gonna put you on me." He was right.

San Diego coach Marty Schottenheimer has to be tired of this: "To be where we are in the giveaway/takeaway ratio makes me want to throw up."

Ray Lewis reminded me of Jules "Did I break your concentration?" Winnfield from Pulp Fiction when he yelled to the Raider offense: "Don't get nervous 'cause I'm here".

The Patriots opening drive touchdown was their first TD all year in their initial possession. As well as they've played, that's surprising to me.

The worst TV broadcast guy doing a game this Sunday is still better than Bill Walton covering a basketball game…

Congratulations to Curtis Martin. He became only the second back in NFL history to start their career with nine 1,000 yard rushing seasons. He joins Barry Sanders on that list. Not bad for guy out of Pitt with gimpy ankles…

Former coach Marv Levy shared his secret for success: "Every week you play at a level that the other team is either unwilling or unable to match." That's good advice for anyone.

One more reason why Spurrier isn't enjoying the NFL: Sunday's game was the first time he's been shut out as a head coach since 1987.

Tim Hasselbeck used to be a ball boy for the Parcells-led Giants. I bet that was weird for him Sunday.

I don't blame Dan Reeves for doing what he did. When you're No. 6 on the all time wins list, there's only so much you have to put up with from an owner. But on the other hand, I kind of admire Jim Fassel for fighting to the end. Everyone (including him) seems to have known he was history for quite a while. But he's out there giving it what he has. There's something to be said for finishing the task.

For what it's worth, Giants kicker Matt Bryant delivered one of the better hits of the day Sunday as he slobberknockered New Orleans' Michael Lewis.

New York quarterback Jesse Palmer's middle name is James. You gotta like that. He's the first Canadian born player ever to start at quarterback. Just so you know.

I love Chad Johnson's confidence: "Three things are certain in life. Death, Taxes, and me being open." He's suggested that his next TD celebration might involve throwing his helmet into the stands. Don't doubt him. He stows two orange striped helmets in his locker.

Speaking of that, Kelley Washington's locker is next to Johnson's in the Bengals' facility. Instead of Washington's name above his locker, his name plate says, "The Future".

Houston backup quarterback Dave Ragone didn't catch any favors from the schedule with David Carr's injury. In the two games Ragone started for Carr, he faced Jacksonville and Tampa Bay.

Kansas City's Dante Hall made a commercial you'll see soon with actor Don Cheadle. Says Hall, "All I did was laugh and run. I think I can handle this acting thing."

I bet the Texan's Demarcus Faggins is so over the Hobbit jokes.

You old guys will get this one - Brock Forsey looks a little like what I'd expect Alfalfa to if he was a running back.

Detroit's Shawn Bryson rushed for 105 yards. That is not a typo.

Thinking of the Lions, I wonder if Detroit's Steve Mariucci knew it'd be this rough?

Denver linebacker Al Wilson speaks a language in the huddle that I've never heard. I don't think his teammates understand him either. It's not a big deal though as it's pretty clear that Wilson is extremely excited about playing the game of football. And the other Broncos innately sense it's in their best interests to be just as excited…

FOX's James Brown called Terry Bradshaw a "suppository of information". I'm not sure Bradshaw got it…

Vikings punter Eddie Johnson is going to get killed if he doesn't stop fumbling snaps. Punters aren't made to be hit like that.

Chicago's Rex Grossman was solid in his debut. I bet Peyton Manning was happy in that he's not the youngest looking QB in the league anymore.

Nike's hit a home run with their new Lebron James/Bernie Mac commercial. That's a Super Bowl type ad.

Jerry Rice caught his 194th touchdown Sunday. Yes, his skills aren't what they used to be and Rick Mirer isn't helping a lot, but you should savor every game you get to watch this man play. Someday, you'll be telling your grandkids that yes, you really did get to see Jerry Rice play.

Tired of all the DUI/Wife Beating/Drug stories? Here's a partial list of the many good things player are into.

If you get a chance, try to catch a replay of the NFL Network's Total Access Tuesday where Rich Eisen had Terrell Owens on for the whole show. Throughout the hour, T.O. interviewed Marvin Lewis, talked about the Joe Horn celebration, and basically was the most humble and professional guy you'd ever imagine. I'm talking Marvin Harrison/Peyton Manning type professional. Here's a small sample of the interview: Owens is the San Francisco nominee for the Walter Payton award for his work with Alzheimer's patients. (Owens' Grandmother suffers from the illness) Bottom line is that he was outstanding on the show. Ken Norton Jr. and Seth Joyner should be glad Owens is still playing because T.O. was easily better than both of them. You won't believe it if you haven't seen the show. I didn't.

They did run plenty of the classic Owens on the side line stuff: "Who can make a play?... I CAN! I can't STAND myself!" My favorite is when he looks back over his shoulder, smiles and says, "Eight One's on a MISSION!" I love this game.

I'm sure it was just a coincidence that they followed the Owens "mic'd up" segment with the Budweiser "Leon" commercial…

Parcells talked about why he's so strict and as usual, he didn't mince words: "I've got young, immature and in some cases stupid players, ok?"

Spurrier was just as direct after the Redskins ugly game against Dallas. "I don't know what else to say. They kicked our tails pretty good."

SI's Peter King had a great quote from Reeves. When asked what it felt like to be mentioned along with great coaches like Paul Brown and Chuck Noll, he said, "I've always known I wasn't God's gift to coaching. To be in the same category with those guys humbles me."

Subtle touch Sunday as the Redskins chose to wear their white road jerseys at home forcing Dallas to their little used blue jerseys. Didn't seem to make much difference though.

I'm already tired of the Matt Millen/Johnnie Morton thing (two deceptively hard names to spell by the way…) Regardless of your opinion on the issue, I'll go back to my original question I had way back when Millen was hired that nobody wanted to hear: Exactly what qualifications does Millen have that would lead one to believe he'd be a successful executive leading a multimillion dollar business?

Speaking of that, David Steele of the San Francisco Chronicle opened his column today with these words: "What happened in the NFL on Sunday caused yet another tear in the fabric of civilized society and made us all once again question our values, priorities and very way of life." I'm not going near that one…

Cincinnati's Willie Anderson guaranteed they'd make the playoffs. Yes, this is the same Willie Anderson who ripped Chad Johnson for his Kansas City guarantee. It's all good.

I said last week that the San Francisco game would be huge to see how Cincinnati responded after the crushing loss to Baltimore. I think we got our answer. Another huge test this week though as they travel to St. Louis. I really hope they make the playoffs.

It was a big win Sunday and you have to give the guy credit for hanging in there. But every pass Rick Mirer throws up is an adventure.

Dallas' Terence Newman intercepted Tim Hasselbeck three times Sunday. That's especially bad considering Hasselbeck only completed six passes to his own guys.

New England allowed a touchdown at home. Tampa Bay won two games in a row. Both of those items are big news.

Note to Jeff Fisher - lose the beard. I know it's Nashville and Kris Kristofferson is still hip there and all, but c'mon.

Bill Cowher and Herm Edwards played on the same Philadelphia team. Because I know you guys have been dying to know that…

Has there ever been a more anticlimactic GM change than Rich McKay going to Atlanta? Everyone's known this for months and now it's finally official.

With 4:57 left in the fourth quarter, and his team trailing 31-0, Atlanta's T.J. Duckett scored a TD. He then proceeded to dance and celebrate in the endzone like the Falcons had scored the go ahead touchdown in the Super Bowl. The young man will learn that when the game is over and you've had your hat handed to you, it's probably a good idea to tone down the dance…

In this game, Mike Vick completed 6 passes. That's the same number as Tim Hasselbeck for any of you scoring at home.

Have you noticed that Kurt Warner wears a full coach's headset, not just a mic so he can hear the conversations? Is he calling the plays into Bulger? You'd think Martz would want to do that.

The Bengals' Rudi Johnson played a whale of a game Sunday. Not only did he rush for 174 yards and two touchdowns, he recovered the 49ers onside kick to close out the game.

Speaking of onside kicks, is it written in the rules somewhere that you have to start a fight after every attempt?

Game time temperature in New England was 25. And Bill Belichick was wearing shorts at midfield during warm-ups.

Byron Leftwich ran over the referee Sunday. Patriot linebacker Tedy Bruschi helped him up and jokingly held out three fingers as if he was asking the ref "how many?"

Tony Siragusa on the sidelines is comical. He completely ruins any set of headphones he tries on after stretching them out so wide.

Ken Norton Jr wasted no time flashing his Super Bowl ring to Owens telling him he had that to work toward. Joyner shot him down, "Why you always have to throw the ring out there?"

Kansas City is 0-2 on their last two road games against opponents with a winning record. I'm just sayin'.

Hard Luck Awards
OAK CB P. Buchanon 29 yard interception return to the 1 (Crockett TD)
NE QB T. Brady TD pass dropped by RB L. Centers
MIN QB D. Culpepper TD pass dropped by WR R. Moss
MIN QB D. Culpepper TD pass taken away from WR R. Moss
KC QB T. Green 15 yard pass to TE T. Gonzalez to the 3 (Holmes TD)
DET QB J. Harrington 12 yard pass to RB C. Schlesinger to the 1 (Bryson TD)
SF QB J. Garcia 17 yard rush to the 1 (Barlow TD)
TEN RB E. George rush for no gain from the 1 (Volek TD)
SEA QB M. Hasselbeck 9 yard TD pass to RB S. Alexander nullified by penalty (Brown FG)
ARZ QB J. McCown 15 yard pass to WR A. Boldin to the 4 (Smith TD)
MIA QB J. Fiedler 38 yard pass to WR C. Chambers to the 1 (Fiedler TD)
MIA QB J. Fiedler 3 yard pass to TE R. McMichael to the 3 (Williams TD)
PHI QB D. McNabb 44 yard pass to WR J. Thrash to the 1 (McNabb TD)
IND QB P. Manning 9 yard TD pass to WR M. Harrison nullified by penalty (Vanderjagt FG)
CHI QB R. Grossman 11 yard pass to TE D. Clark to the 1 (Thomas TD)
DAL RB T. Hambrick 6 yard rush to the 3 (Carter TD)
DAL RB T. Hambrick 42 yard rush to the 2 (Bickerstaff TD)

And a hardluck item for any owners playing against Carolina's Jake Delhomme or DeShaun Foster: They had a 30 yard pass reception to the 1 yard line. It was challenged by Carolina and reversed to a touchdown.

Sometimes it's better to just not know…

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Joe Bryant
Owner - www.Footballguys.com

Thanks to Footballguys Bob Harris, Mike Anderson and David Dodds for the help on this one.