While I wonder whether the Browns are the best 3-5 team in a long, long time, here’s a look at this week’s 1 PM quick slants. (Note: Games that I watched get mentioned a lot more, so I’m not snubbing your favorite team.)
1. All week I said this was a separation Sunday for AFC would-be contenders. The Ravens and Chargers passed their test. The Texans and Dolphins failed and fell to 4-4.
Four losses hardly means the season is over, but both Houston and Miami have plenty of tough games left. It will be difficult for both teams to climb out of third place in their division.
2. I would have voted for Philip Rivers as MVP last year. He’s making another strong case despite San Diego’s 4-5 record. Not many quarterbacks could win without their top three wideouts and a Hall of Fame tight end.
Rivers threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns on only 23 attempts, which is simply insane. Of course, these sort of things happen against the Texans defense.
3. Houston’s offense in short-yardage bears some blame for the loss too. Arian Foster couldn’t complete a would-be score. Foster couldn’t convert a fourth-and-one early in the fourth quarter, and Matt Schaub was stuffed on a fourth-and-one QB sneak.
4. Just when it looked like the Lions were seriously turning the corner, they blow a ten-point lead with three minutes left and watch their franchise quarterback leave with a shoulder injury again. Stafford’s injury problems have to have the organization worried. This year is all about his development and he’s barely played.
5. When the Jets and Patriots AFC East comes down to the wire, remember this Jets comeback. New England couldn’t avoid an upset loss; the Jets found a way to win when they weren’t at their best.
6. Great play calling by Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron on Sunday. Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake looked great rushing the passer, but he couldn’t handle Ray Rice in pass coverage. Cam picked on the other Cameron all day. Rice wound up with 180 yards from scrimmage, with seven grabs for 97 through the air.
7. There were times Sunday where the Ravens defense looked vulnerable, but it didn’t matter. The offense didn’t punt all day. The transformation is complete; the Ravens are an offensive team.
8. Chad Henne had three interceptions. I still think he’s going to be a good quarterback, but he’s played his worst in his biggest games.
9. I was more impressed with the Bucs in defeat in Atlanta than I have been during their victories. Atlanta could have pulled away in the game many times, but the Bucs just wouldn’t let it happen. Mike Williams made a great individual play on a 58-yard score. Spurlock also had an 89-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
After that play, Raheem Morris showed major guts going for an onside kick. It didn’t work -- barely -- but the Bucs defense stepped up and got the ball back. Tampa came up a couple yards short, but they showed a lot Sunday.
10. Every once in a while, Josh Freeman tries to do a little too much. He’s my favorite young quarterback, but he still needs to learn to eat the ball occasionally. One of his two interceptions came on a play he should have just taken a sack.