Tuesday Morning Quarterback (wk. 15)

"Hold on Bessie, the wheels are falling off!" No doubt about it, in many an NFL city, and in one certain Guru's den, things took an ugly turn this past weekend. Let's review the damage. The worst of it might have been felt in Houston, where the hapless Texans actually won a game. That allowed the 49ers to slip into a tie with them for the most futile franchise, and made for an all important last two games to decide the Reggie Bush derby. Oops. Better get back to those losing ways! In Kansas City, Tampa, Dallas, Minnesota, and Atlanta the playoff paths thru up a curve, as all these teams lost their games this weekend making for even more confusion playoff scenarios. The biggest heartbreak, however, may just wind up being the one still developing in San Diego. The Chargers brought an end to the Colts hopes for a perfect season, but are still needing all sorts of help to even catch a glimpse of playoff hope thanks to the loss last week to Miami. The Chargers may well win the title of 'Best team in 2005 not to make the playoffs'.

Cheers: The New England Patriots for being back on stride and for giving Peyton Manning a reason to start losing sleep at night. Cheers also to my friends Brian, Kevin and Gary for taking me to the Pats/Bucs game Saturday and being gentle with me as the Pats dismantled my beloved Bucs. My Hero of the Week: Giants RB Tiki Barber for another 200 yard rushing effort, and for being one of the NFL's true good guys.

Jeers: Saints Coach Jim Haslett for deciding to bench QB Aaron Brooks last week in favor of Todd Bouman. You think Bouman gives you a better chance to win? And jeers to Packers Coach Mike Sherman for not benching QB Brett Favre and replacing him with Aaron Rogers. It seems to me to be a no-brainer that the Packers are rebuilding, so why not give some snaps to your future rather than letting the future Hall of Famer take the beating he is taking? While we're on the subject, jeers to Bill Belichek for sending in QB Doug Flutie to execute the last two plays of the Patriots 28-0 demolition of the Bucs - both kneel downs. Were we concerned Brady might get hurt kneeling or that at his age (rumored to be 57) Flutie needed to practice bending his knees? My Goat of the Week: Me... speaking of the wheels falling off, how about my pathetic 9-7 slide this past weekend? I know you've come to expect better - and I plan to step it up and deliver. Check in Thursday and we'll get back on track.