What Did We Learn This Week In Sports? [NFL Edition]

This week, the NFL lost one of its most recognizable characters.  Al Davis had been the butt of many jokes on this site and others, but what he has done for this game is surpassed by few.  Rest in Peace, you old kook.  We will miss you.  What else did we learn this week?

-The Raiders Just Won Baby!  Big Fat Sebastian Janikowski booted 200 yards worth of field goals as the Raiders downed the Texans 25-20.  Raider playmakers Darren McFadden wasn’t spectacular, Jason Campbell didn’t wow anyone… but the one guy that Al Davis believed in shined like the North Star in this win.  Darrius Hayward-Bey caught seven balls for 99 yards and a score as he proved once again that Al Davis knew what he was talking about.  (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/09/raiders-just-win-baby-as-al-davis-draft-picks-lead-the-way/) Speed kills.

-There has been a Tim Tebow siting in Denver!  The Bronco fans at Mile High were chanting for Tebow, and that is exactly what they got.  After Kyle Orton threw for just 34 yards, Tim Tebow entered the game and led the Broncos on a pair of scoring drives while both running an throwing for a score.  As time ticked off the clock, Football Jesus avoided the San Diego rush and lofted it into the end zone for the go ahead score, but it was broken up and the Chargers emerged victories 29-24.  Time to explore that Orton to Miami trade again?  Maybe you can get a new jugs gun machine for him.

-The Eagles stink.  Michael Vick may be the most electrifying player in the NFL, but he has trouble hitting his own receivers.  Vick chucked 4 interceptions as the Buffalo Bills improved to 4-1.  Fred Jackson took advantage of the porous Philly run defense as he gashed them for 111 yards and the Bills remain undefeated at Ralph Wilson Stadium.

-Kevin Kolb stinks.  Kolb was replaced in the fourth quarter by Rick Bartel (Not to be confused with “The Model” Rick Martel (http://www.rickthemodelmartel.com/) ) after completing just 50% of his passes and throwing two picks.  Adrian Peterson had a trio of first quarter touchdowns to get the Vikings their first victory 34-10 over the Cards. 

-Good Eli and Bad Eli both showed up in East Rutherford as the Seahawks downed the Giants 36-25.  The good?  Eli threw for over 400 yards and 3 scores.  The bad?  Three interceptions, a lost fumble and he couldn’t beat a team lead by Tavaris Jackson and Charlie Whitehurst.  Yikes.

-Ben Roethlisbeger tossed FIVE touchdown passes against the #1 defense in the NFL Sunday as the Steelers railroaded the Titans 38-17.  With Rashard Mendenhal on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, Big Ben found both Hines Ward and Heath Miller twice in the end zone to move Pittsburgh on the right side of .500.

-Here’s a memo to NFL defensive backs; Don’t mess with Steve Smith.  After Smith dominated a Saints cornerback on a 54 yard touchdown reception, he was clobbered by Roman Harper’s cheap shot 5 yards into the end end zone.  Smith didn’t retaliate… at first.  After the team got into a scuffle because of Harper’s sophmoric hit, Steve Smith absolutely dominated Saints safety Malcom Jenkins (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mt-Gvj3eer0) shoving him to the ground, standing over him, and ultimately lifting him up by the face mask.  Steve Smith would like to remind you the rules and regulations to the game…89.  Bottom Line. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kIDQ2pRQUVE)

-If I told you that after 5 games, Andy Dalton would be 3-2 and leading his Cincinnati Bengals in a way Carson Palmer never could, you’d think I was a crazy as this guy (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqRPOEa3P44).  Well he is, and it was on display Sunday as he ousted fellow rookie Blain Gabbert while the Bengals beat the Jags 30-20.

-Tampa Bay stinks.  That is all I have to say about the 48-3 drubbing that ALEX SMITH and the 49ers laid on them.

-The Jets are who we thought they were, as their offensive line continues to play less than mediocre football.  The Patriots put them away at home 30-21 as Tom Brady lead the way with 321 yards in the air.  I think your luck has run out, Sexy Rexy.

Follow me on Twitter @JockPostDT to discuss the happenings of the week!