For many teams, the run to January has already begun. For others, they're not even sure how to define themselves. Week seven in the NFL will continue separating the good from the simply mediocre.
San Diego Chargers (3-3) at Buffalo Bills (4-1)
The Chargers of years past were predominantly designed to hand-off to L.T. and keep their quarterbacks from making too many throws. This year’s Chargers, with Tomlinson’s injury slowing him down, are in a “throw first, run later” mindset. It worked last week, as San Diego demolished New England. Philip Rivers has been successful without his number one receiver in Chris Chambers, who hasn’t practiced since spraining his ankle in their October fifth loss to Miami. Stepping up to the plate, Vincent Jackson and Malcolm Floyd are frequently getting open downfield and stretching the defense. Chambers won’t need to rush back with the way the Super Chargers are lighting up scoreboards as of late.
Buffalo comes off an important bye, as it allowed quarterback Trent Edwards to recover from the concussion he sustained in week five. He returns just in time to face an aggressive Charger defensive front that made mince-meat out of Matt Cassel last week. Buffalo will slowly work Edwards back into the flow of the game with plenty of hand-offs to Marshawn Lynch, though don’t be surprised by a few deep throws early. Dick Jauron’s squad will get plenty of respect if they can hand a loss to one of the NFL’s most talented teams.
New Orleans Saints (3-3) at Carolina Panthers (4-2)
I love these NFC South divisional contests. Its only week seven, but the playoffs are already on the line for New Orleans, who embarrassed Oakland last Sunday. Drew Brees is far and away the MVP so far, and he’s done it without three top threats in receiver Marques Colston, Jeremy Shockey, and David Patten. There could be an explosion in Carolina, as all three are expected to return to action. Reggie Bush has carried this team in their absence by way of his running, pass receptions, and kick and punt returns. Their presence will allow him more opportunities for big plays while taking the pressure of his shoulders.
After a horrible showing versus Tampa Bay, Carolina must avoid falling from the top of the division. If they suffer two head-to-head losses against key rivals, they’ll be digging out of a hole the rest of the way. Jake Delhomme is hoping to rebound after his worst game of the year in which he tossed three interceptions. The Panthers need to get back to running the ball effectively with their two-headed monster of Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams in order to set up routes for Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad. The defense will need turnovers to give the offense enough possessions to match the Saints for points.
Indianapolis Colts (3-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-3)
These are the Indianapolis Colts we all know and love to watch. Peyton Manning and his receivers synced up in a beat-down of Baltimore in week six. Marvin Harrison re-discovered his youth, going deep twice for touchdowns while the defense picked off Joe Flacco three times. It might be even scarier this week, as Green Bay’s secondary is questionable with corner Al Harris still out, corner Charles Woodson playing on a bad toe, and safety Atari Bigby doubtful. Manning won’t have much choice either, as running back Joseph Addai isn’t likely to play with a sore hamstring that may or may not be torn. Dominic Rhodes will take the bulk of the carries against the Pack. Don’t blink in this one, or you might miss a Colts touchdown.
Green Bay may have lost three out of its last four, but no one should be blaming Aaron Rodgers. He’s done all he can with or without an injured shoulder. The rest of the team hasn’t been playing to his level. Defensively, the Packers are short-handed and playing uninspired. The offense hasn’t found its rhythm, and running back Ryan Grant’s lack of production is the culprit. Green Bay has lost its identity, forcing Aaron Rodgers to drop back more than necessary. In order to keep Rodgers safe, Mike McCarthy must commit to running the ball the entire game. It’s the only option for a team fighting to lead their division.
Cleveland Browns (2-3) at Washington Redskins (4-2)
Each team is coming off strange outcomes in their last games, which were thought to be locks. Cleveland handed it to the Giants, while Washington laid an egg versus St. Louis. The Browns put themselves back in position to make a run at the AFC North since Pittsburgh took their bye in week six. On offense, Braylon Edwards racked up yardage off of crisp Derek Anderson passes. The real surprise was the Cleveland defense, as they snagged three interceptions off of Eli Manning. They’ll need the same focus to stop Jason Campbell and the ‘Skins.
After taking St. Louis for granted, Jim Zorn and the Redskins will try and take out their frustration on the hopeful Browns. Clinton Ports has been running possessed, and now he has a former league MVP behind him on the depth chart. It’s unclear how much impact Shaun Alexander will have in his first game as a Redskin, but if he can spell Portis for six to eight carries it will be more than enough. No one is expecting to catch lightning in a bottle from Alexander since his better days are clearly behind him. Turnovers are the Redskins’ bane, evidenced by the three fumbles they coughed up against the Rams. Coach Zorn will no doubt have worked on that in practice, but the translation into live games never goes as planned.
Dallas Cowboys (4-2) at St. Louis Rams (1-4)
Why did I put this game here? Surely the Dallas Cowboys are going to go ballistic on the helpless Rams, right? Not so fast there, buddy. Tony Romo isn’t going to start this week, even after Brett Favre’s inspirational phone call. He’ll be on the bench, ready in case Brad Johnson is atrocious. However, he should never get the call if Dallas sticks to their always successful game-plan of running Marion Barber all over the opposing defense. Barber is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Jason Garrett’s offense, no matter how much T.O. wants the ball. Jason Witten will be Johnson’s first target, as Brad is known for getting the ball out quickly to whoever’s open. With Owens’ problems in getting separation, I don’t expect many balls heading his way. Newly acquired Roy Williams will barely have a grip on the playbook, much less be ready to have a break-out game. Dallas is sitting at third in the NFC East, a position they’re in trouble of slipping from.
Jim Haslett got his Rams a win in his first game as interim head coach. It’s a fantastic opportunity for Haslett to prove he still has it as a head coach, since he’s playing with house money. If he has a horrible season, he can blame it on the personnel he inherited. If he wins with an inferior team, his coaching will be the reason. Steven Jackson will get a workout against the Cowboys, and Tory Holt should get plenty of passes in his direction versus a depleted Dallas secondary. Don’t overlook the Rams; they may throw a wrench in the Roy Williams love-fest.
Denver Broncos (4-2) at New England Patriots (3-2)
I only have one question for Broncos v. Patriots: Whose defense can actually make a play? Jay Cutler and the high-flying Broncos are anxious to make up for their loss to Jacksonville. They have good news as well, for rookie stand-out wide receiver Eddie Royal is probable after missing last week. Tony Scheffler and Brandon Stokley are still questionable, so the Denver receiver corps is only minimally healthier. It might not matter against a Patriot secondary that got torched by the Chargers’ average wide-outs. Cutler threw a costly interception versus the Jaguars, which is what the New England defense is hoping for this time around. If he can eliminate his turnovers, look for a points bonanza by Denver. They might need it if their defense can’t pressure Matt Cassel into mistakes.
New England was, plainly put, humiliated by the Chargers on Sunday night. Matt Cassel was shaky at best while the Patriot running game was non-existent. It won’t be an easier this week, as their top two running backs in Laurence Maroney and Lamont Jordan are questionable and aren’t expected to see the field. Sammy Morris and fullback Kevin Faulk will have to carry the load in opposition to a struggling Denver defensive front. Cassel will have problems locating Randy Moss, as cover-master Champ Bailey will assuredly be in Moss’ hip pocket all night. Wes Welker and the tight ends are going to factor large Monday night if the Patriots are going to rise to 4-2 to stay ahead of the creeping Jets.
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