Week 7 Quick Hits

October 20, 2008|by Paul Vigna

1. Up, up and away:

Three helium balloons might have knocked out the power for a couple hours at Ralph Wilson Stadium, but the 5-1 Bills didn't need a clock to tell them that it's obviously time for a change at the top of the AFC East. Buffalo seems like a lock to win the division; the only problem is they could clinch as early as Week 14 when their home game - sacrebleu - is in Canada.

2. Horseshoe curve:

The Colts have a big problem. They're 3-3, their worst start since 2001, and sporadic on both sides of the ball. Worse yet, three of their next five games are at Tennessee, at Pittsburgh and at San Diego. Can you say toast?

3. Marching to their own drummer:

Tennessee RB Chris Johnson drew a "midconduct" for running into the Chiefs band section after a TD and beating his palms on a drum. The Titans gained 332 yards rushing, making far more noise in the NFL universe than Johnson did with his hands. They're 6-0, with their next two games (Colts, Packers) at home.

4. Home? What home?:

New Orleans is 3-4 and last in the NFC South, a division it expected to win. What's ahead should make the Saints grumpier. They fly to London to face the Chargers, come home for a bye, then travel to Atlanta and KC. That's 6 weeks between games in the Superdome.

5. Bad to worse:

The Saints got back WR Marques Colston and TE Jeremy Shockey, then lost RB Reggie Bush for perhaps a month after he injured his left knee. And Shockey? It's like old times, as he whined afterward the team brought him back too fast.

6. Minny disaster:

The Vikings switched to Gus Frerotte to give them stability under center and he threw four INTs yesterday. We'll see who's starting coming off next week's bye.

WEEK 8 STORY LINES

1. Rams at Patriots:

Remember how St. Louis looked like it would never win a game? Its reinvigorated defense could give New England fits.

2. Buccaneers at Cowboys:

Does Tony Romo come back? Or does Jerry Jones start behind center? How about Terrell Owens? Last thing Dallas needs is a matchup with Tampa Bay's stellar defense.

3. Chargers vs. Saints (in London):

Two teams playing far below expectations draw the short straw.

4. Giants at Steelers:

Super Bowl champs begin stretch against Steelers, Cowboys, Eagles, Ravens.

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