Three Players Fined...and Patriots West Looks Fine.

Friends,

It's is just about time for kickoff for week 13 tonight with the Texans and Eagles facing off...and I haven't sorted out week 12 yet -- it's been a bit hectic this week. Week 12 was a pretty boring compared to recent weeks, although one thing remained the same -- Steelers LB, James Harrison, was fined $25,000. I have heard enough of this guy already. He doesn't like being fined for head on helmet hits. The league already has dozens of guys on the IR...and the NFL is trying to slow that number down. Eliminating helmet to helmet hits and head on helmet hits will prolong players' careers. And since the league wants to extend the schedule to 18 games next year, this might just be a good idea. You also probably saw the footage of Texas wide receiver, Andre Johnson, being taunted by Titans defensive back, Cortland Finnegan...and the fight that followed. It was not a pretty sight...but, both players received only fines, but no suspensions, which was surprising. And the good (bad) news is that the Texans and Titans, being division rivals, play each other again later in the season, so there could be even more fireworks.

The Kansas City Chiefs' offense appears to be full stride at this point in the season, as they beat down the Seahawks 42-24. What makes this offense tick? Dwayne Bowe leads the NFL in receiving touchdowns, as he and quarterback, Matt Cassel, have developed quite a chemistry. The dynamic running duo of Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones are the best running back set in the league this year. I guess the Chiefs really are becoming "Patriots West." The Vikings won new coach, Leslie Frazier's, debut as they defeated the Redskins 17-13. The Bills were a dropped pass in the end zone by Steve Johnson from upsetting the Pittsburgh Steelers in OT. Alas, they were not able to pull off their third win in a row. Jay Cutler led the Bears to a win over the favored Eagles and Mike Vick, 31-26. Cutler, who has a history of throwing untimely picks, had four touchdowns and zero interceptions. The surprising Bears are 8-3 and leading the NFC North. Finally, Peyton Manning and the Colts are going to have to get a running game going if they are going to get out of their funk. Manning threw four picks in a blowout loss to the surging San Diego Chargers, 36-14. The Colts have lost three out of four and do not look anything like the team that went to the Super Bowl last year. Somehow, they always seem to get to the playoffs, but their streak of twelve win seasons is likely going to end at 6. Here's to week 12, just in time for week 13... :-)

Blessings,
Don