Z - From The Sidelines...

Locker Room Buzz - Week 7

October 20, 2007
17:05:02

We're not too thrilled here at KFFL after watching Oakland Raiders running back LaMont Jordan go from doubtful to playing during Week 6. We also learned that Jordan knew by Friday he was fine and expected to start. We're upset because when we began to dig into this, we realized quarterback Josh McCown was listed as doubtful on a Friday in Week 2. We then found out the team sent him to CBS for producing meetings as the starter. It doesn't end there, either. Linebacker Sam Williams' shoulder injury came out on a Saturday night. Williams did not play and stated he was limited all week. The Raiders made no mention of that in their reports. Defensive end Derrick Burgess has also been listed as doubtful and played. We're told this is not a competitive advantage; it is simply a team being arrogant. I can believe it! For those wondering, the Raiders broke the rules. They are required to put players in three sections; those that did not practice, those that were limited in practice and those that practiced in full.

At what point does the NFL take on these teams and properly punish them? Current commissioner Roger Goodell has no qualms in hammering on the players and deservedly so. However, what about the teams themselves? You know, go after the people that pay the salaries. I have faith in the commissioner and do believe he'll correct this. For now, if I'm part of the players' union, I'm not too thrilled at what I view as a double-standard. If the teams break the rules they should be hammered just as hard and - to me - even harder. Aren't employers supposed to set the example for the employees?

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

The Bills have named quarterback Trent Edwards their starter. Management and the coaching staff are excited; the players, well, it's hard to say - we hear they're all over the place. Wideout Lee Evans is unhappy, and he made some minor waves because of the switch from quarterback J.P. Losman. The two are good friends. Don't look for this move to affect Evans' fantasy value, much, though - it wasn't too high to begin with.

As for Edwards, the team brass likes his decision-making and his quick release. He has a good field presence. It's too early to tell if he's a leader, at least vocally, yet. He would have to fail miserably - and repeatedly - for him to lose the job, though.

Early grade on running back Marshawn Lynch: B-plus. A source says he's only going to get better - just not this week, against the Baltimore Ravens. He has been about as impressive as one can be without breaking 100 yards in a game, though. He can still have a big fantasy impact this year. The Bills intend to work him in more on third downs as the season goes on.

The coaches received some heat publicly for some questionable decisions made against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. Head coach Dick Jauron's job is safe, for quite a while, though. He and general manager Marv Levy are very tight. Let's be honest: The Bills aren't going anywhere; as one source says, with Jauron's resume, for this team and this situation, he makes sense.

Nobody is saying so, but Losman has no future in Buffalo. His contract expires after 2008. To keep him around, they'd have to give him a contract after this year, and that's not likely.

Miami Dolphins

Quarterback Cleo Lemon had a fairly successful debut last week, but head coach Cam Cameron says that he needs more poise in the pocket. Besides running back Ronnie Brown, wide receiver Chris Chambers was Lemon's favorite target. After the club traded Chambers to the San Diego Chargers, it's hard to say who that will be. Lemon has worked on same unit with wideouts Ted Ginn Jr. and Derek Hagan, so even though Marty Booker is the logical new No. 1, could the youngsters step up for Lemon?

Many doubt running back Ronnie Brown, but he's beginning to prove people wrong. This week's game against the New England Patriots will tell us a lot, though. He may not get big yards on the ground, but he could be in line to catch a bunch of passes.

The guess from one source is that Hagan starts in place of Chambers, but the Dolphins are far from predictable on such matter. Ginn and Hagan know the offense about the same. It's telling, though, that whenever head coach Cam Cameron mentions the two, he always seems to lead with Ginn. It's natural, perhaps, because he's the first-round pick, but he seems to be the priority. It'll be interesting to see how Hagan responds to this situation.

If quarterback Trent Green (concussion) plays 75 percent of the snaps this year, Miami owes the Kansas City Chiefs a fourth-round pick. If it's less than that, it's a fifth-rounder. The Dolphins may hold Green out just long enough to ensure that they give up the latter pick.
An observer thinks that Ginn can make a real impact - this year. He could eventually lead the league in yards per reception. He could be worth the pickup, at least in deep leagues, based on his potential.

New England Patriots

Running back Laurence Maroney (groin) is gimpy. Running back Sammy Morris (chest) is out. Do the Pats care who's running the football for them, though? It may not matter, given how successful they've been, but they need some sort of running game because they can't throw five touchdown passes every week. They'd like to have Maroney in there just because he's a first-rounder and making the cash.

If you're looking for problem areas for the Pats, at least on defense, one has to be their ability to cover tight ends. Strong safety Rodney Harrison has lost a step. Late last season this club had trouble with the position. We're told that tight ends - at least the athletic ones, like the San Diego Chargers' Antonio Gates and the Cleveland Browns' Kellen Winslow - can exploit New England's weakness.

Look for tight ends Kyle Brady and Marcellus Rivers (recently signed) to be targets near the end zone this week, in the likely absence of Benjamin Watson (ankle).

New York Jets

Right off the bat: One source believes that, if the offense underperforms again this week, there's a good chance that quarterback Kellen Clemens starts the week after. If the Jets are leaning that way, they would prefer to wait until after their Week 9 bye, but it's certainly possible. Quarterback is really the only position at which the Jets could consider a change, though; no other backups appear to be long-term answers, at least on offense.

Despite a possible switch, it's not all quarterback Chad Pennington's fault. He isn't getting any help. The problem is that his greatest asset has been his ability to make decisions, and he hasn't shown that this year. If he can't do anything against the Cincinnati Bengals, it's time to look in another direction, don't you think?

Somebody has to lay the blame at offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer's feet, though. Some of the play calls have been bad. Some believe he has taken a step back in his second year on the job. Opponents have adjusted; the Jets haven't. Maybe they should run a few deep patterns sometime.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

Despite all the variables, quarterback Steve McNair (back) is still the team's quarterback. Head coach Brian Billick is very careful to say that Boller has no chance to replace him. McNair would have to have a few more bad games before they even consider a change. If he struggles in the divisional games after the Bye week, they may have to start thinking about it, though.

Boller's struggles last week was mostly due to an inexperienced offensive line. He got hit a lot against the St. Louis Rams. Boller has been more careful with the ball. He just has to be more aware of where the pressure is coming from. This is a big game for Boller. He has lost his last seven road starts and has thrown 13 interceptions against just five touchdowns.

The team tried to get wide receiver Mark Clayton the ball last week, but he only had three catches for 23 yards. They will likely try to do it again this week because he's so elusive. The pecking order is wide receivers Derrick Mason, Clayton and Demetrius Williams, who should get looks as the No. 3.

With tight end Todd Heap (hamstring) likely out for Week 7, the team should use more three-wide sets. Tight end Quinn Sypniewski should get his four or five catches as he is a short-range threat. He could receive looks in the red zone as well.

Cincinnati Bengals

Running back Rudi Johnson (hamstring) is doubtful to play this week. That means you can expect running back Kenny Watson to get 20 carries. Halfback DeDe Dorsey should be the No. 2 and could get five or six rushes. Rudi said the injury wasn't any worse, but head coach Marvin Lewis said it got tighter during the game last week, and Johnson didn't play much in the fourth quarter.

Running back Chris Perry (ankle) won't be activated from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list this week, as some expected. He has been in cleats, shoulder pads and a helmet in practice. As soon as he's ready, they'll play him. At 225 pounds, he could line up at receiver some and bowl over cornerbacks. You could see him next week.

Wide receiver Chad Johnson hasn't been complaining about getting the ball, despite what media outlets are saying. Our sources say he has been on decent behavior and has dialed down the selfish meter.
Receiver Chris Henry is in the same shape he was in during the preseason, and he is a couple weeks from returning. Given a week of practice you can expect him to stretch the field, which may help the struggling running game. The current lack of a running game is killing the team.
Quarterback Carson Palmer is simply trying to do too much. As one source said, he's trying to score two touchdowns every possession. The team can't run, and they don't have a No. 3 receiver so Palmer is forcing the ball to Johnson and receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Running back Najeh Davenport has been a force in the red zone. Starting running back Willie Parker loves Davenport's presence because he knows it will prolong his career and keep him fresher. Expect Davenport to get five to 10 touches this week. Most of his looks come in the red zone, but the team could spell Parker around the 50-yard line for a play or two. Davenport is good at catching screens.

Wide receiver Hines Ward (knee) is close to 100 percent.
Receiver Santonio Holmes (hamstring) is only about 60 or 70 percent, but he should play this week. Don't expect him to stretch the field, but he ought to be effective enough. Temper your expectations, though.
Tight end Heath Miller has the ability to be a good tight end. He has huge hands, deceptive speed that linebackers have trouble with and a knack for getting open.

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys

Lesson learned from the New England Patriots loss: The Cowboys need help in the secondary. It hurt to not have cornerback Anthony Henry (ankle), because they could have used cornerback Terence Newman in the slot on wideout Wes Welker, but that alone wouldn't have been enough. Dallas must also understand that they can't afford silly mistakes against teams of New England's caliber; in the NFC, they can get away with it.

Running backs Julius Jones and Marion Barber III compete for touches and fantasy attention, but for those wondering, the relationship between the two is solid. Recently, Jones broke a couple of long runs, and Barber went nuts on the sidelines for him; Jones returned the props when Barber pulled off that nifty escape from the Patriots in the end zone last week to avoid a safety.

Although it seems hopeless, wideout Terry Glenn (knee) should almost certainly make it back this year. Dallas has held a roster spot for him this long, which is a waste if they don't expect him to return.
For a couple of years now, some have expected big things from linebacker Bradie James. An observer notes that he has been better this year, but the belief is that he'll never be a Pro Bowler. He isn't an every-down 'backer.
Linebacker Greg Ellis (Achilles') may replace rookie linebacker Anthony Spencer on the strong side soon. Dallas just feels that the 10-year vet is more versatile. Then they can let Spencer concentrate on rushing the passer, something at which he excels.
The Cowboys are anxious to get defensive tackle Tank Johnson in the mix, but more so for depth. They're thin behind nose tackle Jay Ratliff. Johnson has a two-year deal and should help them next year, too, but how much remains to be seen because they have to see how well he fits their scheme.

New York Giants

Suddenly running back Reuben Droughns is showing up in a big way in the box score, too. The Giants appear to have one heck of a three-headed monster at running back. We're told that New York won't necessarily look to split the carries three ways now, but they won't hesitate to put Droughns in. They have a lot of confidence in him right now. Running back Brandon Jacobs (ankle) may be feeling the pain a bit more than he's letting on.

Wideout Plaxico Burress (ankle) may across as a prima donna, but the Giants have a real appreciation for what he's doing - putting up big numbers despite playing with a bad wheel. For Burress, head coach Tom Coughlin has made an exception to his rule about players not practicing but still playing in games. No one seems to resent that, though. In fact, he has matured quite a bit, and Coughlin says that Burress has been outstanding in his approach.

The Giants haven't been strong against the run, but they've improved. Their linebackers just have to get more involved, perhaps not blitz as much. Linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka might get fewer chances to rush the passer and play a more of a traditional linebacker's role, at least this week against the San Francisco 49ers.

Philadelphia Eagles

Many wonder whether Kevin Curtis can be a true No. 1 receiver. From a production standpoint, it may seem so, but can he do it every week? He's small, and teams have had success taking him out of the game with press coverage. But he's so fast - he doesn't need much room, particularly on slants. He only seems to get going when the Eagles go to him early. He also doesn't have the outspoken nature that some of the flashier No. 1s in the league display. There seems to be a consensus that we'll find out what he can really be in the next few weeks.

If Curtis doesn't establish himself, is it his fault, though? We're told that the Eagles tend to move the focus away from a player if they believe that the upcoming opponent is game planning to stop that player. They seem to take pleasure in showing how versatile they are. Head coach Andy Reid likes to come out after a game and say that quarterback Donovan McNabb spread it around to 10 or 11 guys. For the most part, Philly doesn't try to establish anyone.

The Eagles aren't able to feature the tight end like that have in the past, particularly in the red zone, mostly because L.J. Smith (groin) has been slowed. Instead, they're using the No. 3 receiver as more of a quasi-tight end. It's just not the same, and there appears to be no one they have that can step up right now.
Look for the Eagles to use more starting-caliber players on special teams this week. They don't have great coverage teams, and they've been very conscious of Chicago Bears return man Devin Hester all week. Philadelphia may also just kick it away from him, even out of bounds.
There's a chance that rookie defensive end Victor Abiamiri is active for the first time this week. The staff likes his versatility. Defensive tackle Montae Reagor could be inactive as a result.

Washington Redskins

The word: According to one observer, running back Clinton Portis has been so bad this season that he may, in fact, be done - as in, DONE done. He isn't hitting holes the way he used to; he doesn't have that burst anymore. Look out, fantasy owners. It's hard to disagree.

The Redskins have been surviving despite heavy hits along the offensive line. They've had some bad luck with the losses of right tackle Jon Jansen (knee) for the year and right guard Randy Thomas (triceps) until, probably, December. They had a couple of breaks go their way, though, because right tackle Todd Wade (groin) and center Casey Rabach (groin) seemed like they'd be out at least a couple of weeks. Both could play this week. That's good news, because Washington can't afford many more injuries there. We're told that this offense is pretty predictable when they're down to the bottom of the barrel in the trenches.

The Redskins are slowly developing more trust in quarterback Jason Campbell, and they're taking more shots downfield. They're just not connecting, and a lot depends on the health of that line.
Defensive end Andre Carter seems to be playing with more passion this year. He can still beat his man one-on-one, but what has helped is that Washington can actually cover receivers this year. His sacks (four so far) are still more of the coverage variety.

NFC North

Chicago Bears

Running back Cedric Benson has been feeling the heat about his running style. Some say they haven't seen a feature back as slow as him in a while. He's a downhill guy and teams have been making sure to fill every gap forcing him to bounce outside. He doesn't have a lot of lateral speed.

The once dominating Bears' defense has been anything but that, currently ranking 26th in yards/game and 28th in TD/game. The team missed defensive tackle Darwin Walker last week getting run over by the Minnesota Vikings. One source says that the Philadelphia Eagles aren't going to murder the Bears this week, but that he doesn't see it getting a whole lot better until Walker returns. Even then they won't be elite.

Tight end Greg Olsen's speed and hands have been impressive. He's got more speed than New York Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey and he's smart. Expect to see Olsen more involved as the year goes on.
Wide receiver Devin Hester should continue to be used a little more each week due to his talent.

Detroit Lions

Quarterback Jon Kitna needs to protect the ball better. He's also partly to blame for the offense's struggles. The team wants to keep him at full strength and offensive coordinator Mike Martz is under fire for some of his play-calling.

There is truth to the rumor that running back Tatum Bell requested a trade. The team didn't trade him because of running back Kevin Jones' durability questions. The team would have only gotten a late-round pick for Bell, and he's far more valuable as insurance for Jones. Bell adds the speed element and is just a role player here.

The running game will likely see a 75-25 split with Jones getting the 75 and Bell and running back T.J. Duckett sharing the 25 percent. Bell isn't expected to handle anything short-yardage.

Wide receiver Calvin Johnson is 100 percent now. A source states that he is behind, but it's not a real big deal. He has progressed, but it's hard to say because he hasn't played a lot or started. They also can see what the team saw in their No. 2 pick. There is just a bit of grumbling because running back Adrian Peterson has played so well, but he's the package they thought they were getting. It's harder to make an immediate impact because Martz's system is so difficult.

Wide receiver Roy Williams got into hot water again this week after ripping former Lions' and current Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jeff Garcia. Garcia was ripping the receivers' work ethic when he left, and it's no big surprise Williams reacted this week. This is Roy being Roy. He got himself in hot water because he said he didn't tip pizza guys and could use some more tact at times.

The key to the Lions' defense is their pass rush. The team needs to upgrade the secondary, and they need a more consistent pass rush. In games where they've had a bad rush, teams have picked them apart. It's key.

Minnesota Vikings

Quarterback Tarvaris Jackson is still learning and isn't quite there yet. The team realizes it's going to be an ongoing process and isn't asking him to win it. The groin is still limiting Jackson and not making running an option. He doesn't have free range to make audibles. He can and does at times, but only a few instances a game.

There is a clear No. 1 running back in Minnesota and it is Chester Taylor. The team doesn't want to put too much pressure on rookie running back Adrian Peterson or alienate Taylor. The team claims they learned their lesson last year when Taylor wore down by December. The team will have an issue on what to do with Taylor next season. Something will eventually happen, but not this year. Taylor is the type of guy who'd go right into the front office before going to the media. A source tells us if he's smart he'll go in during the offseason and ask what his status is. The writing is on the wall.

The receiver rankings follow as such: Bobby Wade, Troy Williamson, Robert Ferguson and Sidney Rice. Wide receiver Troy Williamson made a good catch last week, but also dropped a ball. Rice could be the No. 1 guy in any game. While he made a nice catch on an out route, he also dropped two balls. A source tells us that he doesn't think Minnesota think any of them are great.

Their lack of pressure up front has resulted in three sacks the last two games. In their first two games they had 10. They need to get more pressure. The linebackers have been burned, which was something that plagued them all last year. They've been giving up too many big plays and their biggest worries on defense are people picking on cornerbacks Cedric Griffin and Marcus McCauley.

NFC South

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are boldly making the switch to quarterback Byron Leftwich. The team loves his courage. They feel he's a strong-willed player and very much remember the game when he was at Marshall when the linemen carried him down the field due to an injured ankle. The formula that works for him is the vertical passing game. However, the team hasn't shown they can protect the quarterback or run vertical routes. It looks to be a poor fit for now.

Former starter Joey Harrington would dink and dunk with five-yard passes. The team has had trouble catching passes, especially hard throws. Leftwich bonded with receiver Joe Horn and tight end Alge Crumpler from the beginning as they welcomed him in and broke down plays for him. They did this without alienating themselves from Harrington.

The team feels Harrington tried hard; they like him and respect him. Let's get real though - they are 1-5. That's not his fault, they are just hoping to get the ball out quicker, and they feel Leftwich provides some intangibles that Harrington didn't.

The move to Leftwich is meant to be a permanent change. That doesn't mean the team doesn't want to be in the mix for University of Louisville quarterback Brian Brohm or Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Andre Woodson. Their glaring need is on the offensive line though. We asked a team source if they'd be in line to take Michigan Wolverines offensive tackle Jake Long early in the first round, they emphatically agreed. They'd look for a quarterback later.

Running back Jerious Norwood had a beautiful 67-yard touchdown run last week, and they only gave him two more carries the whole game. The team has to commit to the run.

Crumpler (knee, ankle) is doubtful for the game this week, but our sources say they expect him to play. He had two drops last week, but the team will forgive him because of what he has done for them. Wide receiver Roddy White also had a drop, but he is their playmaker, and they'll keep throwing to him.

The team hasn't meshed well with head coach Bobby Petrino. However, the front office is fine with the coaching staff. They knew there would be a transitional period. Unfortunately, it has been a 1-5 transition. Expect the team to get a major facelift after the season - player personnel-wise. They need players that fit the offensive system.

New Orleans Saints

Finally, the offensive juggernaut that is the Saints awoke last week. The team was able to secure a quick lead and build on it. Running back Reggie Bush ran for 97 yards on 19 carries and added six receptions for 44 yards, which was his best day of the season by far. If he continues to run straight ahead, he should be productive. He has a tendency of trying to break things to the outside, and that's his downfall.

Running back Aaron Stecker should continue to see about 15 percent of the workload while halfback Pierre Thomas will receive around 5 percent. That leaves 80 percent to Bush. Stecker was expected to take over a large part of what Deuce McAllister (knee) did before he went down. He probably won't come close to Deuce's workload though. As for Thomas, the team will try to work him in a little at a time.

The team hit eight different receivers last week, and they'd be happy if everyone got three catches each. Receiver David Patten busted out for eight catches and 113 yards. We're hearing that quarterback Drew Brees has good chemistry with Patten, just as he does with No. 1 receiver Marques Colston. Patten and Colston play the same position, so wideouts Lance Moore or Devery Henderson will likely be starting opposite Colston.

The pecking order is Colston, Patten, Moore and Henderson. If defenses go man-to-man, they like Patten's matchup. It's a different story if defenses go in a two-deep zone. We asked our sources if Colston's sluggish season has been a result of being complacent after a stud rookie year. They said this wasn't the case. Defenses are just playing him well.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Running back Michael Bennett is expected to get 10 to 12 touches in his first game as a member of the Buccaneers. The team should start running back Earnest Graham and see if he gets going. The only way Bennett sees more than those 10 or 12 touches is if Graham gets hurt or if Bennett breaks one early on and is effective. Rumor has it the team asked about Detroit Lions running back Tatum Bell, but the price tag may have been too high.

Defensive tackle Jovan Haye had 10 tackles last week. After the emergence of linebacker Barrett Ruud, it looks like the team has another beast emerging on their defense. Haye has three sacks and is a good all-around player. The team likes defensive lineman Greg Peterson, too.

Defensive end Gaines Adams got his first career sack last week, but it was a fluke. Titans quarterback Vince Young ran into his running back and fell down. Adams was in the area and was credited the sack. He's learning more, and you'll see a flash here or there, but he's nowhere near starting right now.

Tight end Jerramy Stevens is an interesting option to look at this week. With starting tight end Alex Smith (ankle) hurt and unlikely to play, the team may start leaning on him.

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals

Quarterback Kurt Warner's (elbow) injury has some questioning whether the team regrets how quickly they put quarterback Matt Leinart (collarbone) on Injured Reserve. However, considering that Leinart would've been unavailable to help this week and may have been out 10 weeks with the injury Arizona has no regrets in making the move.

Quarterback Tim Rattay was thrust into action unexpectedly last week after receiving minimal reps leading up the game. He's a solid veteran, though, and should be markedly improved with a full week of practice under his belt. The likely return of wide receiver Anquan Boldin (hip) should help as well, but anyone looking for an early read on Rattay's preference between Boldin and wideout Larry Fitzgerald will just have to wait to see how things shake out. There simply hasn't been enough time since Rattay's arrival for him to develop much chemistry with his receiving corps.

Despite a third starting quarterback in as many weeks, don't look for Arizona to alter their strategy to rely more heavily on the running attack. Head coach Ken Whisenhunt's philosophy is they do what they do, regardless of who is on the field.

The team isn't panicking over the loss of linebacker Karlos Dansby (knee), though clearly he is more of a playmaker than linebacker Monty Beisel. The Cardinals think Beisel can fill-in during Dansby's absence, and the loss is much more manageable than if they had lost one of their defensive linemen.

San Francisco 49ers

Anyone thinking quarterback Trent Dilfer is getting the start this week because the team feels he gives them a better chance to win is off-base. Dilfer is starting only because San Francisco doesn't feel quarterback Alex D. Smith (shoulder) is healthy enough to do so. The team respects Dilfer, and they feel he can do enough to lead them to victory.

Speaking of Smith, talk that the 49ers are starting to view him as a bust is decidedly premature. The club is very happy with his worth ethic, locker room presence and the overall way he conducts himself. The problems within the offense run much deeper than Smith, and he was actually one of their better performers before the injury. Smith simply wasn't getting any help from his offensive line or wide receivers, just to name a few. However, don't be shocked if San Francisco invests a second-day pick in a quarterback in next year's draft with Dilfer getting a little long in the tooth.

Look for San Francisco to try to take some shots downfield this week to jump start their stagnant offense. Wide receiver Ashley Lelie could see extended action this Sunday, and not just in three-receiver sets. Lelie could spell wide receivers Darrell Jackson or Arnaz Battle on some series in an effort to get a deep threat onto the field to open up the running game.

Another name to watch is tight end Vernon Davis (knee), who is set to return from a knee injury he sustained in Week 3. The sixth overall pick a year ago, Davis has flashed his immense talent but has yet to be consistent. He's as athletically gifted as they come, though, and the team is going to make a conscious effort to get him the ball. The team feels they've been too conservative on offense this season and part of a more aggressive approach could mean more opportunities for Davis.

Seattle Seahawks

Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck had his most productive day in terms of passing yards since the 2004 season last week, but that wasn't by design. Teams are working hard to shutdown Seattle's running game and that is forcing Hasselbeck to throw much more than the team would like.

The health of running back Shaun Alexander (wrist) continues to be part of the problem with Seattle's running game because it affects his balance and the ability to move the ball around in his hands. The blocking is also an issue with unproven first-year starters at center, guard and now fullback. Alexander has looked good in practice this week and against a suspect St. Louis Rams defense he could be in for a bit of a bounce-back game in Week 7.

Don't be surprised to see a few more touches out of running back Maurice Morris this Sunday. The team wanted to get him a handful of carries and some looks out of the backfield last week, but once they fell so far behind that plan went out the window. Expect them to try again this week.

Fullback Leonard Weaver was hit or miss as the starter last week, literally. Weaver delivered some crushing blocks, but too often was unable to find the correct person to block. He also struggled in pass protection, which resulted in some hits on Hasselbeck. Right now Weaver is a halfback trapped in a fullback's body, but the team doesn't really have any better options. They like fullback David Kirtman (hand), but he suffered a broken hand in the preseason and is more of a potential solution down the road. Fullback Fred McCrary was signed, but at 35 years old, it is hard to imagine him being productive still.

Wide receiver D.J. Hackett (ankle) may return this week, but even if he does, don't expect him to see more than about 10 snaps unless he is really playing well. Hackett should still be behind wide receivers Bobby Engram, Nate Burleson, Ben Obomanu and even Courtney Taylor in the pecking order this week.

Obomanu turned some heads with his strong play last week, and the team really thinks they have something in the second-year wideout. Obomanu has the skills to develop into a starter down the road.

The biggest reason for the lack of tight end production this season has been the health of tight end Marcus Pollard (knee). Tight ends Will Heller and Bennie Joppru are just too slow to work up the seam, which is where they want to get their tight ends the ball. Were Pollard healthy they would almost certainly be working the ball to the position more often.

Looking for an underrated reason behind Seattle's poor play the last two weeks? Try losing a pair of locker room leaders in fullback Mack Strong (neck) and defensive tackle Chuck Darby (knee) in back-to-back games.

St. Louis Rams

Quarterback Marc Bulger (ribs) is by no means fully healed, but he is a ferocious competitor and even at 0-6, the Rams are not out of the hunt in the woebegone NFC West. Bulger is certainly more comfortable and is accustomed to playing in pain. Ideally, the team may have wanted to let Bulger sit until after their Bye in two weeks, but backup quarterback Gus Frerotte played so poorly last week they felt they needed to go back to Bulger.

The team is hoping to have running back Steven Jackson (groin) back next week as opposed to waiting until Week 10 after their Bye. However, given Jackson's size and the way he makes his cuts, there could be a risk of tearing the muscle again if it's not fully healed. If there is any doubt expect the team to play it cautious next week.

Beyond starting wide receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, the Rams' receiving corps is decimated by injuries. This Sunday look for the Rams to line up receiver Marques Hagans as their No. 3, with wideouts Travis Taylor and Brandon Williams as their fourth and fifth options, respectively.

The St. Louis offensive line is also a unit in seemingly constant flux as the team started the same five guys in back-to-back weeks for the first time this year last Sunday. They aren't getting physically dominated, but they do struggle at times with who to pick up. Look for Seattle to try and confuse the Rams by shifting people around this week.

While the results have certainly been mixed, there has clearly been a change in St. Louis' offense since head coach Scott Linehan took over the play-calling duties two weeks ago. The team has run a ton of no-huddle, though that may get toned down a bit with Bulger back in the saddle this week. The club has also run more three-receiver sets in an attempt to find a combination that works.

The Rams believe they can still contend this season, especially if they can string together a couple of wins heading into their break as more and more of their injured players inch closer to being healthy. It could be little more than grasping at straws at this point, but that is the mindset they are trying to adopt.