What a heavy hearted weekend around the NFL. It seemed every game I tuned it to watch had a list of players with personal connections to Redskins S Sean Taylor, either on the collegiate or pro level. What a fraternity. I was moved to see Ray Lewis shed tears during the moment of silence prior to the Monday night contest. Yet, the game must (and did) go on. And some great contests were played.

I was thrilled to see an image circulating after the Bucs big win in New Orleans of Luke McCown kneeling at midfield giving thanks.  You know it pleases a preacher’s heart to see players who live (and play) in faith. Congrats Luke McCown on a fine game! This Bucs fan joins you in giving thanks! Bucs fans now wait to see if and when Jeff Garcia can return to action. Indeed, the Bucs next opponent are in the same boat. In Houston, the Texan faithful wait to see if it will be Matt Schaub or his back-up Sage Rosenfels under center against the Bucs.

How about those Dolphins, eh? Smells like bad fish. (Before all you marine experts comment, yes I realize that Dolphins aren’t fish… Well, actually, there is a fish called a Dolphin, but TBO pays me the big bucks to talk football, not marine biology. To Wikipedia with you.) At this rate the Fins perfect season of stench looks to be targetted squarely between the uprights.

And on the other end of the field, there are the Patriots, seemingly charmed to win them all. Oh, but for an ill-timed time-out last night, they survive. I’ve told you that they won’t have a perfect season. Four more chances… well three, because the Dolphins are among their remaining games.

Rumors surrounding Michael Vick’s sentencing hearing next week continue to track badly for Vick. There is considerable evidence that the judge - known for stiff sentencing - is hearing from a number of parties about Michael’s having been less than forthcoming with his confessions and agreements. That coupled with stiff sentences for Vick’s (lesser) co-defendants, leads you to think Michael’s playing days could be done. While this is likely good news to friends of canines everywhere, it doesn’t look good for Falcon fans.

Hero ~ My hero this week is the Washington Redskin organization for trying to play that game on Sunday amidst all the emotion of losing a teammate and friend. Lining up with ten on defense for the first play from scrimmage was an amazing display - one I won’t soon forget. Here’s hoping the game Thursday against the Bears goes better for them.

Goat ~ This week’s goat was a coach whose ill-times timeout call cost his team the game. No, not Joe Gibbs. I give him a pass for all the emotion they were dealing with. This week’s goat is Ravens Defensive Coordinator Rex Ryan who called a timeout as his Ravens defense stuffed the Patriots fourth and one attempt for a loss. Had the game iced. Oops.

Quote ~ Don Shula last night on MNF: “If the Patriots run the table, I’ll be the first one to call Coach Belichick and congratulate him.” Well, that’s much better than his earlier, ‘it will deserve an asterisk comment, but it actually shows that Don is still pretty sharp. Of course he’ll call Bill on the phone… because it’s not like Bill would meet him on the field and accept a congratulatory handshake!