---I know people are raving about Maurice Jones-Drew going down at the 1-yard line instead of scoring late in the Jaguars' victory over the Jets, and I liked it too. But I think the Jaguars should have tried to score a touchdown with a sneak with 20 seconds left, rather than wait to kick a field goal on the last play. Why risk a bad snap? I know it's an extra point, but anything can happen. Jones-Drew made the right decision, and coach Jack Del Rio was smart in telling him to do it, but after that let the clock run down and then sneak it in. If not, then you kick the field goal. It was a risky decision to put it on the final kick. By the way, the Jaguars are 5-4 with a soft schedule that just might get that team into playoff contention. If they make it, it would be an amazing job with that young roster.
---I'm starting to think Reggie Wayne is every bit as good as Marvin Harrison was in his prime. That touchdown catch he made to beat the Patriots Sunday night was amazing. What's even more amazing is that he called the audible on that play. The play call was a fade, but Wayne tried that earlier in the game and it was well defended. So he looked over to Peyton Manning and shook his head. "I did my C.C. Sabathia and shook him off," Wayne said. He gave Manning the signal for a slant. He ran it inside and Manning threw a dart that Wayne pulled in for a score. Sensational. Does Wayne ever get his due for being a great receiver?
---Word is some Patriots players were grumbling to the Colts players about Bill Belichick's decision to go for the first down late in the game on fourth-and-2 rather than punting. The defensive players weren't happy, even if they didn't say so in the locker room.
---Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is struggling. He has 10 interceptions in the past five games. Ryan is doing more on offense than he did last season, but he doesn't look as sharp. Ryan has to get it going in the final seven games. With Michael Turner out for a couple of weeks with a high-ankle sprain and Jerious Norwood already on the sidelines, Ryan will have to do even more. Jason Snelling will take over as the lead back. He is more of a grinder than a breakaway threat.
---When you watch the Cincinnati Bengals defense, one of the players who constantly shows up is defensive end Jonathan Fanene. He had two sacks of Ben Roethlisberger Sunday and seemed to be in the backfield a lot. He is an effort player who makes the most of his abilities. He isn't a pure speed rusher, but he knows how to get to the quarterback. The Bengals have done a nice job up front after losing Antwan Odom for the season.
----Keep an eye on Seahawks linebacker David Hawthorne. Since taking over for Lofa Tatupu, he has been a pleasant surprise. The guy has a nose for the football.
---I guess with Jon Gruden signing a long-term deal with ESPN it means he isn't coming back to coaching. That's one less out-of-work coach that current guys have to worry about. But there are still plenty, including Mike Shanahan and Mike Holmgren.
----The Panthers take a big hit in losing left tackle Jordan Gross. He is their best offensive lineman. Gross suffered a broken ankle in Carolina's victory over Atlanta Sunday.
---So the end of LaDainian Tomlinson's career is a little premature. Tomlinson ran well against the Eagles Sunday and showed real pop.
---With a defense that was having all kinds of problems stopping the Chargers, why did Eagles coach Andy Reid opt for a field goal down 14 on fourth-and-goal from the 1 in the second quarter? I think that was a bad decision.
---Beanie Wells is starting to look like the back the Cardinals thought he might become when they drafted him in the first round. He runs with power.
---The Bengals are bringing in Larry Johnson. That's a decent move, if he has his head on. They need a runner to help Benson out. He might borrow a page from Benson. Stay focused and shut your mouth and good things can happen.
---Who knew Bud Adams even knew what giving the finger meant?
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