News and notes about the NFL

The New England Patriots continue to lose players on defense, most recently safety Rodney Harrison yesterday against the Pittsburgh Steelers. But, true to his style, kicker Adam Vinateri makes your big kick (again) with the game on the line. Yes, indeed, despite losing key players and both coordinators, Bill Bellichick still puts the pieces together and the Champions continue.

Speaking of injuries on Super Bowl teams, the Philadelphia Eagles have a hobblign kicker in David Akers and it looks like quarterback Donovon McNabb will have to play through injuries for the rest of the season. Wasn’t it just a month ago when Terrell Owens and his attitude were the big deal in Philly? However, he is still the key player.

The Dallas Cowboys survived a hangover Monday night after blowing a lead against the Redskins. They bounce back to pull a game out of the fire against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Unfortunately, the Boys have the same problem as Washington, an aging quarterback who may not finish the season. Both teams have good running backs, but if they lose Bledsoe (Dallas) or Brunell (Washington), their playoff hopes would be over in an instant.

Is anyone ready to award NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year to Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Cadillac Williams yet? Maybe not his former Auburn teammate Ronnie Brown. We all know the impact Williams has made on Tampa during his 3-0 start, but Brown also stood out Sunday. He rushed for 132 yards to lead the Miami Dolphins over Carolina to a 2-1 record. Ricky who??