Crash, but no Burn

It's hard to call a 21-point blowout in Pitt a "good loss," especially given the subpar play by ASmith, injuries and complaints from both Gore and VD, and a defense that gave up 133 to Willie Parker on only 24 carries. But consider this: this was the toughest game on the Niners' schedule, and a big loss like this can only motivate the team to play harder and smarter when the Seahawks come to town next Sunday afternoon. All of a sudden, that game becomes a must-win, if the Niners are to prove they belong. Go out and knock off the reigning West champs in your own building, or else take your place in the pretenders circle.

Yep, big wins for the Giants, Eagles and Jets. I'll give credit to the Giants' D, which made Redskins fans palpitate over the prospect of Jason Campbell having to start big games down the stretch. The win for Big Blue sets up a gi-normous game against the Eagles next week, who got to clean out the cobwebs against an atrocious Lions defense. Loser goes to 1-3. As for the Jets, big offense today, but the defense giving up 28 at home to Miami raises all sorts of red flags. Trust me, Ronnie Brown is really not THAT good.

Let's take a look around the rest of the league...I'd be shocked if the Patriots lose a game this year. The Steelers have replaced the Chargers as the "third wheel" in the AFC. Whereas the Broncos and Bengals are proving their overrated status, the Chargers are quickly learning what bad coaching can do to a team no matter the talent. However, it's worth noting that games in New England and Green Bay are no cupcakes; I still expect San Diego to win the division going away. Jury's still out on the other AFC contenders: Bal, Ten, Jax, Hou??? Last note on the AFC - typical, typical Raiders.

The team they call the Cowboys has officially taken over the title as best in the NFC. Hope folks in Minnesota didn't spend dough on postseason tickets. Yes, the Packers are for absolutely real and will engage the Bears in a fun race down the stretch. Raise your hand if you really thought the Lions could play D. Still not convinced the Bucs are for real, but we sure as heck know the Rams aren't. Two teams that will drive the pundits nuts are Carolina (no consistency as usual) and Seattle (ditto). How bout a very very quick shoutout to the Cards, who only lost by 3 in Baltimore and have suffered two three-point losses on the road (okay that was more than very very quick).

Last words: the Good (Kevin Everett can walk again within weeks) the Bad (we hope the Texans' Cedric Killings isn't seriously hurt after that headfirst collision) and the Ugly (not even Rick Moranis' little Giants would've worn those hideous Eagles uniforms today).