FanNation - The Republic of Sport

On the eve of the United States' democracy in action, a defensive clinic took place between the Steelers and the Redskins. Unless you are a defensive junkie, the first half of the Monday night game was rather dull. But after Big Ben was knocked out of the game, things got a little interesting. But enough of that. The Titans are still the only undefeated team left and the Lions are still the only winless team, even though it appeared that they would finally win their first game.

1. Tennessee Titans- record: 8-0 (rank last week (1) opponents' winning % .456: defeated Packers, 19-16OT)

Halfway through the season and they are still the last undefeated team standing. How long came this last?

2. New York Giants- record: 7-1 (rank last week (2) opponents' winning % .410: defeated Cowboys, 35-14)

There is NO question who is the best team in the NFC, and maybe even the NFL.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers- record: 6-2 (rank last week (8) opponents' winning % .491: defeated Redskins, 23-9)

This has to be the least herald division leading team in the NFL in years. The Steelers' defense is comparable to the Titans, and their offense is more explosive. And they are even deeper at quarterback than most teams in this league.

4. Carolina Panthers- record: 6-2 (rank last week (4) opponents' winning % .474: bye)

This team has started off fast many times. It's finishing strong that is the Panthers' weak point.

5. Philadelphia Eagles- record: 5-3 (rank last week (6) opponents' winning % .500: defeated Seahawks, 26-7)

If McNabb and Westbrook can stay healthy, at the same time, this team will be in the playoffs.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- record: 6-3 (rank last week (7) opponents' winning % .507: defeated Cheifs', 30-27OT)

Second straight sub-par game and they narrowly survived against a lowly team. Are the Bucs' starting to show their true colors?

7. Arizona Cardinals- record: 5-3 (rank last week (9) opponents' winning % .538: defeated Rams, 34-13)

Tim Hightower is officially the Cardinal's featured running back. And rumor has it that the Cardinals are working on a two-year extension for Kurt Warner.

8. Washington Redskins- record: 6-3 (rank last week (6) opponents' winning % .515: lost to Steelers' 9-23)

Jason Campbell as been playing well, at least until last night. He was being pummeled and hurried constantly Monday night. I know the offensive line should have given him more time, but it is also his responsibility to get rid of the ball quicker.

9. Dallas Cowboys- record: 5-4 (rank last week (5) opponents' winning % .522: lost to Giants, 14-35)

Tony Romo or not, it is clear who the best team in the NFC is.

10. Baltimore Ravens- record: 5-3 (rank last week (14) opponents' winning % .448: defeated Browns, 37-27)

Old NFL darlings, meet the NEW NFL darlings.

11. Atlanta Falcons- record 5-3 (rank last week (15) opponents' winning % .491: defeated Raiders, 24-0)

We all know that the Raiders' are an abomination, but you have to admit that the Falcons are a pleasant surprise.

12. Chicago Bears- record: 5-3 (rank last week (12) opponents' winning % .424: bye)

I could hear Chicago fans' heart sink when Kyle Orton went down. I would not have blamed them for packing it in and filing out when, while losing to the lowly Lions', Rex Gross-man trotted out on the field. But the fans' in Chicago support their teams, and they were rewarded yesterday.

13. New Orleans Saints- record: 4-4 (rank last week (13) opponents' winning % .508: bye)

Let's hope the bye week has not cooled off Drew Brees'.

14. New England Patriots- record: 5-3 (rank last week (10) opponents' winning % .381: lost to Colts, 15-18)

The lost against the Colts' could come back to bite them in the case of a tie-breaker.

15. New York Jets- record: 5-3 (rank last week (18) opponents' winning % .390: defeated Bills, 26-17)

Brett Farve's only touchdown pass goes to the other team, and they STILL win. Who cares?? They are now in a three-way tie for first place in their division now!

16. Buffalo Bills- record: 5-3 (rank last week (11) opponents' winning % .414: lost to Jets, 24-34)

This hot team has cooled down considerably, and at the worst possible time. They now have to travel to Foxboro, where the recently defeated Patriots will not be in a good mood.

17. Indianapolis Colts- record: 4-4 (rank last week (21) opponents' winning % .579: defeated Patriots, 18-15)

Do not be fooled by the score, most Colts-Patriots games are close. It seems to be a week by week standby with this team, though.

18. Minnesota Vikings- record: 4-4 (rank last week (24) opponents' winning % .569: defeated Texans, 28-21)

Good win against a hot team. This may give some hope for the rest of their season.

19. Miami Dolphins- record 4-4 (rank last week (22) opponents' winning % .551: defeated Denver, 26-17)

The most impressive thing about the Dolphins' record is that their first half schedule has not been exactly soft.

20. Green Bay Packers- record: 4-4 (rank last week (17) opponents' winning % .517: lost to Titans, 16-19OT)

Another casualty to the Titans' fierce defense.

21. Denver Broncos- record: 4-4 (rank last week (16) opponents' winning % .450: lost to Dolphins, 17-26)

It is only the mid-point of the season, but I have a feeling this team will not win their division. Or make the playoffs.

22. Cleveland Browns- record: 4-4 (rank last week (19) opponents' winning % .567: lost to Ravens, 27-37)

All that money and draft picks spent in the off-season on defense. What a waste!

23. San Diego Chargers- record: 3-5 (rank last week (23) opponents' winning % .569: bye)

They desperately need a win against the Chiefs', because their following games (versus Steelers, Colts and Falcons) are brutal.

24. Jacksonville Jaguars- record: 3-5 (rank last week (20) opponents' winning % .534: lost to Bengals', 19-21)

This type of loss is what can put a coach and quarterback on the hot seat!

25. Houston Texans- record 3-5 (rank last week (25) opponents' winning % .431: lost to Vikings, 21-28)

Matt Schaub could not make it through this game. Heaven help Houston if Sage Rosenfel tries to be a superman again!

26. St. Louis Rams- record 2-6 (rank last week (27) opponents' winning % .644: lost to Cardinals, 13-34)

Well, so much for the spark. Now they are back to plain mediocre.

27. Seattle Seahawks- record: 2-6 (rank last week (26) opponents' winning % .517: lost to Eagles, 7-26)

This team cannot even stop an offensive lineman from scoring a touchdown. When will the madness end?!

28. Cincinnati Bengals- record 1-8 (rank last week (31) opponents' winning % .615: defeated Jags, 21-19)

Congratulations to the Bengals' on their first win! Ryan Fitzpatrick played his best game and may have an NFL future. Ocho-cino stayed in the locker room and Chad Johnson took his place and score two quick early touchdowns. And the defense actual played with a purpose!

29. Oakland Raiders- record: 2-6 (rank last week (28) opponents' winning % .508: lost to Falcons, 0-24)

It is depressing giving props to the Bengals', and then having to comment on this so-called team. Sorry, I am not much for eulogies, so I will take a pass.

30. San Francisco 49ers- record 2-6 (rank last week (29) opponents' winning % .474: bye)

It will be interesting to see how much motivation Singletary has instilled into this team during their bye week.

31. Kansas City Chiefs- record 1-7 (rank last week (30) opponents' winning % .644: lost to Bucs, 27-30OT)

This team has no business losing their game. Enough said.

32. Detroit Lions- record 0-8 (rank last week (32) opponents' winning % .525: lost to Bears, 23-27)

Ditto!!!

Five notes from week eight:

1. The Bengals' easily played their best game of the season against the Jaguars. The defense held Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor to an impressive 68 yards total rushing yards. And we all witnessed a rare occurrence, Chad Johnson leaving the field of play immediately after scoring his first touchdown. We can also assume him and Marvin Lewis have let bygones be bygones. Too bad this lost season could end up costing Lewis his job, he deserves better.

2. I know this country has become ultra-sensitive and football has become a ‘family' show, but do not be too alarmed over the mid-game fight between Jaguars' defensive tackle John Henderson and Bengals' offense lineman Andrew Whitworth. Football, or any team sport for that matter, is an emotional game. And when you match up two under-achieving teams together, that stuff happens.

3. We are now getting into the meat of the season. This week is the first week of Thursday night games, starting with the Browns and the Broncos. Rumor has it that Brady Quinn, formerly of Notre Dame, will make his first start. He has had a year and a half to watch and learn. Now it is time to see what he can do.

4. It is true that Tony Romo being out is hurting the Cowboys' offense, but I believe everyone is overlooking another significant injury: running back Felix Jones. Jones is sort of a Brian Westbrook type who can do a lot of different things on the field and do them all well. When (or if) he returns, that will also make a big difference.

5. Today is Election Day (FINALLY). Everyone has an opinion as to whom they want to run the country, and that is what makes this country different than any other and also what makes this country great. But do not forget that at the end of the day that, whatever the results of the electoral college and even if some of us do not agree with it , we will need to accept and live with it for the next four years. This is our chance to show the rest of the world (especially Iraq) that democracy DOES work. Remember that democracy WILL NOT work in other countries if we prove, after this election, that it does not work HERE!!!