Deuce: Four-Down Territory
by Deuce Mason, KHTK Sacramento
1.What was the biggest surprise of week 6?
It has to be the Panthers going to Seattle and beating the Seahawks. It's the second straight week that the Seahawks have blown a 4th quarter lead.
Everyone talks about the offensive line issues with the Seahawks, but that "vaunted" defense is having major problems closing out games. What's the issue here? Panthers TE Greg Olsen shouldn't be that open in such an important moment of the game. This is an experienced defense but their old coordinator, Dan Quinn, is now the head coach in Atlanta.
The Seahawks are in must-win mode when they come to Santa Clara on Thursday for the 49ers. Remember when the Seahawks had a Thanksgiving Day feast at Levi's last season? The 49ers should bring out shovels and bury the Seahawks if they win on Thursday.
2. Should Chuck Pagano be on the hot seat after the ridiculous 4th and 3 call on Sunday night football?
He shouldn't be on the hot seat exclusively because of that play, but that play was absolutely mind boggling. The Colts radio broadcast was even confused and couldn't find a way to defend the decision.
It's also troubling to note that the Colts are 0-5 against the Patriots with Pagano. I wouldn't be surprised if Pagano and GM Ryan Grigson were gone after this season.
3.Who had the best week 6?
I'm going with Steelers third string QB Landry Jones. He replaced the injured Michael Vick and went 8-12, 168 yards and two touchdowns.
"I just can't believe I got in the game,'' Jones said. "I'm still kind of reeling from it.''
"It was really like Ben's little brother out there," Le'veon Bell said. "It kind of brought us back like, 'Dang, Landry has really got this.'
The Steelers are 4-2 and Tomlin must be loving that his team has been able to battle through Bell and Bryant's suspensions, and Big Ben's injury.
Honorable mention? Phillip Rivers who threw the ball 65(!) times for over 500 yards, 2 TDs and no picks in a loss to the Packers.
4.Who's the most overrated undefeated team: the Broncos or the Panthers?
This is a tough one—especially considering the Panthers just went to Seattle and won. I'm going to say the Panthers are the most overrated undefeated team. Cam Newton can't do it by himself. He did get some help in the 4th quarter of the win but I don't think he has enough around him to win on a consistent basis.
Meanwhile, Peyton obviously isn't the same old Peyton. Yesterday's three picks weren't all his fault. The difference between the Panthers and the Broncos is that Manning has more weapons around him. The Broncos think they've found their No. 1 back in Ronnie Hillman.
Editorial note: STUPID CJ ANDERSON! WHY DID I DRAFT HIM!?!?!
Also, the Broncos defense has been absolutely lights out. I trust the Manning can pull it together, and do just enough to keep them going in the right direction.
