Week 5

We're back on schedule with this week's blog!

I'd like to get your comments on a certain subspecies of quarterback: The Cam Newton / Robert Griffin / Michael Vick. Streaky and exciting, yet mistake- and injury-prone. Can this sort of QB make a career of it in the NFL, or do they merely light up the scoreboard for a fraction of a season and then burn out?

I think that Cam Newton and RG3 have qualities that Vick lacks: good decision-making and ball security. I think that they will be able to have long careers, and one should keep in mind that Newton hasn't even been injured once. However, mobile quarterbacks take a lot of wear and tear. Some make it, and some don't.

The Falcons' move to 5-0 was cause for much celebration in our household. Could this be the year the Birds finally make a legit Super Bowl run?

I think so, yes. The NFC seems unusually weak, especially the Falcons' division. I could see them beating virtually any team in their conference.

Falcons, Texans. Which undefeated team is better and why?

I just finished praising Atlanta, but I have to go with the Texans. They're an all-around team. They have a great group of linebackers. They also have a great running back, plus a quarterback in Matt Schaub who won't give any games away. He also has Andre Johnson lining up on the outside during most plays.

Both your fantasy teams won this week, each moving to 3-2. Any strategy tips for your readers who are fantasy owners?

Be active on the waiver wire. Other teams tend to drop big-name players who are injured or going through a cold streak. Pick those players up; they'll rebound soon enough.

Los Angeles took yet another step toward getting an NFL franchise this week. Would you like to see a team in L.A.? Would you go to the games, or do you prefer watching at home?

I would certainly go to some games, although I do like watching at home. I will still keep my allegiance to the Raiders, but I would support a theoretical LA team.

Every year your birthday party is a Super Bowl party, and every year you ask for NFL Sunday Ticket as a birthday present. What first got you interested in football, and what is it that sustains your interest?

I started watching in 2004, and I've been a big fan ever since. I feel like football has many possible outcomes, and every game features a few exciting plays. New wrinkles emerge in every game, every week, and every season, along with new players. Overall, I am a diehard fan. I also follow college football to a lesser extent.

Which players' jersey would you most like to wear (past or present)?

I think some Raiders player's jersey would be nice, maybe Bo Jackson or Ken Stabler or Jack Tatum or someone like that. 

Colin Kaepernick gets almost no attention for his peculiar and fascinating role in the 49ers' offense. Talk about how the Niners use this guy, and whether you think it will continue to work.

Kaepernick, a scrambling quarterback from Nevada, acts as a Wildcat-ish player in the 49ers' offense. He makes their offense more exciting and less predictable. When every play is not just a handoff to Frank Gore or a throw to Vernon Davis, the defense has to be on their toes.

What three football books would you recommend to your readers?

300 Pounds of Attitude; Badasses (don't remember the rest of the title); A Few Seconds of Panic.

Doesn't it seem like every year there's a Ravens game with a final score of 9-6? Do you find defensive struggles boring, or exciting?

I find them exciting only if the defensive struggle is caused by fumbles and interceptions, not 10 punts from each team or something to that effect.

Talk about the Seahawks' deliberate safety late in their victory over the Panthers. Did you agree with the strategy?

I didn't actually hear about this play originally, but after reading some articles, I have to say that I agree. At first I thought that while Pete Carroll didn't want to risk a blocked punt, he should have had faith in his punter, Jon Ryan. But then, I realized that in a six-point game, two points don't really make a difference. It was a smart move for field position.

Oh, those lowly Buffalo Bills. Is this another team in need of a reboot, or are there a few key moves they need to make to become competitive?

This team is so mercurial! They really should be better. I think they need a franchise quarterback and wideout.

There was some controversy this week as classless Chiefs fans cheered Matt Cassel's injury. Did you agree with teammate Eric Winston's rant at the post-game press conference?

I have to agree. As a teammate, you don't want to see your so-called fans cheering for your close friend's injury. It was a reasonable reaction.

Finally: We're five weeks into the Peyton Manning experiment. How is he doing overall? Do you think the Colts were right to release him? How would you evaluate Andrew Luck's performance in Indy?

Well, the Broncos don't seem too much better than they were last year with Tebow and a similar team. However, they definitely have improved a little bit more, and I expect them to win the division. I honestly think the Colts were right to move on. They needed a fresh start after their awful year with Painter and Orlovsky at QB. As for the Colts, I don't expect too much this year, but Luck is starting to settle in and look like the prospect everyone thought he was.

Now comes the part where Hen gets to type whatever he wants.

My predictions have not been great so far, so I'll take a bye this week. 

Anyway, I think that Brady Quinn has a chance to finally prove himself this week. He's getting the start, if I'm not mistaken. He could create a quarterback controversy in Kansas City.