Nick Russ here with a update on the NFL with week 8 in the books. With a win over Indy the Titans have legitimized their claim as a contender this year. Down for most of the first half, the Titans had to deal with the Colts scoring quickly in the third but answered with a LenDale White touch down run and tied the game with a two point conversion when Kerry Collins found Ahmard Hall in the endzone. From there it was all Tennessee as the Titans scored 24 straight points before the Colts answered late in the game with Peyton Manning taking it in himself but it was too little too late by then. The surprise of the game was when the Colts managed to contain the Titans running game, Kerry Collins began a aerial assault going 24/37 for 193 yards.
Titans defense is one of the best in the league and they showed it against the Colts intercepting 2 Manning passes at very critical moments and stopping the Colts on 2 4th down attempts. Colts shot themselves in the foot giving up 5 ill timed penalties. Some of which led to a Titans touchdown. The Titans host Green Bay before paying a visit to Chicago. The Colts take on New England this week in what has become a crucial game for both teams. Then visit the Steelers who along with the Titans are a legitimate AFC contender. 
The Steelers couldn't hold off a Giants 4th quarter rally. Not to mention losing their long snapper and having the replacement snap the ball into the 4th row at Heinz field. The story of the game was the Giants defense who applied pressure to Pittsburgh QB Ben Roethlisberger and forced 4 interceptions. The Giants D stepped up on third down limiting the Steelers to just 1 for 10. The Giants win helps them establish themselves a top the NFC east. The G-men have some important division games against Dallas and Philadelphia. The Steelers visit the Redskins and host the Colts.
He's from the Old School
Meanwhile in the NFC, the 49er's most memorable highlight this season was interim coach Mike Singletary's rant about his teams performance, the benching of QB J.T. O'Sullivan, and the sending of Vernon Davis to the locker room. Shaun Hill has been named starter for sundays game against Arizona after a much needed bye week.
Dallas can breathe a sigh of relief after winning a hard fought game against Tampa. The key stat was after allowing 5 turnovers in the previous 2 games, Dallas didn't allow a turnover. Brad Johnson's performance earned him some boos in front of the Dallas crowd. Johnson was 19/33 for only 122 yards. The Cowboys allowed their fewest points this season...9. This is a boost to Coach Wade Phillips who took over the play calling. If Tampa wants a playoff aperance they need to win on the road where they're 1-3 and their next game is at Kansas City. Dallas goes on the road against the Giants and has a bye.
Last week I went 3-1 bringing my total to 10-6
This week I'll take Arizona over the Rams
New England over the Colts
Green Bay over Tennessee
And my game of the Week Pittsburgh over the Redskins
Images courtesy of Jeff Gross and Andy Lyons
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