55th Edition - 11/27/06

• NFL: It was gross

*Each Tuesday I will update the NFL playoff race since it is starting to make a little more sense.

*The Giants had a 21-0 lead in the 4th quarter against the 3-7 Titans. But Vince Young decided to use the skills that won him a National Championship last year and led the Titans to a 24-21 victory.

*The Steelers were in a must-win situation against the Ravens. And they lost 27-0, making the defending champs 4-7 and almost a lock for being out of the playoffs.

*The Bears lost 13-17 to the Patriots. It was filled with turnovers. The Patriots gave it up five times, the Bears four. Actually, I should say Grossman had four. Three interceptions and one fumble caused the Bears to lose. Once again coach Lovie Smith didn't consider benching Grossman for high-paid backup Brian Griese. Once again Smith has said going forward, Grossman is their quarterback. Brady's interceptions were caused by tips or receivers losing their grip. Grossman's interceptions were caused by bad throws.
It doesn't make sense for the Bears to throw it 34 times (completing 15). Both Thomas Jones and Cedric Benson ran the ball very well. Why not let them do it more? Grossman's main asset is throwing it up for Bernard Berrian, Griese could do that just as well. And perhaps run a more ball-controlled game. Perhaps. I don't know. But considering the easy path the Bears have to get to the Super Bowl this year, they should make sure to try everything to get the most out of their team.

The Best
QB
Matt Leinart: 405 yards, 1TD, 2INT - L
Drew Brees: 349, 2TD, 1INT - W
David Carr: 321, 1TD, 1INT - L
RB
Joseph Addai: 171 yards, 4TD - W
Michael Vick: 169 - L
Larry Johnson: 157, 1TD - W
WR
Larry Fitzgerald: 172 yards - L
Devery Henderson: 158, 1TD - W
Anquan Boldin: 140, 1TD - L

• Bulls: Head issues

Ben Wallace is upset because he isn't allowed to wear a headband during games, Skiles benched him twice during a game because he was wearing his headband. It's a team rule. It's also a team rule to tape your ankles and not listen to your music on a speaker in the locker room. Five years, $60 million. This better go away soon. This is not a matter of right or wrong. This is a pissing match between Wallace and Skiles. More on this Wednesday during "The Weekly Bull."

• The Picks (revisited)

j NCAA: 3-3 (21-15-1)
billy z NCAA: 3-3 (25-11-2)
j NFL: 3-3 (17-21-3)
mike d: 4-2 (17-22-2)

Mike had to go and mess up the symmetry of everyone breaking even this weekend. Way to go mike.

• Stuff

Finally - I am all caught up for tonight's episode of "Heroes." Here are my thoughts, it reminds me of the first season of "Lost" only better. Each week someone pretty amazing happens, you don't understand it, the show ends with a "to be continued ..." and then the next episode ACTUALLY EXPLAINS WHAT JUST HAPPENED!! Amazing.
Now, it also reminds me of the first season of "Lost" only worse. I was much more attached to the character in "Lost" than I am with "Heroes." Everyone is just a little annoying. Hiro is almost too childlike, you shouldn't want to put an adult in your pocket cause he's so cute. Peter Petrelli needs to cut his bangs out of his eyes. And Niki Sanders needs to do something interesting. At this point, anyone can die and I am fine with that. Especially FBI agent Audrey (Clea Duvall) -- no offense to her dad Robert Duvall though.