AT ISSUE
The Pack is back
What: The resurgence of the Green Bay Packers.
Background: The Packers are 3-0 and the early story of the NFL season. Quarterback Brett Favre, less than two weeks shy of his 38th birthday, is thriving again. The Packers, who play at Minnesota on Sunday, appear to be the class of the NFC North and could be playoff bound for the first time in four years.
Williamson’s take: The NFL is better off with the Packers being a quality team. The Packers are one of the most storied franchises in the NFL, so it just seems right when the team Vince Lombardi led is relevant. Plus, who doesn’t root for Favre? The guy is one of the most revered players ever to play. To see him jump around with his arms raised after a fourth-quarter touchdown takes 10 years off all our lives.
THE HOT SEAT
Turner feeling heat
Who: San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner.
When: Sunday at home against Kansas City.
Why: Do we really have to explain this one? There won’t be a single person on the hot seat for on-field issues more than Turner this year. He is proving all the skeptics right. Many in the league were surprised Turner was the choice in San Diego after the team decided to fire Marty Schottenheimer. Turner, a fine offensive coordinator, was a spectacular failure as the head man in both Washington and Oakland. But the Turner apologists said that he would be a perfect caretaker for one of the NFL’s most stacked rosters. Some caretaker. The Chargers are 1-2 and look flat. Turner is not taking advantage of the team’s immense talent, and unless he suddenly gets it together, this likely will be a one-and-done affair in San Diego for Turner.
ROOKIE WATCH
Gonzalez perfect fit
Who: Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez.
When: Sunday against the Broncos.
Why: Just what the Broncos need to see – another weapon for Peyton Manning. The Broncos did their best to deplete Manning’s arsenal by signing longtime Colts No. 3 receiver Brandon Stokley and inserting the capable possession man into their own playbook. But the Colts just keep on going. The Super Bowl champions used the final pick of the first round on a luxury pick – a No. 3 receiver. Gonzalez appears to be a perfect fit. The former Ohio State star must be accounted for. If not, he’ll burn the Broncos’ defense just as Stokley used to do.
