Notes from the 303 . . .
Forget Brett Favre. The Packers’ issues are on the other side of the ball, where injuries are taking a toll. They were 26th in the league going into Sunday’s homer vs. Atlanta. So what happens? The Falcons, who hadn’t scored a touchdown in two roadies, score three at Lambeau. . . .
The significance of the Panthers’ 4-1 start? For one thing, it ends the Bill Cowher rumors. Cowher has a home in Carolina, and a whole lotta people assumed he would get the gig if John Fox stumbled after last year’s 7-9 season. . . .
Say what you will about the Lane Kiffin era, but don’t say the Raiders weren’t competitive. They finished 5-15 under Kiffin but led in the fourth quarter in 11 of those games. . . .
Eleven fourth-quarter leads and 15 losses? There’s no there there, all right. No heart, either. . . .
First, a seventh-rounder (Marques Colston) turns into a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver. Now somebody named Lance Moore catches seven balls for 101 yards in Week 4. If the definition of a great player is making the players around you better, then Drew Brees fits the bill. . . .
Not that the next generation of quarterbacks hasn’t arrived, but three members of the 1997 NFC Pro Bowl team — Favre, Gus Frerotte and Kerry Collins — are starting 11 seasons later. That’s just wrong. . . .
So, Mike Shanahan was asked Monday, any thoughts on Marcus Thomas’ interception/fumble? “Yeah, it’s inexcusable.” But Mike, Thomas says he was trying to impress you so you’d give him a look at running back. “He does that again, he won’t be a defensive lineman.” . . .
The wild ride continues in the NFL circa 2008. The Colts scored 21 points in a span of 2 minutes, 10 seconds to beat the Texans. The same Colts who didn’t score more than 21 points in any of their first three games. . . .
Don’t throw those bags away, Lions fans. The Pussycats have allowed 147 points in four games, putting them on pace for 588. The NFL record for points allowed is 533 by the 1981 Colts. . . .
The Lions couldn’t actually break that record, could they? Yes, and for two reasons. First, their defense is gawdawful after all those years of selecting wideouts in the first round. Second, they have no running game to eat the clock. They went into Week 5 next-to-last in the league in time of possession. . . .
Oh, and speaking of no running game, Cincy tailback Chris Perry: 85 carries, 2.8 yards per, five fumbles. . . .
Who needs black gold, Texas tea, Uncle Jed? Team Clampett isn’t just 5-0. The Titans are the only team in the league unbeaten vs. the point spread. . . .
Not that the Titans have got it goin’ on, but they had two INTs and 47 rushing yards Sunday. And won. On the road. . . .
It may be long term because of wear and tear or short term because of turf toe. But either way you spin it, LaDainian Tomlinson isn’t the same player. The latest bit of evidence came at Miami, where he couldn’t punch it in on fourth-and- goal from the 1. . . .
Not that L.T. is the Chargers’ only issue. Their 10 points vs. the Phish represented their lowest point total since the 2005 season finale. . . .
What, you think Brandon Marshall was the only wideout the Broncos drafted in 2006? Not a chance. Domenik Hixon started Sunday for the Giants and caught four balls for 102 yards and a TD. Stuff happens when you try to sneak a talented kid through waivers, as the Broncos did in Hixon’s rookie year. . . .
Giants coach Tom Coughlin, asked by reporters about Hixon: “The needle is going up on that guy.” . . .
One week they get blown out by the Jets, and the next week they punk the Bills. So what are we to make of the Cardinals? Says here they’re legitimate playoff contenders. To wit: Even after the Jets laid 56 on them, they ranked No. 9 in the league in defense. . . .
Keep in mind, the Redskins, for the most part, have been doing this without Jason Taylor. We’re not talking about just another pretty face on the dance floor.
Jim Armstrong: 303-94-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com
Lowdown in Motown
A winless season? In the parity party known as the NFL? It could happen. Detroit is that bad. The Lions are 0-4 and have allowed an average of 36.8 points per game. Not only that, their schedule is daunting. Here’s a look:
Sept. 7 at Atlanta L, 34-21
Sept. 14 Green Bay L, 48-25
Sept. 21 at San Fran. L, 31-13
Oct. 5 Chicago L, 34-7
Oct. 12 at Minnesota
Oct. 19 at Houston
Oct. 26 Washington
Nov. 2 at Chicago
Nov. 9 Jacksonville
Nov. 16 at Carolina
Nov. 23 Tampa Bay
Nov. 27 Tennessee
Dec. 7 Minnesota
Dec. 14 at Indianapolis
Dec. 21 New Orleans
Dec. 28 at Green Bay
Jim Armstrong, The Denver Post
