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If this guy isn't an MVP contender, he should be

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005 by Dennis Dillon

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Adrian Wilson (24) doesn't get a lot notoriety, in part because he plays for Arizona. But he caught my attention during the Cardinals' 38-28 win over the Rams. The fifth-year strong safety had eight tackles, three sacks--including one that knocked Rams QB Marc Bulger out of the game--a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Lovie Smith deserves strong consideration for coach of the year because of the job he is doing in Chicago. On Sunday, the Bears beat Carolina, a team many considered to be the best in the NFC, 13-3. The victory improved their record to 7-3 and extended their winning streak to six games. An excel lent young defense has made the difference for the Bears, and defense is Smith's forte.

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From the department of mind-boggling statistics: Of the Panthers' 295 rushing plays this season, only one has exceeded 20 yards, and that came in the opener.

The Colts survived a shootout with Cincinnati to go 10-0, but I still don't think they'll run the table. Something--an injury, a flat performance--will derail their run at a perfect regular season.

INSIDE DISH

By Dan Pompei

There is fire behind the smoke about Herm Edwards' not wanting to coach the Jets after this season. Sources who know Edwards well say the coach wouldn't mind an escape from New York. The environment there has been tough on Edwards and his family, and he might be happier in a less pressurized city. * Rams coach Mike Martz continues to recover from endocarditis and vows to return to work January 2, the day after the regular season ends. He remains in regular contact with interim coach Joe Vitt. After the Rams' loss to the Seahawks, Martz addressed the team at Rams Park, telling his players not to lose heart. He pointed out that in 2001, the season the Patriots beat the Rams in Super Bowl 36, the Patriots started out 3-4. Martz also attended a practice late last week. * The Patriots are hoping to offset the loss of injured C Dan Koppen by getting back LT Matt Light sometime in December. Light's presence could be a big boost for the Patriots during the stretch run. With Light back in the lineup, the Patriots would be able to move rookie Nick Kaczur to right tackle, strengthening two positions and lightening the load on fill-in C Russ Hochstein. If the tackles can handle their responsibilities with less double-team help, the interior linemen would be able to help each other more. * The Panthers' defensive MVP has not been LE Julius Peppers, MLB Dan Morgan or FS Mike Minter. It has not been RE Mike Rucker, although he probably is runner-up. Their defensive MVP has been CB Ken Lucas, a free agent the team picked up from Seattle last March. Many questioned the Panthers for giving Lucas $37 million over six years, but he is playing the best football of his life. His cover skills have enabled the Panthers to blitz more. His run support has given them some freedom with their safeties. And his ability to handle one side of the field without much assistance has enabled them to give more help to CB Chris Gamble. * Ravens LT Jonathan Ogden long held the unofficial title of the NFL's Best Offensive Lineman. Not anymore. Ogden, 31, appears to be showing signs of age, according to scouts. The fact he never has been overly concerned about lifting and conditioning finally could be catching up with him. Ogden's play began to fall off a bit last year, and he has been somewhat inconsistent this season. He still is one of the better blockers in the game, however. * The aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina still are blowing the Saints' passing game off course. QB Aaron Brooks and several of his receivers have found it difficult to deal with the distractions the hurricane still is causing. The offense has lacked on-field leadership and focus. The result has been receivers who run the wrong routes and drop too many passes, plus there have been communication issues and a lack of synchronization.

If this guy isn't an MVP contender, he should be

Sporting News, The, Dec 2, 2005 by Dennis Dillon

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