WHAT WE LEARNED SUNDAY

NY JETS:  We learned Shonn Greene still has game despite LT being back to the stud we know. Dustin Keller worked out all off-season with Sanchez and it shows. Rex Ryan made the mistake of not trusting Sanchez to be able to throw the ball and doubting his receivers to make catches. The Jets have a new found confidence in the pass game which only makes them even more lethal. Greene and LT both put up over 110 yards and are the key to this team. If one goes down, we all know the other can handle full time duties now. The Jets have a great problem on their hands. Now temper all this with the fact it was the Bills.

BUFFALO BILLS: Ryan Fitzpatrick has ability, he just has nothing to throw to. I have been saying the Bills will not be good until they get a real QB, but Fitz sold me a bit today. The problem is he has a receiving core that is getting older and an O line that refuses to live up to it's potential. I've always had problems with the Bills front office and their decisions and  until they focus on making sound draft picks, trades and waiver signees, the Bills will continue to under achieve. Which is sad given that town loves football. Levy isn't the answer and Gailey has already proven he over values RB position too much.

GREEN BAY PACKERS: The sign of a great team is that they beat the teams they should despite getting the oppositions best shot. Rogers only threw for 181 yds but was 12 of 17 for 3 TD. The Packers are legit and should not face much opposition in getting to the Super Bowl. They are possibly the NFL's best team with New Orleans. The major concern continues to be the run game, where Jackson and Kuhn combines for under 80 yds. That will not cut it against the divisional winners come playoff time so the issue needs to be fixed NOW!

DETROIT LIONS: Much as the Rams, the Lions are explosive and are a great win less team to watch. This is the first year in recent memory where all NFL games are a blast to watch because anybody really could win. The Lions really need to buy a new rabbit foot since they continue to be victims of three or less games. Surprisingly, the drop from Stafford to Hill has not been that significant. The Lions are a competitive bunch and need to get defensive help. If they could just hold opponents they could become tangible and start pulling these games out. Considering this is the first year of all these FA signees, the Lions will be a team to be feared next year.

DENVER BRONCOS: They continue to prove they are possibly today's version of the greatest show on turf....only no turf. Orton has stunned everyone with his amazing accuracy and passing since coming to Denver. More amazing is the group of WR's. Lloyd and Gaffney are outcasts from previous teams whom were not considered number ones. Here they have new life and are putting up amazing numbers. The Broncos have no run game to speak of and will continue to pass all year. Why would you mix it up? Denver is for real, and if they could get a run game going, then sky is the limit.

TENNESSEE TITANS: Chris Johnson....,that's it. Yes the Defense is well balanced, but the pass game is not showing reflections of last season....yet. It's only four games, but Young had us all believing he would pick up on his play from last year. While he does make the plays, his lack of solid WR help and a defense that does have some holes makes for too much uncertainty week to week for this team. The Titans have been a one trick pony for too long and need to make that move on a young pocket rocket arm QB or bring in two real WR's who can help Young become better and make up his mistakes. As of now, the Titans look to wind up a .500 team.

CINCINNATI BENGALS: The signing of TO showed flashes of getting over the hurdles last year, but unlike last season it's not Carson Palmer but the run game which has gone awry. I have never been a fan of Benson because he has never strung good years together and is proving me right. Teams know who they need to focus on and once you take away the pass options, it makes this Offense become marginal. They have the weapons but if those weapons are targeted then the options become scarce. Look for the Bengals to focus on some shorter quick throw passes and the run game. So far the Bengals are far from what we all expected but do have time to turn it around.

CLEVELAND BROWNS: Seneca Wallace has become the Browns starting QB and has looked more effective than Delhomme has been the last two years. Peyton Hillis continues to prove he is for real after rushing for 102 and 1 TD. Who the leading receiver is continues to be a coin flip. The Defense continues to be undervalued and will be one to watch in the next week if you need a bye week fill in. The Browns will continue to be an unreadable team, and just as good as they looked this week, they could become the polar opposite next.

BALTIMORE RAVENS: Proving they can do it without their best RB healthy, the Ravens used a group effort to rush for 70 yards on one of the league's best defenses. The real story was Flacco and his receivers. My pick to win because of the fact the Titans would not be able to cover all the Raven receivers, Flacco passed for 256 yards. Yes, he only had one TD, but it was the one that mattered most. Mason,Boldin,Housh and Heap combined for 232 of those yards with Mason accounting for 80 and Housh catching the winning TD with time running down. The Ravens are back to form after a slow start so once Rice is back to 100% they will be a pick your poison team. Ray Lewis continues to defy his doubters and the Defense has been showing it's depth after losing multiple players to Rex Ryan and NY.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: While Batch didn't throw a whole lot, his throws were confident and overall he managed the game well. With Ben now returning, the Steelers must be beyond pleased with how Batch and Dixon held the fort, going 3-1. Wallace is just waiting to use his speed and Ben will take advantage of it. If you thought the Steelers were a scary team before, wait until Ben knocks the rust off and gets settled in. Mendenhall can no longer be doubted and is here to stay, announcing it with a 79 yd. 2 TD day. His speed to the outside looked amazing compared to last year and he seems quicker overall. With a QB threat now, I can only see him producing even better numbers.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: Another one I saw coming, but not this bad! Forsett had another solid game, but the Seabags continue to play bipolar ball depending on if they are home or away. While St. Louis is no longer a laughing stock and is at the top in total points allowed, the Seahawks will need to figure out how to win on the road. A new coach, new youth on the field, but the same story every year. Regardless, there is no excuse for a team with this much talent to only put up a field goal with 27 minutes of ball control. This is where Pete's contract comes into play. It's been four games so let's see exactly what changes he makes to correct the road issues. Look for news of some type of scheme or personnel changes this week.

ST. LOUIS RAMS: I can no longer say the Rams are the best losing team to watch anymore, now that they have his .500 on the year. After catching a little flack for taking Bradford who was coming off injury, the front office is looking like they actually know what they are doing. They took Bradford anyway, and signed Mark Clayton who has turned this team around and given Bradford a legitimate target. Once Luarent Robinson gets healthy, this team will then become a real challenge. The Rams have continued to have success despite the opposition knowing exactly who Bradford is targeting so imagine when you add another factor to the equation. Steven Jackson's health is the key for this team since he keeps defenses honest, not allowing them to sit back on Bradford. Until they sign a legitimate back up, as Jackson goes, so will this team.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS: Another one of my upset picks, the Niner played a much more effective game overall with Alex Smith going 21 for 32 and Gore totaling 137 yds. They tried to spread the ball out more to their talent, but turnovers is what continues to kill them. Clements had this game sealed for them and let it slip away. The Defense, which was projected to be in the upper levels plays well but always seems to give up the big play that winds up costing them. Of course it is hard to shut down the opposition when your team continues to turn the ball over more than your squad produces, but the defense is what it going to have to carry this team. I do like the direction they took, simplifying things a bit and getting talent the ball, but fact remains they need more help. They are a team who feels only one player away from a 4-0 record.

ATLANTA FALCONS: The Falcons showed mettle in this one, fighting till the end after playing nothing but comeback for four quarters. Matt Bryant's 43 yarder to win is nothing new to him, having done it throughout his career. Matt Ryan still has yet to prove he can win a game when it's all on him, and continues to make turnovers. Given the Defense they were facing I can forgive Turner's 50 yard performance, but where is Tony Gonzalez? With Jenkins missing yet another game, Gonzo has failed to step up and be a valid number two threat. Maybe he has finally hit the age wall, but he has got to produce more that 41 on 7 touches. Jenkins is by no means the answer to the teams offensive woes, but he will make things easier on Ryan when he returns. This team is being led by their defense and the turnovers they create. They are a fast defense, and I think under rated so far by most people. This unit can compete with the best of them, but as we see with SF, your offense needs to help out too. Luckily, the Falcons have won despite their struggles and are only going to get better. This is a team that has the potential to give the Saints a run for the division.

CAROLINA PANTHERS: As if Clausen's development wasn't already an issue, Steve Smith went down with a high ankle sprain and will likely miss time. As expected, Fox limited the rookie's role and tried to pound it out on the ground. Williams had his second solid game, posting 86 yards and a TD while Stewart totaled 21 yds on the ground but caught a 55 yard pass for a TD. This was a team starting to look like they were finding a path and the injury to Smith will weaken them by allowing teams to fully focus on the run game. There are no legitimate WR's here past Smith and it looks like more of the same is to be expected until he returns. Clausen showed he has a great arm but accuracy and reads were an issue. He's a rookie and it's to be expected. Fox needs to let him take his bumps now so that he will be polished up next year. Benching him makes no sense at this point and would be the worst move.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: The Saints used the combination of Ivory and Betts to fill in for Pierre Thomas with good results, producing 114 yards on the ground. Though Ivory did fumble, he looks to be the lead candidate for Pierre Thomas' relief role. Brees had an off game for him, throwing only 1 TD on 275 yards but was able to pull it out. These divisional games always produce the best shot from an opponent, especially when you're the defending champs. The Saints took what has probably been their biggest fight yet and survived. They are doing it despite not quite having the same swagger on defense a year ago which is a good sign but also shows they can be vulnerable.

OAKLAND RAIDERS: Gradkowski's 3 turnovers wound up hurting them as the Raiders lost a close one. The good news is how they were able to hang with the league's top offense despite any production from Murphy and Bey. Miller was able to carry the load, showing he is one of the most under rated TE's in the NFL. The dreaded McFadden injury came to town, with him coming up lame after a run. Initial reports it's a hamstring which isn't exactly the best injury for your top back. Bush seems to be healthy and just in time. He carried 7 times for 40 yards with a TD and should be able to carry the run game while McFadden is out. Regardless, this offensive line needs major work as they continue allowing penetration during critical moments. McFadden was keeping defenses honest but without him teams may start focusing in on the pass more making life harder for Gradkowski. As if it wasn't hard enough already. News on the severity of the McFadden injury should be clear by Tuesday.

HOUSTON TEXANS: Schaub was mostly held in check by the Raiders corners, throwing for 192 and 2 TD's, but the Texans continue to find ways to win. Namely, Arian Foster. Andre Johnson being held out seemed to have little effect on containing Foster as he combined for 187 total yards and 2 TD's. While they were able to outscore the Raiders, the Texans will need Johnson to return quickly. Jacoby Jones went down with an injury and Kevin Walter averaged less than 9 yards a catch. This offense always seems to have a player step up when they need it but it's the defense that is going to cost them in the long run. Mario Williams is in beast mode again, but the secondary is a patchwork who looked primed for a turn around this year and have been anything but lousy. This is a major issue that will need to get fixed if the Texans are to compete in a year where the Colts have started slow and given them the advantage.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: David Gerrard saved his job for now, not turning the ball over while throwing for two TD's and 163 yards along with rushing for 44 yards and a TD. I called him to be playing with fire under his ass, but now that he has produced it's just as likely he will vanish again. Coming out of exile though was MJD who rushed for 105 and a TD. I don't know what Simms-Walker did to Gerrard, but it must've been pretty bad since he was targeted just once and finished with goose eggs. The Jags are prone to feeding off wins like this and could string a few together if MJD is healthy and can continue to be productive like today. He is the heartbeat of this team and dictates the game flow. Gerrard is by no means safe and I would look for Del Rio to give Edwards a lot of reps with the first team from here on out to keep Gerrard on his toes and the fire under his ass burning.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: Reggie Wayne exploded for 196, Addai scores twice with 63 rushing yards, and Peyton throws two TD's.....So how do you still lose? Oh, no defense. The Colts have serious problems on defense and need to make a change quickly. So far their loss to Houston and now Jacksonville are results of a defense that can't hold when they need to. The Colts have enough Offensive talento part with and bring in some help for the secondary. Defense will be the big mantra this week and look for some moves to take place. Austin Collie? Yes, he came back down to Earth but is still a viable play. Buy low on him if you can because he should be a feast or famine guy.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: We Learned Kolb would be loving every minute of sweet vengeance....if he could have completed a pass. Yes he was coming off the bench, but this was his game to shine and he had major accuracy problems, missing guys badly. Early work is that VIck has rib cartilage injury and Leshaun McCoy has a fractured rib. Damn Washington did a number on them. Wait to hear the severity of each but it sounds like these are at least one week missed injuries.

WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Portis popped his groin, again. Thankfully, the Skins have Ryan Torain who was on his way to becoming the lead back anyway. Portis' time should be over after this season and I think could be dealt while he still has some kind of value. Santana Moss was ignored most the game because of pressure and coverage, leaving Mcnabb throwing for a measly 125 yds and a score. Anthony Armstrong made his one catch work, scoring on a 57 yd TD. Cooley continues to be the only source of Offense you can depend on. The Skins lose at St. Louis then win at Philly? Go figure. This is a big win for the team, showing they can pull it out even when having an off day. The Defense continues to show potential of dominance but need to put it together consistently. This division is officially for the taking.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS: Am I happy the owner of Ryan Mathews rejected my selling high on Tolbert. Forced to start him due to a bye, Tolbert rewarded anyone in the same dilemma handsomely. over 100yds and a score in a game where Mathews was "back". I actually think Tolbert will continue to have value going forward and has earned more than just short yardage duties. This could become a 60-40 split and Tolbert has shown that he can put up numbers on just ten touches, raking up 80 yards in the first half alone. It will be interesting what Turner decides to do, but do not sell Tolbert for nothing. The value is legit and though Mathews is a great back, he is a rookie and runs hard. Two things that invite injury. Rivers and Gates were feeling the love yesterday and this is a team with too many weapons to handle.

ARIZONA CARDINALS: Here comes Max Hall? After Anderson threw two picks, Hall was given the call and produced a scoring drive that resulted in a field goal. Matt Leinart actually may have been right all along. Regardless who is at QB, they are not starting caliber and Fitzgerald should be dropped to number two WR value. Another position suffering due to the QB play are the RB's Hightower and Wells whom totaled only 12 carries for 43 yards. Arizona has got to be regretting not being committed to keeping most this team together after last year.

CHICAGO BEARS: The Offensive line was picked apart, allowing 9 sacks in the first half alone and an astonishing 110 total yards to the Bears. Cutler was taken out with a concussion and Todd Collins wound up getting injured as well. This was one of those nights where everything that could go wrong did. Defensively, the unit did continue to look fast and play well but they were just on the field too long. Lovie will be chewing some major Mike Tice ass and a drastic change could be in order when it comes to finding a solution.

NY GIANTS: Even without Kiwanuka, the Giants Defense was suffocating. Osi and Tuck led the charge with 3 sacks each and were constantly in the backfield all game. Manning certainly did not look great, but he didn't have to with Bradshaw and Jacobs gaining 191 yards on the ground and 2 scores. Bradshaw was quickly in Coughlin's dog house after the fumble, but it was a blindside strip and can't be put too much on poor ball control by Bradshaw. If the Giants can continue this play and get back to pounding the ball on the ground they will have a chance to stay competitive for the division. Lets see them do this a few times before making this the expectation.