FOOTBALL

In the NFL, the Washington Redskins headed to Tennessee in a much anticipated match-up of Former Titan/Now Redskin lineman Albert Haynesworth versus his old team. Well, Haynesworth only had one tackle in the game, but the battle itself didn’t disappoint. It was a neck and neck battle the whole way, but the Titans lost their starting quarterback Vince Young in the 3rd quarter. They had to go with back-up Rusty Smith out of the small school Florida Atlantic. The game needed an overtime, where Donovan McNabb would get the call this time around (a few weeks ago, he was benched in favor of Rex Grossman). He got the job done, and the Redskins won on a 48-yard Graham Gano field goal.

However, after the game, there was reportedly a spat between Vince Young and Titans head coach Jeff Fisher. Apparently, Young stormed out of the locker room after the game even though Fisher told him not to walk out on his team. In a post-game press conference, Fisher said that Young wouldn’t be their starting quarterback whether or not he needed surgery. Fisher said they would stay with Rusty Smith for now. Clearly, Young is misbehaving again, and this is during his “second chance”. Remember, Young was sidelined in favor of Kerry Collins a couple seasons ago, lobbied to get his job back, and got that second opportunity. Looks like he’s going to blow it. Washington 19, Tennessee 16.

And, it was time for the annual showdown between the Patriots and the Colts, and by proxy, the battle between the Kings of Quarterbacks: Tom Brady vs. Peyton Manning. The Patriots got out to an early lead with two Tom Brady touchdowns. One to Wes Welker and one to new running back, Danny Woodhead. Then, Manning would turn on the jets and bring the game within three points towards the end of the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, with just one last chance, Manning threw a deadly interception to kill their late rally and hand the Patriots a win. The Patriots still boast the best record in the league at 8-2. They are major Super Bowl contenders yet again. New England 31, Indianapolis 16.

Finally, in the night game, it was a battle of two powerful teams in the NFC — the NFC East specifically. The New York Giants headed to Philly to take on Michael Vick and the red-hot Eagles. The Giants are coming off an embarrassing loss against a lowly Cowboys team. Could they rebound? Vick and the Eagles came to play, namely their 2nd year running back, LeSean McCoy. He ran for 111 yards and a touchdown to constantly keep the Giants defense honest. Having a robust running game makes the Eagles even more versatile because of the Michael Vick weapon. Now you don’t know if he’s going to take off or pass the long bomb. Since defenses now have to worry about the Philly running game, their defenders won’t be as ready for Vick’s long bombs to DeSean Jackson. The Eagles are definitely for real, and might meet up with Tom Brady in the Super Bowl. Philadelphia 27, NY Giants 17.