Around the league...

Here's a few random observations as we approach the mid way point of the season...

Larry Johnson is obviously trying to get released by the Chiefs. Dick Vermeil handed Herm Edwards a solid team with an aging offensive line and one of the most impactful young RB's in the league. Edwards proceeded to drop the property value of the team as effectively as a talabinian family of crack addicts moving into your neighborhood. Johnson has been in career hell for a while, and I think all of the drama he has created this week is a last ditch effort to get out of dodge.

The Redskins and Raiders are really dueling for the title of the most mismanaged franchise in all of pro sports. Snyder and Davis are the toxic twins of the NFL, and I would feel sorry for players who are part of these dysfunctional families if it wasn't for their inflated salaries. Maybe those poor guys can use some of that extra money for therapy and anti-depression medication.

The Bengals are blowing my mind this year. I listed one of my top 10 worst moves of the offseason as Cincinnati keeping Marvin Lewis as their headcoach (which technically is a non-move). Ocho Cinco looked washed up last year, and their saviour at RB was one of the most notable draft busts in recent history. I watched the 'Hard Knocks' series on HBO and felt this team had a real shot at the worst record in football in 2009. Boy was I wrong. They made the right move assembling talented players and coaches. Mike Zimmer's stock is rising quickly due to the rebirth of the Bengals defense. Can I get a WHO DEY?

Who are the Houston Texans? Their season has been a roller coaster ride. Schaub has looked like a dominate signal caller who can take a game over and pick a defense apart. He has also looked like a statue in the pocket and a sitting duck. They have a very highly paid and drafted young defense that just hasn't lived up to their collective potential. Overall they are just a big disappointment.

I think Detroit has been so bad, for so long, that it isn't even a story anymore. The media is focused on the Rams, Raiders, Browns and Chiefs. They are playing horrible football and their new coaches are already on the hot seat. In Motown Jim Schwartz has been signed to a 20 year extension because he has scored one win, which is more than Rod Marinelli could muster after 16 games last season. They have become the definition of 'The Worst'.

Are the Saints walking an injury tightrope? They have stayed healthy despite a roster riddled with exciting playmakers who miss as many games as they play. Players like Bush and Shockey can make a huge impact when healthy and an equally huge impact when out of the line up. New Orleans currently has the best overall team in the entire NFL. Can they stay healthy all the way through to the big game in February?

Josh McDaniels looks like a genius and Jay Cutler looks like a brat who is getting punished. I think Denver's charmed season will start to lose it's luster before long, and if Chicago's defense could actually start showing up on Sundays, Mr. Cutler may get the last laugh.

Brett Favre showed very clearly how little passion he has for winning this week as he gave up two touchdowns in Pittsburgh. He could have at least made an effort to stop either of the two defenders who scored on Vikings turnovers, especially on the play that sealed the deal. #4 will play his heart out this week in Green Bay, and win or lose, I think he will have nothing left to prove after this game. He'll have one thing on his mind after this weeks game... fishing in Mississippi.