NFL Week 3 Interview

Q. Biggest surprise of Week 3?

The Dolphins, especially the offense that Dan Henning (the offensive coordinator) used. Similar to Mississippi's "Wild Rebel" formation, it netted Ronnie Brown four rushing touchdowns and one passing touchdown.

Q. Biggest disappointment?

The Browns, who allowed three third-quarter touchdowns to the Ravens to go to 0-3. They're not looking as good as everyone thought they would. Soon, Browns fans will be chanting "Brady, Brady, Brady!" again.

Q. Outstanding individual performances?

Brian Griese. He went 38/67 (three short of the record for passing attempts) for 407 yards against the Chicago defense.

Q. Big letdowns?

The Patriots, who eventually benched Matt Cassel in a 38-13 loss to Miami at home, snapping their 21-game regular season winning streak. There were the Panthers, who just starting to look good again. There were the Colts, who, despite being very beaten up themselves, lost to the injury-demolished Jaguars.

Q. What team is better than their record would indicate, and why?

The Chargers, who lost their two games on a last-second touchdown pass from Jake Delhomme to Dante Rosario and Ed Hochuli's much-talked about blown call.

Q. What team is worse than their record would indicate, and why?

The Giants, who aren't that bad but beat a weaker divisional rival by three field goals, a victory over one of the NFC's worst and needed an overtime field goal to beat the winless Bengals.

Q. Coaches on the hot seat?

Marvin Lewis, because of the Bengals' inability to return to form and an 0-3 record.

Q. Surprise quarterbacks (good and bad)?

Chad Pennington, who finished with only 3 incompletions; players from other positions playing quarterback, who were a combined 3/3 for 48 yards. That is, unless you count the NFL.com glitch that says that Eagles tackle Tra Thomas completed one pass for four yards. As for bad performances...well, there were Derek Anderson and Tyler Thigpen, just to name a few.

Q. Backups who turned on notable performances this week?

Ravens running back/fullback LeRon McClain, who ran for 66 yards on 17 carries plus two touchdowns. Technically, though, McClain is not a backup.

Q. Emergent trends?

As I said in the last interview, the Chiefs' quarterback play continues to be terrible. Even with just one quarterback (Tyler Thigpen) they are doing badly.

Q. Big games of Week 4, and your predictions?

Vikings-Titans, Eagles-Bears, Packers-Buccaneers and Jets-Cardinals look to be interesting games. Look for the Jets to be eyeing the top spot in the AFC East if the Patriots continue to underperform (New England has a bye). Also, see if the Vikings can keep their momentum.

Q. Final line where you type anything you want.

Since when did Jon Gruden turn into June Jones?