WHO'S Hot WHO'S Not
WHO'S Hot
LondonFletcher
The Washington linebacker's interception, TD return and game-high 13 tacklesagainst Arizona is just the latest. Last year the Redskins were 31st indefense. Now, after landing Fletcher as their leader, they're at No. 4.Defensive end Phillip Daniels: "That's our difference maker."
Trent Edwards
The 92nd pick of this year's draft, a QB who went 0--7 at Stanford last season,Edwards is now officially the Buffalo Bills' starter; he beat the ornery Ravenson Sunday. So what's he got? "Poise and pocket presence," says QBscoach Turk Schonert.
SurgingNalbandian
He can seem cavalier—"Tennis is a profession, not an obsession," hesaid last year—but David Nalbandian can play. He picked off second-rankedRafael Nadal and third-ranked Novak Djokovic before beating No. 1 himself,Roger Federer, to win the Madrid Masters.
Ray Emery
He's back on board! Senators goalie (he splits the job with Martin Gerber) ledOttawa to a 4--1 win in his first game since June's finals (wrist surgery). TheSens are 8--1.
WHO'S Not
DaunteCulpepper
That glorious Raiders debut (two passing TDs, three rushing versus Miami) feelslong ago. Since then Culpepper has gone 0--2, been sacked seven times andthrown three picks—one that sealed Sunday's loss to K.C. "I wish I couldhave it back," said Culpepper, who may be headed to the bench.
Up-frontTexans
Despite a defensive line with three first-round draft picks, Houston's got aproblem getting to the QB—just 12 sacks on the year. "We got who wegot," said pass rusher N.D. Kalu (right) after a 38--36 loss to Tennessee."We need to look in the mirror."
Former Saints
Kicker Morten Andersen (13 years a Saint) and receiver Joe Horn (seven) were inNew Orleans on Sunday—as Falcons. First came boos, then a loss."Brutal," said Andersen to the Times-Picayune, describing the fans.Said Horn, "In their heart they still love me."
Chris Smelley
This stinks! South Carolina quarterback (he splits the job with Blake Mitchell)threw two interceptions in an upset loss to Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks (6--2)fell to No. 15.
SI PLAYERS NFL POLL
Which NFL quarterback is the easiest tointimidate?
Rex Grossman, Bears ...... 23%
Eli Manning, Giants................ 20%
Joey Harrington, Falcons......... 11%
David Carr, Panthers................. 6%
Chris Simms, Bucs .................... 4%
FAST FACTS
Poll completed at start of season.... In Week 4 Grossman was replaced asChicago's starter by Brian Griese.... Carr missed Carolina's last game with asore back.... Simms is on IR recovering from a splenectomy on Sept. 24,2006.... Manning was the top vote-getter (30.8%) among QBs who voted; hisbrother Peyton finished second overall in a Players poll (SI, Oct. 15) asking,Who is the toughest NFL QB?
[Based on a survey of 278 NFL Players] • For more onthe poll and to comment on it, go to SI.com/players.
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DAMIAN STROHMEYER (MANNING)
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SIMON BRUTY (GROSSMAN)
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SIMON BRUTY (FLETCHER)
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PAUL SAKUMA/AP (CULPEPPER)
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MARK J. REBILAS/US PRESSWIRE (KALU)
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PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP/GETTY IMAGES (NALBANDIAN)
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RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES (EDWARDS)