Treasure: Eli Manning
What a fourth-quarter rush from the lesser of two Mannings. Eli turned an ugly outing into a gem awfully fast in bringing the Giants back from a 17-point deficit for an overtime victory. His line: 31 of 43, 371 yards, three TDs vs. one pick. That’s Peyton-esque. A fourth TD was a lock if only Plaxico Burress could’ve hung on to that bomb early in the fourth. Most impressive about his outing was that running back Tiki Barber was shut down (51 yards, no TDs), putting it all on Manning’s shoulders. The kid’s a player.
Also stellar: Rudi Johnson, RB, Bengals: 145 yards, 2 TDs.
Off course: Larry Johnson
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Johnson, a lock as a top-three pick in virtually all fantasy drafts, finally got his legs under him with 167 total yards (126 rushing, 41 receiving) in a loss to the rival Broncos, a 9-6 overtime yawner. But that means no scores for the second week in a row, and not only are the Chiefs 0-2, so is your fantasy team. Sigh. But don’t worry, this week’s output is a good sign. You gotta stick with your guy, and the Kansas City offensive machine will start moving once QB Trent Green’s aching head heals.
Also so-so: Matt Hasselbeck, QB, Seahawks: 221 yards, TD, 2 INTs.
Shipwreck: Chris Simms
So, coach Gruden, can you pronounce Gradkowski? That’s Bruce Gradkowski, the Bucs’ sixth-round rookie backup from that cradle of QBs–Toledo. Because Simms has nothin’ and the Bucs have yet to score a TD under their supposed offensive guru of a coach. Though he threw for 313 yards and finally found Joey Galloway (shut out last week), Simms was picked off three times for the second week in a row. Take a seat, Simms.
Also stinky: Kevin Jones, RB, Lions: 44 yards, 0 TDs, 2 fumbles.