Treasure: Donovan McNabb
The Eagles QB promised the game was “not T.O. vs. Donovan.” Sure. Because McNabb didn’t play with a chip on his shoulder or anything, throwing for 354 yards and two long second-half TDs to personally quiet Terrell Owens and the Cowboys. And he is starting to run again. With Brian Westbrook dinged up and struggling and Correll Buckhalter healthy and fumbling, McNabb got his 3rd rushing TD. Not to be a buzzkill, but note the Eagles’ next two are tough road contests (Saints, Bucs). McNabb won’t leave you crying in your Chunky Soup, but expect a dip in numbers.
Off course: Tiki Barber
OK, so he ran for 123 yards against the Redskins. Big deal. The NFL’s No. 2 rusher from last season is still a middle-of-the-pack back in 2006. More important, no TDs. Not a one–by air, land or sea. I wasted my No. 4 overall pick on this? The Giants have to get their most potent weapon into the end zone. Is he being punished for being late to a team meeting or something, coach Coughlin? Forget that Brandon Jacobs guy; think Tiki. Sadly, with Atlanta and NFC East rival Dallas next up on the schedule, don’t count on Barber to snap his scoreless skid or even provide big yardage days.
Shipwreck: Ben Roethlisberger
Steelers fans are reminiscing about Charlie Batch right about now. Yes, that’s bad. Roethlisberger was never a lights-out quarterback, but he was solid and found Hines Ward in the end zone often enough. This year, forget it. He threw two more interceptions, giving him seven this season, and was sacked five times. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass. What gives, Big Ben? His preseason started late after that nasty motorcycle accident, so he’s still working off the rust. But don’t wait on this guy much longer. Bench him, if you haven’t already.