Vikings 26, Lions 17
Quarterback
Jon Kitna's presence under center proved the deciding factor in Minnesota's come-from-behind victory. Unfortunately, Kitna plays for Detroit. After scoring two touchdowns for his own team-one passing and one rushing-Kitna shared the wealth, fumbling a ball the Vikings returned for a touchdown, then tossing an interception that also went for six.
"It's easy to point a finger at Jon Kitna," grumbled Detroit general manager
Matt Millen. "Sure, you
could say, 'That guy doesn't know how to play with a lead! We could have had our first win if he hadn't screwed it all up!' And that's exactly what I intend to do if it will keep people from recognizing that I shouldn't be put in charge of an elementary school bake sale, much less a major sports franchise. Boo, Kitna sucks!"
Bears 40, Bills 7
J.P. Losman was sacked three times and under constant pressure from a Bears defense that forced three interceptions and shut out the Bills until the final minute of the game, calling into question the Buffalo quarterback's pregame strategy.
"I really thought posting photos of myself having sex with each of the Bears' defensive starters' mothers would deflate their confidence and fire up my own teammates," Losman said, shrugging as best he was able to before the pain became too intense. "Instead, it only motivated them to hit me as often and as hard as they could, leaving me with blood in my urine. So, uh, I'll file that information away for future games. Good to know, really."
Eagles 38, Cowboys 24
The return of
Terrell Owens to Philadelphia was highlighted by a tearful reunion between the receiver and his former quarterback
Donovan McNabb, who were joined by Eagles head coach
Andy Reid at midfield for a group hug. The crowd showered T.O. with cheers, well wishes and gratitude for his role in getting the team to the Super Bowl two seasons ago.
For his part, Owens didn't catch a pass until the third quarter, and only caught three all game-due in no small part, we imagine, to the distraction of young ladies and small children forcing themselves past security to kiss and hug the star receiver.
"Fans of Philadelphia," Owens finally announced over a public address system, "you know I love you all like family, but let us not detract from the other 21 guys on this field. I look forward to spending time with you all after the game, and have arranged for a caterer to bring us all finger sandwiches and sodas so we can mingle. But for now, let's have a good time and concentrate on football!" The crowd, completely enraptured, heeded his every word, felling a little empty inside when the game ended-for only one team could take home a victory.
(To whomever winds up editing this: Please note I'm writing this recap on Thursday, so if this isn't how things go down, please make any necessary changes. Thanks, Jake)
Giants 19, Redskins 3
New York pulled out a victory after a bye week full of controversy, brought about by tight end
Jeremy Shockey's claim his team had been outcoached by Seattle in Week Three's embarrassing loss.
"Just because we won," Shockey pointed out, "doesn't mean I was wrong about our coaches being inept. Face it, everywhere Tom Coughlin goes, his team does just well enough to not get him fired. Then whenever someone complains about his asinine micromanaging, they're accused of 'hating discipline.' All this proves is that Joe Gibbs is an even
worse coach-a fact that anyone who's paid attention to the Redskins for the past three years will tell you isn't all that hard to believe."
In response, NBC commentator
Chris Collinsworth condescendingly accused Shockey of being undisciplined.
Saints 24, Buccaneers 21
Rookie running back
Reggie Bush finally scored his first touchdown of the year, returning a punt 65 yards with just over four minutes to go and putting New Orleans ahead for good. Bush exhibited further versatility by leading his team in receptions, catching eleven passes (more than any two other players in the game combined).
"Did you see that sack Mario Williams got last week?" Texans head coach