Here's my quick review of everything we saw in Week 14 of the 2001 NFL season:
| TJ'S TOP 10 |
W-L |
TJ SAYS |
| 1. Steelers |
11-2 |
Kordell Stewart silencing critics in big way.
|
| 2. Rams |
11-2 |
Rams exorcise their demons in New Orleans.
|
| 3. 49ers |
10-3 |
Second straight home shutout in 21-0 win over Miami.
|
| 4. Bears |
10-3 |
Impressive on both sides of ball in win over Bucs.
|
| 5. Raiders |
10-3 |
Ugly, but second straight AFC West title for Raiders.
|
| 6. Packers |
9-4 |
Green Bay's defense stayed at Lambeau Field.
|
| 7. Eagles |
9-4 |
On verge of clinching NFC East for first time since '88.
|
| 8. Dolphins |
9-4 |
Blanked for second time in five weeks at 3Com Park.
|
| 9. Patriots |
9-5 |
No touchdowns but win as Pats creep closer to 'Fins.
|
| 10. Ravens |
8-5 |
Humbled by Steelers at PSINet Stadium.
|
Offensive player of the week:
Steelers quarterback Kordell Stewart. Threw for career-high 333 yards and two touchdowns, plus ran for 55 yards, as Pittsburgh rolled up 476 yards in their 26-21 win at Baltimore, clinching the AFC Central title.
Defensive player of the week:
Packers defensive end Vonnie Holliday. In a losing effort, the former first-rounder totaled 10 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries in a loss to Tennessee.
Special team player of the week:
Eagles kick returner Brian Mitchell. Wasn’t really a factor in Philadelphia’s win, but he became only the third player in NFL history to reach 20,000 combined yards (Walter Payton and Jerry Rice).
Number of the week:
Bears quarterback Jim Miller has thrown 10 touchdown passes this season, five of those in two wins over the Buccaneers.
Surprise of the week:
Titans over Packers. Mike Sherman’s team suffered a little letdown after beating the Bears last week.
Coaching move of the week:
Dick Jauron. 10 wins for the Bears for the first time since 1991 and first playoff appearance since 1994.
Rising this week:
Philadelphia Eagles. They stumbled a few weeks ago against the Redskins but are looking strong down the stretch.
Falling this week:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Weather conditions were in their favor, but vaunted defense was pushed around in Chicago.
Store it away:
Patriots may steal the AFC East and can take a big step next week when they host the Dolphins next Saturday afternoon.
Tom Jackson is an NFL analyst for ESPN.
