Trojans in the NFL: Week 8

Matt Cassel (QB, New England) has started to acquit himself well, when he isn't being sacked. So long as the Pats can protect him this might not be a bad year in Beantown. On Sunday he was 21 of 33 for 267 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also gained 22 yards in seven carries in a 23-16 win over St. Louis.

LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) was back to his usual style of play, getting only 13 yards in 10 carries -- but two of those runs were cut short when he hit the end zone. He also had a 1-yard catch in a 31-21 victory over Indianapolis.

Billy Miller (TE, New Orleans) made seven receptions for 82 yards in a 37-32 victory over San Diego in a game played in London.

Reggie Bush (RB, New Orleans) missed the game in London because of a knee injury. He already had surgery and should be back this season. As part of his recovery process, he was partying in Vegas instead of being with his team.

Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona) didn't play but gets a mention here because ye ol' Kurt Warner has started contract talks with the Cardinals and reportedly wants to play through 2010. Leinart may be looking for a new place to rest his beer bong.

Carson Palmer (QB, Cincinnati) isn't playing either, and his season is likely over. Playing for the Bengals, that's the best he could have hoped for.

Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh) made three tackles in a 21-14 loss to the NY Giants. He played despite his seventh career concussion. This is a guy calling the NFL a pansy league?!?

Steve Smith (WR, NY Giants) picked up 45 yards in three receptions in the victory over Pittsburgh.

Dwayne Jarrett (WR, Carolina) had receptions of 17 and 8 yards in a 27-23 victory over Arizona.

Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) managed only 24 yards in 12 carries in the Raiders' lackluster 29-10 loss to Baltimore.

Keary Colbert (WR, Seattle) made a reception for zero yards. Yes, zero. We're not sure that helped much in the 34-13 victory over San Francisco.

Brian Kelly (CB, Detroit) made four tackles in a 25-17 loss to Washington.

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle) had three tackles in the victory over San Francisco.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, New Orleans) returned from injury to make a tackle in the victory over the Chargers.

Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle) had two tackles in the win over the Niners.

Shaun Cody (DT, Detroit) made two tackles in the loss to Washington.

Sammy Knight (S, NY Giants) had a tackle in a 21-14 victory over Pittsburgh.

Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland) made a tackle in a 23-17 win over Jacksonville.

Terrell Thomas (CB, NY Giants) had a tackle in the victory over Pittsburgh.

Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia) made a tackle in a 27-14 win over Atlanta.

Also played: Fred Davis (TE, Washington), David Kirtman (FB, San Francisco), Frostee Rucker (DE, Cincinnati)

-- Adam Rose
Photo by Stew Milne/US Presswire