Trojans in the NFL: Week 11

Troy Polamalu (S, Pittsburgh) had one of the crazier weekends in the NFL. His three tackles (one for a four-yard loss) and a four-yard interception return were pretty typical. His broken-up lateral returned for a touchdown was not. Referees incorrectly overturned the play, and later admitted their mistake. The Steelers pulled out an 11-10 victory over San Diego, the first NFL game to finish with that score.

Matt Cassel (QB, New England) had the biggest game of his career and was impressive even in defeat. Call it a moral victory. He piled up 400 yards on 30 of 51 passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions. He added 62 yards in eight carries, making him the first NFL player to gain 400 yards passing and 60 yards receiving in the same game. He led the Pats back from an 18-point deficit at halftime, but they eventually fell, 34-31, in overtime. No worries. The best game of his career was enough to win over the Sports Guy.

Lofa Tatupu (LB, Seattle) made 9 tackles in a 26-20 loss to Arizona.

LenDale White (RB, Tennessee) carried 14 times for 52 yards in a 24-14 victory over Jacksonville.

Terrell Thomas (CB, NY Giants) had a career-high five tackles, one for a loss, in a 30-10 win over Baltimore.

Justin Fargas (RB, Oakland) carried 17 times for 57 yards in a 17-15 loss to Miami.

Willie McGinest (LB, Cleveland) made five tackles in a 29-27 Monday night victory over Buffalo.

Steve Smith (WR, NY Giants) caught passes for 12 and five yards in the victory over Baltimore.

Frostee Rucker (DE, Cincinnati) made four tackles in a 13-13 tie with Philly.

Mike Patterson (DT, Philadelphia) assisted on two tackles in the tie with Cincy.

Brian Kelly (CB, Detroit) had two tackles in a 31-22 loss to Carolina.

Shaun Cody (DT, Detroit) made a tackle in the loss to Carolina.

Sedrick Ellis (DT, New Orleans) had a tackle in a 30-20 win over Kansas City.

Lawrence Jackson (DE, Seattle) assisted on a tackle in the loss to Arizona.

Also played: Fred Davis (TE, Washington), Sammy Knight (S, NY Giants), Billy Miller (TE, New Orleans)

Matt Leinart (QB, Arizona) didn't play, as usual. Does it strike anybody else as strange that after he got in for a few minutes in Week 2, he hasn't even been used in garbage time during three games decided by 21+ points?

-- Adam Rose
Photo by Luc Leclerc/US Presswire