Checking in with the halftime NFL scores, which by now are mid-third quarter scores ...
• After a 2-0 start, The Houston Texans seem headed for the all-too-familiar losing record after this week, and Matt Schaub is no longer the fantasy quarterback steal of the year. But that still doesn't mean Atlanta Falcons fans are bitter about the trade. Heck, they're probably bitter that Kerry Collins isn't their quarterback. But this might be the first time in Madden Jinx history that an injury actually helped the team. My god, Collins isn't screwing this one up. Explain yourself! Titans 22, Texans 7
• Even if Jon Kitna's 10-win prediction is wrong, he's a brilliant man for forcing everyone to think differently about Lions wins and losses, rather than count how high a draft pick they'll receive next year. But today, Kitna's moving the ball with efficienty (9-of-12, 90 yards in the first half) and Kevin Jones has a touchdown for some reason. Lions 13, Buccaneers 7
• The Patriots update could be written exclusively using the Control-X and Control-V shortcuts: Tom Brady is on fire and Randy Moss has two touchdowns despite a poor running game. Patriots 42, Dolphins 7
• Well, we saw this coming from a mile away. Giants 26, 49ers 7
• But not this. Bills 12, Ravens 7
• I don't want to say that Joey Harrington is secretly hoping for Byron Leftwich to throw a late-game interception, but I wouldn't put it past him. Falcons 13, Saints 7
• The Cardinals are sick and tired of being sick and tired, and came into this game ready to push the Redskins around. But not during gameplay. Just after the whistle blows. Darnell Dockett's unnecessary yet feel-good roughness penalty turned a fourth-down into a first-and-goal, allowing Washington to score the first touchdown of the game. Arizona, by the way, didn't receive the memo that everyone's supposed to be losing while scoring seven points.Redskins 14, Cardinals 6