Game Day

NFL Films really knocked it out of the park with their profile of Chris and Stefanie Spielman on "A Football Life." Everything touched by NFL Films is golden but this one was special. The Spielmans's story is a great and sad one. Stefanie Spielman fought cancer for a decade. Chris Spielman stepped away from the game to care for his wife and family. The Spielman's fight, strength and love is inspiring. It's a fight that Chris Spielman continues. Every episode of "A Football Life" is excellent but this truly stands out.

Despite his playing for the Detroit Lions, I always enjoyed the way that Chris Spielman played football. He was a terrific linebacker. He was just one of those players that you couldn't help but admire. All hustle and effort to go with tremendous football instincts.

Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o should would look fantastic in a Minnesota Vikings uniform next year. Unfortunately, I think that the Vikings have already won too many games to be in position to draft him.

Oregon  really needs to settle down with the uniforms. Each new one looks worse. I once saw a Cal merchandise store selling Cal gear in red. That's not right. These ridiculous Oregon uniforms are a bit like that. They aren't right. That whole program is a circus.

Oregon and USC didn't play much defense. I might be in the minority but I'd rather watch a game like that played by Alabama and LSU. Oregon's main defense is the incredible pressure that their offense puts on an opposing offense. They put up points so quick that their opponents make mistakes trying to keep up.

That was a great comeback win for Alabama. They also looked mortal.

If nothing else the Alabama win kept Oregon from being #1.

Barkevious Mingo!

The Minnesota Vikings three losses have largely been due to great performances from three rookies: quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III and running back Doug Martin. You never like seeing one player take apart your defense repeatedly. It's especially nauseating for that one player to be a rookie. It's also a small sampling of the remarkable contributions of rookies throughout the league.

Today's Vikings-Seahawks game will be a showcase for running backs Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch. Both are among the leading rushers this season. Both have a brutal running style. Both came through the very strong 2007 NFL Draft. It should be fun.

It's often tough waiting for the Vikings to play an afternoon game. At least it gives me an opportunity to check out a wide selection of morning games. The Cincinnati Bengals-Denver Broncos game likely tops that list.

Everybody in the league stay healthy today. Tomorrow too.